Set your clocks forward for VAX VacationAccess training!
Spring into action and discover the exciting products of Funjet Vacations - The Cove Atlantis, Air Jamaica Vacations and Beaches Resorts! Learn time-saving tips to work more efficiently as you search for and book reservations in VAX VacationAccess.
Even though we lose an hour on March 11, don't lose any time in enrolling for one of these live VirtualU training sessions!Click on any featured session or on View all to enroll in an introductory or advanced FREE* training session on the VAX VacationAccess. *Toll- free or local or long distance charges may apply, depending on the session chosen.
Featured sessions in March:
Beaches Resorts VirtualU
Air Jamaica Vacations VirtualU
Funjet Vacations - The Cove Atlantis VirtualU
View All >
Learn How to Become A Travel Agent... Open your own Home Based Travel Agency
Wednesday
FREE Virgin Atlantic Webinar
You are officially invited to Virgin Atlantic Airways' online seminar! Let us share with you what your clients will experience in our Upper Class, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. Ever wonder what is truly offered at our newly renovated London Heathrow Clubhouse? Or about the only in-flight bar?
Kim Hepola, Virgin Atlantic's Sales Director, National Accounts, will be hosting a 30 minute online seminar for a select group of travel agents on MailPound.com. He'll be sharing with you all that you need to know about Virgin Atlantic Airways with a special focus on our new Chicago to London daily service - and most importantly, how this is going to be a huge benefit to you and your customers. And as an added bonus, you could win a fantastic London trip for two just for taking part – there are three pairs of tickets up for grabs.Space is limited so reserve your spot now!
Click here to Register
Rendezvous: 3:00pm EST / 12:00pm PSTDate: March 7, 2007 Duration: 30 minutes
Once registered you'll be provided with a password and that will let you view the seminar on your computer, and a toll-free phone number to call-in. Then all you have to do is log on and call in at the specified time above. We recommend a high speed internet connection so that you don't experience any delay. If there is anyone else on your team who you think should attend, feel free to pass this along to them.You really won't want to miss it.
Kim Hepola, Virgin Atlantic's Sales Director, National Accounts, will be hosting a 30 minute online seminar for a select group of travel agents on MailPound.com. He'll be sharing with you all that you need to know about Virgin Atlantic Airways with a special focus on our new Chicago to London daily service - and most importantly, how this is going to be a huge benefit to you and your customers. And as an added bonus, you could win a fantastic London trip for two just for taking part – there are three pairs of tickets up for grabs.Space is limited so reserve your spot now!
Click here to Register
Rendezvous: 3:00pm EST / 12:00pm PSTDate: March 7, 2007 Duration: 30 minutes
Once registered you'll be provided with a password and that will let you view the seminar on your computer, and a toll-free phone number to call-in. Then all you have to do is log on and call in at the specified time above. We recommend a high speed internet connection so that you don't experience any delay. If there is anyone else on your team who you think should attend, feel free to pass this along to them.You really won't want to miss it.
Tuesday
GOGO's Travel Agent Conference in Cancun
GOGO's Spring Learning Conference will take place in Cancun at the all-inclusive Cancun Palace, May 17 to 21. A trade show featuring Mexican vendors will take place on May 18th from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The cost to participate in the Trade Show is $495. Some 300 to 350 travel agents are expected to attend. The agents will do site inspections of the latest hotel transformations in Riviera Maya and Cancun. They will also attend product seminars and have the option of taking pre and post stays. For more information, call 201-934-3864 or visit http://www.gogowwv.com/
The cost to participate in the Trade Show is $495. Some 300 to 350 travel agents are expected to attend. The agents will do site inspections of the latest hotel transformations in Riviera Maya and Cancun. They will also attend product seminars and have the option of taking pre and post stays. For more information, call 201-934-3864 or visit http://www.gogowwv.com/
Passport to Profits
eMarketing Solutions Group, an electronic communications company, has introduce a desktop tool called Passport to Profits that will allow home based travel agents to receive time sensitive information delivered directly to their computer desktop.
At the same time, participating suppliers will be able to enhance and strengthen their home based travel agent relationships with personalized messaging. Through this new desktop application, suppliers such as tour operators, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies and destinations can instantly transmit special promotions, new packages, or any other information that would be useful to home based travel agents and have it appear directly on there desktops.
The application is provided at no cost to Home Based Travel Agents by eMarketing and also by a select group of eMarketing's travel partners who want their preferred agents or members to receive their proprietary information through this channel.
Passport to Profits features include information about supplier offers, promotions and time-sensitive deals; fam trips, a travel agent resource center containing information about travel advisories, weather, currency conversion rates, passport and visa policies and a user profile that agents can create for themselves. For more information, visit www.emarketingsg.com
At the same time, participating suppliers will be able to enhance and strengthen their home based travel agent relationships with personalized messaging. Through this new desktop application, suppliers such as tour operators, hotels, airlines, cruise lines, car rental companies and destinations can instantly transmit special promotions, new packages, or any other information that would be useful to home based travel agents and have it appear directly on there desktops.
The application is provided at no cost to Home Based Travel Agents by eMarketing and also by a select group of eMarketing's travel partners who want their preferred agents or members to receive their proprietary information through this channel.
Passport to Profits features include information about supplier offers, promotions and time-sensitive deals; fam trips, a travel agent resource center containing information about travel advisories, weather, currency conversion rates, passport and visa policies and a user profile that agents can create for themselves. For more information, visit www.emarketingsg.com
Monday
Did you know?
AIG Travel Guard offers a net priced Group Protection Plan for groups of 10 or more travelers. Call me and I'll show you how to use this plan to save time and make more commission with large groups.
Account Development Manager
Mary.Cieslewicz@aig.com
Travel Guard International
www.travelguard.com
800.826.7791 ext 13321
Account Development Manager
Mary.Cieslewicz@aig.com
Travel Guard International
www.travelguard.com
800.826.7791 ext 13321
Travel is much more than a vacation for 50-plus crowd
Travel for people 50 and over is rapidly changing, says Tom OToole, senior vice president, strategy and systems, Hyatt Corp. We find it very interesting that travel is among the most aspirational concepts for this group. As such, incredible opportunities are being opened up for home based travel agents serving these peoples dreams of traveling around the world.
The top travel dreams of 50 plus Americans include traveling to Hawaii, Europe, Australia and Italy. The days of settling for a quick trip to Florida are over or so it seems for the 50 plus crowd. What has always been an important part of Americans leisure activity is now becoming a full blown passion for baby boomers. In fact, 75 percent of boomers today consider themselves travelers and 30 percent of mature travelers travel for adventure.
The top things to do before you turn 100 reveals that nearly half of the top 100 goals adults 50 plus want to accomplish center around travel. What may come as even more of a surprise is the type of travel people are planning. They seek to experience and learn about the world and themselves through meaningful journeys and adventures.
If you are over 50 today, you will, on average, live 20 years longer than your grandparents did. This provides more opportunities than ever before to get the most out of life. Boomers have told us that they are planning to use this time to travel to new places, to continue to learn, to deepen their relationships and to just have fun. Travel is never more important than when you are over 50 now is the time to live out your dreams.
The travel lists a range of travel experiences, from seeing the Grand Canyon to going on safari in Africa, as among the 100 most popular LifeDreams of its visitors. The top five travel dreams include traveling to Hawaii, Europe, Australia and Italy, as well as taking a cruise.
Up until now, the typical first step in planning a trip was to choose a destination Italy or Hawaii for example. However, we are finding that many boomers are now starting their planning based on their interests and goals, like a walking vacation or a family reunion. From there, the research, planning and fun begin.
For active vacations, boomers are more likely than a younger audience to train with friends or with a personal trainer prior to the trip. Diving into the cultural nuances of a region, taking a conversational language course or inviting friends over to test regional recipes are other ways to make the most of preparing for trips.
This new generation is embracing the Internet as a resource and is likely to have a community of past travelers and friends to share and suggest hidden treasures to enrich their travels. The travel industry is turning its attention to the financial prowess of this new 50 plus generation. Approximately 8,000 Americans turn 50 every day, and boomers control $2 trillion in disposable income annually.
New offerings are being created to meet the unique needs of this age group, from plan it yourself travel to extensive package vacations that can be tailored for couples, adventurous individuals or families seeking intergenerational vacations that bring children, parents and grandparents together.
The top travel dreams of 50 plus Americans include traveling to Hawaii, Europe, Australia and Italy. The days of settling for a quick trip to Florida are over or so it seems for the 50 plus crowd. What has always been an important part of Americans leisure activity is now becoming a full blown passion for baby boomers. In fact, 75 percent of boomers today consider themselves travelers and 30 percent of mature travelers travel for adventure.
The top things to do before you turn 100 reveals that nearly half of the top 100 goals adults 50 plus want to accomplish center around travel. What may come as even more of a surprise is the type of travel people are planning. They seek to experience and learn about the world and themselves through meaningful journeys and adventures.
If you are over 50 today, you will, on average, live 20 years longer than your grandparents did. This provides more opportunities than ever before to get the most out of life. Boomers have told us that they are planning to use this time to travel to new places, to continue to learn, to deepen their relationships and to just have fun. Travel is never more important than when you are over 50 now is the time to live out your dreams.
The travel lists a range of travel experiences, from seeing the Grand Canyon to going on safari in Africa, as among the 100 most popular LifeDreams of its visitors. The top five travel dreams include traveling to Hawaii, Europe, Australia and Italy, as well as taking a cruise.
Up until now, the typical first step in planning a trip was to choose a destination Italy or Hawaii for example. However, we are finding that many boomers are now starting their planning based on their interests and goals, like a walking vacation or a family reunion. From there, the research, planning and fun begin.
For active vacations, boomers are more likely than a younger audience to train with friends or with a personal trainer prior to the trip. Diving into the cultural nuances of a region, taking a conversational language course or inviting friends over to test regional recipes are other ways to make the most of preparing for trips.
This new generation is embracing the Internet as a resource and is likely to have a community of past travelers and friends to share and suggest hidden treasures to enrich their travels. The travel industry is turning its attention to the financial prowess of this new 50 plus generation. Approximately 8,000 Americans turn 50 every day, and boomers control $2 trillion in disposable income annually.
New offerings are being created to meet the unique needs of this age group, from plan it yourself travel to extensive package vacations that can be tailored for couples, adventurous individuals or families seeking intergenerational vacations that bring children, parents and grandparents together.
Sunday
Home Based Travel Agents Best Tool For Business
AgentNet VAX has evolved into more than just a booking system.
VAX now offers six major areas of utility for Home Based Travel Agents. The obvious one is its booking engines: vacations, the most popular engine; the just-enhanced cruise to-be-introduced hotel booking engine. But it’s also an agent research tool, thanks to it’s content, which is provided by Frommer’s tourist boards, and convention and visitor’s bureaus. It also contains up-to-date hotel information about all the properties that can be booked through the many tour operators that participate in VAX. This content includes virtual tours.
