Karisma Hotels Partners with Despegar to Enhance Customer Service with AI Travel Assistant, Sofia

Karisma Hotels Partners with Despegar to Enhance Customer Service with AI Travel Assistant, Sofia

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 4, 2024

Karisma Hotels & Resorts has announced a strategic partnership with Despegar, Latin America's leading travel technology provider, to license their AI-powered travel assistant, Sofia. This new collaboration marks Karisma’s commitment to enhancing customer service by integrating Sofia’s AI functionalities to provide personalized assistance for guests across their travel journey.

The integration of Sofia will allow Karisma’s customers to experience a streamlined travel planning and booking process. With its AI-driven features, Sofia will offer tailored travel recommendations, seamless assistance, and a comprehensive approach to customer support.

Miguel Ortiz, Chief Strategic Officer of Karisma Hotels & Resorts, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with Despegar and integrate their innovative AI travel assistant, Sofia, into our services. This collaboration underscores our commitment to being at the forefront of hospitality technology, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable travel experience.”

image

Damian Scokin, CEO of Despegar, added, “Our partnership with Karisma allows us to deepen our collaboration with a valued partner and position Karisma as a leader in hospitality innovation. We’re eager to expand Sofia’s capabilities, bringing even more value to travelers and setting a new standard for digital engagement.”

This move is part of Despegar’s broader strategy to license AI-powered solutions to enhance customer experiences while expanding their B2B partnerships. In line with this growth, Karisma recently announced plans for the Porta Rai hotel-residential complex in Montenegro, in collaboration with Dobrov & Family Group, further demonstrating its dedication to advancing hospitality through strategic partnerships and innovation.


Royal Caribbean Opens Bookings for First Royal Beach Club in The Bahamas

Royal Caribbean Opens Bookings for First Royal Beach Club in The Bahamas

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 6, 2025

Royal Caribbean has officially opened bookings for its highly anticipated Royal Beach Club Paradise Island, the brand’s first beach club experience debuting in December 2025 in The Bahamas. Designed to redefine the ultimate beach day, the all-inclusive destination merges Royal Caribbean’s signature service with the vibrant Bahamian spirit. Guests booked on cruises visiting Nassau from late December 2025 can now reserve all-inclusive day passes featuring access to pristine beaches, three pools, and 10 bars—including the world’s largest swim-up bar, The Floating Flamingo.

image

The beach club also introduces the Ultimate Family Cabana, a two-story private retreat with a personal attendant, whirlpool, slide, and more for up to 12 guests. Whether vacationers seek chill vibes at The Deep End pool, family-friendly fun, or DJ-driven party energy on The Party Deck, the Royal Beach Club offers an experience for every mood. 

Authentic island fare, live music, local artisan shops, and inclusive perks such as roundtrip water transportation, Wi-Fi, lockers, umbrellas, and towels complete the experience. Day passes available for adults with unlimited open bar and dining, while non-alcoholic options available for both teens and kids.

image

Additional upgrades include beach and poolside cabanas, drink package bundles, and exclusive access to The Party Deck’s private poolside service. The Royal Beach Club Paradise Island will be accessible via cruises from six U.S. cities and marks the first in a growing list of exclusive destinations, with Royal Beach Club Cozumel and Perfect Day Mexico set to follow in the coming years.


Wynn Al Marjan Island Introduces Enclave, An Ultra-Luxury Jewel in the Sky

Wynn Al Marjan Island Introduces Enclave, An Ultra-Luxury Jewel in the Sky

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 6, 2025

Wynn Al Marjan Island, the much-anticipated luxury destination opening in early 2027 in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, has unveiled Enclave, a hyper-exclusive residential experience that reimagines luxury hospitality. Perched atop the resort’s 1,000-foot tower, Enclave offers just 313 meticulously designed rooms, ranging from plush Enclave King Suites to two sprawling Royal Apartments, each a masterstroke by acclaimed designers Anouska Hempel and Pinto Design.

image

Every detail, from platinum and sea mist tones to dual pantry service and culturally sensitive in-suite amenities, reflects an unmatched level of craftsmanship, privacy, and refinement. Guests arrive through a private verdant drive into an Enclave-only lobby, followed by private elevator access to floors housing no more than 15 suites each, ensuring tranquillity and exclusivity. With a private beach, three pools, and on-demand beach butlers, Enclave transforms leisure into luxury. 

Culinary offerings include an Enclave-exclusive skylit Lebanese restaurant and a chic Lobby Lounge serving artisanal cocktails and petit menus. Wynn’s design ethos “veiling and revealing”  is woven into every touchpoint, with thoughtfully curated art, lush gardens, and a sensory restraint that whispers rather than shouts luxury.

image

This rarefied atmosphere, rich in storytelling and elegance, is set within the broader Wynn Al Marjan Island development that spans 60 hectares with 1,217 rooms, world-class dining, wellness facilities, designer boutiques, a marina for superyachts, and Coral Court for grand events. With construction on track and the tower spire topping out in 2025, Enclave stands poised to become the crown jewel of ultra-luxury living in the Middle East and beyond.


Holland America Line Celebrates America’s 250th with Historic Cruise from Boston

Holland America Line Celebrates America’s 250th with Historic Cruise from Boston

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 6, 2025

Holland America Line is set to mark America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 with a landmark seven-day cruise aboard the Zuiderdam, sailing roundtrip from Boston on July 4th. Titled the “America’s 250th Celebration: Stars & Stripes Voyage,” this special itinerary includes a scenic overnight in New York, a visit to Saint John in Canada, and a historic call at Norfolk, Virginia offering exclusive access to Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown. 

The cruise kicks off with a unique sailaway during Boston’s Fourth of July fireworks and includes opportunities to experience key American landmarks such as the Freedom Trail, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. Guests will also witness the majestic “Sail 4th 250” tall ships flotilla in New York Harbor during Zuiderdam’s overnight stay.

The journey promises a deep dive into U.S. heritage with curated excursions and patriotic onboard celebrations. With fares starting at $1,459 per person, this immersive voyage blends history, culture, and celebration for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise experience.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.