What ACV’s Erminia Nigro says is the most important selling feature of Palmaia, The House of AïA, are the unparalleled health and wellness offerings included in every guest’s stay.
“They use the word ‘healing’ in their services and rituals, which really stands out. We are more conscious of our surroundings, we care for our nature and Palamai’s core is a connection to nature,” says Nigro, General Manager of Sales, Ontario at Air Canada Vacations.
“Sun destinations all have beach, sand and water, but consumers are looking for a bit more in today’s world. This is a perfect selection for those seeking all the sun, sand and water, but also nature and a chance to focus on themselves! A perfect combination for the perfect vacation.”
Tapping into the wellness-focused travel trend is a lucrative move for agents. A growing market for several years now, wellness tourism was a US$639 billion market in 2017, projected to reach $919 billion by 2022, according to the Global Wellness Institute. World travellers made 830 million international and domestic wellness trips in 2017, representing 17% of all tourism expenditures.
“The health and wellness travel trend is absolutely growing,” Nigro says. “More Canadians are putting emphasis on their health and wellbeing. We are ahead of the curve when targeting these type of niche markets and are confident that by looking at our Sun brochure, we quickly guide consumers to the best resorts offering the health and wellness they are searching for. Palmaïa is certainly one of those resorts.”
With its innovative Waldorf-inspired kids program, extensive Architects of Life activities, jungle spa and host of wellness offerings, it’s easy to see why Palmaïa is part of ACV’s Spa and Family Collection in the 2020 Sun Brochure.
“There are certain criteria that we look for and ask the hotel to provide in order to be included in that type of Collection,” Nigro says.
“When we put our stamp of approval of placing a resort in a Family, Spa or other Collection, it means we have done our due diligence in ensuring it provides certain criteria for our guests and that it has all the necessary amenities that we believe should be available for a resort in that Collection.”
The getaway gets sweeter for guests who want the ultimate escape – a solo tropical getaway. ACV guests to Palmaïa don’t pay a Single Supplement, a rare perk for luxury resorts, says Nigro.
“You don’t get that a lot with luxury properties. If I were a travel agent and I have this niche market of solo travellers, this is a perfect opportunity to sell them in it,” she says.
ACV’s winter schedule has flights to CUN (about 60 kilometres from Palmaïa, The House of AïA) out of seven Canadian gateways: YYZ, YUL, YQB, YVR, YOW, YHZ and YWG. Flight are daily from the major hubs.
“Cancun is one of those destinations that has rebounded for us and there are a lot of flight choices.”
