Exstream Software announced that Carnival Cruise Lines has successfully implemented its Dialogue enterprise software to deliver an electronic cruise document system.
Using Dialogue, Carnival is streamlining business processes with a new paperless system that provides online access to the same travel information typically available with traditional cruise documents, including boarding passes, luggage tags, and guest documentation booklets.
Dialogue's ability to update information the moment changes are made and deliver it in real time is making it possible for Carnival to ensure guest information is always current. Carnival notes the electronic document system has been well-received by travelers and travel agents.
Within the first week of use, Carnival reduced its printed documents by over 1,000 with many travel agents electing to switch to the electronic document system to enjoy the convenience and cost-efficiency provided by this new service.
"In choosing to move to the electronic document system, we needed a solution that would offer a single platform to give us full control over our documents," said Laura Tamayo, director of air and sea services for Carnival Cruise Lines.
"Dialogue's ability to create PDFs in real time eliminates the many steps once required to complete cruise documents, saving us significant time. The response has been phenomenal. Dialogue is delivering the convenience, security, and efficiency needed to make this program a success." Going forward, Carnival will continue to streamline its document processes by moving the 5,000 to 10,000 documentation booklets it prints each day to Dialogue.
For more information, visit www.carnival.com or www.exstream.com.
Learn How to Become A Travel Agent... Open your own Home Based Travel Agency
Friday
Apple Vacations eDocs Electronic Vouchers
Apple Vacations introduced eDocs, a new tool that enables travel agents and passengers to print their own documents from their email inbox.
With the launch of eDocs, clients staying at most resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean will no longer have to present paper vouchers to airlines or hotels. Apple Vacations predicts that 80 percent of customers will choose eDocs within one year of its introduction.
Clients who choose eDocs can receive their documents according to Apple Vacations document policy, which is within 35 days of departure for paid-in-full customers. Documents in electronic form are easily accessible, even in situations where passengers have lost or misplaced their documents.
Considering the cost of mailing documents, eDocs can save time and money. For more information, visit www.applevacations.com.
With the launch of eDocs, clients staying at most resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean will no longer have to present paper vouchers to airlines or hotels. Apple Vacations predicts that 80 percent of customers will choose eDocs within one year of its introduction.
Clients who choose eDocs can receive their documents according to Apple Vacations document policy, which is within 35 days of departure for paid-in-full customers. Documents in electronic form are easily accessible, even in situations where passengers have lost or misplaced their documents.
Considering the cost of mailing documents, eDocs can save time and money. For more information, visit www.applevacations.com.
Carnival is Promoting Cruise Night
Carnival Cruise Lines has created a special micro-site designed to help home based travel agents promote CLIA's "World's Largest Cruise Night" promotion on Oct. 17.
In addition to the micro-site, Carnival's World's Largest Cruise Night promotion includes a two-week "October Super Sale" offering shipboard credits of up to $100 per stateroom for all bookings made between Oct. 14 and Oct. 28.
The new micro-site, available via a special "World's Largest Cruise Night" link within Carnival's travel agent Internet portal, www.bookccl.com, is designed to provide travel agents with a one-stop shop for planning and promoting their own cruise nights to their clients.
"CLIA's World's Largest Cruise Night is the perfect opportunity for travel agents to seek out new business and reinforce the value of cruising to their existing client base," said Vicki Freed, Carnival's senior vice president of sales and marketing. "Our comprehensive micro-site and enticing shipboard credit promotion provides travel agents with two highly effective tools for attracting new clients and rewarding loyal customers."The site includes a "Cruise Night Tool Kit" where travel agents can order custom-designed "Fun Ship" postcards, letterhead, posters, brochures and balloons. Another section contains downloadable Carnival logos, including a specially designed "World's Largest Cruise Night" logo, as well as email templates for travel agents to create their own custom marketing materials. There's also a section entitled "Planning Your Cruise Night," providing travel agents with tips on compiling an invitation list and establishing a theme for the evening, as well as proven techniques for generating publicity, and post-event follow-up strategies.
Travel agents can also host a "cyber cruise night" online at Carnival's web-based group-planning tool, www.carnivalconnections.com, which offers agents the opportunity to create custom-designed "evites" to send to their clients. The shipboard credit applies to virtually all departures before Dec. 31, 2008. A $50-per-stateroom credit is available on cruises of three to five days in length with a $100 per stateroom credit on cruises of seven days or longer. Reservations code COCL must be provided during the reservations process to be eligible for the shipboard credit. For more information, call 800-327-9501 or visit www.bookccl.com.
In addition to the micro-site, Carnival's World's Largest Cruise Night promotion includes a two-week "October Super Sale" offering shipboard credits of up to $100 per stateroom for all bookings made between Oct. 14 and Oct. 28.
The new micro-site, available via a special "World's Largest Cruise Night" link within Carnival's travel agent Internet portal, www.bookccl.com, is designed to provide travel agents with a one-stop shop for planning and promoting their own cruise nights to their clients.
"CLIA's World's Largest Cruise Night is the perfect opportunity for travel agents to seek out new business and reinforce the value of cruising to their existing client base," said Vicki Freed, Carnival's senior vice president of sales and marketing. "Our comprehensive micro-site and enticing shipboard credit promotion provides travel agents with two highly effective tools for attracting new clients and rewarding loyal customers."The site includes a "Cruise Night Tool Kit" where travel agents can order custom-designed "Fun Ship" postcards, letterhead, posters, brochures and balloons. Another section contains downloadable Carnival logos, including a specially designed "World's Largest Cruise Night" logo, as well as email templates for travel agents to create their own custom marketing materials. There's also a section entitled "Planning Your Cruise Night," providing travel agents with tips on compiling an invitation list and establishing a theme for the evening, as well as proven techniques for generating publicity, and post-event follow-up strategies.
Travel agents can also host a "cyber cruise night" online at Carnival's web-based group-planning tool, www.carnivalconnections.com, which offers agents the opportunity to create custom-designed "evites" to send to their clients. The shipboard credit applies to virtually all departures before Dec. 31, 2008. A $50-per-stateroom credit is available on cruises of three to five days in length with a $100 per stateroom credit on cruises of seven days or longer. Reservations code COCL must be provided during the reservations process to be eligible for the shipboard credit. For more information, call 800-327-9501 or visit www.bookccl.com.
Princess Course Helps Agents Put on a Cruise Night
"Successful Cruise Nights" course offers tips and practical advice that can help home based travel agents make the most of CLIA's World's Largest Cruise Night on Oct. 17. In addition, POLAR Online offers agents the only online tool for scheduling their cruise night promotions and a link for ordering Princess Cruise Night Kit.
Princess course, which is offered through the Princess Academy online training program, was written in collaboration with an experienced travel agent who has successfully organized numerous cruise nights and gives tips based on what she has found to work best.
"CLIA's World's Largest Cruise Night has been a very successful nationwide event, generating millions of dollars in sales for agents," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "We want to remind agents who are thinking of participating that our Academy cruise nights course would be a valuable tool for those who might be new to planning this type of event.
Through the course, agents can learn how to prepare for an event, what to do during a cruise night, how best to follow-up afterwards, and what tools Princess offers to help with a cruise night.
Among these tools are Princess' Cruise Night Kits, which provide items for the event, including advertising material, decorating items and door prizes, and are available through the line's District Sales Managers.
