Ja #1 destination for H10 in region
JAMAICA HAS emerged as the topperforming destination for H10 Hotels in the Caribbean, with Ocean Eden Bay and Ocean Coral Spring leading the Spanish chain group in profitability.
A small percentage of this remarkable achievement is attributed to the invaluable contributions of Jamaican travel specialists, whose expertise and dedication have played a pivotal role in driving the resorts’ success in the local market.
In recognition of their outstanding performance, H10 Hotels honoured 16 esteemed travel agencies at a prestigious dinner and award ceremony held last Tuesday in Coral Spring, Trelawny. Among the distinguished awardees, Leisure for Pleasure Holiday and Tours secured the coveted top position as the leading seller in the local market, followed by Trilogy Travel in second place and Go! Jamaica Travel in third place.
The event served as a testament to the collaborative efforts between H10 Hotels and the Jamaican business operators, underscoring their shared commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to travellers and fostering continued growth in Jamaica’s hospitality sector.
“[The year] 2023 was a critical year for us. It was the year of recovery, and 2024 will be the year of consolidation of our history of success. I have no doubt about it. That’s why we are confident in Jamaica,” H10’s vice-president of sales, Juan Carlos Hernandez, told The Gleaner, shortly after presenting the coveted prizes to the agents.
“It is the progression since the pandemic. Our recovery was fast. We are making great business, great profit, better GDP than other destinations like Punta Cana or the Riviera Maya in Mexico. It is much more profitable here for us in a small period of time after all the struggles we went through,” declared Hernandez.
H10 debuted its inaugural resort in Coral Spring, Trelawny, in 2019, but soon faced closure due to the onset of the COVID19 pandemic. Despite the setback, they managed to reopen within a year, albeit amid considerable challenges.
UNWAVERING SUPPORT
Acknowledging the crucial role played by Jamaican travel agents, Hernandez stated: “We feel their unwavering support. Now, with our international business picking up, we remain committed to preserving space for them.”
He emphasised the agents’ significance in filling seasonal gaps and enhancing overall integration.
Tanesha Clarke, the resort’s sales director, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the strategic partnership with Jamaican agents. “Their advocacy drives many guests to choose our resort,” she noted, underscoring the agents’ impact beyond their financial contributions.
For Judith James-Watts’ Leisure for Pleasure, consistent success has been attributed to competitive rates and top-notch service, fostering a loyal clientele base. She shared, “Our satisfied repeat customers and their referrals are instrumental in our achievements.”
Reflecting on Ocean Coral Spring and Ocean Eden Bay’s evolution over five years, James-Watts highlighted notable improvements in customer service and facilities. She praised the resorts’ convention centre for attracting group bookings and applauded their diverse offerings, including family and adult sections, numerous dining options, and recreational activities.
Trilogy, recognised as the ‘ Most Improved’ local travel agency in 2022, continued its upward trajectory in 2023, securing a prominent role with Ocean Eden Bay. Charmaine Tyndale, the company’s operator, credited her success to perseverance and a customercentric approach. “Understanding my clients’ needs and aligning them with the property’s offerings has been pivotal,” she affirmed, attributing her motivation to her son.
Tyndale’s clients rave about Ocean’s allure, a testament to her passion for promoting the properties. Her meticulous approach to client qualification ensures seamless compatibility between guests and resort amenities.