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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

     

     

     
    Rusty Pickett

    Mary Brutscher
    Former Host Agency Owner &
    Travel Educational Instructor
    cruisefacecruises@yahoo.com

    2011 –
    A New Year &
    New Opportunities

    As I write this article, it is a few days before Christmas. After leaving the office, I ran to the grocery store to get the ingredients needed for a Christmas Eve family get-together, Christmas dinner and a few necessities. Wow! I was hit with sticker shock! I can't believe how much the cost of feeding a family is going up — predictions for 2011 say that we could see an increase in food costs of as much as a whopping 20%!

    Sometimes, it seems like everything is going up except our take-home pay, and we wonder how we can possibly survive. Well, I am here to tell you that, YES, YOU CAN! You must be proactive and when things change, change with them. Roll with the flow.
    How can you address the concerns your clients have in these uncertain times and close the deal? It can be done. Let me give you an example.

    In 2001, I ended up temporarily out of the travel industry. I had closed my agency down and moved my clientele with me to another agency located in downtown Charleston, SC. I became the manager there and things were going well. Of course, we all know what happened next — 9/11.

    The agency had so many cancellations that the owner had to let every single employee go —myself included. I managed to hang onto a few groups who were cruising the following year and had decided to not cancel, but instead to wait and see how things shaped up.

    I accepted a temporary position working for one of the nation's largest health insurance companies. I enjoyed the job and the people, but I missed the travel industry. So, in February of 2002, facing not only the aftermath of 9/11 but also the SARS and norovirus outbreaks, I reopened my host agency. However, I knew I had to shift my focus from what I was doing to something that could help address the fears of my clients. Cruising had excellent prices and I knew it was a great opportunity to go after the corporate business and close-to-home travel.

    I'm happy to report that not only did my business do well that year, but it was one of the best years ever, as was the next year. In fact, I did so well that commission on just one of my groups exceeded $30,000!

    This is another one of those difficult years.
    Look at the concerns of most travelers right now:
    Air travel. Let's be honest. Air travel is a pain. It is frustrating and a hassle. Some people are intimidated by the x-ray machines and pat downs. They are paying extra for baggage. The list of consumer gripes goes on — but they still need to fly in order to accomplish their dream trip. It's up to you to do research, address their concerns and calm their fears. Numerous independent studies have been done on the x-ray machines, so do some research on these studies and let your customers know about them. Depending on where the clients are going, look into pre-shipping luggage. You might also suggest a closer destination or port.

    Confusion. A lot of people are still unsure of whether or not they need passports or travel insurance, as well as what they can and cannot take on planes and ships. Take the time to talk to them and explain everything, and put it in writing! Not only can they review what they've been told, but have them sign a statement or a copy noting that they have received the information.

    Money is tight, so find your customers something they can afford! You may not get a high commission right now, but make your customer happy and send them some place that's fun and offers relaxation that they can afford now. When they can take that dream vacation, chances are they will come back to you. Another option is to book them far enough in advance that they can make payments.

    Look for current or unusual trends and sit down and make a plan, create proposals and go after the business! Don't sit and wait for it to come to you, or you may just be disappointed. The most successful agents are those who not only offer excellent customer service and product knowledge, but go after the business.

    Look for what provides the best commission for you and the best perks for your customers! If you own an agency and you are not affiliated with a consortium, I highly suggest you start investigating the benefits offered by today's consortiums. I happen to know there are some pretty good ones out there that offer a big bang for the bucks!

    If you are an independent contractor and it seems like you get no support from your host and are hard pressed to think of any benefits that you are receiving by your affiliation with them, change hosts! Again, there are some really great hosts out there. In fact, I even affiliate with a host and have done so since selling my host agency.

    Make January and February, 2011 two of your busiest months. It's wave season and it's time to look at a new way of doing business. Don't give up on an idea just because you think it will not work. You will never know unless you try.

    When you do try, if it doesn't work the first, second, or third time, try it a fourth time. It was about my sixth try that gave me the huge group of 436 passengers on one cruise. It was something I had never done before, didn't have the knowledge, but I sure thought it would be great if I got the business.

    If I can do it, so can you. Make 2011 your most profitable year yet!

    Happy New Year!

    Comments
    RCI

     

    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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