You can read the latest “NCL Insider” newsletter and subscribe to it by sending an email to candrichuk@ncl.com.
You can subscribe to Royal Caribbean’s home-based-agent newsletter with an email to royalpartnersathome@rccl.com!
Learn How to Become A Travel Agent... Open your own Home Based Travel Agency
Thursday
Holland America Home Based Travel Agent Training Program
Holland America Line's HAL Academy offers an in-depth educational program designed to provide home based travel agents with the necessary tools and sales techniques to achieve greater sales success for any product, the program certifies those who pass as "Five-Star Agents," able to utilize this status and their new knowledge to become much more effective in selling cruises."
Today's travelers have more options for vacation than ever before and agents can provide great value to their clients by being educated about the products they sell. "They learn about our destinations and ships, how to master sales techniques both in person and on the phone, and how to identify, then target, the most valuable potential clients. They also learn how Holland America Line can support their sales efforts to create success."
Agents sign up for the complimentary program, study the six-chapter workbook at their own pace, and then take a test online. Graduates receive a graduation kit including more than $1,000 in bonus commission coupons, a personalized certificate and frame, 12 continuing education units per The Travel Institute or 12 CITC education credits for Canadian graduates, $25 discount off weekend and Alaska fams, use of Holland America's Five-Star Agent logo, a window decal and a white lapel pin.
Travel professionals who have already graduated from HAL Academy are encouraged to become post graduates by taking the new online advanced program to refresh their knowledge on the latest product news and group sales opportunities. They then receive a congratulatory letter, graduation gift and blue lapel pin. For more information on HAL Academy, visit www.hollandamerica.com and click on the Travel Agent Headquarters link.
Today's travelers have more options for vacation than ever before and agents can provide great value to their clients by being educated about the products they sell. "They learn about our destinations and ships, how to master sales techniques both in person and on the phone, and how to identify, then target, the most valuable potential clients. They also learn how Holland America Line can support their sales efforts to create success."
Agents sign up for the complimentary program, study the six-chapter workbook at their own pace, and then take a test online. Graduates receive a graduation kit including more than $1,000 in bonus commission coupons, a personalized certificate and frame, 12 continuing education units per The Travel Institute or 12 CITC education credits for Canadian graduates, $25 discount off weekend and Alaska fams, use of Holland America's Five-Star Agent logo, a window decal and a white lapel pin.
Travel professionals who have already graduated from HAL Academy are encouraged to become post graduates by taking the new online advanced program to refresh their knowledge on the latest product news and group sales opportunities. They then receive a congratulatory letter, graduation gift and blue lapel pin. For more information on HAL Academy, visit www.hollandamerica.com and click on the Travel Agent Headquarters link.
Tuesday
NYC's Exchange Hotel offers $129 Travel Agent Rate
The Exchange Hotel, located at 129 Front Street, is encouraging travel agents to explore Lower Manhattan with a $129 travel agent rate. The Exchange Hotel pays 10 percent commission on hotel packages, and the Exchange familiarization rates for agents are available virtually year round.
Register in advance with Laura Loveland, sales manager, by calling 212-742-0003, ext. 3106. The hotel offers 53 newly renovated accommodations and suites with cathedral ceilings, flat screen televisions, and marble bathrooms. The agent rate is for single or double occupancy, based on availability, and exclusive of tax.
To reserve a room at this special rate please cal1 212-742-0003 and ask for Alex Pellerano, reservations coordinator, or e-mail your request to reservations@exchangehotel.com. Agents must provide a current IATA Number or TIDS code with their registration and payment. For more information, call 212-742-0003 or visit www.exchangehotel.com.
Register in advance with Laura Loveland, sales manager, by calling 212-742-0003, ext. 3106. The hotel offers 53 newly renovated accommodations and suites with cathedral ceilings, flat screen televisions, and marble bathrooms. The agent rate is for single or double occupancy, based on availability, and exclusive of tax.
To reserve a room at this special rate please cal1 212-742-0003 and ask for Alex Pellerano, reservations coordinator, or e-mail your request to reservations@exchangehotel.com. Agents must provide a current IATA Number or TIDS code with their registration and payment. For more information, call 212-742-0003 or visit www.exchangehotel.com.
Monday
FREE Pasports at Super Clubs
Super Clubs is giving travel agents and groups more time to take advantage of its Passport Included Promotion, now expiring May 31. Under this program, SuperClubs will pay the U.S. passport fees (up to $97 per person) as part of a Super-Inclusive vacation booking in the Caribbean or the Bahamas for travel anytime this year. A family of four could spend up to $400 for their passports alone.
SuperClubs also improved its SuperAgency program. Travel agents can now earn $5 commission per room, per night, for qualified Starfish Trelawny bookings. They also can earn "Super Rewards" bonus discounts on future bookings, and receive "Super Points" that can be redeemed for merchandise like 30GB Video iPods and portable DVD players, complimentary stays at any SuperClubs resort, co-op marketing dollars or cash.
The "Fall for SuperClubs" special offers savings for singles, couples and groups at one of 12 SuperClubs properties -- Grand Lido Resorts & Spas; Hedonism Resorts; Breezes Resorts; Starfish Trelawny, and Rooms Resort -- for travel from Aug. 15-Nov. 30.
The best rooms are available for less for clients that book by April 30. The Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa's Epicurean Escape, June 27-July 1, is a five-day package that features hands-on cooking demonstrations; cook-offs and dueling chefs; libations in coffee, wine and spirits; and nightly gala dinners.
The four-night/five-day Epicurean Escape rates start at $1,800 per couple, based on double occupancy, for gardenview room. The Grand Lido Braco Resort & Spa will host the fifth annual "Best of Jamaica," Oct. 3-7, features a look at the island's culture, folklore, crafts and cooking traditions. The four-night/five-day Best of Jamaica starts at $1,870 per couple, based on double occupancy, for a gardenview room. For more information, visit http://www.superclubs.com/.
SuperClubs also improved its SuperAgency program. Travel agents can now earn $5 commission per room, per night, for qualified Starfish Trelawny bookings. They also can earn "Super Rewards" bonus discounts on future bookings, and receive "Super Points" that can be redeemed for merchandise like 30GB Video iPods and portable DVD players, complimentary stays at any SuperClubs resort, co-op marketing dollars or cash.
The "Fall for SuperClubs" special offers savings for singles, couples and groups at one of 12 SuperClubs properties -- Grand Lido Resorts & Spas; Hedonism Resorts; Breezes Resorts; Starfish Trelawny, and Rooms Resort -- for travel from Aug. 15-Nov. 30.
The best rooms are available for less for clients that book by April 30. The Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa's Epicurean Escape, June 27-July 1, is a five-day package that features hands-on cooking demonstrations; cook-offs and dueling chefs; libations in coffee, wine and spirits; and nightly gala dinners.
The four-night/five-day Epicurean Escape rates start at $1,800 per couple, based on double occupancy, for gardenview room. The Grand Lido Braco Resort & Spa will host the fifth annual "Best of Jamaica," Oct. 3-7, features a look at the island's culture, folklore, crafts and cooking traditions. The four-night/five-day Best of Jamaica starts at $1,870 per couple, based on double occupancy, for a gardenview room. For more information, visit http://www.superclubs.com/.
Friday
Princess Cruises Adds Air to POLAR Online
Princess Cruises has added a feature to Polar Online that provides access to their clients' air details as soon as 60 days prior to the cruise departure. This enhancement enables agents to view schedules for Princess FlightChoice reservations, as well as add information for passengers with independent air.
"An air information feature was by far the most-requested POLAR Online enhancement by travel agents," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales.Agents are now able to view their clients' cruise line air schedules on the POLAR "Passenger Confirmation" page approximately 60 days prior to the cruise departure date.
In addition, they can check any air customization fees paid, making it easier to break down air costs for clients. The display also includes the airline PNR record locator information so agents can arrange seat assignments for their clients with the air carrier. Additionally, travel agents will be able to note independent air schedules for passengers if they are using Princess transfers.