In addition, agents can use POLAR Online to schedule periodic cruise sales in which they can offer promotions such as a lower deposit rates and onboard coupon book.
The World's Largest Cruise Night is the largest one-day travel agency initiative of its kind, and serves as the centerpiece for CLIA's October National Cruise Vacation Month, which each year focuses consumer attention on cruising. More than 700 agencies conducted a WLCN event last year generating more than $2.4 million in agtnt commissions.
The "Successful Cruise Nights" course is available free of charge to any agent registered with Princess Academy. For more information, call 800-421-1700 or visit http://www.onesourcecruises.com/.
Princess course, which is offered through the Princess Academy online training program, was written in collaboration with an experienced travel agent who has successfully organized numerous cruise nights and gives tips based on what she has found to work best.
"CLIA's World's Largest Cruise Night has been a very successful nationwide event, generating millions of dollars in sales for agents," said Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "We want to remind agents who are thinking of participating that our Academy cruise nights course would be a valuable tool for those who might be new to planning this type of event.
Through the course, agents can learn how to prepare for an event, what to do during a cruise night, how best to follow-up afterwards, and what tools Princess offers to help with a cruise night.
Among these tools are Princess' Cruise Night Kits, which provide items for the event, including advertising material, decorating items and door prizes, and are available through the line's District Sales Managers.
In addition, agents can use POLAR Online to schedule periodic cruise sales in which they can offer promotions such as a lower deposit rates and onboard coupon book.
The World's Largest Cruise Night is the largest one-day travel agency initiative of its kind, and serves as the centerpiece for CLIA's October National Cruise Vacation Month, which each year focuses consumer attention on cruising. More than 700 agencies conducted a WLCN event last year generating more than $2.4 million in agtnt commissions.
The "Successful Cruise Nights" course is available free of charge to any agent registered with Princess Academy. For more information, call 800-421-1700 or visit http://www.onesourcecruises.com/.
Increasing Sales
By: Phil and Doris Davidoff
There are only three ways to increase sales:
1. Get more clients.
2. Get each client to buy more frequently.
3. Get each client to buy more each time.
These three objectives should be the focal point of your marketing and sales programs. Your advertising, promotion and sales solicitation programs must focus on attracting new clients. Seeking referrals from satisfied clients will help as well.
You must maintain regular communications with your clients if you want them to buy more frequently. Marketing experts recommend a minimum of 12 contacts (at least one a month) per year to remind clients that we can meet their needs. The best way to do this is by email.
Selling the complete travel product can increase the amount a client buys each time. We cannot let our clients go home and book hotels, car rentals and other services because we forgot to ask.
While the three objectives are simple, designing and implementing strategies and tactics to achieve them is a complex task - one that provides constant challenges which can only be met with continuous, consistent efforts.
There are only three ways to increase sales:
1. Get more clients.
2. Get each client to buy more frequently.
3. Get each client to buy more each time.
These three objectives should be the focal point of your marketing and sales programs. Your advertising, promotion and sales solicitation programs must focus on attracting new clients. Seeking referrals from satisfied clients will help as well.
You must maintain regular communications with your clients if you want them to buy more frequently. Marketing experts recommend a minimum of 12 contacts (at least one a month) per year to remind clients that we can meet their needs. The best way to do this is by email.
Selling the complete travel product can increase the amount a client buys each time. We cannot let our clients go home and book hotels, car rentals and other services because we forgot to ask.
While the three objectives are simple, designing and implementing strategies and tactics to achieve them is a complex task - one that provides constant challenges which can only be met with continuous, consistent efforts.
Tuesday
Earn Extra Income from Home
The fastest way for you to succeed is by piggy-backing on the advice and counsel of people who have already spent years learning how to succeed. When you do this on a regular and systematic basis, you will open up doors of opportunity and possibilities that you cannot even imagine.
The best way to make a lot of money is to have several automated streams of income all working for you. To learn how you can get a package of 6 automated income streams? Click Here
This automated income stream is a little pricey, but it pays almost $1,000 per sale and could give you a 6 figure income from home. Click Here.
I am NOT saying quit what your doing. What I am saying is why settle for just one stream of income when you can have several. Especially when your new income producing websites will be doing 99% of the work for you.
Paul Davis, CEO
http://www.homebased-travelagents.com/
The best way to make a lot of money is to have several automated streams of income all working for you. To learn how you can get a package of 6 automated income streams? Click Here
This automated income stream is a little pricey, but it pays almost $1,000 per sale and could give you a 6 figure income from home. Click Here.
I am NOT saying quit what your doing. What I am saying is why settle for just one stream of income when you can have several. Especially when your new income producing websites will be doing 99% of the work for you.
Paul Davis, CEO
http://www.homebased-travelagents.com/
Monday
Selling Spring Break Vacations
Now is the time to start selling spring break vacations to you local college students.
1. Start Early.
Contrary to popular belief, students plan and book early... be ready! Fall is the time to create awareness that YOU are selling spring break vacations. Start your advertising and contact potential groups. Call your local college for contacts in the student government, fraternities, sororities, clubs, sport teams and other organizations that love to travel.
2. Post Fliers.
Student Travel Services (STS) and StudentCity.com will provide you with unlimited customized fliers. Post them on campus bulletin boards, stuff them in student mail boxes, mail them to fraternities, sororities and clubs on campuses. STS will provide FREE posters, banners and videos to help you.
3. Spring Brake Nights / info Tables.
Set up information tables and a information night at college student union hall.
4. NewspapersAdvertise in college newspapers.
A simple add under spring break heading is not only very effective its very inexpensive.
5. NetworkLet your adult clients know you do spring break vacations.
They may have or know college students.
Call STS at 1800-648-4849 and start selling spring break vacations now!!!http://www.ststravel.com/
We also use Student City at http://www.studentcity.com/ they also will supply you with FREE flyers and posters with your name, email and phone number on them.
START SELLING NOW!!!
1. Start Early.
Contrary to popular belief, students plan and book early... be ready! Fall is the time to create awareness that YOU are selling spring break vacations. Start your advertising and contact potential groups. Call your local college for contacts in the student government, fraternities, sororities, clubs, sport teams and other organizations that love to travel.
2. Post Fliers.
Student Travel Services (STS) and StudentCity.com will provide you with unlimited customized fliers. Post them on campus bulletin boards, stuff them in student mail boxes, mail them to fraternities, sororities and clubs on campuses. STS will provide FREE posters, banners and videos to help you.
3. Spring Brake Nights / info Tables.
Set up information tables and a information night at college student union hall.
4. NewspapersAdvertise in college newspapers.
A simple add under spring break heading is not only very effective its very inexpensive.
5. NetworkLet your adult clients know you do spring break vacations.
They may have or know college students.
Call STS at 1800-648-4849 and start selling spring break vacations now!!!http://www.ststravel.com/
We also use Student City at http://www.studentcity.com/ they also will supply you with FREE flyers and posters with your name, email and phone number on them.
START SELLING NOW!!!
$100 BONUS COMMISSION & UP TO $1,000 SAVINGS WITH VIKING RIVER CRUISES
$100 Bonus Commission & Up to $1,000 Savings with Viking River Cruises* Call today to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity for both you and your clients! To book call Viking River Cruises at 1-877-523-0584
Friday
AIG Travel Guard
AIG Travel Guard has added new features to its retail travel insurance product line with increased limits, new coverages, and enhanced travel services developed to help provide the best travel insurance plan and value to your clients!
