travel agent professional august 2015

Travel AgentProfessional

August 2015

Issue 38

Don’t Be a Generalist –Find your niche! By Cindy Bertram

Diane Moore, Paul Gauguin

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=11





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Ad Index

64 Don’t Be a Generalist—Find Your Niche!By Cindy Bertram

Cindy's Inside Cruise & Travel Track, LLC

68 Continuing on My Summer Vacation By Les-Lee Roland

Owner of The Package Deal

12 “All in The Family”... TRAVELBy Mitchell J. Schlesinger

President, MJS Consultants16 Capturing the Spirit of ChristmasBy Paull Tickner

ShowcaseEnterprise Holdings ........................................9

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cover Photo: Paul Gauguin Cruises

August 2015 Issue 38

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

Under Joel’s direction, the company grew to be one of the travel agentindustry’s leading publications, reaching more than 45,000 agentsthroughout North America. It spawned a famous series of trade showsand three monthly magazines – Cruise Trade, Tour Trade and HomeBased Trade.

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

On a personal note, after working with Joel for over a decade and stay-ing 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 hisword and believed in his work. There will never be another.

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

Ann M. Hoek

Travel Agent Professional

P.O. Box 120198Staten Island, NY 10312

E-mail:[email protected]

Phone: 718.360.3153

Ann M. HoekPublisher/Creative Design

[email protected]

Bonnie WallingEditor

[email protected]

Alan CohenVice President Marketing

[email protected]

Meet Our Editorial Board

Paull Tickner,Creator of Special Interest Britain

[email protected]

Cindy Bertram,Cindy’s Inside Cruise & Travel Track, LLC

[email protected]

Mitchell J. SchlesingerPresident, MJS Consultants

[email protected]

Rusty Pickett, ECCShellback Cruises

www.shellbackcruises.com

Les-Lee RolandOwner of The Package Deal

Sherry Laskin, ACCTravel Writer/NACTA Webinar Moderator

www.cruisemaven.com

Sue Sh apiro, PresidentShapiro Travel [email protected]

www.shapirotravelresources.com

Joel M. Abels Legend In the Travel Industry

April 1927 to January 2007

August 2015

The opinions expressed in these columns are solely those of the authors anddo not necessarily reflect the views of Travel Agent Professional.

This online magazine is dedicated tothe memory of Joel Abels, Travel

Trade's editor and publisher. Joel andhis life's work may be gone, but with

your help it can live on.

Travel AgentProfessional

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August 2015

In today’s wor ld, the days of one size fits all

are over. People are no longer looking for a

generalist, and specialization is a cr itical par t

of any successful business . The same holds

tr ue with tr avel profess ionals . We have to

bui ld a niche , a special izat ion. When asked

what we do, whether i t ’s a t a networ k ing

event, professional business presentation, or

even a social gather ing? Answering with the

“Oh, I do everything in travel; so what are you

looking for…” response will send people run-

ning!

By Cindy Bertram

Cindy's Inside Cruise & Travel Track, LLC

Why Specializations Are Needed

Think about what you do when you have a certain need. You go to a professional who specializes in that

area. I recently had a problem with my Apple IPhone and yes, it was driving me crazy! I couldn’t access the

emails from my att email address, the main one I use for business. It showed I had emails from people, but

when I clicked on them to open them up, it said, “This message has no content.”

After work, I ran to the ATT retail store, where I spent a good hour and a half with one of their experts. My

emails came back and it looked like the problem was resolved. But early the next morning, that same prob-

lem came up. This time I called Apple Support, and spent a good hour on the phone doing a screen share,

but there was still one key problem that was not fixed. So I made an appointment with their Genius Bar. I

couldn’t get in for a few days, but it was worth the trip and wait. It turned out a special app had crashed,

but they were able to help me get everything back on my iPhone.

Was I thrilled to get my problem resolved? Of course! And this is where running to a specialist — in this

case, The Genius Bar – saved the day.

Don’t Be a Generalist—

Find Your Niche!

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Don’t Be a Generalist—

Find Your Niche!

Utilizing “Creative Grit” — Will Marre

Will Marre, co-founder and former president of the Covey Leadership Group, along with being the creator of

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Business People,” has continued by sharing his expertise into new areas over

the years. Besides doing high end consulting, Will is also a renowned book author and speaker. He shares

tremendous business tips through his weekly blog, “Wednesdays with Will.”

