Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has signed on as a leading partner for the upcoming International Destination Expo in San Juan (April 14-17, 2011) and will address all travel professional delegates at the opening general session, ASTA reports. As part of its sponsorship, Starwood is offering travel professionals who register before Feb. 5, 2011, and who reserve a room at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel and Casino an opportunity to win a Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed.
“Starwood has been a long-time supporter of ASTA and the entire travel agent community and for this we are extremely thankful,” said Chris Russo, ASTA president and chair. “Starwood continuously shows through word and deed that they understand and value the role of travel agents in today’s marketplace.”
“As our StarwoodPro graduates already know, Starwood has invested heavily in travel professionals, and we know how important your customers are to our bottom line. We want to grow our business with you because we know it is good business,” said Chris Austin, vice president, global retail leisure and luxury sales.
“We have invested heavily in Puerto Rico too, with six properties including our incredible new St. Regis Bahia Beach and the W Retreat Vieques. Our success in these resorts will be driven in part with the support of ASTA’s members. For Starwood, this meeting is a convergence of two very important elements, the unwavering support of travel professionals, and the incredible hotel growth in the destination of Puerto Rico,” Austin said.
The Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel and Casino is offering a $139 rate for the IDE 2011 to those using the group code ASTA11.
“As many in the industry know, Starwood started and claims victory in the hotel bed wars,” continued Austin. “Starwood wants to share some of the Starwood consumer experience with the ASTA IDE attendees.”
Previously, Starwood sponsored a contest for any travel agent who registered for ASTA’s International Destination Expo Puerto Rico (San Juan, April 14-17, 2011) prior to June 30. Registrants were automatically entered to win a free pre- or post-stay at one of Puerto Rico's premier hotels including the new The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, the W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island or the Four Points by Sheraton Resort & Casino at Palmas Del Mar.
For full tour descriptions and more information about the IDE, visit www.asta.org/IDE.