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JANUARY 2010
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MAGAZINE
The Travel Agents’ Path to Profits
2010 Guide To Travel Agent Specialist Programs FEATURE ARTICLE: 2 Specialization: Evolve and Profit SPECIALIST PROGRAMS: 4-8
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TRAVEL MARKETING MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Jet Airtransport Exchange, Inc. (JAX) 52 W Main St., Milford, CT 06460, 203-301-0255, F: 203-301-0250 Audited Circulation Douglas Cooke, CTC Publisher & Editorial Director, doug@jaxfax.com Randi White | Randi@jaxfax.com Vice President & Associate Publisher Jeff Posner | Jeff@jaxfax.com Associate Publishing Manager | Contributing Editor Maria Lisella Editor, Maria@jaxfax.com Lillian Africano Cruise Editor, LillianAfricano@jaxfax.com Katie Hultgren | Katie@jaxfax.com Editorial Assistant, Listings | Circulation Manager Chantal Guillou-Brennan | CBjaxfax@aol.com Art & Production Director | Webmaster Marjorie Vincent | Marjorie@jaxfax.com Business Manager Clifton N. Cooke, CTC. | Clif@jaxfax.com Founding Publisher & Editor-at-Large Worldwide Correspondents Tom Bross: Central Europe Mercedes Cardona: Central & South America Marian Goldberg: Asia Pacific Ted Heck: Ski Lisa Loverro: Africa & the Middle East Denise Mattia: Dive Travel Susan McKee: USA/Canada Melanie Reffes: Caribbean Jonathan Siskin: Cruise Contributing Editors Nina Africano, Jeff Burdick, Ron Butler, Monique Burns, Christopher Cooke, Phyllis Cocroft, Jad Davenport, Denise Dubé, Katharine Dyson, Ben Frank, Patricia Earnest, Chantal GuillouBrennan, Patricia Harris, Danielle Hayes, Joan Jenkins, Mark Laiosa, Bob Levine, David Lyon, Merrie Murray, Barbara Radcliffe Rogers, Stillman Rogers, Betty Rolston. Advertising: sales@jaxfax.com Circulation & Subscriptions circulation@jaxfax.com; 800-952-9329 Member of: ASTA–American Society of Travel Agents; ATA–Africa Travel Assoc.; NTA– National Tour Association; ATME–Association of Travel Marketing Executives.; CHA– Caribbean Hotel Assoc.; CTO–Caribbean Tourism Organization; PATA–Pacific Asia Travel Assoc.; USTOA–United States Tour Operators Assoc. “JAX FAX Travel Marketing Magazine” (ISSN 0279-7984) is published monthly by Jet Airtransport Exchange Inc., 52 West Main Street, Milford, CT 06460. Periodicals postage paid at Milford, CT, & additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to JAX FAX Travel Marketing Magazine, 52 West Main St., Milford, CT 06460. COPYRIGHT 2010. All rights reserved. Printed in U.S.A. No part of this publication may be reproduced in print or electronically without permission. Direct requests for permission to the Publisher, JAX FAX, 52 West Main St., Milford, CT 06460 or via Email: Doug@jaxfax.com
VOLUME 1, NO. 1 800-952-9329
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JANUARY 2010 www.jaxfax.com
Content ARTICLES FROM SUPPLIERS: Specialization: Evolve and Profit. By John T. Peters, CTIE, CEO of Tripology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
COMPANY PROFILES DIRECTORY Atout France .....................................................4
Royal Scenic.......................................................7
Australia's Northern Territory ......................4
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts .........7
CLIA-Cruise Lines International Association ....4
Singapore Tourism Board................................8
Costa Rica Study Tours ...................................4
Tahiti Tourisme North America.....................8
Egyptian Tourist Authority ..............................4
Tourism Australia..............................................8
Ethiopian Airlines..............................................6
Tourism New Zealand.....................................8
Goway Travel .....................................................6
Turkish Culture & Tourist Office...................8
Israel Ministry of Tourism ...............................6
USACA ...............................................................8
Japan National Tourism Organization ..........6
Other Educational Programs
Macau Government Tourism Office .............6
Brazilian Travel Service ....................................8
Mexico Tourism Board ....................................6
Cosmopolitan Travel ........................................8
Philippine Department of Tourism ...............6
Hariworld...........................................................8
PromPeru ...........................................................7
Tia Stephanie Tours..........................................8
ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY Aegean Med Cruise & Tours ..........................6 Bolongo Bay.......................................................7 Ethiopian Airlines ..............Inside front Cover Foreign Independant Tours ............................6 Goway Travel .....................................................2 India Tourist Office ...........Inside back Cover
Incredible Vacations..........................................7 Travel Bound......................................................5 Tripology.............................................................1 Tourism Australia .............................................3 Singapore Tourist Office ..............Back Cover
Only the Strong Survive & Travel Specialists = THE STRONG To show its support of Travel Specialists, Tripology is offering you FREE lead credits! • Register at www.tripology.com/agent • Email us at contact@tripology.com to let us know you saw this ad and want to be connected with consumers looking for Travel Specialists.
