MIAMI — Marilyn Cairo has been promoted to associate vice president of sales for North America at Premier Worldwide Marketing (PWM), the exclusive representative for Karisma Hotels & Resorts.
In her new role, Cairo is responsible for all facets of sales, including retail, weddings, groups and wholesale for Karisma’s hotel collection, which includes properties in Latin America and the Caribbean. She now manages a team of 20 representatives, and oversees the entire trade business.
Cairo first joined Premier Worldwide Marketing two years ago as senior director of retail sales, during which she revamped the sales team to focus on a brand strategy for Karisma’s dynamic portfolio and realigned the group’s focus. As such, the company achieved over $1 million in sales for groups travelling in 2020, representing 30% year-over-year growth.
“We are proud to promote Marilyn, entrusting her to lead sales during a period of unprecedented growth for Karisma,” said Armando “Mandy” Chomat, president of Premier Worldwide Marketing. “Marilyn’s entrepreneurial spirt, dedication to the agent community, and track record of success generating new initiatives to drive sales make her an invaluable asset. We are confident Marilyn’s drive and foresight will help to ensure Karisma remains the market leader for inclusive luxury travel.”
Prior to joining Karisma, Cairo served as director of marketing for SMS Lodging, which owns boutique hotels in Key West and South Beach, Florida. She was also the managing partner for a hospitality solutions company after spending several years at Sandals Resorts in roles including marketing programs manager and inside sales manager.
Her promotion, said the company, aligns with the next wave of Karisma’s expansion. It recently broke ground on Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana by Karisma in the Dominican Republic, and plans to open its first Margaritaville Island Reserve in Mexico’s Riviera Cancun in March 2020. Next year, Karisma and Viacom will open Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, representing Mexico’s first and only Gourmet Inclusive Nickelodeon resort, and marking the second within the collection of five-star experiential resorts following the success of Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana.