1. Cancel for Any Reason(Now available on Cruise, Tour & Travel, Protect Assist, and My Travel Guard)
2. Cancel for Work Reasons(Now available on Cruise, Tour & Travel, Protect Assist, and My Travel Guard)
3. Cancel at No Additional Cost(On Protect Assist)
(Other improved enhancements to all products including reduced trip delay hours, increased baggage loss coverage & raised maximum trip cancellation limits!) Click here for full details.
1. Cancel for Any Reason(Now available on Cruise, Tour & Travel, Protect Assist, and My Travel Guard)
2. Cancel for Work Reasons(Now available on Cruise, Tour & Travel, Protect Assist, and My Travel Guard)
3. Cancel at No Additional Cost(On Protect Assist)
(Other improved enhancements to all products including reduced trip delay hours, increased baggage loss coverage & raised maximum trip cancellation limits!) Click here for full details.
GOGO Winter Vacation Sale
GOGO is offering reduced air-inclusive vacation packages at more than 300 hotels in more than 90 different destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Canada and the United States, including Hawaii.
Prices are valid for travel Dec. 1, 2007-Feb. 29, 2008, but must be booked by Oct. 28, 2007. At the Royal Plaza in the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, a four-night package is priced from $339 per person from New York, a savings of 15 percent. At the Barcelo Maya Beach & Caribe in Riviera Maya, Mexico, a three-night all-inclusive package is priced from $625 per person from Miami, reduced 30 percent. At the Hyatt Regency Aruba, a five-night package is priced from $1285 per person from New York, a savings of 35 percent. At the Sheraton Park Lane in London a four-night package is priced from $1,135 per person from Miami, with the fourth night free. At the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa a six-night package is priced from $2,189 per person from Chicago with the sixth night free and breakfast for two daily.
For more information call 800-229-4999 or visit www.gogowwv.com.
Prices are valid for travel Dec. 1, 2007-Feb. 29, 2008, but must be booked by Oct. 28, 2007. At the Royal Plaza in the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, a four-night package is priced from $339 per person from New York, a savings of 15 percent. At the Barcelo Maya Beach & Caribe in Riviera Maya, Mexico, a three-night all-inclusive package is priced from $625 per person from Miami, reduced 30 percent. At the Hyatt Regency Aruba, a five-night package is priced from $1285 per person from New York, a savings of 35 percent. At the Sheraton Park Lane in London a four-night package is priced from $1,135 per person from Miami, with the fourth night free. At the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa a six-night package is priced from $2,189 per person from Chicago with the sixth night free and breakfast for two daily.
For more information call 800-229-4999 or visit www.gogowwv.com.
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100% destination and travel product editorial - the most helpful for selling.
In-depth niche market coverage (luxury, adventure, family, etc.) by destination.
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Recommend specialist and education programs that make you an expert.
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To review a recent issue, click here.
USE PROMOTION CODE: E0907MP
YOU GET ALL THIS FROM RECOMMEND
100% destination and travel product editorial - the most helpful for selling.
In-depth niche market coverage (luxury, adventure, family, etc.) by destination.
Onboard and Onsite reviews with comprehensive insights from our editors.
Recommend specialist and education programs that make you an expert.
Extra cash with Recommend rewards and incentive programs. Trips and prizes with Recommend reader contests.
To review a recent issue, click here.
Thursday
Profitable Email Marketing
By : Tim Warren
Imagine you were able to communicate withyour best travel prospects and clients automatically with useful information they wanted, that increased your sales conversion and profits, cost you next to nothing, and did not require you to be in the office to do it. That’s what state-of-the-art travel email marketing can do for you.
Although 84% of all travel is researched online, do your prospects instantly make a booking the first time they come across your website? Probably not – especially if what you're offering is more than a small investment.
Your prospects need to know that you have what they seek, are a good choice and are knowledgeable, and that they feel good about starting a relationship with you.
Nothing beats well executed automatic email marketing to build credibility, relationships and sales – especially when you know what your market wants.
Travel marketing can be easy. Find out what your market wants and give it to them. The best way is to ask your clients and prospects with offand online surveys. Build email information campaigns that meet the needs of your market once you know their top needs, issues and concerns.
Sending the right info is important, but getting and keeping subscribers is key to creating success. What to Look for in an Email Marketing System Working with an experienced e-marketing supplier is key to make this marketing tool fast and easy to use.
Two of the most widely used systems in the travel industry are:
1. http://www.travelbusiness.constantcontact.com/
2. http://www.travel-marketingcentral.com/.
I love technology to market travel, especially when suppliers provide proven tools and resources.
Core Features of Top Email Marketing Suppliers:
• Live and recorded training & tech support
• Text & HTML templates
• Unlimited auto-responders so you can segment your mailings
• Ability to do unlimited broadcast announcements
• High deliverability rate
• Canned Spam compliant
• Easy subscribe and unsubscribe forms
• Tracking software to measure open rates
• Built in survey to better serve clients’ needs
Check out the free trials and training and your email marketing will be one of your fastest, lowest cost business building tools. Visit www.travelbusinesssuccess.com/tourism-trainings/travel-e-mail-marketing
for my Top 10 Tips for Email Marketing Success.
Imagine you were able to communicate withyour best travel prospects and clients automatically with useful information they wanted, that increased your sales conversion and profits, cost you next to nothing, and did not require you to be in the office to do it. That’s what state-of-the-art travel email marketing can do for you.
Although 84% of all travel is researched online, do your prospects instantly make a booking the first time they come across your website? Probably not – especially if what you're offering is more than a small investment.
Your prospects need to know that you have what they seek, are a good choice and are knowledgeable, and that they feel good about starting a relationship with you.
Nothing beats well executed automatic email marketing to build credibility, relationships and sales – especially when you know what your market wants.
Travel marketing can be easy. Find out what your market wants and give it to them. The best way is to ask your clients and prospects with offand online surveys. Build email information campaigns that meet the needs of your market once you know their top needs, issues and concerns.
Sending the right info is important, but getting and keeping subscribers is key to creating success. What to Look for in an Email Marketing System Working with an experienced e-marketing supplier is key to make this marketing tool fast and easy to use.
Two of the most widely used systems in the travel industry are:
1. http://www.travelbusiness.constantcontact.com/
2. http://www.travel-marketingcentral.com/.
I love technology to market travel, especially when suppliers provide proven tools and resources.
Core Features of Top Email Marketing Suppliers:
• Live and recorded training & tech support
• Text & HTML templates
• Unlimited auto-responders so you can segment your mailings
• Ability to do unlimited broadcast announcements
• High deliverability rate
• Canned Spam compliant
• Easy subscribe and unsubscribe forms
• Tracking software to measure open rates
• Built in survey to better serve clients’ needs
Check out the free trials and training and your email marketing will be one of your fastest, lowest cost business building tools. Visit www.travelbusinesssuccess.com/tourism-trainings/travel-e-mail-marketing
for my Top 10 Tips for Email Marketing Success.
Wednesday
Sandals 2 day Fam
Sandals will send agents on private charter flights from Newark, Philadelphia and New York to St. Lucia and Antigua so agents can preview firsthand Sandals' new top-category suites.
