Travel Agent Professional August 2015

Travel Agent Professional August 2015 Issue 38

Don’t Be a Generalist – Find your niche!

By Cindy Bertram

Diane Moore, Paul Gauguin

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Cindy's Inside Cruise & Travel Track, LLC

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Continuing on My Summer Vacation

By Les-Lee Roland Owner of The Package Deal

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“All in The Family”... TRAVEL

By Mitchell J. Schlesinger President, MJS Consultants

Capturing the Spirit of Christmas

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By Paull Tickner

Showcase Enterprise Holdings ........................................9

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TRAVELSAVERS ............................................22

Ad Index

Cover Photo: Paul Gauguin Cruises

Amadeus .......................................17

HostTravelAgency.com .................21

Avoya Travel .................................13

TRAVELSAVERS.............................22

Auto Europe .................................IFC

Royal Caribbean Line....................BC

Britain Greatdays.............................3

Travel Agent Professional

2015

By Cindy Bertram

TAP

Don’t Be a Generalist— Find Your Niche!

Travel Agent Professional August 2015 Issue 38

Travel Agent Professional P.O. Box 120198 Staten Island, NY 10312 E-mail: info@travelagentprofessional.com Phone: 718.360.3153

Joel M. Abels

Legend In the Travel Industry April 1927 to January 2007

Ann M. Hoek Publisher/Creative Design ann@travelagentprofessional.com Bonnie Walling Editor Bonnie@travelagentprofessional.com Alan Cohen Vice President Marketing Alan@travelagentprofessional.com

Meet Our Editorial Board Paull Tickner, Creator of Special Interest Britain ptickner@customgb.co.uk www.customgb.co.uk Cindy Bertram, Cindy’s Inside Cruise & Travel Track, LLC cindybert@att.net Mitchell J. Schlesinger President, MJS Consultants mjschlesinger@bellsouth.net Rusty Pickett, ECC Shellback Cruises www.shellbackcruises.com Les-Lee Roland Owner of The Package Deal

Travel Agent Professional has its roots in Home Based Trade, the first magazine of its kind, started by Joel Abels in 2004. Joel and Lenore Abels ran Travel Trade for nearly half a century – it was started by her grandfather, John S. Lewis, and her father, Sidney Lewis, in 1929, and they took the publication over after her grandfather’s passing.

Under Joel’s direction, the company grew to be one of the travel agent industry’s leading publications, reaching more than 45,000 agents throughout North America. It spawned a famous series of trade shows and three monthly magazines – Cruise Trade, Tour Trade and Home Based Trade.

The Abels also garnered enormous respect – Joel received the Neal Award, called “the Pulitzer Prize of the business press,” for his hard-hitting editorials.

Sherry Laskin, ACC Travel Writer/NACTA Webinar Moderator www.cruisemaven.com

On a personal note, after working with Joel for over a decade and staying with him until the end, I grew to truly care for and respect the man.

He was like a second father to me. Joel was old school, he stood by his word and believed in his work. There will never be another.

Sue Shapiro, President Shapiro Travel Resources sue.shapiro@gmail.com www.shapirotravelresources.com

While nobody can replace this industry legend, we’re hoping that this new publication, which reunites the original Home Based Trade editorial board, will be able to carry on his passion for travel and those who sell it.

This online magazine is dedicated to the memory of Joel Abels, Travel Trade's editor and publisher. Joel and his life's work may be gone, but with your help it can live on.

Ann M. Hoek The opinions expressed in these columns are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Travel Agent Professional.

August 2015

Travel Agent Professional

4 Don’t Be a Generalist— C i n d y B e r t r a m

In today’s world, the days of one size fits all are over. People are no longer looking for a generalist, and specialization is a critical par t of any successful business. The same holds tr ue with tr avel professionals. We have to build a niche , a specialization. When asked w h a t we d o, w h e t h e r i t ’s a t a n e t wo r k i n g event, professional business presentation, or even a social gathering? Answering with the “Oh, I do ever ything in travel; so what are you looking for…” response will send people running!

By Cindy Bertram Cindy's Inside Cruise & Travel Track, LLC

Why Specializations Are Needed Think about what you do when you have a certain need. You go to a professional who specializes in that area. I recently had a problem with my Apple IPhone and yes, it was driving me crazy! I couldn’t access the emails from my att email address, the main one I use for business. It showed I had emails from people, but when I clicked on them to open them up, it said, “This message has no content.”

