Kontacto No.27 English Version

Quarterly publication Year 8 Vol. 27 Riviera Maya

LE CHIQUE

10 YEARS OF SUCCESS KARISMA EXPANSION: MEET THE NEW MEMBERS FROM OUR PORTFOLIO IN COLOMBIA AND MONTENEGRO BEST WORKPLACES TM IN THE CARIBBEAN 2018

EDI TORIAL LET TER The strength of Karisma’s team lies in its collaborators and it is amazing how every day we witness the commitment and passion in each of our properties and offices. Throughout these 18 years we have proven that only through hard work, persistence and collaboration we can achieve anything we set our minds to.

We have closed and opened a new cycle, a new year with multiple opportunities ahead of us. We began 2018 adding Allure Canela in Colombia to our portfolio and are preparing everything to begin operations in three new properties in Montenegro: Allure Palazi Kotor Bay, Holiday Village and Hotel Olympic.

It is also time to celebrate our good results as a team. We are proud to continue receiving awards and recognition that shows us we are on the right path and inspire us to continue improving.

TripAdvisor, Travvy Awards, Condenast Traveler Readers’ Choice, Green Globe, Travelife and EarthCheck are some of the institutions that have recognized us for our commitment and excellence.

Two years ago, we started a cultural change process with Great Place to Work which has led us to implement initiatives to improve the experience of our collaborators as a key element in our expansion project. We believe that trust, diversity and respect are the axis of our culture and have allowed us to build successful teams.

We are excited because during our second year participating in Great Place to Work we achieved recertification and significantly improved our results in Mexico, Colombia, Jamaica and Dominican Republic and entered the Ranking of the Best Companies to Work™ in the Caribbean, 2018.

Our growth vision inspires us to continue innovating, reinventing ourselves and creating new opportunities for all of us. We launched the program Your Idea, Your Vision, our Future to begin an integral process of dialogue, interaction and feedback so that we can all lay the ground for new projects and new challenges.

I am sure that thanks to the effort, teamwork and everyone’s contributions we will achieve and exceed the goals we have set for ourselves in 2018.

Greetings,

Sr. Sasa Milojevic VP Operations Karisma Hotels & Resorts

General Director: Sasa Milojevic Editor: Estela Paz y Blanca Velarde

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INDEX NE W FACE S AWARDS & RE CO G NIT IO NS 1 0 TH E DIT IO N O F O U R G IVC´S WH AT ’ S NE W AT… KARIS MA H OT E LS ADRIAT IC PASS IO N FO R S U STAINAB ILITY

LE CH IQ U E ; 10 YE ARS O F S U CCESS

KARIS MA E X PANS IO N

H U MAN RE S O U RCE S

E XOT IC & PRE ST IG E

CO LLAB O RATO R ME E T ING S

PAMPE RING U

T H E B E ST O F T H E B E ST

Creative Director: Rosalinda Graf Art Director: Antonio Violante Editorial Design and Illustration: Guillermo Sánchez

Editorial Board: Nayeri Ramos (Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancún), Carlos Chuc (The Fives Azul Beach Resort), Elvis Puc (Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya), Armando Sánchez (El Dorado Maroma), Alberto Roldán (El Dorado Royale - El Dorado Casitas - Generations Riviera Maya), Galdino Trujillo (El Dorado Seaside Suites) Sarina Pech (Exotic Travelers & Prestige Travelers), Analie Vargas (Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts) Collaborators: Daniel Castellón (Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancún), Belem Lagunes (Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya), Mónica Cruz (El Dorado Maroma), Karla Canal (The Fives Azul Beach Resort ), Mariana Aguilar (El Dorado Royale - El Dorado Casitas Royale) Francisco Argüelles (Generations Riviera Maya),

Karen Sharpe - Williams (Azul Beach Resort Negril), Laura Romero (Allure Chocolat y

Bonbon), Aleksandra Nenadic (WMS), Lyn Santos (Karisma), Kenia Abreu (Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts), Grecia López (Vassa y Náay Spa), Andrew Barajas (Karisma), Pablo Correa (Karisma) Beatriz del Valle (Karisma)

Printing: Pixel Press, S.A. de C.V. Carretera Cancún-Aeropuerto Km 15 lote 7, SM 301, Edificio USA Today P.B. Cancún, Quintana Roo C.P. 77560 Tel. 01( 998) 8862232 atnclientes@pixelpress.com.mx Kontacto Magazine Free quarterly issue, property of Karisma Hotels & Resorts Address: Carretera Federal-Tulum Km. 55.3, Centro Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, México C.P. 77710.

Teléfono: +52 (984) 206 3470 Circulation: 1,000 copies.The content of the articles is the responsibility of their author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editorial Board, nor does it represent the official posture of the Hotels sponsoring this magazine. Advertising information is the sole responsibility of the advertisers.

WELCOME TO THE KARISMA FAMILY These are the talents that have joined our Karisma family and who will contribute with their Experience to the growth of our company. We also present to you our internal promotions:

PATRICK JORIO

JESSICA QUILES

CORPORATIVE MAINTENANCE & ENGINEER DIRECTOR

SIX SIGMA MANAGER

A

A

s of January 8, 2018, Mr. Patrick Jorio joins our company as Corp. Dir. of Maintenance and Engineering for the hotels operated by KHR, reporting directly to Mr. Sasa Milojevic, VP of Operations Hotels Division. Originally from Switzerland, he speaks Spanish, English, Italian, French and German.

s of January 8th, 2018, Ms. Jessica Quiles joins our company as Lean / Six Sigma Manager (Black Belt) for the different business units that make up the Karisma Group, reporting directly to the undersigned.

Originally from Mexico, she graduated as a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and holds a master’s in quality systems and a Black Belt certification from the University of the Americas. She is also certified as a Green Belt, Internal Auditor ISO 9001, and in Lean Manufacturing, Great Food Safe International Level. Jessica is bilingual (Spanish - English), and her professional Experience began with the Marriott chain, in the Rooms Division, where she was selected to be trained as Green Belt, to thin work on improvement projects and Lean / SS, for process optimization and quality control in Food & Beverages. This led her to obtain the Marriott Rewards Certification in 2012.

He is a graduate of the Scuola Di Lugano-Trevano in Switzerland, as an Electrical Engineer, also holding a Diploma in Hotel Management from the American Hotel & Lodging Association, and the Certification in Hotel Engineering Operations from the American Hotel & Motel Association.

His professional Experience in the hotel industry has been acquired in various countries such as Ecuador, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, England, Belgium, France and Mexico; working with chains such as Palladium, Occidental, MeliĂĄ and Hilton.

His extensive professional Experience has allowed him to reach regional and corporate positions, having developed strong skills in hotel opining, remodeling, CAPEX management and budgets, as well as development of programs for conservation and energy saving.

ISS U U.CO M /K ARIS MA-MX

Her extensive knowledge of all the hotel departments, accompanied by skills and knowledge of statistical analysis, creation of high performance teams, project management, analysis of measurement systems, and process evaluation, will allow her to add to the strengthening of the Karisma Team, to continue developing the solid foundations of a safe and efficient growth.

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W E LC O M E TO THE KARISMA FAMILY

IGNACIO JÁUREGUI

A

NOÉ LANDA

GENERAL MANAGER

GENERAL MANAGER

AZUL BEACH RESORT RIVIERA CANCUN

AZUL BEACH RESORT RIVIERA MAYA

s of February 7th, 2018, Mr. Ignacio Jauregui joins

A

s of February 15th, 2018, Mr. Noe Landa has been

our company again, as General Manager for the

appointed as General Manager for the Azul Beach

Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun hotel, reporting

Resort Riviera Maya Hotel, by Karisma, reporting directly

directly to Mr. Beat Muller, Director of Operations Azul

to Mr. Beat Müller, Director of Azul Beach Resorts Brand

Beach Resorts and Azul Villas Mexico region.

Operations and Azul Villas for Mexico region.

