CLIA raises agent ID card requirements

Travel agent qualifications for the official Cruise Lines International Association ID Card in 2009 will include enrollment in, or achievement of CLIA Cruise Counsellor Certification.

CLIA said the new requirement reflects its obligation to the industry to ensure that affiliated agents are actively selling travel and pursuing professional development to grow their businesses.

Since 2000, CLIA has provided agents the option of acquiring an official CLIA ID Card that signifies their affinity to a CLIA-affiliated agency.

Attainment of a starting level (ACC) Cruise Counsellor designation requires mandatory and elective training options as well personal cruise experience, shipboard inspections and 25 cabin sales within the two-year enrollment period.

The owners and managers of CLIA member travel agencies who manage the business but are not necessarily front-line sellers are entitled to a limited management allocation of CLIA ID Cards for which the certification qualification is waived although annual CLIA recurrent training is necessary.

Sports Empire Internet Training

Sports Empire Summer Internet Training now available Tuesday August 5th at 2pm ET / 11am PT to make your reservation Click Here

Brochures are available Click Here

Your #1 Business Skill

Your First Sales Tool: Your Voice
When speaking with someone over the phone for the first time, we do not have the luxury of visual cues therefore it becomes even more important to make a good impression using our voice.

Yes, your voice is a sales tool and how it is used over the phone can often make the difference between getting the sale or losing it to a competitor. In their book "Put Your Best Foot Forward, Make a Great Impression By Taking Control of How Others see You" Jo-Ellan Dimitirus, Ph.D. and Mark Mazzarella devote a whole chapter to voice alone.

Studies show people dislike irritating, harsh, loud, quiet or boring voices and are attracted to deeper, more vibrant, energetic, clear and moderately paced speech. Similar to a car radio if the signal is static-filled or unclear, we change the station. If the signal is crisp and clear, we listen.
To build a voice that sells requires learning how to send out crisp and clear signals and that takes practice.

Here's an exercise for you to do just that. Pickup a tape recorder and a few audio tapes and then once a day for a week set aside 15 minutes. Pick up the daily newspaper and read it aloud and record the stories on the front page in your normal voice. Next, read the same material only this time, read it with confidence, authority, and credibility just as an anchor on the evening news. How do you sound?

Remember you can control the emotion (up and down), volume (loud or soft), pace (fast or slow), tone and pitch (high or low) and accent of your voice. Your goal is a voice that shows controlled emotion. A lower pitch, has a moderate pace and has a standard accent for your country. It requires conscious effort, in the long run you will have developed a voice that sells.

The 4 Skills of Success

Self-motivation:
Setting and achieving goals in a systematic manner.

Self-learning:
Acquiring new knowledge and skills without the assistance of a teacher.

Self-management:
The effective organization of time and money.

Self-promotion:
The ability to present oneself to others in a way that creates new opportunities.

Luxury Hotel Program

Vacation.com's exclusive new luxury hotel program features 5-star properties in 30+ top destinations around the globe.

Featuring enhanced commissions, ease of booking, contracted space and value-added extras, Hotel Elite is the perfect choice for members to find the best 5- and 4-star hotels for their clients.

So choose the luxury hotel program that rewards you and your clients the most.

Choose Hotel Elite. You can book all properties centrally through an exclusive 800 number powered by Travel Bound, a Preferred Supplier, which also distributes commissions directly to you.
Choose Hotel Elite for:
• Higher commissions for you: 13 – 15%
• Free breakfast for your clients
• Contracted/negotiated space and rates
• Local offices in nearly every major city to assist your clients
• Early check-in, late check-out when available
• Upgrade room at the time of check-in when available

Make your clients dreams come true and your commission rate rise with Hotel Elite. With properties across the globe, the perfect hotel is easy to find.

To book a property in the Hotel Elite program call 1-800-316-3136 Exclusive for Vacation.com and Home Based - Travel Agents members! For a full list of properties, click here.