After work, I ran to the ATT retail store, where I spent a good hour and a half with one of their experts. My emails came back and it looked like the problem was resolved. But early the next morning, that same problem came up. This time I called Apple Support, and spent a good hour on the phone doing a screen share, but there was still one key problem that was not fixed. So I made an appointment with their Genius Bar. I couldn’t get in for a few days, but it was worth the trip and wait. It turned out a special app had crashed, but they were able to help me get everything back on my iPhone.

Was I thrilled to get my problem resolved? Of course! And this is where running to a specialist — in this case, The Genius Bar – saved the day.

August 2015

5

Find Your Niche!

Utilizing “Creative Grit” — Will Marre

Will Marre, co-founder and former president of the Covey Leadership Group, along with being the creator of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Business People,” has continued by sharing his expertise into new areas over the years. Besides doing high end consulting, Will is also a renowned book author and speaker. He shares tremendous business tips through his weekly blog, “Wednesdays with Will.”

Last year a “Wednesdays with Will” blog included a special video he filmed titled, “The One Essential to Everything.” Posted on April 9, 2014 he focuses on tenacious determination, which Will refers to as “Creative Grit.” To be successful today, it’s not focusing on just being persistent. Will notes that being if persistent means you’re doing the same thing over and over again with no results occurring? That’s failure. Instead, Will practices tenacious determination or “Creative Grit,” which he describes as “…thinking of a better way to do something to accomplish the goal that you want.”

There are 3 different elements to “Creative Grit.” The first element is “Creating a Compelling Promise” – determining why you’re here and what difference you want to make. The second is “Extraordinary Resilience,” the will to come back after a failure. The third is “Creative Effort” - open mindedness, and being willing to look for and find new ways to accomplish a goal.

“Creative Grit” in Travel Maybe specializing in a particular area of travel hasn’t worked, and sales just haven’t come through the door, so to speak. Instead, determining the difference you want to make, being opened minded and having the will to find new ways to accomplish a goal are what successful travel agent professionals do today.

Insights from Diane Moore, President, Paul Gauguin Cruises Diane Moore, President of Paul Gauguin Cruises, has had a successful career in the cruise industry, which first began when she started her career with Royal Cruise Line, run by her father, Richard Revnes. She’s worked at some very well known, successful cruise lines in a variety of different roles, and has seen changes as the cruise industry continues to grow.

Travel Agent Professional

6 When asked what she felt was important about specializing, Diane mentions, “It has been great to take the experiences from my years in the travel industry and apply those here at Paul Gauguin Cruises. The cruise industry continues to grow and showcase new, creative, and innovative ideas. New destinations are emerging, dining and onboard activities continue to raise the bar, and multigenerational and celebration cruising increases each year. Cruising is a great way to explore various destinations in a seamless way, at an incredible value.

There are many cruise lines to select from which specialize in a variety of offerings to attract clients. At Paul Gauguin Cruises, we specialize in luxury, small ship cruising. We have great expertise in Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific and our ship the m/s Paul Gauguin is the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in this destination. We focus on bringing the destination alive authentically on our voyages.�

August 2015

Paul Gauguin Cruises Successful Specialization Diane provides more insights, and explains, “We have successfully specialized with our cruises in Tahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific. The Gauguin was designed with a shallow draft to specifically sail in the island lagoons. Aboard our sailings, we infuse the welcoming, hospitable spirit of French Polynesia in every sailing and offer a number of South Seas exclusives. Our troupe of “Gauguines” and “Gauguins”—local Tahitians who serve as cruise staff, entertainers, and storytellers are a highlight for many guests along with local musicians and dancers who perform on board. We offer complimentary and exclusive access to Motu Mahana, a private islet where guests can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, Polynesian activities, a full-service bar, a floating lagoon bar, and a delicious barbecue. And, complimentary access to our private beach on a motu in Bora Bora for guests to enjoy for the day. Our enrichment program features a series of expert lecturers on topics ranging from history of the South Pacific to conservation, art, marine life, the wonders of coral reefs, and much more.”

When it comes to more ways that Paul Gauguin Cruises separates and elevates itself as a successful niche? Diane further explains, “We offer all-inclusive value with spacious ocean view suites and staterooms with nearly 70% of them featuring private balconies; gourmet dining in all venues; complimentary beverages including select wines and spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages served throughout the ship; an in-cabin refrigerator replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water; shipboard entertainment; and all onboard gratuities included. In select ports, our watersports marina is available to launch a kayak, windsurf, or paddle board from and we offer a PADI certification scuba diving program.”