JANUARY 2010 • JAXFAX ANNUAL GUIDE TO AGENT SPECIALIST PROGRAMS. SUPPLEMENT
1
Specialization: Evolve and Profit By John T. Peters, CTIE, CEO of Tripology
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What Today’s Travel Consumers Are Looking For At Tripology, we’ve processed more than 120,000 consumer trip requests. I can tell you that most consumers are looking for insider information; the stuff you can’t find on the internet. Sure, anyone or any program can give you a list of hotels, tell you which ones are available and at what price and even give you ratings, consumer reviews but, after a consumer puts this itinerary together and looks at the hotel photos, how does he/she know if this is the best option?
The consumer, at the end of the day, still wants validation from a travel specialist that the trip they’re about to take is indeed the best option (from destination to price to all the other trip attributes.) They want to know they’ll be taken care of. They want someone to do all the work because they’re busy working or shuttling kids to soccer practice. They want an advocate in case something goes awry (read cancelled flights and overbooked hotels).They don’t want to hear “I can book anything for anyone”. They want to hear “I’ve been there many times, I speak the language, the GM of the hotel is a friend, I’m an expert at this and here’s what you should do.” They want information that can’t, in its entirety, be found anywhere (internet or not) except in the mind of very well traveled, experienced, travel professional who is a master at their craft. Without this extra, insider information, personal experience and personal contacts, you are not as valuable as you would hope. Today’s traveling consumer isn’t looking for a travel agent; they’re looking for a professional travel specialist. With some work, this can be you. If you’re already there, great! Now you can go online to visit www.tripology.com/jaxfax because we have consumers who want to connect with you and a special offer to get you started.
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Choose A Travel Specialty Are you having trouble picking a specialty? Here’s how to pick yours. First, make three lists, each containing at least three or four items/services/destinations, etc.These are:
List #1) What are you most passionate about? Really, what do you love selling? List #2) At what can you be the very best in the world? What do you know cold and better than anyone else? List #3) What items/services/destinations can you make the most money selling? Profit is the name of the game. If you can’t make money doing it, try something else. Now, take those three lists. Any item/service/destination that comes up in all three lists is what you should specialize in, i.e. it’s the product or place or trip type that you love selling, that at which you’re an expert and it’s something at which you can make money when you do sell it. If you aren’t an expert at it, or you don’t love selling it or if you can’t make money when you do sell it, pick something else because what you have is a hobby, not a profession. By the way, “cruises” isn’t a specialty any more than “hotels” is a specialty. Family cruises, small-ship cruises, sailing cruises; those are specialties. Now, read every page of this supplement. Your specialty will jump out at you. Enroll, join, study, pass the tests and then, get traveling. True travel specialists travel… often.
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’ve been preaching specialization to travel agents for years. Never before however, has the idea been so critical to survival. Online Travel Agencies, Google City Tours and a million other places online where consumers can find generic travel information are about to put the nail in the coffin of the travel agent generalist. This won’t be immediate, but it is imminent. Do I sound like an alarmist? Maybe, but few people disagree with my message. Are you a travel professional that really doesn’t specialize in anything? You know, the “I know a bit about everything and even if I don’t I’ll find out about it so I can pretty much book anything for anyone” type? If so, this special supplement of Jax Fax Travel Marketing Magazine might very well be the most important thing you read before your professional life takes a turn. The choice you make in the path to extinction or paradise is up to you. I’d like to suggest you have a hard conversation with yourself about your future in travel.The day of the travel agent generalist is coming to an end.The good news is you have some time to make a change; to determine your specialization, to become relevant and important. When you sit down with yourself, bring an open mind, bring the passion that got you into this business in the first place and bring a bottle of wine, because this is going to take some “out of the box” thinking.
