Company: Discover Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR
Nomination Submitted by: Discover Puerto Rico
Company Description: Discover Puerto Rico is the official tourism promoter (destination marketing organization) for the Island of Puerto Rico. In this role, Discover Puerto Rico sells and promotes the Island's diverse arrange of tourism products and services on behalf of 6000+ businesses.
Nomination Category: Sales Awards Team Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Sales Support Team of the Year - Other Service Industries
 Nomination Title: Discover Puerto Rico
- Briefly describe the nominated team: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 199 words used.
Discover Puerto Rico, created in 2018 to revive tourism after the Island’s bankruptcy and aftermath of Hurricane Maria, has achieved remarkable milestones since July 2021. At its core lies an exceptional Destination Experience Team, a highly accomplished team of six women, each with an abundance of hospitality industry experience. Notably, Vanessa Figueroa, Director of Destination Experience, was recognized by the local tourism industry association as the 2021 Supervisor of the Year, underscoring their individual and collective excellence.
With decades of combined experience, this team consistently demonstrates unwavering dedication and delivers outstanding service which complements the sales efforts. They have masterfully executed a myriad of projects, earning them industry recognition and accolades. These include 400+ VIP/media/client familiarization tours, publicity events and destination sales events. Their extraordinary adaptability, coupled with a resolute client-centric approach, positions them at the forefront of the industry, always responsive to evolving trends.
By immersing clients in the rich tapestry of the island's culture, showcasing its music, gastronomy, art, history, and warm hospitality, they leave indelible impressions on every guest. Discover Puerto Rico’s Destination Experience Team stands as a testament to what can be achieved through passion, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the essence of hospitality.
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2021 of the nominated team, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- Outline the team's achievements since July 1 2021 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 237 words used.
Masterfully orchestrated 265 site inspections, engaging a total of 523 meeting planners and clients with an exceptional 72% average conversion rate, an achievement that significantly surpasses the industry norm, which often lingers in the 30s.
Designed and managed 50 destination familiarization trips, involving 489 meeting planners and clients, structured as immersive journeys providing an authentic Puerto Rico travel experience tailored to the needs and interests of the attendees.
Planned and managed 29 marquee events, attracting earned media and paid attendance, while showcasing the Island’s culture, services, infrastructure, products, and, most significantly, our people.
Received unprecedented recognition from ConferenceDirect, a leading meeting and event management company, after their client site visit that was severely impacted by Hurricane Fiona, underscoring the team’s commitment to safety, service and hospitality https://www.meetingmentormag.com/october-2022/when-a-hurricane-hits-your-fam-trip/
Planned and managed CONNECT Spring Marketplace, the largest gathering of hosted meeting buyers in the U.S. in 2022, including 2000+ hospitality professionals.
Helped close 700+ meetings and convention leads with a projected economic impact of $310 Million. This includes the Island’s all-time record of 401 meetings/conventions representing $171 Million between July 2022 and June 2023. Also, provided vital support for the sales team which grew the future sales (potential) pipeline to $560 Million, also an all-time record for the Island’s tourism industry.
Supported small businesses throughout our Island by sending an impressive 359 referrals to 287 suppliers, significantly impacting these small businesses and the broader community.
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 19 words used.
Please see attachment detailing customer comments about the level of service and support provided by our Destination Experience team.
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below.
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the team's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 229 words used.
Since our inception, the Destination Experience team has been unwavering in its dedication to positioning Puerto Rico as a world-class destination, working collaboratively to elevate service levels, and in doing so, making a profound economic impact. Through tireless efforts and the partnerships with local companies, the team has led a transformation of Puerto Rico tourism into a leading destination for meetings, incentive travel, and leisure travel.
Puerto Ricans take great pride in their rich heritage, vibrant culture, and the sheer splendor of this island. Thus, the team considers it a privilege to infuse these invaluable elements into its daily work, taking on the role of educators, imparting the heart and soul of the community to all visitors. The team is uniquely positioned to influence meaningful change by showcasing the Island's vast potential and warm hospitality.
Puerto Rico has faced a series of daunting challenges, from the Zika outbreak and financial instability to earthquakes and hurricanes. Yet, the strength and resilience of its people that propels the Island to overcome adversity, and the team embodies this drive and resolve.
Daily, the Destination experience team diligently serves customers, emanating warm hospitality and creating the perfect setting for countless individuals to craft unforgettable memories with their loved ones. Through these efforts, they extend an invitation to visitors to authentically embrace the "Boricua" lifestyle in a vibrant, memorable fashion tailored to individual expectations.
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