PHOTO: The Karisma El Dorado Seaside Suites. The company recently announced a hike in commissions for travel agents. (Photo courtesy of Karisma Hotels & Resorts)

Karisma Hotels & Resorts announced it will increase commissions for its nearly 800 Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultants from 19 percent to 21 percent.

It made the announcement at its 8th annual GIVC Sales and Marketing Forum at the El Dorado Royale on the Riviera Maya.

The 21 percent commission, to take effect Jan. 1, will apply to all Karisma properties and all room categories year round for the GIVC specialist agents.

The company has El Dorado Resorts, Generations, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts, Hidden Beach Resorts and El Dorado Seaside Suites.

"We need agents' support," said Mandy Chomat, executive vice president of sales and marketing, for Karisma. "And given what's happening in the online world, we don't want to lose agents but support them."

Chomat said Karisma properties are just one of hundreds listed on the OTAs while agents can offer clients information and insight on the brand and promote its resorts.

"We recognize agents as powerful influencers," he said.

Karisma also announced that it will 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.)

"We are growing and we want agents to grow with us," Chomat said.

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