Travel Agent Professional October 2014 Issue 31
What Do You Want, A New Beginning Or A Stab In The Back? By Les-Lee Roland
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ctober
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What Do You Want,
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Owner of The Package Deal http://issuu.com/action/page?page=10
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Thinking Out http://issuu.com/action/page?page=14
of The Box
By Paull Tickner
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Be Known for What You Do Best — Creating Your Brand
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=20 By Cindy Bertram
Cindy's Inside Cruise & Travel Track, LLC
October 2014 Issue 31
What Do You Want, A New Beginning Or A Stab In The Back? B y Les-Lee Roland
Showcase Auto Europe..........................................................16 Avoya Travel/American Express ...........................18
Ad Index
Enterprise Rent-A-Car ...........................................14 Amadeus .......................................17
HostTravelAgency.com .................13
Auto Europe .................................IFC
TRAVELSAVERS.............................15
Avoya Travel/American Express.......9
Travel Experts ................................19
Britain Greatdays.............................3
Royal Caribbean Line....................BC
Travel Agent Professional
2014
By Les-Lee Roland
TAP
A New Beginning Or A Stab In The Back?
Travel Agent Professional October 2014 Issue 31
Joel M. Abels
Legend In the Travel Industry April 1927 to January 2007
Travel Agent Professional P.O. Box 120198 Staten Island, NY 10312 E-mail: info@travelagentprofessional.com Phone: 718.360.3153 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 Rusty Pickett, ECC Shellback Cruises www.shellbackcruises.com Les-Lee Roland Owner of The Package Deal Sherry Laskin, ACC Travel Writer/NACTA Webinar Moderator www.cruisemaven.com 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 Sue Shapiro, President Shapiro Travel Resources sue.shapiro@gmail.com www.shapirotravelresources.com
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.
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. 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. 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.
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.
October 2014
Issue No. 8 | February 12th 2014
W
elcome to a slightly different perspective on your old friend Britain. Since 1980, I’ve been helping travel counsellors to identify, develop and convert untapped sources of new business into imaginative, high yield, customised groups, both large and small. I’m now applying this to tailor made tours for individuals and families who are flying or cruising in and out of the UK.
Over the period, I’ve gained a great deal of experience, knowledge and many grass root connections who add the bubble, fizz and pleasant surprises to each tailor made tour. Take a leisurely look at the ‘magnificent seven’ listed below and arm yourself with a pen and a piece of paper so that you can note down the contacts you’ll have for most of the niche markets mentioned. Prioritise them and then email me your thoughts on how you might like to proceed.
Paull Tickner Paull Tickner and Associates Ltd
Girls Getaways London only, London and Batthh, London and tthhe Cotswolds are three options for you to consider. For Quilters, there are programmes for tthhe tthhree major Quilt Shows in England and ttw wo more in Scotland. If Embroidery and Needlework is your niche, my Liverpool (yes Liverpool) and London tour ticks all the boxes. For lady golfers, I can also supply an interesting Cotswold-based Golf, Gardens and Antiques tour that finishes with an international match against a UK team.
Pre and Post Cruise Extensions Let’s talk about London based customised pre and post crruuise extensions that meet your clients time frame, interests and budget. For customers tthhat have been there many times before, find out where they’d really like to go before or after their crruuise and tthhen put my knowledge through its paces.
Family Travel Speed boat rides up tthhe River Thames, side trips to see tthhe making of Harry Potter, living history experiences at our historic castles and palaces, entertaining actor led tours of tthhe Theatre Royal and a performance of Mathilda, family cycle rides through the Royal Parks, a Doctor Who Experience and a ffllight on the London Eye. With tthheir accommodation included, I can customise these and other exciting interactive encounters into a memorable family trip to London.
