MIAMI (January 12, 2012) – El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma, a premier collection of Gourmet Inclusive properties located throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, is pleased to announce the appointment of Luis A. Mendez as director of meetings and incentives.  With more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing within the hospitality industry, Mendez will focus on increasing group business through innovative strategies, initiatives and promotions.
 
“I look forward to joining the esteemed team at El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels, brands that I have long admired for their unique Gourmet Inclusive concept offering the best in food and service,” said Mendez.  “I am eager to begin supplementing the exceptional existing amenities and programs catering to corporate groups, destination weddings and multi-generational travel alike by offering new incentives and promotions to generate additional business.”
 
Mendez joins El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels with an impressive 20 years of sales and marketing experience in the corporate, leisure, and groups markets.  Most recently, Mendez led the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau’s mainland sales efforts after holding the position of director of sales and marketing for the Intercontinental San Juan Resort & Casino.  Mendez also has experience working for several top name hotel and resort companies, including Westin, Ritz-Carlton, and Renaissance.  As a leading group and convention sales professional, Mendez serves on the board of directors for the Caribbean Center for Medical Education and is a former member of the Puerto Rico Hotel Association’s Marketing Committee.  Mendez earned his degree from Sacred Heart University, with a B.A. in communications and a minor in marketing management.
 
“We are thrilled to welcome Luis to our team and look forward to leveraging his extensive experience and successes driving group business,” said Mandy Chomat, vice president of sales and marketing for Premier Worldwide Marketing, the exclusive worldwide representatives for El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma.  “We are eager for Luis to begin developing and implementing new partnerships and promotions that will drive business and strengthen our reputation as a leading provider of group vacations and meetings.”
 
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels provide a Gourmet Inclusive experience that fosters togetherness with lavish amenities and services, including a personalized Champagne check-in, gourmet à la carte dining, premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service, full-service concierge, nightly entertainment, and more.  El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels are adults-only resorts with special amenities for couples, including in-suite Jacuzzi, swim-up suites, Beachfront Sky Massages and beach butlers, while Azul Hotels provide an ambiance that appeals to every type of guest, from families and couples to girlfriend getaways.  The chic and hip décor at the recently renovated Azul Hotels draws a more sophisticated traveler, while family-friendly amenities such as the exclusive Fisher-Price Kid’s Club program, Pack & Play offerings, and gourmet Gerber baby food make traveling a breeze for families.
 
About El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma
El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels by Karisma are a premier hotel collection operating properties throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico, where guests savor a Gourmet Inclusive experience that fosters togetherness. Karisma’s growing portfolio is comprised of El Dorado Royale, A Spa Resort by Karisma; El Dorado Casitas Royale by Karisma; El Dorado Seaside Suites by Karisma; and El Dorado Maroma, A Beachfront Resort, by Karisma; Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma; Azul Sensatori Hotel by Karisma; Azul Fives Hotel by Karisma; and Azul Villa Carola by Karisma.  Properties have been honored with the industry's top accolades including, Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top 100 Hotels in the World,” Conde Nast Traveler’s “Gold List,” Forbes’ “Top 10 Most Romantic Hotels,” Travel Weekly’s “Readers Choice Awards,” “Green Hotel/Resort,” and “Best Loyalty Program”; TUI Travel PLC’s “Hotel of the Year,” “Gold Medal,” and “Green Medal”, TripAdvisor® Traveler’s Choice “Best Hotels for Romance,” and AAA’s “Four Diamond Award.”  Karisma has received worldwide recognition for its creative approach to hospitality management and product innovations including resorts with swim-up suites, Infinity balcony pools, beach butlers and cash-free transactions. Premier Worldwide Marketing is the exclusive worldwide sales and marketing representative for Karisma Hotels & Resorts.  www.karismahotels.com