A packed house at the Islington Golf Course
Amond Resorts' Susan Anderson
Deborah Millington of the Barbados Tourism Authority
Don’t know about you, but my Valentine’s chocolates are long gone. So it was time for a helping of delicious romance, courtesy of Almond Resorts.
The mini-chain, with locations in Barbados and St. Lucia, warmed up a chilly night at the Islington Golf Club where some 90 travel agents came to dine and learn and be romanced by the Almond and tourist board teams.
Deborah Millington of the Barbados Tourism Authority reminded agents that “It’s always summer in Barbados,†and that with five weekly flights in summer from YYZ to BGI on WestJet, getting to the island from Canada has never been easier. Also – really good to know for star-struck Canadians – all resorts on the island have now been rated by AAA (the U.S. equivalent of our CAA) so they can really trust the star rating.
Alison Theodore from St. Lucia is thrilled that The Bachelor is now being set in UVF – tune in for a first-hand look at what many consider the most romantic island in the Caribbean. As she put it, “St. Lucia was tailor-made for weddings and honeymoons!â€
Then Monique Gironda, National Sales Manager Canada for Almond Resorts, took to the podium with more some great news for agents. Just one booking a year will give you Team Almond status, with free gifts and displays and a free 3 night stay. Additional bookings bring cash incentives and more free nights – and tour operator bookings count!
“We really care about our wedding couples,†said Susan Anderson, the company’s Florida-based Wedding Director. “We do some 1,600 a year at our five properties!†Oddest request? “For a black horse, why I have no idea. But we came up with a horse drawn carriage with a black horse, so they were happy.â€
Almost as happy as the agents at the presentation who were delighted and surprised when everyone received an impressive thank you gift: a certificate for 3 nights at any Almond Resort! See you by the pool!
