Group Planning

AGENT GUIDE TO EXPERT

GroupPlanning

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PICKING A WHOLESALER

Why GOGO Groups? It’s time to Experience

Expert Group Planning! GOGO Vacations

now has 7 Group Planning teams, located

across the United States, dedicated to helping

Travel Agents grow their group business!

With over 150 years of combined GOGO

Leadership, our Group Planning Teams are

led by highly trained professionals ready to

walk you through every step of the process.

At GOGO, securing the group is just one

part of the process. We work with you before,

during, and after to ensure your group is

always in the best of hands. By working

closely with our Hotel Partners, GOGO is

able to provide customized group contracts,

with added concessions, designed to fit the

needs of the group. Why book a generic

group rate when you can offer a one of a

kind, customized package through a GOGO

Group Consultant? Don’t just sell a Group,

sell a Group Experience!


GETTIN

G STA

RTED

New England 877.520.1865

NY/NJ 866.849.3063

North East 877.562.1811

Your LocalGroup Branch

Great Lakes 877.889.8323

South 877.786.4094

Mid West/N. West 866.864.8203

West 888.381.4838


Stop 1: Qualify your groupThe first and most important step is to make sure you have

qualified your group. What type of group are they? What are

they looking to experience? Do they have a budget? Where

would they like to go? The more information you can provide

your GOGO Group Consultant, the quicker and easier it will be

for them to help you pick a hotel and make sure the concessions

we negotiate fit the needs of your group.

Stop 2: GOGO negotiates the group spaceAt GOGO Vacations, we work directly with the hotelier to

provide guaranteed room space, at the price quoted. We also

work directly with the hotel to provide concessions/amenities, at

no additional charge that fit the needs of your group. Upgrades,

complimentary cocktail parties, welcome receptions & private

check in areas are some of the many choices we try to negotiate

into your group contract.

Stop 3: Close the sale - Don’t forgetto offer sightseeing and trip protectionOnce you’ve closed the sale, don’t forget it’s the experience

that brings groups back to you year after year. Offer group sight-

seeing options. Help them create memories with an experience

they will never forget. You also want to make sure you include trip

protection with your package. You can never predict medical

problems, bad weather, and the like. Let your clients travel with

peace of mind by offering them GOGO’s Trip Protection.

Stop 4: Work with us to understandpayment schedules and due datesNow that you have signed your group contract, make sure you

fully understand when all payments, names for the rooming list,

and any other confirmations are due to GOGO. It’s important

that all parties understand the contract so that there are no

changes that may interfere with the contractual obligations.

Your GOGO group consultant is here to help you throughout

the entire process.

Let us drive you to profitable groups in 6 stops!


Stop 5: Pay in full andreceive your commissionOnce you’ve paid in full, you will receive your

commission! GOGO pays commission twice

a month upon final payment!

Stop 6: Repeat GroupsWe hope your experience with GOGO Groups

has been a pleasant one and we look forward

to working with you on many more groups.

More importantly, we hope your group realizes

that the experience they are returning from

happened because they booked through a

travel agent. By working with a wholesaler

selling only to the Travel Agent community,

you can be guaranteed that if your clients are

looking for a similar experience again, they

must book it through you. Don’t be afraid to

ask for the group again next year; it would

be our pleasure to arrange their stay again.

THE PRO

CES

S


Tips to growing yourgroup BIG!


HELPFU

L TIPSHow to increase repeats:

Sometimes, it is as simple as asking for the group. Consumers use

travel agents because of the experience. If you have booked this

group before, and were able to work with them on every detail of

their group, offered sightseeing, and did everything you could to

ensure their on site experience was the best possible, you are very

likely going to get that group back again next year. Service is key

and GOGO is here to help provide you whatever it is you need

to close the sale year after year.

Building new groups:

Business to business partnerships in town can be key in growing

your group business. VFW’s, Schools, Churches, Little Leagues,

PTO/PTA, local companies, etc are amazing avenues of success

for groups. Introduce yourself and leave some information on what

you can provide. There are many niche marketing opportunities

available through local business to business partnerships that will

help you grow your groups.

