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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

     

     

     
    Sherry Laskin
    By Les-Lee Roland
    Owner of
    The Package Deal

    GREED –
    You Better Have It

    We've all seen movies that have a line of dialogue that lasts forever. It's said that CASABLANCA has the most quotable quotes — "Play it again," "Round up the usual suspects," "This may be the start of a beautiful friendship," "Here's looking at you, kid," and so many more.

    Michael Douglas, as Gordon Gecko in WALL STREET, recited "Greed! Greed is good." Actually, that wasn't just movie dialogue. It was a line used by a real person, Ivan Boesky, a stockbroker who went to jail for insider trading.

    But the line still stands up. Greed is good. It's what the airlines are practicing — selling anything they can to the onboard passengers, and they are making tons of money. The public has accepted the ticketing fees, the baggage fees, the premium seats, paying for their food and Wi-Fi. Soon, they probably will find a way to pay for announcements from the pilot. I don't know why they don't have a travelogue of the history of the areas we're flying over. Another $25. That's Greed!

    The cruise lines feel Greed is good. They, or their subsidiary companies are selling everything from acupuncture treatments to teeth whitening. Items you would expect on a cruise ship…Huh? How about a $399 package to use the spa and the special pool — out of the sun, but away from the civilians who came to enjoy the amenities of a cruise.

    And what about the port lecturers who put the fear of doom into first time cruisers when they say to only buy at the stores in port that they recommend? Otherwise, your price may not be protected and goodness knows what. That's Greed.

    And the shore excursions! If you don't use theirs, the ship won't wait for you if you are delayed. But in a place like Grand Cayman, if your private car breaks down, you can jog back to the ship. In the era of everyone having cell phones, I rarely, and I mean rarely, have ever heard of a reputable company not working with the cruise line who didn't get passengers back in time.

    The tour operators are not exempt from Greed. At least 90% of them have tour leaders who stop at a place for your passengers to shop. Do you think the guide gets a little something from the merchants? And the same guide may also sell optional excursions — money in their pockets and not ours. Greed.

    And the remaining 10%? Well I remember a Tauck tour where people didn't want to take the helicopter tour in Hawaii. The escort surprised them with a check — the money for the helicopter tour, which was automatically included in the itinerary — it was not an option. That was a totally unexpected surprise.

    Greed can be good. In fact, Greed is part of my 2011 marketing plan. I want more business. I am greedy for getting that extra piece that has eluded me. I am increasing my group offerings. I am also looking for new ways to connect with my clients. I want to stay in touch with them. I don't want them to stray and fall into the temptations of what another agent may be offering. Who knows, that other agent may be greedier than I am.

    But being greedy comes with advantages and disadvantages. There still is only 24 hours in a day to get things done. There still are obligations, outside of work, that shouldn't be forfeited because of business. Our private lives, our families, they deserve to be part of our greed. Taking time to be with my friends to play Mah Jongg at least twice a week, or meet for dinner is my greedy personal time. My friends love to travel in groups, and they expect me to bring new offerings to the table, or talk about where any of us have been recently and our "bucket lists" of places we still want to go.

    Many times, my private time does turn into travel revenue.

    So, my fellow agents, this is the time to sit down and make your own list of greedy items. If it is the new car you want, the new bigger and better TV, the new iPad, whatever it is, put it on your list. And then realistically map your plan of how you are going to work for that greedy pleasure.

    When you actually see how some of these items are within your grasp, you then realize that the goal may not be out of range. It may just take an extra four people on that blocked cruise space. It may be one additional E-mail blast to past passengers. It may be the extra twenty cold calls on the phone.

    Keep that list within eyesight on your desk. Soon you will become Greedy and understand that Greed can be good!

    The opinions in this piece are strictly those of the columnist and do not necessarily represent those of Travel Agent Professional.

    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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