CARIBBEAN: Karisma Hotels & Resorts To Expand To St. Lucia And Barbados

Mandy Chomat, chief sales and marketing officer at Karisma Hotels & Resorts, says the all-inclusive company is planning to expand its Margaritaville, an All-Inclusive Experience, by Karisma brand to the islands of Barbados and St. Lucia.

There’s serious thought about expanding to St. Lucia and Barbados, said Chomat.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts is in discussions to expand Margaritaville into these islands over the next few years.”

Chomat also said travelers could expect new Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts properties throughout the Caribbean as well. That brand first debuted in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in 2016.

Karisma is scouting Barbados and St. Lucia, along with other major island destinations, for Margaritaville, An All-Inclusive Experience, by Karisma, as well as Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts,says Chomat.

We’re looking at island destinations throughout the Caribbean, including Antigua, the Bahamas, and Grenada, evaluating airlift and infrastructure, among other variables.

In Mexico, the company is opening the El Cielo Winery & Resort in Valle De Guadalupe, Baja California this summer. In 2019, the company is spotlighting the Riviera Maya once again with the opening of Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya and Margaritaville, an All-Inclusive Experience, by Karisma.

In addition to our continued expansion in Riviera Maya, Karisma is looking at Baja California, Vallarta and Huatulco in Mexico, said Chomat.

Later this summer, we will also introduce El Cielo Winery & Resort in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe, the new Napa Valley.

Although the new Margaritaville, an All-Inclusive Experience, by Karisma brand is expected to be the most popular amongst Millennials, Chomat has noted in the past that Jimmy Buffett, the musician who made the Margaritaville song and brand famous worldwide, has fans or Parrot Heads, that span generations.

St. Lucia and Barbados are globally recognized destinations that appeal to leisure travelers, said Chomat.

The vibe of Margaritaville lends itself beautifully to these islands and others as it’s a state of mind, inviting guests to unwind and enjoy themselves in paradise.

And several Caribbean travel experts TravelPulse spoke with agree.

It will be interesting to see how the Margaritaville concept pans out because I think it will be on a level of luxury that many people wouldn't expect when they think about the brand Margaritaville, said Anthony Tucker, vice president and general manager at the All Inclusive Outlet in Georgetown, Kentucky.

So often people only think of the restaurant or casino in Las Vegas, but the proposed plans are really going to cater towards a luxury-centric customer who wants to just have a blast on vacation.

I think when they open in Cancun/Riviera Maya it will be eye opening and their success there will carry over into even further success in St. Lucia and Barbados.

Ryan Doncsecz of VIP Vacations, Inc. in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania also thinks the plans will greatly benefit Barbados, which he thinks is in need of another new, all-inclusive resort.

Another all inclusive resort in Barbados is huge, said Doncsecz. Sandals Resorts International already has proved that an all-inclusive can be a huge success on an island that is predominantly EP.

Finally, St. Lucia getting another brand name shows their dedication to bringing new and exciting experiences to the island.

Petra Roach, U.S. director of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), says the presence of a Karisma resort on island would help increase the island's presence amongst Millennials.

Hotel investment is critical to future growth, said Roach, and the Karisma brand brings with it a strong Millennial customer base and a focus on the culinary experience of the visitor - both of which are integral to Barbados’ overarching tourism strategy.

Karisma also remains committed to expanding its relationships in existing destinations like Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

In fact, Karisma Hotels and Resorts recently revealed that it is planning to develop a brand new luxury resort, entertainment and retail complex in Jamaica.

The Sugar Cane Jamaica project will be located near Ocho Rios.

It’s the most ambitious development in the country’s history, representing a $1 billion investment and plans for 10 hotels encompassing 5,000 rooms over the next decade, said Chomat.

Karisma first expanded to the Caribbean in late 2013 when it had a soft opening for its first Jamaica resort, Azul Sensatori Jamaica. Karisma then expanded to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic in 2016 in the form of its popular family brand Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts.

The smaller islands of the Caribbean are a fast growing portion of our business right now, particularly in St. Lucia, so I think those destinations are a perfect fit, said Tucker.


Tourism Observer

Karisma Hotels & Resorts Picks Sunwing As Preferred Partner

Karisma Hotels & Resorts has named Sunwing as its Karisma Preferred Partner for the month of January, offering specialized training and more to the tour operator and hotel booking discounts and resort credit to Sunwing passengers.

Sunwing and Karisma Hotels & Resorts have worked together for the past 14 years, selling 11 Karisma properties with exclusivity to El Dorado Sensimar and the Sensatori properties located in Riviera Maya, Punta Cana and Montego Bay. The Karisma Preferred Partner program highlights a different tour operator from Canada or the U.S. each month, offering a variety of special activities to drive bookings while providing training on Karisma Hotels & Resorts and the Gourmet Inclusive Experience.

Partners that are chosen to participate in the Karisma Preferred Partner program get a range of benefits including training support, sales incentives and assistance, weekly contests, and web, social media and press exposure. The training, which takes place prior to the start of the month, focuses on reservations, groups, and sales with the intention of providing a better understanding of Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ fundamental differentiators, including the signature Gourmet Inclusive Experience. Incentives can include complimentary stays and the chance to enter to win a grand prize giveaway.

With January’s promotion, Sunwing’s clients will receive up to 63% off hotel bookings, and a $300 resort credit. Resort credits can be used towards services such as a couples Sky Massage and romantic candlelight dinners. This offer is available for clients when booking by Jan. 31. It is only combinable with the GREWPS promotion and the free private events promotion. It is only available for new bookings with a minimum stay of three nights – valid at all El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, Azul Beach Resort, Generations Riviera Maya, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, and Sensimar Seaside Suites, by Karisma.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts also offers its Preferred Partners exposure during their designated month, including weekly email blasts on behalf of the tour operator to Karisma’s agent database promoting current specials, a spotlight on Karisma’s travel agent portal, and dedicated social media and press outreach. To generate sales for the Preferred Partner and drive exposure internally, Karisma Hotels & Resorts creates exclusive promotions and added values for the designated partner.

JAMAICA: Karisma Hotels & Resorts to Build Nine Jamaica Hotels

Karisma Hotels & Resorts officials joined members of the Jamaica Tourist Board Tuesday to provide details of the all-inclusive resort company’s earlier announced expansion across the highly popular Caribbean destination. The company will build nine hotels — representing more than 4,000 rooms — over the next decade, said Ruben Becerra, Karisma's vice president for corporate affairs and business development.

Becerra said Karisma is already spending $45 million to build Azul Seven, a 149-room resort in Jamaica’s Negril district. The property will be adjacent to Azul Sensatori, which opened last year.

The new properties will be located in the Llandovery district of St. Ann parish on Jamaica’s north coast. Becerra said Llandovery encompasses 228 acres and “has access to more than a mile of pristine beachfront.” He said the company will spend $900 million on the “eight to 10 year project.” The hotels will include several brands with the first to debut in 2017-2018. Karisma brands include Azul, El Dorado, Allure, Adriatic Beach and Generation Villas.

Becerra revealed “Increase of airlift is also a part of the master plan.” He added, “We are extremely excited to continue working and growing alongside the people of Jamaica, and we remain committed to further enhancing the already bourgeoning tourism industry here."

He said the Azul Sensatori “was sold out for the entire year less than a month after opening,” leading the company to expand the resort with an additional 149 suites.

“Jamaica continues to attract some of the world’s leading hotel brands, and Karisma’s latest announcement is a testament to that,” said Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s tourism director. “We are very optimistic for our island nation to remain highly coveted by the travel and tourism community.”