FAM News is the "Travel Industry's Most Comprehensive Source for FAMs and Reduced Rate Travel - The One Source " . FAM News is published on the 15th and 30th of each month with Cruises, Cruise Seminars, River Cruises, Escorted Tours, Independent Travel, Safaris, Expeditions, and more FAMs from over 1,100 cruise lines, tour operators, wholesalers, and hotels with over 7,000 FAMs ! Only FAM News lets you check-it-out, before you subscribe with 15 days free registration. Nearly 200,000 travel agents have selected FAM News .
To receive 15 days FREE access to FAM News go to http://www.famnews.com/Register.aspx
Learn how to become a travel agent. Free travel agent school. www.HomeBasedTravelAgents.org
Learn How to Become A Travel Agent... Open your own Home Based Travel Agency
Wednesday
Thursday
Harry Potter Grand Opening at Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort announced that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is set for a public grand opening on June 18. Universal Orlando also revealed details about one of the highly anticipated attractions, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which will be one of three themed attractions within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, including Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge.
Universal Orlando boasts that the new Forbidden Journey is more than just an attraction and it is unlike any theme park experience ever created. It is described as a revolutionary, 360-degree theme park experience and first-ever combination of live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking. “We have created an entirely new way to place our guests into the heart of one of the most compelling stories of our time,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. “What we have done will forever change the theme park attraction experience.”
The attraction's newly created ride system envelops guests in filmed action scenes and moves those scenes with them as they travel through the ride, allowing more time in the center of the adventure and with their favorite characters. In some cases, technology had to be invented to achieve the highest level of guest experience. The combination of pioneering, state-of-the-art technology, innovative filmmaking and surprises around every corner make this attraction the embodiment of the Harry Potter book and film series--and the future of theme park entertainment. For more information, visit www.universal Wizarding World of Harry Potter, visit www.universaltravelagents.com or http://www.universalorlando.com/.
Learn how to become a travel agent http://homebasedtravelagents.org/
Universal Orlando boasts that the new Forbidden Journey is more than just an attraction and it is unlike any theme park experience ever created. It is described as a revolutionary, 360-degree theme park experience and first-ever combination of live-action, advanced robotic technology and innovative filmmaking. “We have created an entirely new way to place our guests into the heart of one of the most compelling stories of our time,” said Mark Woodbury, president of Universal Creative. “What we have done will forever change the theme park attraction experience.”
The attraction's newly created ride system envelops guests in filmed action scenes and moves those scenes with them as they travel through the ride, allowing more time in the center of the adventure and with their favorite characters. In some cases, technology had to be invented to achieve the highest level of guest experience. The combination of pioneering, state-of-the-art technology, innovative filmmaking and surprises around every corner make this attraction the embodiment of the Harry Potter book and film series--and the future of theme park entertainment. For more information, visit www.universal Wizarding World of Harry Potter, visit www.universaltravelagents.com or http://www.universalorlando.com/.
Learn how to become a travel agent http://homebasedtravelagents.org/
Sunday
Travel Agent Disney Learning Connection
To become a travel agent you need knowledge. Luckily for new agents several suppliers provide there own free travel agent training courses. Disney world is one such suppler.
Before getting started, it’s important that you’ve updated your profile with your current name, agency information, including IATA or CLIA number along with your agency/business e-mail address. In order to receive credit for your individual training, this information must be updated and used consistently each time you register and take training. Be sure to check that your computer system is optimized to give you the best experience.
Once you enter into the Disney Learning Connection, you will be able to:
•Complete lessons in the College of Disney Knowledge online course, "Disney's Training for Travel Professionals"
•Register and join live web seminars featuring Disney Cruise Line® and Adventures by Disney
•Take recorded web seminars and online courses featuring Walt Disney Travel Company Vacation Packages
•Register for on-site programs you may be eligible to attend.
View flier (Adobe PDF) for new courses now available.
Learn how to become a travel agent go to http://homebasedtravelagents.org/
Before getting started, it’s important that you’ve updated your profile with your current name, agency information, including IATA or CLIA number along with your agency/business e-mail address. In order to receive credit for your individual training, this information must be updated and used consistently each time you register and take training. Be sure to check that your computer system is optimized to give you the best experience.
Once you enter into the Disney Learning Connection, you will be able to:
•Complete lessons in the College of Disney Knowledge online course, "Disney's Training for Travel Professionals"
•Register and join live web seminars featuring Disney Cruise Line® and Adventures by Disney
•Take recorded web seminars and online courses featuring Walt Disney Travel Company Vacation Packages
•Register for on-site programs you may be eligible to attend.
