Travel Agent - September 1, 2008 - (Page 10)

FROM THE EDITOR Focus on the Big Picture WHEN I HEARD ABOUT THE FUROR IN RESPONSE TO JETBLUE CHARGING FOR PILLOWS AND BLANKETS, I FINALLY REALIZED WE’VE ALL LOST OUR CONSTANTLY-INDIGNANT-AT-THE-AIRLINES LITTLE MINDS. When did we decide that for a two- to five-hour timespan, we couldn’t live without receiving shelter or sustenance from a third party? I know that airplanes tend to fly pretty far above the terra firma we’re used to stomping around on, but I’ve almost never gotten on a flight without knowing ahead of time I’d be doing just that. Why can’t we dress warmly enough and bring our own food on the plane? Why do we insist that we get these things for free and then appear awestruck when they’re taken away from us? People have been capable of obtaining takeout food for ages. In fact, as I’m writing this, on a warm August evening, I’m sitting on the 7:22 p.m. out of Penn Station and a woman across the aisle just unearthed a container of hot soup from an Au Bon Pain bag. She’s slurping it up wholeheartedly with a plastic teaspoon even though she’s crammed into a two-seater with a well-dressed gentleman in a business suit who has a tiny scared smile on his face, indicating a fear of sudden, scalding spillage rather than contentment. Airlines are responsible for getting us from point A to point B. Unless I’ve paid to be in first or business class, I’m not expecting anyone to tuck me in anymore. Let’s focus on what’s really wrong with most airlines, like coach seats that are so tightly packed in you can nearly suffocate from a lack of space, or flight attendants who are just plain mean. JetBlue actually doesn’t suffer from either of these issues, so I say let them charge for a blanket and pillow. I hear they’re from Bed, Bath & Beyond and rather nice, in fact. Meet Your Top Sales Reps In this issue, we celebrate the Top Supplier Sales Reps in the industry. We decided to take on the challenge of finding these talented individuals because we wanted to write about those people who are most important to you and your business. You know who they are: These are the folks who show up at your doorstep eager to tell you about their newest hotels or tours with a big grin on their faces, even though it’s pouring rain out. These are the same devoted road warriors who don’t get to see their homes for weeks at a time because they’re out flying and driving and taking every possible mode of transportation to visit with the travel agents in their region. When you have a problem, you can call on these talented and dedicated comrades because they have all but dedicated their careers to serving you, the travel agent. Read and enjoy. Meet some old friends, make some new ones and don’t forget to nominate your top sales rep in next year’s Travel Agent Top Supplier Sale Representative Awards. Editorial Director Ruthanne Terrero RUTHANNE TERRERO, CTC EDITORIAL DIRECTOR 10 | TravelAgent September 1, 2008 CONNECTING YOU For more from Ruthanne Terrero, visit www.travelagent central.com/edletter http://www.travelagentcentral.com/edletter http://www.travelagentcentral.com/edletter

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - September 1, 2008

Travel Agent - September 1, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor From the Publisher Europe: Apartment Rentals Offer a Different View of Paris Pacific/Asia: Authentic Sarawak Culture and Longhouse Experiences are Highlights of a Visit to Malaysian Borneo South Pacific: Fiji’s Denarau Island Offers Paradise within a Paradise Las Vegas: As Business Slows, Discounts and Deals are in the Cards at Many Vegas Properties Central & South America: São Paolo, Brazil, is Ideal for Business or Leisure Vacations Caribbean: The Caves in Negril, Jamaica, Offers Quiet Luxury Rosecita Jeffers Takes Over the St. Kitts Tourism Authority Cruises: Crystal Cruises is Making Plans and Changes for the Future Keeping Cruises Affordable with These 12 Tips for Clients Cover Story: Top Supplier Sales Reps Hotels: At Chicago’s Stylish Avenue Hotel, the Kids are all Right Bali is Reinventing Itself as a Family-Friendly Destination Tours: GOGO Worldwide Vacations Renews its Commitment to the Travel Agent Community Agent Profile: Ramesh Kalicharran Looked for His Roots and Helps Others Find Theirs Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Luxury Travel Expo The YTB Controversy Rages On The Latest News From the Caribbean Australia Promotes Australia New Flagship to Relaunch Orient Lines Classified Marketplace Agent Access In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - September 1, 2008

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