In addition, each vacation provider has it’s own little "cul de sac," where the provider maintains an extranet for all of its travel agent tools, as well as product-specific information. This means that the provider doesn’t have to maintain a separate extranet. It simplifies life for providers and makes VAX a rich vacation marketplace for home based travel agents. Last year VAX introduced dynamic "hot deals," and travel agents can now shop for these deals across multiple vendors. Searches can be performed by date, origin and destination, or users can shop by specific provider if they want to drive business to that provider.
In addition to all this, VAX has its new Agent Center, which was introduced last September. The Agent Center is designed to be a community for travel sellers, where they can find out more about VAX’s virtual U, its educational training classes. One area still being developed is a toolkit for home based agents. VAX also includes educational resources that agents at home might not have access to, as sales resp don’t visit residences. There’s also an opt-in email section through which agents can sign up to receive emails directly from vendors and VAX.
The VAX reservation management tool allows agents to make a booking, and then come back and manage that reservation, be it modifying it or getting a particular tracking number on a particular quote.
At the member services area, agents can look at their reservation history and look at commissions and payment history. The member services area offers support, too. Agents can call for support, as there are filters that can speed the diagnosis of a particular problem, so when a member of the support staff calls back, he or she can resolve the problem faster.
VAX plans to integrate the hot deals: section with a link that will allow visitors to jump automatically into the dynamic booking engine to book one of those hot deals immediately. Each booking engine has five general areas: search, availability, pricing or quote, booking, and confirming and checking out.
These booking engines also have powerful search capabilities, with advanced filters. VAX’S advance search capabilities are really underused and so this is an area that agents should examine closely to make sure that they’re maximizing their return on the time they spend in VAX.
An initial search can return a large number of components. To expedite the process, narrow the search by adding other criteria, be it in the hotel component, the air component or some other feature. "If you’re in a hurry or looking for something specific, you could use this to really narrow down what you’re looking for.
VAX’s air tool has powerful availability capabilities, and return up to 100 flights. Agents can see up to 50 hotels if they wish, but can also set a user preference or an agency preference. That means if agents are selling preferred suppliers, they can set their preferences to default to those suppliers.
When VAX underwent its redesign in September, designers worked hard to accommodate agent request for an easy to scan screen. That means making pages cleaner and faster to read. If site visitors want more information on a particular hotel or destination, they can click on that hotel or destination in order to learn more about it.
Since many agents do their work face-to-face with customers, VAX removed the set-commission screen popup from the booking flow. But agents who don’t have a customer sitting right next to them can simply click on an option to display the set-commission function.
If agents are talking to clients on the telephone, they can price their vacations and email them quotes. VAX has what it calls a "suitcase," and so if agents have priced several itineraries for clients, they can put the quotes in that suitcase as a convenience for all. That means if clients can call back and ask for the second option, agents can immediately access it, complete with a tracking number.
"Agents are always looking for ways to do prices comparisons between different itineraries,especially if a travel agent is booking an operator like Funjet, where you have 15 different air carriers and so many different combinations that to be able to save itinerary in a suitcase feature is powerful."
In the availability area, VAX has added the ability to show features added. For example, users can view additional room categories and perhaps see that while they are booking accommodations for $250, the next category is just $100 more. That information is carried over to the client’s shopping cart at the end of the booking, and provides one last opportunity to help you sell that client. At, checkout, clients can see that the ocean-view suite will cost $100 more, and when they see that number next to the cost of the entire vacation, it can look quite affordable.
The entire availability sections is very fluid, with a refined search tool on every screen. That means that if clients want to change airlines or hotels, they can do so through a mini-search tool on every page, meaning that agents don’t have to start all over to change one component of a vacation.
Before giving a final quote, travel agents should add in their commission. VAX has set-commission function, and it actually recommends that you display what could be called your professional service fee to your clients. Agents should be proud that they’re providing an added-value service to clients
Booking is also simple. Because of the trend of groups of families and friends traveling together, VAX allows agents to add up to four credit-card payments for a group so that different members of a group can pay for the trip.
The VAX air tool is G2Agent. When visitors click on the air tab, they are taken to a page that has the look and feel of VAX, but it’s really G2Agent. It’s customized so that the workflow is as similar to the overall workflow for VAX in general.
VAX is launching a hotel-only booking engine this month. It will have even more advanced search filters designed to give travel agents more options to use when searching for hotels. As always, however, it will feel like other parts of VAX. The new section will be similar to the hotel section in the vacation-booking engine, but it will have more inventory.
In addition, VAX has just upgraded its cruise-booking engine, which was launched in January 2006. It has enriched the cruise content and enabled travel agents to see their commission and cruise line reservation number at the time of booking. VAX pulls cruise content from a variety of sources, then manipulates it to display it in a way that it consistent with the rest of the content that VAX provides. Ten cruise lines are available.
VAX is the desktop of choice for travel agents working from home. The VAX mantra is to be the travel professional’s best friend. VAX’s goal is to design a tool that continually evolves in order to help Home Based Travel Agents be more successful.
VAX now offers six major areas of utility for Home Based Travel Agents. The obvious one is its booking engines: vacations, the most popular engine; the just-enhanced cruise to-be-introduced hotel booking engine. But it’s also an agent research tool, thanks to it’s content, which is provided by Frommer’s tourist boards, and convention and visitor’s bureaus. It also contains up-to-date hotel information about all the properties that can be booked through the many tour operators that participate in VAX. This content includes virtual tours.
In addition, each vacation provider has it’s own little "cul de sac," where the provider maintains an extranet for all of its travel agent tools, as well as product-specific information. This means that the provider doesn’t have to maintain a separate extranet. It simplifies life for providers and makes VAX a rich vacation marketplace for home based travel agents. Last year VAX introduced dynamic "hot deals," and travel agents can now shop for these deals across multiple vendors. Searches can be performed by date, origin and destination, or users can shop by specific provider if they want to drive business to that provider.
In addition to all this, VAX has its new Agent Center, which was introduced last September. The Agent Center is designed to be a community for travel sellers, where they can find out more about VAX’s virtual U, its educational training classes. One area still being developed is a toolkit for home based agents. VAX also includes educational resources that agents at home might not have access to, as sales resp don’t visit residences. There’s also an opt-in email section through which agents can sign up to receive emails directly from vendors and VAX.
The VAX reservation management tool allows agents to make a booking, and then come back and manage that reservation, be it modifying it or getting a particular tracking number on a particular quote.
At the member services area, agents can look at their reservation history and look at commissions and payment history. The member services area offers support, too. Agents can call for support, as there are filters that can speed the diagnosis of a particular problem, so when a member of the support staff calls back, he or she can resolve the problem faster.
VAX plans to integrate the hot deals: section with a link that will allow visitors to jump automatically into the dynamic booking engine to book one of those hot deals immediately. Each booking engine has five general areas: search, availability, pricing or quote, booking, and confirming and checking out.
These booking engines also have powerful search capabilities, with advanced filters. VAX’S advance search capabilities are really underused and so this is an area that agents should examine closely to make sure that they’re maximizing their return on the time they spend in VAX.
An initial search can return a large number of components. To expedite the process, narrow the search by adding other criteria, be it in the hotel component, the air component or some other feature. "If you’re in a hurry or looking for something specific, you could use this to really narrow down what you’re looking for.
VAX’s air tool has powerful availability capabilities, and return up to 100 flights. Agents can see up to 50 hotels if they wish, but can also set a user preference or an agency preference. That means if agents are selling preferred suppliers, they can set their preferences to default to those suppliers.
When VAX underwent its redesign in September, designers worked hard to accommodate agent request for an easy to scan screen. That means making pages cleaner and faster to read. If site visitors want more information on a particular hotel or destination, they can click on that hotel or destination in order to learn more about it.
Since many agents do their work face-to-face with customers, VAX removed the set-commission screen popup from the booking flow. But agents who don’t have a customer sitting right next to them can simply click on an option to display the set-commission function.
If agents are talking to clients on the telephone, they can price their vacations and email them quotes. VAX has what it calls a "suitcase," and so if agents have priced several itineraries for clients, they can put the quotes in that suitcase as a convenience for all. That means if clients can call back and ask for the second option, agents can immediately access it, complete with a tracking number.
"Agents are always looking for ways to do prices comparisons between different itineraries,especially if a travel agent is booking an operator like Funjet, where you have 15 different air carriers and so many different combinations that to be able to save itinerary in a suitcase feature is powerful."
In the availability area, VAX has added the ability to show features added. For example, users can view additional room categories and perhaps see that while they are booking accommodations for $250, the next category is just $100 more. That information is carried over to the client’s shopping cart at the end of the booking, and provides one last opportunity to help you sell that client. At, checkout, clients can see that the ocean-view suite will cost $100 more, and when they see that number next to the cost of the entire vacation, it can look quite affordable.
The entire availability sections is very fluid, with a refined search tool on every screen. That means that if clients want to change airlines or hotels, they can do so through a mini-search tool on every page, meaning that agents don’t have to start all over to change one component of a vacation.
Before giving a final quote, travel agents should add in their commission. VAX has set-commission function, and it actually recommends that you display what could be called your professional service fee to your clients. Agents should be proud that they’re providing an added-value service to clients
Booking is also simple. Because of the trend of groups of families and friends traveling together, VAX allows agents to add up to four credit-card payments for a group so that different members of a group can pay for the trip.
The VAX air tool is G2Agent. When visitors click on the air tab, they are taken to a page that has the look and feel of VAX, but it’s really G2Agent. It’s customized so that the workflow is as similar to the overall workflow for VAX in general.
VAX is launching a hotel-only booking engine this month. It will have even more advanced search filters designed to give travel agents more options to use when searching for hotels. As always, however, it will feel like other parts of VAX. The new section will be similar to the hotel section in the vacation-booking engine, but it will have more inventory.
In addition, VAX has just upgraded its cruise-booking engine, which was launched in January 2006. It has enriched the cruise content and enabled travel agents to see their commission and cruise line reservation number at the time of booking. VAX pulls cruise content from a variety of sources, then manipulates it to display it in a way that it consistent with the rest of the content that VAX provides. Ten cruise lines are available.
VAX is the desktop of choice for travel agents working from home. The VAX mantra is to be the travel professional’s best friend. VAX’s goal is to design a tool that continually evolves in order to help Home Based Travel Agents be more successful.
Friday
BODY MIND SPRIT JOURNEYS
WELLNESS TOURS
Wellness Tours and Retreats are holidays that comfort the entire being with a focus on hikes, walks, natural foods, spirituality, meditation and yoga. Feel the cool breeze across your face as you fly across the waters in a catamaran on your way to an island with a sandy beach for swimming. Luxuriate in the warm curative waters of a hot springs, soothing away the day's cares. End a day of touring with the rejuvenation of a relaxing massage or aromatherapy session.
