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    Joel and

    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

    A Sunday At the Mall

    Maybe you saw the segment on the TODAY show about a couple who got married at the bride's favorite store — T.J. MAXX

    When she took the idea for the ceremony to the head people at the store, they offered to throw her wedding. They knew the value of the publicity for their store, as well as the chain of stores throughout the country.

    The bride walked down the aisle next to the shoe department, and admits she even stopped for a second when she saw a pair of wedgies on sale.

    Travel agents should learn from this episode and find ways to think out of the box.

    Consider the popular women's fashion store, Chico's, always located in a shopping center or a strip mall. Okay, it's not a travel supplier…or is it? A Sarasota, FL branch offers a seminar on how to pack for an 18-day trip using just a carry-on.

    Women sign up for this event — held on a Sunday at 10 a.m. - and these are women who like to travel. And we all know they are the decision makers for the family travel. Also, according to statistics, women outlive men — especially in Florida — which means that lots of women travel together.

    Each attendee wears a tag with their name as well as the destination they want to visit. Chico's welcomes travel agents to attend, to hand out info, to network, and to share their expertise. This cross-marketing with an extremely popular retailer is a win-win.

    Look at the opportunities here, and picture this: You have a group booking, and you invite your clients to Chico's to learn how to pack for their adventure and to hand out their documents. Perhaps you arrange for a drawing for a gift card. Chico's gets new clients, you have a unique way to hand out the documents. And all of this happens when the store is closed, so your invitees feel really special. Hey, Chico's even provided the refreshments!

    Or another choice is to invite your prospects — both for clothing and travel — and use the same scenario as above. And if you don't have a Chico's in your area, move — or find something close to it in your area.

    We've been told that marketing with bridal salons, florists, and other vendors can bring referrals. Usually you have to leave flyers on a counter or bulletin board, and hopefully you get a phone call or
    E-mail response. Linking to these retailers can be rewarding, but the clothing store/travel agent connection is much more hands-on.
    In this case, where the retailer encourages the travel agents to participate, the sales are greater. When I attended the seminar at Chico's as a customer, I saw a travel agent from another office, armed with handouts. Both of us worked the room with no competition. She got her leads, and I got mine. Plus, the store earned a lot of revenue on clothing sales. 

    And while you're there, wear a name tag with your agency logo, or perhaps a pin saying "Tell me about your Bucket List." You'll be surprised at the number of strangers who will start a conversation with you.

    And kudos to both Shari and Annette, employees at Chico's who provide personalized customer service that is rare in today's retail market and they furnished a forum for the agents and the attentive audience. They were so adept on what they did, this could easily be a segment on a local news show, but that's another marketing idea.
    After leaving Chico's, a few steps away was Williams Sonoma — the great store that offers everything for your kitchen and your palate. At this location, on most Sunday mornings, again, before the shopping mall even opens for business, Williams Sonoma offers a free cooking seminar.

    I put on my chef thinking cap to suggest to the manager that perhaps they can focus on items from one country, and I could bring info on packages to that location. We're setting up a date for tapas and a visit to the Picasso Museum. It that's a success, than it's Thai food. Just be sure to suggest a menu to work with items that the store can sell.

    Going to my car, I passed Home Depot, nah…no ideas there… and I went home.

    I guess our job is not just a nine to fiver — it is a seven day round the clock, open to new opportunities wherever you go. And by the way, I bought six outfits that will fit into my carry-on.
     

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

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