Island energy: Sunwing & Viva Resorts celebrate partnership at T.O. luncheon

A little Latin rhythm and a lot of island energy made its way to Toronto on Friday (Nov. 21), a welcome contrast to the city's chilly early winter temperatures.  

Sunwing Vacations and Viva Resorts by Wyndham brought together travel advisors, select travel media and key partners for an exclusive luncheon at the Arlington Estate in Vaughan, showcasing the strength of their partnership and highlighting what's new across the resort brand's Caribbean and Mexican properties.

Held at the luxury venue's seven-acre compound, attendees enjoyed passed appetizers and a buffet lunch while learning about property updates, destination highlights and what Viva is doing to elevate the all-inclusive experience. 

The event featured lively entertainment from resort performers, along with a chance for attendees to win a Viva Resorts vacation.

"Viva is a really important partner to us, and it's grown over the years. We've been selling their properties for many, many years," Dave Wright, director of sales for Ontario & Atlantic Canada at Sunwing Vacations, said, speaking to PAX. 

"We're excited with the partnership. The resorts sell really well for us."

Sunwing offers all nine Viva properties across the Caribbean through its program, spanning destinations in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas. 

The portfolio includes properties ranging from family-friendly beachfront resorts to adults-only retreats, with amenities including multiple restaurants, spa services, entertainment programming and water sports. 

"The brand is great. It's a solid brand that clients enjoy. A lot of their resorts are priced really well for budget travellers," said Wright. 

"They're great for a good cross section of people. Good for families, good for adults only, good for couples. It's a wide range."

In the Dominican Republic, Viva's portfolio includes properties in Puerto Plata, La Romana and Salinas—a new destination Sunwing is flying to this season. 

The brand's newest property, Viva Miches by Wyndham, opened last year in the emerging Miches area on the island's northeastern coast, offering guests access to a secluded coastal destination.

"We wanted it to be a fun event with dancers. A lot of the dancers are from a resort themselves. They brought them up," Wright said of the luncheon's entertainment component.

The timing of the event comes as Sunwing looks ahead to a strong winter season for sun travel. 

"Sales are looking really good across the board. We're looking forward to successful winter booking season," Wright said.

Amanda Santana, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Viva Resorts by Wyndham, used the opportunity to thank Canadian travel advisors for their role in the brand's success in the market.

"The travel partners, all of you, are responsible for the success that Viva resorts has in Canada. You are part of that," Santana told the crowd. 

"You make us grow and offer beautiful, fun-filled vacations to our guests. For that, we are very grateful." 

Santana shared updates on several properties, including renovations underway at Viva Fortuna Beach by Wyndham, the brand's all-inclusive resort spanning 26 acres in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island.

"For next year, it's going to be better than ever. We have had great success in Bahamas, so we thank you for that, and we invite you to come back again," Santana said.

She also highlighted the positive reception for Viva Miches.

"We've been having such a warm welcome to our newest baby, Viva Miches," Santana said. 

"For those who have been to the Dominican Republic many times and would like to see a new destination, this is a great opportunity. It's a unspoiled paradise."

The luncheon's live performances offered a preview of the resort experience Viva delivers.

"Viva is known for its energy, the atmosphere, the entertainment. We wanted to bring a little part that here today with our entertainers from Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and Mexico to give you some Latin rhythm," Santana said.

The event underscored the growing relationship between the two companies as they look ahead to continued growth in the Canadian market, with travel advisors playing a central role in connecting travellers with Viva's all-inclusive Caribbean experiences.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.