View flier (Adobe PDF) for new courses now available.
Learn how to become a travel agent go to http://homebasedtravelagents.org/
Wednesday
Increased in Passport Fees
State Department Proposes Increased Passport Fees
The U.S. State Department published a proposed rule for new passport fees in the Federal Register in February. The proposed schedule of fees for passport application services is as follows:
• Total Cost: $135 for a first-time U.S. Passport Book for adults (age 16 and over).
• Total Cost: $110 for U.S. Passport Book renewal (age 16 and over only).
• Total Cost: $105 for a U.S. Passport Book for minors (under age 16).
• Total Cost: $55 for a first-time U.S. Passport Card for adults (age 16 and over).
• Total Cost: $30 for a U.S. Passport Card for adults (age 16 and over) who currently hold a fully valid U.S. Passport.
• Total Cost: $40 for a U.S. Passport Card for minors (under age 16).
• Total Cost: $82 for additional visa pages.
Free Travel Agent School. Learn how to become a travel agent go to http://www.homebasedtravelagents.org/
The U.S. State Department published a proposed rule for new passport fees in the Federal Register in February. The proposed schedule of fees for passport application services is as follows:
• Total Cost: $135 for a first-time U.S. Passport Book for adults (age 16 and over).
• Total Cost: $110 for U.S. Passport Book renewal (age 16 and over only).
• Total Cost: $105 for a U.S. Passport Book for minors (under age 16).
• Total Cost: $55 for a first-time U.S. Passport Card for adults (age 16 and over).
• Total Cost: $30 for a U.S. Passport Card for adults (age 16 and over) who currently hold a fully valid U.S. Passport.
• Total Cost: $40 for a U.S. Passport Card for minors (under age 16).
• Total Cost: $82 for additional visa pages.
Free Travel Agent School. Learn how to become a travel agent go to http://www.homebasedtravelagents.org/
Friday
Travel Agents Become a Certified Sandals Specialist!
Attending a half day workshop is one of the requirements that is necessary to earn this very impressive credential! Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn about Sandals, Beaches, Royal Plantation and Grand Pineapple Resorts! Also, In order to remain an “Active” Certified Sandals Specialist, you must attend one of these half day workshops every year!
Please SAVE THE DATE for the below listed Workshop in your area and plan your schedule accordingly. These workshops have NOT been posted online yet, however, as soon as all of the arrangements have been firmed up you will be able to RSVP on the travel agent area of the Sandals website yet at www.sandals.com/tas.
All dates and cities are tentative until they are posted online, so please keep checking our website. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you!
APRIL, MAY, JUNE and JULY
April 13 – Des Moines, IA May 4 – Burlington, VT June 2 – Tinley Park, IL July 14 – Stockton, CA
April 13 – Fairfield, CT May 4 – Northern NJ June 3 - Lisle, IL July 14 – Richmond, VA
April 14 – Iowa City, IA May 4 – St. Louis, MO June 8 – Cincinnati, OH July 15 – Fresno, CA
April 14 – Rocky Hill, CT May 5 – Portland, ME June 9 – Toledo, OH July 21 – North Houston, TX
April 14 – Ontario, CA May 5 – Central NJ June 9 – Atlanta, GA July 21 – San Francisco, CA
April 14 – Plymouth Meeting, PA May 5 – S. Denver, CO June 9 – N. Baltimore, MD July 22 – S. Houston, TX
April 15 – Orange County, CA May 5 – Brooklyn, NY June 9 – St. Louis, MO July 22 – Santa Rosa, CA
April 15 – Warwick, RI May 5 – Panama City, FL June 9 – Las Vegas, NV July 27 – LOS Angeles, CA
April 15 – Allentown, PA May 5 – Indianapolis, IN June 10 – Augusta, GA July 28 – Phoenix, AZ
April 20 – Treasure Coast, FL May 6 – Nashua, NH June 10 – Akron, OH July 29 – Tucson, AZ
April 21 – Rockford, IL May 6 – Southern NJ June 10 – South Baltimore, MD
April 21 – New Orleans, LA May 6 – Northern Denver, CO June 10 – Oakland Park, KS AUGUST
April 21 – Orlando, FL May 6 – Queens, NY June 10 – Reno, NV August 4 – Sacramento, CA
April 22 – Baton Rouge, LA May 6 – Jacksonville, FL June 16 – Birmingham, AL August 5 – San Jose, CA
April 22 – Des Plaines, IL May 6 – Louisville, KY June 16 – Dallas, TX August 10 – Dearborn, MI