Agents can now use the Air Details feature to provide this required information rather than spending time to make a phone call. POLAR Online will also alert agents if their clients' flight arrival and departure times do not fall within the recommended schedule.
The POLAR Online tool can create a new booking in seven steps in as little as two minutes, and features more than 40 functions. Among the system's capabilities are the ability to search sailings by price, up-sell categories, build new groups, provide detailed commission reports and extend options. For more information, call 800-421-1700 or visit www.onesourcecruises.com
"An air information feature was by far the most-requested POLAR Online enhancement by travel agents," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales.Agents are now able to view their clients' cruise line air schedules on the POLAR "Passenger Confirmation" page approximately 60 days prior to the cruise departure date.
In addition, they can check any air customization fees paid, making it easier to break down air costs for clients. The display also includes the airline PNR record locator information so agents can arrange seat assignments for their clients with the air carrier. Additionally, travel agents will be able to note independent air schedules for passengers if they are using Princess transfers.
Agents can now use the Air Details feature to provide this required information rather than spending time to make a phone call. POLAR Online will also alert agents if their clients' flight arrival and departure times do not fall within the recommended schedule.
The POLAR Online tool can create a new booking in seven steps in as little as two minutes, and features more than 40 functions. Among the system's capabilities are the ability to search sailings by price, up-sell categories, build new groups, provide detailed commission reports and extend options. For more information, call 800-421-1700 or visit www.onesourcecruises.com
Wednesday
General Tours Enhances Agent Program
New program features have been added, including online training designed exclusively for General Tours Rewards agents. At GeneralToursRewards.com, members can sign up for interactive web-based seminars hosted by General Tours' sales managers. With a 292-page tour catalog, the company's offerings are exhaustive, and online training will guide travel Agents toward selling the right vacation for their clients -- whether its an off-the-beaten path small ship cruise or a privately-guided adventure vacation in Latin America. Call 800-221-2216 or visit http://www.generaltoursrewards.com/.
Sandals Schedules Preview Dinners for Travel Agents
Sandals Resorts is hosting several special dinners to preview the innovations and renovations taking place at all 16 of the Caribbean's leading all-inclusive resorts. Travel Agents across Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, New Jersey and Massachusetts, will have the opportunity to attend an evening showcasing new trends, designs and partnerships that Sandals has in store for 2007.
Those who attend the event will have the opportunity to experience a tradeshow exhibit, featuring several booths highlighting Sandals and Beaches products and amenities; an evening presentation to preview Sandals' latest enhancements and concepts; and a special introduction of the partnerships that the resort company has entered into, such as its venture with Beringer Wines, and new Crayola Art Camps at Beaches Resorts. Several resort general managers will also be on hand to bring the latest news from their resorts straight to agents at each of the exclusive events across North America.
Cities scheduled include: March 27 - St. Louis, Mo., Renaissance St. Louis Airport, 9801 Natural Bridge Road; March 28 - Milwaukee, Wisc., Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, 333 West Kilbourn Avenue; March 29 – Minneapolis, Minneapolis Marriott City Center, 30 South Seventh Street; April 3 -Dearborn, Mich., Hyatt Regency Dearborn, 600 Town Center Drive; April 4 - Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane; April 24 - Newark, Sheraton Newark Airport, 128 Frontage Road; April 25 - Quincy, Mass., Marriot Boston Burlington, One Mall Road. Registration and the tradeshow exhibit begin at 5:30 pm followed by dinner and the Grande Unveiling presentation at 7p.m. To reserve a place at one of the seminars, call 800-48-SPECIAL. For more information on Sandals, visit www.sandals.com.
Those who attend the event will have the opportunity to experience a tradeshow exhibit, featuring several booths highlighting Sandals and Beaches products and amenities; an evening presentation to preview Sandals' latest enhancements and concepts; and a special introduction of the partnerships that the resort company has entered into, such as its venture with Beringer Wines, and new Crayola Art Camps at Beaches Resorts. Several resort general managers will also be on hand to bring the latest news from their resorts straight to agents at each of the exclusive events across North America.
Cities scheduled include: March 27 - St. Louis, Mo., Renaissance St. Louis Airport, 9801 Natural Bridge Road; March 28 - Milwaukee, Wisc., Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, 333 West Kilbourn Avenue; March 29 – Minneapolis, Minneapolis Marriott City Center, 30 South Seventh Street; April 3 -Dearborn, Mich., Hyatt Regency Dearborn, 600 Town Center Drive; April 4 - Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane; April 24 - Newark, Sheraton Newark Airport, 128 Frontage Road; April 25 - Quincy, Mass., Marriot Boston Burlington, One Mall Road. Registration and the tradeshow exhibit begin at 5:30 pm followed by dinner and the Grande Unveiling presentation at 7p.m. To reserve a place at one of the seminars, call 800-48-SPECIAL. For more information on Sandals, visit www.sandals.com.
Holland America Offers 101 Agent Spring Seminars
Holland America Line will host 101 business-building seminars for home based travel agents in cities across the United States and Canada this spring. These 90-minute seminars will focus on increasing business with Holland America's diverse itineraries, booking groups for bigger profits, and an overview of sales tools available to agents, including POLAR Online.
"As part of the home based travel agent training program, these seminars provide key concepts and selling tools useful to our travel agent partners," said Tracey Kelly, vice president of sales for Holland America Line. "Agents will walk away from the seminar with concrete ideas to help them increase their business in this competitive marketplace along with the knowledge of what tools we have available to help them succeed."
Seminars run from April 3 through June 6, 2007. Seminar topics include: Increase Your Business and Revenue; Book Groups for Bigger Profit; and Access Sales Tools That Make a Difference to Your Bottom Line. Seminar reservations are for travel agents only and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in attending must provide the attendee's name, name of travel agency, IATA number, business phone number and seminar city, date and location. Some locations are limited to two attendees per agency IATA. Travel sellers may RSVP online at www.springseminars.com or call 800-355-3019. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
"As part of the home based travel agent training program, these seminars provide key concepts and selling tools useful to our travel agent partners," said Tracey Kelly, vice president of sales for Holland America Line. "Agents will walk away from the seminar with concrete ideas to help them increase their business in this competitive marketplace along with the knowledge of what tools we have available to help them succeed."
Seminars run from April 3 through June 6, 2007. Seminar topics include: Increase Your Business and Revenue; Book Groups for Bigger Profit; and Access Sales Tools That Make a Difference to Your Bottom Line. Seminar reservations are for travel agents only and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in attending must provide the attendee's name, name of travel agency, IATA number, business phone number and seminar city, date and location. Some locations are limited to two attendees per agency IATA. Travel sellers may RSVP online at www.springseminars.com or call 800-355-3019. For more information, visit www.hollandamerica.com.
Tuesday
Did you know?
AIG Travel Guard's Live Travel department is your clients' 24-hour travel agent for emergency or last-minute travel changes, such as rebooking flights, hotel reservations, tracking lost luggage, and more!
Increase your profits with our ezTIPS software!
Mary Cieslewicz Account Development ManagerMary.Cieslewicz@aig.com
Travel Guard Internationalwww.travelguard.com800.826.7791 ext 13321
Increase your profits with our ezTIPS software!
Mary Cieslewicz Account Development ManagerMary.Cieslewicz@aig.com
Travel Guard Internationalwww.travelguard.com800.826.7791 ext 13321
Vacation.com Travel Agent Conference
For those who attend the conference in the past, we always hear how great it is; that it’s one of the best in the industry; that there’s a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm; and that they learn so much by attending.
Lauraday is assuring me that members who attend seminars by Bob Abrams, Mike Marchev and Nolan Burris and our many supplier product presentations will come away with a bunch of new business building ideas they can implement right away. In fact...they want me to guarantee it, or we’ll refund your cost to attend (including air and hotel)! In addition, Lauraday tells me there are 16 new training courses and half a dozen new suppliers to better educate our members. So...look soon for the 'guarantee' that the conference is well worth your time...or we’ll cover your costs!
