Rewrite this content and keep HTML tags, correct grammar, do not rewrite words starting with capital letters, separate the sections of text longer than 20 words
Feiertag HTM (Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management) students at Virginia Tech recently completed the first half of their study abroad trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, learning about Resort Management from faculty member Tom Duetsch.
The base of operations is located within the Puntacana Resort. While at the Puntacana Ecological Foundation, students were fortunate enough to meet with Foundation Vice President and author Jake Kheel to talk about his book, “Awakening the Sleeping Giant,” focusing on how Grupo Puntacana pioneered many efforts. of sustainability in the Dominican Republic since the 1970s.
Information issued by Feiertag HTM indicates that the focus on the resort began with a meeting with George M. Sotelo, VP Hospitality, to learn about Grupo Puntacana's current resort portfolio, including its latest project, the world's first W All-Inclusive resort. , (opening soon). They also toured several resorts, starting with Westin Puntacana Resort (thanks to general manager Jordi Gagliardi and group sales manager Rosy Batista).
They learned about group sales, guest demographics, human resources challenges/opportunities, and the role of food and beverage in a high-end resort. This meeting with Golf Sales Manager Mark Fraser taught them about the role and importance of golf groups, demographics and spending habits, as well as having a golf lesson on a course designed by PB Dye. Students toured Tortuga Bay, the only AAA 5-diamond property in the Dominican Republic, and had a tour with GM's Blanca Alcántara, learning about the luxury standards and unique aspects of boutique properties.
They also spent a day in La Romana with the Casa de Campo team (thanks to Director of Golf Robert Birtel and Director of Operations Charles Keusters). With the #1 golf course in the Caribbean and the Altos de Chavón area, they learned about golf operations, luxury experiences and the role of a Forbes 4-Star SPA in providing an exceptional guest experience and driving income growth.
They visited via Zoom with architect Howard Kuo, AIA and had a great conversation about luxury design, working with developers, functionality, and aesthetics. They also met with Grupo Puntacana's real estate team (Luis Villanueva) to understand the role that luxury hospitality plays in selling real estate within a resort community.
A day trip to neighboring Cap Cana began with Sanctuary Cap Cana leaders (General Manager Roger Belletti and Director of Sales Jessica Giraldo Gonzalez), where they learned about the only all-inclusive luxury resort currently in Marriott's portfolio, and the challenges/rewards of being “first” in a segment. They concluded their day with a tour of the St. Regis Cap Cana facilities under construction. The Hotel Manager, Diego Lemasson Majó, the HR Director Lissette Pérez Tolentino, the GM Laura Santoni, and the entire executive team They explained the importance of rituals, the efforts involved in opening a new property, and the path to Forbes 5-star recognition.
The students are into the second half of their resort journey with more tours, activities and conversations to report. They may have a hard time getting them back to the US!