AMResorts and Apple Leisure Group Vacations (ALG Vacations) hosted the four-day intensive training at Dreams Onyx in Punta Cana.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. – Land and resort vacation business is booming for work-from-home travel advisors with Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, with land sales up more than 50 percent in 2022 compared to 2019. The need for a travel agent training in this niche is more important than ever. Apple Leisure Group and AMResorts co-hosted the annual Dream Vacations and CruiseOne Land Summit at the Dreams Onyx in Punta Cana, D.R. During the four-day training, more than 120 travel agents participated in interactive workshops, agent panels, hotel events, and site inspections.
“It’s always a pleasure to forge closer relationships with Dream Vacations and CruiseOne agents who focus on marketing and selling land vacations,” said Jim Tedesco, vice president of sales for ALG Vacations. “The travel industry is strengthened by the relationships local businesses build with the partners they choose to work with, and ALG Vacations does not take that lightly,” Tedesco said. “This Land Summit was the perfect opportunity to showcase how we can grow stronger and more successful together.”
Dream Vacations and CruiseOne resort vacations sales are surpassing pre-pandemic numbers and its land business has continued to grow each year. This is due to the marketing programs and support Dream Vacations and CruiseOne provide its travel agency franchise owners. In addition to providing a dedicated “land brochure” which promotes everything related to resorts, escorted tours, and more, agents who subscribe to the free Automated Social Media program have access to destination-themed social media posts. Land vacations are also promoted on websites, direct mail pieces, and weekly email newsletters. Also, more emphasis has been placed on land training because of preferred relationships with more than 25 suppliers.
“Our agents benefit more from small training groups so they can engage with suppliers and each other, ultimately gaining a deeper understanding of the product,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations and CruiseOne. “Small businesses need innovation, customization, and consumer insight to grow. For our travel advisors to be successful, we ensured that our Land Summit addressed relevant best practices and provided them with the latest tools, resources, and content. It will allow them to generate new leads and keep loyal customers.”
The Land Summit concluded the 2022 Immersive Education Series, which featured intimate training opportunities on niche topics such as groups, luxury, and river cruising.
“This was my third Land Summit, and I learn something new each time! I appreciated the opportunity to interact in person with existing and new land suppliers,” said Amy Madson, owner and vacation specialist, Dream Vacations Madson & Associates. “Having these supplier relationships is beneficial to growing our land business. The resort site inspections were invaluable in helping us understand what type of clients fit at each resort we visited. Looking forward to Land Summit 2023!”
The Dream Vacations and CruiseOne family was saddened to see the reports of damage and devastation that Hurricane Fiona left in its wake. “Hurricane Fiona victims are in our thoughts and prayers,” said Daly.
Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.