Dominican Republic
Dominican born, José Luis Leonardo has led Archipelago’s operations, business development and corporate teams in the Americas since 2018, overseeing the successful opening of Archipelago’s first hotels and resorts in the region. His portfolio has grown to more than 20 hotels and condotels (7,000+ keys) operating or under development. José Luis has over 25 years of experience in the successful operation and commercialization of top hotels in the Caribbean, Latin America, and the US, with a strong background in asset management. He has been recognized by the Ministries of Tourism of various Latin-American countries for his role in the development of the sector.
Took over the property on its first stage to successfully oversee the whole operation and expansion. Designed positioning and marketing plans that doubled the hotel’s occupancy in just one year. In charge of approaching, negotiating and finally contracting with all major TTOO with an average rate 70% higher than previous year. Supervised the developing of the 2nd stage of the project with a budget of USD 12MM. Positioned the property on Trip Advisor’s platform from the spot 109 to the 45, among all Punta Cana’s hotels (Traveler’s Choice Award) and as number one among its competitive set, according to Review Pro’s evaluation. All achieved in less than one year. Re-negotiated all tenants’ contracts, resulting on a 200K higher yearly income from that concept only. Developed a profitable scenario from an under producing asset, allowing a privately-owned property to negotiate an important deal of management with an international hotel group. Designed and implemented the hotel’s operational manuals and standards for all Departments.
Successfully oversaw and directed the Hotel’s overall operation and administration. Devised and planed along with Corporate Office Annual Budgets and all Capital Expenditures. Developed a 900K profit just on the 2nd year of operations, even with rates being 35% lower than forecasted. Evaluated and re-negotiated all vendor services and contracts, resulting in a 16% annual savings while maintaining quality and standards. Worked effectively under resource constrains. Due to the design of a successful internal marketing program, increased non-package revenues by 74% (35% over budget). Working together with the Commercial Department, successfully acquired and secured contracts with TTOO and Airline Crews that represented 48% of the annual revenue. Obtained the 4 Diamond Award in the first year of operations. Only a select group 0.5% of hotels have received it in less than 12 months. Implemented and maintained standards of service that allowed the hotel to improve satisfaction scores from the mid 60’s to the high 90’s since taking over on the job. Improved Trip Advisor’s positioning until becoming part of the Top 5 hotels in the destination. Received the Traveler’s Choice Award for 2016, along with recognitions by the most important OTA’s.
Assisted the General Manager on providing leadership and directing the whole operation. Also responsible of the F&B Department. Team Leader for the project of implementation & documentation of all service standards for the hotel’s reopening. Increased General Guest Satisfaction Scores on 9 points in a 6-month timeframe, due to new strategies and by improving customer service. Implemented internal marketing strategies that increased the Non-Package Revenue on 84%. Designed and implemented a positioning program the improved the Trip Advisor’s rating 20 positions in less than 6 months. Promoted to General Manger of another AlSol’s property.
One of the top 3 Catering and Consulting Companies in the Capital City of the Dominican Republic – Producing more than 4,000 meals per day – Provider for the Dominican Presidency as well as for the top Banking Institutions of the country – Over 150 employees - Operational and Administrative Direction of the company. Designed the initial Business Plan, as well as the Marketing Plan that positioned the company as one of the top 3 in the business in just 3 years of operation. Designed and conducted Consulting and Implementation Programs for the top restaurants and hotels of the city. As well as for very important Tour Operators, Travel Agencies and government institutions, like the Presidential Palace and the Dominican General Customs Direction. Responsible for the implementation of the Sales and Cost Control Plans that doubled the Company’s GOP for 4 consecutive years.