Grupo Iberostar opened its first international offices in 1979, laying the foundation for what would become its world-renowned hotel division, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts. As the company celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, founder and executive chairman Miguel Fluxa recalls a lesson from his father.
“When I was 12 years old, my father taught us something that I believe is absolutely essential: You must have passion for your career,” Fluxa said in a statement. “I found this passion with Iberostar, and I’m so proud of our continued growth and to have top hotels globally today.”
With more than 100 Iberostar properties in 16 countries, including 10 all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has emerged as a mighty force. In 2004, Grupo Iberostar also created Fundacion Iberostar, a foundation specializing in social action and education development in Spain and Latin America.
According to John Long, vice president of sales and marketing for North America, a large portion of the company’s success can be attributed to its longstanding partnerships with travel agents.
“Here at Iberostar, we value our agents, who have become real brand ambassadors,” Long said. “Over the years, they have shared Iberostar’s story with their clients and spoken to our continued commitment to exceed expectations.”
Long also notes Iberostar’s evolution as a company, which has enabled it to continuously improve the quality of its services and amenities. With more than 23,000 employees, Iberostar offers its guests top culinary options, world-class spa treatments and meticulous design and decor, along with programs such as Star Fit and Fun, which focuses on guests’ health and wellness.
Along with that evolution is expansion. Iberostar recently opened its first property in the U.S.: Iberostar 70 Park Avenue, a four-star boutique hotel in Manhattan. Guests can enjoy easy access to local New York City landmarks, including Bryant Park, Grand Central Station and 5th Avenue.
Other installments for 2017 include two new properties, starting with Iberostar Berkeley in South Beach, Miami. With 96 guestrooms, the renovated 1940s art deco hotel will be one of various efforts toward increasing the company’s urban presence. The brand will then welcome Cuba’s 827-room Iberostar Bella Vista Varadero in April, a five-star all-inclusive hotel for families, as well as one of the first high-rise buildings in the area.
The Grand Collection Hotels, which is composed of nine boutique hotels primarily designed for adults, will soon be undergoing a series of renovations. In addition, Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro in the Dominican Republic will see new updates to its swimming pool, buffet restaurant and lobby; and Iberostar Cancun will be building a new restaurant, as well as a beach tower, expected to be completed next November.
Long explains that Iberostar’s top priority lies in exceeding expectations for quality and service.
“We will continue to reinvest profits to improve hotels, address client feedback and offer new programs — and, in turn, provide the best vacation experience,” Long said. “We need to keep guests top of mind and keep up with what defines a memorable vacation.”
The Details
Iberostar Hotels & Resortswww.iberostar.com
