Agent Insights: Karisma and Agents Form The Classic Win-Win

by Robin Amster
Last updated: 12:00 PM ET, Mon January 18, 2016

When Karisma Hotels & Resorts last month announced an unprecedented hike in commissions, it demonstrated a commitment to travel agents rarely seen in the industry.

And while, we very often hear about a "win-win" relationship, the Karisma and travel agent combination is truly the classic win-win.

The company hiked commissions from 19 percent to 21 percent for its nearly 800 Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultants (GIVC). In addition, it said its new loyalty travel club program, designed to reward GIVCs for memberships purchased by their clients, will enable GIVCs to earn a free two- or three-night stay (without any blackout dates) at any Karisma property in Mexico, Jamaica or the Dominican Republic. (GIVCs' clients must purchase a membership with Exotic Travelers or Prestige Travelers by Karisma.)

Karisma's commitment to agents has paid off.

GIVCs' consistently high volume of bookings for Karisma's brands- El Dorado Resorts, Generations, Hidden Beach Resorts, El Dorado Seaside Suites, and now the new Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts-greatly contribute to the company's strong performance in the all-inclusive market. And the company is betting on agents' continued loyalty as it grows.

"We recognize agents as powerful influencers," Mandy Chomat, Karisma's executive vice president of sales and marketing, said at the company's recent GIVC Sales and Marketing Forum in Mexico. "We are growing and we want agents to grow with us."

Karisma recently opened its new Eldorado Seaside Suites on Mexico's Riviera Maya and its Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It also plans to expand to Puerto Vallarta and Huatulco with its combined El Dorado Royale, Eldorado Resort Casitas and Generations property. (The resorts are located back to back.)

As for the other side of the win-win, agents will, of course, receive that extra two percent in commission, along with Karisma's other agent benefits. But they also have a product that's easy to love and, given the right clients, easy to sell.

Karisma's properties are consistently rated high on facilities, amenities, service and cuisine. And the company's different brands give agents the opportunity to sell to honeymooners, destination weddings, families and foodies.

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