MSC Cruises Training

Join Home Based Travel Agents for online training on Thursday July 31st at 2:00p.m. Eastern, 1:00pm Central, Noon Mountain, and 11:00 a.m. and learn how you can sell more MSC Cruises?

Hosted by Nicola Iannone, MSC Director of National Accounts. Remember all webinars now include free audio simply plug in your headset to your computer to here the audio..no phone call required! See you there!!

Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/442839410

Health Care Abroad

No one wants to imagine being sick or injured on vacation -- but if the worst happens, it pays to be prepared.

A few minor precautions can save you considerable hassle, time and money, and offer you peace of mind if you encounter health problems while traveling.

Medical practices abroad may be very different than those in the United States. Language barriers and unfamiliarity with your medical history make planning for potential medical care crucial.

The following tips, contact information, medication names and additional resources will help you find health care abroad and deal with medical needs both minor and critical.

Start with the Consular Information SheetsIf you aren't familiar with the country you're visiting, the U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheets are a good place to start to see what type of medical services will be available to you once you're there.

Select your country and look for Medical Facilities and Health Information.Collect Health Care Contact Information Before You LeaveWrite down the following information in your address book, journal or itinerary and keep it with you at all times.

Your regular doctor's office and home phone numbers in case you need a consultation while traveling HMO/insurance company contact information in case you need to get approval for treatment Embassy contact info for countries in which you are traveling.

Also, ask your doctor for a contact name and number in the event of an emergency that occurs when your own doctor is not available.All of this information should be with your primary identification in your carry-on luggage, wallet, purse or money belt so that, should you be incapacitated, whoever comes to your assistance will find it. If you have serious allergies or a medical condition such as diabetes, be sure to ask your doctor about medical emergency bracelets.

Know the Generic Names of Your MedicationsCommon brand names at home may not be available or widely known where you are traveling.

Knowing the generic/medical names of common medications may help you find the over-the-counter medications you need, and help you avoid taking the wrong medications.

It's a good idea to pack a range of travel medications in a first-aid kit before you leave. If you need to replenish your supplies while traveling, keep in mind the following generic medication names:
Advil/Motrin/Alleve = ibuprofen
Tylenol/Excedrin = acetaminophen
Bayer, others = aspirin
Benadryl (antihistamine) = diphenhydramine
Dramamine, Bonine = dimenhydrinate, meclizine
Pepto-Bismol = bismuth subsalicylate
Antacids = calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide
Imodium = loperamide

Medical Assistance Companies.
Membership with a medical assistance company buys you access to an extremely wide range of medical and other services, from the mundane (vaccination recommendations, doctor referrals, legal advice), to the dramatic (repatriation, emergency evacuations, emergency cash loans).

Plans, services and prices can vary widely, so read all information carefully, and compare the various service levels and companies. Two recommended medical assistance companies include:
International SOS
Travel Assistance International

For more on medical coverage overseas, see our story on travel insurance.

Locating Doctors and Clinics While Traveling AbroadThe U.S. State Department provides a list of doctors and hospitals abroad. Also, check your guidebook -- many include hospital, clinic or doctor recommendations.

Especially at upscale lodgings, ask the hotel concierge for physician recommendations. Some doctors will make "house calls" to your hotel. Alternatively, your best bet may be to contact the nearest medical school, where you will often find English-speaking doctors and students.

The following agencies provide contact information for English-speaking doctors throughout the world. Membership may be required.
International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM)(770) 736-7060 International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT)(716) 754-4883

Obtain Information at Your Location
If you are sick or injured, ask for complete contact information (including a fax number) of the hospital or clinic at which you're being treated before you call your doctor or insurance provider. Having this information will make it easier for your provider to process your claim and to fax pertinent documentation to your caregivers.

Additional Contact Information
The following government and private agencies provide valuable information for U.S. citizens traveling abroad:
U.S. State Department Overseas Citizens Services(888) 407-4747 -- from overseas: (202) 501-4444
The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH)(847) 480-9592
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)(800) 232-4636
World Health Organization (WHO)(+ 41 22) 791-2111

You're Invited

Please join Carnival Cruise Lines on Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 2:00 PM EDT for Carnival's Travel Agent Webinar Series: Fare Codes and AdWizard, designed exclusively for home based travel agents.