Travel Agent Professional

8 One Key Takeaway for Travel Agent Professionals As far as suggestions, Diane mentions, “Travel agents continue to be our valuable travel partners and a key to our success at Paul Gauguin Cruises. Especially in the luxury segment, clients seek the expertise of travel agents who can identify cruise lines, destinations, hotels, and experiences that fit their interests creating a truly memorable time that they reflect back on for years to come. With their deep travel knowledge and contacts, travel agents can design the entire trip and book all the elements of it utilizing tremendous value in addition to making it seamless for the client.”

One way Paul Gauguin Cruises helps travel professionals? They have their PEARL’s– Partners Earn Added Rewards and Learn to Sell – travel agent specialist training program. According to Diane, “This was conceived to provide travel professionals with a deeper understanding of Paul Gauguin Cruises and our cruise line’s destinations. The program is a self-paced specialist training program, providing a unique platform for agents to truly immerse themselves in the Paul Gauguin Cruises experience, enabling them to more accurately identify and connect with prospective clients and promote our line successfully and grow their business. PEARLS partners receive access to resources including exclusive sales and marketing trainings, advance notice of special promotions, shipboard credit offers, marketing tools, and bonus commissions.”

Concentrate on What We Provide as a Specialist As travelers become more experienced, along with diverse wants for unique experiences, it’s best for travel agent professionals to narrow down and focus on a particular area to specialize in. Once again, we need to be that “genius bar” with the “Creative Grit,” to separate and elevate ourselves from the norm.

August 2015

Sh o w ca s e Travel + Leisure Magazine Names National Car Rental, Enterprise Rent-A-Car And Alamo Rent A Car Top Three Brands En t er p r is e Ho ld in g s – which owns and operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands – claimed the top three spots for car rental in the 2015 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. The National Car Rental brand ranked No. 1 in the “Car Rental Agencies” category, followed by the Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Alamo Rent A Car brands, respectively.

The World’s Best Awards showcase the destinations, companies and brands that define the very best in travel as voted by Travel + Leisure readers. The car rental agency rankings are based on how readers rate the various brands on five characteristics: vehicle selection, vehicle availability, car rental location, service and value.

Enterprise Holdings is the largest car rental service provider in the world as measured by revenue, employees and fleet. Through its regional subsidiaries, Enterprise Holdings operates the largest fleet of vehicles in the world – approximately 1.5 million – and a global network of more than 8,600 fully staffed neighborhood and airport locations in more than 70 countries. The company ranks near the top of the global travel industry, ahead of many airlines and most cruise lines, hotels, tour operators and online travel agencies.

“Listening to consumer feedback is the best way – really, the only way – to build trust and confidence for the long term,” said Pat Farrell, chief marketing and communications officer at Enterprise Holdings, in a recent CNBC article. “That’s why our customer-focused strategy continues to pay off. It sets the bar high and strengthens

all three of our brands in one of the most competitive spaces out there: the global car rental industry.”

As part of its commitment to exceeding customer expectations, Enterprise Holdings’ fleet is among the car rental industry’s newest and provides late-model, wellmaintained vehicles with an average odometer reading of less than 16,000 miles and an age of eight months.

In addition, Enterprise, National and Alamo were the highest-ranked car rental brands in the J.D. Power 2014 North American Rental Car Satisfaction StudySM. The Enterprise brand received the highest score for the ninth time in the past eleven years. National ranked second in the annual study, followed by Alamo (tied for third) – with all three brands once again finishing above the industry average.

“Our portfolio of brands is specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of our customers, from frugal families to business and leisure travelers around the world,” added Farrell. “While each brand has its own distinct identity, each shares the same commitment to creating the best car rental experience for our customers.”

Enterprise Holdings will join other travel industry leaders at the upcoming Global Business Travel Association Convention, the largest, most comprehensive annual gathering of business travel and meetings professionals and suppliers. On July 27, Chief Strategy Officer Greg Stubblefield will take part in a panel discussion entitled, Differentiating Brands in a Sharing Economy.