Up an English Garden Path For Orchid, Herb, Rose and otthher specialist societies, Master Gardeners, Friends of Botanic Gardens/Arboreta and even Flower Arrangers, I can provide a FebrruuarySeptember collection of memorable, value added tours. With demand always outstripping tthhe hotel supply, now is tthhe time to be considering a 2015 Chelsea Flower Show tour (19tthh-23rd May). Travel Agent Professional
4
What Do You Want,
B y L e s - L e e
It has become too costly and too rare for companies to hold seminars
R o l a n d
in my city of Sarasota — or one hour away in Tampa. I understand the logistics of scheduling a lunch or dinner presentation, seeing the abuse of agents not showing up or bringing spouses or friends for a freebie. Not to forget the lesser numbers of working agents in this area. Les-Lee Roland Owner of The Package Deal
Well Costa held one at a very nice restaurant that show-
Caribbean-look at Costa.
cases the Italian atmosphere of their ships. It was a nice turnout, smaller than in the past, but with this intimacy, it
Besides this large turnaround for the company, they
allowed more one on one time with the honchos. Scott
will soon announce partnering with a major tour
Knudsen came on to head the company just as the lin-
operator who will feature their cruises. This will be
guine hit the fan with its disaster. He has hung on, rightfully
another way to sell cruises and land together, plus
so, and his confidence was contagious among the agents.
the air. All commissionable , including the air!
I have been in this industry for over 20 years, and I
As I watched the presentation, it came to mind how
have gone through serious complications with other
many groups and clubs are out there just waiting for
suppliers, and they are still in business. But why even
these deals. It also brought back the fond memories of
mention those, we all have to think positively.
how well Costa was to work with for my groups. Their customer service for me far beat the service, or lack of
One thing I love about this business is that there is a
service I have received from other suppliers recently.
choice of product for different clients. If I want to present high end, Seabourn, Crystal, Regent come to
But this is not just kudos for Costa. It is just an exam-
mind. If I want mid range- lots to choose from. If I
ple of how to move on if the product is deserving.
want value — we all have our favorites. But when it comes to itineraries — we all do our homework to
But now on to a very pressing matter with Princess.
find what will appeal to our clients.
It was brought to my attention at the Costa luncheon. It’s so nice to mingle with other agents and
If it showcases Italy, other areas in Europe, Far East
hear their praises, their bragging and their horrors.
and Middle East, and new longer itineraries in the
As one agent put his cell phone on the table and
October 2014
5
A New Beginning Or A Stab In The Back? played a recorded message from Princess, our delight with the lunch turned to heartburn. If I didn’t hear it myself, I wouldn’t have believed it. The recording was to thank Mr. So and So, for his recent sailing on Princess. It was to also remind him that even though he booked with a travel agent, he should be aware that he could in the future book directly with Princess. Let me repeat this- Princess is reminding people who an AGENT booked that they could now book directly with Princess, if they choose to do so. I remember the good old days when people did call Princess directly to book and the res agent would provide the name of an agency in their area if they wanted to deal with an agent. They went so far as to say that the agent might give a lower rate. When I told this phone call story to one of my outside agents, she confirmed that it happened to her recently. On her own sailing on Princess, she received a phone call — not automated — a real live person. The conversation was the same- thank you for sailing with us, and if you need anything or want to book a future cruise, you can call Princess directly. She then told the gal, she was a travel agent and to remove her name from any calling list. So it seems that Princess does not have enough staff to take our orders or to answer questions, but they do have the staff to try to steal our clients. I have been waiting over 3 weeks for a Princess agent to return my call about needed meeting space for a small group. I wonder when I will get a call telling me to book directly in the future. But from now on, I will not give Princess my client’s phone number. And I will alert my clients to inform me if they do get any personal calls to please alert me. More importantly, I will no longer offer Princess as readily as I had in the past. Costa deserves a new beginning. Princess just stabbed me in the back. I think agents should make known their feelings about this Princess policy.
Travel Agent Professional
6 B y P a u l l T i c k n e r
Thinking Out of The Box If harnessing the valuable
potential from untapped niche markets is on your agenda let me
offer with you some ideas that will set you well apart from your competitors. It’s something I’ve been doing for travel agents for well over 30 years and there’s never a shortage of bright ideas, if you know where to look… For many, the annual Chelsea Flower Show (end May) is the hook for a customised UK garden tour. If you’re making a pitch to your garden contacts, give your proposal an edge by suggesting a full day at the Show (it changes every year) and some privately owned gardens in London before a gentle meander through the castles and gardens in the Cotswolds and North Wales and a grand finale at Bloom, Ireland’s largest gardening and food event.
