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The answer is C |
There's no bad luck for Hyatt travel agents on this Friday the 13th. At the company's sixth annual travel agent awards, taking place at the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino, the accommodations giant introduced a Hyatt Travel Specialist global education program that will aid travel professionals in selling more trips and vacations.
Want a closer view of the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino? Check out the video below:
Thus far, agents have played a significant role in bringing business to Hyatt. According to Irby Morvant, the regional vice president of sales and resorts for Hyatt, agents in attendance have already brought 25,000 guests to Hyatt resorts in 2009. With education credits and in-depth information on all things Hyatt, the new specialist program seeks to boost those numbers further.
In addition to the specialist program, Hyatt reminded the audience of its Recommend Awards in which agents receive incentives for booking new guests at the company's properties. To keep agents on their toes, Hyatt employees may call agents on occasion pretending to be an interested client in order to gauge the ability of the agents that have been called.
The hotel company also launched its new contract with ASTA in order to embolden its relationship with travel agents, and introduced a 24-hour sale special, taking place November 18, where travelers can save up to 40 percent on Hyatt properties in the U.S. and Caribbean.
In addition to agent-friendly news Hyatt officials filled the audience in on the latest in its expansions, including two new resorts— one in Clearwater, FL and the other in Curacao. The Park Hyatt brand will add six more properties throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe, and the extended-stay Summerfield Suites portfolio will grow at a rate of 10 to 15 new properties per year.
Hyatt also introduced a new brand to agents, Andaz— which means "personal style" in Hindi. The brand, according to Morvant, will be "uncomplicated" and "engrained in local culture" with no front desk in the building and a relaxed, welcoming aura. The brand will have slow growth in select markets, with two slated to open in New York.
It's been a high-energy event with the Hyatt travel agents, as evidenced below with a celebratory Electric Slide. Travel Agent will report more on the awards and event when we return.