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Archive for March, 2009

Norwegian Cruise Freestyle Tour Mar 30

Freestyle Tour of the Fabulous “Norwegian Pearl”
Join your Business Development Manager Monique Adams (MO) for a fun and informative day where you will see first hand!

      A Taste of Freestyle
      Garden & Courtyard Villas
      Bliss Nightclub & Bowling Alley
      And more!

Due to the limited space, they are asking that no spouses or non agent guests attend.
You must be an active student of NCLU to participate.
Not a student yet?  What are you waiting for? Go to NCLUniveristy.com

When: May 5, 2009
Where: Pier 35 - The Embarcadero

Royal Caribbean CruiseMatch Update Mar 30

Royal Caribbean

As you probably know CruiseMatch, the Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises booking engine tool, was introduced in 1989. It was another of the industry firsts and they have been enhancing it ever since. As a result, they can offer you the new and improved CruiseMatch, the latest evolution of their renowned global booking engine. You’re sure to find it easy to learn, but until you do, you can still rely on the system you know so well.

All About Hawaii SALE Mar 30

Spring on Sale
OAHU: Valid 4/1 - 5/14/09  
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani*    was $670 now $330
Sheraton Waikiki  was $790  now $533
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort  was $798  now $663
The Royal Hawaiian  was $1,022  now $968

Packages include:
• Lei Greeting / Airport Transfers and 5 Nights Accommodations. *Last day to book Sheraton Princess

Kaiulani package is 4/30/09.
MAUI: Valid 4/1 - 5/14/09  
Sheraton Maui Resort  was $1,045 now $833
Westin Maui Resort & Spa  was $911 now $883
Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort Villas  was $991 now $958
Packages include:
• 5 Days Budget Compact Car with space-available upgrade to Intermediate (4/1 - 5/14/09) and 5 Nights Accommodations. Budget Value Coupons (www.allabouthawaii.com/specials/budget/).

Disney Has Free Dining and New Port Mar 30

Free Dining Offer

Buy a 5-night, 6-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company
vacation package with hotel and Theme Park tickets
and get the Disney Dining Plan FREE!

Are your Clients hungry for some fun? Then tell them about this Walt Disney World Resort vacation package that not only includes hotel accommodations and Theme Park tickets, but also includes the Disney Dining Plan FREE!

Crystal Cruises - $2000 For Your Clients Mar 28

   
Crystal has something better than “all inclusive.”
$2000 for your clients to spend as they wish.

Give your clients the World’s Best Experience - “All Inclusive.
As You Wish.” Credits, Celebration Fares and Piece of Mind.

All-Inclusive. As You Wish. Program: $2000 in shipboard credits per couple, compliments of Crystal Cruises to spend any way they wish. From relaxing spa treatments to the finest bottles of wine and exciting Crystal Adventures shore excursions, the choice is truly theirs, as they wish.

Exotic Journeys - FAM Mar 28

Exotic Journeys - FAM

www.exoticjourneys.com  e-mail: info@exoticjourneys.com

 

 

Few spaces have opened up on Luxury FAM trip to

India and Nepal

April 16 – 29, 2009

 

 

Delhi: Taj Mahal Luxury Hotel – 2 Nights

Jaipur: Rambagh Palace Luxury Hotel – 2 nights

Agra: Taj View Deluxe Hotel – 2 nights

Khajuraho: Taj Chandela Deluxe hotel – 1 Night

Varanasi: Taj Ganges Deluxe Hotel – 2 nights

Kathmandu: Soaltee Crown Plaza Deluxe Hotel – 2 Nights

Delhi: Taj Palace Deluxe Hotel – 1 Night

Top 10 Reasons to Book with COSTA Mar 28

Top 10 Reasons to Book with COSTA….