These unique training sessions are hosted by eSolutions Group. They are designed to help you with Carnival's online, easy-to-use tools and share the latest and greatest enhancements with you.

During this special session, we will explore Carnival's fare codes. We will also be reviewing Carnival's AdWizard, found exclusively on BookCCL.com. (Not a BookCCL member? Sign Up!)

Come join eSolutions Group as we explore these exciting features!
Click here to register for webinar.

Carnival webinar

Home based travel agents can catch the scoop on the latest and greatest going on at Carnival. These series of webisodes hosted by Lynn Torrent, Sr. VP Sales & Guest Services, feature a different executive each month.

This month Lynn's guest is CHERIE WEINSTEIN, VP Group Sales at Carnival. Take a look and hear what's new with our Group Dept and how we can help you develop group sales! Click Here

Build Your Travel Business for Free

If you are an expert at what you do, you have keen knowledge and insight about particular suppliers, cities, resort destinations, cruise ships and hotels, you can build your business on Travelstar.com- for free.

Travelers are searching for information and insight not available in a brochure or on a supplier website. We have created a platform for you to showcase your knowledge and expertise about a particular product or destination for the world to see.

The more you contribute, the greater your exposure will be to travelers worldwide. Your expert reviews for the world's vacation destinations, resorts and cruise ships will make Travelstar.com a top resource for travelers.

They will be able to read the reviews, interact with you in travel forums and have the ability to contact you directly to make travel bookings.

Where else on the internet (or in the travel industry for that matter) are you being offered unlimited real estate and exposure to new business-for free?

To find out more how to use your knowledge and expertise to build your business for free, please visit Travelstar.com and click on "Travel Professionals"

Need Travel Leads?

Why pay for expensive advertizing that may or may NOT work.

To purchase leads as you need them the BEST way is to go to http://www.tripology.com/agent/

Registration is FREE and the have FREE webinars on how to:
1. Turn lookers into bookers.
2. How to handle email leads effectively.
3. How to "Showcase" Your Unique Value.
4. The right way to conduct a client "interview".
5. Sales closing techniques.

Princess Agent Training Weinars

WEBINAR SCHEDULE
Tuesday, July 22 at 10:00AM PDT -
Live Booking Demonstration Sign Me Up

Thursday, July 24 at 1:00PM PDT -
How to build a group with Polar Online:
Presentation and Demonstration Sign Me Up >>

Tuesday, July 29 at 10:00AM PDT -
Live Booking Demonstration Sign Me Up >>

Thursday, July 31 at 1:00PM PDT -
How to build a group with Polar Online:
Presentation and Demonstration Sign Me Up >>

Celebrity, New Holiday Booking Promotion

Celebrity Cruises "Wrap Up Your Holidays" booking promotion.

The promotion offers onboard credits to those who book select Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and President's Day sailings between July 14 and July 27.

The onboard credit is based on the length of the cruise. Those who book a cruise of nine nights or more will receive $200 in onboard credit per stateroom. Those who book a six- to eight-night cruise will receive a $100 credit and those who book five nights or less will receive $50 per stateroom.

The 16 sailings included in the promotion range from five to 14 nights on Celebrity Century, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Galaxy, Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Mercury, Celebrity Millennium and Celebrity Summit.

Six eligible Thanksgiving sailings in the promotion include destinations in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and Australia/New Zealand.

Four eligible Christmas destinations are in the Caribbean and Australia/New Zealand.

One New Year's sailing is on offer, sailing for 11 nights in the Caribbean,

and five Presidents' Day sailings are included in the promotion, sailing in the Caribbean, Australia/New Zealand, and South America.

All aspects of the promotion are valid for new individual bookings only. The promotion does not apply to group bookings, transatlantic or repositioning sailings, and cannot be combined with any other offer.

