Omar Carrington
Number of years company has been in business:
Over 25 years.
In 50 words or less, please share a quick description for your company:
Elegant Hotels comprise of six all-inclusive hotels (Treasure Beach, Tamarind, The House, Crystal Cove, Waves Hotel & Spa and Turtle Beach Resort) and one breakfast inclusive hotel (Colony Club) all boutique style, beachfront properties located in Barbados. Each hotel distinctive and unique in their own way and are position in the Luxury and Premium brands of Marriott International.
Do you have a Travel Advisor Specialist Program and if so, please share the URL where advisors can learn more or sign-up:
Yes, http://aibymarriottagentrewards.com
Share a little about the company culture (what you're most excited about as an employee):
What excites me the most is the working harmony of my fellow associates and the smiles they bring to the faces of our customers. This is why we are proud to have such a high repeat guest ratio.
As it relates to romance travel, what unique value proposition(s) set your brand apart from the competition?
1) We love to celebrate with you! - Wedding anniversary, romantic getaway, wedding, marriage proposal. With our romance concierge service offered at our select property we can plan this special moment for you prior to your arrival (sunset beach picnic, intimate dinner) Each hotel dedicated wedding coordinators will take the stress away from wedding planning. With our enhance your stay offering, all celebrations will receive in room welcome amenities, room upgrades (based on availability) special messages from the General Manager and team on arrival.
2) Seven hotels, stay at one play at all - Guests can move freely amongst the seven properties on island enjoying the facilities at no additional charge.
3) Dine around program - Guests staying at an all-inclusive hotel can enjoy the food and beverage at any of the sister all-inclusive hotels at no additional charge.
4) Value adds! - complimentary motorized and non-motorized watersports (water skiing, banana boat, tube rides, kayaking, hobbie cat sailing, snorkeling), yoga, platies, beach, and pool ambassador service offering daily treats of ice cream, canapes, frozen fruit, beverage service and bottled water. Daily water taxi shuttle service to six hotels on the west coast at no additional charge.
Can you share a success story (with WOW factors) when working with travel advisors?
Multi-cultural wedding celebration for a large group! Catering to a wedding group both with Hindu and Catholic faiths. We had the opportunity to host two of everything! Two wedding ceremonies, two wedding receptions and experience all the traditions with the bride, groom, family, and friends. The preplanning consisted of regular conversations, email communications with travel advisor and our wedding department.
What is new and exciting that you're looking forward to share with this year's Romance Travel Forum delegates?
Refurbishments of the seven hotels to be aligned in the Marriott luxury and premium brands of The Luxury Collection (Colony Club Hotel), Autograph (Treasure Beach, Tamarind, The House, and Waves Hotel & Spa) and Tribute (Crystal Cove Hotel and Turtle Beach Resort), are coming very soon!
The travel industry is forever evolving. What are some of the trends you're seeing, and what initiatives is your brand developing to support travel sellers grow their business?
The current trend is shorter booking window when compared to years prior to covid 19. With seven hotels in Barbados, we are using this opportunity to showcase Barbados as the ideal. Caribbean destination. Working with our tourism partners to increase airlift and at more competitive prices. Sustainable tourism and protecting our environment. Monthly calendar showcasing both on property and off property events, festivals, and activities for guests to enjoy while at leisure. Creation of various romance packages to offer your customers.
What are your traditional commission structures?
10% commission on room accommodation for travel advisors.
Why should travel advisors work with your brand?
We are dynamic and always evolving with special offerings and new amenities. We create unique travel experiences for each couple. The team are quick to respond to questions and queries.
What tools/technologies do you have in place to support travel sellers, and do they integrate into current available technologies? If yes, please share which ones.
For travel advisors, one of the newest offerings is our rewards program. Link is below. http://aibymarriottagentrewards.com
When communicating with your company, what can travel advisors expect (ie turnaround time, dedicated point person, etc.)?
Communication is key and we ensure to have less than 24 hours turnaround time.
How and where can travel advisors’ book or get support when selling your product?
We are delighted to provide inclusions and special offers for the Elegant Hotels 2023/2024 contracting period. All bookings will continue to be made through EPS. If you have not joined EPS and would like to do so, please click the following link: https://expediapartnersolutions.com/Marriott It will take about 5-7 days for EPS to review your application, and then you will have access. You will need to provide some sales figures and you will be allocated a tier depending on your production. If you require further assistance or need any future information, feel free to reach out to one of our Sales Leaders:
North America: Jeannette.Cardona@marriottluxurybrands.com UK/Europe: Glynis.Jeffery@marriott.com, Jayanne.Hicks@marriott.com & Jon.Hardcastle@marriott.com Caribbean: Omar.Carrington@marriott.com