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
October 2014
7 Alternatively you can start with 3 days in Paris and include a visit to the Journees des Plantes at the Chateau de Courson before taking the Eurostar to London for Chelsea. Another May option brings together the Cotswolds and the 2015 Olimpick Games (note the spelling), the Hatfield House Flower Festival, a Eurostar ride to Paris and the first day at the annual Jardins Jardin Show in the city centre. Finally, a tailor made garden tour you won’t find in many, if any tour operator’s brochures blends together Scottish castles, whisky distilleries and the Gardening Scotland show in Edinburgh before a flight to Paris for the Jardins Jardin show, Monet’s glorious garden at Giverny and other must see attractions. Murder Mystery fans will be thrilled by the prospect of an itinerary that combines Inspectors Morse and Lewis in Oxford with 2 – 3 days on the English Riviera (aka Torquay) where they will be celebrating Agatha Christie’s 125th birthday. To widen the appeal, you can add a memorable ‘On
Copyright: Story Museum, Oxford
Location’ side trip to the small Cornish fishing village where most of the filming of Doc Martin took place.
Staying with the literary theme for a moment, families
By a happy coincidence and at around the same time,
will sit up and take notice when you mention the 2
the Jane Austen Festival is taking place in Bath which
words Harry Potter. Having grabbed their attention
then gives you an intriguing ‘Bookshelf Tour’.
you can then offer them a tour that includes a couple (continued on page 10)
Travel Agent Professional
8
of nights in Oxford where you can add Alice in
And finally, there’s just one more anniversary for you
Wonderland as the city celebrates the 150th anniver-
to consider. On June 15, 1215, Magna Carta or the
sary of the first publication of Lewis Carroll’s interna-
Great Charter of the Liberties of England was sealed
tionally popular novel. There’s also a special walking
under oath by King John at Runnymede on the banks
tour that explores the world of the Mad Hatter and
of the River Thames. Widely known throughout the
the Dodo, Lyn and Will (His Dark Materials, the epic
English speaking world, it led to the rule of constitu-
trilogy by Philip Pullman) and Prince Caspian and
tional law in England and beyond and it’s being cele-
Aslan (The Chronicles of Narnia by C S Lewis). To
brated by a number of major exhibitions in Salisbury
round off the tour experience and en route for
Cathedral, the Bodleian Library Oxford, Lincoln
London spend a few hours at the Warner Brothers
Castle and at the British Library in London. With the
Making of Harry Potter attraction including the new
addition of places like Sulgrave Manor George
Dark Arts feature.
Washington’s ancestral home, Pilgrim Fathers’ country due west of Lincoln, the Benjamin Franklin House in
At nearby Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir
London and other famous places with American asso-
Winston Churchill there’s a long menu of events
ciations you can see how this theme can be brought
marking the 50th anniversary of his death, the 75th
to life for clients in the legal profession or for teach-
anniversary of his first becoming Prime Minister and
ers who are looking for a different way of shaking the
the 75h anniversary of his ‘Finest Hour’ at the Battle
dust off the British history books.
of Britain.
October 2014
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10 Be Known for What You Do Best C i n d y
How many times have you gone to a social or business event and been asked, “So
B e r t r a m
what do you do?” You give your “elevator pitch,” and hopefully this results in more of a continuing conversation. You really get a better idea of what that other person does, and they learn more about you do. And if there’s good synergy, it won’t be just a quick exchange of business cards. There could be ways to par tner together, or maybe that person could just be a potential client. On the flip side, if you’ve mentioned handling and booking
By Cindy Bertram Cindy's Inside Cruise & Travel Track, LLC
travel, how many times has that person commented, “Oh, I didn’t know travel agents and agencies were still around. I thought everything was done online...”
Changing the Picture and Avoiding Myopia When that question comes up, we do need to “change the picture” so to speak. Theodore Levitt’s famous “Marketing Myopia” first published in Harvard Business Review over 3 decades ago still provides great insights for us today. Myopia is defined as nearsightedness or narrow mindedness. In “Marketing Myopia,” Levitt berated certain growth industries for slowing down, including the railroad industry. As Levitt explained, the railroad industry ceased growing not because of increased competition, but because it incorrectly defined itself. It should have viewed itself as being in the transportation business, not the railroad business. Comparing Levitt’s example to the travel industry today, future success really involves making sure that as travel agent professionals, we need to really define ourselves better because we do fulfill new needs. We’re no longer a “one size fits all” business model.
