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First Class Destination Solutions, a San Juan-based provider of premium travel services since 1996, recently announce its new partnership as the exclusive in-house ground transportation company, concierge, and tour desk for the El Conquistador Resort. The property is currently undergoing a complete renovation of their 900 rooms, water park, private Island Palomino new restaurant.
As the designated in-house ground transportation company, First Class Destination Solutions will provide a fleet of meticulously maintained vehicles, ensuring guests arrive in comfort and style to their destination, according to t a press release from the company.
"We are honored to join forces with El Conquistador Resort as their exclusive in-house travel partner," said First Class Destination Solutions CEO Robert Rodriguez. "Our mission aligns perfectly with the commitment of these exceptional resorts to offer a world-class experience for every guest. Whether it's a seamless airport transfer, personalized concierge service, or curated tours to explore the local treasures, our team is dedicated to exceeding expectations."
First Class Destination Solutions CEO Robert Rodriguez
Guests of El Conquistador Resort can now indulge in a full spectrum of premium travel services, seamlessly integrated into their stay. The dedicated concierge and tour desk provided by Salt Tours/First Class Destination Solutions will cater to individual preferences, offering expert guidance and tailor-made itineraries that showcase the beauty and culture of the surrounding region.
"We are delighted to welcome First Class Destination Solutions into our family of trusted partners," said El Conquistador Resort General Manager Jack Slim. "Their unwavering commitment to exceptional service aligns perfectly with our own dedication to providing unforgettable experiences. Together, we will elevate every aspect of our guests' stay, from arrival to departure."
Additionally, First Class will provide in-house ground transportation, concierge, and tours desk services at the renowned Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve, located in Rio Grande. This partnership with the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve further solidifies its reputation as a leading destination management provider in Puerto Rico.
The addition of in-house concierge services means that guests have a dedicated team of experts at their disposal, ready to assist with every aspect of their stay. First Class Destination Solutions and Salt Tours concierge team will be able to offer guests assistance with everything from restaurant reservations to local recommendations and travel arrangements. The tours desk, also managed by First Class Destination Solutions and Salt Tours, offers a curated selection of exciting and immersive experiences.
"We are thrilled to bring our expertise in travel management to the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve," said Rodriguez. "Our goal is to enhance the overall guest experience by providing top-notch services that make their stay in Puerto Rico truly memorable."
The collaborations of First Class Destination Solutions with both the El Conquistador Resort and the Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve represent a significant step forward in elevating the standards of hospitality and guest satisfaction in Puerto Rico. They mark the beginning of an exciting journey where luxury, convenience, and authentic experiences come together seamlessly.
Visit www.limopr.com for more information.
[10.03.23]
[10.03.23]
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General Manager Christina Zanone
Beau Wine Tours President & CEO Thomas Buck is thrilled to announce the promotion of Christina Zanone to the position of general manager. Her promotion is recognized ahead of schedule after being promoted to assistant general manager in February 2022. Zanone has been a member of the team since 2010, and Buck says that her exemplary leadership, industry expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence make her the ideal choice for this role.
As assistant general manager, Zanone demonstrated exceptional skills in managing operations, fostering guest relationships, and maintaining the high standards for which Beau Wine Tours is renowned. Her passion for wine and her deep understanding of the wine tourism industry have made her an invaluable asset to the company. Zanone has served in various leadership roles throughout her 13 years with Beau Wine Tours, including reservations manager and director of affiliate relations.
"Christina's promotion to general manager is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the significant impact she has made on our organization," said Buck. "Her leadership and vision align perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional wine tour experiences to our guests. We are excited to see her take on this new role and look forward to the continued growth and success of Beau Wine Tours under her guidance."
In her new role as general manager, Zanone will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Beau Wine Tours' operations, including customer service, business development, group sales, chauffeur operations, fleet management, and maintaining the company's high standards of quality and excellence. Her leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the company and ensuring that Beau Wine Tours continues to be a leader in the transportation industry.
Zanone expressed her excitement about the new role, saying, "I am truly honored and humbled by this opportunity to lead Beau Wine Tours as general manager. I am committed to building on the strong foundation that has been established and taking our services to new heights. Our team is exceptional, and I look forward to working closely with them to provide unforgettable wine experiences for our guests."
Visit beauwinetours.com for more information.
[10.02.23]
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More good news forecasts from the Global Business Travel Association’s (GBTA’s) recent 2023 Business Travel Outlook (also known as BTI). Business travel for Asia Pacific is poised for robust return over the next few years, with a projected $800 billion annually by 2027. This year, the region is expected to hit $567 billion, or 41 percent over 2022, thanks to the full reopening of the Chinese economy after the pandemic. The findings were shared by GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang, who was speaking at the association’s recent APAC Conference in Singapore last week. Neufang will also be a speaker at the State of the Industry at next month’s CD/NLA Show
GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang
The BTI annual report offers a comprehensive overview of business travel spending and growth across 72 countries and 44 industries and highlights the global business travel spending forecast and key trends for 2023-2027. Additionally, for 2023 the BTI also incorporates insights from a survey of 4,700 business travelers across five global regions including APAC, who reported their preferences, behaviors, spending habits, and the average cost of a business trip now.
Highlights from the 2023 BTI:
- A solid rebound in other major economies in the region (Japan, South Korea, and Australia) is expected in 2023. Likewise, the return of international business travel has fueled markets like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.
- In 2023, the Asia Pacific region is expected to reach 92 percent of its 2019 business travel spending of $616 billion.
- In 2022, the Asia Pacific region continued to account for the largest share of global business travel spend, totaling $402 billion or 39 percent of the global total. This is down significantly from the region’s 50 percent share of global spending 2021, however.
- While business travel spending in the rest of the world grew at a rate of 80 percent in 2022, APAC’s spending increased only 15 percent from 2021 levels. The underperformance was fueled by the economic shutdown in China and the subsequent decline of 4.6 percent in Chinese business travel spending last year.
Additional data collected by GBTA:
- Goldilocks Spending: In a GBTA survey, Asia Pacific business travelers said on average they spent $1,038 per trip last year, less per trip than North American travelers ($1,219), but more than Europe travelers ($888) and Latin American travelers ($661).
- Booking: One-quarter of APAC-based business travelers (25 percent) say they booked their last work trip through “managed” channels (i.e., travel management company or online booking tool). While higher than the share of LATAM-based travelers (19 percent) who did so, this is slightly lower than the share of NORAM (29 percent) and Europe-based travelers (32 percent). Similarly, APAC and LATAM travelers are more likely to book through retail channels.
- Upgrades: Of the APAC business travelers who took an airplane on their last work trip, two in five (40 percent) flew business class or first class. This is similar to the share of NORAM-based travelers (44 percent) who flew premium, but higher than the share of Europe-based (30 percent) or LATAM-based travelers (32 percent) who did so. Similarly, almost two in five APAC-based business travelers (38 percent) stayed at an upscale or luxury hotel on their last work trip. This is similar to the share of NORAM-based travelers who did so (42 percent), and higher than the share of Europe-based (32 percent) and LATAM-based (24 percent) travelers.
- Bleisure It Is: Almost half of APAC-based business travelers (45 percent) extended a work trip for leisure time this year or last year. This is higher than the share of travelers who took a blended trip in any other region.
The full BTI is available to members via the GBTA Hub, although an Executive Summary of the report is available here.
Visit gbta.org for more information.
[09.26.23]