10. Newest Ships in Dubai…In fact, the new COSTA Luminosa will be positioned there next winter.

9.   Kids Sail Free on select sailings….now that’s Amore…*

8.  Book with COSTA in March and your clients will recieve two free nights at Planet Hollywood.*

7.  Number One cruise line in Europe..with year round sailings.

6.  Graduate from C.O.S.T.A.  and earn a 3% bonus commission on groups/FITS’s for up to 1 year. ( max 17% cm.)

5.  Two New ships  COSTA Luminosa and COSTA Pacifica are set for a dual inaugural on June 5th.

4.  Staff Training available….Just Ask.

3.  Group Promotion runs thru March 31st and features 17% commission and no deposit for 90 days.

2.  Fam Specials..experience for yourself what COSTA has to offer.

1. Coop….Easy as “1,2,3″…book 1 group with COSTA and recieve 50% coop…2 groups 75% coop…3 groups  90% coop!!!


* see details for further info.

Carnival Agent Invite and Group News Mar 28

Join Saskia Olson
Business Development Director
Southern Nevada / Fresno
On a “Fun For All Weekend” in New Orleans, May 15 - 17, 2009

Carnival Cruise Lines is pleased to extend to you an invitation to learn what the “Fun Ship” experience is all about. You will have the opportunity to tour the CARNIVAL FANTASY, experience the cuisine and participate in the selling skills seminar. They guarantee you will return to your office with an enthusiasm about their product that will result in more Carnival sales. Your weekend includes transfers, two nights hotel accommodation (based on double occupancy), one shipboard luncheon, two breakfasts and one dinner.

Princess New and Updates Mar 28

Announcing the 2010 Europe Program

Up to $500 per person group discount offers –
Group Fares start at $999 per person, cruise only*

Princess is pleased to provide this special preview of the 2010 Europe season, opening for group allocations and bookings on
April 9, at 9 am PST/12 pm EST.

• 39 Unique Itineraries (9 New)
• 96 Departures
• 130 Ports (11 New for the Season)
• 6 Ships

For 2010, Princess is offering more of Europe – more unique itineraries and departures than ever before!

Funjet New Program Mar 28

I wanted to give you advanced notice that Funjet is launching a brand new program, called the new “Wow Deals” Program!  Below is a brief description of the sale as well as lots of marketing tools agencies can use to promote to their clients.  Personally, these deals are some of the best I’ve ever seen.  From Minneapolis, for example, they have Aruba 7nts from $659, PVR 4.5* AI 7nts at $799 and MBJ Iberostar 7nts at $869! 

Travel Guard New Coverage Mar 28

Travel Guard is pleased to announce its new industry-leading coverage for involuntary termination or layoff. The core retail plans are going through a number of enhancements (more announcements coming soon!), but the biggest change is effective today. All four core plans (Platinum, Gold, Silver and Basic) now include trip cancellation coverage due to involuntary termination or layoff.

This enhanced coverage requires only one year of continuous employment with the same employer, and does not have limitations on departure date. (Most other insurance providers have limits on departure dates.)

GOGO Conference Mar 28

GOGO is pleased to announce…
The next GOGO Learning Conference will be held in Riviera Nayarit
5 days/4 nights

May 14th-18th at the Vallarta Palace

Travel agents will have the opportunity to network at a supplier trade show; participate in hotel site-inspections and much more!
 
Agents can visit www.gogowwv.com to download the application.

Travel Agent University - Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda Mar 28

Did you know there are 7 courses in Travel Agent University devoted to the
Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda?
Get off to a great start in 2009 — get the facts, tips and techniques
to give yourself the edge.

Bermuda Specialist
Bermuda is proof that good things come in small packages – for you and for your clients. Brush up on your knowledge so you can put your customers “in the pink” – and yourself in the green.  

Cayman Islands Dive and Nature Master Specialist
Learn the ins and outs of dive and nature vacations to boost your Cayman Islands bookings! (Prerequisite: Cayman Islands Specialist course)

American Airlines and 1MinuteBooking Mar 23

Collette Vacations Webinar Mar 21

Collette Vacations

Hear from a financial expert and travel industry insider what every travel professional needs to know about the economic outlook for the industry and tips for finding success.

Back by popular demand, John Galvin, Collette Vacations’ chief financial officer, will provide KEY QUESTIONS YOU MUST ASK before booking a tour; and share some selling tips.
Topics to be covered include:
• Current state of the economy and impact on our industry
• What every travel professional needs to know
• Tips to selling successfully
• And more…
Registration for this session is FREE but space is limited, so act now!