For more information about Enterprise Holdings, visit www.enterpriseholdings.com

About Enterprise Holdings Enterprise Holdings, the largest car rental company in the world as measured by revenue, fleet and employees, and its affiliate Enterprise Fleet Management together offer a total transportation solution. Combined, these businesses – which include extensive car rental and car-sharing services, commercial truck rental, corporate fleet management and retail car sales – accounted for $17.8 billion in revenue, employed 83,000 and operated 1.5 million vehicles throughout the world in fiscal year 2014. Enterprise Holdings, through its regional subsidiaries, operates the largest fleet of vehicles in the world through a global network of more than 8,600 neighborhood and airport locations under the Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent A Car brands.

Travel Agent Professional

10

Continuing on My

L e s - L e e R o l a n d

As I was saying last month... I had a wonderful summer vacation this year. First on Star Clippers, check last issue, and then I went to Prague and later joined AMA River Cruises in Nuremberg to Budapest.

Besides my first voyage on Star Clippers — wonderful! I also had my first experience using UBER. I found the transfers offered by the cruise line were very high, especially considering they had lots of passengers, plus it was so early in the morning to travel from Cannes to Nice.

By Les-Lee Roland Owner of The Package Deal

One of the other agents had tried to get people

day tours. And when I asked the consierge at my

together for a van, and when that failed, he used his

hotel for directions to meet up with the tour, she

cell phone and booked Uber. It was less expensive

laughed, and said “just cross the street, you’ll see

than a taxi, right on time — you can monitor where

their offices.”

the vehicle is on the cell phone. Five minutes, away, four minutes, etc. And a comfy car, with bottles of

My first tour, was to go to the Terezin

water waiting, immaculate.

Concentration Camp, just one hour from Prague. I went with trepidation, knowing this was a sad

Flew to Prague, and being a solo traveler on this leg,

choice for a tour, but my daughter who had been

I was concerned if my driver, booked thru

there before told me that with my love of history, I

Travelbound, would be there. And he was, even

should go.

though my flight was a little late. It is so comfortable seeing a sign at the airport with my name on it. And

The guide was tremendous, and I learned so much.

he knew the hotel I had booked, the ADRIA, also

And the others on the small bus were from the UK,

thru Travelbound. Perfect location, right in the heart

US and South America and all different religions and

of Winceslas Square. Safe and in walking distance of

ages. They all had come to learn about this historical

restaurants, shopping, and getting around. In fact, for

place. We all were quite moved.

the days I was there, I never had to take a cab anywhere. Prague is a perfect city to explore on foot.

The next day, I had a tour of Prague – bus. walking and boat. This 6 hour tour was the most compre-

I had also booked 2 tours with Best Tour Company-

hensive city tour I have been on, and I have been on

arranged thru Travelbound. Each for practically full

many.

August 2015

11

Summer Vacation

That night my daughter flew in to Prague and met me

comprehensive all day tours that I had taken. I truly

at the hotel for an evening of catching up, since we

saved over $1000 by doing this on my own. Shush...

live in different states. The next morning, our driver

don’t tell AMA that I said this. So, my advice is to

took us to the train station where we caught the bus

know your clients. If they want the comfort of doing

to take us to Nuremberg to meet up with AMA. This

a Viking, AMA, or other river cruise line, you have to

I booked thru Rail Europe, even though it is a bus.

guide them on what you, as an agent, can offer as a

Total cost about $30.

pre or post package. If you just want the higher commission, perhaps booking with the cruise line works, If

This was an easy 3 hour trip, very comfortable seats,

you know the likes and dislikes of your clients, and

with a commentary along the way. Now I could have

what they expect, you can easily put together a per-

booked directly with the cruise line, and most agents

sonalized pre or post. All I can report, is that when I

book their clients that way. But traveling as a single,

told people what I saw in a short period of time, they

the cost was quite high, and they didn’t offer the 2

were very impressed.

Travel Agent Professional

12 The Legendary Danube itinerary on the AMA river

everyone said it was a highlight of the week.

cruise is probably the most popular.

Shopping, in case your clients ask, plenty of it.

The ship is very clean, cabins are typical on this sort

Although when you have a choice of which direction

of sailing. Service was good. Although it was open

the ship is going, check out where it will be on a

seating, they really preferred people coming for din-

Sunday, and if the stores will be open. Vienna- the

ner at one time, and ordering everything, including

main shopping stores were closed, but there were

dessert, at the same time. I was told by different

plenty of souvenir places that had great buys. And a

servers that they were a little short of help, and to

visit at a local bakery had treats that were the best of

bear with it. But my servers were very gracious.

the week.