As you all know from coordinating functions, there’s a need to firm-up the numbers and for ‘minimums’ to be met in the area of hotel rooms and food/beverage in particular. So we need to nail down everyone’s registration no later than the 9th of May. If you haven’t registered yet, simply log onto www.AgentNet.com/conference click on 'Register Now' and follow the prompts from there.
In the last message I asked for feedback on ‘wave season’. As we know, the experience is different by member, but I think its fair to say that the Caribbean is somewhat weak in comparison to past years; Europe has been ‘hot’; Alaska still very strong...and business overall is spread out more over the course of the year... Have a great week...
Steve
President and CEO
Vacation.com
Lauraday is assuring me that members who attend seminars by Bob Abrams, Mike Marchev and Nolan Burris and our many supplier product presentations will come away with a bunch of new business building ideas they can implement right away. In fact...they want me to guarantee it, or we’ll refund your cost to attend (including air and hotel)! In addition, Lauraday tells me there are 16 new training courses and half a dozen new suppliers to better educate our members. So...look soon for the 'guarantee' that the conference is well worth your time...or we’ll cover your costs!
As you all know from coordinating functions, there’s a need to firm-up the numbers and for ‘minimums’ to be met in the area of hotel rooms and food/beverage in particular. So we need to nail down everyone’s registration no later than the 9th of May. If you haven’t registered yet, simply log onto www.AgentNet.com/conference click on 'Register Now' and follow the prompts from there.
In the last message I asked for feedback on ‘wave season’. As we know, the experience is different by member, but I think its fair to say that the Caribbean is somewhat weak in comparison to past years; Europe has been ‘hot’; Alaska still very strong...and business overall is spread out more over the course of the year... Have a great week...
Steve
President and CEO
Vacation.com
Seminar At Sea Onboard the Mercury
7 Night Alaska Hubbard Glacier Cruise Onboard the MercuryJune 1-8, 2007 Vancouver, BC Featuring: “The Mike Marchev Marketing System” Today’s competitive environment demands that you understand the importance of marketing as it pertains to growing and sustaining a healthy and profitable home based travel agency.
The Seminar at Sea Program is ideal for home based travel agents. This seminar provides interactive learning exercises and opportunities to share best practices within the group of participants. Although the two full days at sea during this six day cruise will be jam-packed with meaningful, business-building instruction from one of the industry’s most down-to-earth, entertaining “teachers” and the Celebrity Cruises staff, all participants will have ample time to enjoy the ports of call while sharing sales and marketing experiences with fellow travel professionals. Space is Limited.
WHEN
Friday, June 1, 2007 12:00 PM -
Friday, June 8, 2007 7:00 AM
WHERE
Alaska Sailing
Departure from Vancouver, BC
ATTIRE
Casual
FEE
Event Registration
Agent Single Cabin $915.00
Agent/Agent Double PER Cabin $1198.00
Agent/Guest Double PER Cabin $1299.00
View Event Summary View Event Agenda
RSVP
Friday, March 30, 2007
The Seminar at Sea Program is ideal for home based travel agents. This seminar provides interactive learning exercises and opportunities to share best practices within the group of participants. Although the two full days at sea during this six day cruise will be jam-packed with meaningful, business-building instruction from one of the industry’s most down-to-earth, entertaining “teachers” and the Celebrity Cruises staff, all participants will have ample time to enjoy the ports of call while sharing sales and marketing experiences with fellow travel professionals. Space is Limited.
WHEN
Friday, June 1, 2007 12:00 PM -
Friday, June 8, 2007 7:00 AM
WHERE
Alaska Sailing
Departure from Vancouver, BC
ATTIRE
Casual
FEE
Event Registration
Agent Single Cabin $915.00
Agent/Agent Double PER Cabin $1198.00
Agent/Guest Double PER Cabin $1299.00
View Event Summary View Event Agenda
RSVP
Friday, March 30, 2007
Monday
Mediterranean, Europe and Luxury Cruising Market is Booming.
"The Mediterranean and Europe are the Caribbean of 10 years ago," said Carnival President and CEO Bob Dickinson. He also noted that home based travel agents continue to sell more cruises than ever and makeing lots of money doing so. "That is a trend that will continue for many many years to come," he said
"Overall, the trends continue to be terrific," said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Added Rick Sasso, president of MSC Cruises USA: "European cruising is not doing well, it's doing phenomenally well. Columbus came here in 1492 and now we're all going back to Europe." Sasso noted that cruising still only penetrates 1 percent of the European vacation market, but that more growth is expected as the traditional summer season is expanding, with some ships even operating in the Mediterranean year-round.
"The pent-up demand for luxury cruises is staggering." Silversea's new president, Amerigo Perasso, echoed Del Rio. He said 2006 was a record year for his four-ship line in net revenues, load factors and other areas. "2007 is expected to surpass 2006 in all areas," Perasso said. "We definitely see a lot of room for growth." The orders announced by Oceania and Silversea follow plans announced last year by Seabourn Cruise Line to build two 32,000-ton, 450-passenger ships for delivery in spring 2009 and 2010.
While Crystal Cruises hasn't announced any plans to build new ships, the line's executives have said in the past that a design committee is evaluating what a new luxury ship would include. "The growth trends are positive for the next 10 years," said Crystal President Gregg Michel, citing an increasing number of empty-nester households as the Baby Boomers mature. "The Boomers have already acquired the trappings of wealth and are looking for luxury experiences," he said. Michel added that 68 percent of Crystal's cruisers have moved up from premium and mass-market lines -- something for cruise-selling agents to keep in mind.
Seabourn President Pam Conover said the luxury clientele is a profitable one for travel agents to cultivate. "They are a desirable clientele, especially for travel agents, because they are used to paying for service but still expect value," she said.
"Overall, the trends continue to be terrific," said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Added Rick Sasso, president of MSC Cruises USA: "European cruising is not doing well, it's doing phenomenally well. Columbus came here in 1492 and now we're all going back to Europe." Sasso noted that cruising still only penetrates 1 percent of the European vacation market, but that more growth is expected as the traditional summer season is expanding, with some ships even operating in the Mediterranean year-round.
"The pent-up demand for luxury cruises is staggering." Silversea's new president, Amerigo Perasso, echoed Del Rio. He said 2006 was a record year for his four-ship line in net revenues, load factors and other areas. "2007 is expected to surpass 2006 in all areas," Perasso said. "We definitely see a lot of room for growth." The orders announced by Oceania and Silversea follow plans announced last year by Seabourn Cruise Line to build two 32,000-ton, 450-passenger ships for delivery in spring 2009 and 2010.
While Crystal Cruises hasn't announced any plans to build new ships, the line's executives have said in the past that a design committee is evaluating what a new luxury ship would include. "The growth trends are positive for the next 10 years," said Crystal President Gregg Michel, citing an increasing number of empty-nester households as the Baby Boomers mature. "The Boomers have already acquired the trappings of wealth and are looking for luxury experiences," he said. Michel added that 68 percent of Crystal's cruisers have moved up from premium and mass-market lines -- something for cruise-selling agents to keep in mind.
Seabourn President Pam Conover said the luxury clientele is a profitable one for travel agents to cultivate. "They are a desirable clientele, especially for travel agents, because they are used to paying for service but still expect value," she said.
Thursday
Exclusive Webinar for Vacation.com Members with
Royal Caribbean International is excited to present an EXCLUSIVE opportunity for Vacation.Com members to learn about all the NEW & EXCITING TOOLS available to help you grow your business and make 2007 a most successful and profitable year!
Please join Lisa Bauer, SVP of Sales in this exclusive web-ex session scheduled onDate: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 Time: 3:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (GMT -04:00, New York) Session Number: 561 326 664Registration password: This session does not require a registration password.