Sign up for our FREE Body Mind Spirit Journeys FREE Monthly E-Newsletter
Wellness Tours and Retreats are holidays that comfort the entire being with a focus on hikes, walks, natural foods, spirituality, meditation and yoga. Feel the cool breeze across your face as you fly across the waters in a catamaran on your way to an island with a sandy beach for swimming. Luxuriate in the warm curative waters of a hot springs, soothing away the day's cares. End a day of touring with the rejuvenation of a relaxing massage or aromatherapy session.
Sign up for our FREE Body Mind Spirit Journeys FREE Monthly E-Newsletter
New FREE marketing Tools from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
All Home Based Travel Agents should visit www.CruisingPower.com to learn the details about brand-new marketing programs and “e-tools” available to home based travel agents. You can use these new services to create e-quotes for your clients, customize an interactive “cruise planner” to put on your own Blog (set up to refer prospects back to you, not the cruise line), and learn about the latest cruise specials with a downloadable application that sits on your computer’s desktop toolbar. In fact, the first 1,000 agents who download the cruise specials tool (called the “VIP CruisePass”) between Feb. 21 and March 1 will be automatically entered into a drawing to win up to $3,000 in prizes. Visit the Cruising Power site today to learn more about these new sales and marketing programs for home based travel agents.
Wednesday
Win one of two Grand Prize Disney vacations
Vacation Like Your Clients, Sleep Like Disney Royalty
You’ve helped a lot of Clients make their Disney dreams come true, now it’s your turn. During March 2007, each time you book a qualifying Disney vacation with a confirmed deposit, you may enter online for a chance to win one of two Grand Prize Disney vacations.
One includes a night in the Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland® Hotel and the other a night at the Cinderella Castle Suite at the Magic Kingdom® Park.
More info>>
No purchase necessary. You may enter by mail without a booking. See Official Rules for more information, odds and prize details.
You’ve helped a lot of Clients make their Disney dreams come true, now it’s your turn. During March 2007, each time you book a qualifying Disney vacation with a confirmed deposit, you may enter online for a chance to win one of two Grand Prize Disney vacations.
One includes a night in the Mickey Mouse Penthouse at the Disneyland® Hotel and the other a night at the Cinderella Castle Suite at the Magic Kingdom® Park.
More info>>
No purchase necessary. You may enter by mail without a booking. See Official Rules for more information, odds and prize details.
Did you know?
AIG Travel Guard provides great inclement weather coverage.
If your client has to cancel, interrupt, or delay his/her trip due to inclement weather* AIG Travel Guard plans can provide the coverage your client needs.
*Inclement weather means any severe weather condition that delays the scheduled arrival or departure of a Common Carrier.
Increase your profits with our ezTIPS software!
If your client has to cancel, interrupt, or delay his/her trip due to inclement weather* AIG Travel Guard plans can provide the coverage your client needs.
*Inclement weather means any severe weather condition that delays the scheduled arrival or departure of a Common Carrier.
Increase your profits with our ezTIPS software!
Tuesday
FAM News has over 4,000 Worldwide FAMs
FAM News is the "Travel Industry's Most Comprehensive Source for FAMs and Reduced Rate Travel - The One Source".
FAM News is published on the 15th and 30th of each month with Cruises, Cruise Seminars, River Cruises, Escorted Tours, Independent Travel, Safaris, Expeditions, and more FAMs from over 1,000 cruise lines, tour operators, wholesalers, and hotels with over 4,000 FAMs!
Subscribe now for only $34.95 for a 12-month subscription or $59.90 for a 24-month subscription.
Click to Register for a FREE Issue of FAM Newswww.famnews.com
FAM News is published on the 15th and 30th of each month with Cruises, Cruise Seminars, River Cruises, Escorted Tours, Independent Travel, Safaris, Expeditions, and more FAMs from over 1,000 cruise lines, tour operators, wholesalers, and hotels with over 4,000 FAMs!
Subscribe now for only $34.95 for a 12-month subscription or $59.90 for a 24-month subscription.
Click to Register for a FREE Issue of FAM Newswww.famnews.com
Going on Vacation. Don't Leave home with out...
Travel documents, paperwork, credit cards, and more
Three copies of your airline tickets, cruise tickets, passports / visas, and itinerary – pack one copy in your carry on, one copy in your checked luggage, and leave one copy with someone you trust at home
Driver’s license and insurance card – in case you decide to rent a car
Medical insurance cards, medical history, list of allergens (for emergency purposes)
Credit cards / ATM card (be sure to call your credit card company to tell them you are traveling outside your state / country)
Watch (don’t forget to change the time zone!)
Guidebooks / maps
Foreign language dictionary (if traveling out of the country)
Reading material – books to read while in a plane, train, or automobile or lounging by the pool or ocean
Journal or notebook and pen / pencil – to savor memories of your trip
Home and e-mail addresses of loved ones back home – for sending postcards, e-mails, or gifts
Electronics / Camera equipment
Walkie Talkies in case your cell phones don’t work
Plug adaptor and converter (if traveling out of the country)
Cell phone and charger
Small flashlight
Small travel alarm clock – battery operated preferable
Underwater camera – for snorkeling or beach days
Extra memory cards for digital camera
Medicine
Ear plugs
Small first aid kit (band aids, Q-tips, vaseline, dramamine, antibiotic cream, bandages, anti-diarrheal medication, cortisone cream, aspirin)
Germicidal hand cleaner
Sun screen / lip sun screen
Other "necessities"
Extra luggage name tags (in case yours are lost)
Travel pillow
Playing cards
Tote bag – for souvenirs, sightseeing, or the beach
Hats / caps / visors
If you are taking a trip with a spouse, family member, or friend, we recommend putting at least one day of clothing in your partner’s suitcase, so that you are both covered in case a piece of luggage is misplaced for a day.
Three copies of your airline tickets, cruise tickets, passports / visas, and itinerary – pack one copy in your carry on, one copy in your checked luggage, and leave one copy with someone you trust at home
Driver’s license and insurance card – in case you decide to rent a car
Medical insurance cards, medical history, list of allergens (for emergency purposes)
Credit cards / ATM card (be sure to call your credit card company to tell them you are traveling outside your state / country)
Watch (don’t forget to change the time zone!)
Guidebooks / maps
Foreign language dictionary (if traveling out of the country)
Reading material – books to read while in a plane, train, or automobile or lounging by the pool or ocean
Journal or notebook and pen / pencil – to savor memories of your trip
Home and e-mail addresses of loved ones back home – for sending postcards, e-mails, or gifts
Electronics / Camera equipment
Walkie Talkies in case your cell phones don’t work
Plug adaptor and converter (if traveling out of the country)
Cell phone and charger
Small flashlight
Small travel alarm clock – battery operated preferable
Underwater camera – for snorkeling or beach days
Extra memory cards for digital camera
Medicine
Ear plugs
Small first aid kit (band aids, Q-tips, vaseline, dramamine, antibiotic cream, bandages, anti-diarrheal medication, cortisone cream, aspirin)
Germicidal hand cleaner
Sun screen / lip sun screen
Other "necessities"
Extra luggage name tags (in case yours are lost)
Travel pillow
Playing cards
Tote bag – for souvenirs, sightseeing, or the beach
Hats / caps / visors
If you are taking a trip with a spouse, family member, or friend, we recommend putting at least one day of clothing in your partner’s suitcase, so that you are both covered in case a piece of luggage is misplaced for a day.
Why should I use 1Trip3.com to get new business?
Travel is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and travel professionals play a critical role in the process. Yet in numerous surveys consumers consistently indicate the difficulty of finding travel agents that can help them arrange their trips. Despite this, the majority of agents get their business through personal referrals, local advertising or infrequent publicity in major travel magazines. That means a large potential customer base remains untapped. With 1Trip3.com, all you get is great new business and only the kind of new business that you want. No new technology to learn, no commitments to clubs or lead services, just the best customers brought right to you. Use 1Trip3.com to fill in during the slow season or as a powerful tool to expand your regular client base. Most important of all, unlike blanket lead lists distributed to thousands of people resulting in worthless leads, customers who go to 1Trip3.com will be expecting your call and will never be put in touch with more than three agents at once.
Is 1Trip3.com expensive?1Trip3 is the most cost-effective means for travel professionals to get client leads and develop profitable accounts. 1Trip3 is free to register and we charge no membership fees. When a consumer request comes in, we price that lead according to the size/complexity of the trip (the average lead is priced between one and ten US Dollars). If the request matches your lead profile, you will receive an email with all of the trip details and the price. If you are interested, click the “accept” button and if you are one of the first three agents that does so, you will pay 1Trip3 the price that was quoted and view the consumer’s contact information, who will be waiting to hear from you.After accepting the lead and working with the consumer, you book directly with your new client. 1Trip3 takes no commission or percentage of the sale. The key benefit of using 1Trip3 is that you will know all of the information for the trip request and the cost before ever accepting a lead – no surprises and no minimum purchases. And if you never accept a lead, you will never pay 1Trip3 a penny. We designed 1Trip3 to be easy and risk free for agents to join and use whenever they need more business.
Visit 1Trip3.com now, enter invitation code AGENT10, and receive $10 toward the purchase of leads on 1Trip3.com.
Is 1Trip3.com expensive?1Trip3 is the most cost-effective means for travel professionals to get client leads and develop profitable accounts. 1Trip3 is free to register and we charge no membership fees. When a consumer request comes in, we price that lead according to the size/complexity of the trip (the average lead is priced between one and ten US Dollars). If the request matches your lead profile, you will receive an email with all of the trip details and the price. If you are interested, click the “accept” button and if you are one of the first three agents that does so, you will pay 1Trip3 the price that was quoted and view the consumer’s contact information, who will be waiting to hear from you.After accepting the lead and working with the consumer, you book directly with your new client. 1Trip3 takes no commission or percentage of the sale. The key benefit of using 1Trip3 is that you will know all of the information for the trip request and the cost before ever accepting a lead – no surprises and no minimum purchases. And if you never accept a lead, you will never pay 1Trip3 a penny. We designed 1Trip3 to be easy and risk free for agents to join and use whenever they need more business.
Visit 1Trip3.com now, enter invitation code AGENT10, and receive $10 toward the purchase of leads on 1Trip3.com.
Save $200 per couple on select Globus and Brennan 2007 Europe vacations.
Globus:Essential Britain & Ireland10 days from $1,679, land only, air inclusive prices start at $2,313
London, Bristol,Waterford, Dublin, Edinburgh, YorkImperial Splendors10 days from $1,299. Air inclusive from $1,968
Munich, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Lake Como, Dolomites & Venice at Leisure,10 days from $2,099, Air inclusive starts at $2,845
Milan, Como, Dolomites, VeniceBrennan:
Swiss Discovery11 days from $3,189 land only; air-inclusive priced from $3,903Zurich, Grindelwald, Zermatt, Lugano, St. Moritz
Book and deposit a new Globus or Brennan air-inclusive vacation reservation per this promotion and your client pays with an American Express® Card, you will receive a $50 American Express Rewards Card!
www.globusfamily.com/agents or 800.221.0090. Redemption of agent incentive is through our new electronic redemption site, available through the American Express page on AgentNet.com or click here.