October 2014
11
— Creating Your Brand Successful Branding and ‘the boys next store” – Chicago’s Walter E. Smithe Walter E. Smithe Furniture is one of the most recognized, admired and successful Chicago businesses today. This 4th generation family owned business, led by Tim Smithe, CMO and his two brothers, Walter and Mark, blossomed from just under $1,000,000 in sales back in 1984 to over $100,000,000 just twenty years later. They’ve turned a good company into a great one. Tim mentions, “A big change has been the introduction of the big box stores. They are cookie-cutter and lack personality. Our strategy has been to remain ourselves, remind the audience that we are family owned since 1945, and are here to help them design their homes so that it reflects them. We don’t pretend to dictate fashion as the giant corporation stores do.” Another strength their company provides involves their merchandise. Tim further explains, “We do “selection”
Tim Smithe, CMO of Walter E. Smithe Furniture
really well. We offer merchandise from over 200 dif-
think it resonates with Chicagoland and NW Indiana.”
ferent sources, so shoppers can always find what
As CMO, Tim also notes, “I am the brand champion
they had in mind. “
for the company, and I think long-and-hard about marketing ideas and placement as we move ahead.”
When you’re in the Chicago area and watch any of the major television stations, the Walter E. Smithe
As the brand champion, Tim has successfully taken
Furniture commercials immediately grab your atten-
the Smithe name from relative obscurity into the
tion because they’re classy, fun and bring more a real
household name it is today, thanks to his “out-of-the-
family side to the business.
box” storytelling, creative execution and unconventional style. His advertising work has been featured
As far as marketing and branding, Tim mentions, “
everywhere, from Oprah to the NBC Nightly News,
The strategy of marketing ourselves as we really are
major radio stations and newspapers, along with
has been successful. We are whimsical, fun, and ‘the
blogs.
boys next store.’ It is easy to create advertising when it is genuine. We have fun when we film the
Also an accomplished speaker who’s presented
WALTER E. SMITHE FURNITURE commercials, and I
(continued on page 6)
Travel Agent Professional
12 keynotes, Tim’s witty, entertaining style combines well
himself by “rolling up his sleeves.” When he spoke at
with his talent for providing relevant examples, and
a Loyola University Chicago Graduate School of
being to the point. I first met Tim when he spoke at an
Business annual alumni event I co-chaired, titled “So
American Marketing Association presentation in
You Want to Be an Entrepreneur?” Tim shared fun,
Chicago, and since then he’s become a good colleague.
valuable examples of his own “learning by doing” and becoming the brand champion. I’ve also picked up
“Brand Love”
Tim’s willing to share his insights, and tips he’s learned
valuable tips when it comes to branding.
Figuring Out Your “Brand” Yes, we all have a “brand” that we need to convey when speaking to the people we meet at different functions, as well as clients, friends of clients, and future potential clients. So how do you figure out your brand and then become a “brand champion”? While recently at Social Media Week Chicago, one of the Masterclasses I attended was titled “Brand Love.” It was hosted by Tongal, an on-demand creative studio that specializes in creating “brand love.” Jamie Newton, Head of Central Accounts, Tongal and Steve Lindstrom, Head of Innovation, Tongal, first asked us, “What brands do you love and why?” After going through our responses, some key things came up. People are drawn to brands for certain reasons - empathy, commitment, mystery as far as people being drawn to what they don’t know, compassion, one of the 5 senses, or even “a small perfect gesture” that’s remembered long after. My takeaways? When we think about our brand and how we convey that, it goes back to what we do best for our clients. In my case, I love being a “Happy Creator” but also love providing those small perfect gestures that are remembered long after my clients return from their trips. Yes, we all have our own personal “brand” and by defining that more concisely? We can fulfill needs and not become extinct.