Fundraisers:

Through your local business to business partnerships, there are

many opportunities to offer the concept of raising money through

securing group space. If the organization you are working with

does an annual getaway, allow us to price it for you and both you

and the organization can mark it up however you would like.

Once GOGO is paid the net price, and you are paid the agreed

upon markup, everything left is pure profit for the organization.

Filling your group:

If you have secured group space without a specific client in mind,

and are looking to fill the space, this is a great opportunity to

utilize your partners in the community to help you promote it.

Through cooperative marketing funds, GOGO can help create a

flyer to promote your group which can be distributed through your

local community. Speak with your GOGO Group Consultant or

your Local Business Development Manager about creating your

flyer once the group space is confirmed.



AMRES

ORTS

DREAMS, NOW AND SUNSCAPE RESORTS & SPASLooking to get away with your group? We have the perfect deal for you. Book five rooms, receive the sixth room free. Plus,your group will receive a private check-in and one complimentary room upgrade for every 10 rooms per night paid at Dreams,Now and Sunscape Resorts & Spas.

Dreams Resorts & Spas provide a high level of luxury and ambiance for couples and couples with children. Guests experienceUnlimited-Luxury® inclusions, including elegant accommodations, endless amenities, gourmet dining options, and exquisite bars.

Now Resorts & Spas offer guests vibrant beachfront settings where both excitement and relaxation await for friends, couples, andfamilies with teens and kids. Guests will experience Unlimited-Luxury® privileges with luxurious accommodations and endless amenities.Considered a collection of family-friendly resorts, Now Resorts attract guests who are looking for an active vacation experience.

Sunscape Resorts & Spas offer families, friends and singles lively, fun-filled vacations in Mexico and the Caribbean. Escape toUnlimited-Fun® where everything is included: spacious rooms and suites with private terraces, Explorer’s Club for kids with fun-filledactivities, specialty themed restaurants, and bars serving domestic and international beverages. Enjoy endless day and eveningactivities, all in spectacular settings.

Caribbean • Mexico


Ask about exclusive amenitiesat participating My Time resorts


AMRES

ORTS

ZOËTRY WELLNESS & SPA RESORTS, SECRETS AND BREATHLESS RESORTS & SPASLooking to get away with your group? We have the perfect deal. Book five rooms, receive the sixth room free! Plus, your groupwill receive a private check-in, one complimentary room upgrade for every 10 rooms per night paid and $100 in resortcoupons per person at Secrets Resorts & Spas or $200 in resort coupons per room at Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts and BreathlessResorts & Spas.

Providing the Endless Privileges® experience to every guest, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts are characterized by unequaled romanticand holistic experiences and exceptional service. Delight in unmatched luxurious accommodations, award-winning dining and winecollections, and an array of personalized services.

Secrets Resorts & Spas offer adults an extra measure of romance and sensuality. Immerse yourself in Unlimited-Luxury® where every-thing is included: elegantly appointed rooms and suites with 24-hour concierge and room services, multiple gourmet restaurants andlounges serving top-shelf spirits, and endless day and evening activities, all in spectacular settings.

Breathless Resorts & Spas bring a new kind of all-adult vacation experience for sophisticated singles, couples, and friends. Unlimited-Luxury® brings a multitude of trend-setting restaurants and lounges, bedazzling amenities and spirited activities focusing on entertainment,relaxation, and a vibrant social lifestyle.

Caribbean • Central America • Mexico



ARU

BA

ARUBA

One Happy Island offers happy group getaways.Boasting nearly perfect, year-round weather and glittering turquoise beaches, the Caribbean island of Aruba is one of the mostrevisited vacation destinations in the world. Aruba’s impressive array of resorts with group and event spaces is complimented by theisland’s land adventures, ocean activities, and world-class cuisine, providing visitors to the One Happy Island with an unparalleledexperience filled with Caribbean authenticity and entertainment.

Travelers venture beyond the resorts’ expansive group facilities to discover the real Aruba – where rugged adventures captivate,historical attractions enlighten, and stunning sights and white-sand beaches delight. Aruba offers a booming culinary scene, world-class festivals and events, signature land and water activities, secluded natural pools and ancient caves, historical attractions, exclusiveshopping, sumptuous spas, and more. Beach lovers take advantage of the constant sunshine and beautiful beaches while adrenalinejunkies experience the wild side of Aruba as they take on off-road adventures and explore caves.

