For the first time ever, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and the National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents…
For the first time ever, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) and the National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents (NACTA) are joining forces to bring travel agents the best cruise and leisure show in the industry-ASTA & NACTA`s Cruisefest in Miami April 7-10, 2005. Under the theme, More Than Just Cruises, the revamped show, sponsored by Travel Agent magazine, will focus on all aspects of the leisure travel market, including cruises, honeymoons, tours and all-inclusive resorts.
We`re in the height of the WAVE season and ASTA & NACTA`s Cruisefest is a terrific opportunity to expand our knowledge about all the offerings from our cruise partners and to sell at this level all year round. Cruises continue to be one of the brightest stars on our horizon. As its capacity grows, it presents many more opportunities for travel agents to expand their businesses, said ASTA President and CEO Kathy Sudeikis, CTC.
Once again our trade show format includes a second day in which we`ll be holding supplier roundtables and giving agents the chance to hear from and talk to even more suppliers than they might otherwise, Sudeikis added. And for agents looking to broaden their knowledge beyond the cruise industry, we are offering an exciting line-up of seminars on all aspects of the travel industry, some for which agents can earn up to 40 CLIA credits just by attending.
A first at this year`s cruise show will be the debut of the Model Agent Program (MAP II). A follow-up course to the highly successful Model Agency Program (www.astanet.com/news/releasearchive04/09_28_04d.asp), the program was designed for experienced travel agents or independent contractors who want to expand and benchmark their skills.
I think ASTA & NACTA`s Cruisefest is a great chance for all travel agents, whether they are home-based or working in an agency setting, to enhance their knowledge of the cruise and leisure markets. With so many great seminars targeting all areas of the vacation market and so many wonderful ships to inspect, I hope that travel agents will come out and participate, said NACTA President Joanie Ogg, CTC, MCC.
Ships
Twenty-two ships will be in port and up for inspection by travel agents attending this year`s ASTA & NACTA`s Cruisefest. Among them will be two of the newest ships to sail the seas, the Carnival Valor and RCI`s Jewel of the Seas, both debuted in 2004.
Port of Miami Ship Inspections
April 8
Majesty of the Seas (RCI)
Fascination (Carnival)
Brilliance of the Seas (RCI)
April 9
Voyager of the Seas (RCI)
Navigator of the Seas (RCI)
Carnival Triumph (Carnival)
Norwegian Sun (NCL)
April 10
Explorer of the Seas (RCI)
Radiance of the Seas (RCI)
Carnival Victory (Carnival)
Carnival Valor (Carnival)
Port Everglades Ship Inspections
April 9
Caribbean Princess (Princess)Century (Celebrity)
Dawn Princess (Princess)
Jewel of the Seas (RCI)
Volendam (Holland)
Zuiderdam (Holland)
April 10
Costa Mediterranea (Costa)
Legend of the Seas (RCI)
Millennium (Celebrity)
Star Princess (Princess)
Westerdam (Holland)
Seminars
- Tour Operator Profits – Can You TOP This? This seminar given by Tour Operator Program (TOP) executives will teach agents how to increase sales and provide quality products for their clients
- Hearing Impaired and Physically Challenged Cruise Passengers. Presented by Roberta Schwartz, CTC, MCC. Agents will learn the specifics of how to help clients enjoy their cruise experiences
- Cruising the Ultimate Incentive (15 CLIA points) Presented by Bernie Blomquist, CTC, MCC. This seminar covers the fundamentals of incentive travel and the strategies and techniques agents need to succeed
- Creating a Cruise Marketing Plan (15 CLIA points). Presented by Tom Cogan, CTC, MCC. This course identifies the essential components in a successful yet simple marketing plan and how to apply them
How to Become a Home Based Cruise Agent. Presented by Joanie Ogg, CTC, MCC. Anyone interested in re-engineering their business and selling travel as a home-based travel agent should attend. Topics covered will include choosing a host or going it alone; elements of development; home based office set-up; and commissions & overrides
- The Secrets of Success for the Home Based Cruise Agent: Panel Discussion. Presented by Joanie Ogg, CTC, MCC
- Selling Up. Presented by Roy Grimsland. The seminar given by Radisson Seven Seas Cruises` Vice President of Sales, will focus on luxury cruise sales but will cover selling higher priced and higher quality travel products
- Model Agent Program (MAP II). Agents will learn how to market their individual skills while developing professional and career development skills and sales techniques both online and offline
- Sure Fire Ways to Increase Your Share of Luxury Cruise and Tour Products. Presented by Mark McMullen. This seminar will discuss the psychology behind selling luxury products and knowing which luxury land and cruise products to sell – and to whom
- Home Based Sales Seminar. Presented by Scott Koepf, CTC, MCC. This class provides specific selling tools and introduces a process and style that can be individually personalized
- Got Niche? A Rewarding Strategy for the Home Based Agency. Presented by Stuart Cohen. This workshop helps agents identify and capitalize on their niche in a step-by-step format
- Promoting Your Cruise Programs: How Do You Get People Interested and Get Them BUYING? Presented by Kate Koziol. This seminar examines ways to change how travel agents look at cruise sales and dramatically improve client interest levels and agency closing rates
- Deluxe European River Cruises. Presented by Kristin Karst. Learn about the typical river cruise passenger, where to find them and how to approach them. This seminar focuses on the advantages of river cruising, popular itineraries and special on-board services tailored to U.S. passengers
To see complete seminar descriptions and listings, visit www.astanet.com/conference/cf05/seminars.asp.
Lodging
Agents at this year`s ASTA & NACTA`s Cruisefest are being offered a special hotel rate of $136 single/double (plus, taxes and surcharges) at the Hyatt Regency Miami, the location of the trade show and all business sessions. To book a room at this rate, please call 305.358.1234.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