The onboard credit is not transferable. If guests do not use the full amount of onboard credit during their sailing, they will not be refunded any remaining credit. For more information, call 800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

Hurricane Season Travel

written by Sarah Schlichter

Despite the devastation wreaked by hurricanes in recent years, thousands of intrepid travelers will be making their way to the Atlantic hurricane zone (the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Coast) this summer and fall.

Lured by the low airfares and hotel rates available at this time of year, many travelers are willing to risk encountering a storm during their vacation -- especially if their resort or vacation provider is offering a hurricane guarantee.

If you absolutely have your heart set on visiting a particular destination, it's probably best to schedule your visit for a different time of year so that rain (or worse) doesn't disrupt your dream trip.

(The Caribbean Hurricane Network ranks Caribbean islands based on how often they're hit by major hurricanes, if you want to weigh the odds. The Bahamas top the list.) But if you're flexible, willing to deal with a little bad weather, and ready to accept some risk in exchange for rock-bottom rates, you could wind up having a great trip.

To help you plan, we've gathered some need-to-know info on which months have the highest risks of hurricanes, which Caribbean islands are least likely to be hit by storms, when travel insurance will protect you (and when it won't) -- as well as answers to your other hurricane-related questions.

Note: The National Hurricane Center also tracks the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, which can affect visitors to the western coast of Mexico and occasionally Hawaii. However, this story deals specifically with storms in the Atlantic hurricane zone, which are more likely to hit land and disrupt travelers' vacations.

When is the Atlantic hurricane season?
The Atlantic hurricane season generally runs from June 1 - November 30 each year (though it's not unheard-of for storms to form outside this time period). You'll usually see the most storms between mid-August and the end of October.

Do I need travel insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance if you're headed to the hurricane zone during storm season. You'll want to make sure your policy covers you if your flights are delayed, if your trip is interrupted by inclement weather, or if you need to cancel your trip because a hurricane is threatening your destination. We can't stress this enough: read your policy thoroughly so you know what's covered -- and, more importantly, what isn't. For example, you'll normally be reimbursed if your airport is closed and your flight is canceled due to a hurricane. But you won't be reimbursed if you get to your destination and it rains the entire week you're there.

Costa Cruise

Get a brief overview including Costa's History, Cruising Italian Style (and why this is such a great selling feature for your clients), a Europe program overview and why our Travel Partners should consider selling Costa's world-class cruise experience to their Individual & Group clients.

Fascinating & exotic itineraries, more 7-Night Europe departures than any other cruise line, a wonderful mixture of sophisticated travelers from around the world, and an onboard experience that truly represents the true meaning of "La Dolce Vita" (the Sweet Life)!

Space is limited. We wouldn't want you to miss out on learning the benefits of booking your clients on Europe's #1 Cruise Line, register today!

Live Booking Demonstration Webinar

Plan on approximately 1 hour for our interactive step-by-step demonstration showing how to make bookings for Princess and Cunard in POLAR Online.

Creating Groups in POLAR: Presentation and Live Demonstration - Plan on approximately 1 hour for our interactive step-by-step demonstration showing how to create groups for Princess and Cunard in POLAR Online - in only 3 easy steps.

Webinar registration is also available on www.OneSourceCruises.com. Click the LEARN MORE link and then click the link for WEBINARS

Lost Luggage.. Don't Panic.

Delays
If your bags are delayed, try not to panic. The airline typically has a way to track them, and about 98 percent of all misplaced luggage is returned eventually. If your bags are on the next flight, you could have them within a few hours. If they've been sent to the wrong airport, it could take a couple of days.

Make sure you give the attendant a hotel or home phone number and address.The airlines will typically bring you your luggage when it is found; you will rarely need to return to the airport to pick it up.

Additionally, many airlines will reimburse any unexpected expenses caused by the loss or delay. Be careful here -- the airline sometimes has the option to deduct any reimbursement or stipend from any subsequent awards.