With all-inclusive options, exclusive boutique hotels along Eagle Beach, high-risebranded resorts in Palm Beach, and city properties downtown in Oranjestad, Aruba offersevery type of traveler an unforgettable experience. A convenient destination from morethan 10 major U.S. cities, the One Happy Island of Aruba continues to attract groupsand planners year after year.



BEA

CHES

BEACHES® RESORTS

The Right Venue. The Right Incentives. The Right Choice.As some of the most popular all-inclusive properties in the Caribbean, Beaches Resorts offers amazing facilities and amenities, andgroups also receive upgrades and other special touches with as few as five rooms for three nights. For those all-important meetings,Beaches has the right equipment, the right venue, and the right incentives to make your conference a successful one.

For large families, Beaches presents spacious suites and family-specific inclusions, like a private family picnic, one-night group dining,family reunion activities, and private check-in. Beaches Resorts is also known for its Weddingmoons®, the ultimate celebration of love thatunites the perfect wedding with a dream honeymoon. Weddings of five rooms or more receive a complimentary room category upgradefor the bride and groom, and a one-hour reception and more.

Book now for the 6th or 12th room free, plus a complimentary upgrade to a Butler Level Suite!

Experience Beaches Luxury Included® Groups

Jamaica • Turks & Caicos

• Anytime gourmet dining at up to 21 specialty restaurants• Unlimited premium brand spirits• The Caribbean’s best beaches• Activities and amenities for all ages• Luxurious family-friendly suites• Unlimited land and water sports

• Unlimited play and complimentary green fees atBeaches Golf & Country Club

• The most comprehensive scuba program in the Caribbean• Airport transfers & gratuities• Resort taxes included & more



BE LIV

EBE LIVE HOTELSBe excited for the Event of Your Caribbean Dreams!Spoil your family or your employees at Be Live Hotels in the Dominican Republic. Choose from the modern and elegant Be LiveCollection Resorts with VIP areas, delicious gastronomy, and a soothing spa for a true Caribbean getaway. Or if you’re looking fora comfortable retreat for your workers and their families, then choose the Be Live Experience Hotels, which cater to couples, families,friends, and professional groups with first-class facilities, play areas for children, and personalized attention for every member ofyour group.

No matter which hotel you choose, you’ll find a relaxing setting for team-building exercises, like the Be Live Collection Canoa Hotelnear the Del Este National Park or the Be Live Experience Hamaca Beach Hotel with stretches of golden sand for beach parties. Takea walking tour of Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with three Be Live Hotels nearby.

Be Live boasts all-inclusive amenities, ideal for any event you are looking to host, with beach locations, meeting spaces, andconference rooms, as well as many fantastic venues to organize special dinners, receptions, get-togethers, weddings, and parties.Groups start with as few as 6 rooms, so live the Caribbean event of your dreams at Be Live.

Be Yourself, Live the Caribbean

Dominican Republic




EXCELLEN

CE

EXCELLENCE GROUP

Endless beaches, tropical sun, and luxury pampering makeour locations the idyllic setting for a wedding celebration.The wedding professionals at Excellence Group work with you to personalize your ceremony and reception with the utmost attentionto the smallest detail to create a fantasy wedding inspired by the grace and abundance of the tropics.

Choose your perfect venue from adults-only Excellence Resorts in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Punta Cana; the boutique all-inclusiveexperience at Beloved Playa Mujeres by Excellence Group; the modern elegance for all ages at Finest Playa Mujeres by ExcellenceGroup; or the golden sand beaches and romantic adults-only ambience at the all-new Excellence El Carmen, opening in September2016. Select one of the deluxe wedding packages, and professional coordinators will tailor a luxurious wedding to your taste, so yourbig day will be worry-free. All you have to do is say: “I do.”