London, Bristol,Waterford, Dublin, Edinburgh, YorkImperial Splendors10 days from $1,299. Air inclusive from $1,968
Munich, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Lake Como, Dolomites & Venice at Leisure,10 days from $2,099, Air inclusive starts at $2,845
Milan, Como, Dolomites, VeniceBrennan:
Swiss Discovery11 days from $3,189 land only; air-inclusive priced from $3,903Zurich, Grindelwald, Zermatt, Lugano, St. Moritz
Book and deposit a new Globus or Brennan air-inclusive vacation reservation per this promotion and your client pays with an American Express® Card, you will receive a $50 American Express Rewards Card!
www.globusfamily.com/agents or 800.221.0090. Redemption of agent incentive is through our new electronic redemption site, available through the American Express page on AgentNet.com or click here.
Globus Releases Religious Travel Packages for 2007
Globus, which launched a separate religious division to develop and operate religious vacations, has announced its religious programs for 2007. In addition, catering to most denominations, including several itineraries focused on Catholic and Protestant/Christian faiths, Globus has increased the number of departures by 50 percent for 2007.
New religious vacations include "Christian England and the World of C.S. Lewis," "A Journey through the Bible: Egypt and Jordan," "The Grand Catholic Italy" vacation and a tour of Lourdes and the Shrines of France, all of which offer personal, in-depth visits to famous religious sites. In addition to these new vacation options, Globus reintroduced popular itineraries.
In 2006, Globus held regional Religious Travel Symposiums and Faith-Based Travel Showcases, providing education, presentations by pastors who run travel programs and sales strategies for travel agents interested in offering religious vacations to their clients. "The main purpose of the symposiums is to help Home Based Travel Agents successfully enter and succeed in this rapidly growing market," said Mike Schields, director of group sales and emerging markets for the Globus family of brands. "Interest in, and attendance at, our travel symposiums increased by 100 percent in 2005. We're bringing more to agents in 2007 and are planning to host conferences in Denver, Seattle and Boston or Atlanta."
Additionally, the Globus Faith website acts as a resource for home based travel agents selling faith-based travel, as well as travelers interested in learning more about the world's great religious sites. Globus recently introduced a feature providing website visitors with the stories behind each religious site, giving them historical context for the offerings of each vacation.
Globus' 2007 religious programs include the 10-day "Footsteps of Apostle Paul to Greece and Turkey" tour from $1,569 per person, double, land only; the 11-day "Journey Through the Bible to Egypt and Jordan" itinerary, from $1,699 land only; the nine-day "Christian England & the World of C.S. Lewis" program, from $1,929 land-only; the nine-day "Classic Shrines of Italy" tour, from $1,649 land only; the 10-day "Grand Catholic Italy" itinerary, from $1,849 land only; the 10-day "Lourdes & Shrines of France" program, from $1,799 land only; and the seven-day "Footsteps of Pope John Paul II & Poland Heritage" tour, from $1,149 land only.
For more information, call 866-313-2855 or visit www.globusfaith.com
New religious vacations include "Christian England and the World of C.S. Lewis," "A Journey through the Bible: Egypt and Jordan," "The Grand Catholic Italy" vacation and a tour of Lourdes and the Shrines of France, all of which offer personal, in-depth visits to famous religious sites. In addition to these new vacation options, Globus reintroduced popular itineraries.
In 2006, Globus held regional Religious Travel Symposiums and Faith-Based Travel Showcases, providing education, presentations by pastors who run travel programs and sales strategies for travel agents interested in offering religious vacations to their clients. "The main purpose of the symposiums is to help Home Based Travel Agents successfully enter and succeed in this rapidly growing market," said Mike Schields, director of group sales and emerging markets for the Globus family of brands. "Interest in, and attendance at, our travel symposiums increased by 100 percent in 2005. We're bringing more to agents in 2007 and are planning to host conferences in Denver, Seattle and Boston or Atlanta."
Additionally, the Globus Faith website acts as a resource for home based travel agents selling faith-based travel, as well as travelers interested in learning more about the world's great religious sites. Globus recently introduced a feature providing website visitors with the stories behind each religious site, giving them historical context for the offerings of each vacation.
Globus' 2007 religious programs include the 10-day "Footsteps of Apostle Paul to Greece and Turkey" tour from $1,569 per person, double, land only; the 11-day "Journey Through the Bible to Egypt and Jordan" itinerary, from $1,699 land only; the nine-day "Christian England & the World of C.S. Lewis" program, from $1,929 land-only; the nine-day "Classic Shrines of Italy" tour, from $1,649 land only; the 10-day "Grand Catholic Italy" itinerary, from $1,849 land only; the 10-day "Lourdes & Shrines of France" program, from $1,799 land only; and the seven-day "Footsteps of Pope John Paul II & Poland Heritage" tour, from $1,149 land only.
For more information, call 866-313-2855 or visit www.globusfaith.com
Monday
Travel Deductions
Travel Deductions by John Hawks
Many of us have learned the basics of documenting our business expenses. However, deductions for travel (e.g., fam trips, agent conferences) can be tricky. If you’re audited in the future, your best defense for deducting travel expenses will be a diary or record in which you noted these expenses as they occurred throughout any given year.
Though it may seem a hassle in the beginning, you should adopt the habit of buying a small pocket-size diary or calendar at the start of each year. Then, on every day of every business trip, jot down your mileage, meals, tips, lodging costs, and other expenses as they occur.
Note the amount of each expense, the time and date, and the location. At the end of the trip, make a note in the diary about the business reason for the trip.
What about receipts? As a general rule, you should consider keeping and filing away receipts for expenses above $10 in value. (Some experts say it’s OK to do without receipts up to $75, but $10 is a much safer level.) One easy way to maintain receipts is to store them at the end of each day inside a blank # 10 or 9” x 12” envelope; then, at the end of the month, seal the envelope and note the month and year on the outside. That way, you’ll have receipts sorted by month when it’s time to prepare your tax forms!
(See www.IRS.gov for more information about business and travel deductions.)
Fam Trip Deductions
While professionals in many other fields sometimes have trouble justifying business travel deductions -- for example, how often does a dentist or podiatrist truly have to hit the road? -- travel agents with an established home-based business are literally in the business of travel. That’s why many home-based agents successfully write off 100 percent of their fam trip costs each year.
U.S. tax rules permit you to deduct travel costs that you incur while you’re on the road. One immediate qualification for these deductions is that you must be pursuing your business when you’re traveling. The trip must be appropriate to the growth of your business, and it must be “customary and usual” within your field. Certainly, legitimate fam trips usually meet these standards easily.
You can generally deduct fam trip expenses immediately, as a business expense. Conference Travel Deductions Many of these rules also apply when you travel to industry conferences, workshops, and conventions.
What about your spouse’s expenses? Generally, you cannot deduct travel expenses for a spouse, defendant, or any other companion on these trips unless the person is your employee (or co-owner) and he or she is traveling for a “bona fide” business purpose. If your husband or wife is simply going along for the ride, you’ll find it difficult to justify deducting his or her travel expenses.
Please remember that this article offers general tips, not specific legal or accounting advice. We recommend that you check with your professional accountant about any tax deductions
www.HomeBased-TravelAgents.com 1800-619-8646
Many of us have learned the basics of documenting our business expenses. However, deductions for travel (e.g., fam trips, agent conferences) can be tricky. If you’re audited in the future, your best defense for deducting travel expenses will be a diary or record in which you noted these expenses as they occurred throughout any given year.
Though it may seem a hassle in the beginning, you should adopt the habit of buying a small pocket-size diary or calendar at the start of each year. Then, on every day of every business trip, jot down your mileage, meals, tips, lodging costs, and other expenses as they occur.
Note the amount of each expense, the time and date, and the location. At the end of the trip, make a note in the diary about the business reason for the trip.
What about receipts? As a general rule, you should consider keeping and filing away receipts for expenses above $10 in value. (Some experts say it’s OK to do without receipts up to $75, but $10 is a much safer level.) One easy way to maintain receipts is to store them at the end of each day inside a blank # 10 or 9” x 12” envelope; then, at the end of the month, seal the envelope and note the month and year on the outside. That way, you’ll have receipts sorted by month when it’s time to prepare your tax forms!
(See www.IRS.gov for more information about business and travel deductions.)
Fam Trip Deductions
While professionals in many other fields sometimes have trouble justifying business travel deductions -- for example, how often does a dentist or podiatrist truly have to hit the road? -- travel agents with an established home-based business are literally in the business of travel. That’s why many home-based agents successfully write off 100 percent of their fam trip costs each year.
U.S. tax rules permit you to deduct travel costs that you incur while you’re on the road. One immediate qualification for these deductions is that you must be pursuing your business when you’re traveling. The trip must be appropriate to the growth of your business, and it must be “customary and usual” within your field. Certainly, legitimate fam trips usually meet these standards easily.
You can generally deduct fam trip expenses immediately, as a business expense. Conference Travel Deductions Many of these rules also apply when you travel to industry conferences, workshops, and conventions.
What about your spouse’s expenses? Generally, you cannot deduct travel expenses for a spouse, defendant, or any other companion on these trips unless the person is your employee (or co-owner) and he or she is traveling for a “bona fide” business purpose. If your husband or wife is simply going along for the ride, you’ll find it difficult to justify deducting his or her travel expenses.
Please remember that this article offers general tips, not specific legal or accounting advice. We recommend that you check with your professional accountant about any tax deductions
www.HomeBased-TravelAgents.com 1800-619-8646
Friday
Destination Dominican Republic
With it's spectacular beaches and hordes of mega all-inclusive resorts, the Dominican Republic attracts more tourists per year than any other Caribbean destination. It's also one of the Caribbean’s most affordable fun in the sun getaway spots and has excursions to see everything from waterfalls to exotic wildlife.
Whether you're looking to party, relax or explore, the Dominican Republic has a lot to offer. The Dominica Republic is located in the heart of the Caribbean between Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Although theft is not a big concern, in the cities it's good to use common sense with your belongings. For more information, visit www.godominicanrepublic.com .
Whether you're looking to party, relax or explore, the Dominican Republic has a lot to offer. The Dominica Republic is located in the heart of the Caribbean between Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Although theft is not a big concern, in the cities it's good to use common sense with your belongings. For more information, visit www.godominicanrepublic.com .
New Agentnet Specials
OCEANIA CRUISES
Free round-trip airfare to Europe and 2-for-1 rates for August cruise.
