MailPound MAC CHAT

This week's  MAC Chat features our interview with Gina Johnson, US Sales for Real Resorts.

 

For more information visit: http://www.RealResorts.com

What are some of the key selling features of Real Resort? 
We have two brands, THE ROYALS and the Grans. 

THE ROYAL Cancun and THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen, are all inclusive, all suites, adult only luxury resorts. All suites feature the magnificent new Royal Bed®, an in-suite double Jacuzzi, a “magic box” for discreet 24 hour room service delivery, a multi-position 32” Plasma TV and CD/DVD/Radio player, a spacious marble bathroom with ocean view showers (only at THE ROYAL Cancun) and body massage jets and a private terrace or balcony with hammock. Guest will also enjoy several gourmet restaurants and chic lounges and bars with nightly entertainment plus a full service spa and fitness center. 

The Gran Caribe Real in Cancun and the Gran Porto Real in Playa del Carmen are perfect for romance, excitement and adventure - where families, couples and singles all mingle effortlessly, enjoying a perfect holiday experience with a wide choice of leisure options. They will enjoy a wide selection of superb restaurants, bars and our 24 hour all inclusive club with 24 hour snacks, drinks and games. 

All of our properties are located on the best beachfront locations in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. 

Are any of your resorts Family Friendly? 
The Grans are perfect for a great family vacation. Kids are sure to enjoy our OKI KIDS CLUB, for children 4 to 12 years of age and the T-Zone for ages 13-17. At the Gran Caribe Real we have the new Oki Splash Water Park, an expansive new aqua park featuring a Pirate Ship, Castle, water slides and various spray apparatus creating a one-of-a-kind water escape at the resort for kids and adults alike. Plus colorful & live kids shows, and mini disco for the most important members of the family. 

At the Gran Porto Real kids can enjoy a full schedule of activities and amenities. The T-Zone is available at both locations. T-Zone will take the teenagers to the next level in vacation experiences with a new concept and space for them to gather, socialize and chill out. T-Zone is entertaining, fun and educational. Both Grans offer expert kid supervisors who will keep the young ones entertained and stimulated. 

NEW- Kids 12 years and younger staying with their parents in a Gran Master or Presidential Suite will receive an Oki backpack and t-shirt plus slippers and bathrobes in the suite, and parents will definitely want to take advantage of the one-hour-per-stay complimentary babysitting 

New - Family suites available at both Grans. These spacious suites can accommodate up to 5 people with a bunk bed w/trundle. The Family suites at the Gran Caribe Real have direct access to the kids club. The family suites at the Gran Porto are found in the Oceanfront category. 

Special pricing - 
· Up to 3 kids free when sharing a Gran Master Suite or Presidential Suite with 2 adults. 
· Also, up to 2 kids free when sharing a Family Junior Suite or upper suite categories with 2 adults. 
· Special rates for teens 13-17, 40% off adult rates.

What activities and popular locations are nearby for clients to enjoy? 
In Cancun THE ROYAL and the Gran Caribe are close to nightlife, shopping and dinning. Tours can include a trip to beautiful Isla Mujeres, historic Chitzen Itza and an array of tours. In Playa del Carmen THE ROYAL and the Gran Porto Real are steps away from famous 5th avenue. This avenue located in the heart of Playa has been blocked off to just pedestrian traffic and has wonderful restaurants, bars, shops and so much more. This is a great jumping off spot for site seeing. You're a short ferry ride from Cozumel, a short drive to Tulum or Xaret and steps away from world class diving and snorkeling. 

Is there any advantage to staying at your resort rather than other ones in the area? 
I have told many people that any one can build a beautiful resort but it’s the staff that truly makes it exceptional, Real Resorts is blessed with both. I am very proud to work with such wonderful people and watch as they go the extra mile to make someone’s vacation memorable. Service is definitely the key! At Real Resorts, we believe clients deserve the very best of everything when they choose a Cancun or Riviera Maya vacation. And so, with them in mind, we created Real Resorts, where client’s expectations of the ideal Cancun or Riviera Maya hotel are bound to be exceeded. We offer comprehensive “All-Inclusive” vacations, and by taking care of all the little details, we take the worry out of your client’s holiday so they can just relax and enjoy. 