Last year a “Wednesdays with Will” blog included a special video he filmed titled, “The One Essential to

Everything.” Posted on April 9, 2014 he focuses on tenacious determination, which Will refers to as “Creative

Grit.” To be successful today, it’s not focusing on just being persistent. Will notes that being if persistent means

you’re doing the same thing over and over again with no results occurring? That’s failure. Instead, Will practices

tenacious determination or “Creative Grit,” which he describes as “…thinking of a better way to do something

to accomplish the goal that you want.”

There are 3 different elements to “Creative Grit.” The first element is “Creating a Compelling Promise” – deter-

mining why you’re here and what difference you want to make. The second is “Extraordinary Resilience,” the

will to come back after a failure. The third is “Creative Effort” - open mind-

edness, and being willing to look for and find new ways to accomplish a goal.

“Creative Grit” in Travel

Maybe specializing in a particular area of travel hasn’t worked, and sales just

haven’t come through the door, so to speak. Instead, determining the differ-

ence you want to make, being opened minded and having the will to find

new ways to accomplish a goal are what successful travel agent professionals

do today.

Insights from Diane Moore, President, PaulGauguin Cruises

Diane Moore, President of Paul Gauguin Cruises, has had a successful career

in the cruise industry, which first began when she started her career with

Royal Cruise Line, run by her father, Richard Revnes. She’s worked at some

very well known, successful cruise lines in a variety of different roles, and has

seen changes as the cruise industry continues to grow.

When asked what she felt was important about specializing, Diane mentions, “It has been great to take the

experiences from my years in the travel industry and apply those here at Paul Gauguin Cruises. The cruise

industry continues to grow and showcase new, creative, and innovative ideas. New destinations are emerging,

dining and onboard activities continue to raise the bar, and multigenerational and celebration cruising increas-

es each year. Cruising is a great way to explore various destinations in a seamless way, at an incredible value.

There are many cruise lines to select from which specialize in a variety of offerings to attract clients. At Paul

Gauguin Cruises, we specialize in luxury, small ship cruising. We have great expertise in Tahiti, French

Polynesia, and the South Pacific and our ship the m/s Paul Gauguin is the highest-rated and longest continually

sailing luxury cruise ship in this destination. We focus on bringing the destination alive authentically on our

voyages.”

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August 2015


Paul Gauguin Cruises -Successful Specialization

Diane provides more insights, and explains, “We have

successfully specialized with our cruises in Tahiti, French

Polynesia, and the South Pacif ic . The Gauguin was

designed with a shallow draft to specifically sail in the

island lagoons. Aboard our sailings, we infuse the wel-

coming, hospitable spirit of French Polynesia in every

sailing and offer a number of South Seas exclusives. Our

troupe of “Gauguines” and “Gauguins”—local Tahitians

who serve as cruise staff, entertainers, and storytellers

are a highlight for many guests along with local musicians

and dancers who perform on board. We offer compli-

mentary and exclusive access to Motu Mahana, a private

islet where guests can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, snor-

keling, kayaking, Polynesian activities, a full-service bar, a

floating lagoon bar, and a delicious barbecue. And, com-

plimentary access to our private beach on a motu in

Bora Bora for guests to enjoy for the day. Our enrich-

ment program features a series of expert lecturers on

topics ranging from history of the South Pacific to con-

servation, art, marine life, the wonders of coral reefs,

and much more.”

When it comes to more ways that Paul Gauguin Cruises

separates and elevates itself as a successful niche? Diane

further explains, “We offer all-inclusive value with spa-

cious ocean view suites and staterooms with nearly 70%

of them featuring private balconies; gourmet dining in all

venues; complimentary beverages including select wines

and spirits, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages

served throughout the ship; an in-cabin refrigerator

replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled

water; shipboard entertainment; and all onboard gratu-

ities included. In select ports, our watersports marina is

available to launch a kayak, windsurf, or paddle board

from and we offer a PADI certification scuba diving pro-

gram.”

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August 2015

One Key Takeaway for Travel Agent Professionals

As far as suggestions, Diane mentions, “Travel agents continue to be our valuable travel

partners and a key to our success at Paul Gauguin Cruises. Especially in the luxury seg-

ment, clients seek the expertise of travel agents who can identify cruise lines, destina-

tions, hotels, and experiences that fit their interests creating a truly memorable time

that they reflect back on for years to come. With their deep travel knowledge and con-

tacts, travel agents can design the entire trip and book all the elements of it utilizing

tremendous value in addition to making it seamless for the client.”

