There’s a great vibe in the air when the Playa Hotels and Resorts Canadian Team is around – VP Sales Rose Cosentino, and BDMs Amanda Morris (Ontario), Freddie Marsh (Western Canada) and Christian Roussin (Quebec).

It’s that of a team who works hard and is extremely dedicated and passionate about their brand, but also likes to have fun too. That culture was showcased in a video at the event that had previously only been shown to new hires and is something Cosentino says is part of Playa’s success.

“I like the fact that we’re very close, they’re like my kids. We banter, I give it and I can take it. I decided for Toronto to have the entire Canada team with me, I want them to feel the love too. We’re here together as a unit. This is us. This is Playa.”

Speaking to TravelPulse Canada on the first stop in their first-ever Canadian roadshow in Toronto, (the team heads to Montreal and Calgary this week before Vancouver on September 18), Cosentino says it’s an exciting time at the company. She says it’s time to give the Dominican Republic the respect it deserves as it is a well-loved destination by Canadians.

“I’ve been with Playa for four and a half years and we’d never done a national road show,” she tells us. “I decided that since we are literally birthing a brand new resort, which happens to be in the Dominican Republic, what better way to share all the exciting things we’re doing there than have a party because it’s time to celebrate.”

Playa Hotels and Resorts is currently renovating a twin resort on a beautiful stretch of beach in La Romana. It’s a major renovation that is nearing completion and will be the Hilton La Romana, (formerly the Dreams Hotel). Located in the fishing town of Bayahibe, it features an adults only half with the other catered to families. The adult-only section opened Aug. 10, 2019 and the family travel (adults with children) is set for a Dec. 1, 2019 opening.

“For us when we say renovation we mean renovation. The floors are being changed, the balconies, it’s not just change the curtains and bedspread, it’s a major, all-in renovation.”

The renovation comes about a year after the $44 million transformation of Sanctuary Cap Cana, which is often referred to as the Beverly Hills of the Dominican, and is only 15 minutes from the Punta Cana airport.

“A year ago when Playa took over Sanctuary, we closed the resort for five months and opened it last September as a brand new property. We added over 100 room suites and the whole resort was upgraded. The restaurants were upgraded. Everything. Now we are five hotels in the destination; we’re making some headway here.”

Opening November 1, 2019, Hyatt Zilara and Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana, located in the exclusive, gated-community of Cap Cana, encapsulate the best of the brands. Highlights include a 14,000 square-foot fitness center, designed with an industrial boxing gym décor and the property’s signature cenote-inspired Spa.

Add to those Dominican properties the seven resorts in Jamaica, eight in Mexico and Playa has a presence in all major sun markets.

“We’re not an insignificant player. We’re now considered a major competitor.”

Agents are reminded about Playa’s incentive Agents Cash Plus which is live and allows you to earn points for bookings that can be redeemable in room nights or cash.

“We’re a small team but I always say we’re a mighty team and we our numbers show it. But without our agent support we 100% would not be here. They make it happen for us.”