In fact, Mr. Jauregui already had an Experience in our company as General Manager of the same property,

Mr. Landa began his career in hospitality at Allegro

in 2013 - 2014. He has an important hotelier career,

Resorts, where he stood out for his performance. In 2001

performing

in

he joined the team of Karisma Hotels & Resorts in El

companies such as Parnassus Resorts, Crown Paradise

Dorado Royale in positions such as Front Desk Manager,

Resorts, and Goldin Crown Resorts, in important

Quality Control Manager and Chief Concierge. He was

Mexican destinations such as Puerto Vallarta and

also Rooms Division Manager and Butler Coordinator

Cancun.

at the Azul Blue Tulum hotel. In 2007 he was promoted

in

General

Management

positions

to General Manager at the Azul Beach Resort Riviera He is a graduate of the University of British Columbia,

Maya hotel, and in 2012 as Hotel Manager at Azul Beach

holding a Bachelor´s degree in Business Administration,

Resort Riviera Cancún. In recognition of his excellent

in addition to having obtained Diplomas related to the

performance and results, in 2014 he assumed the position

area, issued by the Anahuac University.

of General Manager of Allure Chocolat & Allure Bonbon

His focus on the translation of conceptual business

in Colombia, and in 2017 he was promoted to Operations

models into specific growth strategies, as well as the

Manager for the Allure brand hotels in the said country.

assurance of excellence in the Experience of each

Graduated holding a B.A. in Business Administration by

guest, will be key in his contribution to the operations

the Universidad Veracruzana, Mr. Landa has grown with

in our company.

the organization.

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W E LC O M E TO THE KARISMA FAMILY

A

PIERRE BONIN

GRECIA LĂ“PEZ

GENERAL MANAGER

CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF

EL CIELO WINERY & RESORT

ROOMS & SPA OPERATIONS

A

s of March 1st, 2018, Mr. Pierre Bonin joins our

s of February 2018, Ms. Grecia Lopez Marcos has

company as General Manager of El Cielo, Vineyard

been promoted to Corporate Director of Rooms &

Villas & Spa, by Karisma reporting directly to Paula

Spa Operations and will continue to report directly to Mr.

Negrete, Operations Director of El Dorado Spa Resorts,

Sasa Milojevic.

Generations Resorts & Hidden Beach.

Grecia has grown professionally in our organization,

Mr. Bonin is a half Mexican, half French executive who speaks English, Spanish and French. He has 30 years

entering the world of hospitality through Allegro Resorts,

of experience in the international tourism industry. He

where for over 7 years she held different managerial

started his career in hotels as a banquet chef in France;

positions ranging from Reservations, Customer Service,

he has achieved several accolades and certifications

Rooms Division, to Resident Manager in Dominican

such as AAA 4 Diamond Award, RCI Gold Crown, Green

Republic, Venezuela and Mexico. When Karisma began

Globe, Earth Check, Five Star Diamond, CondĂŠ Nast

operations in year 2000, she became part of the team

Johansens Recommended and Excellence Award by Trip

as a Resident Manager and General Manager, as well as

Advisor among others.

Operations Assistant for hotels in Mexico until 2010, when she took charge of standardization of Rooms and Spas

He has collaborated with internationally renowned

for all Hotels.

Hotels such as Park Royal Puerto Vallarta, Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta, Casa

With her excellent performance in the international hotel

Velas Hotel Boutique, Velas Resorts Puerto Vallarta,

framework in Jamaica, Colombia and recently in his native

Dreams Villamagna and AM Resorts Nuevo Vallarta

Dominican Republic with the Punta Cana properties, she

among others. Please join me in giving Pierre a warm welcome and your support for the success of

has earned this promotion, approaching next openings

his administration.

and expansion projects of the organization.

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ACCOLADES

& AWA R DS

PALAFITOS AT EL DORADO MAROMA & NICKELODEON TM PUNTA CANA

TAKE THE GOLD!

AT TRAVEL WEEKLY'S MAGELLAN AWARDS

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e are pleased to share that two of Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ properties have been awarded with Travel Weekly’s Magellan Awards.

Palafitos-Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma •2017 Gold Magellan Award Winner in the Hospitality -Overall -Luxury Hotel/ Resort category •2017 Gold Magellan Award Winner in the Hospitality -Overall- Beach/Resort Hotel category Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana •2017 Gold Magellan Award Winner in the Hospitality -Overall -Family Resort/Hotel To be selected as a Magellan Award winner is a tremendous achievement and proves Karisma Hotels & Resorts represent a high standard of excellence within the travel industry!

Congratulations to our PalafitosOverwater Bungalows and Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana colleagues for this achievement!

AWAR DS & R E CO GNI T IO NS

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WE ARE AMONG

AZUL BEACH RESORT

THE BEST!

RIVIERA M AYA

CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER READER’S CHOICE AWARDS

1ST HOTEL IN LATIN AMERICA TO GET THE SECURITY CHECK CERTIFICATION

C

I

Hotels are located among the Best 25 resorts in the East Coast

got the level 2 of the Security Check certification, thus becoming

of Mexico:

the 1st hotel in Latin America to get this certification.

t is our great pleasure to share with you the news: Our

ondé Nast Traveler published the winners of the Readers’ Choice Awards, we are happy to share that two of our

colleagues from Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya, by Karisma

Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun, by Karisma, was ranked

Security Check is a certification whose purpose is to guarantee

#5, due to its outstanding couples and families concept with

that our security measures are adequate for minimizing risks

an international gourmet Service, including the multi Award

for guests, collaborators, and the continuity of the business,

winning Le Chique; also, for offering rooms and activities for

considering the possible dangers or threats as per the

children and teenagers in a family atmosphere.

environment where our hotels are located.

El Dorado Maroma, a Spa Resort by Karisma, was ranked #23

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING CERTIFIED?

among the Best, for its location in one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the excellent service and personalized

•Our hotels are more competent.

attention of its collaborators.

•Guests will feel safer with us.

For the 30th issue of the Readers’ Choice Awards over 300,

•It is useful information that we can share with our family

000 travelers participated through evaluations and comments

and loved ones.

towards choosing the best tourism centers.

•The MOST IMPORTANT thing is, we will be prepared to act in the event of a risk situation.

This Award is important because it is the travelers who recognize our dedication and effort for offering them unique, authentic

We want to congratulate and recognize the team of Azul Beach

experiences and a constantly innovating personalized service.

Resort Riviera Maya, by Karisma for their hard work, preparation

We thank you all for your passion and effort which are a

and dedication to make this certification possible.

constant cause of recognition for our hotels and brands. This

recognition is by and for all of you.

The next step is to certify all our hotels to guarantee the safety and wellbeing of our guests and collaborators.

Congratulations!

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AWARDS & RE CO G NIT IO NS

TRAVELLERS’

CHOICE 2018

TRAVELLERS RECOGNIZE US

T

ripAdvisor published the list of winners of the Travelers’ Choice 2018 awards and our hotels were outstanding at several categories. These awards are meaningful because they are granted based on millions of comments and opinions from Travelers sharing their Experiences in TripAdvisor.

Our guests recognize our dedication to service, the unequaled Gourmet Inclusive® Experience and our magnificent facilities.