One way Paul Gauguin Cruises helps travel professionals? They have their PEARL’s–

Partners Earn Added Rewards and Learn to Sell – travel agent specialist training pro-

gram. According to Diane, “This was conceived to provide travel professionals with a

deeper understanding of Paul Gauguin Cruises and our cruise line’s destinations. The

program is a self-paced specialist training program, providing a unique platform for

agents to truly immerse themselves in the Paul Gauguin Cruises experience, enabling

them to more accurately identify and connect with prospective clients and promote our

line successfully and grow their business. PEARLS partners receive access to resources

including exclusive sales and marketing trainings, advance notice of special promotions,

shipboard credit offers, marketing tools, and bonus commissions.”

Concentrate on What We Provide as a Specialist

As travelers become more experienced, along with diverse wants for unique experi-

ences, it’s best for travel agent professionals to narrow down and focus on a particular

area to specialize in. Once again, we need to be that “genius bar” with the “Creative

Grit,” to separate and elevate ourselves from the norm.


Travel + Leisure Magazine NamesNational Car Rental, Enterprise Rent-A-Car

And Alamo Rent A Car Top Three Brands

En terpr ise Hold ings – which owns and operatesthe Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental andAlamo Rent A Car brands – claimed the top three spotsfor car rental in the 2015 Travel + Leisure World’s BestAwards. The National Car Rental brand ranked No. 1in the “Car Rental Agencies” category, followed by theEnterprise Rent-A-Car and Alamo Rent A Car brands,respectively.

The World’s Best Awards showcase the destinations,companies and brands that define the very best in travelas voted by Travel + Leisure readers. The car rentalagency rankings are based on how readers rate the var-ious brands on five characteristics: vehicle selection,vehicle availability, car rental location, service andvalue.

Enterprise Holdings is the largest car rental serviceprovider in the world as measured by revenue, employ-ees and fleet. Through its regional subsidiaries,Enterprise Holdings operates the largest fleet of vehiclesin the world – approximately 1.5 million – and a globalnetwork of more than 8,600 fully staffed neighborhoodand airport locations in more than 70 countries. Thecompany ranks near the top of the global travel indus-try, ahead of many airlines and most cruise lines, hotels,tour operators and online travel agencies.

“Listening to consumer feedback is the best way – real-ly, the only way – to build trust and confidence for thelong term,” said Pat Farrell, chief marketing and commu-nications officer at Enterprise Holdings, in a recentCNBC article. “That’s why our customer-focused strategycontinues to pay off. It sets the bar high and strengthens

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

As part of its commitment to exceeding customerexpectations, Enterprise Holdings’ fleet is among the carrental industry’s newest and provides late-model, well-maintained vehicles with an average odometer readingof less than 16,000 miles and an age of eight months.

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

“Our portfolio of brands is specifically designed tomeet the diverse needs of our customers, from frugalfamilies to business and leisure travelers around theworld,” added Farrell. “While each brand has its owndistinct identity, each shares the same commitment tocreating the best car rental experience for our cus-tomers.”

Enterprise Holdings will join other travel industry lead-ers at the upcoming Global Business Travel AssociationConvention, the largest, most comprehensive annualgathering of business travel and meetings professionalsand suppliers. On July 27, Chief Strategy Officer GregStubblefield will take part in a panel discussion entitled,Differentiating Brands in a Sharing Economy.

For more information about Enterprise Holdings, visitwww.enterpriseholdings.com

Show case

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

One of the other agents had tried to get people

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

cell phone and booked Uber. It was less expensive

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

the vehicle is on the cell phone. Five minutes, away,

four minutes, etc. And a comfy car, with bottles of

water waiting, immaculate.

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

I was concerned i f my dr iver , booked thru

Travelbound, would be there. And he was, even

though my flight was a little late. It is so comfortable

seeing a sign at the airport with my name on it. And

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

thru Travelbound. Perfect location, right in the heart

of Winceslas Square. Safe and in walking distance of

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

the days I was there, I never had to take a cab any-

where. Prague is a perfect city to explore on foot.

I had also booked 2 tours with Best Tour Company-

arranged thru Travelbound. Each for practically full

day tours. And when I asked the consierge at my

hotel for directions to meet up with the tour, she

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

their offices.”

My f i r s t tou r , was to go to the Terez i n

Concentration Camp, just one hour from Prague. I

went with trepidat ion, knowing this was a sad

choice for a tour, but my daughter who had been

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

should go.

The guide was tremendous, and I learned so much.

