Hola Sun Holidays thanks agents with a taste of Cuba

As the weather cools and thoughts turn to travel in sunnier climates, Hola Sun Holidays brought a taste of Cuba to the Toronto area to thank agents and provide a glimpse of the upcoming winter travel season.

The Fiesta Cubana event took place at Mississauga’s Le Treport Banquet Hall last Friday, complete with dinner, dancing, prizes and the sounds of Old Havana, helping to launch Hola Sun’s new Cuba brochure.

Ashley Stevenson D'Ascencio, Hola Sun’s Sales & Marketing Coordinator, said that 2015 will see the introduction of 11 new properties for Hola Sun in Cuba, including Cayo Coco (three), Varadero (four), Cayo Santa Maria (two) and Havana (two). In addition to Hola Sun’s continued offers of seven- and 14-night all-inclusives, land-only/air-only packages, car rentals, excursions and packages with Cuba Cruise, Stevenson D'Ascencio said that pre-booking of excursions will also be offered in 2015.

“It’s a really good selling feature because if you can book it before you get there, once you arrive at the hotel everything is done and taken care of,” she told PAX, “so you don’t have to worry about finding reps or whether or not you’re going to get the tours you want to do. It’s definitely a bonus for families and individual travellers alike.”

For 2015, Stevenson D'Ascencio said that increased flight schedules to Cuba during the winter season bode well for rising tourism numbers.

“We’re definitely hoping to see increases in our numbers as well as into Cuba as a whole,” she said, “because we want to see the destination thrive.

“It’s a beautiful destination with something for everyone, especially through the different channels we have,” she continued. “You can do your typical 14-night all-inclusive beach holiday and go and relax, or if you’re more adventurous, there’s different excursions. There’s so much to offer and Cuba is a very accessible and affordable destination, with a lot of history, culture and vibrant architecture.”

Top from L-R: Ray Kendall, Sales Representative; Trevor Haines, Airport Rep; Victoria Wall, Reservations and Operations Manager; Chelsea Scott, Reservation agent; Rebecca Gallotta, Groups Manager; Angelo Chiesa, GM/Controller; Ashley Stevenson D’Ascencio, Sales and Marketing Coordinator; Jennifer Aguero, Reservation agent; Jose Trevino, President; Mayelin Urra, Hotel Accounting.

Bottom from L-R: Debby Pan, Operations; Allison Mitchell, Reservation agent; Michelle Lynds, Product/Systems Coordinator; Denise Legere, Client Services; Veronica Duenas, Sales accounts Manager.