Moon Palace Casino Pulls Out All Stops for a D.A.T.E. to Remember
Host Resort, Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort in Punta Cana Celebrates 2010 Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (D.A.T.E.) With an Exciting Look Towards the Future
April 26, 2010 - The Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort hosted hundreds of U.S. and international travel agents and tour operators last week, as the official site of the 2010 Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange (D.A.T.E.) held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Drawing rave reviews from some of the industry's leading agents and operators, the event provided an opportunity for the Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort to showcase its recently-completed conference facilities, and give attendees a preview of the resort's upcoming plans for its re-branding to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana later this summer.
Hard Rock International and Palace Resorts have agreed to bring the world's first “ultimate all-inclusive” Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to Punta Cana, changing the rules with the biggest and most spectacular resort in the Dominican Republic. Already the largest all-inclusive in the destination, the 1,791-room Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort is slated to be re-branded the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana following an estimated $20 million make-over of its accommodations, restaurants, lobby, and casino - an effort already well underway.
The new property will combine the distinctive atmosphere and unparalleled guest experience of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino brand, together with the five-star Moon Palace Resort all-inclusive experience. D.A.T.E. attendees expressed their excitement over the transition that has taken place thus far, and what the globally-recognized Hard Rock brand and its unique vacation experience brings to the Dominican Republic's overall tourism product.
“I think the Moon Palace Punta Cana is just what the destination needed," said Elyse Elkin, Vice President of Strategic Product Latin America, Travel Impressions. “It's a brand new hotel, with new concepts, and it gives a fresh injection into the destination. I think it's going to do extremely well.”
“The Hard Rock brings a brand name that is very recognizable for the American customer and worldwide, to Punta Cana and this property, that differentiates it from the traditional all-inclusive product that's here in the destination,” said Demetrius Canton, Director Market Management - Caribbean, Expedia. “It's great for the destination and for Moon Palace.”
The annual tourism conference for the Dominican Republic officially kicked off on Monday, April 19 with the Moon Palace Casino Golf & Spa Resort opening event and cocktail reception. The fully decked out ballroom set the tone for the night as guests were transported to a contemporary nightclub scene in the starlight studded room complete with floor to ceiling sheers, dramatic lighting, and contemporary lounge-style seating.
As the more than 500 guests gathered, the attention soon turned to center stage with a line-up of speakers that included remarks from Haydee Rainieri, president, ASONAHORES, the organizer's of D.A.T.E.; Palace Resorts Chief Executive Officer, Rafael Chapur; and Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort Director of Operations, Agustin Cortes. These were followed by a rock-inspired video presentation celebrating the coming together of the Palace Resorts and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino hospitality brands, which provided the ideal set-up for an electric performance by Grammy-winning artist, Jon Secada.
The Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort Punta Cana's expansive 121-acre property rests on Macao Beach, one of the most beautiful, palm tree-lined beaches in the Caribbean that overlooks perfectly clear blue waters on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. Upon its transition to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, the property will feature Hard Rock's signature “Rock Star” suites, an extensive collection of authentic music memorabilia, and Moon Palace Resort's signature all-inclusive luxury accommodations, including double Jacuzzis and double showers.
About Hard Rock International
With a total of 161 venues in 52 countries, including 129 cafes and 13 Hotels/Casinos, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya, Bali, Macau, Penang, Tulsa and Singapore. Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced in Punta Cana, scheduled to open in 2010; Panama, scheduled to open in 2012; and Hungary, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2013. Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.hardrockhotels.com. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.
About Palace Resorts
With 12 oceanfront resorts overlooking sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea or the tranquil Pacific Ocean, Palace Resorts celebrates 25 years of setting the highest standards for five-star all-inclusive vacations in Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Riviera Nayarit in Mexico and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Palace Resorts provides an exceptional experience for travelers, offering luxurious and spacious accommodations accentuated by their signature in-room double Jacuzzi®, nightly entertainment, included select off-site excursions, the Caribbean's most extravagant spas and premier championship golf courses. Palace Resorts' unparalleled level of service and comfort found at each property makes them a leader in providing world-class resort vacations. For more information about Palace Resorts, please visit http: www.palaceresorts.com or call 1-800-635-1836. For calls outside the USA and Canada, please dial +1-305-374-4752.
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