April 22 – Tampa, FL May 6 – San Diego, CA June 16 – Columbia, SC August 11 – Troy, MI
April 27 – Columbus, OH May 12 – Bloomington, IL June 17 – Huntsville, AL August 11 – Tulsa, OK
April 29 – Columbus, OH May 12 – South Bend, IN June 17 – Ft. Worth, TX August 12 – Saginaw, MI
May 13 – Springfield, IL June 17 – Greenville, SC August 12 – Oklahoma City, OK
May 13 – Merrillville, IN June 23 – Fayetteville, NC August 18 – Jackson, MS
May 18 – Milwaukee, WI June 23 – Grand Rapids, MI August 18 – Syracuse, NY
May 18 – Springfield, MA June 23 – Harrisburg, PA August 19 – Albany, NY
May 19 – Madison, WI June 23 – Buffalo, NY August 19 – Little Rock, AR
May 19 – Natick, MA June 24 – Kalamazoo, MI August 24 – Knoxville, TN
May 19 - Portland, OR June 24 – Pittsburgh, PA August 25 – Nashville, TN
May 20 – Appleton, WI June 24 – Rochester, NY August 26 – Memphis, TN
May 20 – Burlington, MA June 24 – Greensboro, NC
May 20 – Seattle, WA
May 26 – Eastern Shore, MD
May 26 – Miami, FL
May 26 – Charlotte, NC
May 27 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
May 27 – Raleigh, NC
May 27- Wilmington, DE
SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER
September 14 – Sioux Falls, SD October 6 – Ontario, CA NOVEMBER
September 15 – Fargo, ND October 7 – Orange County, CA November 4 – San Diego, CA
September 15 – Norfolk, VA October 12 – Mt. Laurel, NJ November 9 – St. Louis, MO September 16 – Minneapolis, MN October 12 – Norwich, CT November 10 – Overland Park, KS
September 16 – Tyson’s Corner, VA October 13 – Philadelphia, PA November 11 – Wichita, KS
September 21 – New Braunfels, TX October 13 – Providence, RI November 17 – Nassau County, NY
September 22 – Lubbock, TX October 13 – Gulfport, MS November 18 – Suffolk County, NY
September 22 – Boise, ID October 14 – Lafayette, LA
September 23 – Spokane, WA October 14 – Reading, PA
September 23 – Albuquerque, NM October 14 – Raynham, MA
October 19 – North Eastern NJ
October 20 – Winchester County, NY
October 20 – Ft. Myers, FL
October 20 – Atlanta, GA
October 20 – Billings, MT
October 21 – Fishkill, NY
October 21 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
October 21 – Savannah, GA
October 21 – Helena, MT
Learn How to Become A Travel Agent, FREE Travel Agent School, On line Classes and Webinars
Go to http://www.HomeBasedTravelAgents.org
Please SAVE THE DATE for the below listed Workshop in your area and plan your schedule accordingly. These workshops have NOT been posted online yet, however, as soon as all of the arrangements have been firmed up you will be able to RSVP on the travel agent area of the Sandals website yet at www.sandals.com/tas.
All dates and cities are tentative until they are posted online, so please keep checking our website. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you!
APRIL, MAY, JUNE and JULY
April 13 – Des Moines, IA May 4 – Burlington, VT June 2 – Tinley Park, IL July 14 – Stockton, CA
April 13 – Fairfield, CT May 4 – Northern NJ June 3 - Lisle, IL July 14 – Richmond, VA
April 14 – Iowa City, IA May 4 – St. Louis, MO June 8 – Cincinnati, OH July 15 – Fresno, CA
April 14 – Rocky Hill, CT May 5 – Portland, ME June 9 – Toledo, OH July 21 – North Houston, TX
April 14 – Ontario, CA May 5 – Central NJ June 9 – Atlanta, GA July 21 – San Francisco, CA
April 14 – Plymouth Meeting, PA May 5 – S. Denver, CO June 9 – N. Baltimore, MD July 22 – S. Houston, TX
April 15 – Orange County, CA May 5 – Brooklyn, NY June 9 – St. Louis, MO July 22 – Santa Rosa, CA
April 15 – Warwick, RI May 5 – Panama City, FL June 9 – Las Vegas, NV July 27 – LOS Angeles, CA
April 15 – Allentown, PA May 5 – Indianapolis, IN June 10 – Augusta, GA July 28 – Phoenix, AZ
April 20 – Treasure Coast, FL May 6 – Nashua, NH June 10 – Akron, OH July 29 – Tucson, AZ
April 21 – Rockford, IL May 6 – Southern NJ June 10 – South Baltimore, MD
April 21 – New Orleans, LA May 6 – Northern Denver, CO June 10 – Oakland Park, KS AUGUST
April 21 – Orlando, FL May 6 – Queens, NY June 10 – Reno, NV August 4 – Sacramento, CA
April 22 – Baton Rouge, LA May 6 – Jacksonville, FL June 16 – Birmingham, AL August 5 – San Jose, CA
April 22 – Des Plaines, IL May 6 – Louisville, KY June 16 – Dallas, TX August 10 – Dearborn, MI
April 22 – Tampa, FL May 6 – San Diego, CA June 16 – Columbia, SC August 11 – Troy, MI