October 2014
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Showcase How Americans Roll — Study by Enterprise Uncovers Gender Preferences and Travel Trends New Survey Reveals Americans Prefer Short Weekend Road Trips Over Week-Long Vacations Whether we’re heading out for a simple change of scenery… hitting the road to see the changing fall colors… or donning our school colors for some football and tailgating, autumn is a prime season for weekend getaways. And, according to new research from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the world’s largest rental car brand, these relatively brief road trips may be the most popular vacations of all – beating out those long summer weeks at the beach. The study* finds that Americans prefer shorter weekend road trips versus week-long vacations. Specifically, two-thirds (66 percent) prefer to take a one day or weekend road trip as opposed to 31 percent who prefer to take at least a week-long trip. More than half (57 percent) report that they would drive up to 300 miles one way for a weekend trip, and almost 75 percent prefer to drive to their destinations because of the freedom it provides. “Our study found that Americans are willing to drive long distances for a little rest and relaxation, even if it’s just over a weekend,” said Steve Short, vice president at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. “With car rental branches located within 15 miles of 90 percent of the U.S. population, Enterprise makes it easy and convenient for drivers to travel to their destinations.” Other driving and leisure trends identified through the research include: Gender: • Men love the drive, while women focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. Forty-two percent of men were likely to take a road trip because they like to drive, versus a quarter of women. In contrast, women were 1.5 times more likely than men to report that they take road trips because they come back rejuvenated and refreshed. • Forty-one percent of women reported that they’re likely to have rented a vehicle for a road trip to prevent wear and tear on their own cars, versus merely a quarter of men. Comparatively — by a margin of 11-to-1 — men
claim they’ve rented a vehicle for the opportunity to drive a new car compared with their female counterparts. Age • Millennials (ages 25–34) report having the least amount of time to take road trips. More than half (51 percent) are unable to take more trips because they can’t be away from work. • Millennials will make time on a road trip for food (35 percent), but are less likely to take time for scenic drives and attractions. • Younger adults (under age 45) are more likely to value spending time with family on road trips, compared with their older counterparts. Region • On average, Midwesterners are willing to drive the farthest for road trips. • Westerners are almost three times more likely than those in other regions to take a road trip for outdoor recreation. Almost one-third (31 percent) of them drive to their destination because of its remoteness. • Southerners are almost twice as likely to involve family in their road trip decision compared to their counterparts in other regions (19 percent vs. 10 percent). They are also inclined to drive the farthest for a day trip (244-mile round trip) compared to Northeasterners (202-mile round trip). • Northeasterners take the fewest number of days for leisure trips and report traveling most often for entertainment (e.g. concerts, sporting events). Enterprise has always focused on community transportation needs, renting cars where customers live and work. Today, Enterprise continues to lead the home-city market, operating over 5,500 offices — more locations than any U.S. competitor. For more information, visit www.enterprise.com.
October 2014
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Travel Agent Professional
Auto Europe Features A-ROSA 2015 Family Friendly Cruises On The Danube Including Children’s Programs Auto Europe in conjunction with David Morris International, is offering A-ROSA Family Friendly Cruises onboard the A-Rosa Donna. The Donna starts out in Passau, Germany visiting a classical route including Slovakia, Hungary, Austria and returning back to Passau. The new onboard program is available during summer school holidays in the months of July and August and features trained staff members with a host of children’s programs. Crew will also prepare children’s favorite meals and all children will receive gift boxes with surprises such as toys and games. Childcare services may also be available on select departures. All children up to 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by an adult in the same cabin and cabin category A on the A-Rosa Donna features triple occupancy.
In addition to Family Friendly Cruising on the Danube, A-Rosa offers over 200 departures for 2015 including Rhone/Saone, Rhine, Danube, Moselle and Main rivers in Europe. Fares have been reduced on many of the 2015 sailings and with their early booking incentives, save $1000 per couple when you make a 2015 reservation by October 31, 2014. In addition, singles save more as every sailing has waived Single Supplements in at least one category and up to three children sail free with just one adult (Ages 2-15). Auto Europe services over 10,000 car rental locations in over 135 countries worldwide. In addition, through their tour division, Destination Europe, they offer scheduled airfare to Europe with over thirty carriers and service 3, 4 & 5 star worldwide hotels.
