The Signature Travel Network has introduced the First hotel sales marketing program. Its goal: to generate awareness for hotels about to open or properties that have recently undergone remodeling and are reopening.
The launch hotel for the First program is El Encanto by Orient-Express, a nearly century-old hotel in Santa Barbara Calif., scheduled to reopen in March 2013.
"We have an ambitious plan under development to support the reopening of this very unique property, including electronic and print consumer marketing, communications, sales training for our front-line consultants, and more," said Ignacio Maza, Signature's executive vice president.
The iconic El Encanto features 92 California-style bungalows, set out over several acres of lush gardens overlooking Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean.
Virtuoso has a similar program, called Preview, in which it markets hotels that are about to open.
Follow Kate Rice on Twitter @krtravelweekly.