/ ] Û Ã Ì www.goway.com/gsa À V> 800 387 8850 2
JAXFAX ANNUAL GUIDE TO AGENT SPECIALIST PROGRAMS. SUPPLEMENT • JANUARY 2010
Look everyone! Tourism Australia’s award winning Aussie Specialist Program is now even better. Sign up for free and become an Aussie Specialist today! 8ljkiXc`X `j fe\ f] k_\ dfjk ]XjZ`eXk`e^ Xe[ jg\ZkXZlcXi Zfleki`\j fe \Xik_% FeZ\ pfli Zljkfd\ij _Xm\ _X[ Xe `e`k`Xc kXjk\ f] 8ljkiXc`X# k_\p n`cc nXek kf ^f YXZb X^X`e Xe[ X^X`e% Kf _\cg gifm`[\ pfl n`k_ k_\ befnc\[^\ Xe[ jb`ccj e\\[\[ kf j\cc 8ljkiXc`X dfi\ \]]\Zk`m\cp kf pfli Zljkfd\ij# Kfli`jd 8ljkiXc`X _Xj cXleZ_\[ X e\n `eefmXk`m\ m\ij`fe f] `kj 8ljj`\ Jg\Z`Xc`jk Gif^iXd n\Yj`k\ Xe[ fec`e\ kiX`e`e^ gif^iXd% AS AN AUSSIE SPECIALIST TRAVEL AGENT YOU WILL BE RECOGNIZED AND REWARDED FOR YOUR EXPERTISE AND KNOWLEDGE OF AUSTRALIA. Your Aussie Specialist qualification allows you to access a number of exclusive benefits including: Fggfikle`k`\j kf kiXm\c k_ifl^_$flk 8ljkiXc`X fe trips organised by Tourism Australia and partners 8ljj`\ Jg\Z`Xc`jk KiXm\c :clY d\dY\ij_`g 8ZZ\jj kf dXib\k`e^ kffcj Xe[ i\jfliZ\j fe 8ljkiXc`X @em`kXk`fej kf Xkk\e[ \oZclj`m\ \m\ekj ?\cgc`e\ Xe[ \dX`c jlggfik :fek`el\[ c\Xie`e^ n`k_ X[[`k`feXc kiX`e`e^ df[lc\j 8ljj`\ Jg\Z`Xc`jk ZfccXk\iXc `eZcl[`e^ Z\ik`]`ZXk\j# n`e[fn Xe[ Ylj`e\jj ZXi[ jk`Zb\ij
SIGN UP FOR FREE AND BECOME AN AUSSIE SPECIALIST TODAY:
aussiespecialist.com For more information contact: Americas: _fkc`e\7kfli`jd%XljkiXc`X%Zfd Phone: (/'' *// +--) n`k_`e LJ8 ]ifd :XeX[X
COMPANY PROFILES DIRECTORY Travel Agent Specialist Programs from A to Z Atout France 825 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022 Website: www.franceguide.com Contact: Nancy Anderson Email: nancy.anderson@franceguide.com Number of Specialists: 620 Name: Certified Destination France Travel Agent Program(s) offered at: //formation.franceguide.com Description: By accessing the training course, the travel agent can choose to take one of 3 sessions; General information, French regions, or Themes. Specifically, General Information includes some key points and practical information. French Regions covers the destination in a geographical manner (including France‘s overseas departments). Lastly, the Themes module touches upon everything from lifestyle and culture to activities and business travel. Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips. Consumer Referrals. Other: Priority invitation to ATOUT FRANCE seminars. Registration on our online search engine of French specialists. Tips to and from other agents in FOCUS, our monthly newsletter to 22,000 tourism industry contacts. Invitations to special events, like premiere film screenings. Free shipping of brochures
Australia's Northern Territory 1334 Parkview Ave., Suite 300, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266; www.specialist.australia.com; 310-545-4200 Contact: Maria Escalona; maria@myriadmarketing.com Program Name: Maria Escalona Program(s) offered online? Yes • Link: Above Description: Australia's Northern Territory - the real out-
back - is the most incredible place. It presents itself with a variety of natural attractions and diversified flora and fauna. It is wetlands, billabongs, escarpments, gorges, deserts and semi-arid plains. Becoming a Northern Territory Specialist will give you the extra knowledge to put together an unforgettable experience! Program Benefits: FAM Trips.
CLIA - Cruise Lines International Association 910 SE7th Street, Fort Lauderdale FL 33316 Website: www.cruising.org; Phone: 754-224-2200 Contact: Bernie Blomquist; bblomquist@cruising.org Number of Specialists: 65 Program Name: Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC), Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC), Elite Cruise Counsellor (ECC) ECCS LCS Program(s) offered at: www.cruising.org Description : CLIA is widely recognized as the premier Training organization in the Industry with our curriculum and Trainers rated as the "Gold Standard". Research has proven that upon achieving CLIA Certification the average Travel Agent experiences a 261%increase in sales! Online Training, "in-market" live seminars, seminars on DVD are available when you are! This is a wonderful opportunity to earn required credits toward Cruise Counsellor Certification. You will learn proven and practical methods to help you increase your cruise sales and profits! Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips. Consumer Referrals. Bonus Commission.
Costa Rica Study Tours Apdo. 46-5655, Monteverde, Costa Rica 60109
www.crstudytours.com, Phone: 506-2645-7090 Contact: Sarah Stuckey; crstudy@racsa.co.cr Program(s) offered at: www.crstudytours.com Description: Costa Rica Study Tours offers high quality educational tours, with moderate prices, that provide a well rounded of vision of social, cultural, ecological, historical aspects and human development in the places visited. The tours are for different markets, focusing on personalized service with an educational orientation. The company offers agricultural tours, student tours, peace tours, and other educational trips. Program Benefits: Consumer Referrals
Egyptian Tourist Authority 630 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2305, New York, NY 10111 Website: www.egypt.travel; Phone: 212-332-2570 Contact: ElSayed Khalifa; info.us@egypt.travel Program Name: Egypt Travel Specialist Program Program(s) offered at: www.EgyptTravelSpecialist.com Description: The Egyptian Tourist Authority's travel agent specialist program will let you find out why Egypt is just about the Hottest Selling International Destination today and why it tops the list of Best Value vacation options for your clients. On top of that, you'll learn how Egypt provides the perfect fit for increasing customer demands for vacations with outdoor and adventure travel experiences. The Egypt specialist course provides you with an overview of the country's key attractions; assists you to match your clients' special interests with the right Egypt vacation experience for them, and provides resources to help you to market and sell the destination. Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips. Consumer Referrals.
