CRUISE
PLANNERS, the cruise agency franchisor that counts many
at-homes among its members, said it set a sales record in 2005,
breaking the $100 million mark. In 2004, sales reached $85 million,
the firm said. Cruise Planners began operation in 1994, when it was
still unusual to use agents selling out of their homes. That year,
the company had $3 million in sales.
REINFORCING the companys growth, officials
said, were its recent rankings in Entrepreneur Magazine. In the
cruise-only agency category, Cruise Planners has ranked first for
three consecutive years. Agents looking to affiliate with Cruise
Planners should contact Diane Chiafair at (888) 582-2150 or visit
www.cruiseagents.com.
JOYSTAR, a host agency, reported it reached
$60 million in annual sales. Willliam Alverson, CEO of Joystar,
said the company continues to enhance its hosting program and in
January signed contracts with agents representing an estimated $10
million in annual sales. Joystars financial report cites a Credit
Suisse First Boston estimate that the home-based agency model
represents $7.6 billion in annual sales. It also estimates the
number of at-home agents will reach 25,000 this year and 50,000 by
2010.
FAM OF THE
WEEK
Hungary
Dates
valid: Through March 31 for three-night stays.
Sponsor: Tradesco Tours, Los
Angeles.
Cost: From $79 per person, double, per
night. Includes accommodations at a choice of hotels, buffet
breakfast daily and a three-day Budapest Card.
Trip: Visits Budapest.
Noteworthy: The Budapest Card covers public
transportation and discounts on museums, shopping and restaurants.
The single rate starts from $100. Extra days can be added on. The
rate is valid for travel agents and airline employees and their
companions.
Contact: Fax: (239) 495-5092; e-mail: [email protected].