Applicable cruise:Crossroads of History - 12 Day Athens to Istanbul Athens, Ionian Sea, Dubrovnik, Corfu, Katakolon, Santorini, Mykonos, Delos, Rhodes, Kusadasi, the Dardanelles, Istanbul
Travel Dates:August 21 – Sept 2, 2007
Click here for more information.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Special rates on select cruises, starting at $719
Applicable cruises:7 Day Mexican Riviera15 Day Circle Hawaii10 Day Roman Empire14 Day Klondike, Kluane, Denali & Sawyer Glaciers7 Day Alaskan Explorer via Glacier Bay11 Day Southern CaribbeanBook from February 14 through March 31, 2007, for travel July 20, 2007 - December 31, 2007.
Click here for more information.
PRINCESS CRUISE
Receive up to $100 shipboard credit on select 2007 Summer & Fall Caribbean Departures from $479.
Travel from: June 8 through December 22, 2007.Booking window: February 14 through April 4, 2007.
Click here for more information
AVALON WATERWAYS
Save $200 per person on the air-inclusive price of Yangtze River cruises.
Applicable departures:
The Heart of China & Yangtze River Cruise
Cultural China & Tibet with Yangtze River Cruise
Magical China & the Yangtze River Book from February 14 - May 31, 2007, for travel commencing by December 31, 2007.
Click here for more information.
Free round-trip airfare to Europe and 2-for-1 rates for August cruise.
Applicable cruise:Crossroads of History - 12 Day Athens to Istanbul Athens, Ionian Sea, Dubrovnik, Corfu, Katakolon, Santorini, Mykonos, Delos, Rhodes, Kusadasi, the Dardanelles, Istanbul
Travel Dates:August 21 – Sept 2, 2007
Click here for more information.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Special rates on select cruises, starting at $719
Applicable cruises:7 Day Mexican Riviera15 Day Circle Hawaii10 Day Roman Empire14 Day Klondike, Kluane, Denali & Sawyer Glaciers7 Day Alaskan Explorer via Glacier Bay11 Day Southern CaribbeanBook from February 14 through March 31, 2007, for travel July 20, 2007 - December 31, 2007.
Click here for more information.
PRINCESS CRUISE
Receive up to $100 shipboard credit on select 2007 Summer & Fall Caribbean Departures from $479.
Travel from: June 8 through December 22, 2007.Booking window: February 14 through April 4, 2007.
Click here for more information
AVALON WATERWAYS
Save $200 per person on the air-inclusive price of Yangtze River cruises.
Applicable departures:
The Heart of China & Yangtze River Cruise
Cultural China & Tibet with Yangtze River Cruise
Magical China & the Yangtze River Book from February 14 - May 31, 2007, for travel commencing by December 31, 2007.
Click here for more information.
Thursday
Your Biggest Problem
Your biggest problem. By Mike Marchev
Your Biggest Problem without a doubt is that not enough people know that you are alive.
How in the world can anybody elect to do business with you if they don't know you exist? I'll answer that. They can't.
As soon as you buy in to this fact, it is up to you to implement an ongoing program that will keep you in your prospect's mind. And you can take this to the bank while I am on the subject. When you are out of sight, you are out of mind. Therefore, and this bears repeating, it is up to you to stay visible without becoming obnoxious.
Phone calls, emails, letters, articles, postcards, meetings, web sites, brochures, pamphlets, courses, classes, cold calls are all among the options available to you.
I don't care what you choose and I don't care how you do it. I do care that you do something everyday to remain visible.
Your biggest problem is the easiest problem to overcome. Just do it and then continue doing it.
Don't make this thing harder than it is. Just keep in touch with the people you want to do business with. Manage to have fun with it while knowing you are doing your clients a favor keeping in touch with them.
Your Biggest Problem without a doubt is that not enough people know that you are alive.
How in the world can anybody elect to do business with you if they don't know you exist? I'll answer that. They can't.
As soon as you buy in to this fact, it is up to you to implement an ongoing program that will keep you in your prospect's mind. And you can take this to the bank while I am on the subject. When you are out of sight, you are out of mind. Therefore, and this bears repeating, it is up to you to stay visible without becoming obnoxious.
Phone calls, emails, letters, articles, postcards, meetings, web sites, brochures, pamphlets, courses, classes, cold calls are all among the options available to you.
I don't care what you choose and I don't care how you do it. I do care that you do something everyday to remain visible.
Your biggest problem is the easiest problem to overcome. Just do it and then continue doing it.
Don't make this thing harder than it is. Just keep in touch with the people you want to do business with. Manage to have fun with it while knowing you are doing your clients a favor keeping in touch with them.
SPECIAL SAVINGS OFFERS FOR EUROPEAN CRUISE VACATIONS FROM ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL!
Up to $200 off per stateroom on an RCI Europe Cruise PLUS Onboard Credit Offer for Europe Cruisetours! Details and tracking form here.
And don’t miss the WAVE Europe Contest from RCI! Details and entry form here.
More National Account Special Wave Savings on a variety of RCI Cruises now through March 31! $50 - $100 - $200 off per stateroom! Details and tracking form here.
Spring Sailings with Space and offers to move them:
Short Caribbean/Bahamas - Enchantment, Majesty, Sovereign - March 16-May 28, August 13-September 03, 2007 ** FREE Shore Excursion Now Available for select Majesty and Sovereign dates ** Great opportunity for Groups - Enchantment, Majesty and Sovereign Sept/Oct 2007 sailings are offering up to 8 GAP points!
Southern Caribbean - Adventure 7-Night March 4-April 8, August 19-Sept 30, 2007 ** Reduced air specials for select March and April sail dates on Adventure
6-Night Western Caribbean - Jewel and Radiance - March 8 - April 8, 2007 ** Bonus Commission for select Q1 dates for both Jewel and Radiance
Transatlantics & Repos - Brilliance, Grandeur, Empress, Navigator, Splendour, Voyager - April 14-April 28, 2007
** VERY attractive lead in pricing PLUS ** Splendour Spring Transatlantic stateroom category upgrade special
Check http://recp.rm05.net/ctt?kn=77&m=502517&r=MzUyOTE3NjI2NgS2&b=0&j=Nzk0NjU2MzIS1&mt=1 for Royal Caribbean International special offer flyers.
And don’t miss the WAVE Europe Contest from RCI! Details and entry form here.
More National Account Special Wave Savings on a variety of RCI Cruises now through March 31! $50 - $100 - $200 off per stateroom! Details and tracking form here.
Spring Sailings with Space and offers to move them:
Short Caribbean/Bahamas - Enchantment, Majesty, Sovereign - March 16-May 28, August 13-September 03, 2007 ** FREE Shore Excursion Now Available for select Majesty and Sovereign dates ** Great opportunity for Groups - Enchantment, Majesty and Sovereign Sept/Oct 2007 sailings are offering up to 8 GAP points!
Southern Caribbean - Adventure 7-Night March 4-April 8, August 19-Sept 30, 2007 ** Reduced air specials for select March and April sail dates on Adventure
6-Night Western Caribbean - Jewel and Radiance - March 8 - April 8, 2007 ** Bonus Commission for select Q1 dates for both Jewel and Radiance
Transatlantics & Repos - Brilliance, Grandeur, Empress, Navigator, Splendour, Voyager - April 14-April 28, 2007
** VERY attractive lead in pricing PLUS ** Splendour Spring Transatlantic stateroom category upgrade special
Check http://recp.rm05.net/ctt?kn=77&m=502517&r=MzUyOTE3NjI2NgS2&b=0&j=Nzk0NjU2MzIS1&mt=1 for Royal Caribbean International special offer flyers.
OUR FIRST CHRISTIAN THEMED CRUISE CHARTER
A Christian faith-based cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas, June 4-8, 2007. Home Based Travel Agents are partnering with Praise Fest Ministries to provide you with an excellent business opportunity to tap into one of the most lucrative, yet underserved, segments in America: the religious market.
A spiritual vacation like this attracts a great number of faith focused travelers, letting them cruise the Caribbean with the personalities, musicians and entertainers they revere. When the ship reaches Nassau, Cruise with a Cause will host a stadium crusade called BahamaFest 2007 featuring several top Christian musicians and speakers.
BahamaFest 2007 has been sanctioned by the Bahamian Ministry of Tourism and is expected to draw thousands of festival-goers from the island. Cruise with a Cause will have NO ALCOHOL or CASINOS available. This makes it the perfect family environment and ideal for graduating SENIOR TRIPS.
There will be an amazing line up of speakers, comedians and musicians onboard including Josh McDowell, Sonic Flood, Fred Hammond, Myles Munroe, The Crabb Family - 38 in all.
Visit the website below for a full listing. Increased Commission Structure!
Cruise with a Cause Contact Information: Phone: 888-518-7571 and press 203 http://recp.rm05.net/ctt?kn=2&m=502517&r=MzUyOTE3NjI2NgS2&b=0&j=Nzk0NjU2MzIS1&mt=1
A spiritual vacation like this attracts a great number of faith focused travelers, letting them cruise the Caribbean with the personalities, musicians and entertainers they revere. When the ship reaches Nassau, Cruise with a Cause will host a stadium crusade called BahamaFest 2007 featuring several top Christian musicians and speakers.
BahamaFest 2007 has been sanctioned by the Bahamian Ministry of Tourism and is expected to draw thousands of festival-goers from the island. Cruise with a Cause will have NO ALCOHOL or CASINOS available. This makes it the perfect family environment and ideal for graduating SENIOR TRIPS.
There will be an amazing line up of speakers, comedians and musicians onboard including Josh McDowell, Sonic Flood, Fred Hammond, Myles Munroe, The Crabb Family - 38 in all.
Visit the website below for a full listing. Increased Commission Structure!
Cruise with a Cause Contact Information: Phone: 888-518-7571 and press 203 http://recp.rm05.net/ctt?kn=2&m=502517&r=MzUyOTE3NjI2NgS2&b=0&j=Nzk0NjU2MzIS1&mt=1
Wednesday
Travel Guard Customizable Coverage
CUSTOMIZABLE COVERAGE FOR YOUR CLIENTS IS AS EASY AS 1 - 2 - FOUR WITH TRAVELGUARD'S ezTIPS.
News you can use from AIG Travel Guard:
Using ezTIPS, you can easily add to your client's base plan to conveniently provide enhanced coverage where they need it most. And enhanced coverage for your clients means enhanced commission for you!
Follow this tip. When in ezTIPS, use Step 4 for the option to add additional coverage's such as collision damage waiver, Flight Guard, additional medical, or the Umbrella Package.
To learn more, call 1.866.729.5215 or email ezTIPS@travelguard.com today!
News you can use from AIG Travel Guard:
Using ezTIPS, you can easily add to your client's base plan to conveniently provide enhanced coverage where they need it most. And enhanced coverage for your clients means enhanced commission for you!
Follow this tip. When in ezTIPS, use Step 4 for the option to add additional coverage's such as collision damage waiver, Flight Guard, additional medical, or the Umbrella Package.
To learn more, call 1.866.729.5215 or email ezTIPS@travelguard.com today!