Dominican Republic

Colombia

THE 25 MOST POPULAR

THE 25 MOST POPULAR

HOTELS FOR FAMILIES • CARIBBEAN

ROMANTIC HOTELS • COLOMBIA

NICKELODEON HOTELS & RESORTS PUNTA CANA

ALLURE CHOCOLAT HOTEL BY KARISMA

RANK #14

RANK #19

Karisma Adriatic THE 25 MOST POPULAR

THE 25 MOST POPULAR

ROMANTIC HOTELS • CROATIA

HOTELS • CROATIA

TUI SENSIMAR ADRIATIC BEACH RESORT

TUI SENSIMAR KALAMOTA ISLAND RESORT

TUI SENSIMAR ADRIATIC BEACH RESORT

TUI SENSIMAR MAKARSKA

RANK #10

RANK #25

RANK #17

RANK #24

AWAR DS & R E CO GNI T IO NS

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Mexico THE 25 MOST POPULAR HOTELS • MEXICO

EL DORADO MAROMA, A SPA RESORT BY KARISMA

RANK #23

THE 25 MOST POPULAR

THE 25 MOST POPULAR

ROMANTIC HOTELS • MEXICO

HOTELS FOR FAMILIES • MEXICO

EL DORADO CASITAS ROYALE, A SPA RESORT BY KARISMA

EL DORADO MAROMA, A SPA RESORT BY KARISMA

AZUL BEACH RESORT RIVIERA MAYA, BY KARISMA

GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA,

BY KARISMA

RANK #17

RANK #22

RANK #8

RANK #15

THE 25 MOST POPULAR ALL-INCLUSIVE HOTELS • MEXICO

EL DORADO MAROMA, A SPA RESORT BY KARISMA

EL DORADO SENSIMAR RIVIERA MAYA, BY KARISMA

GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA,

BY KARISMA

AZUL BEACH RESORT RIVIERA MAYA, BY KARISMA

RANK #9

RANK #17

RANK #23

RANK #.24

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AWARDS & RE CO G NIT IO NS

GUÍA MÉXICO GASTRONÓMICO: 120 RESTAURANTES 2018 Our Le Chique restaurant has been added to “Guía México Gastronómico: los 120 restaurantes 2018” recognizes the restaurants that offer pure excellence to their diners. They are chosen by a council of 350 celebrities of Mexico's gastronomical medium. Among the evaluated criteria are: •Service quality.

•Continuity of the restaurant's culinary project.

•Influence of the cooks, chefs or restaurant owners on the sustainable development of regional cuisine.

•The restaurant's support of culinary communities in its environment.

•If it is an Experience worth living (price-quality ratio).

Congratulations to Le Chique for this recognition!

NO.6

RANKING GPTW®

It is thanks to each of us

SOUTH & SOUTHEAST REGIONS!

who live our Values with

IN THE CENTER,

Passion, that we are a Great

A

few weeks ago, Great Place to Work published the ranking for the Best WorkplacesTM in the Caribbean in

Place to Work.

different regions of the country. By geographical location we participate in the in the Center, South and Southeast regions in Mexico with over 1000 collaborators. We are very pleased to tell you that we ranked number 6.

In 2016, Karisma participated in the audit process for Great Place to Work for the first time, received great results and ranked #17 as a Great Place to Work in Mexico in the category for companies with more than 5000 collaborators.

Additionally, we are located among the best 10 companies in the region. This is a result of our daily actions and the constant effort to Foster an environment of camaraderie, pride and teamwork that allows us to do our best.

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AZUL BEACH RESORTS EARTHCHECK SILVER CERTIFICATION FOR THE THIRD TIME

O

Beach Resort Riviera Cancún, by Karisma; and The Fives Azul

Our hotels, upon receiving

Beach Resort Playa del Carmen, by Karisma, achieved EarthCheck's

the ‘EarthCheck Certified’

ur hotels Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya, by Karisma; Azul

Silver certification. This is our third consecutive yearly certification

seal, can demonstrate their

and at the end of the fifth consecutive year we can achieve Gold certification.

environmental and social performance as well as

Karisma's hotels work with EarthCheck through its Sustainable Tourism Certification, which was developed by the Australian

provide security to the

Government’s Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre in a 10-year period. The science behind the EarthCheck standards is

consumers by practicing what

evaluated on a yearly basis to insure compliance with International

they preach.

Standards related to greenhouse effect gases, responsible tourism and certifications.

Working with EarthCheck, our hotels develop and complement their policies and process documentation such as risk evaluation, residue management plans and internal audits. With this program, our hotels join in the commitment of hundreds of companies committed to achieving the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals and achieve sustainability balance.

Congratulations to our Sustainability colleagues and all the collaborators of operations departments, without your support this certification would not be possible!

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

GREEN GLOBE CERTIFICATION

TRAVELIFE GOLD CERTIFICATION

N

ickelodeonTM Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, by Karisma & Sensatori Resort Punta Cana, by Karisma received the Green Globe certification for their commitment to taking care of the environment, good practices and excellent results in their Green Globe audit.

We thank our Punta Cana colleagues for their commitment, participation and perseverance in adopting sustainable measures in their daily activities to take care of the natural beauty of our hotels, so we can share it with more visitors.

Green Globe is the global certification company for sustainable tourism. The participation the participation and certification are granted only to companies that can demonstrate their commitment with positive contributions to the planet and their people.

ISS U U.CO M /K ARIS MA-MX

I

n recognition of the commitment and passion for sustainability, Travelife presented our Sensatori Resort Punta Cana, by Karisma and Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, by Karisma hotels with the Travelife Gold certificate because of the audit process.

This recognition is the result of the dedication of all our collaborators who have integrated good practices into their daily activities for the preservation of our destination.

Travelife is an initiative that leads the way in training, management and certification of tourism companies that are committed with sustainability.

Congratulations!

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AWARDS & RE CO G NIT IO NS

E

ach year, Karisma Hotels & Resorts celebrates the Gourmet Inclusive® Vacation Consultant Awards and Sales & Marketing Forum. During the first 4 days of this event we celebrate the most outstanding GIVC’s with accolades and giving them privileged information of Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ plans and projects.

One of the most emotional moments in the event is when the Corazon Awards are given out. This is a recognition program where our GIVCs nominate the collaborators for their excellent service, warmth and for giving the guests an Extraordinary Experience in Karisma’s different properties.

The favorite colaborator categories are:

In December, the Annual GIVC Awards and Sales & Marketing Forum was celebrated at El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort, by Karisma, with 700 travel consultants in USA and Canada.

•Bartender •Waiter •Bellboys •Receptionist/Concierge/Butler •Housekeeping •Entertainment •Favorite staff member

Corazon Awards is the way in which the GIVCs

The atmosphere in the room is festive and our collaborators are the VIP’s at the celebration, receiving claps, hugs and displays of love as recognition for their dedication and passion for service.

recognize and thank extraordinary collaborators.

S P E C I AL A RTICLE

The grand finale of the event happened during formal gala dinner where the winners of the Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultant Awards were revealed. Our guests enjoyed an exclusive dinner prepared by the chef of our award-winning restaurant Le Chique.

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During the sessions we presented our expansión plans, with which we will double the number of properties in our portfolio: Margaritaville, An All-Inclusive Experience,

by Karisma in the Mayan Riviera – the first resort in the Caribbean -; Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya in Mexico.

To Dominican Republic we announced the opening of three resorts in Cap Cana in 2019: El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Casitas Royale and Sensimar Cap Cana. In 2018 we will add to tour portfolio in Europe: Holiday Villages Montenegro and Allure Pallazi Kotor Bay by Karisma and El Cielo Vineyard, Villas and Spa by Karisma in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico.

This event gathers two of the key elements for Karisma’s

“Karisma Hotels & Resorts was the first chain to launch a loyalty program for agents 10 years ago and we could not be more proud to have grown alongside our incredible GIVCs …the tenth GIVC Awards and Sales & Marketing Forum was an unforgettable event… we celebrated our incredible travel agents, our mutual successes throughout the last decade, and the exciting future that awaits us together.”

Kelly Poling I Senior Vice President of Marketing for Karisma Hotels & Resorts.

sustained growth: •An Alliance with our GIVCs, which drives sales and helps us penetrate markets.

•The dedication and service vocation of our collaborators.

All members of our team, who, regardless of the department, join forces to guarantee that our guests have an extraordinary experience in every interaction.

Let’s continue to grow together and reach new and greater achievements!

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S PE CIAL ART ICLE

INNOVATION PROGRAM:

YOUR IDEA, YOUR VISION, OUR FUTURE At Karisma we believe that the best way to face challenges and give continuity to our successful growth trajectory is through continuous improvement. Our creative and innovative spirit has lead us to position ourselves as the favorite of our clients, commercial partners and communities in which we are present.

To strengthen this momentum, during the last few months we have worked on the Your Idea, Your Vision, Our Future program to foster a Culture of Innovation among all our collaborators to develop impactful, disruptive ideas and suggestions.

In Dominican Republic, over 350 collaborators gathered at the Sensatori Theater for a conference by José Pineda, Consultant and Facilitator specialized in Leadership and Management. He connected with the audience through games that prepared them to think outside the box and foster collaboration among colleagues to generate impactful ideas.