But what made the cruise so memorable, is the inter-

There were hugs and tears while saying goodbye to

action with the new people my daughter and I met

everyone. Promises of staying in touch and more. I

onboard. Just lucky that we had invites from people

had ordered a private transfer in Budapest to the air-

to join with them everyday. My daughter, who teach-

port. While others who were on a large bus transfer

es French, and escorts groups to France, met some

had to board a block away with their carr ons,

French speaking guests, and I was so pleased to hear

Travelbound’s driver came on board the ship to take

her speak her second language.

our luggage and the car was right there.

The ports were wonderful, with so much to see. I

And something different on the rivers compared to

can’t forget Nuremberg, sitting in the same court-

the big ships. When in port, there are many other

room where the trials took place after World War II.

vessels either right next to AMA or within walking

In Melk, visiting a monastery and museum that was

distance. I was able to board them, and saw Viking,

incredible. Salzburg, doing the Sound of Music tour

Scenic, Arosa, Avalon, and other AMA ships. So much

brought smiles to everyone. And most of the ship

to take in.

went to the Mozart concert in town one night. In Vienna, walking by sites currently featured in the

I would be amiss if I didn’t mention that I booked my

movie Woman of Gold. Next to Prague, Vienna is

hotel, transfers, and tours with Travelbound, at retail.

nearly as beautiful And in Budapest, doing an

I am so pleased that all of my bookings worked out

overnight was an extra treat. AMA took a late night

perfectly. I could have chosen Viator, Europe Express,

cruise on the River past the beautifully lit up

Key Tours, or other suppliers. So agents have choices.

Parliament and other buildings.

Also agents, who haven’t been to these countries, can really learn so much from contacting these compa-

I cannot leave out our cruise director, Dragon. He

nies, as well as Boards of Tourism. The knowledge we

was so in tune with what people wanted to see, that

can accrue really builds us up to our clients.

he, within one day, put together a customized tour for about 30 people in Vienna. I emphasize that these

I have been home one month, and I am already look-

people were not all traveling together. It was a

ing for another river cruise and new destinations.

combo of new friendships with similar interests. And

Anyone want to join me?

August 2015

14“All in The Family”...

M i t c h e l l

At 50+ million households strong, the family market is

J .

most value, the scope of the family travel market has

clearly one of the largest demographic target markets and source for profitable travel sales in America. Of

S c h l e s i n g e r

expanded significantly and, it is not just a summer/school holiday timeframe travel market.

Demographically, the traditional family structure has changed dramatically from the TV images of the 1950’s70s of the Nelsons or Father Knows Best. Where previously dad was the primary “bread winner”, from the 1980s and beyond, the family structure is increasingly marked by two (2) working parents, and those with single working parents. And this demographic change has had an impact on key psychographic drivers, which impacts travel purchase patterns.

By Mitchell J. Schlesinger President, MJS Consultants, mjschlesinger@bellsouth.net

Lets’ examine how these changes have impacted travel patterns and purchase decisions:

1.

The phenomena of two (2) working parents or single parent has generated a greater sense of guilt regarding vacations. Parents are more concerned with losing connection with their children and see family vacations as a priority, a way to share memorable experiences and, importantly re-connect with their children.

2.

Parents seek opportunities on vacations that combine family activities, organized programs for younger children’s and parents-only time.

3.

In addition to the usual family travel timeframes, parents are less reticent about taking their children out of school for a vacation, especially if they perceive that the trip will provide an educational, fulfilling experience.

My wife teaches in an upscale elementary school and she tells me the students’ vacation throughout the year.

4.

Multi-generational travel with has increased, including children traveling with grandparents without their parents. And family reunion travel is increasingly a way for extended families to all connect together and share experiences.

5.

Travel horizons have also expanded dramatically with parents taking their children on trips across the globe.

August 2015

TRAVEL

15

From a psychographic standpoint, family travel actually has several important characteristics that require attention when marketing and selling:

1.

IT’S NOT CHEAP! Trips to Disney, cruises, or all-inclusive land resorts are not inexpensive, which means parents are going to be very value focused, making sure the trip provides the amenities and programs the whole family can share.

2.

Parents are very concerned with three (3) important elements; safety, interesting children’s programs and enriching experiences. To be successful selling family travel, you must address these elements in your marketing communication, immediately satisfying this concern of parents.

