Playa Hotels & Resorts Honors 2023 AllStars at Riviera Maya Gala
In a ceremony filled with the glitz and glamor of the Oscars, Playa Hotels & Resorts honored the top sellers for its hotels in Jamaica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic last night at the 2023 AllStars awards, which took place at the Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya.
One of the biggest winners at the annual gala was Kim Cook of Kansas City-based Love to Travel, who received the 2023 Playa Ambassador award for the U.S. market. The Ambassador award, which capped an evening that included awards in numerous categories, is presented each year to a recipient who demonstrates outstanding partnership with Playa.
“We have had the luxury of having so many great partners throughout the years and certainly over this past year. So it’s not always easy to pick one ambassador,” said Andrea Wright, Playa’s vice president of travel industry sales, as she prepared to announce the award.
“However, there has been one really consistent partner that’s always there, always offering support, always asking how we are doing,” continued Wright. “This particular person, for many years, has always asked ‘What can I do to actually help you, Playa, to grow your business?’ And when there ‘s been problems, she has always said ‘Well, I might have some solutions for you.”
Cook, who was on hand for the event, has worked with Playa for the past eight years. Since her first exposure to Playa years ago, Cook has been a big fan of the brand and her clients rave about it as well. All of which, made last night’s award particularly meaningful for Cook.
“I just feel so humbled by this award. I really do,” said Cook after the ceremony wrapped up. “These have been my friends for a long time and I love the brand and we’ve always supported it. It just makes me feel so special that they have chosen me.”
The Ambassador award capped an evening that saw a long list of travel agents from around the country honored by Playa. The awards recognize sales from 2022 and to fete the top performers, Playa staged a Hollywood-worthy Oscar-themed ceremony. The Playa team pulled out all the stops for the event, which took months of planning and involved contributions from Playa team members at all levels.
The festivities took place in the Jade ballroom at the Hyatt Zilara, where the entrance was decorated with life-size golden Oscar-style statues, a red carpet and a custom-made Hollywood walk of fame. Inside the ballroom, attendees were treated to entertainment from singers, dancers and even acrobats, before the awards were announced.
U.S. winners of the 2023 Playa AllStars awards
2023 Playa Ambassador
Winner: Kim Cook, Love to Travel
Top Social Groups/Wedding Agency USA
Winner: Destify
Top Direct Booking Agent USA
Winner: Hillary Nollau, Destify
Top Producing Agent USA
Winner: Hillary Nollau, Destify
Top Producing Agency USA
Winner: Cruises and Tours Unlimited OSA
Top Producing Agent Midwest USA
Winner: Hillary Nollau, Destify
Top Producing Agent, National Account USA
Winner: Laura Zulaga
Top Producing Agent Northeast USA
Winner: Sue Allen
Top Producing Agent Southeast USA
Winner: Kellie Davis
Top Producing Agent TOLA, USA
Winner: Milan Raj
Top Producing Agent West Coast USA
Winner: Krista Hull