Home Based Travel Agent - May 2008 - (Page 42)

Dominican Republic FOR THE AGENT WHEN IN LA ROMANA This southeastern Dominican Republic destination offers world-class golf, four- and five-star resorts and unsurpassed natural beauty romana.com.do, 809-523-2028) is the Enjoy an al fresco massage at Casa del Mar dominant tour operator in La Romana, with more than 25 years of experience. With a fleet of nearly three dozen vehicles and relationships with all DR tourism contacts, they’re well prepared to look after your clients with a bevy of services and established excursions. They pay agents 10 percent commission. Lodging: Casa de Campo (www.casadecampo. com.do, 800-877-3643) offers visitors round-the-clock, five-star pampering, with more than 7,000 acres of resort paradise teeming with every conceivable luxury and indulgence. Its 300 immaculate guest rooms and 150 private villa homes offer unequaled comfort. Its facilities are world-class, too: three championship golf courses, a beach, Getting There: La Romana is served by three international airports. La Romana International Airport (LRM), the most convenient at less than a 20-minute drive from all La Romana resorts, is served by American Airlines (www.aa.com) and USA 3000 (www.usa3000.com). Santo Domingo International Airport (SDQ) and Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), each a 90-minute drive from La Romana, offer additional carrier options, including Delta Air Lines (www.delta. com), Northwest Airlines (www.nwa. com), United Airlines (www.united. com), Jet Blue Airways (www.jetblue. com), US Airways (www.usairways.com) and Spirit Airlines (www.spiritair.com), among several international airlines. For elite clients arriving by private jet, contact Servair Aero Base (aero sev1@yahoo.com, 809-813-9018) or IAS International Aviation Services (jimmy@ ias.com.do, 809-813-9114). For those arriving by yacht, visit www.marinacasa decampo.com for more information. Getting Around: If your clients suggest renting a car, talk them out of it. Dominican roads are poorly marked, full of potholes and teeming with motorbikes. Taxis and pre-arranged transfers are the best bets. All resorts offer airport transfers and taxi reservation services. Advise clients to negotiate taxi fees prior to their transfers—and via their hotel’s concierge or other representative if possible. Official taxis are yellow and display a Ministry of Tourismapproved “Taxi Turistico” logo. Tour Operators: Tropical Tours (www.tropicaltours tennis, shooting center, equestrian center, fitness center, spa, watersports, upscale shops, boutiques, and supervised children’s areas are all on-site. Packages are both all-inclusive and à la carte; if choosing the latter, lunch and dinner are available at the resort’s numerous dining venues. Sunscape Casa del Mar (www. sunscapecasadelmar.com.do) caters to a predominantly American crowd. Service and facilities are first-rate—not as luxurious as Casa de Campo, but suitable for four-star clients. More than 50 percent of its 751 guest rooms have been recently renovated and offer clean, comfortable spaces with modern conveniences. Although the all-inclusive resort provides bountiful, delicious meals at eight onsite restaurants, romantic couples should opt at least once for its beachside dining experience. For $90, they’ll get a private 42 Home-BasedTravelAgent MAY 2 0 0 8 http://www.tropicaltoursromana.com.do http://www.casadecampo.com.do http://www.casadecampo.com.do http://www.marinacasadecampo.com http://www.marinacasadecampo.com http://www.aa.com http://www.usa3000.com http://www.sunscapecasadelmar.com.do http://www.sunscapecasadelmar.com.do http://www.delta.com http://www.delta.com http://www.nwa.com http://www.nwa.com http://www.united.com http://www.united.com http://www.jetblue.com http://www.jetblue.com http://www.usairways.com http://www.spiritair.com http://www.tropicaltoursromana.com.do

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Home Based Travel Agent - May 2008

Home Based Travel Agent - May 2008 Contents Editor’s Note: When It’s Just Not Worth It Publisher’s Note: Never Underestimate Your Lifeline: When Things Go Wrong, You May Need To Agent Spotlight: Odyssey Travel’s Michelle Duncan New Technology: Resources That Can Help You Quickly Industry News: Costa Names Field Sales Director Hot Deals: From the Caribbean to Canada and London Success Stories Independent Associations Southern Swing Mexico Dominican Republic Cover Story: Australia Family Trips Theme Tours New Products: Urban At Ease Laptop Messenger Bag

Home Based Travel Agent - May 2008

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