Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts Eyes North America

Grupo Piñero’s Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts is eyeing the North America market.

Its properties in the Dominican Republic, where it leads the market in the number of resorts, in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, in Jamaica, and in Spain (Canary and Balearic Islands) have won many international hotel-related awards, and the company continues to expand. It also runs other tourism businesses, including tour operations (Soltour and BP-USA Travel) and receptive services (Coming2).

TMR sat down for a chat with Julio Perez, executive vice-president, about the latest developments at the resort company. 

Travel Market Report: What’s new at Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts for 2016?

Julio Perez: This past year was a big year for us as we celebrated our 20^th anniversary.  We opened our new Luxury Bahia Principe Samana Don Pablo Collection in November; added new rooms, facilities, and services at our Luxury Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Don Pablo Collection and Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal Don Pablo Collection; and added free wifi in our luxury hotels. 

In 2016 we will continue to invest in improving and enhancing our facilities and services at our various resorts.  We will make a major investment in one of our hotels in Majorca, the Bahía Principe Coral Beach, and have recently launched a new and improved website (www.bahia-principe.com) that will be more user-friendly and make it easier for agents and consumers to get the information they need quickly.  

TMR: What advice can you offer travel agents trying to sell Bahia Principe of the Caribbean?

JP: We offer the best value for the money, with many added services and amenities at no extra charge. There is a resort to fit all budgets and types. We offer hotels for families or adults only, and are fully equipped to handle weddings, groups, and the MICE market. 

The United States and Canada are key strategic markets for us and we are currently developing a comprehensive Agent Loyalty Program, starting in the U.S. market, that will launch in 2016. 

TMR:  What do you wish travel agents better understood about Bahia Principe?

JP:  We need to educate travel agents about the differences in the services and amenities between Grand Bahía Principe and the Luxury Bahía Principe Don Pablo Collection resorts, and which would be better suited to their clientele.  Our brand concept is: Experience Happiness.   Every one of our employees tries to communicate this message to our guests.  

Finally we have created and improved our Bahia Principe app for guests.  The app allows direct access to all the information about the Bahia Principe destinations, and guests can request services like spa treatments or concierge services, look up the entertainment at the resort, or book a reservation at one of the resort’s restaurants. And it can all be done without leaving the comfort of the pool lounge chair!