During the two-day excursion, agents will arrive at Sandals Grande Antigua and experience the resort's new all-suite Mediterranean Village. That evening, they will depart on a private airplane to St. Lucia, where they will overnight at one of three Sandals Luxury Included resort locations on the island.
In the morning, they will preview Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa, Sandals Halcyon Beach and Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort, including the new Rondoval Suites. Departure dates for the charter trips include: Sept. 25, 2007 from Newark International Airport, Oct. 30, 2007 from Philadelphia and Nov. 6, 2007 from New York's JFK Airport. For more information, call 888-SANDALS or visit http://www.sandals.com/.
During the two-day excursion, agents will arrive at Sandals Grande Antigua and experience the resort's new all-suite Mediterranean Village. That evening, they will depart on a private airplane to St. Lucia, where they will overnight at one of three Sandals Luxury Included resort locations on the island.
In the morning, they will preview Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa, Sandals Halcyon Beach and Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort, including the new Rondoval Suites. Departure dates for the charter trips include: Sept. 25, 2007 from Newark International Airport, Oct. 30, 2007 from Philadelphia and Nov. 6, 2007 from New York's JFK Airport. For more information, call 888-SANDALS or visit http://www.sandals.com/.
Tuesday
Disney Cruise Special for Travel Agents
Need a magical getaway this month? Take advantage of this special Disney Cruise Line® Travel Agent offer on a 4-night cruise departing Sept. 23 or 30, 2007. Book today before this opportunity sails away! More info>>
Free Advertising Opportunities for Your Travel Business
Google Local and Local.Yahoo.com
You can’t go wrong with free business listings from the two biggest websites on the internet. They will show your ad to people who search from your community automatically. Yahoo has an option to upgrade to a paid premium listing as well.
If you’ve ever searched for Pizza or a Dentist in your town and called the first local result at the top of the page - then you have been influenced by the power of these free business listings!
Craigslist
Craigslist can be both a blessing and a curse - for some businesses, it just wouldn’t make sense to place their ad next to such wildly random classified ads that could be fradulent. But a well written ad with links to a reputable site can help freelancers and other service professionals spread the word about their businesses.
MerchantCircle.com
Merchant Circle is a combination of a business listing site with business reviews. If you don’t have a website or don’t know how to optimize for search engines, you can take advantage of their free listing which will have a good chance of showing up in the first page or two. The free package also allows businesses to upload photos, coupons, and create a business blog (wow!).
Customers can also post their reviews of your business, and everyone knows the power of a good testimonial!
Search Engine and Link Advertising
Technically, these offers require anywhere between $5 and $50 to get started, so aren’t exactly free. Combined though, they offer $300 worth of PPC (Pay Per Click) and text link advertising for $125.
Most of these offers are for first time customers only - you’ll have to check with the individual companies to determine if you are eligible for these freebies.
Yahoo! Sponsored Search $5 for $25 worth of clicks
Yahoo Sponsored Search is second only to Google’s power - and Yahoo’s paid ads appear on a wide network of big sites, including CNN and AltaVista. They also have an extremely helpful user-interface and a how-to section. They also allow you to create several ads and they will automatically rotate them and pick the one that gets the most clicks.
Enhance Interactive $50 for $75 worth of clicks
Enhance Interactive is a niche search engine marketing company that serves ads for a variety of sites, including Dogpile, VeriSign, OpenList.com and MyZip.com. They also have testimonials from big players such as BizRate and HotWire, as well as some advertising alternatives such as paid inclusion (flat fee guaranteed inclusion in search results).
Although some companies require a minimum of up to $.10 bid per click, Enhance has a very low $.03 minimum bid per click. So the money spent with smaller search engines can potentially go much farther than with the big players.
Search123 $50 for $70 worth of clicks
According to the Search 123 site, their visitors come from portal pages, a Spanish language network, niche content sites and some branded search directories. They also are unique in that they offer free account set-up, keyword research and expansion, and account management and optimization services. None of the other search engine marketing companies do that!
Text Link Ads $25 for $125 worth of text links
Some studies suggest that text links out perform banner ads - this is especially true on blogs. Text Link Ads primarily sells text links on blogs, although they have an extensive directory of all kinds of web sites. Since you get to choose which site your ad appears on, you get far more control over where your ad appears compared to search engine advertising. Plus they have a free link buying guide or even a free recommendation service to those new to buying link advertising.
The sites in the Text Link Ads directory are focused on hundreds of small niches, and a link can be bought for as little as $15 a month or as much as $600 a month. The links also point straight to your web site, and all sites have a minimum Google Page Rank of 4, so the links will also help your search engine optimization efforts.
You can’t go wrong with free business listings from the two biggest websites on the internet. They will show your ad to people who search from your community automatically. Yahoo has an option to upgrade to a paid premium listing as well.
If you’ve ever searched for Pizza or a Dentist in your town and called the first local result at the top of the page - then you have been influenced by the power of these free business listings!
Craigslist
Craigslist can be both a blessing and a curse - for some businesses, it just wouldn’t make sense to place their ad next to such wildly random classified ads that could be fradulent. But a well written ad with links to a reputable site can help freelancers and other service professionals spread the word about their businesses.
MerchantCircle.com
Merchant Circle is a combination of a business listing site with business reviews. If you don’t have a website or don’t know how to optimize for search engines, you can take advantage of their free listing which will have a good chance of showing up in the first page or two. The free package also allows businesses to upload photos, coupons, and create a business blog (wow!).
Customers can also post their reviews of your business, and everyone knows the power of a good testimonial!
Search Engine and Link Advertising
Technically, these offers require anywhere between $5 and $50 to get started, so aren’t exactly free. Combined though, they offer $300 worth of PPC (Pay Per Click) and text link advertising for $125.
Most of these offers are for first time customers only - you’ll have to check with the individual companies to determine if you are eligible for these freebies.
Yahoo! Sponsored Search $5 for $25 worth of clicks
Yahoo Sponsored Search is second only to Google’s power - and Yahoo’s paid ads appear on a wide network of big sites, including CNN and AltaVista. They also have an extremely helpful user-interface and a how-to section. They also allow you to create several ads and they will automatically rotate them and pick the one that gets the most clicks.
Enhance Interactive $50 for $75 worth of clicks
Enhance Interactive is a niche search engine marketing company that serves ads for a variety of sites, including Dogpile, VeriSign, OpenList.com and MyZip.com. They also have testimonials from big players such as BizRate and HotWire, as well as some advertising alternatives such as paid inclusion (flat fee guaranteed inclusion in search results).
Although some companies require a minimum of up to $.10 bid per click, Enhance has a very low $.03 minimum bid per click. So the money spent with smaller search engines can potentially go much farther than with the big players.
Search123 $50 for $70 worth of clicks
According to the Search 123 site, their visitors come from portal pages, a Spanish language network, niche content sites and some branded search directories. They also are unique in that they offer free account set-up, keyword research and expansion, and account management and optimization services. None of the other search engine marketing companies do that!
Text Link Ads $25 for $125 worth of text links
Some studies suggest that text links out perform banner ads - this is especially true on blogs. Text Link Ads primarily sells text links on blogs, although they have an extensive directory of all kinds of web sites. Since you get to choose which site your ad appears on, you get far more control over where your ad appears compared to search engine advertising. Plus they have a free link buying guide or even a free recommendation service to those new to buying link advertising.
