CHECKING IN
WITH: John Clifford, president of International Travel
Management, a home-based agency in San Diego, said autumn and
holiday season bookings look brisk so far, and theres no slowdown
in sight. Southeast Asia has been the big, big seller this year, he
said, Thailand in particular. I have a multi-generational family
trip planned for a group of 12, from the grandmother, to the
granddaughter, theyre visiting Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the
countryside, said Clifford.
MEXICO is very popular for this agent,
specifically Cancun, Mayan Riviera and Cabo San Lucas. Clifford,
who is on Travel + Leisure Magazines A-List All-Stars -- The Worlds
Top-8 Travel Consultants for 2004-2005, said Hawaii continues to be
a strong destination, also. I have sold all four major islands
equally this year. The agent said lead time for bookings appears to
be increasing. Im working on an Austrian-Italian honeymoon for May
2006 as well as some Christmas trips, a private jet trip for two
affluent clients to Thailand in December who last year did a
Travcoa Africa trip, super high-end.
IN YOUR
POCKET: Collette Vacations is paying agents a $50
cash-back incentive for every booking of its 2006 Alaska Discovery
Land and Cruise or the Voyage of the Glaciers programs. Bookings
must be made before Nov. 15 for travel in 2006. In addition to the
agent bonus, clients receive a $75 discount per booking. To book or
for more information, call (800) 832-4656 or visit www.collettevacations.com.
DATEBOOK:
OSSN President Gary Fee will address the Kansas City OSSN
Chapter on Nov. 11. The event will be held at the Hilton -- Kansas
City Airport starting at 2 p.m. Among topics to be discussed:
working with suppliers; legal issues, database management and
e-commerce marketing. The meeting is free to members, $10 for
non-members. Contact the chapter director to reserve a spot, at
(913) 962-0356 or [email protected].