Your Idea, Your Vision, Our Future is a program that will be implemented globally in all properties, offices and countries in which Karisma is present. Our purpose is to listen to all voices, foster an inclusive culture that is enriched with everyone’s contributions.

“We

want to reflect upon what we have done right during the last 18 years, what we are doing well today, what we can do better and where we want to be tomorrow.”

Sr. Sasa Milojevic Vicepresident of Operations

In Mexico, almost 600 collaborators gathered at El Dorado Royale for the launch conference given by Jorge Ruiz Escamilla, who has been in director level positions for companies such as Facebook Mexico and Central America, Google, Yahoo!, among others. Ruiz Escamilla shared his experience on innovation and disruptive businesses and gave us great examples of companies that revolutionized their industry and changed the rules of the game. He invited us to propose, explore and innovate to do the same in our industry.

In both countries, Idea Committees were assembled so that collaborators from each office or property review the mailboxes periodically. We want to hear you and recognize you for sharing your ideas, so those which are successfully implemented will receive a cash prize. Contact Human Resources to know more about the program.

We are sure that all of us will build a culture of innovation that will allow us to grow as an organization.

Tell us your ideas and proposals so that we can build our future together!

S P E C I AL A RTICLE

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#EXPERIENCEELDORADO

KEYSPOTS

P

art of our social media positioning strategy is the placement of Keyspots in strategic points to invite guests to share their experience in social media. Some of the best views, facilities and areas of our hotels were selected so the visitors can take a picture and share the best of their vacations with their social media contacts under the hashtag #ExperieinceElDorado

Along the same line, the I love Mexico campaign was launched to promote a good image of the country as a tourism destination characterized for its hospitality, warmth and for making our visitors feel at home. We are all ambassadors and share with our visitors our passion for Mexico, its natural, cultural and unequalled gastronomic riches that are a part of #ExperieinceElDorado Invite our guests to share the best of their visit!

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WH AT ’ S NE W AT…

AT…

SPA RESORTS, BY KARISMA

WHAT’S NEW

EL DORADO

EL DORADO ROYALE, A SPA RESORT, BY KARISMA WE RENEWED OUR "PRESIDENTAL SUITES"

I

ntroducing the new image of our presidential suites, with a detailed decoration and ambience that allows for relaxation and for our guests to fully enjoy their experience. The new decoration and furniture complete the exclusive experience that includes a pillow and aromatherapy menu; butler service, welcome fruit basket, bottle of sparkling wine, etc.

GRAND BALLROOM IS BIGGER!

W

e are very pleased to inform you that the expansion process for the grand ballroom has been successfully completed.

With capacity for over 1200 guests, the room is ready and prepared for hosting social events, weddings and conventions.

This expansion considers both the outer and inner part of the ballroom.

W H AT ’ S NE W AT…

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WE REMODELED D’ ITALIA VILLAS RESTAURANT

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e are very pleased to inform that we finished remodeling the D’ Italia Villas restaurant. Besides a new design and decoration, D’ Italia Villas now has a greater capacity for giving a better service to our clients. The restaurant can sit 96 people, including 2 private rooms for 8 and 12 people.

WE GOT A RENOVATION TO WELCOME OUR GUESTS!

T

o surprise our guests with an incredible and luxurious first impression, we renovated the lobby area with new and elegant furniture; the ambience was improved with a new fountain, decorated with natural flowers, mirrors and other visual elements that contribute to an atmosphere of relaxation, ideal for welcoming our guests. Here are some pictures of the renovated lobby.

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WH AT ’ S NE W AT…

GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA

GET TO KNOW EL CIELO MEXICANO

I

n Generations Mayan Riviera we delight our guests with the culinary experience of the Casa Dorada kitchen that includes a welcome and a tour of one of the biggest houses of the Mexican composer Alberto Aguilera, also known as Juan Gabriel, while sipping on a unique mezcal based cocktail.

For dinner, we invite the diners to take a seat within a peculiar and colorful area, “Juan Gabriel’s kitchen”, which was decorated with an authentic Mexican design with el Divo de Juárez’s signature.

The host and mixologist start the event with a tequila tasting during which she/he will take the participants for a ride through the fascinating world of Mexico’s most representative liqueur. Also, our Chef de Cuisine will delight the participants with a molcajete salsa specially prepared right there.

The concept of “Dinner in Cielo Mexicano” is to transport the diners to the kitchens of our ancestors to delight them with the purest, most traditional flavors of Mexico.

The entire meal is paired by our Sommelier, who enriches the culinary experience when offering excellent El Cielo de Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico wine recommendations to the guests.

PRESENTING THE NEW GENERATIONS THEATER

I

n our new Generations theater, visitors can enjoy a unique and exclusive audiovisual experience to enjoy

family entertainment with cutting edge sound systems, giant screen for HD videos and 100% contemporary Mexican design & ambience with capacity for 88 people sitting comfortably.

For the design of this space we had the participation of Juan Gabriel, one of Mexico’s most important composers.

Among the shows you can see here are: Caribbean Fantasy, Rock Circus, Mexico Lindo and Michael Jackson.

W H AT ’ S NE W AT…

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NICKELODEON TM HOTELS & RESORTS & SENSATORI PUNTA CANA As a part of our Karisma Gourmet Inclusive Experience, in our Punta Cana hotels we are inviting our visitors to be delighted with dishes from all our á la carte restaurants in an international themed night: “A taste of the World and More” in a spectacular scenario: The Gourmet Village.

Every Wednesday after 6:00 pm we surprise our visitors with a welcome cocktail right in front of an amazing gastronomical setup.

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As a part of the program, the hotel collaborators and leaders are introduced and the Karismatic collaborator is recognized; this very special collaborator is chosen because of her/his excellent performance during the week.

To complete this night of celebration we have live music, the Circus of Dreams show and a dance floor.

This event was created to share the best of our culinary offer and create a connection with our visitors by having them interact with their hosts.

WH AT ’ S NE W AT…

HOTELS ADRIATIC

KA RISM A

Montenegro LONG BEACH & KOTOR BAY

Karisma’s portfolio has been enriched with Allure Palazzi Kotor Bay by Karisma this spring in the amazing Kotor Bay, as well as Holiday Village Montenegro on one of the longest beaches of the Mediterranean, rightly named Long Beach.

Allure Palazzi Kotor Bay by Karisma is a five-stars hotel that consists of 89 rooms and 10 villas overlooking a private beach and marina in the amazing Kotor Bay. Just a 15-minute walk from Kotor’s Old Town, and 12 km from the airport, Allure Palazzi is set to enchant travelers that seek a holiday experience surrounded by luxury and attention to detail, while experiencing what our Allures are known for – nature, history and array of activities and secluded moments.

Allure Palazzi has 3 restaurants, kids’ playground area, spa and gym, and outdoor pool with cocktail bar overlooking the private beach with lounge bar and beach snack bar.

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20

Allure Palazzi is a backdrop for a fairytale, and Sophia Loren’s

experience

Montenegro

itself

of was

just that: “Just as I have

returned to town from the most beautiful fairytale of my childhood”

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Kotor Bay has been inhabited since antiquity and the Old Town itself has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. There is rarely an ocean liner that misses coming into the Bay of Kotor and the ceremony of entering the Bay if a story of its own – by the sea as you enter the Bay looking onto the hamlet of Risan a thriving Illyrian city settled as back as 229 BC the captain first salutes by blowing the horn a few times in honor if Our Lady of the Rocks. Our Lady of the Rocks is an artificial island in the Bay of Kotor created by rocks and sinking old and seized ships loaded with rocks. Today a museum rests close to the church and a navigation light.

According to the legend, the islet was made over the centuries by Croat local seamen who kept an ancient oath after finding the icon of Madonna and Child on the rock in the sea nearly 600 years ago, and since then upon returning from each successful voyage they laid a rock in the bay. To this day the custom of throwing rocks into the sea is alive nowadays and each knowledgeable captain and seamen give honor to their own when entering the Bay.

