45 agents from across Canada were treated like rockstars last week in Mexico, as Hard Rock Riviera Maya welcomed them for three days on their biggest FAM since the pandemic; appropriately named Famapalooza.
The FAM was a first for many of the agents as well as their first time at a Hard Rock Hotel. It was a chance to see and experience what makes a Hard Rock Hotel All Inclusive property so special. Three properties were showcased on the trip; Hard Rock Cancun, Unico 20 87 Riviera Maya and the host property, Hard Rock Riviera Maya. While the hotels were the main event, it could be said it was the new friendships that stole the show.
"I want to say thank you to all you agents who have been around for a long time and who were so kind to share your knowledge and experience with me!" beamed Carla Vandenbrink, a new agent with Travel Best Bets in Manitoba. "I have learned so much and met some fascinating, kind people."
That comradery starts right at the top with fan favourite Jasmine Grant, BDM for Canada. In Thursday morning's educational session, Grant started out reminding the group that she's here to assist agents with anything they need to make their jobs easier and better.
"If you ever want to bounce ideas on how you can generate new business or grow your existing business, give me a call. That is what I'm here for."
Grant encourages all agents to join her AMPED Agents group on social media to stay informed about webinar opportunities and events she's holding. It's important for agents to also be on their agent-facing portal agents.com where bookings can be registered for the agent incentive program.
"It's important to register your bookings within two weeks of your clients traveling it's very, very important not only to get these perks, but also to know what Canadians are doing, what they're selling for our business so that we can continue to invest in Canadian travel agents."
"I also really encourage agents to get 30 rooms sold in a calendar year. I say that because that gives you an invite to our award ceremony which is called showstoppers. That is one heck of a party."
Grant says the company is so appreciated of agents and very excited for the opportunities in the future.
"It's pretty incredible to have this many Canadian travel agents together, the energy is electric."
Travel agent Ethel Hansen Davey, of Uniglobe Enterprise Travel Ltd, agrees.
"One of the best benefits of being with a large group of agents is the sharing of ideas, of offering solutions to shared issues, of offering support to new or struggling agents. I observed a lot of this."
Hard Rock Hotels have a number of programs that really separate them from other hotels such as Endless luxury, the Sound Body by Hard Rock (in-room yoga) and an incredible spa, which is one of the largest, if not the largest, in the Mayan Riviera. There's 24/7 in-room dining and lots of amenities like free Wi-fi and calling to Canada and the US. Kids can live their best VIP life with themed rooms, the Roxy Kids club, splashpads and waterparks.
There are also complimentary wedding collections that includes basic decor, a cake, sparkling wine and flowers.
Currently, Hard Rock has a golf promotion golf until October 31. At Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Hard Rock Hotel, Cancun, or Hard Rock Hotel, Casino Punta Cana, clients can get two rounds of golf for $99, inclusive of green fees, golf cart and all food and beverage on the course.
"We are all in it together and together we will make our industry strong again," Hansen says.
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