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JAXFAX ANNUAL GUIDE TO AGENT SPECIALIST PROGRAMS. SUPPLEMENT • JANUARY 2010
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Ethiopian Airlines 277 S. Washington St., Suite 120, Alexandria, Virginia 22314 • www.ethiopianairlines.com; 800-445-2733 Contact: Mariam Wargo, mwargo@seeyouinethiopia.com; Zelda Dongo zdongo@groupist.com Number of Specialists: 12 Program Name: Ethiopian Airlines Journeys Program(s) offered at: www.ethiopianairlines.com Description: Tours feature Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania,Uganda and Rwanda,Djibouti,Egypt, Zambia, and Zimbabwe... and can be customized and combined to your clients requirements. Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips. Consumer Referrals. Bonus Commission.
Goway Travel 5757 West Century Blvd, Suite 807, Los Angeles, CA 90045 • www.goway.com; 800 387 8850 Contact: John McGonigle; john.mcgonigle@goway.com Program Name: Goway Special Agents (GSA's) Program(s) offered at: www.goway.com/gsa Description: Make up to 15% - Qualify with your next booking. Become a Special Goway Agent! We invite you to join a special group of agents that make up to 15% selling Goway products. There is no joining fee. You will be required to reach achievable production levels and make a commitment to advertise and promote our products. Program Benefits: FAM Trips. Bonus Commission.
Israel Ministry of Tourism 800 Second Avenue 16th floor, New York, NY 10017 Website: www.goisrael.com; 888.77.ISRAEL Contact: Anat Levi; anatl@imot.org Program Name: Israel Education Course Program(s) offered at: goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Articles/Recommend+Online+Specialists+Course.htm Description: Israel Education Course (For travel agents only) offers an in-depth look at this vibrant destination. After the suc-
FREE FAM When You Book Your 2010/2011 Group Now 37 years experience to Greece, the Greek Isles, Egypt, Italy, Turkey, Spain & Portugal, France, Eastern & Western Med, & Eastern Europe. Specializing in Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Incentive Groups, Student Groups, Pilgrimages, FIT's, Cultural & Special Interest Tours, European Cruises, Spa packages & FAM's. MEMBERS OF ASTA, IATA, CLIA, TABS, NTA TOUR OPERATORS, & BERKLEY ERRORS & OMISSIONS INSURANCE OF $2,000.000.
Call: 877-AEGEAN1 Email: aegean@aol.com Fax: 1-718-645-4865 www.aegeanmedtours.com 6
cessful completion of the course, you will be designated as an Israel Destination Specialist and earn three CEUs from The Travel Institute. In addition, as a new benefit, all graduates will be listed on the Israel Ministry of Tourism website as Israel Specialists who can assist consumers in planning their trip to Israel. In the 4-part travel agent education course, you will learn about the various aspects of religious, historical, cultural, active and leisure travel in Israel. Israel offers an amazing array of leisure vacation options that take full advantage of its four seas: the Red, the Med, the Dead and the Galilee, including an opportunity to experience an amazing collection of world-class spas, exciting nightlife, sophisticated cuisine and award-winning wineries. Once you've completed the program, you will have all of the information needed to book your client on an unforgettable vacation. To complete the Israel Education Course, visit www.recommend.com/education where you can access the quizzes and download your certificate upon completion. Program Benefits: After the successful completion of the course, you will be designated as an Israel Destination Specialist and earn three CEUs from The Travel Institute. In addition, as a new benefit, all graduates will be listed on the Israel Ministry of Tourism website as Israel Specialists who can assist consumers in planning their trip to Israel.
Japan National Tourism Organization 11 West 42nd Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10036 www.japantravelinfo.com, Phone: 212-757-5640 Contact: Kazuko Maratea; kmaratea@jntonyc.org Program Name: Japan Travel Specialist (JTS) Offered at: www.travelagentacademy.com/japan Description: Japan Travel Specialist (JTS) program is designed for travel agents in the US and Canada. We have been offering a 3 session seminar followed by short test online. This seminar will enable you to access all the tools you need to increase your profits through sales to Japan as a memorable destination. You can take the seminar at your convenience. The various links in the seminar are absolutely helpful for your further education. The tests are automatically scored, so you’ll know how you are doing right away; then, you will have the opportunity to go back and correct any mistakes. Once you pass the test, you will be certified as a JTS and be entitled to various JTS privileges: JTS Certificate and exclusive use of JTS logo, receiving an informative bi-monthly E-newsletter, free searchable agency listing at the “FIND JAPAN TRAVEL SPECIALIST” travel agents; on Japan National Tourism Organization’s website: www.japantravelinfo.com, exclusive study opportunities, including Japan showcases, seminars and FAM trips, free promotional materials. Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips. Consumer Referrals. Bonus Commission. Other: Exclusive use of JTS logo. Receiving an informative bi-monthly E-newsletter. Free promotional materials. JTS Desk for supporting the members
Macau Government Tourism Office 1334 Parkview Ave. #300,Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 www.visitmacauchina.com; 310 545 3464 Contact: Jonathan Cooper; jcooper@pmgemail.com Program Name: Macau Specialist Program Program(s) at: www.travelagentacademy.com/macau Description: An introduction to Macau from it's location to it's rich and colorful history and culture. The program is one chapter and graduates are eligible for FAM trips as a souvenir from the Macau Government Tourist Office. Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips. Consumer Referrals. Other: We will run special incentives for Agents to book Macau through one of our wholesale and tour operator partners throughout the year.
