Hoteliers in Cancun continue to upgrade, renovate and reinvent. One example in the news is Oasis Hotels & Resorts. The Spanish-owned company operates eight properties under the Oasis and Grand Oasis brands in Cancun and Tulum.
Though they cater to different market segments, the Oasis brands are known primarily for their spring break appeal. But the company is working hard to change that.
“We needed to evolve and upgrade ourselves, taking into account consumer expectations. Today we’re more sophisticated and upscale, but our different price points still offer something for everybody,” Enrique Klein, vice president of sales and marketing for Oasis Hotels & Resorts, tells Travel Agent.
The company has also added to its executive team. New in the COO position is Jean Agarrista, former general director for the Occidental Royal Hideaway Playacar.
Oasis has just launched The Pyramid at Grand Oasis, an upscale retreat located in the center of the popular Grand Oasis Cancun resort. Located in a Mayan-inspired pyramid structure, the new concept is now the pinnacle of the Oasis family.
The luxury “hotel within a hotel” features 238 deluxe rooms, 14 junior suites and 8 master suites. Guests of The Pyramid have access to a VIP lounge, a premium room service menu and gourmet minibar goodies, among other things. They can enjoy free rounds of golf and use of a Smart Car during their stay. On the dining front, nine of the resort’s 29 restaurants and three of its 22 bars are available only to The Pyramid guests.
Agents who’ve sold Oasis Hotels & Resorts for years are excited about the newly-enhanced product.
For Javier Duque, owner of Tikal Travel in South Gate, CA, Cancun represents 70 percent of his Mexico sales.
“It’s so important to have a diverse selection of new and trendy places to offer clients. More of them are looking for something upscale in Cancun,” said Duque.
Those constant upgrades are the secret to Cancun’s success, according to Jesus Almaguer, CEO of the Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“Cancun is booming right now. We have to give credit to hoteliers who keep innovating and enhancing their product to surpass expectations of the guest,” Almaguer tells Travel Agent.
He singled out upgrades in entertainment and gastronomy.
“Places such as Hard Rock and Palace Resorts are always innovating. They host great shows and concerts. Oasis has a jazz fest and a country music festival. The hotels are always opening new restaurants of every kind,” said Almaguer.
Among the recent restaurant openings of note: Blanc Asia at Le Blanc Spa Resort, which debuted its menu at the Cancun Riviera Maya Wine and Food Festival.
“We have 20 percent repeat business year over year. Guests keep commenting that there is always something new, even in the properties they go back to. The same hotels are providing new products and the world’s greatest service. That’s why as a destination, we’re winning awards and beating the competition in the Caribbean,” said Almaguer.
Klein agrees.
“It’s not a matter of simply investing millions of dollars across the board. Some people think that by throwing money into hotels things will automatically be successful. It’s very relevant to be attractive. But at the end of the day it’s the personal touch, the smile that makes the customer’s experience. It’s important to invest heavily in that as well,” he said.