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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

     

     

     
    Your Cost-Conscious Clients Will
    Thank you

    Sherry Laskin

     

     

     

     

    By Sherry Laskin
    Travel writer/NACTA Webinar Moderator
    www.cruisemaven.com

     

    For those of us who are primarily cruise selling travel agents, you know how important it is to have a geographically-educated mind. We can correctly pronounce Civitavecchia, gasp in disbelief when a client books a "drive-by" past Antarctica and be on standby alert when the inevitable hurricane season arrives.

    But what do we say when a client requests an inside stateroom? Does your voice falter a bit? Maybe you are new to the cruise industry and haven't yet experienced cave-dwelling. If you've ever booked an inside stateroom, you know that it is similar to living in a walk-in closet, with a few conveniences.

    If you haven't tried an interior stateroom, you should do so as soon as you can. You'll love it or hate it. Either way, you'll have the passion and knowledge when your cost-conscience client calls for a quote.

    Over the years, I've cruised in a few inside staterooms. I have to say, I've never felt so rested than when I've had to go windowless.

    Last year I hosted a NACTA seminar at sea to New England and Canada. I experienced fourteen days in a windowless room. But there is a trick to doing it. The TVs on almost every cruise ship have at least one channel devoted to a live camera broadcasting 24/7 with a view to the outside.

    Our ship had a Bridge Cam. At night when I retired, I kept my TV turned on, sound off and tuned in to the Bridge Cam. As dawn approached and the sun came up, the cabin gradually "awakened" with onscreen daylight. It was the perfect virtual window.

    Allow me to digress a bit to share one day of our
    Canada/New England cruise.

    On the morning that we quietly slipped into downtown Portland, Maine, my virtual window foretold of a beautiful fall day. The sun was shining and the temperature was hovering around forty-five degrees. With a bit of skillful layering of clothes, it was sure to be a perfect fall afternoon.

    As in many European ports of call, downtown Portland is right there as you step off the ship. Exit the security area, turn left and start walking. My biggest decision for the day was where to sample the local lobster and seafood chowder.

    A couple of locals directed me to Gilbert's, a small hole-in-the-wall on Commercial St. a couple of blocks from the port. I sat at the counter and started a conversation with a couple of customers and the counter-waiter. I spent an hour listening to local banter and shared my cruise itinerary. They were in disbelief that we were headed to Quebec City in the face of an impending snow storm. But that's an entirely different story for another time.

    Getting back to windowless vs. oceanview or balcony staterooms, we need to do what our clients request. There's nothing better than a balcony, but when all else fails don't poo-poo the interior cabins; keep your enthusiasm. Up-sell if you can, but when all else fails, agree, agree, agree with their decision. Point out that they will sleep like babies. Share my trick for the virtual window. They may not use it, but will appreciate your understanding and advice. No one wants to feel like a cheapskate and it's up to you to make them feel as important as your suite clientele. They may forever be inside stateroom people, but they'll return to you because you made them feel special.

     

    Happy New Year & Happy Selling in 2011!

    E-mail your questions to: sherry@sherrylaskin.com
    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

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    Package service includes:

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    • 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)

     

    Keywords

    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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