Long Beach in southern Montenegro spreads from the town of Ulcinj, one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast and home to the 2 millennia old castle with city itself dating back to 5th century BC, to the confluence of Bojana River into the Adriatic – Ada Bojana Island. Long Beach itself is a sandy stretch of 12km (8miles) and is one of the longest beaches in Europe and has been on the lists of top places to go and visit worldwide due to its untouched natural splendor, whilst the kite surfers and kiteboarders know it wellbeing the premier location on the Adriatic coast and Europe. Shallow warm waters, constant thermal winds make it a joy for activities and it just happens that our Olympic Hotel and Holiday Village Montenegro are located on the northern stretch of Long Beach.

Lonely planet wrote about the region: “Nature has been prolific and creative in Montenegro, producing such iconic draws as the bewitching Bay of Kotor and the buzzy beaches along its Riviera” Holiday Village Montenegro is Karisma’s first Holiday Villages brand hotel (TUI’s First Choice) and it is a Sapphire on its own. Sewn in natural turquoise and wood colors and purple brand design details the hotel itself consists of 257 rooms, 4 pools, 4 restaurants and 6 bars laid among the green woody area stretching by the beach.

With facilities in abundance for activities such as tennis courts, full-size football pitch, aerial assault course, yoga platforms and open-air playgrounds to name just a few, the hotel provides indulgence, entertainment adventure and relaxation for couples and families wishing an unsurpassed experience on the amazing Adriatic. And if the night entertainment and dining experience is not enough, one can just stand still and look up, Professor Nolt said: “Never in my life have I staying in a place lit by so many starts as Ulcinj”. And so, it will become a legend how Karisma added stars to its portfolio in 2018.

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KARIS MA H OT E LS ADRIAT IC

SUSTAINABILITY

PA SSI O N FO R

WHAT IS YOUR

ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT?

BY LYN OHALA SANTOS SUSTAINABILITY DIRECTOR

First things first, how many rooms does your house have? How many lights, fans, A/C’s, TV’s do you have? How many bathrooms?

How many people live in your house? What electronic appliances do you use regularly?

What do you usually eat and where do you buy it? How do you get to your work and how does each member of your family move around? How long do you take when showering? Do you have a garden? What kind of plants do you have in your garden? It would seem that none of these questions is related to the other, but they are, because depending on your answer it will imply that you are consuming a certain amount of the planet’s resources for maintaining your lifestyle.

Here comes the most important question: if all the people in the planet lived exactly with your lifestyle, would the resources of the planet be enough for all of us to live? Or would we need more planets? This concept

PASS I O N FO R S U STA I NAB I LIT Y

22

is known as ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT. If a footprint is the mark or signal that the foot of a man or animal leaves in the floor where it walks by, then the Ecological Footprint is the indicator that expresses the territory or área that is ecologically productive, plains, forests, crops, etc. Needed to produce the resources used and to assimilate the residue and garbage that the population produces.

Therefore, it is an indicator of the impact your lifestyle has on the planet.

The Ecological Footprint is an indicator of the impact that your lifestyle has on the planet.

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LET’S THINK OF DIFFERENT WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT

Electricity: Replace incandescent lightbulbs with fluorescent or LED lightbulbs; install multioutlets for your electronic appliances and turn it off when you’re not using them; unplug the chargers when you’re not using them; ensure that your refrigerator’s door sealants are in perfect conditions; use fans more and A/C less, watch less TV and read more.

Water: Make sure that you have no leaks; install water saving devices in the faucets; teach your family to take quick showers; place a bucket in the shower and use the water gathered while you wait for hot water to come out and use it to wash the dishes, for watering plants or for filling your washing machine.

Food: Buy as much as you can in farmer’s markets, the produce is not only fresher but lasts more, it is healthier; eat less milk and meat; diminish consumption of packed goods and make sure to get the freshest you can; prefer local and seasonal fruits; eat only what you need and don’t waste food.

Residue: Compost all organic residue; carry all recyclables to your hotel for recycling; do not throw batteries, lightbulbs, oils or chemicals away; choose products with less packaging; use fabric bags for shopping; do not use styrofoam.

If we all apply these measures, we will need less “planets” and we will reach a balance between our lifestyle and the resources that we depend on.

If you want to know more about the Ecological Footprint that you and your family have, you can take the tests that you will find here: http://myfootprint.org/es/ http://www.tuhuellaecologica.org/

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PASS IO N FO R S U STAINAB ILIT Y

JONATÁN GÓMEZ LUNA CHEF OF THE YEAR I 2018 HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED AS “CHEF OF THE YEAR 2018” BY T H E G U Í A M E X I C O G A S T R O N Ó M I C O 1 2 0 R E S TA U R A N T E S O F C U L I N A R I A M E X I C A N A E D I TO R I A L .

L E C HI Q U E : 1 0 Y E A R S O F S U CCE SS

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Le

Chique

received

the

Gourmet Award 2017 Best of the Best for the third year in a row.

Our very own Le Chique restaurant is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Spearheaded by Chef Jonatán Gómez Luna, Le Chique has become a culinary reference in the Mayan Riviera and gained national and international recognition for its daring multisensory offer, which brings together traditional Mexican gastronomy and cutting-edge techniques.

Le Chique was officially opens in October 28, 2008 but didn’t serve its first diner until November 8. From that day on, these gourmet space has not stopped transmitting sensations, textures and innovation with the best Mexican gastronomy can offer.

But this road has not been easy and following this celebration we present an interview we did with chef Jonatán Gómez Luna.

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How did the concept idea for Le Chique begin?

J: In 208, after working on culinary development for Karisma Hotels & Resorts for 2 years, Mr. Jeroen Hanlo, Vicepresident of F&B Operations surprised me with the opening of a restaurant lead by me, where my team and I could express ourselves and cook without barriers; considering as the only condition to make it the best restaurant in the country.

From then on, he became the perfect accomplice to achieve recognition as the best restaurant in the country for three years in a row.

What are some of the challenges you have faced during these last 10 years?

J: We’ve faced many, I can’t even count them, but we know that what is different will always be more complicated. Le Chique represents hard, constant work by all of us. all dreams demand payment and “in the risk of the attempt lies the fortune of the finding.”

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LE CH IQ U E : 1 0 YE ARS O F S U CCE SS

Le Chique is a dream come true because it became a dream that the entire team shared.

In such a competitive market, What does it mean for Le Chique what would be the most important and its team to be in The Diners ingredient for Le Chique to ClubÂŽ 50 Best Discovery Series? continue receiving awards?

J: It represents the outcome to our work and grinding.

J: Without a doubt renovation, being different, unique, but

Today we are a culinary staple of the country in the world,

above all, at all times, passion. We are a family, a united team

it is the best award we have received in our professional life,

that works tirelessly to be the best.

both Le Chique and Karisma Hotel & Resorts are very proud of this accolade.

Our kitchen started with three cooks (including me) along with 4 trainees. Today we are 7 cooks and over 20 trainees who rotate throughout our kitchens every 4 months. It is a global success, the key is in the team, those who are here today and those who were and left a print in the kitchen and the service.

What plans do you have for Le Chique?

J: Le Chique is on a roll and constantly evolving and developing, we have many plans and projects. We are working on a new restaurant By Le Chique in Dominican Republic, as well as a unique Project in the vineyard of the new El Cielo Winery, Resort & Spa, by Karisma, in Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California where we will open the first By Le Chique in Mexico. This is another challenge and another cause for great expectations from the national culinary world and all of us.

During 2018 and to make this a memorable celebration, we will have 10 exclusive dinners with special guests during the year.

The first one was held January and our special guest was chef Xano Saguer, owner of EspaiSucre, the best dessert restaurant in the world.

L E C HI Q U E : 1 0 Y E A R S O F S U CCE SS

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The Heart OF KARISMA FOUNDATION

S

ince December you can acquire heart shaped bag tags at the front desk of Karisma operated hotels, in Mexico – through the purchase of these hearts you help raise funds for the Foundation’s programs and projects.Each heart has been made by women in Asociación Gilberto, A.C.’s Community Development program. The program is focused on work training for women in Mayan communities and is aimed at empowering them by providing them an economic stability and helping their personal improvement while benefiting their families.