Lost Baggage
If the airline loses your bags, make sure you get a written claim for damages. This may require a different form than the original "missing luggage" form. This can be done at the airport or by mail.

On domestic flights, the airline baggage liability is capped at $3,000 per person. On international trips, the liability limit may vary, as it is governed by various international treaties, including the Montreal and Warsaw Conventions.

Check your carrier's Web site for specifics. You may need to produce receipts. If you have them, include copies in any documentation you send to the airline. You can purchase "excess valuation" protection if your checked baggage is worth more than these limits.

Stolen Baggage
Head directly to the baggage carousel when you get off your flight. Many airlines scan bags when they're loaded into the baggage claim area and keep records, especially at larger airports. Once you've left the baggage claim area, your claim is no longer with the airline, but with the police.

Damaged Baggage
Once you've gotten your bags off the carousel, immediately check them for damage or for other signs of tampering or mishandling. In the case of damaged baggage, airline customer service will often want to inspect the bag.

You will most likely need to produce a receipt for any repairs, or be required to use airline-sanctioned luggage repair vendors. Ask the baggage claim attendant for specific information. You don't want to find out that you have paid for a repair that it isn't covered.Time Restrictions and DeadlinesWhen you file a report, most airlines will give you a claim number and ask that you call or write the airline within 21 to 45 days.

An Ounce of Prevention
Put your name on the outside and inside of your bags. Even better, put a copy of your itinerary in each checked bag so the airline can locate you.
The most common causes of lost and delayed bags are late check-ins and tight connections. Avoid both when you can.

Pack valuables in your carry-on bags. Cameras, computers, medication, wallets, heirlooms, jewelry, passports, as well as confirmation numbers, itineraries, contact information, and other documents necessary to your travel should not be in your checked baggage.

Itemize. It sounds tedious, but when an airline asks what was in your bag, you don't want to forget anything of value.

Make sure the person who checks your baggage attaches the correct destination ticket to every bag, and get a claim ticket for each.
If you're traveling to a different climate, put appropriate clothes in your carry-on.

Travel insurance is the best guarantee that you'll recoup any losses. See our guide to travel insurance for more information.

If All Else FailsBe sure to file a complaint immediately.

If you still can't get satisfaction, or feel the need to report the airline, write or call: DOT Aviation Consumer Protection 400 Seventh Street, S.W. #4107Washington D.C., 20590(202) 366-4000.

Finally, if you're wondering where lost bags go after they die, here's your answer: UnclaimedBaggage.com!

Aagents See Increase in Group Tours

With gas prices continuing to rise, travel agents have started noticing that more people are booking group tours. "Being with people is relaxing, and you always have a route planned," said Pat Miller, a traveler who has opted to travel by motor coach rather than a personal vehicle. The trend has been a boon to travel agencies.

Become a USVI Specialist Today!

The USVI Specialist program provides a comprehensive view of the unique vacation experiences to be had on these islands. The program covers accommodations, activities and attractions, dining and entertainment, shopping and special events.

It also focuses on special interests including: meetings & incentives, diving, snorkeling, fishing, golf, weddings, honeymoons, yachting and cruises.Learn how to effectively communicate what America’s Caribbean has to offer for your clients.

Click here to begin.

Continuing Smooth Sailing for Cruise Business

The US economy has its share of uncertainties but the cruise industry is receiving high marks from consumers and is well-positioned for continued growth, say tourism observers.

Welcome to NCL U

The college of cruise knowledge.

School was never this cool. Sure, there’s a lot to know about NCL, but who says that being an NCL know-it-all can’t be fun? NCL University is the most innovative and exciting way ever to become a fully certified NCL travel agent. Just log in and you are on your way to graduation and Freestyle Certification.
Click Here

Elegant Cruises and Tours Webinar

Learn why we are the 'elegant' small ship cultural and expedition cruising company. Our small ships, explore the undiscovered treasures of the Adriatic, Azores, Scottish Isles, Western Mediterranean and the Red Sea including Egypt and Jordan.