The sites in the Text Link Ads directory are focused on hundreds of small niches, and a link can be bought for as little as $15 a month or as much as $600 a month. The links also point straight to your web site, and all sites have a minimum Google Page Rank of 4, so the links will also help your search engine optimization efforts.
Monday
MSC is Not Cutting back on Commissions
MSC is not cutting back on travel agent commissions. "We have always supported travel agents with an unprecedented commission structure and will continue to do so," Sasso said. "In addition to the already high-level commissions we offer on the cruise portion 17%, MSC Cruises demonstrates our support of home based travel agents by offering 10 percent commission on air, 10 percent on pre-booked shore excursions and 10 percent on pre-booked spa packages
Friday
Some Practical Advice
1. Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.
2. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
3. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
4. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
5. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.
6. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
7. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.
8. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment.
9. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.
10. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
Thank God it's friday. Have a Great weekend every one.
Paul and Sue
http://www.homebased-travelagents.com/
2. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
3. Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
4. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
5. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is probably not for you.
6. A closed mouth gathers no foot.
7. Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.
8. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably a wise investment.
9. Duct tape is like 'The Force'. It has a light side and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.
10. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
Thank God it's friday. Have a Great weekend every one.
Paul and Sue
http://www.homebased-travelagents.com/
Vacation.com’s 10th International Conference & Trade Show
The Early Bird Rate of $79.00 (USD) for Vacation.com’s 10th International Conference & Trade Show has been extended to Friday, September 21, 2007!
Register now and take advantage of this rate for additional staff. Plus you’ll be at the front of the line to sign up for exceptional classes featuring the biggest and brightest personalities in the industry! Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Join us for four days of intense learning, networking and fun!
Thinking about a weekend in Vegas? Our friends at Caesars Palace have extended a weekend rate exclusively for Vacation.com Conference attendees. The rate of $145 up to $200 per night for Friday and Saturday June 13th and 14th is a huge savings off of the current rate!
The number of rooms is limited, especially at the $145 rate, so book now! All you have to do is register for conference, and you will receive the hotel reservation link in your registration confirmation email! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
We look forward to seeing you in Vegas for our big 10th Anniversary!
Register now and take advantage of this rate for additional staff. Plus you’ll be at the front of the line to sign up for exceptional classes featuring the biggest and brightest personalities in the industry! Don’t miss out on this opportunity. Join us for four days of intense learning, networking and fun!
Thinking about a weekend in Vegas? Our friends at Caesars Palace have extended a weekend rate exclusively for Vacation.com Conference attendees. The rate of $145 up to $200 per night for Friday and Saturday June 13th and 14th is a huge savings off of the current rate!
The number of rooms is limited, especially at the $145 rate, so book now! All you have to do is register for conference, and you will receive the hotel reservation link in your registration confirmation email! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
We look forward to seeing you in Vegas for our big 10th Anniversary!
Thursday
Funjet Vacations Launches Virtual Trade Show
Funjet Vacations unveiled a new training technology for travel agents called the Funjet Vacations Virtual Product Launch (VPL), a website that enables access to Funjet Vacations and supplier's product information and sales content 24/7.
The company is hosting two online sessions in the coming weeks to demonstrate the technology. Agents can experience the technology directly from their desktops to access product information about charters, value flights, scheduled air and land vacations through the new website.
Envisioned as a virtual trade show, the website will enable agents to visit virtual supplier booths to view product presentations and access brochures and sales flyers.
Agents can also attend virtual breakout educational sessions with clicks of a mouse.Funjet will introduce the Virtual Product Launch with two nationwide online events on Sept. 25 at 5 pm CDT and Sept. 26 at 7 pm CDT at www.FunjetVacationsProductShow.com.
During these times, Funjet Vacations and several sponsors suppliers will have live chats available for travel agents to interact with company sales executives.
Agents also can order brochures, access e-brochures, and view and print promotional flyers and participate in Funjet Vacations Learn and Earn incentive to earn bonus Fun-Jets, free trips and merchandise.
Travel agents can register to participate in the interactive sessions can go to www.FunjetVacationsProductShow.com.
The company is hosting two online sessions in the coming weeks to demonstrate the technology. Agents can experience the technology directly from their desktops to access product information about charters, value flights, scheduled air and land vacations through the new website.
Envisioned as a virtual trade show, the website will enable agents to visit virtual supplier booths to view product presentations and access brochures and sales flyers.
Agents can also attend virtual breakout educational sessions with clicks of a mouse.Funjet will introduce the Virtual Product Launch with two nationwide online events on Sept. 25 at 5 pm CDT and Sept. 26 at 7 pm CDT at www.FunjetVacationsProductShow.com.
During these times, Funjet Vacations and several sponsors suppliers will have live chats available for travel agents to interact with company sales executives.
Agents also can order brochures, access e-brochures, and view and print promotional flyers and participate in Funjet Vacations Learn and Earn incentive to earn bonus Fun-Jets, free trips and merchandise.
Travel agents can register to participate in the interactive sessions can go to www.FunjetVacationsProductShow.com.
Carnival Corp. Brands to Drop Air Commission
Carnival Corp. will stop paying agents 5 percent commission on air fares booked in conjunction with cruises on its six brands, effective for all new bookings starting Oct. 15.
Carnival Corp. made the announcement in a letter faxed to U.S. and Canadian travel agents on Wednesday afternoon. The letter was signed by Jack Anderson, executive director of The World's Leading Cruise Lines, the alliance of Carnival Corp. brands, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line. In a phone interview with Travel Pulse Daily, Anderson said the contract air fares used by the cruise lines are often more expensive than fares available on the open market, even before they are marked up for commissions.
When airlines stopped paying commissions several years ago, 35 percent of Carnival's cruise bookings included the air component. "It's decreased every year since, which is somewhat ironic," Anderson said. "In 2006, our percentage of air-sea bookings was less than 12 percent across our brands, which means that 88 percent of the time travel agents are booking non-commissionable air.
They already are not buying our air, which is very understandable because they are doing their due diligence and focusing on their responsibility to their customer, trying to get the best pricing they can. More times than not, that hasn't been us.
By eliminating the commission, the Carnival Corp. brands will offer slightly lower air fares. Our motivation was to create the best air-sea pricing as we possibly can. For more information, visit www.carnivalcorp.com.
Carnival Corp. made the announcement in a letter faxed to U.S. and Canadian travel agents on Wednesday afternoon. The letter was signed by Jack Anderson, executive director of The World's Leading Cruise Lines, the alliance of Carnival Corp. brands, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line. In a phone interview with Travel Pulse Daily, Anderson said the contract air fares used by the cruise lines are often more expensive than fares available on the open market, even before they are marked up for commissions.
When airlines stopped paying commissions several years ago, 35 percent of Carnival's cruise bookings included the air component. "It's decreased every year since, which is somewhat ironic," Anderson said. "In 2006, our percentage of air-sea bookings was less than 12 percent across our brands, which means that 88 percent of the time travel agents are booking non-commissionable air.
They already are not buying our air, which is very understandable because they are doing their due diligence and focusing on their responsibility to their customer, trying to get the best pricing they can. More times than not, that hasn't been us.