With these programs we have created a circle of value since each sale contributes to improving the economic conditions of the women who manufacture them and their families; at the same time, the guests take a sample of Mexico to their country while helping raise funds for Karisma Foundation’s projects and guarantee their sustainability.

Karisma Foundation’s hearts cost $10 USD and can be acquired in the lobby of each property.

We invite you to participate in this great Project, promoting the information for the program with our guests and inviting them to acquire a piece of our Karisma heart.

Our passion is… to help!

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KARIS MA FO U NDAT IO N

EXPANSION

KA R ISM A

GROWTH

STEP BY STEP

K AR I S MA E X PANS IO N

28

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NICKELODEONTM HOTELS & RESORTS RIVIERA MAYA Our growth and excellence vision in Karisma has been recognized by many other companies that share our values. Our excellent partnership with NickelodeonTM Resorts has made thousands of children and their families happy all over the world, and now it will be found in the Mayan Riviera as well.

This Alliance with NickelodeonTM Resorts has allowed us to plan and start building the hotel in May 2017, and the opening will be done in 2019’s first quarter. It will have 276 Beach Front Suites and 4 signature penthouses.

It will have 6 restaurants – mostly themed, which will give adults and kids an unforgettable NickelodeonTM experience!

It will also have the famous NickelodeonTM Place – a space for children’s fun and Aqua Nick, a water park for all ages.

MARGARITAVILLE BEACH RESORT RIVIERA MAYA

Margaritaville joins our effort to offer an outstanding service that exceeds expectations. This Project will “break ground” in May 2018 and open its doors in December 2019.

With 355 rooms, it will be in Bahía Petempich, 15kms away from Cancun’s International Airport.It will have 3 specialty restaurants, a main restaurant and a brewery that will produce the award winning Landshark beer as well as many other amenities that will make it unique.

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KARIS MA E X PANS IO N

EL DORADO & CASITAS

TUI SENSIMAR CAP CANA

D

ominican Republic is still a strong point for Karisma’s expansión through the Caribbean, El Dorado & Casitas, TUI Sensimar Cap Cana, will be located 15 minutes away from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The construction will start in June 2018 and will open in January 2020.

It will have 519 rooms, 250 Sensimar, 225 El Dorado and 44 Casitas, one Gourmet Inclusive Village, 17 options for food and beverages with the whole characteristics of the experience that this premier product offers as well as many amenities.

K AR I S MA E X PANS IO N

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KARISMA HOTELS & RESORTS

LATAM

The LATAM office of Karisma Hotels & Resorts, located in Bogotá, Colombia and under the leadership of Juan Pablo Franky focuses on the commercial development of the Karisma properties in Latin America, currently under the Allure brand in Colombia.

The Bogota based team will boost the popularity of all

continent, supervised by Carmenza Mantilla, LATAM Commercial

properties among pleasure and business travelers seeking

Director. It is them who will foster the distribution channels while

elegant hotels in their cities and beach resorts, to increase

the company grows in the aforementioned markets.

Karisma’s

presence

in

Colombia

and

Latin

America.

Currently, the chain has 3 properties in Cartagena, Allure

Juan Pablo, who has over 20 years of experience in the industry,

Chocolat, Allure Bonbon and Allure Canela which amount to

will lead the expansion of Karisma’s portfolio’s recognized

122 keys and are projected to add 1000 rooms to the chain

brands in Latin America with the operations and sales teams

in 2018 in different forms. The office has a solid commercial

in South America, while developing and executing Karisma’s

staff in Bogotá and a network of sales representatives in the

general operations strategy for South America.

ALLURE CANELA

CARTAGENA Starting on February 1st, we broaden Karisma’s portfolio in Colombia with Allure Canela Hotel in Cartagena.

Located in front of the magnificent San Felipe de Barajas Castle, Allure Canela has 36 rooms, restaurant, bar, pool and event room, which makes it an excellent lodging location with a modern style that blends art and comfort. It is designed to produce experiences guided by our service philosophy based on details that charm and pamper our clients.

It is time to join efforts to make this new property generate great benefits for all of us. It is time to continue promoting the 3 properties in Colombia with Passion, Karisma, and dedication.

To all collaborators of Allure Canela, Welcome to the Karisma family! Here you will find a space to grow and all the support you need in this new stage.

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KARIS MA E X PANS IO N

HUM A N RESOURCES

WE ARE IN THE RANKING GREAT PLACE TO WORK® IN THE CARIBBEAN, 2018

Great Place to Work® Institute in Central America and the Caribbean published the Best WorkplacesTM in the Caribbean 2018 in the Caribbean, 2018 ranking and our business units in Dominican Republic and Jamaica were recognized for their outstanding human resources practices and their commitment to cultural transformation.

We are proud to share our positions in the ranking:

KARISMA HOTELS & RESORTS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC:

KARISMA HOTELS & RESORTS JAMAICA:

#20 in the Ranking for the

#24 in the Ranking for the Best Workplaces TM in the Caribbean, 2018.

Best Workplaces Caribbean, 2018.

TM

in the

#18 n the Ranking for the Best Workplaces TM in Dominican Republic, 2018.

GPTW highlighted our actions towards cultural diversity, practices and beliefs that have strengthened the business model, a fundamental element for Karisma’s success and growth.

In addition to the award ceremony in Santo Domingo, Estrategia y Negocios magazine published a special issue with articles about the good practices and initiatives of companies recognized in the ranking.

Here’s some bits from the piece on Karisma Hotels & Resorts:

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC “As a result of the expansion and international presence of Karisma Hotels & Resorts we have integrated the criteria and good practices of the social responsibility processes and certifications such as Green Globe, Travelife and Socially Responsible Company (ESR), in order to foster an inclusive organizational culture that is committed to the communities in which we operate”, Jorge Feliz, General Director in Dominican Republic stated.

One of the actions is to foster a continuous improvement and process innovation culture for processes, products and services and with our collaborations as the star players, participating actively in the decision-making process and providing feedback and suggestions.

H U MAN R E S O U R CE S

32

“There are no sex requirements for personnel recruitment. In fact, 45% of director positions are held by women and they hold positions such as maintenance, kitchen, steward and security, these positions are usually held by men in other companies”, state the Director of Dominican Republic.

They have direct, internal communication channels and lunch with the Manager, where collaborators can provide ideas and improvement suggestions, a suggestions mailbox for Best Ideas-Best Practices, and the Happy or Not terminals which let us measure weekly satisfaction levels; they also have weekly focus work groups.

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We congratulate our colleagues from both countries who, with their daily actions help us build a high trust environment, fostering pride and achieving the organization’s goals.

JAMAICA Jamaican culture is very diverse and has a great variety of ethnic origins.

Karisma encompasses and lives in Jamaica’s national motto: “out of many, one people”. Since their business operates seven days a week, all year, for some collaborators there are limitations to go to their temples, therefore the company ensures that each collaborator has a fair opportunity to belong to the organization and ensure that their specific needs are respected.

In the organization we stimulate all team members to express how they feel and how they are affected by policies and procedures as well as how they can be improved. As in Dominican Republic, they have an open-door culture, they make general meetings to provide feedback and hear the collaborators and they use the Happy or Not terminals.

THE POWER OF CONTRIBUTING FRANKLIN CEDEÑO MANAGER OF CONSUMPTION CENTER F&B DEPARTMENT | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

I

feel at home. I work at the Kitchen 23 restaurant and enjoy it because I feel it is mine since my leaders make me feel important and I feel like I can make a difference in my contributions, this is why one of the things I value the most is that the collaborator is listened to, we are encouraged to offer ideas.

FEEL AT HOME SIMONE GRAHAM WAITRESS | JAMAICA

T

o consider the suggestions of collaborators helps the company discover the collaborator’s specific needs and allows the company to give the collaborator a great experience. This way we are considered, and we know that our suggestions are heard, recognized and valued. We work in strengthening the integration of our teams.

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H U MAN RE S O U RCE S

TRAVELLERS

PRE STIG E

& EXOTIC

1st CHRISTMAS

DECORATION CONTEST

I

n December we held our first Christmas Decoration Contest to share in the season spirit, spread the joy and Foster camaraderie.

