The new Terminal 4 officially opens at Cancun International Airport this week. Mexico’s president, Enrique Peña Nieto, will join local government and airport officials at the inaugural events.
Two years in construction, the $135 million terminal will handle both domestic and international traffic. Features include two levels plus a mezzanine, shopping area and food court. Officials anticipate that within three years, the new terminal will bump up the airport’s passenger capacity to 32 million visitors per year.
Hotels in Cancun and other high-volume tourist areas continue to roll out renovations. Travel Agent spoke with Laura Stringel, the newly appointed director of sales-direct channels, reputation and community management for La Colección Resorts by Fiesta Americana.
La Colección is a group of brands that includes Live Aqua Resorts, Grand Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts, Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts and The Explorean.
Stringel updated Travel Agent on developments in Puerto Vallarta and Cancun.
Namely, some new dining concepts are in store for guests of Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa. They include Sonne Club, an adults-only infinity pool area with Jacuzzis, cabanas and a lounge area, plus a bar and grill.
Also new is the beachfront Chulavista Buffet restaurant offering both indoor and outdoor seating. And a new beachfront pergola and terrace, Veranda Flavors Boutique, will offer beef, lobster, shrimp and fine wines at a surcharge.
“This is one of our hotels that for many years has lots of repeat guests. Now, we’re investing in not only the Chulavista, but the new concept club on the roof with the infinity pool and adults-only area. We plan to finish by the end of October,” Stringel tells Travel Agent.
The popular Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun is also in enhancement mode. Guest room upgrades in all three towers include new décor, security features, redesigned bathrooms and faster Wi-Fi.
Coral KidZ Club at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun
“We’re completing the renovations at Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun. The guest rooms are ready. Now, we’re working on the public areas, lobby and restaurants around the lobby area. It will be a great, cozy and warm property that we have there. It will be done by December,” said Stringel.
Easter 2018 is the expected completion date for new features at the Coral KidZ Club at Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun. The $2 million facility made quite a splash when it debuted in 2016. Now, it’s set to add a Mayan-themed outdoor sand- and water-filled play zone. The new outdoor area is described as a Yucatan “jungle expedition” for the younger set.
An enhanced travel agent rewards program from La Colección is also earning good reviews, said Stringel.
“Our program offers something different that is second to none. Agents can get one night free per booking and 15 percent commission. It gives agents the opportunity to experience properties they’re selling. We also pay 30 days after the booking, and that’s very attractive. We’re getting very good feedback from agents,” said Stringel.
Seadust Cancun Family Resort is also reaching out to agents.
“We have special rates and will be doing FAM trips with major tour operators,” Pedro Pinhal, resort director and CEO, tells Travel Agent.
Seadust Cancun Family Resort opened in August in the hotel zone. Built in 2006 as the Great Parnassus Family Resort, a change in ownership brought extensive enhancements.
Seadust Cancun Family Resort
“Aside from the complete rebranding of the property to Seadust Cancun Family Resort, the resort also underwent a multimillion dollar renovation. Enhancements were done to the Fun Casino Bar and the Karaoke Bar, as well as additional updates to the family-friendly offerings including a new 245-foot zip line and 20-foot rock climbing wall for kids,” Pinhal tells Travel Agent.
Room renovations are wrapping up.
“This is the final phase of the renovation. Rejuvenation of the rooms will include new modern décor and bathroom fixtures, new mattresses, 50-inch TVs, electronic lock boxes and mini fridge for club and suite accommodations. The hallway floors will also be replaced. This final phase of the renovation is slated to be completed by the end of October,” said Pinhal.
With the busy holiday season approaching, Seadust hopes to establish itself in the competitive family-friendly market.
“It isn’t another one of those resorts that added a few children-friendly attractions to cater to families. Seadust is a family-owned business that has always valued the importance of family experiences. When guests visit, they understand the subtle and not-so-subtle difference between a hotel that offers family activities and a hotel that was created with the family experience in mind,” said Pinhal.
The property does, however, have facilities for weddings, groups as well as adults-only restaurants, bars, pools and suites.
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