“As the largest resort chain in the world, Melia Hotels International (MHI) has definitely impacted the vacation segment worldwide,” says Jurgen Stutz, MHI’s v.p. of sales, marketing & distribution for The Americas. Melia Hotels & Resorts, the largest group of hotels within the MHI company, consists of approximately 150 hotels throughout Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. However, there’s no reason to stop at 150. The brand is continuously growing. “MHI is on a very ambitious growth path—we are adding about one hotel every two weeks,” notes Stutz. Adding that, “The ultimate goal of the company is to strengthen our position and become the best resort chain worldwide.”
Melia has made people realize that all-inclusives don’t have to be so basic. Once I ask a client if they want to stay at an all-inclusive, they ask for Melia. Once they’ve been there once, I don’t have to talk them into going again.
– Stephanie Maher, Travel Consultant, Lorraine Travel, a Signature Travel Partner
Raising the Standards
“We recently completed a process of brand vision for Melia Hotels & Resorts,” says Stutz, “which will unveil a completely new look for the brand and will introduce new attributes and enhancements that will be rolled out in the short term. The ultimate goal is to make Melia Hotels & Resorts more competitive in the Americas region, where we are competing within a very aggressive all-inclusive resort market. These changes will also allow us to better compete in the U.S. as we continue to look at expansion opportunities.”
The company will also be rebranding a few all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Stutz mentions that the rebranding will “better position them against our competition and offer a better defined hotel product to our guests, ultimately enhancing their vacation experience.” Also on the list to stay competitive is the development of programs focused on health and well-being, which Stutz says they “hope can be extended beyond the time our guests stay with us—something that they can take home and continue using in their day-to-day lives.”
In addition, a new VIP service for its properties will also be unveiled this year, offering adults-only services called the Sanctuary. This new, highly personalized service focusing on the adult traveler will roll out at the end of 2017 at some of the all-inclusives in the Caribbean.
The Agent Relationship
Stephanie Maher, travel consultant with Lorraine Travel, a Signature Travel partner, believes Melia is on top of its game when it comes to working with agents and meeting her clients’ needs.
“I think the product is fabulous. As long as it continues with this progressive thinking and not fall the way the other all-inclusives have started getting,” she says. “I have such a good rapport.… I call my sales rep on the phone and she helps me out immediately. I don’t have to go through hoops; it’s easy.”
Stutz points to Melia’s education program for keeping agents informed on the brand. “We have continued to educate our travel agents through innovative training programs such as MeliaPro to provide them with the necessary tools and knowledge to sell Melia Hotels & Resorts to their clients,” he says.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Melia Hotels & Resorts
Tel: (800) 33MELIA
Website: melia.com