When you reserve your destination wedding, you will have full access to all-inclusive luxury, a certified wedding coordinator, and deluxewedding packages. With Excellence Group, everything is taken care of, and nothing is left out. So you are free to create those momentsyou dream of and memories you’ll have forever.

Playa Mujeres • Riviera Maya • Punta Cana



IBERO

STA

R

IBEROSTAR HOTELS & RESORTS

Making Every Part of Your Event ExtraordinaryIBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has everything a group of any size could want. From exclusive, adults-only luxury at IBEROSTAR GrandHotel Paraiso in Riviera Maya to the family-friendly resorts throughout Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Riviera Nayarit,IBEROSTAR wows with shimmering beaches, spacious accommodations, unsurpassed service, and all-inclusive dining to pleaseevery palate. For the event of a lifetime, there is no better place than IBEROSTAR to make lasting group memories.

All-inclusive experiences and elite amenities create superb events and unforgettable experiences, including modern conference rooms,state-of-the-art audio and video technology, catering services, and custom menus. Choose from three conference centers in Mexicoand the Caribbean for large gatherings or choose one of the many private spaces for intimate events or executive dinners. With theGrand Collection, which caters only to adult clients for the perfect professional setting, and the Premium Gold resorts, which offerfamily-friendly accommodations for those reunions and get-togethers, IBEROSTAR has the right hotel for your event.

IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts are located in the best destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean with dramatic backdrops and serenesettings, making every part of your event—from presentations to coffee breaks to working lunches—extraordinary.

Dominican Republic • Jamaica • Mexico


Ask about exclusive amenitiesavailable at Majestic Resorts


MAJES

TICMAJESTIC RESORTS

Groups the Majestic WayMajestic Colonial and Majestic Elegance Punta Cana are known as two of the best hotels for wedding, groups and families alike,the perfect resorts for guests looking for a superb selection of amenities and services. These spectacular 24 hour all inclusiveproperties offer all junior suites and suites with jacuzzis, unlimited a la carte dining, up to 16 bars in each property offering awide selection of international brands, daily and nightly entertainment, kids facilities, gym, spa, casino, disco on site, free fromswimming pools, tennis, water sports and golf specials. Enjoy the adults only experience (18 years+) in both of our hotels withthe Colonial Club & Elegance Club offering private pool and beach areas, VIP lounges, free internet, butler service, special amenitiesin your suite and much more.

Spacious convention center holds up to 600 guests. Our well trained staff and specialized groups and weddings department willhelp to coordinate your event. Get a free wedding package when booking 15 rooms for 7 nights. Ask for our free passenger specialfor groups and added values such as free upgrades and free cocktail parties which are also available (restrictions may apply).

Dominican Republic




MELIA

MELIA HOTELS INTERNATIONAL

Exceptional People Deserve Exceptional Moments.You deserve the best on the most important day of your personal life or professional career, and Melia Hotels International bestows youand your party with the utmost level of service and attention. Treat your group to luxurious amenities and a tropical paradise. Indulge inthe all-inclusive benefits with savory feasts and high-quality spirits. Exhale on the stunning beaches or during a pampering treatmentat Yhi Spa. Rely upon Melia to make every member of your party’s experience one of pure enjoyment.

Honored to host your special event, Melia helps you pick the perfect setting—an eloquent indoor meeting space or a picturesqueopen-air venue. Choose from customizable wedding packages to make your day truly your own, and utilize the modern technology,including high-speed Internet service and Wi-Fi access, to impress your colleagues. With breakout rooms and endless configurations,Melia can create your meeting room, classroom, banquet, or theatre.

Special group promotions provide your group with complimentary coffee breaks or a welcome dinner depending on size of yourparty and length of stay. Dedicated personnel take care of every imaginable detail of your exceptional moments, making Melia yourchoice for group getaways in Latin America and the Caribbean.





OASISOASIS HOTELS & RESORTS

Oasis Loves Weddings, Meetings, and Events !Celebrate your love in the heart of Cancun or Tulum — Mexico’s blissfully romantic destinations — where you’ll find settings so beautiful,amenities so luxurious, and Oasis event planners ready to help make your dreams come true. Choose either a traditional ceremony ora symbolic one, plus six different packages, including our amazing complimentary O Remember Package (with required room nights).

