Travel Agent - October 1, 2007 - (Page 29)

LEFT: Ponce’s traditional Puerto Rican architecture is an attractive draw THIS PHOTO: Indian Ceremonial Park in Tibes, which is in Ponce AGENTADVICE “When I have clients who want a change from the hectic pace of San Juan, I send them to Rio Grande,” says Gladys Cruz at Orlando-based Global Vacations. The Rio Grande area is about 20 minutes from San Juan. Cruz, a native of Puerto Rico, says her clients like the natural beauty of the area, the hospitality and the food. “I usually book them into the Gran Melia Puerto Rico,” she says. Cruz also regularly sends clients to the city of Veja Baja, which is known for its great beaches, and Ponce, in the southern part of the island in Porta Caribe. architecture bring visitors back in time. The vast coffee plantations dispersed throughout the region allow visitors the opportunity to experience another perspective of our growing tourism industry. In addition, the rum industry has long been a part of the economy of Puerto Rico’s south, adding to Porta Caribe’s diverse attractions and unique alternatives for today’s travelers.” Gonzalez-Denton has held several meetings with representatives of the hotel industry in the region of Porta Caribe in order to launch the area’s Strategic Plan for 2007-2011, which includes spreading the wealth from San Juan to other regions of Puerto Rico. In fact, the development of 346 rooms in Porta Caribe has already been announced—an investment of nearly $60 million and 106 jobs. Additionally, a project is currently being negotiated that will create 150 additional rooms, says Gonzalez-Denton. The new developments in Porta Caribe include the Plaza Las Delicias Hotel, Vista Magna (formerly the Intercontinental Hotel) and the expansion of Pichis Convention Center. Porta Caribe also has a growing seaport, with Puerto Las Américas in Ponce already welcoming six vessels to its facilities. For cruise information, contact Janice Colon Bennett, director of the PRTC Cruise Line Division, at 800-815-7391, ext. 17, 305-445-9112. Where to Stay in Porta Caribe Porta Caribe has no shortage of hotels to offer the traveler. On the southern tip of Puerto Rico, the Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort (www.hiltoncarib bean.com/ponce) is 75 miles from Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in San Juan or 10 miles from Mercedita Airport. Of its 253 accommodations, 10 are executive suites, and 60 are brand new deluxe rooms. For VIPs, there are 40 Executive Floor rooms with an exclusive lounge. If booking for business travelers, this property is your best choice in the area; it’s also great for those traveling for leisure and with families. The resort offers a 10 percent commission. Call Reservations Manager Linda Pacheco at 787259-7676 or 800-981-3232. The Holiday Inn Ponce and Tropical Casino (www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/ hotel/sjupn?_requestid=158752) is set on top of a panoramic mountain with a view of the Caribbean and the city of Ponce, which is known as the City of Museums. El Tropical Casino in the main lobby is open 24 hours daily; Tanama, a locally acclaimed restaurant, is also onsite. Live music is featured Friday and Saturday at the Barlavista Lobby Bar, where guests have stunning views of the pool and CONTINUED ON PAGE 30 October 1, 2007 TravelAgent | 29 http://www.hiltoncaribbean.com/ponce http://www.hiltoncaribbean.com/ponce http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/sjupn?_requestid=158752 http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/sjupn?_requestid=158752

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - October 1, 2007

Online Now From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Caribbena: Porta Caribe, Puerto Rico, an Unspoiled Retreat Carribbean Deals Mexico: Insider Tips: Hotels, Dining and Shopping in Cancun Mexico Deals Las Vegas: Tell Clients About Day Trips Into the Great Outdoors Europe: Budapest: Off-Season Promotions Pacific/Asia: Korea Expands its Offerings Seoul Primer: All the Info You Need For a Smooth Trip Pacific/Asia Deals Hawaii: Captivating Kauai: Enhanced Resorts, Natural Beauty Cruises: Building Revenue with Themed Cruises Cruise Deals Hotels: London: The Lanesborough’s New Guest Rooms Tours: Gutsy Women Travel’s New Morocco Itinerary Tour Deals Spas: Escape to Tranquility: Three Spa Havens Spa Deals Cover Story: Donna Flora Agent Profile Podcasts Offer a New Way to Give Your Clients Added Value Car Rental Navigation 101: Shift Profits into High Gear with These Tips Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Cruise: Commission Cutting, Hurricanes Pitch Colombia, Impress Your Clients Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism New Alaska Products for Families In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - October 1, 2007

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