Source: http://worldcityweb.com/home/MIA/publications/magazine/45/883/

(7) "Who's Here" Profiles - Guide to South Florida's Global Companies

by WC

Unique Vacations: A Truly Unique Company
Miamis Unique Vacations has built success from sun, sand and Sandals

If you ever decide to get away from it all and head for Jamaica, you might be well advised to first check with the folks at Unique Vacations.

The Miami-based company was hired by Sandals Resorts International to markets its properties back in 1981. Its been fun in the sun ever since. Besides Miami, it has offices in London, Canada and Germany.

Sandals, youll recall is one of the Caribbeans all-inclusive luxury resort operators. Founder Butch Stewart is a native of the island, and 12 of the 18 Sandals and Beaches resorts are there. Other properties are on St. Lucia, Antigua, Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas.

As its marketing partner though a separate company Unique Vacations processes up to 4,000 calls a day. It makes air and hotel arrangements and can even help with special requests, like wedding parties. In fact, Sandals and Beaches Resorts handle 12,000 weddings annually.

Uniques main role is to help travel agents help their customers. One fun approach: Helping agents become a Certified Sandals Specialist. These agents take a free seminar to receive their certification. Besides being a sales center and agent liaison, Unique Vacations handles functions like marketing, advertising and consumer loyalty programs. As business partners go, Unique Vacations has teamed with one with a strong track record.

Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa, for instance, has four diamonds from AAA. Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios boasts two private white-sand beaches and 74 suites. Its built in the Colonial Caribbean style and is a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World and Leadings Spas of the World. Travel & Leisure called the Sandals Dunns Villaggio River Golf Resort & Spa one of the top 25 properties in the Caribbean region. The Beaches Resorts unit focuses on family getaways, and offers amenities like anytime snacks along with gourmet meals. KidsKamp and Xbox Game Oasis recreation centers also keep the family happy. The resorts also provide a service known as Ultra Nannies. Since its inception Unique Vacations has grown to more than 350 employees in 25 departments.

Who’s Here” Profiles – Other Companies