Wyndham Hotel Group Webinar Mar 21

Get To Know Wyndham Hotel Group
Join us for a webinar on April 6.

Title: Get to Know Wyndham Hotel Group
Date: Monday, April 6, 2009
Time: 2 pm - 3 pm EDT, 11 am - 12 pm PDT

Wyndham Hotel Group would like to invite CCRA’s travel counselors to participate in a Webinar on April 6th, 2009 at 2:00PM EDT.

WHG is the largest global hotel company with nearly 7,000 properties in 65 countries across 6 continents. Please join us to learn about WHG’s diversity of brands, their unique programs which will add value to your clients’ stay as well as new travel agent Specialist Programs, which enable you to earn a diploma and continuing educational units along with special offers and promotions.

Discover Europe with Apple Vacations Mar 21

Discover Europe with Apple Vacations
Includes Five Night Accommodations, Breakfast Daily, All Hotel Taxes and Service Charges

Months of April, May, and June
LAND ONLY - 4 nts from:
VENICE
Capri Venice - $559 $559 $559
Hotel Carlton Grand Canal - $649 $649 $649
Boscolo Bellini - $699 $699 $699

BUDAPEST
Thomas  - $199 $199 $199
Mecure Duna  - $269 $269 $269
NH Budapest - $349 $429 $429

PRAGUE
Hotel Duo - $249 $249 $199
Courtyard Flora - $359 $359 $359
Majestic Plaza - $499 $499 $499

Celebrity - Galapagos Islands Mar 21

Cultivate your sense of wonder on an unrivaled journey while celebrating Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday.

Come join in on a part of the planet where few have trod before. Where nearly half of the species are found nowhere else in the world. Celebrity offers you a truly seamless, all-inclusive, environmentally conscious vacation… in true Celebrity style. Welcome to the islands of the Galapagos and an experience so singular, that among premium cruise lines, only Celebrity can bring it to you.

Earn a $500 Bonus Commission
On new bookings for select summer sailings made by April 17th, 2009.

Hola Sun Groups Mar 21

HOLA SUN EXPRESS NEWS
Do you have a group of 10 or more adults looking for CUBA as their next getaway? Your group may qualify for group discounts up to $50 pp and many incentives. Choosing Cuba this season is your best choice: pristine beaches, safe environment, clean surroundings, friendly locals, ecological treasures, live atmosphere, rich history and culture & MORE!

Contact groups@holasunholidays.ca with your destination, hotel name, travel date, occupancy, #of paxs, budget, and agency info

Cunard Webinar Mar 21

Queen Elizabeth Webinar – Cunard

Introducing our Newest Ocean Liner
March 25, 2009
12:00pm-1:00pm EDT
9:00am-10:00am PDT

Introducing our newest ocean liner. Register today for an informative Webinar hosted by David deMerlier, Vice President, Marketing. This one-hour presentation will cover all of the exciting features of our gracious new Cunarder, including:
• Continuing Legacy
• Venue Highlights
• Elegant Dining & Accommodations
• Voyage Experience
• Celebratory Maiden Season
Space is limited, so sign up today before the Webinar fills up!

VISIT WWW.ONESOURCECRUISES.COM TO REGISTER TODAY!

Customize and Email Flyers with Apple Vacations Mar 21

Customize and Email Flyers with Apple Vacations

Reach your clients with the latest specials! Now, you can customize Apple Vacations’ flyers and send to your client database in just a few easy steps!
Try It & Earn 1000 Bonus Royalties Points!*

Log onto the Apple Café for travel agents from myappleonline.com (or go to http://travelagents.applevacations.com). Click on “Helping You Sell”, then “Print On Demand”. Select “Free downloads”, and choose the flyer you’d like to forward to your database. Save the flyer to your PC.

Open the flyer, and customize with your contact information (there will be a rectangle-shaped box at the bottom of the flyer reserved for your agency information).