A boring meeting in a stuffy conference room—there’s a better way! Oasis Hotels & Resorts wants your next important conferenceand executive board retreat to be truly memorable. Whether your gathering is a big group or just a few key executives, Oasis canoffer a selection of properties that are perfect for any size business gatherings in the Cancun-Riviera Maya area. Large groups area breeze: the Grand Oasis Cancun and The Pyramid at Grand Oasis have more than 1,700 rooms. And smaller groups can beaccommodated in cozy work areas with plenty of amenities.

Oasis loves groups, and all groups adore doing business at Oasis. And remember. Oasis Hotels & Resorts welcomes also welcomesbachelor/bachelorette gatherings, family reunions, conventions, and more!

FUN FOR ALL: ADULTS ONLY: FAMILY FRIENDLY: CITY CHIC:THE PYRAMID, LUXURY AT GRAND OASIS GRAND OASIS SENS GRAND OASIS PALM SMART BY OASIS

GRAND OASIS CANCUN OH! OASIS PALM

GRAND OASIS TULUM

Participating My Time Resorts


Ask about exclusive My Time amenities availablein Cancun, Riviera Maya & the Dominican Republic


OLYMPU

SOLYMPUS TOURS

The Hospitality People of Mexico, the Dominican Republic & Panama®

Olympus Tours is committed to giving unparalleled service that will exceed all expectations. With a dedicated team of professionals,Olympus has provided groups of any size with full DMC services for more than 20 years. Trust Olympus for your next familyreunion, wedding, or corporate meeting, and receive incredible incentives for your next group gathering, such as:

• One comp for every 20 paying customers in transfers and tours.• Free upgrade to private transfer for the VIP arriving on the same flight.• Free upgrade to private transfer for parties of five or more passengers traveling as part of the group and arriving on thesame flight.

• And free group signage with logo for meet and greet.

Don’t forget to take advantage of all the services Olympus offers at a fraction of the cost, including tours and sightseeing,special events, dine around, gala dinners, and more!

Dominican Republic • Mexico • Panama



PALA

CE RES

ORTSPALACE RESORTS

Your Every Wish IndulgedLeave the stress behind. Palace Resorts offers the most breathtaking oceanfront resorts to say "I do", and enjoy your getaway.Imagine that. All Palace properties feature a distinctive personality that will complement your group gathering or wedding, includingthe 5-Diamond AAA Award Winner, Le Blanc Spa Resort. Whether you prefer an intimate ceremony, a lively gathering of family andfriends, or an extravagant gala, there’s a perfect Palace for your event.

When booking your wedding at Palace Resorts, you’ll receive one complimentary room and one complimentary room upgrade forevery 10 rooms booked (unlimited). Other complimentary amenities include cocktail hours, a two-hour dinner, and more.

Jamaica • Mexico




PARA

DISUS

PARADISUS RESORTS

Re-Imagining the Group ExperienceParadisus Resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean re-imagined the all-inclusive luxury experience, and now it re-imagines the groups’experience with all-suite accommodations, all meals and specialty dining, premium drinks, and non-motorized water sports. But whatsets Paradisus apart is its life enriching activities. Take team-building or family-bonding exercises to a new level with dance classes,sushi making, wine tastings, and more.

Then pamper your professional or family group with exclusive amenities like a whirlpool tub, private balcony or terrace, stocked mini-bar, and 24-hour room service. For the VIPs traveling with their families, deliver unparalleled luxury with the Family Concierge service,complete with private pools and beach areas with valet service, VIP lounge with private check-in/out, children in-suite amenities, andmore. For the executive traveling with their partners, the Royal Service provides a new level of luxury with lavish suite accommodations,personal butler service, and personalized turn-down service.

Able to host up to 1,500 attendees to your wedding, business conference, or convention, Paradisus customizes every event with agenerous number of venues, including meeting rooms, theaters, poolside dining options, and a beachfront setting. Work with the on-siteprofessional group coordinator to customize elaborate lunches, themed dinners, coffee breaks, and excursions, and impress with high-techequipment for the perfect presentation.