CRYSTAL CRUISES OFFERS $100 BONUS COMMISSION
$100 per stateroom bonus commission based on double occupancy
$100 per person shipboard credit and prepaid gratuities. Plus, $50 per person additional shipboard credit when booked by 3/15/07 for a total of $150 pp shipboard credit!
Applicable Departures V7214 Crystal Symphony June 10, 2007 V7218 Crystal Symphony July 18,2007 V7321 Crystal Serenity August 31, 2007 V7323 Crystal Serenity September 24, 2007 V7326 Crystal Serenity October 28, 2007
Terms & Conditions: Shipboard Credits are not transferable. Cannot be used in the casino, redeemed for cash or credit, cannot be applied as a deposit towards a future cruise, cannot be combined with CPP. To qualify for additional $50 shipboard credit the booking must be a new booking made between 2/13/07- 3/15/07. Must book in G340.
Click here for more details.
$100 per person shipboard credit and prepaid gratuities. Plus, $50 per person additional shipboard credit when booked by 3/15/07 for a total of $150 pp shipboard credit!
Applicable Departures V7214 Crystal Symphony June 10, 2007 V7218 Crystal Symphony July 18,2007 V7321 Crystal Serenity August 31, 2007 V7323 Crystal Serenity September 24, 2007 V7326 Crystal Serenity October 28, 2007
Terms & Conditions: Shipboard Credits are not transferable. Cannot be used in the casino, redeemed for cash or credit, cannot be applied as a deposit towards a future cruise, cannot be combined with CPP. To qualify for additional $50 shipboard credit the booking must be a new booking made between 2/13/07- 3/15/07. Must book in G340.
Click here for more details.
8th ANNUAL EPICUREAN ESCAPE
In association with Food & Wine Magazine and Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa, Vacation.com presents a magnificent blend of flavors of Land and Sea. Invite your clients to join us for a celebration of great food & fine wine at the 8th Annual Epicurean Escape from June 27th to July 1st, 2007.
Five incredible days of interactive cooking classes and demonstrations by local & international celebrity chefs, informative wine seminars with master sommeliers, nightly themed parties and a spectacular seven-course formal dinner with synchronized service.*
Prices starting at only $899 per person
For reservations or information, call the CruiseCentre at 1-800-321-1060
The Grand Lido Negril Resort features:
24- Hour Room Service
Luxurious Rooms
Suites
PGA Quality Golf Courses
Award-Winning Cuisine
Premium Brand Cocktails
Absolutely No Tipping
Seven-course dinner is available for an additional fee of $129.
Click here for additional information
Five incredible days of interactive cooking classes and demonstrations by local & international celebrity chefs, informative wine seminars with master sommeliers, nightly themed parties and a spectacular seven-course formal dinner with synchronized service.*
Prices starting at only $899 per person
For reservations or information, call the CruiseCentre at 1-800-321-1060
The Grand Lido Negril Resort features:
24- Hour Room Service
Luxurious Rooms
Suites
PGA Quality Golf Courses
Award-Winning Cuisine
Premium Brand Cocktails
Absolutely No Tipping
Seven-course dinner is available for an additional fee of $129.
Click here for additional information
FREE ONLINE TRAINING CLASSES ARE READY
We are currently accepting registrations for seven different online classes scheduled through March 2007. These are complimentary training opportunities that you can attend from the comfort of your home or office. All you need is a high speed internet connection and a phone!
Go to AgentNet and click on the Agent Advancement Center link on the Training page to see our online class list and other professional development resources.
Go to AgentNet and click on the Agent Advancement Center link on the Training page to see our online class list and other professional development resources.
Monograms
Monograms offers a whole new approach to discovering North America. Monograms is ideal for vacationers who want the freedom of independent travel but prefer the convenience of a package that takes care of details, such as reserving hotels, booking air, and arranging airport transfers or car rental.
Monograms gives your clients flexibility and choice. Each Monograms vacation offers the convenience and flexibility of daily departures (excludes Canadian Rockies by Rail) to fit your clients’ busy schedules. Plus, we offer more choice with four different travel styles. We offer:
City Getaways – These four-day vacations let your clients discover and explore a city in-depth, at their own pace.
Hawaii Island Getaways – These vacations offer relaxing vacation experiences to Hawaii’s most popular sights and hidden treasures and include intra-island flights.
On the Road Driving Vacations – These excursions are for clients looking for a good old-fashioned road trip. Your clients are in control of their vacation, letting them experience the sights and sounds of many of North America’s great destinations.
Rail Getaways – These vacations explore the popular cities in the Eastern United States and Western Canada, allowing your clients to sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful scenery, as they travel by train.
Book Online: www.monogramstravel.com/agents
Phone reservations: 800.221.0090
Inside Sales: 866.270.9850
Monograms gives your clients flexibility and choice. Each Monograms vacation offers the convenience and flexibility of daily departures (excludes Canadian Rockies by Rail) to fit your clients’ busy schedules. Plus, we offer more choice with four different travel styles. We offer:
City Getaways – These four-day vacations let your clients discover and explore a city in-depth, at their own pace.
Hawaii Island Getaways – These vacations offer relaxing vacation experiences to Hawaii’s most popular sights and hidden treasures and include intra-island flights.
On the Road Driving Vacations – These excursions are for clients looking for a good old-fashioned road trip. Your clients are in control of their vacation, letting them experience the sights and sounds of many of North America’s great destinations.
Rail Getaways – These vacations explore the popular cities in the Eastern United States and Western Canada, allowing your clients to sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful scenery, as they travel by train.
Book Online: www.monogramstravel.com/agents
Phone reservations: 800.221.0090
Inside Sales: 866.270.9850
Vacation.com Conference Now Open for Registration
Vacation.com's 9th International Conference & Trade Show will take place at the Hilton Riverside Hotel in New Orleans June 27 to July 1, 2007. Vacation.com members can register online at www.AgentNet.com, click on "training" and follow the "Vacation.com 9th International Conference & Trade Show" link.
According to Paul Davis President of Home Based Travel Agents "This is one of the best conference and trade shows in the USA he urages all Home Based Travel Agent members to attend." Registration cost $129 each. Vacation.com expects 1,500 travel agents and 300 supplier delegates. A block of rooms has been set aside at the newly-renovated Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel located on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Special room rates have been specifically secured for the event, and reservations can be made by clicking "Travel and Lodging" on the conference registration web site. To ensure hotel accommodations at the host property, agents are urged to book immediately.
According to Paul Davis President of Home Based Travel Agents "This is one of the best conference and trade shows in the USA he urages all Home Based Travel Agent members to attend." Registration cost $129 each. Vacation.com expects 1,500 travel agents and 300 supplier delegates. A block of rooms has been set aside at the newly-renovated Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel located on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Special room rates have been specifically secured for the event, and reservations can be made by clicking "Travel and Lodging" on the conference registration web site. To ensure hotel accommodations at the host property, agents are urged to book immediately.
Saturday
Celebrity Special at our Cruise Center
Receive up to $400 Onboard Credit
Signature Wine & Cheese Package when you book an Ocean View stateroom. Experience the Celebrity TreatmentSM with an Aqua Spa experience, when you book a Concierge Class stateroom or Higher
Receive our Signature Wine & Cheese Package when you book an Ocean View stateroom.
Experience the Celebrity TreatmentSM with an Aqua Spa experience, when you book a Concierge Class stateroom or higher
Receive up to a $300 Onboard Credit per stateroom, when you book a Europe Cruisetour on select departures!
Receive a $400 Onboard Credit per stateroom, when you book an Alaska Cruisetour on select departures!
February 15 – March 31, 2007; February 15 – February 28, 2007 for Onboard Credit
ANY 2007 Celebrity Alaska or Europe departure sailing prior to September 30, 2007
For Signature Wine & Cheese package & Aqua Spa experience a tracking form must be completed and can be found on AgentNet. See terms & conditions for further booking procedures.
Celebrity Alaska or Europe departure sailing prior to September 30, 2007. Wine & Cheese package will be delivered to guests stateroom. Aqua Spa experience (not to exceed $100 in value and not reedemable for cash) is valid for use during port days only. Spa note will be placed inside stateroom. Limit one per stateroom paid in full.
*Cruisetour Onboard Credit Promotions: $200 onboard credit ($100 per person or $200 maximum per stateroom) promotion is valid on new individual Cruisetour bookings made on select 2007 Century, Constellation, Galaxy and Millennium European departures.
Apply $200 onboard credit by emailing the booking number to coupons@rccl.com ; referencing option code MXL6 or logging onto cruisingpower.com- coupon redemption. $300 onboard credit ($150 per person or $300 maximum per stateroom) promotion is valid on new individual Cruisetour bookings made on select Century, Constellation, Galaxy and Millennium European departures. Apply $300 onboard credit by emailing the booking number to coupons@rccl.com; referencing option code MXL7 or logging onto cruisingpower.com- coupon redemption.
$400 Alaska Cruisetour Onboard credit offer is $200 per person or $400 maximum per stateroom. $400 Alaska Onboard Credit promotion is valid on new individual bookings made on select Summit departures.
To apply onboard credit, email booking number to coupons@rccl.com; referencing option code MXM4 or logging on to cruisingpower.com. Cruisetour bookings must be made and deposited by February 28, 2007 for onboard credits to be applied.
Cruietour $200/$300/$400 onboard credit promotions are capacity controlled & may be withdrawn without notice at any time
Signature Wine & Cheese Package when you book an Ocean View stateroom. Experience the Celebrity TreatmentSM with an Aqua Spa experience, when you book a Concierge Class stateroom or Higher
Receive our Signature Wine & Cheese Package when you book an Ocean View stateroom.
Experience the Celebrity TreatmentSM with an Aqua Spa experience, when you book a Concierge Class stateroom or higher
Receive up to a $300 Onboard Credit per stateroom, when you book a Europe Cruisetour on select departures!
Receive a $400 Onboard Credit per stateroom, when you book an Alaska Cruisetour on select departures!
February 15 – March 31, 2007; February 15 – February 28, 2007 for Onboard Credit
ANY 2007 Celebrity Alaska or Europe departure sailing prior to September 30, 2007
For Signature Wine & Cheese package & Aqua Spa experience a tracking form must be completed and can be found on AgentNet. See terms & conditions for further booking procedures.
Celebrity Alaska or Europe departure sailing prior to September 30, 2007. Wine & Cheese package will be delivered to guests stateroom. Aqua Spa experience (not to exceed $100 in value and not reedemable for cash) is valid for use during port days only. Spa note will be placed inside stateroom. Limit one per stateroom paid in full.
*Cruisetour Onboard Credit Promotions: $200 onboard credit ($100 per person or $200 maximum per stateroom) promotion is valid on new individual Cruisetour bookings made on select 2007 Century, Constellation, Galaxy and Millennium European departures.
