IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has been a fixture in the travel industry, known for its luxury properties and warm and welcoming service. In this week’s edition of Friday Five, we get to know the brand a little better by sitting down with Mariela Zaldivar-Aguilera, Marketing Manager for Canada.
1. How many properties does IBEROSTAR own, and where are they located?
IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has more than 100 hotels in 16 countries, including 11 in Cuba, 10 in Mexico, 6 in the Dominican Republic, and 3 in Jamaica.
2. How would you describe the IBEROSTAR brand?
The best way to describe it in a short sentence is high quality and excellence. Our product and services are well recognized by our clients wherever they are staying. With more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has become a benchmark in the holiday market. When I visit travel agents and they recognize my shirt with our logo on it, they smile. This is the best part of my job, when travel agents or a regular client see me with my corporate t-shirt on and tell me that they love IBEROSTAR.
3. What’s new for IBEROSTAR in 2016?
This year, we anticipate great things for the IBEROSTAR Playa Pilar in Cayo Guillermo, Cuba, which opened its doors in December 2015. This 482-room hotel is our flagship in the destination, and is an upscale property for families, couples and groups. It features a water park for kids, four à la carte restaurants, swimout suites, five swimming pools, an aqua bar and so much more.
We’re also excited about the brand new SPA Sensations at IBEROSTAR Bavaro Complex in Punta Cana, which features 21 massage rooms, a Jacuzzi, Roman bath, a bubble bed, cold well and hammam.
In addition, after finding success at IBEROSTAR Paraiso Complex in Mexico, we started the Starfit & Fun program at IBEROSAR Bavaro Complex in Punta Cana on Dec. 26, 2015. The Starfit & Fun Gym is the first of its kind in Dominican Republic, a 10,000 square-foot fitness facility comprised of two floors and offering free fitness and wellness activities both at the gym and at the beach and pool. All classes are free and led by certified fitness instructors.
Lastly, IBEROSTAR Tucan and IBEROSTAR Quetzal lobbies and restaurants have been recently renovated, and now feature a gorgeous new look.
4. In your opinion, what are the top 3 amenities on every guest’s wish list when booking a hotel?
Good cuisine (and we have excellent food!), comfy rooms, and warm and professional staff.
5. What incentives do you offer Canadian travel agents?
We have our first reward program for selected hotels, with a limited booking window until May 31, 2016. Please hurry and visit iberostaragentincentive.ca. We also have excellent travel agent rates. Please contact me at mzaldivar@iberostarcanada.ca.