Does Real Resorts have a Travel Agent incentive program? 
Of course we do! Real Resorts RRMember Commission Booster® program is the fastest, easiest and most user-friendly commission boosting program in Mexico. For reservations of 5 nights or more you can earn an additional $20 to $160 per suite per stay with no limit on the number of qualified suites booked. Commission will increase with suite upgrades, longer stays and 3rd and 4th pax. And as of February 20 we now offer Booster Commission on 3 and 4 night bookings traveling after May 1st. $6.00 -$10 per booking extra commission in the Grans ($6 in Jr Suite, Jr Suite OV and Family Suite; $10 in Of and all upper categories) and $10-$20 per booking at THE ROYAL Cancun & Playa del Carmen ($10 in Jr Suites, Royal JR Suites OV at TRC and Royal Jr Suite and Royal Junior Suite OV at TRPC and $20 in all OF Jr Suites and upper categories). . Bonus payment will be sent as one payment once the 10 bookings at any of the 4 Real Resort properties have been completed. All this is easy with our new automated system Once you book and pay for your client’s reservation go to www.realresorts.com/rrmembers. Once you have completed your registration simply enter your clients name, check in date and hotel they are staying at and within 15-30 days after they check out your will receive you Booster Commission check. Easy, right? 
At Real Resorts we are committed to "Exceeding Your Expectations" and rewarding you --our travel agent partners -- for your hard work. Real Resorts RRMember Commission Booster®Program is just one way we work for you, and say thank you for your support throughout the years. 

Thank you Gina for that great interview!

This week's  MAC Chat features our interview with Chris Day, National Sales Manager-Consortia for the Mantra Group.

 

For more information visit: http://www.mghotels.com.au

Is there any advantage to staying at Mantra Hotels rather than other hotels in the area?
The best way to explain it, we offer a apartment style rooms which are a home away from home with all the luxury and expectations of a fully serviced hotel offering, room service, round the clock reception, restaurants on site etc. Being an apartment style room, they are larger than most hotel rooms, offering comfort and space to “spread out”. 

The properties in Melbourne offer solutions for all reasons to travel to the city, whether it is for business, attend one of the best sporting events in the country, enjoy a famous culinary experience, or just for shopping. We cater for all markets. Our guests will experience first class service from the moment they check-in until they check-out. The three company brands, BreakFree, Peppers and Mantra have all locations covered in the CBD cities along with many across Australia. With the business model we have, the group is able to continue to re-invest and ensure the hotels are at a top standard that our guests expect. 


What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in time is at 2:00pm and check-out time is at 10:00am. However, if you would like a late check-out, please let reception know at time of check-in and they can arrange it for you, subject to availability of course. Equally, if you arrive earlier than 10:00am and there is a room available it’s yours.


What is included in the business centers?
There is PC offering internet, along with all the typical office applications. There is also a printer available. Business Centers are not currently available at all hotels, but there are plans to introduce them by the end of 2010


Do you have any current promotions you would like to share with the Travel Agents?
We are currently offering a special at all Melbourne Hotels via the GDS. Please have a look at the MP Chain Code, each hotel will have a “Great Rates and Value” promotion stay for 3 nights and pay for 2. We are also launching an Agents’ Newsletter in the next few weeks which will keep the industry up to date with all of the Mantra news. 

Chris Day, National Sales Manager – Consortia for the Mantra Group will be more than happy to answer any queries you may have on the above or any other information you require, you can contact me on chris.day@mantragroup.com.au 
 

Thank you Chris for that great interview!

This week's  MAC Chat features our interview with Daniel Csortan, Area Director of Sales & Marketing-NSW, SA, WA  for Oaks Hotels and Resorts.

 

For more information visit: http://www.oakshotelsresorts.com

What makes Oaks Hotels distinct from other hotels?
Oaks Hotels and Resorts offers stand out luxury apartment style accommodation in outstanding locations across Australia, New Zealand and Dubai. With a selection of properties in downtown CBD locations, resort locations and key corporate hubs, Oaks is the perfect choice for full service, apartment accommodation. 

With an ever expanding portfolio of brand new 4.5 star properties, Oaks Hotels and Resorts caters for corporate short and long stay travellers, the leisure traveller that is after ‘that extra space’ and also for Group Travel or families – the perfect solution if your travelling with multiple guests. Studio, One, Two and Three Bedroom apartments are available at some properties. Oaks Hotels and Resorts also prides itself on our exceptional service and affordable rates, providing the discerning traveller with ‘rates for the real world’.

How far are the hotels from the tourist sites?
Our properties are located across the network in key locations, all just a short distance from all major attractions. Transport options are endless, and access to most properties can easily be obtained by foot from key downtown locations and attractions.

Are your hotels locally owned and operated?
Oaks Hotels and Resorts prides itself on being born and bred in Australia. The group’s impressive increase in its portfolio of properties under management since its foundation in the early 1990’s, is thus anchored to astute knowledge of this unique industry. Most of our current staff have been with Oaks since early in the company’s inception, and have been part of this dramatic growth to become one of the region’s leaders in full service apartment style accommodation

Do you have any current promotions you would like to share with the Travel Agents?
Yes, we are pleased to be offering the following fantastic promotions in our Melbourne CBD properties. Agents can book the ‘Great Rate and Value’ rate for their clients from now until 30th May and receive:
Oaks on Collins - 5% off BAR, Complimentary Room Upgrade from Studio to Exec Studio and 10% commission
GDS Codes - Amadeus: MELCOL, Galileo: 73582, Sabre: 52804, WorldSpan: 6442

Oaks on Lonsdale - 5% off BAR, Complimentary Room Upgrade from Studio to One Bedroom Apartment and 10% commission
GDS Codes - Amadeus: MEL084, Galileo: 54627, Sabre: 83506, WorldSpan: 71084

Oaks on Market - 5% off BAR, 15% off food and drinks from Alexi’s on Market and R2 Restaurant & Bar located in the hotel (excludes room service) and 10% commission.
GDS Codes - Amadeus: MEL446, Galileo: 29899, Sabre: 74862, WorldSpan: 70446


For further information on Oaks Hotels and Resorts, please contact Daniel Csortan, Area Director of Sales & Marketing – NSW, SA, WA at DanielC@theoaksgroup.com.au or phone +61 2 8586 2528

Thank you Daniel for that great interview!

