Global Travel Marketplace applications are now being
accepted. A limited number of top-performing agents will be accepted to
participate — 100 to 125 for GTM, and 75 to 100 for GTM West.
“Our team is so excited to once again begin our unique
vetting process. These events truly reaffirm and support the brilliant business
models that now reflect the travel agency community,” said Alicia Evanko-Lewis,
senior vice president of events for Northstar Travel Media. “We had nearly
1,500 applications last year and anticipate an even stronger response in 2015.”
Agents must have $1 million in annual sales to qualify for
GTM, and $800,000 in annual sales for GTM West. Or, a participant can be an
owner of a multimillion-dollar agency who actively books travel and has the
authority to make product and partner decisions.
GTM West will be at the Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in
Tucson, Ariz., May 1-3. GTM will be at the Diplomat Resort & Spa in
Hollywood, Fla., June 28-30.
GTM West recruits qualifying agents from Texas, Oklahoma,
Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming,
Montana, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska
and Hawaii, and the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and
Saskatchewan. GTM is open to all U.S. and Canadian applicants.
Each event includes two days of one-on-one, pre-scheduled
meetings. Agents have a minimum of 50 face-to-face meetings and participate in
a number of supplier boardroom presentations, in which suppliers and agents
share in a collaborative and interactive environment. Significant time is also
included for networking with like-minded peers.
Selected agents will receive complimentary roundtrip
airfare, three-night hotel accommodations, meals, networking opportunities and
invitations to special events.
“The feedback from past attendees – both agents and
suppliers - speaks for itself. GTM is changing our industry and redefining the
way we do business. The return on investment for the travel seller’s time and
the participating suppliers’ financial commitment is unparalleled. Our
attendees are true revenue producers with growing business. Our suppliers come
committed to growing relationships with the best in our business,” said
Evanko-Lewis.
Agents must apply at www.globaltravelmarketplace.com,
providing supplier references and information about their annual bookings. The
next step is a one-on-one telephone interview.
"By far the best event I have ever attended in my 33
years [in travel]!" said Sheryl Fick, Endless Travel/Uniglobe Travel.
“I can honestly say
that this was the best and most productive conference I have ever attended.
Everything was top notch, including all of the agents and vendors. I made some
excellent business contacts and some wonderful new friends,” said Lynda Train,
Altour (American Express).