Specialized curriculum provides increased value to agents
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 9, 2006 — America’s Vacation Center (AVC), http://www.AmericasVacationCenter.com, today announced its new Certification Course program through America’s Vacation Center University(TM) (AVCU). AVC selected Alaska as its first destination course because 2006 sales for Alaskan cruises were up 100 percent from 2005, and AVC is already experiencing high demand for 2007. AVCU’s Certification Courses will be offered on a monthly basis starting in 2007 and will specialize in destinations from Alaska to the Caribbean.
AVCU is partnering with the Alaska Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau, Alaska Travel Industry Association and Holland America Line to bring "Destination: Alaska" training to its agents through a six-hour program. Beginning on Monday, October 16, 2006, the course will be held via one-hour Webinars every Monday and Wednesday for three consecutive weeks. After the discounted course, AVC agents will be well equipped with the knowledge and confidence to significantly increase their Alaska bookings.
"It’s our goal to be considered the ‘ivy league’ of host agencies, affiliated with independent contractors that aren’t just travel agents, but are specialists in the destinations they love to sell," said Shelton Hill, sales and business development coach for AVC. "We want to provide our contractors with all the opportunities and materials available so they can become knowledgeable resources for their customers, therefore boosting their sales and expanding on AVC’s already world-class reputation."
The "Destination: Alaska" series will focus on land tours, cruise tours and pre/post-hotel stays before or after cruises in Alaska. Andy Larsen, travel trade and international marketing manager for the Alaska Travel Industry Association; Tania Hancock, tourism sales manager for the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Noel DeChambeau, director of Alaska marketing and sales for Holland America Line, will host the series.
"Alaska is a vacation destination that should include both cruising and land-based elements in order for consumers to experience everything the ‘last frontier’ has to offer," said Hancock. "It’s a pleasure to partner with AVC in order to create dynamic, specialized independent agents who can create the most valuable, customized vacations for their clients."
AVC agents interested in registering for the "Destination: Alaska" course should contact Shelton Hill at 760-233-7630 x276 or training@AVC.com.
About America’s Vacation Center (AVC)
With more than 40 years of experience and a half-million customers served, America’s Vacation Center(R) (http://www.AmericasVacationCenter.com) is one of the top travel agencies in the American Express Travel Service Representative Network. AVC is a leading seller of cruises and vacation packages from suppliers such as American Express Vacations, Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Royal Caribbean and more. With hundreds of independent travel specialists, AVC is America’s Leading Host Agency(TM) (http://www.JoinAVC.com), providing technology, support and Live Leads(TM) to travel agents worldwide.
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Contact:
Ashley Wolf
PR and Channel Marketing Manager
America’s Vacation Center
760-233-7630 x267
Ashley.Wolf@AmericasVacationCenter.com