Take advantage of this great opportunity now and register today! To attend this training session, you must first register for it. Please click the above link to see more information and register for this session. Once you have registered for the session, you will receive an email message confirming your registration. This message will provide the information that you need to join the session
Please join Lisa Bauer, SVP of Sales in this exclusive web-ex session scheduled onDate: Wednesday, March 28, 2007 Time: 3:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (GMT -04:00, New York) Session Number: 561 326 664Registration password: This session does not require a registration password.
Take advantage of this great opportunity now and register today! To attend this training session, you must first register for it. Please click the above link to see more information and register for this session. Once you have registered for the session, you will receive an email message confirming your registration. This message will provide the information that you need to join the session
Cutting Edge & New from Amadeus: Amadeus e-Cruise
Vacation.com and Amadeus have made a commitment to stay at the forefront of travel technology, and because we want to provide you with the best solutions that will enable you to succeed we are inviting you to a special preview of Amadeus e-Cruise.
As a valued Vacation.com member, Vacation.com would like to bring to your attention this new preferred cruise-booking engine for your agency desktops and Web site.
Click here to learn more.
As a valued Vacation.com member, Vacation.com would like to bring to your attention this new preferred cruise-booking engine for your agency desktops and Web site.
Click here to learn more.
VacationPort: AGENT / AGENCY INCENTIVES
Many of the Vacation.com Preferred Suppliers offer rewards and incentives for you and your agency. Vacation.com has made an easier way to search for Vacation.com member offers in VacationPort.
Login to AgentNet and select VacationPort Supplier Specials Finder under the Quick Links section on the AgentNet homepage.
Select AGENT / AGENCY INCENTIVES which is the first link under the Engagement / Specials box on the VacationPort homepage that includes all of the agent offers from the Member Incentive Pack.
Click here to see the current AGENT / AGENCY INCENTIVES.
Login to AgentNet and select VacationPort Supplier Specials Finder under the Quick Links section on the AgentNet homepage.
Select AGENT / AGENCY INCENTIVES which is the first link under the Engagement / Specials box on the VacationPort homepage that includes all of the agent offers from the Member Incentive Pack.
Click here to see the current AGENT / AGENCY INCENTIVES.
Wednesday
FREE Subscription to Vacation Agent Magazine
The goal of Vacation Agent magazine is to provide travel agent readers with the information, product knowledge, and sales and marketing skills to help them sell more profitable vacation travel.
Our belief is that you cancreate customers for life by serving as an expert vacation consultant,whether those customers want to cruise, go on a tour, stay at a resort orvisit a new destination. By now it should be very apparent that one of your most valuable resources is product knowledge.
The content of Vacation Agent magazine focuses on leisure travel, which is likely the majority of your business. http://www.vacationagentmagazine.com/subscribe.htm
Our belief is that you cancreate customers for life by serving as an expert vacation consultant,whether those customers want to cruise, go on a tour, stay at a resort orvisit a new destination. By now it should be very apparent that one of your most valuable resources is product knowledge.
The content of Vacation Agent magazine focuses on leisure travel, which is likely the majority of your business. http://www.vacationagentmagazine.com/subscribe.htm
Tuesday
Join us for a FREE Webinar on March 21
Join us to learn about the 2007 Vacation.com Concierge Host program where you can be the Concierge Host on one of the 2007 Vacation Vignette vacations. Webinar attendees will receive pre-course reading materials.
Vacation.com Concierge Host TrainingDate: Wednesday, March 21, 2007Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT.
Space is limited so sign up today!!. Click here to register
System RequirementsPC-based attendeesRequired: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server. Macintosh®-based attendeesRequired: Mac OS® X 10.3.9 (Panther®) or newer.
Vacation.com Concierge Host TrainingDate: Wednesday, March 21, 2007Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT.
Space is limited so sign up today!!. Click here to register
System RequirementsPC-based attendeesRequired: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server. Macintosh®-based attendeesRequired: Mac OS® X 10.3.9 (Panther®) or newer.
Monday
Whats New at Agents.gohawaii.com
Visitors See Waikiki Beach Walk Taking ShapeThe Waikiki Beach WalkTM is taking shape as visitors to Waikiki are starting to see, taste, and hear what is just the beginning of the spectacular and highly anticipated retail development by Outrigger Enterprises Group. A dozen shops are now open in the 93,000-square-foot retail complex, complemented by strolling musicians playing the classic, lilting tunes of the islands. www.agents.gohawaii.com
Also open is the first of two towers comprising Hilton’s Embassy Suites ® –Waikiki beach Walk. Most of the remaining 30 restaurants and retailers will be open by May 2007 including Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Crazy Shirts, and Na Hoku. For the most updated information and a complete listing of tenants, visit www.WaikikiBeachWalk.com.
Also open is the first of two towers comprising Hilton’s Embassy Suites ® –Waikiki beach Walk. Most of the remaining 30 restaurants and retailers will be open by May 2007 including Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Crazy Shirts, and Na Hoku. For the most updated information and a complete listing of tenants, visit www.WaikikiBeachWalk.com.
10 Reasons to Purchase Travel Insurance
There are hundreds of circumstances that could cause your clients to cancel your trip, return home early or force them to seek emergency medical treatment while traveling.
To demonstrate the importance of purchasing travel insurance and emergency travel services here are 10 common examples of what could go wrong. This is a great list to keep in mind when communicating the benefits of Travel Guard insurance to your customers.
10 Reasons to Purchase Travel Insurance
1. It's 10 p.m. and you and your immediate family arrive at the airport for a connecting flight, only to find that your flight has been cancelled. Who can assist you with finding new flights to get everyone home?
2. Your bag was lost with your insulin inside. You need help to locate your bag as soon as possible and have your emergency prescription filled. Who do you call?
3. Your first visit to Europe, and your passport and wallet are stolen. Where do you turn for emergency cash, and how will you get your passport replaced?
4. You're involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. Who will help arrange and pay for a medical evacuation?
5. If your sister-in-law becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your trip, what happens to your non-refundable deposits or pre-payments?
6.You arrive in Jamaica and your luggage doesn't. If it's lost, who will help you find it? If it's delayed, who will pay for your necessities? If it's stolen, who will pay to replace it?
7. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. Who will pay for your non-refundable expenses? Who will help get you to your destination?
8. You're walking down a street in Rio and twist your ankle. Who can help you find an English-speaking physician?
9. Three weeks before your scheduled arrival, a terrorist incident occurs in the city to which you are planning to visit. Who will pay if you want to cancel your trip?
10. You are at a beach resort in North Carolina, and you are forced to evacuate due to an approaching hurricane. Who will help you evacuate and who will reimburse your lost vacation investment?
For any customer who thinks nothing will happen to affect his trip, these are great questions that deal with everyday possibilities. They can also help you discuss the many features and coverages (and limitations) that come with travel protection from AIG Travel Guard.
For more information see www.travelguard.com or call 1-800-826-1300
To demonstrate the importance of purchasing travel insurance and emergency travel services here are 10 common examples of what could go wrong. This is a great list to keep in mind when communicating the benefits of Travel Guard insurance to your customers.
10 Reasons to Purchase Travel Insurance
1. It's 10 p.m. and you and your immediate family arrive at the airport for a connecting flight, only to find that your flight has been cancelled. Who can assist you with finding new flights to get everyone home?
2. Your bag was lost with your insulin inside. You need help to locate your bag as soon as possible and have your emergency prescription filled. Who do you call?
3. Your first visit to Europe, and your passport and wallet are stolen. Where do you turn for emergency cash, and how will you get your passport replaced?
4. You're involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available. Who will help arrange and pay for a medical evacuation?
5. If your sister-in-law becomes seriously ill and you must cancel your trip, what happens to your non-refundable deposits or pre-payments?
6.You arrive in Jamaica and your luggage doesn't. If it's lost, who will help you find it? If it's delayed, who will pay for your necessities? If it's stolen, who will pay to replace it?
7. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. Who will pay for your non-refundable expenses? Who will help get you to your destination?
8. You're walking down a street in Rio and twist your ankle. Who can help you find an English-speaking physician?
9. Three weeks before your scheduled arrival, a terrorist incident occurs in the city to which you are planning to visit. Who will pay if you want to cancel your trip?
10. You are at a beach resort in North Carolina, and you are forced to evacuate due to an approaching hurricane. Who will help you evacuate and who will reimburse your lost vacation investment?
For any customer who thinks nothing will happen to affect his trip, these are great questions that deal with everyday possibilities. They can also help you discuss the many features and coverages (and limitations) that come with travel protection from AIG Travel Guard.
For more information see www.travelguard.com or call 1-800-826-1300
Did you know?
Travel Guard Essential Expanded plan is an economical way for your clients to insure themselves and their family on their trip. If coverage is purchased within 15 days of the initial trip deposit, children under 16 traveling with an insured adult are included at no additional cost. *One child 16 and younger with each insured adult age 17 and up.
Not available to Washington Residents
******************************************
~ Increase your profits with our ezTIPS software!
Mary Cieslewicz Account Development ManagerMary.Cieslewicz@aig.com
Not available to Washington Residents
******************************************
~ Increase your profits with our ezTIPS software!
Mary Cieslewicz Account Development ManagerMary.Cieslewicz@aig.com
Sunday
Hertz - Preferred Rates and Commissions
Get Preferred Rates and Commissions when using our special agentnet code
Discounts up to 20% on Hertz retail rates in the U.S & Canada
10% agency commission on Weekly and Weekend Rentals
18% commission on Hertz Affordable Europe Rentals, plus a Free Day Certificate for every Prepaid and Non-prepaid Affordable Europe Rental.
$9 Bonus on Retail and Business Account Program (BAP) Weekly Rentals
$2 Bonus on Retail and Business Account Program (BAP) Weekend Rentals
Click here for more information
Discounts up to 20% on Hertz retail rates in the U.S & Canada
10% agency commission on Weekly and Weekend Rentals
18% commission on Hertz Affordable Europe Rentals, plus a Free Day Certificate for every Prepaid and Non-prepaid Affordable Europe Rental.
$9 Bonus on Retail and Business Account Program (BAP) Weekly Rentals
$2 Bonus on Retail and Business Account Program (BAP) Weekend Rentals
Click here for more information
Oceania Cruises - $100 Bonus Commission
Get $100 bonus commission on all 2007 European Fall departures including Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Greek Isles for bookings March 15- April 30, 2007 departing September 1 through November 13, 2007.
Bonus commission will be added at the end of the booking window by Oceania Cruises and paid out with earned commission per normal commission schedules.
Click here for more information.
Bonus commission will be added at the end of the booking window by Oceania Cruises and paid out with earned commission per normal commission schedules.
Click here for more information.
Princess Cruises - Travel agent fares from less than $40 a day
Home Based Travel Agent fares from $399
Cruise with Princess and enjoy special travel agent rates on select cruise departures from April to June. 7-Day Alaska from $449, 10-Day Mexico from $599 and 10-17 Day Europe from $699 and 12-Day South Pacific from $999.
Over 30 Princess 2007 departures. For complete list, visit AgentNet.
Click here for more information
Cruise with Princess and enjoy special travel agent rates on select cruise departures from April to June. 7-Day Alaska from $449, 10-Day Mexico from $599 and 10-17 Day Europe from $699 and 12-Day South Pacific from $999.
Over 30 Princess 2007 departures. For complete list, visit AgentNet.
Click here for more information
Thursday
Promote & Sell Profitable Products
Promote & Sell Profitable Products
By Phil & Doris Davidoff, CTCs, CTIEs, MCCs
It is just common sense – promote and sell profitable products. Avoid selling a travel product that costs more to service and sell than the money your clients will pay for it. Sometimes you may have to do this because a good client or prospect requests a low-cost, low-profit travel product, but DO NOT waste precious promotional dollars promoting unprofitable products.
It is amazing how many agents are promoting the least expensive cruises and tours because “that’s what is in the newspapers,” or because they believe that a client who buys a cheap trip today will buy a more expensive one tomorrow. Believe us, this rarely happens. The client who buys a cheap trip today will probably buy another cheap one next year.
But, what is profitable and what is not? Only you know your costs (or, at least, you should). By promoting the most inclusive products such as cruises, all-inclusive resorts and escorted tours, you earn commission on the greatest percentage of your client’s travel budget and your profits will increase. Make sure your clients understand why the program you are recommending costs more than a barebones trip, and the great value of the included features.
Promoting the profitable does not mean that we should try to sell the most expensive trip, providing the highest commission to all of our clients. Luxury cruises, for example, require travelers who seek and are comfortable with a luxury lifestyle. You will not succeed if you are trying to sell Regent or Seabourn to a contemporary (mass-market) target audience.
A current controversy concerns the sale of short, three to five day, cruises. Should agents promote or sell them when it is difficult (perhaps impossible) to make a profit on a product only providing a $60 to $150 commission per couple.
There is one way to promote and sell short cruises profitably – through group sales. Even five or ten couples traveling together multiply your earnings. If you can add special functions to the cruise, you can increase your price to cover the cost of the special features and added profit.
With respect to individual sales of short cruises, take the order if you are sure that it is what your client wants – but don’t promote them.
By Phil & Doris Davidoff, CTCs, CTIEs, MCCs
It is just common sense – promote and sell profitable products. Avoid selling a travel product that costs more to service and sell than the money your clients will pay for it. Sometimes you may have to do this because a good client or prospect requests a low-cost, low-profit travel product, but DO NOT waste precious promotional dollars promoting unprofitable products.
It is amazing how many agents are promoting the least expensive cruises and tours because “that’s what is in the newspapers,” or because they believe that a client who buys a cheap trip today will buy a more expensive one tomorrow. Believe us, this rarely happens. The client who buys a cheap trip today will probably buy another cheap one next year.
But, what is profitable and what is not? Only you know your costs (or, at least, you should). By promoting the most inclusive products such as cruises, all-inclusive resorts and escorted tours, you earn commission on the greatest percentage of your client’s travel budget and your profits will increase. Make sure your clients understand why the program you are recommending costs more than a barebones trip, and the great value of the included features.
Promoting the profitable does not mean that we should try to sell the most expensive trip, providing the highest commission to all of our clients. Luxury cruises, for example, require travelers who seek and are comfortable with a luxury lifestyle. You will not succeed if you are trying to sell Regent or Seabourn to a contemporary (mass-market) target audience.
A current controversy concerns the sale of short, three to five day, cruises. Should agents promote or sell them when it is difficult (perhaps impossible) to make a profit on a product only providing a $60 to $150 commission per couple.
There is one way to promote and sell short cruises profitably – through group sales. Even five or ten couples traveling together multiply your earnings. If you can add special functions to the cruise, you can increase your price to cover the cost of the special features and added profit.
With respect to individual sales of short cruises, take the order if you are sure that it is what your client wants – but don’t promote them.
Lemonade Stand Managment
Adam Aron, a former President of Norwegian Cruise Line, many years ago spoke to a group of travel agents in Anaheim, California. What he said then is as true today as it was when he said it.
In that speech, Adam conferred an honorary MBA from Harvard Business School to all participants who understand and follow the simple rules for running a lemonade stand that he learned while at Harvard:
1. Make good lemonade. Customers may buy bad lemonade once, but they will not return.
2. Don't spend too much making the lemonade. Service and quality are great, but not if they drive the cost of the lemonade so high that no one is willing to pay the premium (note: in an agency, our revenues for a transaction are frequently set by the supplier; if we spend too much making our "lemonade" we can't run a real business).
3. Find people who want to drink lemonade. This may sound trivial, but almost every business wastes a significant portion of their advertising money promoting their product to the wrong people. Small businesses are much better off putting a little bit of sweat into personally contacting highly targeted individuals than they are using money to reach a mass quantity of people and hope for a response.
