CRUISE AGENT
ONLY, the Florida-based organization that provides
training to retailers in the U.S. and Canada, launched its Travel
Sales Certification (TSC) program. The program will be incorporated
into the groups Cruise University, said Charlie Dubinsky, president
of Cruise Agent Only. He said retailers attending the Jan. 15
Cruise University, to be held aboard NCLs Norwegian Sun, will be
the first class to attend the certification program. An added
benefit of the TSC, Dubinsky said, is that it usually includes CLIA
seminars and attendees can earn up to 70 points toward CLIA
certification. Attendees who are CTAs and CTCs can earn credit
toward the Travel Institutes continuing education program, he said.
THE
TSC is structured to help travel agents close more sales
in a competitive market, Dubinsky said. The certification program
will offer agents who attend the January event an opportunity to
continue their education on subsequent Cruise University programs,
with multiple levels of achievement. According to the guidelines,
Dubinsky said, agents must attend all classes onboard and pass a
proficiency test in order to advance to the next level. Cruise
University is held aboard various cruise lines and ships throughout
the year. Agents can learn more by calling Cruise Agent Only at
(954) 491-2269 or by visiting www.cruiseagentonly.com.
CLIA NAMED
25 retailers to its newly formed agent advisory board.
More than 30% of the members are home-based travel sellers. You
folks are the lifeblood of this organization and I think you need
direct access to the leadership of CLIA, said the organizations CEO
Terry Dale, as he introduced the advisory board members during a
conference call with retailers last week. Dale said he hoped the
advisory board would act as a think tank and a sounding board for
CLIA policies and plans. He said the organization had more than 200
applications from agents seeking to join the board. Those selected
will serve a two-year term.
IN OTHER
CRUISE industry news, CruiseOne, the cruise-only
franchiser, said it reached a milestone in August by signing up 15
new franchises, bringing the total number of members to 454.
Information about the company, including its new CD, The CruiseOne
Difference, is available by calling (800) 892-3928. Its Web site is
www.cruiseonefranchise.com.
DATEBOOK: The French Government Tourist
Office (FGTO) is hosting a Hispanic series of travel agent
seminars. The free events, to be held in Miami and San Juan, will
consist of a trade show featuring 10 French suppliers and
U.S.-based tour operators, regional presentations, information on
the FGTOs France Certification destination-specialist program,
cocktails and prize drawings. Presentations will be made in both
English and Spanish. The Miami seminar will be held Oct. 26, from 5
p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Sofitel Miami hotel, while the San Juan
event is scheduled for the same hours on Oct. 27 at the Wyndham Old
San Juan hotel. To register call (212) 838-7800, Ext. 208 or e-mail
[email protected].
FAM OF THE
WEEK
Costa Rica
Departures: Jan. 21 to 28 on a daily basis from
New York to Liberia via Delta.
Length: Seven nights.
Sponsor: Reko Tours, Astoria, N.Y.
Cost: $849 per person, double. Includes roundtrip
air, all-inclusive accommodations at the Occidental Allegro
Papagayo (or similar hotel) and transfers.
Noteworthy: The single supplement is $145 and the
companion rate is $75 extra. Rates from the West Coast are $95
additional.
Contact: (800) 251-0230 or (718) 721-0003; fax:
(718) 721-5643; e-mail: [email protected].