WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -- Pleasant Holidays' entry into the
Caribbean marketplace this month is marked by numerous incentives
for clients.
Ed Hogan, who with his wife, Lynn, founded Pleasant Holidays in
1959, said serving the Caribbean had been a goal of the company
"for years."
"In 2003, it has become a Pleasant reality," he said.
The tour operator, long entrenched in Asia, Australia, Hawaii,
Mexico, Tahiti and New Zealand, launched the Caribbean product line
with 74 resort properties in Aruba; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands;
Jamaica; Nassau/Paradise Island, Bahamas; Puerto Rico; and St.
Lucia.
Hogan said that "Jamaica has taken off fast for us, and is our
best destination thus far."
Selling particularly well, according to Hogan, are the company's
air/hotel combinations from Los Angeles to Montego Bay, Jamaica, in
conjunction with Air Jamaica and Grand Lido Resorts.
Pleasant's Caribbean hotel partners run the gamut from
all-inclusive chains such as Couples, Sandals and SuperClubs to
major hotel chains like Hilton, Hyatt, Radisson, Ritz-Carlton and
Wyndham as well as a variety of lower-priced properties.
The breakdown, by country, is 31 resort hotels in Jamaica; 10
each in Aruba, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico; seven in St. Lucia; and
six in Grand Cayman.
Participating airline partners are Air Jamaica, American, Delta,
United and US Airways.
Sweetening the package prices are destination-specific
incentives, such as air fare credits and discounted peak-season
rates.
Here is a sampling:
• Pleasant clients who stay at select Hyatt properties in the
Caribbean through May 31 are eligible for two air fare credits,
valued at $100 each, toward a future Caribbean trip.
To qualify, reservations must be made in special Sunshine on
Sale accommodation categories, which include a free night, Camp
Hyatt stays for the kids, discounted beach toys and other
offerings, depending on the hotel.
Participating Hyatt properties include the Hyatt Regency Aruba
Resort & Casino, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman, and, in Puerto
Rico, the Hyatt Regency Cerromar Beach Resort & Casino and the
Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort & Country Club.
Five-night, land-only rates start at $574 per person, double,
including accommodations and transfers.
• The fourth or seventh nights are free at Jamaica's Half Moon
Golf, Tennis & Beach Club in Montego Bay through April 15.
A four-night stay comes with a $50 food and beverage credit per
room; a seven-night stay entitles guests to a $100 credit per
room.
Four-night, land-only programs start at $576 per person, double;
seven-night packages begin at $1,137 per person, double.
• Discounted room rates are in effect for Pleasant clients who
book the Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort & Casino.
Prices start at $530 per person, double, for five-night land
packages, including accommodations and transfers.
• Through February, Pleasant clients receive reduced rates at
the Wyndham El San Juan Hotel & Casino in San Juan.
Five-night land packages start at $1,259 per person, double.
Pleasant pays 10% on all packages. For additional information or
reservations, travel agents should call (800) 742-9244 or visit www.pleasantagent.com.