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

US and South America and all different religions and

ages. They all had come to learn about this historical

place. We all were quite moved.

The next day, I had a tour of Prague – bus. walking

and boat. This 6 hour tour was the most compre-

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

many.

August 2015

10As I was saying last month... I had a wonderful sum-

mer vacation this year. First on Star Clippers, check

last issue, and then I went to Prague and later joined

AMA River Cruises in Nuremberg to Budapest.

Besides my first voyage on Star Clippers — wonder-

ful! I also had my first experience using UBER.

I found the transfers offered by the cruise line were

very high, especially considering they had lots of pas-

sengers, plus it was so early in the morning to travel

from Cannes to Nice.

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By Les-Lee RolandOwner of The Package Deal

Continuing on MySummer Vacation

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That night my daughter flew in to Prague and met me

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

live in different states. The next morning, our driver

took us to the train station where we caught the bus

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

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

Total cost about $30.

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

with a commentary along the way. Now I could have

booked directly with the cruise line, and most agents

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

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

comprehensive all day tours that I had taken. I truly

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

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

know your clients. If they want the comfort of doing

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

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

pre or post package. If you just want the higher com-

mission, perhaps booking with the cruise line works, If

you know the likes and dislikes of your clients, and

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

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

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

were very impressed.

Continuing on MySummer Vacation

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August 2015

The Legendary Danube itinerary on the AMA river

cruise is probably the most popular.

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

of sailing. Service was good. Although it was open

seating, they really preferred people coming for din-

ner at one time, and ordering everything, including

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

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

bear with it. But my servers were very gracious.

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

action with the new people my daughter and I met

onboard. Just lucky that we had invites from people

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

es French, and escorts groups to France, met some

French speaking guests, and I was so pleased to hear

her speak her second language.

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

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

room where the trials took place after World War II.

In Melk, visiting a monastery and museum that was

incredible. Salzburg, doing the Sound of Music tour

brought smiles to everyone. And most of the ship

went to the Mozart concert in town one night. In

Vienna, walking by sites currently featured in the

movie Woman of Gold. Next to Prague, Vienna is

near ly as beaut i fu l And in Budapest , do ing an

overnight was an extra treat. AMA took a late night

cru i se on the R iver pas t the beaut i fu l l y l i t up

Parliament and other buildings.

I cannot leave out our cruise director, Dragon. He

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

he, within one day, put together a customized tour

for about 30 people in Vienna. I emphasize that these

people were not al l travel ing together. It was a

combo of new friendships with similar interests. And

everyone said it was a highlight of the week.

Shopping , in case your c l ients ask , p lenty of i t .

Although when you have a choice of which direction

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

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

main shopping stores were closed, but there were

plenty of souvenir places that had great buys. And a

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

the week.

There were hugs and tears while saying goodbye to

everyone. Promises of staying in touch and more. I

had ordered a private transfer in Budapest to the air-

port. While others who were on a large bus transfer

had to board a block away with their carr ons,

Travelbound’s driver came on board the ship to take

our luggage and the car was right there.

And something different on the rivers compared to

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

vessels either right next to AMA or within walking

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

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

to take in.

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

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

I am so pleased that all of my bookings worked out

perfectly. I could have chosen Viator, Europe Express,

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

Also agents, who haven’t been to these countries, can

really learn so much from contacting these compa-

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

can accrue really builds us up to our clients.

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

ing for another river cruise and new destinations.

Anyone want to join me?

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By Mitchell J. Schlesinger

President, MJS Consultants, [email protected]

14“All in The Family”...

TRAVEL

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

1. The phenomena of two (2) working parents or single parent has generated a greater sense of guilt regard-

ing vacations. Parents are more concerned with losing connection with their children and see family vaca-

tions as a priority, a way to share memorable experiences and, importantly re-connect with their children.

2. Parents seek opportunities on vacations that combine family activities, organized programs for

younger children’s and parents-only time.

3. In addition to the usual family travel timeframes, parents are less reticent about taking their children out of

school for a vacation, especially if they perceive that the trip will provide an educational, fulfilling experience.

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

4. Multi-generational travel with has increased, including children traveling with grandparents without

their parents. And family reunion travel is increasingly a way for extended families to all connect

together and share experiences.

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

At 50+ million households strong, the family market is

clearly one of the largest demographic target markets

and source for profitable travel sales in America. Of

most value, the scope of the family travel market has

expanded significantly and, it is not just a summer/school

holiday timeframe travel market.

