Karla Laurenzana joins Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection as “luxury BDM” for Canada

Selling luxury is a special skill in the travel industry. It takes a certain level of experience and know-how to effectively navigate the world of affluent travellers and the places they want to visit.   

Recognizing the unique needs of travel advisors who sell high-end experiences, Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection has hired a new business development manager in Canada who specializes in the luxury travel market.

Toronto-based Karla Laurenzana has joined the company’s Canadian sales team as a “luxury BDM,” PAX has learned. She started Aug. 30.

In this newly-created role, Laurenzana will assist luxury travel advisors in selling the fancier brands in Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection.

Concepts like Impression by Secrets and Zoëtry, as well as Secrets and Dreams properties that have obtained AAA Five Diamond status.

“It’s a big responsibility, but I’m excited to take on this challenge,” Laurenzana told PAX at an industry event in Toronto Monday night (Sept. 30). “I have a passion for luxury brands and I’m looking forward to getting out there and spreading the word about Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection. There are some amazing options for luxury clients.”

“Ultra-luxury, ultra-personalized”

With more than 15 years of travel industry experience, Laurenzana certainly has the resume and connections to lead a luxury-focused strategy.

She was previously a BDM for Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya, serving travel advisors in both Canada and the U.S. She has also worked at NIZUC Resort & Spa in Cancun and the Rosewood Mayakoba in Riviera Maya.

Her new role, which focuses solely on building luxury business in Canada, reflects Hyatt’s commitment to expanding in the “ultra-luxury, ultra-personalized” space, she said.

“It’s simple – Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection wants to get into the luxury business,” she said. “There are plans to open more resorts in the future. The collection is growing.”

Laurenzana said she looks forward to working exclusively with luxury travel advisors who are part of Virtuoso, Ensemble, Travel Edge, YYZ Travel Group, The Travel Agent Next Door, and others who serve high-net-worth travellers.

“Any advisors with clients who are interested in staying at one of our luxury brands can reach out to me,” she said, noting that her new role “will be a great adventure.”

Travel advisors are invited to contact Karla Laurenzana at Karla.Laurenzana@hyatt.com for more information.

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