Carilis Felipe, Director of Field Sales for AIC Hotel Group, wants agents to know that they’re never far from the company’s thoughts – even if AIC’s hotels are waiting for better travel days.
AIC Hotel Group handles the sales and marketing for Hard Rock Hotels’ all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, including Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos.
Carilis Felipe, Director of Field Sales for AIC Hotel Group
All five properties have been closed since March 20.
AIC’s portfolio also includes Eden Roc Miami Beach, Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, and Nobu Hotel Chicago (originally scheduled to open in fall 2019) and UNICO 20˚87˚ Hotel Riviera Maya.
As the travel industry looks forward to the day travel resumes after the coronavirus pandemic, Felipe says AIC is pushing out brand new support initiatives for its travel partners, starting with a weekly newsletter that delivers feel-good stories, personalized thoughts from AIC’s BDMs, DIY at-home activities and more.
Agents can get the newsletter by going to allinagents.com to find their local BDM and ask to be put on the mailing list.
In her role as Director of Field Sales, Felipe leads a team of Regional Directors of Business Development and BDMs in Canada and the U.S.
We caught up with her for this week’s COVID-19 Questionnaire.
Q: What do you think travel will look like after we get through this?
A: “I believe that even as people begin to travel again, some will still be conscious of social distancing and airports will need to adapt to accommodate this. People will also be more attentive to hygiene maintenance and cleanliness of public spaces, including airplanes. In general, travellers will definitely be more conscious of germs.”
Q: What do you think will rebound most quickly post-COVID-19, and what might take some time?
A: “Destinations with good airlift that are easy to get to will definitely rebound quickly, including Mexico and the Caribbean. Our destinations are currently offering great value for consumers looking to travel once this is all done, which will help us bounce back relatively quickly. Airlines’ flexibility allowing people to rebook will be a big help for us as well. On the other hand, there are also groups of people who are always on the go and ready to pack up and go somewhere as soon as they’re able to.”
Q: What destinations / new resort projects are you really excited about for when this is over?
A: “We’re excited to resume the building and opening of Nobu Hotel Chicago.”
Q: What do you like most, and least, about working from home?
A: “What I like the most about working from home is spending less time having to commute and get ready, having that time to start my day off differently. What I like the least is that it’s now harder to have a work-life balance, and disconnect from the computer at the end of the day.”
Q: The travel industry is showing its strength and resilience as it rallies to take on the unprecedented impact from the coronavirus pandemic. What message do you want to get out to Canadian travel agents?
A: “We want Canadian travel agents to know that we are here to help you. Although we have had to jump over some hurdles these past few weeks adjusting to new working environments, we are still open and here to work with you on anything you may need. Your business development manager is here to help you save every existing piece of business, as well as give you the necessary tools to secure new business.”