BEAREVEMENT PROGRAM WITH WESTJET Mar 21

BEAREVEMENT PROGRAM WITH WESTJET - GOOD INFO TO KNOW
Tonight I learned that Westjet has a bearevement program for customers — they give at least 40% off on regular price airfare.
 
I had a client tonight that needed to take advantage of this program.

A “Bereavement Fare” on every flight to those travelling due to a death in their immediate family including spouses, ( married, common law, same sex ) parents, children, siblings, in-laws, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandparent, grandchildren, step relatives and executor of the estate.

Pro Travel Network’s Expansion and … Mar 21

Pro Travel Network’s Expansion and No Long Term Debt Highlighted in AOL Small Cap Show
Wednesday March 18, 2009, 8:30 am
FRESNO, Calif., March 18, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pro Travel Network (OTC BB:PTVL.OB - News) continues its expansion plans into Australia. It also outlined that since it has no long term debt it has positioned itself well when the economy turns around. Both of those points were highlighted by company CEO, Mr. Paul Henderson, on this week’s AOL Small Cap Show produced by AGORACOM Investor Relations.

Caribbean Escape FAM Mar 21

Caribbean Escape
res@cevacation.com  www.cevacation.com
800-515-3147
100 Park Ave., Ste. 1600, NY NY 10017
Independent FAM for Agents, Companions & Your Clients
Buenos Aires & Rio
7 Days / 6 Nights Land
From $889 + tax ppdo + $365 O/W Air Buenos Aires - Rio
Intl’ air is available upon request

Day 1  Arrive in BUENOS AIRES and transfer to a 4+ star VISTA SOL BUENOS AIRES DESIGN hotel for 3 Nts w/ Bkfst daily.

Day 2  CITY TOUR OF BUENOS AIRES.  Optional tango show.

All About Tours - KIDS FLY FREE!! Mar 21

All About Tours

Alaska Airlines

KIDS FLY FREE!!

Travel between MARCH 18 - JUNE 17, 2009

Last day to purchase: MAY 31, 2009

Black Out Dates:
3/20 - 3/23, 3/27 - 3/30, 4/3 - 4/6, 4/10 - 4/13, 5/22 & 5/25/09

Worry Free Vacations Mar 21

Worry Free Vacations

Offer Extended - Super savings to ALL destinations!
 
The Spring Sale has been extended through the summer! Your clients can save 10% - up to $300 - with their Worry-Free Vacations air and hotel package to all of our fabulous destinations in Mexico and Jamaica.

Book by March 28 using promo code WF10068 for travel March 22 though August 31 and your clients will enjoy no blackout dates with this offer!

Your clients will save even more with recently reduced airfares and money-saving offers at many hotels in Cancún and the Riviera Maya, Cozumel, and Mexico’s West Coast.

How Easy Is It To Book Travel? Mar 21

How Easy Is It To Book Travel?
RTAs and ITAs using PTN’s new RTA lead referral system are earning big money, for simply referring the people around them, who are traveling soon.  Air, Hotel, Car, Vacation, Cruise, Group or Business… We are booking it all.
Harvey Bond, new PTN RTA from Naperville, Illinois, is already approaching $10,000 and has 10 bookings in just his first 3 weeks.  By simply letting everyone around him know that he owns his own travel business, then sending all referrals to “his” staff at the PTN head office, he gets paid.
We contact the customer.  We research the travel.  We negotiate the deal.  We collect the money or deposits.  We do the accounting.  We make sure the client is happy and has all documents.  YOU get PAID!!  It’s that Easy!!
ALL PTN agents whether previous ITAP, new ITA, or RTA may use this service!! 
People all around you are traveling!!  Why aren’t you getting paid!!
 