The departments that participated showed their creativity and teamwork to surprise us with wonderful, harmonious setups.

Congratulations to the Sales Room at Azul Beach Resort Sensatori Mexico for winning the first place!

The second place was the Marketing and Strategic Communication department, who showed their creative and artistic talent. The third place went to Comptrolling and Finances, whose amazing decoration made their office shine.

Congratulations to all!

GIVING TUESDAY

O

ur collaborators joined the #GivingTuesday movement and participated with Karisma Foundation A.C. and volunteered to visit the new General Hospital of Cancun to donate baby kits, orthopedic equipment, donations, toys and food for the family members of the patients. #GivingTuesday is a global movement that seeks to incentivize and multiply people’s good deeds. It is celebrated every year on the last Tuesday of November.

Thank you to all who participated in this solidary movement!

MOBILE MEDICAL UNIT:

WE TAKE CARE OF OUR COLLABORATORS’ HEALTH

D

uring the last few months our collaborators visited Karisma Foundation’s Mobile Medical Unit for a checkup with specialized personnel, who offered free consultations and medical advice to improve their health.

Here are the services offered by the medical unit: blood pressure, glucose levels, physical composition, fat levels, among others; based on the results, medical recommendations and health tips were offered.

Karisma Foundation’s Mobile Medical Unit is specialized in chronic-degenerative diseases, which allows us to detect risk factors and prevent such diseases.

Thank you, Karisma Foundation for offering us this service and guide to take care of our health!

EXOT I C & P R E ST I GE T R AV E LE RS

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CHRISTMAS GALA WITH A CARIBBEAN TOUCH

T

o wrap up another year full of success we had an amazing Christmas Gala in the Grand Ballroom at El Dorado Royale. Decoration included fantasy White and tropical touches alluding to our future Margaritaville hotel. Over 700 people were invited to the event, both collaborators and their loved ones, for the year’s biggest party. Food, music, dancing, drinks and amazing prizes filled the night with magic for thanking and recognizing all the members of our great family, who give their best every day to make Exotic & Prestige Travelers successful.

During the party, several great prizes were raffled, but the definite big ones were the winners of two cars and two huge checks. Congratulations to the winners!

Thank you! We are sure that 2018 will be a great year for all of us!

MONTHLY MEETINGS

I

n our monthly meetings we celebrate a job well done, successes achieved, and we recognize the collaborators who were outstanding in their attitude and hard work to exceed expectations. We hold the meetings in all sales rooms to inspire our collaborators to continue working together for the success of our company.

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E XOT IC & PRE ST IG E T RAVE LE RS

PAMPERING US E

very day is special and throughout the year we pamper our colleagues so that the fun, team spirit and motivation are present to give our best and continue to strengthen our family. Here’s a bit of the events and pictures of the activities:

CELEBRATING MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE!

I

n September we traded the usual monthly meeting for a Mexican party to celebrate Independence Day. As every year, we held a costume contest in which we offered four cash prices to the most original costumes. The winning costumes were: Cucurumbé, two piñatas, a cockroach and a China Poblana.

We had tacos, mariachis, and a festive environment where six Exotic Travelers members were the judges while the participants danced to entertain and impress them and get more points. Thank you all for participating, and congratulations to the winners!

Great Place to Work We want to thank everyone who filled out the Great Place to Work survey and contributed to our continuous improvement process for being a better place to work, every day. We reached a participation rate of 90.89% which is more than the Institute requires. We await eagerly for our results to continue proving why we are a Great Place to Work!

Mayan Toy-a-thon The Mayan Toy-a-thon happened again this year, gathering new or used but in good condition toys to be donated to Mayan regions throughout the region. From November 13 to 25 we gathered the toys in the Human Capital offices to give a smile to low income children. Thank you to all who contributed to this noble cause for helping us do magic and make this Christmas and Day of the Three wise men very special for more children!

Maternity baskets We wish the best to Ismael Ruiz, EDR housekeeper & Sandy Avila, AZF Concierge in this new stage in their lives, and we welcome the new member of the family!

EXOT I C & P R E ST I GE T R AV E LE RS

A SPECTACULAR HALLOWEEN

T

o celebrate Halloween, we had our annual breakfast and costume contest. The spooky spirit was present with all our collaborators who participated in the contest. We definitely saw the scary and fun costumes that showed us, creativity isn’t dead! Exotic & Prestige Travelers members were the jury for the contest, and the winner was Luis Enrique Martínez Guardado, from Generations Mayan Riviera for his amazing Pennywise disguise. Other winners were Laura Gutierrez, Moisés Picazo, Cruz Martínez, Leticia Patlan, Aylin Ac and Dulce de La Paz. Congratulations to all and thank you for making this Halloween a really spooky one!

Delivery of Christmas payments and groceries We wrapped up the year by delivering grocery packages and a bottle of sider to our collaborators as a small thank you during the holidays, so they can enjoy it with their families and friends.

As a way of thinking the constant effort and dedication we held a taco lunch event to hang out and share in the holiday and team spirits.

For year’s end we held a toast in El Dorado Royale with directors, managers and personnel to wish everyone a great beginning of the year and motivate them to continue to be passionate for Exotic & Prestige Travelers.

Celebrating our birthdays!

We congratulate and celebrate all our colleagues who have become wiser after another lap around the Sun! We celebrated our birthday girls and boys at El Dorado Royale and Azul Beach Resort Sensatori Mexico. We wish you many more years and may we achieve so much more together!

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T R A I N I N G YO U C

onstant growth and development of our team is very important, that is why, throughout the year we attended several courses, workshops and events to keep our knowledge up to date and on the cutting edge. During the last few months we held the following activities: • • • • • • • • •

Office 365 course Professional image workshop Welcome Program Task and free time management Nutrition workshop Major medical expense insurance Leader Coach Venza Sustainability Policy

Exotic & Prestige Travelers in Hotels workshop The purpose of this workshop is to share the products and services of our travel clubs with our new hires. This allows us to efficiently collaborate in all levels of the organization and provide and excellent service to guests and partners who have chosen us.

EDM Marketing Fam-trip to ABRRC and ABRRM The marketing ream at El Dorado Maroma visited Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya and Riviera Cancún to learn about the product, hotels and differences between them.

GRM Marketing Fam-trip to Palafitos The marketing team at Generations visited Palafitos to get to know the bungalows, learn why it is our most luxurious product and how they can sell it to potential clients.

Exotic Travelers Instructors After our Instructor Training Course, our first generation of instructors gave their first course to their colleagues!

Bruno de Jacobis, César Barrios, Carlos Yañez and Carlos García have already taught their colleagues, in a few months, the 2nd generation will follow suit.

Passion for service and Team Development (Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya and Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancún) We had a team building event to improve personal communication, Foster our collaborators’ positive attitude, strengthen leadership skills, listen and increase the sense of belonging to the company.

THE BEST OF THE BEST Here we share with you pictures of our collaborators who have been recognized for their excellent performance and results. We thank you for your passion and dedication.

Congratulations!

TFABR | Patricia Ojeda Director´s Assistant

TFABRF | Roberto Degollado Roomboy

ABRRC | Monserrat Carrada Human Capital

EDM | David Rios Concierge

EDM | Luis Echeverria Roomboy

EDR | Isela Castro Marketing EDR

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EDSS | Cesar Barrios Members Exp. EDSS

EDSS| Donaji Fabian Roomboy

EDSS | Gissela Iriarte VLO

E XOT IC & PRE ST IG E T RAVE LE RS

MEETINGS

COLLABORATOR

D

uring

our

Collaborators’

meetings

we Foster team communication and

integration across all business units. During the meetings we share indicators and important Operation information; we thank and recognize outstanding collaborators for their performance, effort and dedication.

CO L L A B O R ATO R ME E T I NG S

Each meeting is an opportunity to strengthen the bond between departments and partners as well as our values.

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ach day is a new adventure in which passion and positive attitude are always present.

Here’s pictures of some of the activities with which we thanked, celebrated our collaborators for their effort, dedication and contributions during 2017 and toasted to a happy New Year.