We will provide an informative overview of our company and also share the details of two new itineraries: New, for 2009,we are introducing Adriatic itineraries designed to give passengers an opportunity for extended stays in two fascinating, immensely popular European cities-Venice and Dubrovnik.

These new 7-night/8-day cruises, debuting April 15, 2009, sail one-way Venice to Dubrovnik and one-way Dubrovnik to Venice.

This webinar will be offered on Wednesday, July 16 at: 1pm PT, 2pm MT, 3pm CT, 4pm ET Space is limited.

Reserve your Webinar seat now at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/457203057

$250 Bonus Commission Coupons

Starting today, you can earn an extra $250 per stateroom on all new 2009 bookings in Europe, Russia or China made between now and July 31, 2008. And the agent who sends in the largest number of valid $250 bonus commission coupons between now and July 31st will win a trip for two with Viking River Cruises.

Early booking incentive - To help close the sale, apply our popular Early Booking Discount—$1,000 savings per couple—on any 2009 itinerary if your clients book and pay in full by July 31, 2008.

Satisfaction Guaranteed - 99.8% of guests who sailed with Viking in 2007 rated us as having met, exceeded, or far exceeded their expectations. We are so confident your clients will be delighted that we guarantee it. Satisfied guests means more repeat bookings for you.

High rankings from those who know - We have consistently placed high on competitive rankings from Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List to being named Travel Weekly’s #1 River Cruise Line. And now, Viking is featured in National Geographic’s 2008 edition of The 10 Best of Everything.
Visit this link to get your $250 Agent Bonus Commission

Act now—your agent bonus commission expires July 31, 2008
To book, call Viking River Cruises at 1-877-668-4546

World Connect

VACATION.COM launched World Connect, a concierge program that enables members to create commissionable, customized experiences for clients by calling one toll-free number rather than having to contact multiple overseas companies.

"World Connect is unique as it enables our members to earn commissions on clients' overseas purchases and provide services that were not previously easily accessible," said Steve Tracas, CEO of Vacation.com.

World Connect has contracted for concierge support in 40 destinations and provides services such as hard-to-get reservations at restaurants and last-minute tickets to sporting and entertainment events.

Amadeus Cruise Control

With Amadeus Cruise, you control the pricing—and the profits. Use our simple, graphical interface to book high-margin cruise packages. There’s no need to learn cryptic entries, so you’ll be up and running in no time.

With online access to up-to-the-minute pricing and availability, you’re on cruise control 24/7. Easily search multiple cruise lines, view cabin maps, and access commission information with one click.

Seamlessly add cruises to your customer’s PNR. And online help is always available.

Best of all, Amadeus Cruise is totally free, regardless of GDS affiliation.
Click here to learn more and sign up for Amadeus Cruise!

Travel Agent Training for New Agents

Home based travel agents that attend the Homeric Tours webinar get a chance to WIN 3 day cruise to the Greek Islands!

Learn more about Homeric Tours, and you will have a chance to win a 3 Day cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey on Louis Cruises. Your cruise will take you to Mykonos, Patmos, Ephesus, Rhodes or you will have the option of replacing a visit to Rhodes with Heraklion and Santorini.

Homeric Tours will be conducting a product overview via the web exclusively for HomeBased-TravelAgents.com

We’ll highlight the following:
Cruising the Greek Islands with Louis Cruises
Other destination such as Cyprus, Turkey, Italy, Israel, Egypt, Jordan and more...

If you sell want to sell more "MEDITERRANEAN Travel", you won’t want to miss this session. You could be the lucky winner of the 3 day cruise so register now!

Wednesday July 16th at 1pm EDT. Click here to register.

Visit the new TravelAgeWest.com

TravelAge West knows how important it is to have the most-up-to-date news and destination reviews, which is why we've enhanced our Web site with a great deal of new interactive content you won't find anywhere else.

Videos and photo tours, regional news, reader polls, blogs and more are just a click away. So, check us out, post your comments and visit us often at www.travelagewest.com.

Quote of The Week

The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see. ~G.K. Chesterton