By eliminating the commission, the Carnival Corp. brands will offer slightly lower air fares. Our motivation was to create the best air-sea pricing as we possibly can. For more information, visit www.carnivalcorp.com.
Agentnet Training
Take advantage of the Agentnet training materials provided on this page and start maximizing your knowledge.
Support Phone NumbersHelp Desk: 800-327-3618
AgentNet Technical Support: 800-973-1211
Here are the training sites:
AgentNet Quick Reference Card
Download and print out this handy reference guide to AgentNet
AgentNet Getting Started Guide
This quick and easy reference guide will walk you though the basics of AgentNet. An indispensable tool for agents to have on hand when first using AgentNet.
Consolidator Shopper.
Online product demoConsolidator Shopper is a complimentary, browser-based application that lets you view and compare multiple consolidators' net fares and published fares in one display, and make reservations online. You can take advantage of the many benefits of consolidator ticket sales regardless of their location – right from your Amadeus desktop or over the Internet.
Using consolidators for airline tickets has become increasingly popular to realize the higher profit potential of net fares (consolidator fares) by marking these fares up for sale to your clients. The profit margins are considerably higher and in most cases, you can still provide your client a fare lower than a published fare.
Hotels... CCRA ONELINK Quick Tips.
This document is a quick and easy reference guide of the basics when using CCRA ONELINK.
VAX Vacation Access Quick Reference Guide
Download this handy guide for reference when using VAX. Includes information on Cloning Reservations and much, much more.
How to configure common Pop-Up Blockers for AgentNet
Set your pop-up blocker to allow access to many of AgentNet's systems.
Generic Consumer Press Release Template
Use this generic press release template to send out personalized press releases to consumers offering value added cruise and tour vacations.
Support Phone NumbersHelp Desk: 800-327-3618
AgentNet Technical Support: 800-973-1211
Here are the training sites:
AgentNet Quick Reference Card
Download and print out this handy reference guide to AgentNet
AgentNet Getting Started Guide
This quick and easy reference guide will walk you though the basics of AgentNet. An indispensable tool for agents to have on hand when first using AgentNet.
Consolidator Shopper.
Online product demoConsolidator Shopper is a complimentary, browser-based application that lets you view and compare multiple consolidators' net fares and published fares in one display, and make reservations online. You can take advantage of the many benefits of consolidator ticket sales regardless of their location – right from your Amadeus desktop or over the Internet.
Using consolidators for airline tickets has become increasingly popular to realize the higher profit potential of net fares (consolidator fares) by marking these fares up for sale to your clients. The profit margins are considerably higher and in most cases, you can still provide your client a fare lower than a published fare.
Hotels... CCRA ONELINK Quick Tips.
This document is a quick and easy reference guide of the basics when using CCRA ONELINK.
VAX Vacation Access Quick Reference Guide
Download this handy guide for reference when using VAX. Includes information on Cloning Reservations and much, much more.
How to configure common Pop-Up Blockers for AgentNet
Set your pop-up blocker to allow access to many of AgentNet's systems.
Generic Consumer Press Release Template
Use this generic press release template to send out personalized press releases to consumers offering value added cruise and tour vacations.
FREE Marketing & Research Services for Travel Agents
Have the Best Fall Season Ever!
It's time to create and sell Vacations for: Off season discount Europe packages, Fall Foliage, Skiing and snowboarding, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Create fun, professional content with you own agency information. Use TRO Guides and E-Postcards to promote destinations and deals. Use TRO today for great(free) services that help you inspire clients and sell travel. Click TRO
It's time to create and sell Vacations for: Off season discount Europe packages, Fall Foliage, Skiing and snowboarding, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Create fun, professional content with you own agency information. Use TRO Guides and E-Postcards to promote destinations and deals. Use TRO today for great(free) services that help you inspire clients and sell travel. Click TRO
Wednesday
Pre and Post Cruise New York City Vacations
Begin or end your clients' cruise with a vacation in midtown Manhattan - they'll enjoy all the best that the Big Apple has to offer.
We'll have a private vehicle pick them up at the airport and transfer them to and from the ship, hotel and airport so they can enjoy a stress-free cruise and New York City vacation.
We'll also feature some of the Big Apple's best - including a Private 2-hour Photo Tour, dinner at the famous Theater District eatery Sardi's, and tickets to a Broadway show of their choice!
Of course, it's all fully commissionable - with no hidden government fees or non-commissionable port taxes! Click here for all the details.
We'll have a private vehicle pick them up at the airport and transfer them to and from the ship, hotel and airport so they can enjoy a stress-free cruise and New York City vacation.
We'll also feature some of the Big Apple's best - including a Private 2-hour Photo Tour, dinner at the famous Theater District eatery Sardi's, and tickets to a Broadway show of their choice!
Of course, it's all fully commissionable - with no hidden government fees or non-commissionable port taxes! Click here for all the details.
Singles Travel Launches Fall Getaways
Singles Travel International launched its fall 2007 travel getaways for single, adventurous and active adults. The options range from cruises and tours worldwide.
Singles will have a variety of trips from which to choose this fall season and are able to book their trips online immediately by visiting www.SinglesTravelIntl.com.
The listing of travel destinations currently available include:
A five-day transatlantic Crossing on QM2 Southampton, England, to New York (Sept. 22 to 28, 2007) starting at $1,059;
a New York Splendors of Fall Cruise aboard the QM2 from New York to Quebec with stops in Newport, Boston, Halifax and Bar Harbor (Sept. 28 to Oct. 7, 2007) starting at $2,069;
a Five Star Imperial Jewels of China (Oct. 2 to 11, 2007) starting at $2,958; Greek Island Cruise including Athens, Mykonos, Katakalon, Corfu, and Split, Croatia (Oct. 20 to 27, 2007) starting at $930; Sweet Savannah Weekend (Oct. 25 to 28, 2007) starting at $829;
Ecuador Adventure, all inclusive with Rare Early Signup Bonus (Nov. 24 to Dec. 1, 2007) starting at $1,865;
Holiday Cruise to Tortola, St. Maarten, Curacao, Grenada, Barbados, Dominica, St. Kitts and St. Thomas, round-trip from New York (Dec. 20, 2007 to Jan. 3, 2008) starting at $1,999;
New Year's Eve Caribbean Cruise (Dec. 29, 2007 to Jan. 5, 2008) starting at $1,869;
a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise (Jan. 6 to 13, 2008) starting at $625. Rates are per person based on double occupancy. For more information, call 877-SOLO-TRIPor visit www.SinglesTravelIntl.com.
Singles will have a variety of trips from which to choose this fall season and are able to book their trips online immediately by visiting www.SinglesTravelIntl.com.
