You are credited with bringing global hospitality brands into the all-inclusive space during a time when the sector was dominated by family-owned companies with little to no brand equity . What sparked this idea for a partnership , and what steps did you take to make it become a reality ?
What really appealed to me about the all-inclusive opportunity was the undeniable value proposition to the guest and the potential to drive superior financial returns for owners by delivering value in a way that wasn ’ t widely available in the market . I believe our growing portfolio of resorts successfully serves as proof of concept . Further , our ability to continue to do business during the pandemic demonstrates the power of a direct booking engine but also the resilience of the all-inclusive concept throughout the toughest of times .
You are considered a visionary , having the ability to identify trends and opportunities years before they become mainstream . What is next for this thriving segment and what are you most excited about looking toward the future ?
The all-inclusive segment is growing and here to stay . It has become attractive to a segment of the population who never considered all-inclusive vacations and found that they truly love the convenience of the high-touch , seamless experience .
Going forward , we will see all-inclusive resorts in many new locations with new global hospitality brands that were never considered before in those markets as a result of premiumization . Our premium offering has really resonated with travelers because of the value that we provide including high-touch service , top-of-theline amenities such as award-winning spas and fitness centers , and a wide range of thematic , a-la-carte dining .
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