Apply $200 onboard credit by emailing the booking number to coupons@rccl.com ; referencing option code MXL6 or logging onto cruisingpower.com- coupon redemption. $300 onboard credit ($150 per person or $300 maximum per stateroom) promotion is valid on new individual Cruisetour bookings made on select Century, Constellation, Galaxy and Millennium European departures. Apply $300 onboard credit by emailing the booking number to coupons@rccl.com; referencing option code MXL7 or logging onto cruisingpower.com- coupon redemption.
$400 Alaska Cruisetour Onboard credit offer is $200 per person or $400 maximum per stateroom. $400 Alaska Onboard Credit promotion is valid on new individual bookings made on select Summit departures.
To apply onboard credit, email booking number to coupons@rccl.com; referencing option code MXM4 or logging on to cruisingpower.com. Cruisetour bookings must be made and deposited by February 28, 2007 for onboard credits to be applied.
Cruietour $200/$300/$400 onboard credit promotions are capacity controlled & may be withdrawn without notice at any time
Celebrity FAM Cruise
I have been advised by my counterpart in the Philadelphia area that there is some additional space on the upcoming Seminar at Sea. It's an 8 Night Mexican Riviera from San Diego on the Mercury - 3/18/07.
We have berths in CAT 9. Below are the rates. If you are interested and would like to attend, please let my counterpart know. Do not respond to me...My counterpart's name is Sandra Fittapaldi and her e-mail address is: SFittapaldi@celebrity.com She will then send you the registration link! Travel Agent - $307.19Guest - $427.19Single - $377.19
We have berths in CAT 9. Below are the rates. If you are interested and would like to attend, please let my counterpart know. Do not respond to me...My counterpart's name is Sandra Fittapaldi and her e-mail address is: SFittapaldi@celebrity.com She will then send you the registration link! Travel Agent - $307.19Guest - $427.19Single - $377.19
Carnival FAM Cruise
On a “Fun Ship” FAM Trip in Orlando on APRIL 20 - 22, 2007.Carnival Cruise Lines is pleased to extend to you an invitation to learn what the “Fun Ship” experience is all about. You will have the opportunity to tour the ms CARNIVAL GLORY and ms SENSATION , experience the cuisine and participate in our selling skills seminar. We guarantee you will return to your office with an enthusiasm about our product that will result in more Carnival sales for your agency.
Your weekend includes transfers, two nights hotel accommodation (based on double occupancy), two shipboard luncheons, one breakfast and one dinner.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• RSVP by APRIL 6, 2007
• Cost - $75 Per Agent
• Hotel - Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort
• This event is capacity controlled and may close prior to scheduled deadline.
• New Homeland Security regulations require your birth date for boarding privileges.
• Attendees must be 21 years of age.
• To fulfill Carnival’s regulatory requirements and facilitate the event’s embarkation process, each visitor to the ship is now required to submit a government issued photo ID upon arrival, which will be returned upon debarkation.
• Please secure your own air to arrive in Orlando Friday evening and arrange your return flight no earlier than 5:15pm on Sunday.
• This date is subject to change or cancellation, at Carnival’s sole discretion.
• All air expenses and transportation to the hotel are the sole responsibility of the participant.
• Carnival will not be responsible for such expenses or penalties for any reason, including but not limited to cancellation or rescheduling of the FAM trip.
• Due to limited space, only two travel agents per agency allowed. You will receive a written confirmation once payment has been received.
• No refunds will be given for cancellations made the week of the FAM.
• Please note we are unable to accept any RSVP's after RSVP date.
• If you have any questions, please email us at specialevents@carnival.com.
Your weekend includes transfers, two nights hotel accommodation (based on double occupancy), two shipboard luncheons, one breakfast and one dinner.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• RSVP by APRIL 6, 2007
• Cost - $75 Per Agent
• Hotel - Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort
• This event is capacity controlled and may close prior to scheduled deadline.
• New Homeland Security regulations require your birth date for boarding privileges.
• Attendees must be 21 years of age.
• To fulfill Carnival’s regulatory requirements and facilitate the event’s embarkation process, each visitor to the ship is now required to submit a government issued photo ID upon arrival, which will be returned upon debarkation.
• Please secure your own air to arrive in Orlando Friday evening and arrange your return flight no earlier than 5:15pm on Sunday.
• This date is subject to change or cancellation, at Carnival’s sole discretion.
• All air expenses and transportation to the hotel are the sole responsibility of the participant.
• Carnival will not be responsible for such expenses or penalties for any reason, including but not limited to cancellation or rescheduling of the FAM trip.
• Due to limited space, only two travel agents per agency allowed. You will receive a written confirmation once payment has been received.
• No refunds will be given for cancellations made the week of the FAM.
• Please note we are unable to accept any RSVP's after RSVP date.
• If you have any questions, please email us at specialevents@carnival.com.
Friday
Princess Cruises Creates Romance Department
Princess Cruises is creating a new "Department of Romance" that includes a team of romance experts and is launching a number of romantic pursuits on its ships and on its website.
The creation of the department is in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the hit TV series "The Love Boat," famously set aboard a Princess ship.
Princess has tapped noted relationship experts to serve in its new Department of Romance. They include dating and romance guru Trish McDermott, therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer, wedding planner Alba Carreras, and Gavin MacLeod, who portrayed Capt. Stubing on "The Love Boat."
The department has planned a variety of romantic pursuits scheduled to launch throughout the year. One new feature is the "Romance by Room Service" package, which includes champagne and chocolate, scattered fresh rose petals and flameless scented candles, all set to a background of romantic music. Couples can choose to add the line's "Ultimate Balcony Dinner."
Princess will also introduce an entertaining new class for its ScholarShip@Sea learning program, offering instruction on becoming a "Certified Romantic." The course will offer tools on how couples can rediscover romance, as well as tips for sustaining romance long after passengers return home from their cruise.
Also, in-stateroom Romance TV programming will feature classic movies such as "An Affair to Remember" and "Sleepless in Seattle." The daily Princess Patter program will also feature a romantic tip or quotation to inspire affection.
In addition, a new section of the Princess website will be devoted exclusively to the subject of romance, with tips, Q&As, resource information for romantic travelers, articles from the department experts and more. A semi-annual Princess Romance Report will debut on Feb. 14, in which the company's romance experts sound off on the "state of love" with facts, stats and forecasted trends.
These programs, to be launched with the debut of Emerald Princess in April, will join Princess' lineup of amenities and services for travelers with romance on their minds. Among them are weddings at sea performed by the ship's captain and the "Engagement Under the Stars" program for passengers who want to pop the question with a surprise video-taped proposal on the ship's 300-square-foot LED Movies Under the Stars screen.
For more information, call 800-PRINCESS or visit http://www.princess.com/.
The creation of the department is in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the hit TV series "The Love Boat," famously set aboard a Princess ship.
Princess has tapped noted relationship experts to serve in its new Department of Romance. They include dating and romance guru Trish McDermott, therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer, wedding planner Alba Carreras, and Gavin MacLeod, who portrayed Capt. Stubing on "The Love Boat."
The department has planned a variety of romantic pursuits scheduled to launch throughout the year. One new feature is the "Romance by Room Service" package, which includes champagne and chocolate, scattered fresh rose petals and flameless scented candles, all set to a background of romantic music. Couples can choose to add the line's "Ultimate Balcony Dinner."
Princess will also introduce an entertaining new class for its ScholarShip@Sea learning program, offering instruction on becoming a "Certified Romantic." The course will offer tools on how couples can rediscover romance, as well as tips for sustaining romance long after passengers return home from their cruise.
Also, in-stateroom Romance TV programming will feature classic movies such as "An Affair to Remember" and "Sleepless in Seattle." The daily Princess Patter program will also feature a romantic tip or quotation to inspire affection.
In addition, a new section of the Princess website will be devoted exclusively to the subject of romance, with tips, Q&As, resource information for romantic travelers, articles from the department experts and more. A semi-annual Princess Romance Report will debut on Feb. 14, in which the company's romance experts sound off on the "state of love" with facts, stats and forecasted trends.
These programs, to be launched with the debut of Emerald Princess in April, will join Princess' lineup of amenities and services for travelers with romance on their minds. Among them are weddings at sea performed by the ship's captain and the "Engagement Under the Stars" program for passengers who want to pop the question with a surprise video-taped proposal on the ship's 300-square-foot LED Movies Under the Stars screen.
For more information, call 800-PRINCESS or visit http://www.princess.com/.
GOGO Offers $300. Air Credits
GOGO Worldwide Vacations is offering a $300 air credit per room at over 30 hotels. Select hotels are also offering a fourth night free. The offer is good for clients that book now through Feb. 19 for travel Feb. 8 through Sept. 15. For more information, call 800-229-4999 or visit www.gogowwv.com
Sceptre Tours Paying 15 Percent Commission
Sceptre Tours is offering home based travel agents a 15 percent commission on all reservations for escorted tours made Feb. 13 to 27 for travel throughout 2007.
The 15 percent commission will be paid when the following Sceptre Tours escorted tours are booked between Feb. 13 and 27 (all prices are per person double):
Nine-day Treasures of Ireland, with air-inclusive rates start at $1,573;
Six-day Sites and Cities, with air-inclusive rates starting at $742;
Six-day Irish Jaunt Tour, with rates starting at $1,082;
Nine-day Glimpse of Ireland, with air-inclusive rates starting at $1,599;
Nine-day At Home With The Irish, with air-inclusive rates starting at $1,789;
Seven-day Highlights of Scotland, with air-inclusive rates start at $1,612;
13-day Grand Tour of Ireland, with air-inclusive rates start at $2,569;
14-day Sights & Sounds of Ireland, with air-inclusive rates starting at $2,694.
Other available tours subject to the 15 percent commission rate are: The Scots & The Irish, The British & The Irish Experience, and Deluxe Ireland. For more information, visit www.sceptretours.com.
The 15 percent commission will be paid when the following Sceptre Tours escorted tours are booked between Feb. 13 and 27 (all prices are per person double):
Nine-day Treasures of Ireland, with air-inclusive rates start at $1,573;
Six-day Sites and Cities, with air-inclusive rates starting at $742;
Six-day Irish Jaunt Tour, with rates starting at $1,082;
Nine-day Glimpse of Ireland, with air-inclusive rates starting at $1,599;
Nine-day At Home With The Irish, with air-inclusive rates starting at $1,789;
Seven-day Highlights of Scotland, with air-inclusive rates start at $1,612;
13-day Grand Tour of Ireland, with air-inclusive rates start at $2,569;
14-day Sights & Sounds of Ireland, with air-inclusive rates starting at $2,694.
Other available tours subject to the 15 percent commission rate are: The Scots & The Irish, The British & The Irish Experience, and Deluxe Ireland. For more information, visit www.sceptretours.com.