The listing of travel destinations currently available include:
A five-day transatlantic Crossing on QM2 Southampton, England, to New York (Sept. 22 to 28, 2007) starting at $1,059;
a New York Splendors of Fall Cruise aboard the QM2 from New York to Quebec with stops in Newport, Boston, Halifax and Bar Harbor (Sept. 28 to Oct. 7, 2007) starting at $2,069;
a Five Star Imperial Jewels of China (Oct. 2 to 11, 2007) starting at $2,958; Greek Island Cruise including Athens, Mykonos, Katakalon, Corfu, and Split, Croatia (Oct. 20 to 27, 2007) starting at $930; Sweet Savannah Weekend (Oct. 25 to 28, 2007) starting at $829;
Ecuador Adventure, all inclusive with Rare Early Signup Bonus (Nov. 24 to Dec. 1, 2007) starting at $1,865;
Holiday Cruise to Tortola, St. Maarten, Curacao, Grenada, Barbados, Dominica, St. Kitts and St. Thomas, round-trip from New York (Dec. 20, 2007 to Jan. 3, 2008) starting at $1,999;
New Year's Eve Caribbean Cruise (Dec. 29, 2007 to Jan. 5, 2008) starting at $1,869;
a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise (Jan. 6 to 13, 2008) starting at $625. Rates are per person based on double occupancy. For more information, call 877-SOLO-TRIPor visit www.SinglesTravelIntl.com.
Tuesday
Fam trip to Beautiful Kissimmee, FL
Amtrak and the Kissimmee, Florida CVB cordially invite you to attend a familiarization trip to beautiful Kissimmee, FL!
This trip includes:
-Complimentary roundtrip tickets on Amtrak to Kissimmee, FL
-3 Nights Complimentary Lodging at the Orlando Sun Resort & Conference Center by Lexington
-Site Inspections of the following properties: Orlando Sun Resort & Convention Center by Lexington*** Seralago Hotel & Suites***Travelodge Suites Eastgate Orange***Advantage Vacation Homes***Walt Disney All Star Music***Villa Direct***Quality Inn Heritage Park***Gatorland***Premiere Vacation Homes***Clarion Hotel Maingate ***America’s Best Value Inn***Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate*** Boggy Creek Airboat Rides**
-Many more exciting events to be announced!
Date: Thursday, September 27, 2007 – October 2, 2007
PLEASE FAX COMPLETED FORM BY WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2007.
Attendees will be confirmed on a first-come-first-serve basis.
AMTRAK SERVICE CENTER
215-349-1807 (fax)
This trip includes:
-Complimentary roundtrip tickets on Amtrak to Kissimmee, FL
-3 Nights Complimentary Lodging at the Orlando Sun Resort & Conference Center by Lexington
-Site Inspections of the following properties: Orlando Sun Resort & Convention Center by Lexington*** Seralago Hotel & Suites***Travelodge Suites Eastgate Orange***Advantage Vacation Homes***Walt Disney All Star Music***Villa Direct***Quality Inn Heritage Park***Gatorland***Premiere Vacation Homes***Clarion Hotel Maingate ***America’s Best Value Inn***Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate*** Boggy Creek Airboat Rides**
-Many more exciting events to be announced!
Date: Thursday, September 27, 2007 – October 2, 2007
PLEASE FAX COMPLETED FORM BY WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2007.
Attendees will be confirmed on a first-come-first-serve basis.
AMTRAK SERVICE CENTER
215-349-1807 (fax)
Holidays in New York City
Your clients can marvel at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, see the spectacular Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, do all their Holiday Shopping, enjoy a spirited Christmas in the Big Apple, or view the traditional ball drop in Times Square on New Year's Eve.Every special NYCVP vacation is fully commissionable ... it's no wonder NYCVP is the #1 choice for a New York City Vacation!
phone: 877 NYC-TRiP
fax: 570 714-4688
web: http://www.nyctrip.com
SEPTEMBER IS FIRST TIME CRUISER MONTH
Royal Caribbean has declared September as First Time Cruiser Month and is in need of your help to get the word out! There is no better time than today to get your focused on generating new cruisers to the Royal Caribbean brand and we have arranged a number of exciting initiatives to help Home Based Travel Agents accomplish this task!
Royal Caribbean has the best 3,4 and 5 night quick getaways which are perfect for First Timers. We will be promoting a month long Refer-A-Friend program where anyone who books select ships and sail dates during the month of September, and brings along up to 2 staterooms of First Timers with them, will receive a $50 onboard credit per stateroom.
As if that wasn't exciting enough, these First Timers will also be eligible to receive our Gold Crown & Anchor Benefits even though it is only their first cruise with Royal Caribbean International. You can secure these benefits once booked by simply calling the Crown & Anchor Society Desk at 1-888-836-4918.
Finally, we will be focusing heavily on the excellent value Royal Caribbean International provides with 3, 4 and 5 night quick getaways starting at only $53 a day!
That's not all - you will receive 1 Tour Conductor Credit for every 10 staterooms booked in September on select ships and sail dates! Don't forget about our amazing 3,4, and 5 night automation incentive for the month of September. Make sure you take advantage of this great opportunity to earn MORE MONEY!
The benefits of booking Royal Caribbean's short products have never been better or more rewarding! You will also see First Time Cruiser Month supported heavily throughout the month of September on the Royal Caribbean website, Cruisingpower.com, via consumer e-mails, direct mail and the newspaper. Please make sure you take advantage of these great tools and get the word out.
September is the best time to focus on building new business with new cruisers and Royal Caribbean is the brand to do it with. Stay tuned for some very exciting initiatives coming in the month of October as well - including great offers for CLIA's World Largest Cruise Night, the launch of our NEW Sales & Marketing Kit which will include our new WAVE Kit and a MAJOR Europe 2008 BLITZ!!!
We also have a First Time Cruiser's Presentation. Please long on to www.cruisingpower.com for further information!
Royal Caribbean has the best 3,4 and 5 night quick getaways which are perfect for First Timers. We will be promoting a month long Refer-A-Friend program where anyone who books select ships and sail dates during the month of September, and brings along up to 2 staterooms of First Timers with them, will receive a $50 onboard credit per stateroom.
As if that wasn't exciting enough, these First Timers will also be eligible to receive our Gold Crown & Anchor Benefits even though it is only their first cruise with Royal Caribbean International. You can secure these benefits once booked by simply calling the Crown & Anchor Society Desk at 1-888-836-4918.
Finally, we will be focusing heavily on the excellent value Royal Caribbean International provides with 3, 4 and 5 night quick getaways starting at only $53 a day!
That's not all - you will receive 1 Tour Conductor Credit for every 10 staterooms booked in September on select ships and sail dates! Don't forget about our amazing 3,4, and 5 night automation incentive for the month of September. Make sure you take advantage of this great opportunity to earn MORE MONEY!
The benefits of booking Royal Caribbean's short products have never been better or more rewarding! You will also see First Time Cruiser Month supported heavily throughout the month of September on the Royal Caribbean website, Cruisingpower.com, via consumer e-mails, direct mail and the newspaper. Please make sure you take advantage of these great tools and get the word out.
September is the best time to focus on building new business with new cruisers and Royal Caribbean is the brand to do it with. Stay tuned for some very exciting initiatives coming in the month of October as well - including great offers for CLIA's World Largest Cruise Night, the launch of our NEW Sales & Marketing Kit which will include our new WAVE Kit and a MAJOR Europe 2008 BLITZ!!!
We also have a First Time Cruiser's Presentation. Please long on to www.cruisingpower.com for further information!
Monday
Pacific Delight Debuts Australia, New Zealand Itineraries
Pacific Delight Tours introduced new tours to Australia and New Zealand. The nine-Day Australia Experience tour visits both Sydney and Melbourne, including a Sydney Harbour Cruise, a tour of the Opera House, and a visit to Phillip Island to see kangaroos, koalas, seals and the little penguin parade.