Photo: The Royal, Playa del Carmen



PLAYA

RESORTS

PLAYA RESORTS

It Pays to Travel Together at Playa ResortsGroup getaways and sublime weddings exceed expectations at Playa Resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, starting with themednights, nearby golf courses, and rejuvenating treatments at a world-class spa. Playa Resorts continues to delight with private terracesand balconies, large flat-screen HDTVs, and in-room whirlpools pamper every guest. Savory international cuisine, featuring Asianspecialties, Caribbean favorites, and Mediterranean tastes, combine to create a delicious palate of flavors sure to please your VIPs.

Book your group gathering at one of Playa Resorts’ luxurious beachfront resorts, and you can enjoy free nights, starting with the sixth roomfree. Extra amenities include a signature welcome drink, a complimentary room upgrade, and private group check-in for common arrivals.All you need is a minimum five rooms staying at least three common nights with a maximum of three complimentary rooms per group.

Book your wedding and receive a beachfront couple’s massage, a romantic beachfront dinner for the couple, and suite decorations,plus sparkling wine toast after the ceremony, a signature wedding cake, and more.

Playa Resorts feature the best all-inclusive beachfront locations in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos, Mexicoand in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Experience luxury vacationing—and group getaways—at Playa Resorts.

Jamaica • Mexico



RIU

RIU HOTELS & RESORTS

Where Business Is PleasureAt RIU Resorts, we know that your necessities go beyond a destination that offers the facilities to host meetings, incentives, or anytype of event. You also need ideal circumstances that provide opportunities to enjoy our sun-drenched beaches and a variety ofentertainment and activities. Enter into that perfect balance of business and pleasure. Your gatherings will never be the same withRIU Hotels & Resorts, where business is pleasure.

Choose from more than 20 recommended hotels in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America, where you’ll enjoy spectacularbeaches and the recognized RIU All Inclusive 24-Hour Service. At the same time you’ll find modern facilities, new and large conferencespaces, state-of-the-art equipment, and a MICE department with all the experience needed to plan and perform a successful event.

Plus, at RIU, you’ll will receive special benefits for groups larger than 10 rooms with: Private check-in when checking in at thesame time • Group coordinator • Free upgrades and complimentary passengers (depending on hotel and season) • And VIP amenities.

Whether planning a convention, product launch, conference, training course, press event, filming, corporate meeting, or incentivetrip, you’ll be impressed by the attention to detail and spectacular service you receive RIU Hotels and Resorts, where business andpleasure combine to create unforgettable experiences

Aruba • Bahamas • Costa Rica • Dominican Republic • Jamaica • Mexico • Panama • Saint Martin



SANDALS

SANDALS® RESORTS

Something Different on the AgendaIt’s all about location, location, location. With Sandals® Resorts you can host your next event in paradise. Featuring 15 propertiesthroughout the world’s most breathtaking destinations, Sandals offers the finest all-inclusive experience in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia,the Bahamas, Grenada and Barbados. Each resort is as authentic and distinct as the island it resides on, yet all provide a vibrant awe-inspiring ambiance with exceptional resort amenities, modern meeting facilities, unlimited Gourmet Discovering Dining, exotic outdoorvenues, exhilarating recreational activities and attentive, personalized service—all amidst the Caribbean’s best beaches.

Whether you are planning a conference, meeting or incentive trip, Sandals is the optimal destination. Boasting world-class facilities,conference centers, and exceptional amenities, each Luxury Included® resort will provide you with the flexibility you want and thereliable tools you need to meet all your groups’ needs. All the while, Sandals’ superb staff will ensure your function is transformed froma typical gathering to a spectacular and memorable event.

Experience Sandals’ Luxury Included® Groups

Jamaica • Antigua • Saint Lucia • Bahamas • Grenada • Barbados

• Exceptional meeting venues• Superb service with on-site group coordinators• Optimal social networking settings• Luxurious and uniquely designed accommodations• Gourmet dining at up to 16 restaurants

• Premium brand spirits• Unlimited land and water sports• Scuba diving for certified divers• Airport transfers & gratuities• Resort taxes included & more!



Documents

Group Planning