4. Charge more than it costs to make the lemonade. Again, what we charge may be set by the supplier, but we always have the right to add to the commission being offered. If the commission isn't more than it costs to make our "lemonade," then we either have to charge extra (service charge) or get out of that particular business. If you lose 25 cents per transaction, you can't make it up in volume.
5. After the customer drinks, ask him if he would like a second cup. If he says "No," let him know the stand is open tomorrow from 9-5. So often, we help clients and then let them go. Do we follow up with a thank you note? Do we ask them what they want to do for their next trip?? Do we keep them on a mailing or emailing list to continue to ask them for future business??? If we don't, another lemonade stand will.
In that speech, Adam conferred an honorary MBA from Harvard Business School to all participants who understand and follow the simple rules for running a lemonade stand that he learned while at Harvard:
1. Make good lemonade. Customers may buy bad lemonade once, but they will not return.
2. Don't spend too much making the lemonade. Service and quality are great, but not if they drive the cost of the lemonade so high that no one is willing to pay the premium (note: in an agency, our revenues for a transaction are frequently set by the supplier; if we spend too much making our "lemonade" we can't run a real business).
3. Find people who want to drink lemonade. This may sound trivial, but almost every business wastes a significant portion of their advertising money promoting their product to the wrong people. Small businesses are much better off putting a little bit of sweat into personally contacting highly targeted individuals than they are using money to reach a mass quantity of people and hope for a response.
4. Charge more than it costs to make the lemonade. Again, what we charge may be set by the supplier, but we always have the right to add to the commission being offered. If the commission isn't more than it costs to make our "lemonade," then we either have to charge extra (service charge) or get out of that particular business. If you lose 25 cents per transaction, you can't make it up in volume.
5. After the customer drinks, ask him if he would like a second cup. If he says "No," let him know the stand is open tomorrow from 9-5. So often, we help clients and then let them go. Do we follow up with a thank you note? Do we ask them what they want to do for their next trip?? Do we keep them on a mailing or emailing list to continue to ask them for future business??? If we don't, another lemonade stand will.
Wednesday
Beaches Launches Single Parent Program
Beaches Resorts will launch its Single Parent Fun (SPF) month in May. From May 1 to 31, 2007 and Aug. 17 to Oct. 31, 2007, Beaches will waive the single supplement (up to $190 per night) for parents traveling with children and implement its popular SPF activities at all four Beaches Resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos.
SPF activities include Single Parent Welcome Receptions, Single Parent Social Cocktail Receptions, Kids' Movie Nights and more. The SPF offer is available at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa, Beaches Negril Resort & Spa, Beaches Sandy Bay, and Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club with a three-night minimum stay and is combinable with Beaches' current 25 percent off sale for 2007 travel.
Promotion may be combined with other consumer savings promotions, Signature Guest Points, Free Weddings, and Waterford/Wedgwood where applicable. Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. For more information, visit www.sandals.com.
SPF activities include Single Parent Welcome Receptions, Single Parent Social Cocktail Receptions, Kids' Movie Nights and more. The SPF offer is available at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa, Beaches Negril Resort & Spa, Beaches Sandy Bay, and Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club with a three-night minimum stay and is combinable with Beaches' current 25 percent off sale for 2007 travel.
Promotion may be combined with other consumer savings promotions, Signature Guest Points, Free Weddings, and Waterford/Wedgwood where applicable. Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. For more information, visit www.sandals.com.
CLIA Expects Record Europe Season
The Cruise Lines International Association said its member lines are poised for a banner 2007 Europe cruise season. The strong outlook stems from the number of ships deployed in the region, the diversity and breadth of itineraries and ports, and the unprecedented number of passengers who recognize the value of European cruises.
CLIA cruise lines will serve as gateways to Europe's perennial favorite cities, including London, Florence and Rome, and this year are adding ports along the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, Italy's Puglia region, as well as the Greek Isles and the coast of Turkey.
Some cruise lines have extended the European sailing season to a full nine months, while others will have a presence in the region year-round. Many CLIA cruise lines also are adding more overnight port visits.
"CLIA-member travel agents are reporting that Europe cruises are in high demand, with some of their customers already reserving space for 2008," said Terry Dale, president and CEO of CLIA, the chief marketing organization for 21 cruise lines and 16,500 North American travel agencies. "
All indicators point to a record-breaking season. Travelers who haven't made their Europe cruise booking yet this year are well advised to take action immediately."
CLIA cruise lines will serve as gateways to Europe's perennial favorite cities, including London, Florence and Rome, and this year are adding ports along the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia, Italy's Puglia region, as well as the Greek Isles and the coast of Turkey.
Some cruise lines have extended the European sailing season to a full nine months, while others will have a presence in the region year-round. Many CLIA cruise lines also are adding more overnight port visits.
"CLIA-member travel agents are reporting that Europe cruises are in high demand, with some of their customers already reserving space for 2008," said Terry Dale, president and CEO of CLIA, the chief marketing organization for 21 cruise lines and 16,500 North American travel agencies. "
All indicators point to a record-breaking season. Travelers who haven't made their Europe cruise booking yet this year are well advised to take action immediately."
Carnival Freedom
Wednesday Only! Save up to $400 on April 2007 cruises. This Wednesday, March 7th, save up to $150 on a variety of 3 & 5 day cruises and up to $400 on 7 & 8 day sailings. That means fabulous "Fun Ship" cruises for as little as $249*. Just remember, this fantastic offer ends Wednesday. Details
Officially christened by the ship's Godmother, Kathy Ireland, the brand new Carnival Freedom has set sail on her exciting 2007 European season that includes two fabulous itineraries.
With the variety of onboard activities, delicious dining, spacious staterooms and superb service included in the cost of your cruise, you'll agree that a Europe cruise on the Carnival Freedom is an unbeatable vacation value (PDF). Click here to learn more about the Carnival Freedom and to book your dream cruise aboard this magnificent ship.
Take an online journey aboard the newest addition to the "Fun Ship" fleet. From fun facts and inspiring images, to video of the inaugural ceremony, you'll find everything you need to know about this fabulous floating resort on our new minisite
Europe Sailings 12 Day Grand Mediterranean from Rome from $1,699**
12 Day Mediterranean and Greek Isles from Rome from $1649**
Officially christened by the ship's Godmother, Kathy Ireland, the brand new Carnival Freedom has set sail on her exciting 2007 European season that includes two fabulous itineraries.
With the variety of onboard activities, delicious dining, spacious staterooms and superb service included in the cost of your cruise, you'll agree that a Europe cruise on the Carnival Freedom is an unbeatable vacation value (PDF). Click here to learn more about the Carnival Freedom and to book your dream cruise aboard this magnificent ship.
Take an online journey aboard the newest addition to the "Fun Ship" fleet. From fun facts and inspiring images, to video of the inaugural ceremony, you'll find everything you need to know about this fabulous floating resort on our new minisite
Europe Sailings 12 Day Grand Mediterranean from Rome from $1,699**
12 Day Mediterranean and Greek Isles from Rome from $1649**
Travel Leads
Back by Popular Demand March Promotion!
The first 250 agents who sign up for 4travelagents.com travel referrals / leads will receive:
No sign up fee! No monthly membership fee! Access to control your account; turn your account on or off anytime you want!
New – select a Cruise line filter. Pay only for leads you receive!
First Month only – Every ten leads bought, you receive two free! (Example: buy 100 leads, and receives 120 leads, call for details)
Again, this special offer is valid only for the first 250 agents!
Call now to get your special account.
800 694 8889 Ask fo Heidi, Tell her Paul sent you.
The first 250 agents who sign up for 4travelagents.com travel referrals / leads will receive:
No sign up fee! No monthly membership fee! Access to control your account; turn your account on or off anytime you want!
New – select a Cruise line filter. Pay only for leads you receive!