Price starts from $2,348 with roundtrip transpacific airfare. A four-day extension to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef is $928 plus airfare between Sydney and Cairns. The New Zealand itinerary features sightseeing on both the North and South Islands. Highlights include the Botanic Gardens of Christchurch, a TranzAlpine train journey with vistas of gorges and river valleys, Fiordland National Park, a luxury cruise of Milford Sound, the thermal hotsprings at Rotorua, and the Glowworm Grotto of the Waitomo Caves. The price, including roundtrip transpacific airfare, is from $4,498.
Both tours feature guaranteed Any Day Departures and can be added together. Tour prices are per person, double occupancy and include roundtrip transpacific air from LAX/SFO, superior first class accommodations, transfers, sightseeing with local guides, applicable air/ground transportation within each country, and more. For reservations or more information, call 800-221-7179 or visit www.PacificDelightTours.com.
Price starts from $2,348 with roundtrip transpacific airfare. A four-day extension to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef is $928 plus airfare between Sydney and Cairns. The New Zealand itinerary features sightseeing on both the North and South Islands. Highlights include the Botanic Gardens of Christchurch, a TranzAlpine train journey with vistas of gorges and river valleys, Fiordland National Park, a luxury cruise of Milford Sound, the thermal hotsprings at Rotorua, and the Glowworm Grotto of the Waitomo Caves. The price, including roundtrip transpacific airfare, is from $4,498.
Both tours feature guaranteed Any Day Departures and can be added together. Tour prices are per person, double occupancy and include roundtrip transpacific air from LAX/SFO, superior first class accommodations, transfers, sightseeing with local guides, applicable air/ground transportation within each country, and more. For reservations or more information, call 800-221-7179 or visit www.PacificDelightTours.com.
Saturday
Concentrate on Solutions
Everyone concentrates on the problems we're having in this country lately; illegal immigration, hurricane recovery, alligators attacking people in Florida.
Not me. I concentrate on solutions for the problems. It's a win-win situation.
1. Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border.
2. Send the dirt to New Orleans to raise the level of the levies.
3. Put the Florida alligators in the moat along the Mexican border.
Any other problems you would like for me to solve today? I can also get rid of congress if you like!
Not me. I concentrate on solutions for the problems. It's a win-win situation.
1. Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border.
2. Send the dirt to New Orleans to raise the level of the levies.
3. Put the Florida alligators in the moat along the Mexican border.
Any other problems you would like for me to solve today? I can also get rid of congress if you like!
Thursday
Free Advertising
A way to attract business is to get your name into the newspaper. Wright an article about a destination you recently visited. Use personal comments on things to do and see.
Today it may be just the local newspaper, but a reporter at a larger publication may see your name and call you, Volunteer yourself to reporters as a quotable source on travel issues, or contact a newspaper and offer to write an occasional column on travel. It's free advertising, and it helps position you as an expert.
Today it may be just the local newspaper, but a reporter at a larger publication may see your name and call you, Volunteer yourself to reporters as a quotable source on travel issues, or contact a newspaper and offer to write an occasional column on travel. It's free advertising, and it helps position you as an expert.
The '10 Commandments' for Home Based Businesses
By Bonnie Walling
Information Strategies Inc., a media and marketing company serving small- and mid-size businesses, has developed a list of “Ten Commandments for Successful Home Based Businesses.”
The list was based on a survey of more than 200 people who have had success running their workplaces from their homes. Respondents were asked what the most important factors were in running their enterprises.
“Working from home makes for longer business days actually spent in the office space. Therefore, learning how to deal with daily family issues and running a business at the same time is critical,” said JoAnn Laing, ISI president and CEO.
The list is as follows:
1. Do not work from the dining room table. Instead, maintain a designated working space. A spare bedroom or den is best, but the key is having it separate from the general traffic area of the home.
2. The workplace is to be out-of-bounds to anyone who would interfere with good work habits and leave things about.
3. Home Based workers should always have a separate phone line. A customer needs to feel that he or she is dealing with a company, not a family.
4. Home Based workers should also have a separate computer. Having only one computer in the house can be a disaster for a Home Based business.
5. Time should always be set aside during the day for family. Try scheduling in an hour of family time during the day where they will have unlimited attention.
6. The Home Based worker should hire only help that they would have as a houseguest. Inviting someone into the home to work alongside the owner is opening the house to strangers. Be careful who is hired and doubly check their references.
7. Make friends with all delivery service personnel. If they are treated as valued suppliers, the Home Based worker can earn extra services and support in times of need.
8. Keep duplicate records and tape backups off-premises. Every month, records and materials should be duplicated and placed off-site in a safe locale.
9. Always dress for business every day. Many Home Based business owners become lax in their dress and that can lead to lax practices.
10. Never offend the neighbors. Keep outside activities to a minimum and do not arouse the ire of the people next door. They can make life difficult and annoying.
Information Strategies Inc., a media and marketing company serving small- and mid-size businesses, has developed a list of “Ten Commandments for Successful Home Based Businesses.”
The list was based on a survey of more than 200 people who have had success running their workplaces from their homes. Respondents were asked what the most important factors were in running their enterprises.
“Working from home makes for longer business days actually spent in the office space. Therefore, learning how to deal with daily family issues and running a business at the same time is critical,” said JoAnn Laing, ISI president and CEO.
The list is as follows:
1. Do not work from the dining room table. Instead, maintain a designated working space. A spare bedroom or den is best, but the key is having it separate from the general traffic area of the home.
2. The workplace is to be out-of-bounds to anyone who would interfere with good work habits and leave things about.
3. Home Based workers should always have a separate phone line. A customer needs to feel that he or she is dealing with a company, not a family.
4. Home Based workers should also have a separate computer. Having only one computer in the house can be a disaster for a Home Based business.
5. Time should always be set aside during the day for family. Try scheduling in an hour of family time during the day where they will have unlimited attention.
6. The Home Based worker should hire only help that they would have as a houseguest. Inviting someone into the home to work alongside the owner is opening the house to strangers. Be careful who is hired and doubly check their references.
7. Make friends with all delivery service personnel. If they are treated as valued suppliers, the Home Based worker can earn extra services and support in times of need.
8. Keep duplicate records and tape backups off-premises. Every month, records and materials should be duplicated and placed off-site in a safe locale.
9. Always dress for business every day. Many Home Based business owners become lax in their dress and that can lead to lax practices.
10. Never offend the neighbors. Keep outside activities to a minimum and do not arouse the ire of the people next door. They can make life difficult and annoying.
Wednesday
Disney Travel Agent Training Adventures
Over the next four weeks, you'll have the chance to take part in a series of webinars that will expand your knowledge on the 2008 Adventures by Disney itineraries.
The adventure begins on Sept. 7 and will continue on select days throughout September and the first week of October. Each webinar will highlight two or three different itineraries, so make sure you sign up for as many as possible so you can learn about them all.
This also gives you the perfect chance to hear about the Disney Difference that makes each destination so exciting and unique. Don't miss out, register today! More info>>
The adventure begins on Sept. 7 and will continue on select days throughout September and the first week of October. Each webinar will highlight two or three different itineraries, so make sure you sign up for as many as possible so you can learn about them all.
This also gives you the perfect chance to hear about the Disney Difference that makes each destination so exciting and unique. Don't miss out, register today! More info>>
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