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Real Resorts offer a variety of wedding celebrations ranging from basic weddings to more extravagant ceremonies. // © Real Resorts 2010 |
In my travels throughout Cancun and Mexico during past turbulent economic times, there is one market that hoteliers point to as weathering the storm — the destination wedding market. Agents who haven’t tapped into this market are neglecting an easy revenue stream from group bookings and add-ons, including booking the couple’s dream honeymoon.
Last month, Real Resorts has sweetened the pot for travel agents booking destination weddings. The company inaugurated its Royal Wedding Specialist Program. The program allows travel agents to earn 10 percent commission on wedding packages at any four of Real Resorts’ all-inclusive Mexico properties: The Royal in Cancun and The Royal Playa del Carmen, the Gran Caribe Real in Cancun and the Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen. The resorts offer a variety of wedding celebrations from a complimentary basic wedding to more extravagant celebrations priced from $700 and up.
Interested agents can download a registration form at RRMembers.RealResorts.com. Agents then need to submit the form and a $200 fee in order to begin earning wedding commissions. Real Resorts will waive the $200 registration fee for agents who have already booked two weddings and 10 nights at any of the four Real Resorts in Cancun and Playa del Carmen within the last 12 months prior to agency registration. The fee will also be reimbursed if a minimum of three weddings are booked within 12 months of enrollment.
The agency’s name and contact information will be listed on the Real Resorts wedding planning website, and agents will also receive a co-branded Royal wedding banner for display in their agency and during tradeshows, as well as marketing materials, brochures, DVDs and sales support. Participating agents are also first in line to attend upcoming wedding fam trips.
There’s a built-in perk for an agent’s client who books a minimum of a five-night stay within 30 days of a bridal show. The client receives a resort credit of $100 at The Royal in Cancun or The Royal Playa del Carmen and a $50 resort credit at Gran Porto Real or Gran Caribe Real. Resort credits can be used for such amenities as spa services, romantic dinners on the beach or a nice bottle of wine.
The program makes some demands of agents, however. Participating Royal Wedding Specialists are required to include the Real Resorts logo or tag line in their print and e-mail advertising and marketing, as well as display the logo on their storefront, office or agency website.
Real Resorts
www.realresorts.com/weddings