Thursday
News From Super Clubs
Travel agents and groups can now take advantage of SuperClubs’ “Passport Included” promotion until March 31, 2007! With this program, SuperClubs will pay the 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. Since SuperClubs introduced this promotion in April 2005, approximately 1,600 vacationers have taken advantage of this generous offer. Passport applications amount to $97 for adults, $82 for children under 16 years and $67 for renewals, which means a family of four could spend up to $400 for their passports alone. For more information, visit Passport Included Promotion.
Super Savings: Clients looking for a budget-friendly getaway can now save up to 60 percent at a choice of five Super-Inclusive resorts! Select from Breezes Bahamas located on Nassau’s popular Cable Beach, and four properties in Jamaica, including the luxurious Grand Lido Resorts & Spas; newly renovated Breezes Runaway Bay; and Breezes Montego Bay, situated on the world-renowned Doctor’s Cave Beach. For more information, visit Specials.
Spring Sale REDUX: SuperClubs has re-launched its “Spring for SuperClubs” special with incredible savings for sun-seekers and couples looking for a destination wedding that won’t break the bank. Every room at each resort - Grand Lido Resorts & Spas; Hedonism Resorts; Breezes Resorts; and Starfish Trelawny – is on sale for travel between April 9 and June 20, 2007. Remember, the early bird gets the best room! For more information, visit Spring Sale 2007.
Hedonistic Delights: Vacationers seeking a Jamaican getaway with a spicy edge will find nothing sexier than the “Hedonistic Delights Menu” at the Super-Inclusive Hedonism Resorts. Famous for their uninhibited pleasure-seeking atmosphere, Hedonism Resorts revs it up a notch with this new amenity that spoils, pampers and teases. Naughty, nice and always commissionable amenities – ranging from $40 to $350 (depending on the level of decadence) – await travelers with a penchant for romantic rendezvous. Better yet, for travel until December 31, 2007, guests at Hedonism Resorts can earn up to $200 in Hedonistic Delights credits good for any of the
amenities and services on the menu. For more information, visit http://www.superclubs.com/redirect.asp?LinkType=PR&LinkDetail=9073SPRS101&Resort=ULT&Page=R.
Epicurean Escape 2007: The AAA Four Diamond Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa in Jamaica is an idyllic spot for a luxurious Caribbean getaway, and a mecca for food and wine aficionados with a passion for travel. Organized with Food & Wine magazine, the all-suite resort is counting down to its eighth annual Epicurean Escape, June 27 - July 1, 2007, where the daily menu of specials serves up interactive cooking classes by celebrity chefs; wine seminars with master sommeliers; and nightly gala dinners. This five-day extravaganza is also a great choice for those planning a destination wedding or couples celebrating their crystal or silver anniversary. Imagine lavish meals prepared by world-renowned chefs at no extra charge! To see a short video, with highlights from last year’s event, please visit Epicurean Escape 2007.
In the Spotlight… Congratulations to Claudia Zablin from Travel SDC, Weston, FL, the lucky winner of the December 2006 SuperAgency Program Sweepstakes! Agents can speed clients’ check-in process by pre-registering them online at www.superclubs.com/cashbonus and at the same time, submit themselves for a Cash Bonus claim. The more clients agents book, the more chances there are to win!
Super Savings: Clients looking for a budget-friendly getaway can now save up to 60 percent at a choice of five Super-Inclusive resorts! Select from Breezes Bahamas located on Nassau’s popular Cable Beach, and four properties in Jamaica, including the luxurious Grand Lido Resorts & Spas; newly renovated Breezes Runaway Bay; and Breezes Montego Bay, situated on the world-renowned Doctor’s Cave Beach. For more information, visit Specials.
Spring Sale REDUX: SuperClubs has re-launched its “Spring for SuperClubs” special with incredible savings for sun-seekers and couples looking for a destination wedding that won’t break the bank. Every room at each resort - Grand Lido Resorts & Spas; Hedonism Resorts; Breezes Resorts; and Starfish Trelawny – is on sale for travel between April 9 and June 20, 2007. Remember, the early bird gets the best room! For more information, visit Spring Sale 2007.
Hedonistic Delights: Vacationers seeking a Jamaican getaway with a spicy edge will find nothing sexier than the “Hedonistic Delights Menu” at the Super-Inclusive Hedonism Resorts. Famous for their uninhibited pleasure-seeking atmosphere, Hedonism Resorts revs it up a notch with this new amenity that spoils, pampers and teases. Naughty, nice and always commissionable amenities – ranging from $40 to $350 (depending on the level of decadence) – await travelers with a penchant for romantic rendezvous. Better yet, for travel until December 31, 2007, guests at Hedonism Resorts can earn up to $200 in Hedonistic Delights credits good for any of the
amenities and services on the menu. For more information, visit http://www.superclubs.com/redirect.asp?LinkType=PR&LinkDetail=9073SPRS101&Resort=ULT&Page=R.
Epicurean Escape 2007: The AAA Four Diamond Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa in Jamaica is an idyllic spot for a luxurious Caribbean getaway, and a mecca for food and wine aficionados with a passion for travel. Organized with Food & Wine magazine, the all-suite resort is counting down to its eighth annual Epicurean Escape, June 27 - July 1, 2007, where the daily menu of specials serves up interactive cooking classes by celebrity chefs; wine seminars with master sommeliers; and nightly gala dinners. This five-day extravaganza is also a great choice for those planning a destination wedding or couples celebrating their crystal or silver anniversary. Imagine lavish meals prepared by world-renowned chefs at no extra charge! To see a short video, with highlights from last year’s event, please visit Epicurean Escape 2007.
In the Spotlight… Congratulations to Claudia Zablin from Travel SDC, Weston, FL, the lucky winner of the December 2006 SuperAgency Program Sweepstakes! Agents can speed clients’ check-in process by pre-registering them online at www.superclubs.com/cashbonus and at the same time, submit themselves for a Cash Bonus claim. The more clients agents book, the more chances there are to win!
Wednesday
New Agent Incentives from Auto Europe
Travel agents can earn up to two roundtrip airline tickets to London, coupled with a seven-day car rental, by booking 50 qualified car rentals or 10 business class packages through Auto Europe and Destination Europe. Bookings must be made by Sept. 30, and travel completed by the end of this year. For more information, e-mail tasales@autoeurope.com
Tuesday
New Home Based Travel Agent Incentive
Celebrity Cruises launched a spy-themed "Celebrity Special Agent" education and sales incentive program for Home Based Travel Agents.
Home BasedTravel Agents who participate in the multi-layered program will have the opportunity to win one of three grand prize packages: a Celebrity cruise for two to Alaska, Europe, or Bermuda, the first destination of the new Celebrity Journey, including roundtrip coach air travel and $700 in spending money. A total of 170 runners up each will receive one prize, which may be an Apple iPhone, Sony digital camera, Bose headset, Tumi briefcase, or a "007 Casino Royale" DVD.
In addition to prize sweepstakes, home based travel agents may participate in up to three free online seminars focused on Celebrity's Alaska itineraries, Europe itineraries and the line's new smaller-ship, exotic-destination brand extension, Celebrity Expeditions, comprised of Celebrity Journey, Celebrity Quest and Celebrity Xpedition.
Home Based Travel Agents can earn Celebrity Special Agent T-shirts by passing post-seminar assessments. Agents who complete all three courses and pass the corresponding post-seminar assessments will receive seven entries into the Celebrity Special Agent sweepstakes. Each Celebrity Alaska or Bermuda cruise that travel agents book between Feb. 1 and April 30 will result in two entries, and each Celebrity Europe or Celebrity Expeditions (with the exception of Bermuda) booking will result in one entry. All travel agents are eligible to participate. For more information, visit www.cruisingpower.com/booktowin.
Home BasedTravel Agents who participate in the multi-layered program will have the opportunity to win one of three grand prize packages: a Celebrity cruise for two to Alaska, Europe, or Bermuda, the first destination of the new Celebrity Journey, including roundtrip coach air travel and $700 in spending money. A total of 170 runners up each will receive one prize, which may be an Apple iPhone, Sony digital camera, Bose headset, Tumi briefcase, or a "007 Casino Royale" DVD.
In addition to prize sweepstakes, home based travel agents may participate in up to three free online seminars focused on Celebrity's Alaska itineraries, Europe itineraries and the line's new smaller-ship, exotic-destination brand extension, Celebrity Expeditions, comprised of Celebrity Journey, Celebrity Quest and Celebrity Xpedition.
Home Based Travel Agents can earn Celebrity Special Agent T-shirts by passing post-seminar assessments. Agents who complete all three courses and pass the corresponding post-seminar assessments will receive seven entries into the Celebrity Special Agent sweepstakes. Each Celebrity Alaska or Bermuda cruise that travel agents book between Feb. 1 and April 30 will result in two entries, and each Celebrity Europe or Celebrity Expeditions (with the exception of Bermuda) booking will result in one entry. All travel agents are eligible to participate. For more information, visit www.cruisingpower.com/booktowin.
Friday
Changes in Weddings Market
Wedding and honeymoon cruise markets are changing -- they aren't just for the very young and just married. In fact, 40 percent of travel agents report second-marriage couples are their largest source of business and 32 percent noted they are booking more weddings on cruises, the CLIA survey found.
Of the 460 CLIA-member travel agents who participated in the poll, 20 percent said the biggest change in their honeymoon and wedding business came from more couples renewing vows aboard cruise ships, and eight percent saw an increase in same-sex couples choosing cruises as romantic vacation options.According to the survey, 56 percent of agents said Generation Xers (age 28 to 42) now represent the largest group of honeymoon and wedding cruise guests. Generation Y (ages 27 and younger) accounted for 25 percent of honeymoon and wedding business, while Early Baby Boomers (ages 43 to 51) represented 13 percent and Late Boomers (ages 52 to 61) 6 percent.
In other survey news, 57 percent of agents agreed that the Caribbean/Bahamas was the most popular cruising destination for couples, followed by Hawaii at 23 percent, Europe at 9 percent and Alaska at 7 percent. Fifty-four percent of agents said that, on average, couples pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for the cruise portion of their vacation, while 35 percent said couples pay between $3,000 and $6,000 per couple.
Of the 460 CLIA-member travel agents who participated in the poll, 20 percent said the biggest change in their honeymoon and wedding business came from more couples renewing vows aboard cruise ships, and eight percent saw an increase in same-sex couples choosing cruises as romantic vacation options.According to the survey, 56 percent of agents said Generation Xers (age 28 to 42) now represent the largest group of honeymoon and wedding cruise guests. Generation Y (ages 27 and younger) accounted for 25 percent of honeymoon and wedding business, while Early Baby Boomers (ages 43 to 51) represented 13 percent and Late Boomers (ages 52 to 61) 6 percent.
In other survey news, 57 percent of agents agreed that the Caribbean/Bahamas was the most popular cruising destination for couples, followed by Hawaii at 23 percent, Europe at 9 percent and Alaska at 7 percent. Fifty-four percent of agents said that, on average, couples pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for the cruise portion of their vacation, while 35 percent said couples pay between $3,000 and $6,000 per couple.
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