3.

More and more, especially with children over 10, parents are taking children on vacations to worldwide destinations, which in many cases can augment what they are learning in school.

Lets’ review the steps required to respond to family travel psychographics and capture a significant share of the family demographic group:

MARKETING

1.

It is important that you enhance your knowledge of travel opportunities so that families have the sense that you can provide expertise in your service.

2.

Be prepared to provide a litany of information to parents to address all questions especially regarding safety, children’s activities and programs, available babysitting, etc.

3.

Don’t just promote trips during the summer and school vacations. Promote excellent opportunities even in non-traditional family travel timeframes.

4.

Promote travel opportunities across the globe. It is normal to see children on summer European and Mediterranean sailings.

5.

Find and promote vacations that offer unique experiences, especially those that are participatory. The beach itself is still fun, but swimming with dolphins makes it unique.

Travel Agent Professional

16 -

CUSTOMER LOYALTY

•

A wonderful family vacation experience that meets or exceeds expectations, will

definitely create loyal customers and excellent word of mouth referrals. Parents interact with other parents constantly (PTA, little league, dance class etc.) and positive reactions to a family vacation are “priceless”.

•

Children are great promoters. Put them on your mailing list and send them materials from different vacation alternatives. There is nothing better than having the kids constantly reminding mom and dad that it is time for the next vacation.

• • •

Remember, like seniors and ultra-luxury clients, this is a very service-centric audience, and the personalized service you provide is an investment in their next trip, plus the referrals.

Don’t forget to ask your current family clients about their other family members, siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents etc.

That is how groups are built. Families traveling together with same-age children have built-in friends who get to share the experience and create a referral multiplier effect when they get home. And family reunions are a great source of group business.

•

The last spin-off is that when the parents are ready to plan a trip just for themselves, they will contact you as well.

Remember, just about everyone you come in contact with is part of a family, one way or another, so the potential for family travel is everywhere!!

August 2015

Travel Agent Professional

18 Capturing the Spirit P a u l l T i c k n e r

I’d hazard a guess that among you anglophile clients, there may be a couple who’d love to add enjoying a traditional English Christmas to the long list of travel experiences you’ve created for them. 3 nights in a 4 star Cotswold hotel in Chipping Campden, Broadway, Moreton in Marsh or Stow on the Wold would do the trick, with English Afternoon Teas, Midnight Mass or Sung Matins in a church dating back to the 14th century, a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, the Queen’s Speech and a Stirrup Cup before the local Hunt sets out on Boxing Day. I can think of at least one hotel where

By Paull Tickner

the programme starts with Christmas Eve carols with the owners of a nearby stately home.

The Christmas festivities start early in December as these example demonstrate:

Paull Tickner has been designing and operating niche travel programmes for the UK and Ireland for over 30 years.

For more information E-mail Paull at ptickner@customgb.co.uk

August 2015

19 of Christmas Fairytale Castles and Meet Mr Pickwick Packed with shopping stalls, the cathedral city of Rochester becomes a feast of Victorian delights during their annual Dickens Christmas Festival. There are lamp-lit parades, carols to be sung, Father Christmas to be met and even a guaranteed snowfall, along with a host of familiar, fabled characters from Dickens’ much-loved stories. Add Hever Castle and Leeds Castle both decorated for Christmas, a visit to Canterbury Cathedral and a few days in London and you’re onto a winner.

London and the York St Nicholas Christmas Festival Topped and tailed with some time in London, the great heritage city of York is a short 2 hour train ride away.

The major event in this 6 night programme is the colourful St Nicholas Christmas Festival complete with seasonal sparkle, Victorian costumed traders, carol singers and hot chocolate laced with brandy! Thanks to the timing, you can include visits to Castle Howard and the Fairfax House both traditionally decorated for Christmas. You’ll also be there during the annual Early Music Christmas Festival.

Decorated for Christmas Imagine Blenheim Palace and Waddesdon Manor filled with huge Christmas Trees and festive decorations. I can offer a terrific programme whicxh will really put you in a festive mood as you browse through the beautifully decorated wooden stalls at the Oxford Christmas Market, stand back in amazement as you survey the huge Christmas trees and traditional decoration in Blenheim Palace and Waddesdon Manor and rub shoulders with the locals on the streets and in the pubs and tea rooms in the very English market towns of Burford and Woodstock.

