Talya Regan is the Director of Sales and Marketing at the #1 ranked Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark in the Catskills. She has over a decade of public relations and marketing experience across a variety of hospitality brands.
The Catskills are about two hours away from New York City and has a long and rich history as a destination for vacationing families. (Think “Dirty Dancing!”)
But now the area is experiencing a renaissance. Its proximity to a major urban area makes it an ideal destination for business conferences as well as family fun.
We recently caught up with Regan to talk about her career and why Bleisure Living travelers might choose a resort with a waterpark as a destination.
What led you to work in the hospitality industry? I was drawn to hospitality because of how authentically our work allows us to positively impact people’s lives. I get to play a part in helping families create life-long memories while creating a home away from home for families and a diverse group of guests.
What advice do you have for people considering a hospitality career? Hospitality is a fast-paced sector, with many moving pieces that come together to create the best experience for our guests. While having patience is absolutely necessary, being creative and innovative translates into more to offer guests. Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and be sure you are keeping up with the trends!
Why did you choose to join the Kartrite Resort team? What’s something unique our readers know about the property? While we share a campus with our neighbors at Resorts World Catskills and The Monster Golf Club, The Kartrite Resort is something totally unique to the area. As the home of New York’s Largest Indoor Waterpark, we’re able to offer the metropolitan area a modern, newer Waterpark staycation. Moreover, as a life-long resident of Sullivan County, I was excited to be a part of the “Borscht Belt’s” renaissance as a hospitality hot spot and bring people back to the Catskills!
When you think about combining business and leisure travel, what advice do you have for those traveling to a fun resort? Traveling doesn’t have to be all business, especially when you’re staying at a Resort with fun and unique amenities. Don’t be afraid to turn your business getaway into a family vacation. Add a day to your trip to take advantage of all the resort has to offer, or relax in our outdoor heated pool after a long day of meetings. Also, make sure you look for promotions specific to guests traveling for business, such as our “Room Only Rate” which doesn’t include waterpark passes and gets you the best rate available.
What are some of your favorite places in the Catskills? The Sullivan Catskills are such a special place. From our neighbors at Resorts World Catskills to the newly reopened Holiday Mountain to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (home to the original Woodstock Festival), there really is something for everyone to enjoy. I also really love the small shops, farmers market, and outdoor spaces that are so much fun to explore, especially with little ones. We are always adamant to share with our guests all there is to discover in the area!
Anything else we should know? As an industry that is so much about people, we work tirelessly to create safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for guests and families of all types. Additionally, hospitality is on the cutting edge of providing accessible space for all guests, including those with mobility limitations, special needs, and more. In communities where accessible spaces are not readily available, we pride ourselves on being a reliable home away from home that everyone can enjoy.