Demographically, the traditional family structure has

changed dramatically from the TV images of the 1950’s-

70s of the Nelsons or Father Knows Best. Where previ-

ously dad was the primary “bread winner”, from the

1980s and beyond, the family structure is increasingly

marked by two (2) working parents, and those with sin-

gle working parents. And this demographic change has

had an impact on key psychographic drivers, which

impacts travel purchase patterns.

15


From a psychographic standpoint, family travel actually has several important characteristics that

require attention when marketing and selling:

1. IT’S NOT CHEAP! Trips to Disney, cruises, or all-inclusive land resorts are not inexpensive, which

means parents are going to be very value focused, making sure the trip provides the amenities and

programs the whole family can share.

2. Parents are very concerned with three (3) important elements; safety, interesting children’s programs

and enriching experiences. To be successful selling family travel, you must address these elements in

your marketing communication, immediately satisfying this concern of parents.

3. More and more, especially with children over 10, parents are taking children on vacations to world-

wide destinations, which in many cases can augment what they are learning in school.

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

the family demographic group:

MARKETING

1. It is important that you enhance your knowledge of travel opportunities so that families have the

sense that you can provide expertise in your service.

2. Be prepared to provide a litany of information to parents to address all questions especially regarding

safety, children’s activities and programs, available babysitting, etc.

3. Don’t just promote trips during the summer and school vacations. Promote excellent opportunities

even in non-traditional family travel timeframes.

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

Mediterranean sailings.

5. Find and promote vacations that offer unique experiences, especially those that are participatory. The

beach itself is still fun, but swimming with dolphins makes it unique.

“All in The Family”...

TRAVEL

August 2015

-

16CUSTOMER LOYALTY

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

definitely create loyal customers and excellent word of mouth referrals. Parents

interact with other parents constantly (PTA, little league, dance class etc.) and

positive reactions to a family vacation are “priceless”.

•Children are great promoters. Put them on your mailing list and send them

materials from different vacation alternatives. There is nothing better than hav-

ing the kids constantly reminding mom and dad that it is time for the next vaca-

tion.

•Remember, like seniors and ultra-luxury clients, this is a very service-centric audi-

ence, and the personalized service you provide is an investment in their next

trip, plus the referrals.

•Don’t forget to ask your current family clients about their other family members,

siblings, aunts, uncles, grandparents etc.

•That is how groups are built. Families traveling together with same-age children

have built-in friends who get to share the experience and create a referral multi-

plier effect when they get home. And family reunions are a great source of

group business.

•The last spin-off is that when the parents are ready to plan a trip just for them-

selves, they will contact you as well.

Remember, just about everyone you come in contact with is part of a family, one way

or another, so the potential for family travel is everywhere!!

August 2015

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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 [email protected]

I’d hazard a guess that among you anglophile clients, there

may be a couple who’d love to add enjoying a traditional

English Christmas to the long list of travel experiences you’ve

created for them. 3 nights in a 4 star Cotswold hotel in

Chipping Campden, Broadway, Moreton in Marsh or Stow on

the Wold would do the trick, with English Afternoon Teas,

Midnight Mass or Sung Matins in a church dating back to the

14th century, a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, the

Queen’s Speech and a Stirrup Cup before the local Hunt sets

out on Boxing Day. I can think of at least one hotel where

the programme starts with Christmas Eve carols with the

owners of a nearby stately home.

The Christmas festivities start early in December as these

example demonstrate:

By Paull Tickner

Capturing the Spirit

of Christmas

18

Fairytale Castles and Meet MrPickwick

Packed with shopping stalls, the cathedral city of Rochester

becomes a feast of Victorian delights during their annual

Dickens Christmas Festival. There are lamp-lit parades, carols

to be sung, Father Christmas to be met and even a guaranteed

snowfall, along with a host of familiar, fabled characters from

Dickens’ much-loved stories. Add Hever Castle and Leeds

Castle both decorated for Christmas, a visit to Canterbury

Cathedral and a few days in London and you’re onto a winner.

London and the York St Nicholas Christmas Festival

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

The major event in this 6 night programme is the colourful St Nicholas Christmas Festival complete with sea-

sonal sparkle, Victorian costumed traders, carol singers and hot chocolate laced with brandy! Thanks to the

timing, you can include visits to Castle Howard and the Fairfax House both traditionally decorated for

Christmas. You’ll also be there during the annual Early Music Christmas Festival.

