Travel Agent Professional

Click here to view
flip book


	You may ask, "Different, you say? Just how different, pray tell?" Well, I am not only passionate about travel but I also love the use of analogies to learn important points, so my columns will be full of them. However, you will most likely judge my ramblings based on whether you are a Broadway musical aficionado. I love musical theatre and each show holds applicable lessons to travel professionals that I will expound upon in my columns. So if you are not really familiar with Broadway musicals, may I invite you to join those of us who are crazy about them — and if you love them already, then maybe I will provide a unique view of your favorites! Hello Dolly is one of the most famous and successful musicals of all time (as well as a wonderful movie with Babs). While watching a production of this classic recently in San Diego, I came to the conclusion that Dolly's character is the personification of the ultimate travel agent! The similarity is so strong, and the lessons so clear, that I will actually spin this analogy across two columns. When we are introduced to Dolly Levi, we realize she is just starting to emerge from a period of mourning (she is a widow). That was my first clue that Dolly is the pure representation of a travel agent! In some ways, we are just now emerging from our own period of mourning as we lost "the good ol' days." We have seen monumental change, whether you want to go back many years or just a few.
Scott Koepf Vice President of Sales Avoya Travel/ American Express www.JoinAvoya.com
Thank you for taking the time to read this column in this new and exciting publication. As I am passionate about helping travel agents become successful, I hope this entire publication and my different approach of writing will help you reach your goals!
Many folks inside and outside our industry predicted we would never emerge from our depressed state to become relevant again. But with the same indomitable spirit of Dolly, travel agents have decided to come back and prove their worth. I will say here that, unfortunately, not all agents are like Dolly. The key to Dolly's resurgence is the fact that she simply decided the world needed her, and so you must do the same thing and be convinced that your service is needed and wanted! She learned from the past, as we have, but then made her decision to go to market. In other words, to be successful you have to embrace the changes and boldly proclaim the value you provide. The value Dolly brought to the market is also uncanny in its similarity to what travel agents do — everything! While she seems to have a business card to fulfill every need, her basic job seems to be to create happiness! Sound familiar — a travel agent's job to a T! With confidence, preparation and passion, Dolly sings what might be an anthem for travel agents. I have always been a woman who arranges things For the pleasure and the profit it derives…. So I put my hand in here I put my hand in there! Her focus might be to help folks find love, but then again, so is yours! You can help them experience the love of the one they are traveling with, love of the style in which they travel, love of the destination they travel to and most importantly, love of the person "who put their hand in there" – in other words, loyalty to their travel agent. You may not have multiple business cards, but you certainly wear many hats, from psychologist to financial analyst to cheerleader to best friend. Your clients will now sing slightly modified lyrics to "It takes a woman" due to your exceptional ability. Yes, it takes an Agent A real Agent To bring you the sweet things in life! And if the sound of Walter Matthau's voice singing this doesn't motivate you, then think about what happens to clients when you mesmerize them with the picture of what you will help bring to reality. Dolly paints a picture (the ultimate sales technique) to two young innocent gentlemen that has them packing their bags and ready to go: Out There There's a world outside of Yonkers (insert town here!) Way out beyond this hick town, Barnaby (insert client name here!) There's a slick town, Barnaby Out There Full of Shine and full of sparkle Close your eyes and see it glisten, Barnaby Listen, Barnaby! Put on your Sunday clothes, there's lots of world out there… When you paint the picture, your clients will not only catch the vision, but they will sing about it (you may think I live in a fantasy world, but if you mess with me my pet unicorn will get you). Okay, it is an analogy — but even if they do not sing a tune, they will catch the enthusiasm you have and share the excitement. However, even Dolly has to overcome objections just like you do. She may have painted the vision and they may be sold, but with time, a doubt or concern will pop up. In travel, it could be many things, so just like Dolly, we have to be prepared. The gentlemen were excited to travel, but did not know how to dance, so when objections come your way, you simply need to provide the solutions. As is usually the case, an objection can be turned into a highlight if you are ready to handle it. In short order, the non-dancers are singing: Well my heart is about to burst My head is about to pop And now that I'm dancing who cares if I ever stop! Dolly was simply a master at showing people how to find happiness. You can have the same impact. Just follow her lead and learn how to get your clients to sing along. In the next issue, we will continue to see why Dolly is the ultimate travel agent! Comments

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)

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"