3. What is the secret to IBEROSTAR’s success with both guests and travel agents? What sets the company apart from its competitors?

Zaldivar: GRUPO IBEROSTAR has been working in the tourism and holiday industry for over 87 years.

Throughout this time, the group has developed from a family-run travel agent and evolved into a multi-national business with a range of different departments. This experience speaks for itself in terms of standards.

Travel agents recognize easily the brand. When I visit them or attend a show in seeing our star in my corporate shirt, they smile and many of them say, “I love IBEROSTAR.” That’s the best part of my job. They feel they will have satisfied clients returning from their holidays.

For consumers we have a loyal clientele, although we have a job to do to constantly evolve our approach in reaching out specific niche markets. We are recognized for being family-friendly hotels. We have other brands like our Grand Collection, the adults-only hotels with ultimate luxury, and we are constantly “wowing our guests”.

4. Which IBEROSTAR properties are especially popular for weddings?

Zaldivar: There are always some hotels that are more demanded than others. I think it depends of the availability of spots, like a hidden gazebo for more private ceremonies, a shaded terrace overlooking de ocean like we have at IBEROSTAR Laguna Azul in Varadero, a gazebo at the pool at IBEROSTAR Rose Hall Suites in Jamaica; a charming gazebo by the lake surrounded by a green garden and flamingos at IBEROSTAR Hacienda Dominicus in Bayahibe (near La Romana and only 30 minutes from Punta Cana international airport) and the impressive gazebo overlooking the Pacific at IBEROSTAR Playa Mita, our newest addition in our portfolio, in Riviera Nayarit.

At all our hotels we have wedding coordinators who take care of details and in most of our destinations we do only one wedding per day.

IBEROSTAR Playa Mita. Photo courtesy of IBEROSTAR.

5. Does IBEROSTAR have any special promotions heading into the fall and winter season?

Zaldivar: We have very interesting conditions for early bookings in many of our hotels. It’s important agents check for any travel between Dec. 22, 2014 and April 30, 2015 –clients will have discounts if they’re booking in advance. And since we have new room categories as well, it’s important to check all the perks that some of these rooms include.