Decorated for Christmas

Imagine Blenheim Palace and Waddesdon Manor filled with huge Christmas Trees and festive decorations. I can

offer a terrific programme whicxh will really put you in a festive mood as you browse through the beautifully

decorated wooden stalls at the Oxford Christmas Market, stand back in amazement as you survey the huge

Christmas trees and traditional decoration in Blenheim Palace and Waddesdon Manor and rub shoulders with

the locals on the streets and in the pubs and tea rooms in the very English market towns of Burford and

Woodstock.


19

(continued on page 14)

Capturing the Spirit

of Christmas

20

August 2015

Get Your Skates On

For families looking for something a little different, I can

strongly recommend a London Living History Adventure with

a visit to the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, an evening of

Christmas carols plus a whirl around some of London’s best

outdoor ice skating rinks. You’ll find them at the Tower of

London, Hampton Court Pa lace , The Natura l His tory

Museum, in the courtyard of Somerset House and at the

National Maritime Museum Greenwich. Include some brows-

ing time in Hamleys the world famous toy shop, Harrods, or

your own favourite shops and stores and you’re in a position

to offer clients a slightly different look at London during

December.

A Cornucopia of Christmas Markets

Recharge your batteries between Thanksgiving and Christmas

with this English shopping trip with a difference. Over a 7

night period you can take in the Belgravia Christmas Sunday,

the huge Winter Wonder land in Hyde Park and the

Christmas Markets in spectacular settings in the cathedral

cities of Winchester, Salisbury and Bath. This fantastic festive

retail therapy experience is a real winner as a Girls Getaway

for 8-10 avid shoppers!

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August 2015

TRAVELSAVERS Expands BusinessAnalyst Team

TRAVELSAVERS a global travel marketing organiza-tion announced the completion of their strategicallypositioned business analyst team. TRAVELSAVERSutilizes innovative technology to deliver superiortools and resources that assist in making travel agen-cies more efficient and profitable.

"Over the last five years we have elevated the ser-vice level that every TRAVELSAVERS affiliateexpects and deserves by offering personalized con-sulting to ensure maximum growth and efficiency,”says Melissa Wright, Senior Director, BusinessDevelopment, TRAVELSAVERS. “Our business ana-lyst team is strategically located around the country,Mary Lee DeFranco (NY), Janice Decker (CA),Michele Aubin Keally (FL), Steve Phillips (MN), andSarah-Jane Pieri (MN).”

“Through Melissa’s leadership we have created adiverse team that has the depth of knowledge andvaluable experience from both the agency and sup-plier communities to provide high quality serviceand expert business consultation so that our affili-ates can grow and profit, says Kathryn Mazza-Burney, Executive Vice President, Sales, TRAVEL-SAVERS.

Agencies who want to learn more about TRAVEL-SAVERS, how to become an affiliate and take advan-tage of the training, technology and marketing pro-grams TRAVELSAVERS offers can visit, sales.travel-savers.com or call, 1-800-366-9895.

Showcase

About TRAVELSAVERS:Owned by AmericanMarketing Group, Inc., TRAV-ELSAVERS is an internationaltravel marketing organizationwith a retail chain of morethan 3,000 independentlyowned full service travel agen-cies in over 30 countries thattogether generate more than$20 billion in annual travelsales. Headquartered inOyster Bay, New York, TRAV-ELSAVERS offers a compre-hensive range of products andsupport services to help itslicensed agencies maximizesales though a select group ofsuppliers – and stand out astravel leaders in their localcommunities. The marketingcompany also features aunique exclusive territory sys-tem based on populations of50,000, so agents maintaincontrol over clients andprospective leads in theirexclusive area. Travel profes-sionals interested in learningmore about joining TRAVEL-SAVERS can visithttp://sales.travelsavers.com.

NO ONE CAN SHOW YOUR CLIENTS THE WORLD LIKE ROYAL CARIBBEAN

When you send your clients on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’re not just giving them a world-class adventure. You’re sending them on a vacation that will give them the same special treatment you do. That’s why Travel Weekly has voted us Best Overall 12 years running. And why your client will want to come back and cruise with us (and you) again and again. So choose confi dently. Choose Royal Caribbean.

INNOVATIVE SHIPS

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

AMAZING DESTINATIONS

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

WORLD-CLASS SERVICE

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

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

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

7YEARSRUNNING

BEST SALES& SERVICETravel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards2008 – 2014

12YEARS

BEST CRUISELINE OVERALLTravel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards2003 – 2014RUNNING

travel agent professional august 2015

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