Barcelo has been going strong for 85 years, and the 2016 acquisition of Occidental Hotels & Resorts made it even stronger. “Our impact is growing every year,” says Juan Perez Sosa, senior v.p. of sales and marketing. “After acquiring Occidental, Barcelo Hotel Group developed a new multi-brand strategy, which includes Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels & Resorts, Barcelo Hotels & Resorts, Occidental Hotels & Resorts, and Allegro Hotels. Now 41 of BHG’s 116 hotels—and the majority of its rooms—are located in Latin America and the Caribbean, with 33,905 rooms in Latin America and 15,587 in the Caribbean.”
Our new multi-brand strategy will also allow Barcelo Hotel Group to grow as a hotel management company in new markets such as Argentina
and Jamaica.
– Juan Perez Sosa, Sr. Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Barcelo Hotel Group
The brands truly are distinct, which is a great help to both travelers and to travel advisors seeking to book the very right place for each client.
Here’s the breakdown:
“Royal Hideaway Luxury Hotels & Resorts features our most elite and exclusive luxury resort experiences—destinations where guests experience authenticity, attention to detail, discretion, and the ultimate in personalized service,” says Perez Sosa.
“Barcelo Hotels & Resorts’ design-centric, upscale hotels and resorts offer exclusive experiences, such as signature U-Spa Health and Wellness Centers. This brand’s flagship hotel is Barcelo Emperatriz, which opened in Madrid in January 2016, and its Latin American flagships are Barcelo Maya Grand Resort and Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort.”
I have repeat clients that love Barcelo Hotel Group properties. With the recent expansion and renovations, the company is sure to stay up to date with the new generation, which makes BHG even more appealing.
– Blanca Rodriguez, Founder, Prescription for Travel
Perez defines Occidental Hotels & Resorts as “a collection of distinctive properties with strong local flavor in some of the world’s most desirable locations, including Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Spain, and Prague. This brand is the perfect option for families and groups of friends and couples, with a focus on active adventures, such as scuba diving and cultural immersion, that are authentic to each location.”
Meanwhile, BHG has not neglected budget-conscious travelers. “Allegro Hotels are designed for these travelers as a place where guests live life with energy, freedom and fun. There is always something to celebrate, discover, and learn,” explains Perez Sosa.
In short, he says, “Our refocused strategy is designed to give Barcelo Hotel Group’s guests a distinctive and customized experience.” To that end, the company has invested $120 million in property renovations that are slated for completion by December 2017. “Major projects are underway at key resorts in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Central America, and Aruba.” Yet another phase of upgrades will kick in next year. For example, BHG will create an adults-only resort at Barcelo Maya Grand Resort.
Over the next five years, notes Perez Sosa, “We plan on significant growth in Latin America and the Caribbean. The company’s new structure has given us an increased footprint in several countries, including the brand’s first properties in Aruba and Colombia. Our new multi-brand strategy will also allow Barcelo Hotel Group to grow as a hotel management company in new markets such as Argentina and Jamaica.”
Our clients want personalized and authentic experiences—
and that is what BHG offers. Its properties are great for multigenerational travelers as they offer something for everyone. They offer this at different price points, too. We’ve noticed an influx in sales for the Barcelo Maya Grand Resort in particular; consumers seem to love the property.– Judith Heydt and Maria Thomas, Founders, Judy and Maria’s Travel
Travel agents are an important part of this growth. “Barcelo Hotel Group has rewarded the travel industry and supported travel professionals via customized education and rewards programs, customized training, familiarization trips, and loyalty and engagement programs,” declares Perez Sosa. “We are fully committed to continue investing a substantial amount in commissions via direct sales from our travel industry partners.”
CONTACT INFORMATION
Barcelo Hotel Group
Tel: (800) BARCELO
E-mail:
barceloagents-usa@barcelo.com
Website: barceloagents.com
