At the onset of the pandemic , Karen S . Whitt , VP of Marketing for The Hartling Group ( including The Shore Club Long Bay Beach , The Palms Turks & Caicos , and The Sands at Grace Bay ) and longtime executive member of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association , became a leader in transparent communication and problem-solving in the Caribbean . When the region closed down to tourists , The Hartling Group moved quickly to mitigate the effect on their team members as well as prepare the resorts for the future of leisure and group travel .
They introduced enhanced sanitizing measures across the board - new protocols in housekeeping as well as cleanliness in high-touch places across the resort . They were leaders in social distancing with staff at the early stages of the pandemic , implementing " Heartful Hartling Hospitality " where team members are committed to delivering a memorable welcome with their usual great smiles and using a gesture of hands to their hearts as the way of welcoming guests . Food and beverage operations shifted to enhanced room service and small group options to minimize contact . In addition to the action and on-site changes , the approach of showcasing Karen as a voice for the region , her sharing these updates in real-time and serving as a communications leader to keep future travelers educated and informed on what they could expect when borders reopened , was instrumental in future success .
With coverage in places like CNBC , The Chicago Tribune , and over 50 newspapers in the US , Karen was a soughtafter resource for how to book a Caribbean vacation in this day and age . And when travel restrictions were lifted the resorts saw an immediate boost in inquiries and bookings . At the start of 2021 , The Shore Club had multiple full property group buyouts , showing that groups and guests were ready to have this experience again , and were confident in what the resort would deliver . Occupancy has been exceptional , particularly in the summer which is typically low-season , as travelers are making up for lost time . The upcoming Thanksgiving and festive season are also seeing record bookings .
As an exclusive offering to clients deciding their next steps during the uncertain times of the summer 2020 pandemic , JPR produced a webinar titled , The Future and Now of Safe Hospitality . With panelists from Blue
Canary Solutions , Hersha Hotels and Resorts , and the Independent Lodging Congress , webinar topics focused on 1 ) creating a culture of safety for employees and guests , 2 ) today ' s top must-do ' s on-site , and 3 ) making a safe environment everlasting . A real-time Q & A with these hospitality experts rounded out the agenda . JPR had more than 80 registrants sign up to attend , and shared a recorded link with media and clients after the event via the agency ’ s monthly newsletter , Priority Status : Window Seat .
To help the recovery of tourism , JPR helped devise creative initiatives to help clients adapt to trends in the space like working remote , extended stays , outdoor programming ( especially on the F & B front ), etc . They not only needed to guide their clients on trends but had to put creative behind it so these properties were staying relevant and adapting to what travelers of the now were seeking .
Some of the successful programs developed over the past year included LEARNING by Eden Roc , as demand increased for extended stays and educational experiences . JPR created packages designed for different family needs with work-from-hotel experience for parents , paired with extensive education and skillfocused programming for children , like Spanish and piano lessons . The Children ’ s Concierge was developed as part of the LEARNING package to assist children as they attend their virtual classes .
To bring virtual educational programming to Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal , the property partnered with trusted national tutoring service , TakeLessons , to offer hand-selected , qualified USA-based instructors and tutors in over 300 + academic and enrichment subjects . Guests worked with their Personal Concierge to arrange a virtual meeting with a dedicated TakeLessons Education Guide to discuss student needs and goals , and develop a custom program prior to their stay . Educational programs began on property and could continue once guests return home by working with the TakeLessons team to expand sessions beyond the resort .
As privacy is the new luxury , the property partnered with Schubach Aviation , a Southern California based private jet charter and aircraft management service ,
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