Mexico Tourism Board 400 Madison Ave., Suite 11c, New York, NY 10017 www.visitmexico.com; 212-308-2110 Contact: Greg Custer; greg@destinationventures.com Programs: Magic of Mexico; Acapulco Academy; Puerto Vallarta Pro; Los Cabos Expert; Cancun Tourism Institute Program(s) offered at: www.magicofmexico.com Description: The Mexico Tourism Board has developed an interactive learning resource for our travel agent, meeting
planner, and tour operator partners. You will find a complete Campus of knowledge, resources, and sales insights. The Magic of Mexico Campus will help you gain the confidence and experience to make Mexico your agency’s most popular and profitable leisure destination. Whether you’re a novice or a true Mexico expert, our courses will show you Mexico’s stunning beauty, historic grandeur, and unique attractions. Selling trips to our southern neighbor will be simple. From 6,000 miles of sunkissed shore, to its 30 centuries of cultural heritage, Mexico is fascinating and easily explored. Complete this exciting FREE online study course, and you’ll receive “Mexico Specialist”; status from the Mexico Tourism Board, exclusive benefits, and our fully updated, full-color “Magic of Mexico” Sales Guide. There’s also a diploma to certify your expertise and continuing education credits! Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips. Consumer Referrals.
Philippine Department of Tourism 556 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036 www.experience philippines.com; 212-757-7915 Contact: John Rosario; Pdotny@aol.com Program Name: BEYOND THE USUAL Program(s) at: www.travelagentacademy.com/philippines Description: The Philippines Specialist Program is an interactive course for travel agents that enables them to sell more tours to the Philippines. Specialists are eligible to participate in a familiarization tour to the Philippines sponsored by the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT), after which they are elevated to "Pearl Status" and gifted with Philippine Pearls by the Secretary of Tourism. Specialists may be hosted by PDOT for 3 days (transfers, hotel, meals and city tours) should they wish to travel to the Philippines on their own. Specialists will receive updated information to facilitate sales. Bonus incentives are to be awarded to top sellers. The course comprises four seminars followed by quizzes. Course takers may ask their questions online and expect a reply by the "virtual professor" within 48 hours, if not immediately. Upon completion of the course, Philippines Specialists will be knowledgeable about the Philippines' top destinations, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, history-laden locations, hotel accommodation from deluxe to pension-type, transportation, popular festivals, cuisine, shopping opportunities and more! The Philippines boasts many unique features found nowhere else: Banaue Rice Terraces spanning 3 mountain ranges built over 2,000 years ago; Chocolate Hills - a phenomenon of 1,268 natural hills; St. Paul Underground River - the world's longest; Taal the world's smallest volcano; Mayon - world's most perfectly shaped volcano. Philippine Deep is the world's second deepest ocean floor. The Philippines is at the bulls-eye of the world's biodiversity. Thus, the Philippines offers unparalleled diving experiences, the greatest variety of fishes and marine life. The Philippines Specialist Program is a "must" for serious travel agents. Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips.
