AIC Hotel Group celebrates Green Light

Toronto’s Baro restaurant set the scene for AIC Hotel Group’s ‘Green Light’ event in partnership with Transat last night, with Ashley Gibbs, business development manager, All Inclusive Collection, hailing the evening’s theme as ‘a sign that we are doing things differently – that we want to move forward.’

Travel professionals mingled at the downtown venue, with music provided by DJ MASHA, before Gibbs, the MC for the evening, took to the stage alongside Sarah Smith, business development manager, Toronto area for AIC Hotel Group to share updates on the company’s properties in Mexico, the Caribbean and Miami.

Transat Business Development Representative for Toronto and Northern Ontario, Tabatha Bradley, was also on hand to highlight the benefits of the company’s South service.

Particularly notable was its Early Booking Promotion, she said, with any South package booked by Oct. 16, 2017 guaranteeing a $100 deposit, $50 Future Travel Voucher, one month free Babbel, and the option to modify your travel dates up to three hours prior.

Tackling misconceptions

Gibbs noted that despite the continual stream of awards accumulated by Hard Rock properties, a number of misconceptions still prevailed about the brand. One of these is that it’s primarily for young people; not so, he said. “The average demographic is actually customers aged 45-55.”

Another is that Hard Rock Hotels are always going to be loud. While the properties are proud of their music-heavy culture and lively atmosphere, he said, there are a variety of different experiences on offer.

Ashley Gibbs, business development manager, All Inclusive Collection

“If you want to go and find the pool or a nook, then you can find it,” he commented, highlighting the role of Hard Rock Hotel Vibe Managers – who are tasked with capturing the brand’s spirit and making sure that a diverse range of tastes are catered for.

That’s not to say, Gibbs added, that the brand is straying from its rock ‘n roll roots. Music Lab, for instance, offers guests the opportunity to star in their own rock band with friends, while guests can sign out a Fender guitar at reception when they stay, and also take advantage of specially curated vinyl collections in their room through Wax.

Facing the Future

Kid-friendly amenities such as the Little Big Club, meanwhile, disprove another misconception: namely, that Hard Rock is not suitable for families.

In fact, Gibbs said, 45 per cent of guests are families, with new facilities including Camp Woodward Riviera Maya – a multi-storey, 25,000 sq. ft. indoor facility offering indoor skiing, snowboarding and more for ages seven and up.

For destination weddings, Hard Rock features 12 offerings from celebrity designer Colin Cowie, and Gibbs also highlighted the benefits of the brand’s Rock Royalty loyalty program – featuring upgrades that include personal concierge staff, discounted or complimentary tickets, priority access for events, and Rock Spa amenities for hotel rooms.

The Green Light theme symbolized the hotel chain’s eagerness to ‘Face the Future,’ with Gibbs saying that the Hard Rock All Inclusive tagline of ‘All day. All night. All included,’ neatly encapsulated its ultimate goal.

“What we’re trying to do,” he told the audience, “is provide a fun time from beginning to end.”