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    Throughout his life, Joel M. Abels, Travel Trade's editor and publisher, made it his mission to keep travel agents from going it alone in business... (more)

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    Travel Agent Professional April 2012

     

    feb 2012 Issue

     

    Issue

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    America's Vacation Center/Avoya Travel

     

     

     
    Guest Editorial
    Vicki L. Freed
    By Vicki L. Freed, CTC
    Senior Vice President, Sales
    Royal Caribbean International

    Checking Off Your

    Bucket List

    Sharing a photo-opp with a penguin on the shore of Antarctica, check.

    Watching whales surface from below the chilliest of waters, check.

    Observing seals sunbathing by the dozens on a huge ice floe, check.

    An expedition cruise to Antarctica has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember, and recently, I finally embarked on a voyage to this remote region of our globe. And wow — it's truly like no other vacation I've ever known. As you explore the icy white scenery of enormous glaciers dotted with wildlife, you have to frequently remind yourself you're still on the same planet. And what a beautiful planet it is!

    My family sailed on Silversea's Prince Albert II, an amazing expedition ship whose 132-passenger size was a sharp contrast to my last cruise experience onboard Royal Caribbean's incredible, 5,400-passenger Allure of the Seas (though these voyages were two of my best family vacations yet!). I saved up and paid full price (no agent rates or comps here) for my family to sail on this special Antarctica voyage — and it was worth every penny.

    I'm willing to bet the majority of your clients are saving up to splurge on once-in-a-lifetime vacations on their own bucket lists. Are you capitalizing on these high-commission experiences? Remember:

    Don't pigeon-hole your clients based on their past travel habits. A "bucket list" vacation is often unlike any client's recent travels — maybe unlike anywhere they have ever ventured before.

    Qualify and re-qualify your clients. Circumstances change from year to year — tastes, family situations, finances, etc — and these changes may give you an opportunity to sell new types of experiences.

    Be a value interpreter.     Most fantasy vacations come at a higher price than your average weekend getaway. Even if they've saved, some clients could still feel knocked out by the numbers. Stem off sticker shock by interpreting the priceless value of experiences you can plan for your clients. Infuse details and imagery as you work to sell the vacation, and emphasize inclusions where you can. With your help, they can really visualize the unbelievable journey they are about to embark on.

    Vicki Freed is Royal Caribbean International's Senior Vice President of Sales and Trade Support & Services. Contact her at AskVicki@rccl.com with your questions, comments or stories.

    Comments

     
    Leisure Pops

     

    Kenny G.

     

    Great Deal! Don't miss out!

     

    Sunshine Travel is pleased to announce 2012 China Leisure Tour Packages for any of following destinations (Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou & Guilin)

     

    7 Days/6 Nights Tour Package is for

    $299 (per person double)
    Guaranteed departure based on 2 passengers on any of date you choose.

     

    Package service includes:

    • Private round trip airport/hotel transfers with guide & vehicle service. 6 nights high-end resort hotel accommodation with daily buffet breakfast. Morning Tai-Chi class lessons.
    • Optional daily sightseeing tour transfer with guide & vehicle service. (Entry ticket to site visit & lunch is not included and optional.) 

    Please visit our web for detail info: www.chinaasiatour.com
     
    Auto

    

    Auto Europe Car Rental Recommendations Before
    You Leave For Europe (part 3)

    April 19, 2012: Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, has compiled a set of recommendations that should be on your checklist for your next trip to Europe. These travel tips cover aspects for before, after and during your car rental experience. Below is the final set of suggestions for being prepared once you have arrived back from your trip. (continue)

     

    Auto Europe Car Rental Recommendations Before
    You Leave For Europe (part 2)

    Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, has compiled a set of recommendations that should be on your checklist for your next trip to Europe. These travel tips cover aspects for before, after and during your car rental experience. Below is the second set of suggestions for being prepared once you have arrived at the car rental location. (continue)

     

    Auto Europe Car Rental Recommendations Before

    You Leave For Europe

    Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, is compiling a set of recommendations that should be on your checklist for your next trip to Europe. These travel tips cover aspects for before, after and during your car rental experience. Below are the first suggestions on being prepared before you rent a car. (continue)

     

    Auto Europe: New mandatory ruling for automobiles in France

    Auto Europe, a leader in worldwide car rental services, is prepared to service their clients with the new ruling in France requiring mandatory breathalyzers in all passenger vehicles. (continue)

     

    Host Agencies

    Amadeus and Expedia sign multi-year agreement in North America

    MADRID, April 19, 2012 – Amadeus, a leading travel technology provider and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, and Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE), the world's largest online travel company, today announced they have signed a multi-year content and technology agreement for North America. (continue)

