Q & A with Samir Galindo, General Manager of Anthony’s Keys Resort (Honduras)

Anthony’s Keys Resort is perched on a lavish natural setting of a private island off Honduras. For more than 40 years, its dolphin programs has turned the resort into the dreamland of people interested in both the habitat and smart behavior of these fascinating sea mammals. With occupancy rates way above 80 percent all throughout 2008, Anthony’s Keys Resort continues to aim high on the road ahead. In this exclusive interview with Caribbean News Digital, its general manager talks about the facility’s future plans and expectations.

Will you tell us in briefly what’s so unique about Anthony’s Key Resort, what makes it so special?
Anthony’s Key Resort is unique for its natural setting, the private island where the bungalows surround the island shore. The dolphins programs offered at Anthony’s Key Resort make it a unique as many people are fascinated by dolphins and their behavior. The dive operation at Anthony’s Key Resort is one of the best dive operations in the Caribbean and we are considered a PADI 5 star Gold Palm Facility. We are one of the few properties to have a hyperbaric chamber on premises with a fully equipped medical clinic with doctors on staff.

How many guestrooms does the lodging have right now? Are you planning to increase its infrastructure in the near future?
Anthony’s Key Resort has 56 bungalows of those 32 rooms are air conditioning and 24 are non air conditioning. The resort can hold approximately 120 people comfortably.

What customer category are you targeting now?
The diving market is our main market, families, people looking to experience the dolphins, water and eco-friendly clients.

What occupancy rates did you achieve this year? Has it been higher than in previous years?
Our occupancy this past year 2008 has exceeded our expectation; I would say Anthony’s Key Resort occupancy is approximately 85 to 87 percent.

Who are your toughest competitors in the country?
Anthony’s Key Resort is a unique resort unlike any in Honduras or the Bay Islands. We don’t consider any of the properties our competition. Each resort in the bay islands has a unique feature. Ark’s is the dolphins and our dive operation.

What kind of strategy have you laid out in the face of the ongoing financial crisis that’s wreaking havoc with so many destinations?
Anthony’s Key Resort has just celebrated 40 years of Business and with that we offered a great special. We continue to create great offers during different periods of the year. Considering our economic crisis AKR has done quite well. We are working with the economy by offering promotions to our clients.