I’ve gained great value from doing on-site familiarization tours. A familiarization tour is a complete and comprehensive tour of a property. It provides tremendous value for our clients because we have first-hand knowledge and experience the destination we are sending clients to. As a result, when doing an on-site tour of a particular land destination, I experience the tour with my clients in mind. Having my clients’ needs, dreams and desires in mind, I am always be on the look out for destinations that impress! When I have that first hand knowledge I can confidently recommend a particular property which will fill their needs and help their wildest dreams come true. On-site tours are a great opportunity to get a feel of a resort, the staff and amenities. I’m able to transfer my first-hand experience to my clients and it also helps me avoid a missed-match.
On a recent visit to the Vail Valley we toured the Park Hyatt in Beaver Creek. This location is beaming with activities for all ages. I highly recommend this location for active families any day. I loved the area and the features this resort had to offer.
The family-friendly Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa is truly a year-round destination. You’re just steps from the gondola with ski-in/ski-out access in the winter, and summers offer hiking and biking. A pedestrian village is at your doorstep, and a golf course is within walking distance. Relax in your newly renovated guestroom, featuring contemporary mountain accents, or in one of Allegria Spa’s 23 treatment rooms, couples’ suites or the Aqua Sanitas water sanctuary. With the Children’s Ski School next door and Kids Happy Hour held daily around the fire pit, it’s ensured that the whole family is indulged.
Another on-site visit took us south of the border to the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. I personally love Mexico and at this property your relaxation starts the minute you arrive. You are greeted with a beverage and cool towel to wipe away the day’s journey, followed by a 15 minute neck message. Wow! You literally melt in your seat! There are many wonderful amenities offered at this location and the fact that it is all inclusive only adds more value.
All-inclusive resorts are not all created equal, as evidenced by Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. Each of the 267 contemporary suites — and they’re all suites — measures a minimum of 1,000 square 
feet and faces breathtaking Banderas Bay. Watch for migrating whales from your private terrace, or stay in an adults-only Ambassador Penthouse Suite and soak in your outdoor Jacuzzi. Tropical plants and koi ponds lead the way to four gourmet restaurants, on par with those found in major metropolises. Take a sunrise yoga or salsa dancing class, go snorkeling and kayaking, or simply lounge by the award-winning infinity pool.
So, it goes without saying on-site familiarization tour arms a Travel Advisor not only with knowledge but firsthand experience of the properties they represent to their clients and their clients can have a high level of confidence in the recommendation being made for their land destination.
Please call 888-353-3355, click here or email me at clabaw@travelwta.com
