This section called MAXinterviews aims to inform you through experts in the sector or talk about projects that are truly unique and have a differential value. With only 4 questions and answers we seek to discover what is happening in the tourism industry with emphasis in the MICE segment and Spain as destination.
It is a pleasure to introduce you to the new General Manager of Hotel Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa in Marbella. Javier Mendizabal has more than 15 years working in the Tourism Industry in different strategic positions in prestigious hotel chains. His last experience was as Resident Director of Hotel Meliá Don Pepe in Marbella and he held several positions at Meliá Hotel chain from 2010 to 2016.
In your opinion, what are the main values of Costa del Sol to attract people from the MICE Industry?
The climate is undoubtedly one of the biggest attractions of Costa del Sol, which has more than 300 days of sunshine per year. Accessibility is another important factor. Malaga airport has become the 3rd most important airport in Spain with connections to all main destinations in Europe. We also want to emphasize that Malaga is the star destination for the Scandinavians, with 64 flights a week.
Costa del Sol boasts a diversity of extraordinary 5 star hotels with enough capacity and quality to host first class events, both national and international.
How important is the Scandinavian market for the destination of Costa del Sol?
It is a key market for hotels on the Costa del Sol with over 1.5 million overnight stays per year. The sun and beach, followed by culture, leisure activities and gastronomic and oenological offerings are the main attractions that our region has for the Nordic guest.
It should be noted that the Scandinavian market has always been one of the most important on the Costa del Sol, and that year after year, it continues to grow, which means that in addition to attracting new tourists, we are loyal to existing ones.
Don Carlos Leisure Resort & Spa is an emblematic hotel in Marbella. What improvements has the hotel made in the last year and what are the forecasts for 2017?
We are a company that believes in renovations and new technologies. Last year we had the pleasure of presenting our new Spa, covering 1600m2, to transfer you to an unforgettable experience, where beauty and wellbeing are the protagonists. Other innovations that we implemented last year, was our mobile application that enables our guests to have all the information of our resort at your fingertips. In addition to the information, this application allows you to make reservations at all our sales points, restaurants, spa and also maintain a direct contact through the chat with our staff.
For this 2017, we have several projects and one of the most important ones, is the transformation that will take place in the breakfast room. Restaurant “Los Naranjos” will be unrecognizable for our guests and will delight everyone who visits us. We cannot reveal much about the new concept yet, but we know it will not leave anyone indifferent and we suggest to visit us and enjoy it in person.
Why should a Meeting Planner choose Hotel Don Carlos for their next Incentive Trip or Conference?
Our facilities offer spaces that are adapted to the needs of our guests. We have a total of 13 meeting rooms that can accommodate about 1600 people. One of our star rooms is the hall “Los Condes”, 1.083m2 with huge windows overlooking the sea, has a hydraulic stage and is perfect for all kind of presentations, especially vehicles, conventions and international congresses. Thanks to its height, the assemblies that can be realized in this room surpass the imagination.
In addition we have a tropical garden of 40.000m2 where the outdoor activities are a must, as well as our tennis and sports club. Gala dinners or outdoor buffets can be arranged in the gardens, beach club or beach. And last but not less important one of the most important values for the organizers of groups, which is our flexibility and ability to react to unforeseen needs, the satisfaction of our guests is guaranteed.