RTA Lead Entry & Follow-up System
The all-new RTA lead entry and lead follow-up system is now launched.  This new system allows every RTA to track every travel referral from start to finish. 
Here is how the process works:
1. Go to your RTA/ITA Travel website and log-in 
2. Under Client Management System, click on “New referral entry”
3. Enter your referral’s contact information, with a brief description of their travel interest
4. YOUR PTN staff will immediately begin to contact and begin the sales and booking process.
5. A progress update may be viewed by clicking on the “Check referral status”
6. Once booked, the record will automatically be uploaded into your “Commission Registry”
 
Keys to Success 
Understand and leverage the law of big numbers
Don’t expect every lead to turn into a booking.  Make no mistake, your Pro Travel Network staff are working hard as their income also depends on making as many bookings as possible, but in sales, you will want to send as many leads as possible.  Talk to everyone you know about your new business.  If they are not traveling soon, then ask for referrals.  Ask, “Who do you know who is planning a trip soon”.  Leverage your warm market and the people you know, at your gym, your church and your office etc.  Hand out business cards, put up flyers, send emails and more, letting your associates know you have started your own travel business.  All RTAs should have several referrals working at all times…the more the better.
Remember: In baseball batting 300- 400 is stellar, but that’s only 3- 4 out of 10 opportunities at bat.  So get as many at bats as possible!
Qualify your Leads
Spend a little time getting as much helpful information as possible from your prospects.  A person who is “thinking about”, “maybe”, “soon”, “not sure where”…is not a lead.  Make sure your referrals have genuine interest and are looking for information to make a decision, or are already researching, comparing etc.  This may be a little difficult to ascertain at first, so if you are unsure send them anyway.  As time goes by, you will get better and better.  The better you are at sending “qualified” leads, the higher your staff’s closure rate will be!!
NEVER enter a lead that does not know your staff will be contacting them!!
 
Mindset
Pro Travel Network continues to ramp up it’s marketing efforts as March Madness hits full swing.  PTN is once again on pace for a record travel booking month and that means people are travelling.  In fact, Travel as an Industry, even through a recession, is still a 6 trillion+ industry.  People are travelling all around you…and someone is getting the commission…why isn’t that person YOU?
What is the real difference between PTN agents booking lots of travel, pushing us to break new records, versus those who seemingly can’t book any….MINDSET!
We must at all times guard our minds from negativity, and focus on the one constant of the human experience.  “If he can do it, so can I”  Stop making excuses, stop looking to justify failure.  Use failure as a learning experience, to ultimate success!! 
 
If He or She can do it,…So can I
See You on the Beaches of the World….PTN Administration

Vayama News and Updates Mar 21

Vayama for Travel Agents is a new way to search and book your clients’ airline tickets.

Booking Tip #1 - [Book the lowest fares]
Use the Vayama for Travel Agents new booking portal to book the lowest international fares. No need to search your GDS and consolidators - they do it for you. Vayama searches for the cheapest published and consolidator rates and displays only available fares. Think of them as a meta search for travel agents!

Bulk Airfare to Hawaii Mar 21

Attention Travel Agents!   Bulk airfares are now available via Alaska Airlines to Hawaii!  These fares are available through Funjet Vacations but must be combined with our excellent hotel deals for an incredible package offer.  Please visit Award-winning VAXVacationAccess at www.VAXVacationAccess.com to book your client’s air/hotel package today and earn more commission on Alaska Airlines to Hawaii!

Letter to PTN From Funjet Vacations Mar 21

Dear PRO TRAVEL NETWORK ,
Funjet Vacations is dedicated to the Travel Professional Community and as part of our Engaged Agent Advantage, as one of our top accounts, you will now be receiving past booking data each quarter. In an effort to help you retain your clients and drive sales, we have attached your production report based on March through June bookings for 2008.
These are your exclusive leads, please proactively communicate with these customers to ensure they purchase their next Funjet Vacations getaway through your agency.
Here are some ways to market to your customer to drive sales:
Find their contact information and communicate our great offers – Current Pricing
1. Use our interactive E-Brochure (www.funjetagentbrochure.com) to personalize and send details to your past customers about new destinations, hotels, tours and more.
2. Create quick and easy emails with multiple hotel/destination offers to send to your customers with our Easy E-mailer (http://emailtools.funjetdeals.com)
3. Call your clients to let them know about our great specials and spur their interest in 2009 travel.
Are you currently receiving our Friday Agent Connection with all of our latest offers? To update your information and manage the emails you currently receive from Funjet Vacations, please visit our NEW Email Preference Center.
Note: If you have an affiliate site with Funjet Vacations your customers name will be pulling into the Travel Agent Name field as well as the Traveler Name field. This is your agency’s booking but it was done directly through an affiliate website.
Thank you for your support,
Funjet Vacations