Travel Agent Professional

(continued on page 14)

Christmas at Castle Howard: photo by Andy Bulmer

20

Get Your Skates On For families looking for something a little different, I can strongly recommend a London Living History Adventure with a visit to the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, an evening of Christmas carols plus a whirl around some of London’s best outdoor ice skating rinks. You’ll find them at the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, The Natural History Museum, in the courtyard of Somerset House and at the National Maritime Museum Greenwich. Include some browsing time in Hamleys the world famous toy shop, Harrods, or your own favourite shops and stores and you’re in a position to offer clients a slightly different look at London during December.

A Cornucopia of Christmas Markets Recharge your batteries between Thanksgiving and Christmas with this English shopping trip with a difference. Over a 7 night period you can take in the Belgravia Christmas Sunday, the huge Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park and the Christmas Markets in spectacular settings in the cathedral cities of Winchester, Salisbury and Bath. This fantastic festive retail therapy experience is a real winner as a Girls Getaway for 8-10 avid shoppers!

August 2015

Showcase

TRAVELSAVERS Expands Business Analyst Team TRAVELSAVERS a global travel marketing organization announced the completion of their strategically positioned business analyst team. TRAVELSAVERS utilizes innovative technology to deliver superior tools and resources that assist in making travel agencies more efficient and profitable.

"Over the last five years we have elevated the service level that every TRAVELSAVERS affiliate expects and deserves by offering personalized consulting to ensure maximum growth and efficiency,” says Melissa Wright, Senior Director, Business Development, TRAVELSAVERS. “Our business analyst team is strategically located around the country, Mary Lee DeFranco (NY), Janice Decker (CA), Michele Aubin Keally (FL), Steve Phillips (MN), and Sarah-Jane Pieri (MN).”

“Through Melissa’s leadership we have created a diverse team that has the depth of knowledge and valuable experience from both the agency and supplier communities to provide high quality service and expert business consultation so that our affiliates can grow and profit, says Kathryn MazzaBurney, Executive Vice President, Sales, TRAVELSAVERS. Agencies who want to learn more about TRAVELSAVERS, how to become an affiliate and take advantage of the training, technology and marketing programs TRAVELSAVERS offers can visit, sales.travelsavers.com or call, 1-800-366-9895.

About TRAVELSAVERS:

Owned by American Marketing Group, Inc., TRAVELSAVERS is an international travel marketing organization with a retail chain of more than 3,000 independently owned full service travel agencies in over 30 countries that together generate more than $20 billion in annual travel sales. Headquartered in Oyster Bay, New York, TRAVELSAVERS offers a comprehensive range of products and support services to help its licensed agencies maximize sales though a select group of suppliers – and stand out as travel leaders in their local communities. The marketing company also features a unique exclusive territory system based on populations of 50,000, so agents maintain control over clients and prospective leads in their exclusive area. Travel professionals interested in learning more about joining TRAVELSAVERS can visit http://sales.travelsavers.com.

August 2015

NO ONE CAN SHOW YOUR CLIENTS THE WORLD LIKE ROYAL CARIBBEAN

When you send your clients on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’re not just giving them a world-class adventure.

You’re sending them on a vacation that will give them the same special treatment you do. That’s why Travel Weekly has voted us Best Overall 12 years running. And why your client will want to come back and cruise with us (and you) again and again. So choose confidently. Choose Royal Caribbean.

INNOVATIVE SHIPS From our FlowRider® wave simulator, to our rock-climbing-wall, to live shows straight from the stages of Broadway, Royal Caribbean consistently pushes the bar with award-winning ships that give a richer more memorable experience to clients of all ages.

AMAZING DESTINATIONS With 2Ć ships sailing every major sea on the globe to 240 incredible destinations in 72 countries on 6 continents, Royal Caribbean offers customized, exclusive shore excursions that give your clients the best of each destination.

WORLD-CLASS SERVICE With all the changes and advancements we’ve made over the last 40 years, one thing has remained constant — our commitment to giving your clients the personalized Gold Anchor Service only found on Royal.

Visit www.LoyaltoYouAlways.com, our exclusive travel partner hub, to see up-to-the-minute offers, latest news, and easy to use marketing resources.

12

YEARS RUNNING

©2015 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships registry: The Bahamas. 15043752 • 04/10/2015

BEST CRUISE LINE OVERALL Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards 2003 – 2014

7

YEARS RUNNING

BEST SALES & SERVICE Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards 2008 – 2014