This week's  MAC Chat features our interview with Leah Hyndes, Reservation Sales & Revenue Manager for The Hotel Windsor in Melbourne, AU.

 

For more information visit: http://www.thehotelwindsor.com.au

Our guests will enjoy a dream holiday in a refined combination of luxury, charm and style. What are some of the key selling features of your hotel?
The Hotel Windsor is Australia’s grand hotel, built in 1883. One of the country’s most awarded hotels; The Windsor blends stunning Victorian architecture with all the luxury appointments and facilities of a five star establishment. 

Located conveniently in the “Paris end” of Melbourne’s CBD, The Hotel Windsor overlooks the stately Parliament House and is a short walk to the beautiful Treasury Gardens, numerous theatres and Melbourne landmarks. 

Uniquely, The Hotel Windsor features 160 elegantly appointed rooms and 20 luxurious suites, in seven different configurations - making it adaptable to many budgets.

Of course no visit to Melbourne would be complete without experiencing The Hotel Windsor’s famous Afternoon Tea, served seven days a week on glistening three-tiered silver stands. Choose from a selection of delectable homemade scones with jam and cream, exquisite pastries and traditional finger sandwiches, while sipping on a glass of complimentary sparkling rosé.

Why is your hotel the ideal choice for travelers?
With staff that consistently strives to go beyond guest expectations, a Windsor experience will always be memorable and deliver unsurpassed service excellence. 

For over 127 years The Hotel Windsor has been focusing on looking after the individual guest - not just a room number. As an independent five-star hotel, The Windsor invests in many ways to ensure that each guest is treated to VIP service.

Tell the Travel Agents why they should book your hotel:
Leaving guests with a memory of an outstanding experience is cornerstone to The Hotel Windsor’s operations – it’s even written into the Mission Statement! 

Staff go out of their way to address each guest by their name, and every effort is made to ensure that special occasions (be it anniversaries, birthdays, or just a romantic weekend away) are just that – special!

Business travelers also appreciate staff that remember their name and their preferences, be it the newspaper they prefer in the morning, the way they like their eggs at breakfast, or the type of pillow (from the pillow menu) that gives the guest an uninterrupted night’s sleep.

Do you have any current promotions you would like to share with the Travel Agents?
The Hotel Windsor is delighted to offer our promotional “Great Rate and Value” which includes 5% discount off the Best Available Rate. Additionally, the hotel will extend COMPLIMENTARY internet to these bookings. Commission at 10%

How can a Travel Agent book The Hotel Windsor?
In GDS using our codes: Amadeus MELWIN, Galileo 76758, Sabre 22123, WorldSpan MELWI
“Great Rate and Value” can also be booked in our website: www.thehotelwindsor.com.au
Simply go to Reservations, click on the tab Corporate Rates and enter Corporate Access Code MAIL 

Thank you Leah for that great interview!

This week's MAC Chat features an interview with Dana McPherson, Senior VP of Platinum Seminars.  Platinum Seminars, Destination Europe and MailPound are hosting a Iceland Odyssey on March 11-14, 2010. Agents interested in more information on joining us can click here.

During the Golden Circle Tour, agents will experience first hand Iceland's majestic scenery. Which of the natural wonders, is your personal favorite? 
Well, actually I have two. The Strokkur geyser and the dual-folding Gullfoss.

What would you say is Iceland's greatest selling feature? 
Everyone wants to go there. It is exotic, enchanting and the people are warm and friendly.

What should agents expect to take away from the Icelandic Odyssey? 
A deeper understanding and appreciation of the country. It is a great stopping point for clients flying to Europe. Fly to Iceland, spend a few days and then continue to Europe. Icelandair offers a free stop over on some flights.

I've never been to an 'Ice Bar'. Can you describe what agents should expect? 
Well first, it is cold, really cold. I have been to several and all are unique. No worries about your martini getting room temperature. They do provide parkas which do help.

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. Should agents attending bring their bathing suits?? 
I would highly recommend it. There is also a world class spa that they may partake of. The Blue Lagoon is something that everyone must experience at once in your life or if you are Platinum Seminars, many times. Keeps you looking youthful. The water is like a natural Jacuzzi and the mud that you must apply to your body is completely white. Sort of like a do it yourself body facial.


Thank you Dana for that great interview!