PromPeru The Commission for Promotion of Peruvian Exports & Tourism 6442 City West Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55344 Website: www.PeruAgent.com Phone: 877-PERU-850 Contact: Sue Ryan; info@PeruAgent.com Name: Peru Travel Agent Specialist Program Program(s) offered at: www.PeruAgent.com Description: PromPeru is excited to introduce its all-new online Peru Travel Agent Specialist Program - specially designed to give U.S. and Canadian agents an edge in destination knowledge to sell Peru. From general facts to curious details and from sample itineraries to those wellguarded inside tips that only Peruvians and veteran travelers know, we are confident that the resources of PeruAgent.com will help Peru Specialists increase their sales. In addition to valuable destination expertise, Certified Peru Specialists also earn continuing education credits from The Travel Institute / Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors, enjoy 24/7 access to all the digital resources of PeruAgent.com; are eligible for exclusive promotions,
JAXFAX ANNUAL GUIDE TO AGENT SPECIALIST PROGRAMS. SUPPLEMENT • JANUARY 2010
FAM trips, and incentives from Peru’s North American Strategic Partners, and most importantly, continue to receive ongoing communication on the latest tourism news in Peru. Visit www.PeruAgent.com to Register. Then unleash all the resources of PeruAgent.com by completing your Specialist Certification, which is as easy as reviewing the easy-to-read lessons and passing the exam. We look forward to working with you as part of the growing Peru Specialist community of Agents. Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips. Consumer Referrals. Bonus Commission. Other: Continuing Education Units (CEU's) from The Travel Institute and Canadian Institute of Travel Counsellors, 24/7 Access to Digital Tourism Resources on PeruAgent.com. Ongoing Communications on Peru News, Promotions, and Destination Highlights, Continued updates on Educational Opportunities, Sales Tools, and Incentives
Royal Scenic 7100 Woodbine Ave., Ste 211, Markhan, Toronto, Ontario L3R7X2 ; www.royalscenic.com;: 905-946-2228 Contact: Carmen Lee; cas@royalscenic.com Program Name: Certified Asia Specialist Program(s) offered at: www.royalscenic.com/cas Description: The CAS program is the only destination specialist distance-learning program of its kind in Canada that offers comprehensive training on how to sell multiple Asia destinations and airlines that service the Asia Pacific region from Canada. In 2009, the program has participation of seven countries including the tourism boards of China National Tourist Office, India Tourism, Japan National Tourism Organization, Korea Tourism Organization, Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Philippines Department of Tourism. Royal Scenic, a tour wholesale company, administer this program with the goal to educate the Canadian travel agent community on unique value propositions, features and benefits of key destinations in Asia. Airlines sponsors are Air Canada, American Airlines, United Airlines and the two newly joined
China Airlines and Hainan Airlines. Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts also continues as a supplier sponsor. The Certified Asia Specialist Program is a non-profit endeavor that jointly promotes Asia tourism with participating organizations. Interested Canadian retail travel professionals can obtain additional information and register onine. Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips. Consumer Referrals. Bonus Commission. Other: Available for retail travel agent based in Canada
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts 4950 SW 72 Ave, Miami, FL 33155; www.sandals.com / www.beaches.com; 800-SANDALS / 800-BEACHES Contact: Melissa Williams; mwilliams@uvi.sandals.com Program Name: Certified Sandals Specialist (CSS) / Preferred Sandals Agency (PSA) Program(s) offered at: www.sandals.com/tas/ Description: Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts offer two specialist programs, one for individual agents (Certified Sandals Specialists) and the other for agencies (Preferred Sandals Agency), to provide differentiation. A Certified Sandals Specialist (CSS) joins an elite group of travel agents recognized by Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts as experts in the Caribbean’s Luxury Included® Resorts. To become a Certified Sandals Specialist, agents must complete a four-hour streamlined CSS workshop that offers detailed information on all of the company’s resorts and amenities. This group of agents receive customized service, sales and educational support, collect free stays through Sandals Resorts’ popular “Sell & Go” program, qualify for resort services discounts and earn their agencies valuable marketing dollars. Most importantly the various levels determined by the amount of bookings will help agents to further distinguish themselves to customers. Agency relationship building is the focus of the Preferred Sandals Agency (PSA) program. Designed to work with each agency’s unique business model, the goal of the PSA program is to cultivate and increase sales for the agency and for Sandals Resorts. The PSA program is a results-driven, win-win program
that provides participating agencies benefits such as recognition in both consumer and trade markets, co-branded collateral and web-site and advertising tools, plus marketing support that includes a marketing bank. Based on bookings, dollars earned through the marketing bank can be used in creative ways to support agency sales goals from hosting Sandals Nights to leasing an agency a Sandals-branded car. To qualify as a Preferred Sandals Agency, the agency must have one active CSS agent and produce a minimum of 25 traveled bookings. Thereafter, the agency must produce 35 traveled bookings per calendar year to maintain PSA status. Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips. Consumer Referrals. Bonus Commission.
Singapore Tourism Board 5760 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 1550, Los Angeles, CA 90036 www.visitsingapore-usa.com; 323-677-0808 Contact: Thorsten Rhode; thorsten_rhode@stb.gov.sg Program Name: Singapore Specialist Program(s) offered at: www.singaporespecialist.com Description: Winner of the 2009 PATA Gold Award for Education and Training, the Singapore Specialist Program is a FREE online educational program with benefits, communications, sales tools and additional education opportunities that will continue long after you've studied the lessons and passed the exam. Be a Singapore Specialist and gain the necessary tools and information to showcase Singapore to your clients. Here's what you'll receive when you sign up: Special rates on future FAM Trips; 3 Continuing Education Credits with Travel Institute (US) and CITC (Canada); Direct contact with top suppliers and operators who sell Singapore; Inside information including photos, videos, E-Newsletters and much more; Access to additional information including traveler profiles, brochures, special promotions and more; 'Specialist only'-webinars providing you with timely information you can use to market Singapore to your customers. Sign up at www.singaporespecialist.com/registration.cfm Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips.