First Month only – Every ten leads bought, you receive two free! (Example: buy 100 leads, and receives 120 leads, call for details)
Again, this special offer is valid only for the first 250 agents!
Call now to get your special account.
800 694 8889 Ask fo Heidi, Tell her Paul sent you.
Tuesday
Snow Golf Course
A nine hole regulation Snow Golf Course has been built at Duchesnay (in Quebec City, Canada) for those of you who are looking to sell something fun and unique for the 2008 season. It is a suitable family/group destination.
The Snow Golf Pro Shop rents everything needed to play the game for up to 36 people at once . Those who would like to hold tournaments can reserve the banquet room, restaurant and bar. Group Packages (9+) with Tee Time; Golf Pro; Set of Clubs; Free Coffee: ONLY $50-59 per person. It is only $25.00 for a tee time and $ balls can be rented or bought for $5.00 - $25.00. Clubs ($20.00), coats ($10.00) and snow shoes($7.00) can also be rented at the Snow Golf Pro Shop.
There are group packages that include snow golf and the Ice Hotel; Snow golf and the resort hotel (warm) and snow golf and Quebec City Suites/Apartments. Other Snow Golf destinations will be added as the sport progresses. To work out a % or for reservations or more information, call Tina Blomme (418) 875-2711 ext. 279.
The Snow Golf Pro Shop rents everything needed to play the game for up to 36 people at once . Those who would like to hold tournaments can reserve the banquet room, restaurant and bar. Group Packages (9+) with Tee Time; Golf Pro; Set of Clubs; Free Coffee: ONLY $50-59 per person. It is only $25.00 for a tee time and $ balls can be rented or bought for $5.00 - $25.00. Clubs ($20.00), coats ($10.00) and snow shoes($7.00) can also be rented at the Snow Golf Pro Shop.
There are group packages that include snow golf and the Ice Hotel; Snow golf and the resort hotel (warm) and snow golf and Quebec City Suites/Apartments. Other Snow Golf destinations will be added as the sport progresses. To work out a % or for reservations or more information, call Tina Blomme (418) 875-2711 ext. 279.
Vacation.com Trade Show
It’s time to make sure you have your registration in for the 9th International Conference & Trade Show June 27th - July 1st in New Orleans at the Hilton Riverside Hotel. Hotel accommodations are based on a first come, first serve basis and class registration will be open soon. If you haven’t registered yet, simply log onto http://recp.rm05.net/ctt?kn=3&m=516269&r=MzcxNTkyMjkxNgS2&b=0&j=ODA3MjkxMTQS1&mt=1 then click on 'Vacation.com 9th Int’l Conference,' and follow the prompts from there.
From a content perspective is the main reason folks rave about our conference every year, we will have numerous training venues: (1) New Sales and Marketing Strategies with Bob Abrames, Nolan Burris, Mike Marchev and others; (2) More than 100 hours of classes about Vcom’s marketing programs and technology solutions; (3) Targeted educational tracks like Owner/Manager think-tank sessions and Independent Contractor sessions, and; (4) You can earn credits toward your certification with CLIA and continuing education credits with The Travel Institute.
As always, we’ll have our valued Trade Show with our Preferred Suppliers to help educate and focus on product lines available for sale throughout the world…plus the General Session; a Broadway production sponsored by Keith Prowse; an exciting show from one of Royal Caribbean’s ships, and a Las Vegas Revue! Good Stuff...sounds like an advertisement for the Vcom conference!!!!
I understand the constraints of setting aside time for the conference. Hopefully this opportunity falls under ‘training and education’ and you’re able to find some time, every year, to enhance your base of knowledge and join us. If you haven’t been to New Orleans since Katrina…it’s a must. A ‘must’ to help this treasured city; a ‘must’ to see for yourself the challenge they’re up against; and a ‘must’ to continually educate yourself on the ever changing product lines of our preferred suppliers.
I hope you all noticed that we’ve brought on a new preferred supplier in Pleasant Holidays! Pleasant offers customized packages throughout Hawaii, Mexico, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. They’re offering our members 500 additional TRIP points for every new booking made in March and they’re rolling out product launch training sessions in cities around the country. If you need to find a BDM in your area, call (800) 442-3234, or you can e-mail them at: sales@pleasant.net or visit their website at www.pleasantagent.com.
From a content perspective is the main reason folks rave about our conference every year, we will have numerous training venues: (1) New Sales and Marketing Strategies with Bob Abrames, Nolan Burris, Mike Marchev and others; (2) More than 100 hours of classes about Vcom’s marketing programs and technology solutions; (3) Targeted educational tracks like Owner/Manager think-tank sessions and Independent Contractor sessions, and; (4) You can earn credits toward your certification with CLIA and continuing education credits with The Travel Institute.
As always, we’ll have our valued Trade Show with our Preferred Suppliers to help educate and focus on product lines available for sale throughout the world…plus the General Session; a Broadway production sponsored by Keith Prowse; an exciting show from one of Royal Caribbean’s ships, and a Las Vegas Revue! Good Stuff...sounds like an advertisement for the Vcom conference!!!!
I understand the constraints of setting aside time for the conference. Hopefully this opportunity falls under ‘training and education’ and you’re able to find some time, every year, to enhance your base of knowledge and join us. If you haven’t been to New Orleans since Katrina…it’s a must. A ‘must’ to help this treasured city; a ‘must’ to see for yourself the challenge they’re up against; and a ‘must’ to continually educate yourself on the ever changing product lines of our preferred suppliers.
I hope you all noticed that we’ve brought on a new preferred supplier in Pleasant Holidays! Pleasant offers customized packages throughout Hawaii, Mexico, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. They’re offering our members 500 additional TRIP points for every new booking made in March and they’re rolling out product launch training sessions in cities around the country. If you need to find a BDM in your area, call (800) 442-3234, or you can e-mail them at: sales@pleasant.net or visit their website at www.pleasantagent.com.
Monday
Holland America Fams
TRAVEL AGENT APPRECIATION FARES FROM $49
Download a PDF and application of these offers
Please note that you must have Acrobat 5.0 or 5.1 for these to work properly. If you currently have 4.0, the 5.1 download is free and takes about 3 minutes. Please complete Step 1 and 2 in the directions. Click Here to visit the download page.
Download a PDF and application of these offers
Please note that you must have Acrobat 5.0 or 5.1 for these to work properly. If you currently have 4.0, the 5.1 download is free and takes about 3 minutes. Please complete Step 1 and 2 in the directions. Click Here to visit the download page.
Up to 23% commission on Air tickets
TFI Tours, the nations #1 Worldwide Air Consolidator gives you super discounted net fares to virtually any destination in the World... and upfront commissions on published fares with 30 major airlines.
Up to 23% commission to Asia 15% commission to Australia, New Zealand and 7% to the Caribbean and most other International destinations.
Millions of fares are at your fingertips. Just log on to our website tfitours.com and our fare grid gives you immediate access to our lowest travel agent fares. You can even book your client on our website and add your commission
Whether your client is going to Europe, Asia, Africa, Tel Aviv, Cairo, South America or the South Pacific, TFI offers lower prices and more flexibility than anyone else.
TFI is the #1 operator in the United States for special Africa fares including Dakar, Monrovia, Freetown, Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, Cape Town and any other African destination.
Your clients can even originate in Africa, South America, or the Caribbean and still avail themselves of TFI'S super special net fares.
TFI now offers non-stop Tel Aviv service from almost any United States City including non-stop service from JFK on El Al Israel Airlines.
TFI now also offers Around-The-World fares starting @1699.00 plus tax. Stops include Hawaii, Tokyo, Bangkok, India & Western Europe.
TFI's Tour Department brings you African Safari Tours, European City Tours & Domestic Air/Hotel Packages, Our South African Safari Tours also include South Africa's major cities. Victoria Falls can be added. Our vast buying power and African specialization allows us to offer African Tours hundreds of dollars less than our competition.