ISS U U.CO M /K ARIS MA-MX

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PA MPERI N G U S

E

CO LLAB O RATO R ME E T ING S

TR A I N I N G YO U

C

onstant preparation and self-actualization are key to face new challenges and our new openings. The professional and personal development of our collaborators is a central part of our growth plan.

During the last few months we had courses, workshops and training sessions.

We continue growing with Passion!

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T RAINING YO U

ANNUAL

ANNUAL AWARDS BEST COLLABORATO

AWARDS 2017

EDSS

EDCR

JOSE A. JIMÉNEZ POOL BUTLER

FERMÍN TORRES GARDENER

HBR

GRM

MIGUEL A. DURAN WAITER

BRANI TUZ KAUIL KITCHEN MECHANIC

SSS

GRM

TIMOTEO CARMONA KITCHEN MECHANIC

JEANETTE GONZÁLES SALES EXECUTIVE

TFABR

NDR/ ASJ

ÁNGEL GÓMEZ IT ASSISTANT

WAGNER MELLA LAUNDRY

EDC

JOSÉ GÓMEZ WAITER

T H E B E ST O F T H E B E ST

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QUARTERLY

ANNUAL AWARDS BEST SUPERVISOR

A WA R D S OCTOBER-NOVEMBER-DECEMBER QUARTERLY AWARDS BEST COLLABORATOR EDSS

NDR/ASJ

EDI A. RAMÍREZ KITCHEN

FRANKLIN CEDEÑO SUPERVISOR

TFABR

BETTINA GARCÍA BAR WAITRESS.

ANNUAL AWARDS MOST MENTIONED IN TRIP ADVISOR QUARTERLY AWARDS BEST SUPERVISOR SSS ALEJANDRO CARRILLO

GUEST RELATIONS MANAGER

TFABR

JUSTINA ESTRADA WAITER

TFABR

ANNUAL AWARDS BEST DEPARTMENT

TFABR

TFABR

LUIS VALDEZ MAINTENANCE SUP.

VIRIDIANA VARGAS DINIG ROOM SUP.

VIRIDIANA VARGAS DINING ROOM

GRM

ELEAZAR ARENAS

TFABR

TFABR

HUGO ÁLVAREZ REST. MANAGER

JOSÉ VALENTIN TRAINING ASSISTANT

AZF

KOH THAI

MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT

EDSS

SSS

ALBERTO RAMÍREZ KITCHEN SUP.

JOSÉ SÁNCHEZ ENTERTAINMENT A.

GRM

JUAN D. BARRIOS KITCHEN

ISS U U.CO M /K ARIS MA-MX

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T H E B E ST O F T H E B E ST

OF THE BEST

T HE B EST

SEPTEMBER BEST COLLABORATOR

SEPTEMBER BEST SUPERVISOR

EDCR

EDR

ABRRM

NDR/SDR

MARCELINO GÓMEZ WAITER

MANUEL MORALES GARDENER

JOSÉ LUIS BORGUES GARDINING SUP.

DAN HILCIAS MOYA PUBLIC AREAS

GRM

EDSS

EDM

NDR/SDR

JEANETTE GZLZ. SALES EXECUTIVE

AIDA CHAN PUC HOUSEKEEPER

JULIO MORALES STEWARD SUP.

MARYLIN GERMAN ENTERTAINMENT SUP.

EDM

NDR/ SDR

EDCR

EDR

FERNANDA GALVEZ BUTTLER

JEAN MALDONADO KITCHEN

FREDDY CRUZ GARDINING SUP.

JOSÉ LUIS SAGREDO CREATIVE CHEF

SEPTEMBER MOST MENTIONED IN TRIP ADVISOR

NDR/ SDR

TFABR

EDM

ZORAIDA TUSSENT F&B

GUILLERMO C. BUTLER

ALEJANDRO MUÑÓZ ENTERTAINMENT

T H E B E ST O F T H E B E ST

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OCTOBER BEST COLLABORATOR

ABRRM

SSS

TFABR

GRM

NDR/ SDR

LUISA HERNÁNDEZ COOK

ERIK CUPUL CANUL IT ASSISTANTT

MANUEL MENESES HOUSEKEEPER

ALEX MUÑOZ COOK B

DOLORES TORRES ENTERTAINMENT

EDCR

SSS

EDM

EDSS

NDR/ SDR

CRISTIAN CHI ITZA HOUSEKEEPER

SUSANA OLIVERA THERAPIST

BELLANIRES GÓMEZ STEWARD

ALDO GUILLÉN BUTLER

ANA CELIS CHUREN MASSEUSE

SSS

EDR

TANIA MORELOS FRONT DESK

JUAN ANTONIO CARUS CONCIERGE

OCTOBER BEST SUPERVISOR

OCTOBER MOST MENTIONED IN TRIP ADVISOR

EDSS

SSS

TFABR

EDM

EDDY TEJADA ENTERTAINMENT A.

CRISTOPHER G. ENTERTAINMENT

JUSTINA ESTRADA WAITER

DANIEL SALAZAR ENTERTAINMENT

EDR

GRM

NDR/ SDR

NDR/ SDR

EDCR

PAOLA PINEDO CONCIERGE

RAFAEL BURGOS STEWARDS

OMAR GRIMALDO CHEF

SORANYELIS LOPEZ FRONT DESK

AMADO CAMACHO PUBLIC AREAS

ISS U U.CO M /K ARIS MA-MX

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T H E B E ST O F T H E B E ST

NOVEMBER BEST COLLABORATOR

ABRRM

EDCR

EDR

NDR/ SDR

NDR/ SDR

DELAÍ GONZÁLEZ STEWARD

VICTORIA SANTIAGO COOK B

ESTHER HERNÁNDEZ IRONER

WAGNER MELLA LAUNDRY

PATRIA MEJÍA PAYROLL

SSS

GRM

EDSS

TFABR

EDM

JOSÉ ERICK GARCÍA SECURITY AGINT

GONZÁLO LÓPEZ COSTS COMPTROLLER

JOSÉ CRISOSTOMO ROOM OPERATOR

JOSUE MISAEL KITCHEN HELPER

NOHEMI ROMERO ENTERTAINMENT

NOVEMBER MOST MENTIONED IN TRIP ADVISOR

EDS

SSS

AZF

AZF

AZF

EDDY TEJADA ENTERTAINMENT

TINA SACH ENTERTAINMENT

ENRIQUE SOTO POOL BUTLER

LUIS ENRIQUE M. POOL BUTLER

SANTIAGO R. GARCIA POOL BUTLER

NOVEMBER BEST SUPERVISOR

EDCR

EDR

GRM

NDR/ NDR

NDR/ NDR

CARLOS HERNÁNDEZ COOK

JOSUÉ LUNA FROT DESK

ELEAZAR ARENA MAINTENANCE

CARLOS RIJO MAINTENANCE

JORGE ROBLES RESTAURANT SUPERVISOR

T H E B E ST O F T H E B E ST

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ISSUU.COM/KA R ISMA-MX

DECEMBER BEST COLLABORATOR

ABRRM

TFABR

NDR/ SDR

NDR/ SDR

EDM

FABIOLA ROBLEDO STEWARD

GELASIO DE LA CRUZ CLEANING ASSISTANT

ELBIDO PÉREZ KITCHEN

YOSARY GUERRERO SPA

GENARO NOH UCH STEWARD

DECEMBER BEST SUPERVISOR

EDC

EDR

NDR/ SDR

NDR/ SDR

AMADO CAMACHO PUBLIC AREAS

PAOLA PINEDO LAUNDRY

OCTAVIO GERMOSEN F&B

JULIA BORT COMPTROLLING DECEMBER BEST DEPARTMENT

DECEMBER MOST MENTIONED IN TRIP ADVISOR

DECEMBER BEST SUSTAINABLE DEPARTMENT

EDS

TFABR

TFABR

TFABR

EDM

DAVID ORTÍZ ENTERTAINMENT

LUIS ENRIQUE M. POOL BUTLER

ENRIQUE SOTO POOL BUTLER

FOH KHOTHAI

HOUSEKEEPING

ISS U U.CO M /K ARIS MA-MX

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T H E B E ST O F T H E B E ST