NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA (May 4, 2021) — Apple Leisure Group® (“ALG”) - the leading North American leisure travel, hospitality and resort brand-management group - continues to drive the global recovery of the leisure travel segment with the rollout of an aggressive COVID-19 vaccine campaign in the Dominican Republic, further accelerating confidence in the top destination of Punta Cana.
On April 28, 2021, AMResorts® branded properties Secrets® and Dreams® Royal Beach Punta Cana hosted the first of several vaccination days for company executives and staff across all 11 properties in the country. Ninety percent of staff received the COVID-19 vaccine thanks to the initiative launched by the company in partnership with the President and the Ministry of Tourism. All staff vaccinations are scheduled to be complete by the end of May, and in June for the entire tourism sector workforce.
“Apple Leisure Group and its portfolio of companies are committed to rebuilding better travel, with this vaccination campaign being the latest of many priority efforts executed thus far across our lines of business,” said Alejandro Reynal, CEO and President of ALG. “Protecting resort employees is crucial as they are at the front lines of what we do, and their safety extends to the millions of guests welcomed at all AMResorts® branded properties, and through the ALG Vacations™ brands.”
ALG Vacations™ currently offers Exclusive Nonstop Vacation Flights to Punta Cana originating out of nine U.S. gateways, with plans to add more seats in 2022. ALG Vacations™ also has a close working relationship with the Dominican Republic Tourism Board that includes co-hosting FAM trips and educational webinars for travel agents, and joint U.S. market advertising campaigns.
“The Dominican Republic remains a popular destination for vacationers,” said Ray Snisky, ALG Vacations Group President. “As we see the demand for travel return among vaccinated Americans, we are enthusiastic about the destination’s recovery. Booking volume the last six weeks has recovered to 2019 levels, and the Dominican Republic’s dedication to getting its citizens and hospitality workers vaccinated adds confidence in travel to the destination.”
ALG’s destination management service company, Amstar DMC, organized local staff, coordinated with local clinics and provided transportation to facilitate the vaccination process from its Dominican Republic headquarters in Punta Cana. The company has implemented “Safe & Clean” hygiene protocols for staff and client safety throughout the vacation experience and remains in constant communication with travel advisors on updates and requirements as travel activity resumes.
The Honorable President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, attended the vaccination day along with Tourism Minister David Collado, Administrative Minister José Ignacio Paliza, Vice Minister of Public Health Fernando Ureña, Director-General of Customs Eduardo Sanz Lovatón, and Vice Minister of Tourism Patricia Mejía.
“AMResorts® leadership in the destination is working diligently with the teams for the timely completion of all vaccinations,” added Luis Núñez, Regional Commercial Director. “We are in close collaboration with the government to meet their commitment to vaccinate all front-line tourism workers and continue to welcome back travelers from a position of strength.”
The president’s visit was hosted by Enrique Martinón, President of Grupo Martinón; Artur Cabre, President of Grumasa, on behalf of the owners of Secrets® and Dreams® Royal Beach Punta Cana; Ray Snisky, President of ALGVacations®; Daniel Hernández, Regional VP of AMResorts® for DR; Andrés Marranzini, Executive VP of ASONAHORES (National Association of Hotels and Restaurants); Luis Núñez, AMResorts® Regional Commercial Director; and Ernesto Veloz, President of ASOLESTE (Eastern Hotel Association).
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