Book online at tfitours.com or call our travel agent specialists at 1(888) TFI-TOURS (212) 268-5059 or (212) 594-8161 (9:30 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern time).
If you choose you can also make the booking in your own GDS, Worldspan, Sabre, or Galileo and we will issue the ticket for you.
All of us at TFI are committed to giving you the highest standard of customer service and assuring you that your customers will come back to you again and again. Our customer service agents are available 7 days a week until midnight eastern time.
TFI features 42 Airlines - more than any other consolidator - prices updated daily.
Today's Business specials: NYC/Paris $1865.00, JFK/Johannesburg $4920.00, Los Angeles/Paris $3000.00, JFK/London $1499.00 (15% commission & tax in included on London only).
TFI can now put an online booking engine on your website. You will be able to offer both consolidator and published fares and to set your own commission level. TFI handles all ticket fulfillment and our customer service is available 9 AM - 12 Midnight Eastern time. Setup fee : $200 call (212) 736-0637 (212) 659-5379 (800) 745-8000
TFI can also give you free GDS access to either Worldspan, Sabre, Galileo, You are able to issue your own ticket, There is absolutely no charge other than an $8.00 per ticket service fee call (212) 594-0639
TFI has moved to our brand new exciting State Of The Art world headquarters at 1270 Broadway, Suite #409 in the heart of midtown Manhattan just steps from 10 subway lines New York, NY 10001
We look forward to serving you
Thousands of happy satisfied agents!
Member Better Business Bureau.
Up to 23% commission to Asia 15% commission to Australia, New Zealand and 7% to the Caribbean and most other International destinations.
Millions of fares are at your fingertips. Just log on to our website tfitours.com and our fare grid gives you immediate access to our lowest travel agent fares. You can even book your client on our website and add your commission
Whether your client is going to Europe, Asia, Africa, Tel Aviv, Cairo, South America or the South Pacific, TFI offers lower prices and more flexibility than anyone else.
TFI is the #1 operator in the United States for special Africa fares including Dakar, Monrovia, Freetown, Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, Cape Town and any other African destination.
Your clients can even originate in Africa, South America, or the Caribbean and still avail themselves of TFI'S super special net fares.
TFI now offers non-stop Tel Aviv service from almost any United States City including non-stop service from JFK on El Al Israel Airlines.
TFI now also offers Around-The-World fares starting @1699.00 plus tax. Stops include Hawaii, Tokyo, Bangkok, India & Western Europe.
TFI's Tour Department brings you African Safari Tours, European City Tours & Domestic Air/Hotel Packages, Our South African Safari Tours also include South Africa's major cities. Victoria Falls can be added. Our vast buying power and African specialization allows us to offer African Tours hundreds of dollars less than our competition.
Book online at tfitours.com or call our travel agent specialists at 1(888) TFI-TOURS (212) 268-5059 or (212) 594-8161 (9:30 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern time).
If you choose you can also make the booking in your own GDS, Worldspan, Sabre, or Galileo and we will issue the ticket for you.
All of us at TFI are committed to giving you the highest standard of customer service and assuring you that your customers will come back to you again and again. Our customer service agents are available 7 days a week until midnight eastern time.
TFI features 42 Airlines - more than any other consolidator - prices updated daily.
Today's Business specials: NYC/Paris $1865.00, JFK/Johannesburg $4920.00, Los Angeles/Paris $3000.00, JFK/London $1499.00 (15% commission & tax in included on London only).
TFI can now put an online booking engine on your website. You will be able to offer both consolidator and published fares and to set your own commission level. TFI handles all ticket fulfillment and our customer service is available 9 AM - 12 Midnight Eastern time. Setup fee : $200 call (212) 736-0637 (212) 659-5379 (800) 745-8000
TFI can also give you free GDS access to either Worldspan, Sabre, Galileo, You are able to issue your own ticket, There is absolutely no charge other than an $8.00 per ticket service fee call (212) 594-0639
TFI has moved to our brand new exciting State Of The Art world headquarters at 1270 Broadway, Suite #409 in the heart of midtown Manhattan just steps from 10 subway lines New York, NY 10001
We look forward to serving you
Thousands of happy satisfied agents!
Member Better Business Bureau.
Friday
Sell Groups
Sell Groups By: Phil & Doris Davidoff, CTCs, CTIEs, MCCs
A modern, well-managed leisure-oriented travel agency (including home based travel agents) focuses its efforts on cruises and tours. However, unless the agency or home-based agent is selling primarily deluxe cruises and tours ($5,000 to $10,000 or more per couple), a large volume of transactions is required to generate sufficient profits. With the cost of personnel, promotion and office operations constantly increasing while income per transaction on individual, mass market cruises and tours is not, it is difficult to make an adequate profit on ones and twos.
Selling groups both saves time and increases income. For example, selling 16 cabins to 16 couples requires 16 separate sales conversations with 16 individual couples. Selling 16 cabins to a church or social group usually requires only one or two sales conversations with the group leaders. Many of the individual participant bookings will be made with no conversations at all.
On most cruises, the cruise line will provide one free cabin if 15 are sold. This cabin can be used for the group leader, split among passengers to reduce cost, converted to agency profit or any combination of these choices.
Suppliers will often offer additional commission for group sales, especially in off-season periods.
We continue to be amazed at the number of travel agents who are not selling groups. They are working very hard, but they are not focusing on groups. If you are not, you should be. If you are selling groups, you are on the road to profits, and the more you focus on groups, the more you will realize greater profits and satisfaction.
A modern, well-managed leisure-oriented travel agency (including home based travel agents) focuses its efforts on cruises and tours. However, unless the agency or home-based agent is selling primarily deluxe cruises and tours ($5,000 to $10,000 or more per couple), a large volume of transactions is required to generate sufficient profits. With the cost of personnel, promotion and office operations constantly increasing while income per transaction on individual, mass market cruises and tours is not, it is difficult to make an adequate profit on ones and twos.
Selling groups both saves time and increases income. For example, selling 16 cabins to 16 couples requires 16 separate sales conversations with 16 individual couples. Selling 16 cabins to a church or social group usually requires only one or two sales conversations with the group leaders. Many of the individual participant bookings will be made with no conversations at all.
On most cruises, the cruise line will provide one free cabin if 15 are sold. This cabin can be used for the group leader, split among passengers to reduce cost, converted to agency profit or any combination of these choices.
Suppliers will often offer additional commission for group sales, especially in off-season periods.
We continue to be amazed at the number of travel agents who are not selling groups. They are working very hard, but they are not focusing on groups. If you are not, you should be. If you are selling groups, you are on the road to profits, and the more you focus on groups, the more you will realize greater profits and satisfaction.
FREE Insight Vacations Webinar
Join Insight Vacations for a FREE Webinar on March 8th and 9th
Join Brad Gibson, Regional Sales Manager for an informative seminar on Insight Vacations and "The Art of Touring in Style!"
Learn about:
- SMALLER GROUPS - MORE LEGROOM
- MORE INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING
- QUALITY HOTELS IN DESIRABLE LOCATIONS
Space is limited so sign up today!!
Insight Vacations Training SeminarDate: Thursday, March 8, 2007Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ESTSpace is limited. Click here to register
Insight Vacations Training SeminarDate: Friday, March 9, 2007Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST Space is limited. Click here to register
All you need to attend is a high-speed internet connection and a phone - we will do the rest.
Join Brad Gibson, Regional Sales Manager for an informative seminar on Insight Vacations and "The Art of Touring in Style!"
Learn about:
- SMALLER GROUPS - MORE LEGROOM
- MORE INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING
- QUALITY HOTELS IN DESIRABLE LOCATIONS
Space is limited so sign up today!!
Insight Vacations Training SeminarDate: Thursday, March 8, 2007Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM ESTSpace is limited. Click here to register
Insight Vacations Training SeminarDate: Friday, March 9, 2007Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST Space is limited. Click here to register
All you need to attend is a high-speed internet connection and a phone - we will do the rest.
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