The friendly Hola Sun team.
Brenda Bradley, Melia Hotels Cuba is joined by Karen Puebla &
Nieves Ricardo from the Cuba Tourist Board & Rick McCauley, Barcelo Hotels & Resorts.
Mariela Zaldivar, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts with Sobeida Feliz, Blau Hotels & Resorts
Tessandra Toste & José Trevino get the evening off to a great start!
Agents dancing to live Cuban music provided by Carisma Cubano
Cuba specialist Hola Sun made a splash with agents at their annual soirée on a recent Friday night in Mississauga. The much-anticipated event was well-attended by agents and suppliers alike - and the friendly folk from Hola Sun spread some of the legendary Cuban warmth to make everyone feel welcome, including several families with children.
The group of approximately 150 agents mingled with Hola Sun’s team, including José Trevino, Hola Sun’s President, Tessandra Toste, Sales & Marketing, and Ray Kendall, Sales Representative. Agents sampled delicious appetizers and drinks as they chatted with top hotel and resort suppliers such as Iberostar, Blau and Barcelo, but Hola Sun’s options don’t end at the beach.
This year they will be working with Cuba Cruise to package the hottest water-based option available: a full circumnavigation of the island nation on a boutique-sized ship, including stops at remote beaches and small ports that most cruises can’t access. The seasonal program runs from December 15th thru April 30th. Packages are 12 nights and include return YYZ-HAV air, transfers, 5 nights hotel, and a 7 night cruise itinerary. It’s all very affordable – and commissionable at $1438 (+340 taxes & fees). Clients booking before October 31st will save $50 with Hola Sun’s EBB.
José Trevino introduced the evening by describing his passion for Cuba, where Canadian clients can find a variety of opportunities to explore. Next up was Tessandra Toste, who gave a short presentation highlighting some of the Cuba specialist’s many offers and features.
This year Hola Sun offers your clients a chance to check out potential Melia Hotels wedding venues ahead of time with a special 2 night package including YYZ-SNU flights, all inclusive hotel, all transfers, all taxes, a Hola Sun escort and pre-arranged meetings with hotel wedding coordinators. Packages are NET$350 – which will be refunded if your clients go ahead with their wedding group. Some conditions apply of course – ask for details.
Hola Sun has another great season planned, with 8 Cuba destinations, 90+ hotels, including three new resorts, EBBs, free local excursions (such as a cabaret show in VRA or a tropicana show in HAV). Low agent rates are also available.
Toste was excited about the 2013-14 program, but didn’t want the crowd to wait for long – after all, the evening was just beginning. Still to come was a banquet meal, a live salsa band and lots and lots of dancing. The annual event is invitation-only, so agents are duly advised: start booking now so you get on the list for next year!