April 27 – Columbus, OH May 12 – Bloomington, IL June 17 – Huntsville, AL August 11 – Tulsa, OK
April 29 – Columbus, OH May 12 – South Bend, IN June 17 – Ft. Worth, TX August 12 – Saginaw, MI
May 13 – Springfield, IL June 17 – Greenville, SC August 12 – Oklahoma City, OK
May 13 – Merrillville, IN June 23 – Fayetteville, NC August 18 – Jackson, MS
May 18 – Milwaukee, WI June 23 – Grand Rapids, MI August 18 – Syracuse, NY
May 18 – Springfield, MA June 23 – Harrisburg, PA August 19 – Albany, NY
May 19 – Madison, WI June 23 – Buffalo, NY August 19 – Little Rock, AR
May 19 – Natick, MA June 24 – Kalamazoo, MI August 24 – Knoxville, TN
May 19 - Portland, OR June 24 – Pittsburgh, PA August 25 – Nashville, TN
May 20 – Appleton, WI June 24 – Rochester, NY August 26 – Memphis, TN
May 20 – Burlington, MA June 24 – Greensboro, NC
May 20 – Seattle, WA
May 26 – Eastern Shore, MD
May 26 – Miami, FL
May 26 – Charlotte, NC
May 27 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
May 27 – Raleigh, NC
May 27- Wilmington, DE
SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER
September 14 – Sioux Falls, SD October 6 – Ontario, CA NOVEMBER
September 15 – Fargo, ND October 7 – Orange County, CA November 4 – San Diego, CA
September 15 – Norfolk, VA October 12 – Mt. Laurel, NJ November 9 – St. Louis, MO September 16 – Minneapolis, MN October 12 – Norwich, CT November 10 – Overland Park, KS
September 16 – Tyson’s Corner, VA October 13 – Philadelphia, PA November 11 – Wichita, KS
September 21 – New Braunfels, TX October 13 – Providence, RI November 17 – Nassau County, NY
September 22 – Lubbock, TX October 13 – Gulfport, MS November 18 – Suffolk County, NY
September 22 – Boise, ID October 14 – Lafayette, LA
September 23 – Spokane, WA October 14 – Reading, PA
September 23 – Albuquerque, NM October 14 – Raynham, MA
October 19 – North Eastern NJ
October 20 – Winchester County, NY
October 20 – Ft. Myers, FL
October 20 – Atlanta, GA
October 20 – Billings, MT
October 21 – Fishkill, NY
October 21 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
October 21 – Savannah, GA
October 21 – Helena, MT
Learn How to Become A Travel Agent, FREE Travel Agent School, On line Classes and Webinars
Go to http://www.HomeBasedTravelAgents.org
FREE Fundraising Events for non-profit organization
Travel Agents …………. Another great opportunity for you to get bookings and help your favorite cause!
This can be done with a school, association, charity, animal rescue or non-profit organization
Introducing the Sandals Gives-Back Fundraiser Program!
This is a creative fundraising campaign where everyone can get involved and fundraising dollars can add up quickly and easily. The more vacation packages that are booked, the more money that is raised towards your fundraising goals!
Fundraising for a cause is easy! Here’s how it works……………..
1). Identify an organization that you would like to partner with to raise funds.
2). Contact me or your local Sandals Business Development Manager and get an agreement letter, which will
outline the rules and the restrictions of the program.
3). Over a four month period (October 1, 2010 – January 31, 2011) you and the organization can promote this fundraising program. We have Brochures, Ad Slicks and Marketing Material to help you get the word out!
4). Any 5-Night bookings that you receive for a Sandals or Beaches Resort, Royal Plantation Collection or Grand Pineapple Beach Resort during this 4 month time period (their travel can be done until January 31, 2012), you will give back $100.00 from your commission as a donation towards their cause.
5). If you host a fundraiser event over the four month period, such as a Caribbean Night, booth or display table, bake sale, silent auction, etc., Sandals Resorts will add additional donation of $150.00 for every vacation package that is booked to a Sandals or Beaches Resort within 14 days of the event! Your efforts can raise up to $250.00 for each vacation package that is booked by January 31, 2011
6). On a monthly basis, you will need to provide the organization with a report of how many bookings have been sold through this promotion and funds will be issued to them for those bookings that have traveled.