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Incredible Vacations invites all accredited travel agents to discover the magic of India. Our exciting, new fam trip program starts February 25, 2010, and includes round trip air from New York and a comprehensive tour of India’s legendary “Golden Triangle” – all at a very special agent rate. Extension tours to Southern India are also available. Your unforgettable journey will reward you with the first hand knowledge and insight that will make you an expert at selling India. For details and rates, call toll-free: 888-9C-INDIA (888-924-6342). You can also register online at www.SansIncredibleVacations.com
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JANUARY 2010 • JAXFAX ANNUAL GUIDE TO AGENT SPECIALIST PROGRAMS. SUPPLEMENT
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South African Tourism 500 5th Ave. Suite 2040, New York, NY 10110 Website: www.southafrica.net; Phone: 212-471-6258 Contact: Virginia Dionisio; virginia@us.southafrica.net Program Name: Fundi Offered at: www.travelagentacademy.com/southafrica Description: In South Africa-speak, the word Fundi (pronounced “foon-dee”) comes from the Zulu word “umfundi” which means “learner” and refers to being an expert in a particular field. This nine chapter course will guide you in selling South Africa as a travel destination, as well as give you the tools to secure that booking. Being a FUNDI Specialist affords you an opportunity to know more about South Africa, therefore servicing your clients better and growing your business. The number of US arrivals to South Africa has grown, so you’re right on time to benefit from this increased interest. Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips. Consumer Referrals.
Tahiti Tourisme North America 300 Continental Blvd, Suite 160, El Segundo, CA 90245 www.Tahiti-Tourisme.com; 310-414-8484 Contact: Leila Laille; Tiare@Tahiti-Tourisme.com Program Name: Tahiti Tiare Program Program(s) offered at: www.Tahiti-Tiare-Agent.com Description: Tahiti Tourisme North America (TTNA), the destination management organization, contributes to the marketing, promotion and tourism development for Tahiti and Her Islands. Named after the national flower, TTNA has developed the FREE Tahiti Tiare Program designed for retail travel agents to specialize in the destination, grow your Tahiti sales, build indepth destination knowledge and get the latest updates. The first step in becoming a Tahiti Tiare Agent is to attend one of our Tahiti Tourisme Workshops or complete our E-learning Workshop online. To sign up now, visit Tahiti-Tiare-Agent.com. To become fully certified, you would need to take the online presentation and exam, attend a partner sales training, visit
the destination and make 4 bookings. Upon completion of the requirements, you will receive opportunities for consumer referrals via Tahiti-Tourisme.com, the Tahiti Tiare Agent logo usage, sample press releases & Tahiti Tiare Certificate. Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips. Consumer Referrals. Bonus Commission. Other: Special offers. Newsletters. Access to Tahiti collateral
Tourism Australia 100 Center Drive, Ste 1150, Los Angeles, CA 90045 www.aussiespecialist.com; 800-388-4662 Contact: David Evans; devans@tourism.australia.com Program Name: Aussie Specialist Program Program(s) offered online? Yes Link: www.aussiespecialist.com Description: Tourism Australa's award winning Aussie Specialist Program is now even better. Sign up for free and become an Aussie Specialist today! To help provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to sell Australia more effectively to your customers, Tourism Australia has launched a new innovative version of its Aussie Specialist Program website and online training program. Your Aussie Specialist certification allows you to access a number of exclusive benefits including Travel Club Membership, access to marketing tools and resources, invitation to attend exclusive training events and fam opportunities, helpline and email support as well as continued learning with additional training modules. To become a certified Aussie Specialist there are 5 modules to complete including the final qualification exam. Each module is designed to help you sell Australia more effectively, satisfy the needs of different customers, increase the number and value of your Australia bookings and earn higher commissions by booking your customers air and ground arrangements before they travel to Australia. Visit www.aussiespecialist.com Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips. Consumer Referrals. Other: Travel Club offers. Marketing Tools. Helpline and Email support.
Tourism New Zealand 501 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 300, Santa Monica, CA 90404; www.traveltrade.newzealand.com; 310 857 2214 Contact: Carolyn Pope; carolynp@tnz.govt.nz Number of Specialists: 300 Program Name: Kiwi Specialist Program Program(s) offered at: www.traveltrade.newzealand.com Description: Members of this program gain significant advantages when promoting New Zealand, through increased knowledge of the country and its regions and ongoing training by Tourism New Zealand. You will receive an exclusive listing on our consumer website www.newzealand.com Program Benefits: Printed Certificate. FAM Trips. Consumer Referrals.
Turkish Culture & Tourist Office/New York 821 UN Plaza, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10017 www.tourismturkey.org; Phone: 1-212-687-2194 Contact: Nihan Bekar; ny@tourismturkey.org Program Benefits: FAM Trips
USACA 4100 Spring Valley Road, Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75244 Website: www.usaca.com; Phone: 800-485-6828 Contact: Mark Nelson; marknelson@gttglobal.com Program Name: Travel Agent University - Air Consolidators Specialist Course sponsored by USACA Program(s) offered at: www.tauniv.com Program Benefits: Printed Certificate Other: Travel agencies have increased their revenue significantly through the years by understanding and using consolidator fares, so this course was designed to teach agents the essentials of working with consolidators and using consolidator fares, including how to calculate fares for maximum profit, when and how to use them, and why they can be valuable to you and your clients.
