Home Based Travel Agent - November 2008 - (Page 20)

News Economic challenges coupled with rising energy costs appear to have caused a shift in entrepreneurs’ outlook on near-term business prospects and priorities, according to the American Express OPEN Small Business Monitor, a semiannual survey of business owners. Compared to last fall, optimism is down significantly (48 percent vs. 64 percent), but has remained steady compared to six months ago (45 percent). The survey was conducted by Echo Research August 12-25, and released in October prior to the federal bailout. Three-quarters of business owners plan to grow their businesses over the next six months, but keeping and maintaining current business and sources of revenue has surpassed growth as the top priority for entrepreneurs. To help retain their current sources of business, entrepreneurs will place a heightened focus on better servicing customers to set their business apart from competitors. Business owners in the services sector are among the most optimistic (53 percent) and most likely to have hiring plans (44 percent), but least likely to have plans for growth. The biggest business challenge they face is the uncertain economy. Concerns detailed include cash-flow problems, rising costs, economic uncertainty and healthcare costs. In addition, capital investment plans are at their lowest in the history of the survey. Visit www.americanexpress.com or www.open.com to read more about the survey. 20 Silversea will offer 25-percent commissions on select cruises, including the Silver Shadow, shown here INDUSTRY FOR THE AGENT Small-Business Optimism Down As economy falters, survey reports that small-business operators are feeling the strain Silversea Boosts Agent Commissions Silversea is offering 25-percent commission to all agents who make a new reservation before December 31 on voyages departing on or before March 31, 2009—this includes Silversea Expeditions aboard the Prince Albert II. “We’re taking this step to help stimulate sales not only for Silversea, but for our valued travel agent partners,” says Marilyn Conroy, Silversea’s senior vice president of sales and marketing for the Americas. The higher commissions may be applied to any advertised Silversea cruise fare, including special savings and incentive programs. Sample voyages and commissions include: I Silver Shadow departs January 4 on a nineday, Caribbean voyage (#3901) from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados visiting Tortola, Antigua, St. Lucia, Grenada and Bequia. Silver Sailing cruise fares start at $3,537 per person (40 percent savings); $150 per person port charges are additional. Agent’s commission is $1,768.50 based on double occupancy. I Silver Wind departs February 7 on a seven-day, roundtrip voyage (#2904) from Mahe visiting La Digue, Curieuse, Silhouette and Praslin in the Seychelle Islands. Silver Sailing cruise fares start at $2,937 per person (40 percent savings); $175 per person port charges are additional. Agent’s commission is $1,468.50 based on double occupancy. I Silver Whisper departs February 26 on a 10-day, roundtrip voyage (#4905) from Hong Kong visiting Xiamen, Shanghai, Okinawa, Keelung and Kao-Hsiung. Silver Sailing cruise fares start at $5,526 per person (30 percent savings); $325 per person port charges are additional. Agent’s commission is $2,763 based on double occupancy. — Michael Browne Home-BasedTravelAgent NOV EMBE R 2008 http://www.americanexpress.com http://www.open.com

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Home Based Travel Agent - November 2008 Contents Editor’s Note Publisher’s Note Your Lifeline Agent Spotlight New Technology Industry News Hot Deals Cultural Tourism Luxury Hotels For the Traveler: Luxury For the Agent: Luxury For the Traveler: Latin America For the Agent: Latin America Hawaii For the Traveler: Provence For the Agent: Provence For the Traveler: Florida For the Agent: Florida Home-Based Agent Expo New Products

Home Based Travel Agent - November 2008

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