Travel agency sponsors seminars to build agents’ expertise
SAN DIEGO, March 2, 2007 — America’s Vacation Center (AVC), one of the leading travel agencies in North America, today announced the launch of its Travel Executive Forum(TM) series (http://www.TravelExecutiveForum.com), meant to serve as a venue for industry leaders to share their insight with travel agents across the globe. Bob Dickinson, President and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines, will host the first seminar on Tuesday, March 20, at 9:00 a.m. PST, covering the importance of relationship building and repeat and referral customers, as well as an update on Carnival.
AVC is a pioneer in the industry with its unparalleled training and education programs. This free series of Webinars presented by America’s Vacation Center University(TM) (AVCU) and sponsored by American Express will extend AVC’s training to the travel industry as a whole by connecting travel agents across North America with the leading top executives. The Travel Executive Forum will be streamed live online and will include exclusive presentations from executives of the leading cruise lines, tour operators, destination bureaus, and more. In addition, the company is planning to launch a consumer version of the forum in the coming months.
"We have been in the travel industry for over 40 years and we really wanted to give back to the travel agent community by providing an avenue for agents to listen and learn from the industry’s leaders," said Brad Anderson, Co-President of AVC. "The travel sector is constantly changing, and everyone can benefit from additional coaching and training. AVC is proud to be taking this step to provide this opportunity to all agents, not just our network of independently owned and operated affiliates, to build their expertise."
"Providing professional travel agents worldwide with access to the travel industry’s top executives is an unprecedented endeavor. I am honored to be the first presenter of the series and encourage agents to register for the forum," said Bob Dickinson, President and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines. "AVC’s establishment of the Travel Executive Forum is yet another reason why they are leading the pack when it comes to training and education."
AVCU has two more presentations lined up for the forum, and plans to continue with this series on a monthly basis. The next seminar is April 24, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. PST presented by Royal Caribbean International executives, Adam Goldstein, President, and Lisa Bauer, Senior Vice President of Sales. Goldstein will present this session aboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, the Liberty of the Seas. On May 22, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. PST, Steve Gorga, President of American Express Vacations, will host the forum.
Up to 1,000 agents can register for the sessions on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to register for the Travel Executive Forum, visit http://www.TravelExecutiveForum.com.
About America’s Vacation Center (AVC)
America’s Vacation Center(R) (http://www.AmericasVacationCenter.com) is one of the leading travel agencies in North America. As an American Express Travel Representative, America’s Vacation Center (AVC) is deeply committed to integrity, quality service, and success in every aspect of professionally planning vacations and cruises. AVC is a leading seller of cruises and vacation packages from suppliers such as American Express Vacations, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and more. With hundreds of independently owned and operated affiliates in its network, AVC provides exclusive discounts, amenities, and first-class customer service to travelers worldwide.
Contact:
Ashley Wolf
PR Manager
America’s Vacation Center
760-233-7630 x267
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