ADDITIONAL SPECIALIST PROGRAMS Acapulco Academy Alaska Certified Expert Alitalia Italy Specialist Program Apple Vacations Specialist Aqua Resorts (Hawaii) Lifestyle Specialist Program Argentina (Destino Argentina Specialist) Arizona (AZAP) Aruba Certified Expert Asia Specialist (Certified) Austria Specialist Austrian Certified Travel Specialist (ACTS) Avis Special Agent Bahamas Specialist Barbados Elite Club Bavaria Ambassador Program Baymont Inns Bermuda Specialist Big Island (Hawaii) Specialist Black Hills Travel Agent Program Brazil Specialist Brisas Hotels and Resorts Specialist British Virgin Island Specialist Budget Agent Academy Canadian Institute of Travel Counselors Cancun Tourism Institute Captain Cook Cruises Caribbean Carnival Cruises Cayman Islands 2 Programs Chile China Continental Airlines - Guide to Caribbean Continental Airlines Vacations COSTA Costa Rica Couples Resorts Cozumel Specialist Cruise Baltic Specialist Crystal Cruises Academy Cuba Specialist 8
Czech Tourism-European Quartet Specialist Delta Vacations Disney Dominican Republic Specialist Dubai Specialist East Asia Ecuador Specialist El Salvador European Culture & History Family Specialist Fiji ( Matai Fiji Specialist) Finland Specialist (Visit Finland) Florida Specialist Grenada Master Specialist Guatemala Specialist Hawaii Hawaii Destination Specialist Hertz Agent Gold Rewards Holiday Inn Aruba Jamaica Honduras Specialist Hong Kong Specialist Hungary -European Quartet Specialist Hyatt Travel Specialist Incredible India India Specialist InterContinental Asia/Pacific Ireland (Shamrock Club) Jordan Kenya KATS Langham Hotels Specialist Las Vegas (Wynn) Las Vegas Certified Louisiana Travel Specialist Program Marriott Travel Agent Specialist Mazatlan Mazters Mississippi Certified Travel Professionals On-Line Course NCL University New Caledonia Star Rewards Program Niche Specialist North America
Northern and Central Europe Northern Europe (Cruise Baltic) Norwegian Coastal Voyage Niche Cruising Partner Orlando Travel Expert Palm Beach County Expert Panama Poland - European Quartet Specialist Pueblo Bonito University - Mexico Puerto Rico Travel Specialist Puerto Vallarta Reno-Taho Specialist Riviera Nayarit San Diego Expert Workshop Sceptre Tours Program Secrets and Dreams Resorts Ski U Slovakia - European Quartet Specialist South Africa Your Journey Begins Here South African Airways Vacation Specialist South African Fundi South Pacific Southern Africa Southern Europe St. Lucia Starwood Hotels and Resorts (Pro Program) Superclubs Switzerland Specialist Program Tanzania Specialist Thailand Golden Agent Travel Institute Trinidad and Tobago Universal Specialist Program US Airways -3 Programs USA Travel Expert USVI Vail Resorts Ski Specialist Visit Britain Brit Agent Program Wales Worry Free Vacations Wyndham
JAXFAX ANNUAL GUIDE TO AGENT SPECIALIST PROGRAMS. SUPPLEMENT • JANUARY 2010
Anytime is a good time to visit the Land of the Taj. But there is no time like now.
For information visit www.incredibleindia.org ny@itonyc.com 1-800-953-9399
Singapore --Asia’s Lifestyle Capital Be a Singapore Specialist Singapore is a city filled with fascinating contrasts, diverse attractions and experiences like no other. It offers the modern and cosmopolitan while retaining its distinct local flavor, and is perhaps the only city where you can go from the tranquility of the rainforest to the dazzle of critically acclaimed musicals.The food blends the best of Asian cuisine, and the events calendar is packed with art events, food festivals and shopping extravaganzas. Come and experience Singapore for all it has to offer and be enthralled by a vibrant, dynamic city.
SINGAPORE SPECIALIST PROGRAM The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) relaunched its Singapore Specialist Program July 2008. Designed specifically for travel agents in the U.S. and Canada, the program promotes Singapore as a dynamic multicultural destination and a gateway to Asia. Upon completion of the online program, agents will be certified as “Singapore Specialists” and given privileges such as:
• An opportunity to win a trip for two to Singapore • Eligibility for three continuing education credits with Travel Institute or CITC • Gift vouchers • Special rates for fam trips to Singapore
• Contact with top suppliers and operators who sell Singapore • Access to a wide variety of resources to help you sell Singapore • E-newsletters and updates on the latest developments in Singapore
For more details on the program, please call us at 877-88-SINGAPORE. For more on Singapore, check out www.singaporespecialist.com.