Holiday Inn Resort Aruba

to book and enjoy activities on the water quickly. THE RESORT’S ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES As the world of travel and tourism continues to evolve, the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba continues to adapt to meet and exceed the expectations of its guests. This adaptability is not solely a response to the shifting sands of guest preferences but a proactive approach to harnessing the potential of these trends to offer more personalized and meaningful experiences. Bencosme sheds light on the resort’s collaborative efforts with local tourism authorities.This partnership serves as a vital conduit for understanding and integrating into the broader tourism strategy of the island. “We work with local tourism authorities, which helps a lot because they give us a scope of what is happening on the island,” she explains. This collaboration provides the resort with invaluable insights into current trends and guest expectations, enabling it to tailor its offerings effectively. The trend towards personalized experiences is highlighted as a significant shift in guest preferences. Bencosme observes,“People are lately looking more into personalized experiences. It’s not only that we have something for everybody, but also something for you.” This desire for customization has been particularly evident in the increase in weddings at the resort, where couples seek the flexibility to tailor their special day to their unique preferences. On the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on travel behaviors and the resort’s performance, Bencosme notes a positive trajectory in bookings, reservations, and revenue, attributing this growth to a combination of the resort’s sales efforts and a broader societal realization brought about by the pandemic.“We have seen an increase. And I think, besides the efforts, COVID put life into perspective for many. Now people think, ‘Life is only one, and I don’t want to leave this world without doing what I wanted to do,’” she reflects.The pandemic has inspired many to prioritize travel and experiences they’ve longed for. In response to this increased wanderlust, the resort 5 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 11, ISSUE 03 HOL IDAY INN RESORT ARUBA-BEACH RESORT & CASINO