Brochures and Marketing material can be found on our travel agent portal at http://www.sandals.com//tas
Learn how to become a travel agent. Free travel agent School, classes and webinars.
Go to http://www.HomeBasedTravelAgents.org
This can be done with a school, association, charity, animal rescue or non-profit organization
Introducing the Sandals Gives-Back Fundraiser Program!
This is a creative fundraising campaign where everyone can get involved and fundraising dollars can add up quickly and easily. The more vacation packages that are booked, the more money that is raised towards your fundraising goals!
Fundraising for a cause is easy! Here’s how it works……………..
1). Identify an organization that you would like to partner with to raise funds.
2). Contact me or your local Sandals Business Development Manager and get an agreement letter, which will
outline the rules and the restrictions of the program.
3). Over a four month period (October 1, 2010 – January 31, 2011) you and the organization can promote this fundraising program. We have Brochures, Ad Slicks and Marketing Material to help you get the word out!
4). Any 5-Night bookings that you receive for a Sandals or Beaches Resort, Royal Plantation Collection or Grand Pineapple Beach Resort during this 4 month time period (their travel can be done until January 31, 2012), you will give back $100.00 from your commission as a donation towards their cause.
5). If you host a fundraiser event over the four month period, such as a Caribbean Night, booth or display table, bake sale, silent auction, etc., Sandals Resorts will add additional donation of $150.00 for every vacation package that is booked to a Sandals or Beaches Resort within 14 days of the event! Your efforts can raise up to $250.00 for each vacation package that is booked by January 31, 2011
6). On a monthly basis, you will need to provide the organization with a report of how many bookings have been sold through this promotion and funds will be issued to them for those bookings that have traveled.
Brochures and Marketing material can be found on our travel agent portal at http://www.sandals.com//tas
Learn how to become a travel agent. Free travel agent School, classes and webinars.
Go to http://www.HomeBasedTravelAgents.org
Monday
Travel Agents Tips on Improveing Your Email Marketing
1.Commit to reaching a goal of having valid email addresses for at least 50%of your current/past clients and “hot”prospects.
2.Develop and implement a plan to contact and update the records of those without valid email addresses using agent downtime.
3.Develop and implement a plan to collect email addresses from new clients or prospects contacting your agency, to include phone scripts, sign-up boxes on every page of your website, easy to use paper signup forms, etc.
4.Keep Your Engagement List on File with Vacation.com Up to Date: Either resubmit your entire list at least once a quarteror make edits online to individual listings through the List Management tool.
5.Opt-in to every Vacation.com eEngagement promotion for the suppliers you wish to sell.
6.Supplement Vcome Engagements with your own informational email program. Utilize Best Practices outlined here, such as minimum mailing frequency, customizing content to your client’s interests, differentiating your agency’s services, and making the communications personal in tone.
7.Set up test accounts with the major free inbox providers and check to insure your agency’s emails appear correctly in them.
8.Ensure your email practices conform to the key obligationsof the CAN-SPAM Act.
9.If you do not use one, investigate whether the services offered by Email Service Providers (ESPs) make sense for your agency.
10.Review the email and design tips in the Appendix to see if any changes are appropriate for your agency’s email communications.
Learn how to become a home based travel agent go to www.HomeBasedTravelAgents.org
2.Develop and implement a plan to contact and update the records of those without valid email addresses using agent downtime.
3.Develop and implement a plan to collect email addresses from new clients or prospects contacting your agency, to include phone scripts, sign-up boxes on every page of your website, easy to use paper signup forms, etc.
4.Keep Your Engagement List on File with Vacation.com Up to Date: Either resubmit your entire list at least once a quarteror make edits online to individual listings through the List Management tool.
5.Opt-in to every Vacation.com eEngagement promotion for the suppliers you wish to sell.
6.Supplement Vcome Engagements with your own informational email program. Utilize Best Practices outlined here, such as minimum mailing frequency, customizing content to your client’s interests, differentiating your agency’s services, and making the communications personal in tone.
7.Set up test accounts with the major free inbox providers and check to insure your agency’s emails appear correctly in them.
8.Ensure your email practices conform to the key obligationsof the CAN-SPAM Act.
9.If you do not use one, investigate whether the services offered by Email Service Providers (ESPs) make sense for your agency.
10.Review the email and design tips in the Appendix to see if any changes are appropriate for your agency’s email communications.
Learn how to become a home based travel agent go to www.HomeBasedTravelAgents.org
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)