These tour operators are offering a slew of new travel packages and agent incentives; and in other travel industry news, Karisma Hotels & Resorts is highlighting its top tour operator for this month.
Offerings from Apple
Apple Vacations is offering airfare packages from Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) to Cozumel, Mexico and Montego Bay, Jamaica, as well as nonstop flights from BWI to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The brand is also expanding its packages from BWI to Cancun.
Exclusive Vacation Flights from BWI to Cozumel will arrive and depart on Saturdays now through April 4, 2015; flights to Montego Bay operate Thursdays and Sundays now through Nov. 22, 2015; and the expanded service to Cancun runs Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Those traveling to Punta Cana will have the choice of Friday or Monday departures now through Nov. 23, 2015. Apple Vacations also offers travelers seat selection for an additional $9 each way via the Exclusive Vacation Flights program—exit row seats are $15 each way, and a First Class upgrade is $100 pp each way. For more information, visit applevacations.com/baltimore.
Gourmet Travel
Travel Impressions is offering Eat. Sit. Play Gourmet Inclusive packages to 10 of its Karisma Hotels & Resorts properties in Riviera Maya and Jamaica.
For example, Travel Impressions is offering three Gourmet Inclusive nights at the adults-only El Dorado Seaside Suites in Riviera Maya, starting at $751 pp dbl for travel March 1-27, 2015; three Gourmet Inclusive nights at Azul Fives in Playa del Carmen starting at $712 pp dbl for travel March 1-27, 2015; and three Gourmet Inclusive nights at Generations Riviera Maya starting at $922 pp dbl for travel from Jan. 24 to April 5, 2015. Offers are valid on bookings made through Dec. 1, 2014 with varying travel dates by location.
Through November, agents can earn a $50 American Express gift check when booking travel Jan. 1 through April 30, 2015, or a $100 American Express gift check when booking travel May 1 through Aug. 31, 2015 with the Cancel for Any Reason Waiver, provided by Travel Impressions. (This offer isn’t valid for group bookings.) For more information, visit travelimpressions.com.
Honoring Tour Operators
Karisma’s Preferred Partner program highlights different tour operators from the U.S. or Canada, and offers a variety of special activities that drive excitement and motivation while training operators on the Karisma Hotels & Resorts brand and the Gourmet Inclusive Experience. This month, the brand announced that Signature Vacations, whose Culinary Collection features the property’s food and beverage offerings, has been selected as the Karisma Preferred Partner.
Chosen tour operators for the Karisma Preferred Partner program receive training support; sales and incentive assistance; as well as web, social media, and press exposure. Training takes place before the month begins and focuses on reservations, groups, and sales. Incentives include complimentary stays and gift cards to popular retail stores; and the top seller also earns a grand prize. During the Preferred Partners’ designated month, the tour operator receives exposure through weekly e-mail blasts to Karisma’s agent database promoting current specials; and a spotlight on Karisma’s travel agent portal. For more information, call (866) 527-4762 or visit karismahotels.com.