Hola Sun Express News Mar 21

HOLA SUN EXPRESS NEWS
April departures are on SALE for various gateways from Halifax, Calgary, St. John’s, Edmonton, Thunder Bay, & Vancouver. Offering your clients convenient connecting flight via Toronto from various Canadian gateways to Cuba aboard WestJet. Book online at www.holacaribeagent.ca (free agency access with live inventory)

TA University New Trainings Mar 21

TA University

Air Consolidators Specialist

TAU invites you to take the new Air Consolidators Specialist Course sponsored by the United States Air Consolidators Association (USACA) and learn how to significantly increase your revenue.

Increase your profit on each transaction while offering the lowest rates to your customers.
Earn more by buying a ticket from a USACA consolidator instead of issuing that same ticket through a GDS.

Learn the essentials of working with consolidators and using consolidator fares for maximum profit, when and how to use them, and why they can be valuable to you and your clients.

Badflight Mar 19

badflight - Click to see video.

Letter From Travel Guard Mar 18

Travel Guard Response to Recent AIG News Reports

There have been a number of articles and news stories recently regarding AIG, Inc., (the Holding Company.) Some of you have expressed concern, others have expressed frustration. I am writing to let you know that we share your anger and appreciate your commitment to your customers and to the industry.

Disney News and Specials Mar 18

Travel Through Aug. 15 with Walt Disney World Resort
Buy Four, Get Three Free Offer

Take advantage of this offer with summer travel dates! Through March 29, 2009, when your Clients purchase a 4-night, 4-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company Magic Your Way Package, they’ll get three additional nights (with tickets) free. This offer is now valid for stays most nights April 27 — May 18, May 23 — June 6 and June 22 — Aug. 15, 2009.

Cunard Line Unveils Queen Elizabeth Mar 18

Cunard Line Unveils Queen Elizabeth
With the Debut of its Third New Ocean Liner in Six Years, One of the Oldest Names In Ocean Travel will Operate the Industry’s Youngest Fleet

Princess Cruisetour Groups Mar 18

Travel Agents Can Now Book Princess Cruisetour Groups Through POLAR Online

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (March 17, 2009) – Princess is adding yet another valuable feature to its POLAR Online booking engine, enabling agents to create a cruisetour group through the state-of-the-art system.  This new function makes booking sought-after group space for land/sea vacations quick and easy, and will tell agents immediately if the space they want is available.

Princess pioneered the ability to build and reserve group space online, and now POLAR Online offers this time-efficient feature to agents selling lucrative Alaska cruisetours to groups.

Royal Caribbean Rhapsody Mar 18

KOALAS LIVE IN A CONSTANT STATE OF RELAXATION!
 YOU SHOULD HAVE THAT OPTION TOO!
  RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS
Book between March 13 and April 15, 2009 and receive a
$200 onboard credit!
16 Night South Pacific
Honolulu (Oahu), HI - Papeete, Tahiti French Polynesia - Moorea, French Polynesia - Raiatea, French Polynesia - Bora Bora, French Polynesia - International Dateline - Sydney, Australia.
9/30/09
$1699 - Interior, Cat Q
$1899 - Ocean view, Cat I
$2799 - Balcony, Cat D2
 
17 Night Circumnavigation of Australia
Sydney, Australia - Brisbane, Australia - Hamilton Island, Whitsunday Islands - Cairns, Australia - Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea - Darwin, Australia - Broome, Australia - Exmouth, Australia - Perth (Fremantle) Australia
10/17/09
$1599 - Interior, Cat Q
$1999 - Ocean view, Cat I
$3599 - Balcony, Cat D2

Costa Cruise Flyer Mar 18

CLICK HERE TO SEE LARGER FLYER

Princess Academy Mar 18

Princess Academy Commodores may now choose from 2009 Graduation Cruise Course space in Asia and Alaska!