For additional information, detailed itineraries, and also pre and post sailing savings on car rental services, chauffeur meet and greet at the pier and hotel services, contact Auto Europe at 1-855-552-7672
NEW! MiFi Rentals With Airfare Packages & Hotel Services in The UK, France, Italy & Germany From Auto Europe! Auto Europe’s tour division, Destination Europe is offering MiFi units with any European travel package including air, hotel and car rental in the UK, France, Italy and Germany; you only pay $5.00 USD per day to access data. The product is the Huawei Mobile WiFi E5331 model that permits connectivity with up to eight WiFi enabled devices up to 30 feet from the portable router, via a secure password protected connection. Each unit comes with a user manual, SIM equipped for 3G cellular access in the country of preference, wall & car USB charger and a convenient carrying case. The SIM cards are only available for the UK, France, Italy and Germany (one country per SIM). There is a data limit, but it's different per country and three of the countries are "fair use". This offer is valid for citizens residing in the United
States only and for qualifying reservations in the UK, France, Italy and Germany. Promotion is valid for bookings made now through October 31, 2014 for travel any time. Seven day advanced booking notice required. The hotspots are shipped in advance of departure to Europe and sent back to Auto Europe via FedEx with a prepaid shipping label. The shipping charge is $40.00 USD. Offer can change at any time and is subject to availability while supplies last. Additional restrictions may apply. Auto Europe services over 20,000 car rental locations in over 135 countries worldwide. In addition, through their tour division, Destination Europe, they offer scheduled airfare to Europe with over thirty carriers and service over 70,000 3, 4 & 5 star worldwide hotels. For additional information contact your local sales representative or Auto Europe at (800) 223-5555. Visit their web site at http://www.autoeurope.com.
1 . 8 0 0 . 2 2 3 . 5 5 5 5 • w w w. a u t o e u r o p e . c o m 39 Commercial St., P.O. Box 7006, Portland, ME 04112
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Avoya Travel Partners With AwardWinning Digital Advertising Agency Avoya Engages Piston to Continue Accelerating Growth Avoya Travel ® , an American Express Travel Representative and one of the world’s leading travel companies, today announced it has hired Piston as a new advertising agency partner. The new partnership will serve to accelerate Avoya’s leadership position within the travel industry by leveraging Piston’s best-of-class marketing expertise and experience. “We are pleased to welcome Piston to the Avoya Travel family,” said Sam McCully, Vice President of Marketing for Avoya Travel. “We’re confident that Piston’s bestin-class capability will help us deliver upon our aggressive growth strategy and plan for the future.” Piston will provide creative and media support as part of Avoya’s long-term strategy of strengthening the brand through innovation and technologies that enhance the customer experience. As the brand continues growing and reaching new consumers, Avoya’s focus will remain centered on a very important principal: changing the way people purchase vacations. “We are delighted to partner with a company that has such a rich heritage in innovation and leader-
ship within the travel category, and we look forward to applying Piston’s industry-leading experience in accelerating the growth of Avoya,” said Piston President and co-founder, John Hartman. About Avoya Travel: Avoya Travel® has a long-standing reputation for being one of the world’s largest and most innovative travel companies. As an American Express Travel Representative for more than 25 years, Avoya is deeply committed to Integrity and Professionalism™, service, and value in every aspect of planning cruises and vacations. With an elite network of independently owned and operated travel
agencies, Avoya provides exclusive discounts, amenities, and firstclass customer service to travelers worldwide. For this, Avoya has received numerous accolades, including being named ‘Travel Agency of the Year’, by Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises, American Express, Oceania Cruises, and more. Travel agency owners and experienced professionals interested in growing their businesses should contact Avoya Travel at 800-5212597 or visit www.JoinAvoya.com. Travelers interested in booking their next vacation with Avoya Travel, should call 800-753-1463 or visit www.AvoyaTravel.com.
About Pistion: Piston is a full-service digital agency located in New York and San Diego. Piston creates successful communications between brands and customers based on a deeper understanding of commerce, culture and technology. By connecting these three concepts, Piston builds and tracks brand relationships that span all media, channels and marketing capabilities for clients for clients such as Cars.com, Oakley, Intuit, Lancôme, Giorgio Armani, and many more. www.pistonagency.com
Travel agency owners and experienced professionals interested in growing their businesses should contact Avoya Travel at 800-521-2597 or visit www.JoinAvoya.com. Travelers interested in booking their next vacation with Avoya Travel, should call 800-753-1463 or visit www.AvoyaTravel.com.
October 2014
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THE SEA KISSES EVERY SHORE. WE TAKE THE RELATIONSHIP EVEN FURTHER.
The sea is calling. It whispers your name, inviting you to a place more beautiful than anything you’ve seen. Where light dances on the waves, and the gentle sound puts you at ease. Where you can enjoy a piña colada, a massage, ice skating and rock climbing all in one place. Only Royal Caribbean International® delivers the one vacation that’s a full sea of possibilities.
October 2014 ROYALCARIBBEAN.COM