     

    Sales Tip #11:

    Build Your Professional Brand
    Create a Lasting Impression
    with These 3 Tips

    One of the best ways to maintain a customer database full of people who want to hear from you, book with you and send referrals to you is to build a strong and professional brand. Each travel agent has their own personal brand, and it's important to make sure that you take advantage of yours!: (continue)

     

    Travelsavers And Network Of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (Nest)
    Introduce New Customer Loyalty Program

    April 2012: Travel Club, a new complimentary customer loyalty program for clients of TRAVELSAVERS and NEST travel professionals has just launched. The benefits of the program are two fold: (continue)

     

    American Marketing Group

    Launches Family Lifestyle Campaign

    April 2012: American Marketing Group continues to expand upon its award-winning lifestyle direct mail program with a new family-themed campaign, available to licensed travel professionals of TRAVELSAVERS and NEST (continue)

     

    Steven Thompson, CEO
    Of Johns Hopkins Medicine International, Will Address "Well-Being And Medical Travel Conference"

    March 28, 2012 (Oyster Bay, NY) – It was announced today that Steven J. Thompson, MBA, Chief Executive Officer for Johns Hopkins Medicine International, will address the constituents at the "Well-Being and Medical Travel Conference 2012." (wellbeingtravelconference). (continue)

     

    Patient Travelers Give Candid Recaps at "Well-Being & Medica Travel Conference 2012"

    A specially assembled panel of patient travelers will candidly discuss their experiences in traveling abroad for medical and dental procedures at the upcoming "Well-Being and Medical Travel Conference 2012." (continue)

     

    Trafalgar and Virgin Atlantic Host
    The Sales and Service Team of American Marketing Group's

    Trafalgar and Virgin Atlantic recently hosted American Marketing Group's sales and service team on a four day FAM in London. The whirlwind tour of the world-class city incorporated all of the most renowned sites. (continue)

     

    "Best of the Best Globe Award"

    Avoya Travel™/American Express® has been awarded an American Express Vacations 2011 'Best of the Best Globe Award'... (continue)

     

    "Well-Being & Medica Travel Conference 2012" GIVEAWAY

    Any one who registers by April 15 will be entered to win an ultra-pampering personal spa package at the Centre for Well-Being at the 5-star Phoenician luxury resort. A $300 value, the prize-winning package includes a choice of two 50-minute spa services...(continue)


    20% Growth for ExpediaCruiseShipCenters

    Expedia CruiseShipCenters has entered its 25th year in business in good stride with 2011 sales figures showing a remarkable 20% growth over the previous year! (continue)

     

    "Well-Being & Medica Travel Conference 2012"

    The "Well-Being and Medical Travel Conference 2012" -- which will take place on June 20-21, 2012 at The Phoenician luxury resort in Scottsdale, Arizona... (continue)


    Sandals honored Avoya Travel/ American Express

    'Best of the Best, Western' for the company's dedication to outstanding customer service and creating exceptional vacation experiences for Sandals Resorts' guests. (continue)

     

    NCL Honors Avoya Travel With Top Travel Award

    Avoya Travel™/American Express®, one of the leading travel companies in North America and beyond, today announced that Norwegian Cruise Line has presented the company with its 2011 'Home-Based Agency of the Year' award. (continue)

     

    OASIS Reports Record
    Growth in 2011

    OASIS, www.OasisAgent.com, a leader in the development of programs for home based independent travel agents, reports another year of record growth. (continue)

     

    TRAVELSAVERS Partner Services &
    Analog Analytics Team Up to Provide

    TRAVELSAVERS Partner Services, a new American Marketing Group company, has won the account as the exclusive travel provider for Analog Analytics' Bigger Better Deal™ solution. (continue)

     

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    Joel M. Abels • Rusty Pickett • Scott Koepf• Cruising • Airline • Europe • Hotels • Luxury Cruising • Paull Tickner • Mitchel J. Schlesinger • Sherry Laskin • Les-Lee Roland • Mary Brutscher • Sue Shapiro

    Royal Caribbean • Travel Industry • Travel Social Media • Travel Technology • Travel Trade News • Vacation • Home Based Trade • Home Based Travel Agent •

    Professional Travel Agent • Travel Agent • Travel Agent Professional • Independent travel agents • Tour Groups •

    Host Travel Agenices • Cruises

     
    This website is dedicated to the memory of Joel M. Abels
    "HE CREATED A VOICE, NOT JUST AN ECHO"

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