Aruba strengthens its luxury and sustainability offering with Marriott

Carolina Voullième, Multi-Property Director of Sales and Marketing at Marriott International (Aruba), shares the key points of the experience offered by the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, its approach to MICE tourism, sustainability, and the keys to continuing to consolidate Aruba as a leading destination in the Caribbean

(Source: Travel2latam)

What are the main amenities at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino?
The hotel is located on the beachfront, which is a huge advantage in itself. We are completing a complete room renovation that will be completed by mid-December. The new rooms will have large balconies, natural colors, and a design designed to create a sense of relaxation, ideal for visitors to Aruba.
We also offer a wide variety of cuisines: Mediterranean, Mexican, steak, seafood, sushi, and more. We define ourselves as a destination within a destination: here guests can eat well, shop, enjoy the beach, and stay at home if they wish.

What proposals are you developing for MICE tourism?
We strive to be very flexible, as we understand that each event or group has specific needs. We offer different packages for celebrations or meetings, depending on the client's objective. We have several outdoor venues, especially on the beach or with ocean views, which are highly sought after for events and parties.

What specific actions do you take in terms of sustainability?
We have several initiatives underway. We recycle water and use it to maintain our gardens. All of the hotel's water heating is powered by solar panels. We also recycle oil and cardboard, and send plastic bottle containers to the Dominican Republic for processing. The windows are designed with materials that help maintain the internal temperature, which optimizes the use of air conditioning. All of this aims to reduce our environmental impact.

What is the profile of guests you most frequently receive?
The majority come from the United States, around 90%. But we're also seeing significant growth from Latin America, especially Argentina, Chile, Peru, and, to a lesser extent, Brazil. In terms of age, we receive many multigenerational groups, as well as couples who come to celebrate their honeymoon or simply enjoy a romantic vacation. It's a fairly diverse audience.

What marketing strategies are you using to attract new markets and retain current guests?
We focus almost entirely on digital marketing. We seek to stay relevant and present, showcasing the strengths of our offering: sun, sand, and sea. Although it sounds basic, it's what people look for when they think of Aruba. Additionally, we reinforce the idea that the hotel is a destination within a destination, which adds value to the experience.

Why should an agency or operator recommend Aruba to their clients?
Aruba is a fantastic destination. I personally arrived here two years ago and have now lived here for twelve. It's a safe island, with stable weather year-round and outside the hurricane belt. The people are friendly, the island has good energy, and everything works. Visitors find first-class facilities, adventure, and relaxation, all in a well-maintained environment.

How did the hotel perform this year, and what are your expectations for the future?
This year was different because we had approximately 50% of our room inventory closed for renovations. Still, we're meeting—and even exceeding—our goals. For next year, we expect excellent results thanks to the relaunch of our fully renovated rooms.


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