Travel Agent - September 1, 2008 - (Page 35)

airfare included. It’s truly a great time to go.” Ludington also recommends having the traveler leave on a Monday, when the best deals are typically available. Additionally, he says that while conventions will once again start filling rooms come fall, it’s not steady business. And many companies are sending fewer people, which leads to more discounted rooms. He said there are still plenty of weeks throughout the fall that are being discounted while others will be markedly more expensive. “Las Vegas is the perfect alternative to the traditional vacation. You can pack a lot into a shorter stay, or just relax by the pool,” says Ludington. Selling Las Vegas It’s also a good time to make a commission, adds Going. While this market has traditionally been a destination people feel comfortable booking themselves, he said helping them plan and secure an affordable Vegas vacation is a great way to build a relationship for future business. “This is a key wallet-share destination and travel agents have a great opportunity with the current conditions to show phenomenal deals. That means they can prove the value they bring to the equation,” says Going, who notes that agent-booked rooms account for only around 20 percent of the rooms booked in the city. “There is room to grow here by focusing on your customer and holding on to them for life. Don’t let the customer hit the Internet.” Here are some of the deals for your clients: NWA WORLDVACATIONS AND WORRY-FREE VACATIONS: NWA and Worry-Free Vacations’ promotions include hotels with multiple offers such as two-for-one show coupons, two-for-one spa passes, two-forone buffet dinners and up to 1,000 WorldPerks Bonus Miles in addition to credited flight miles. Travelers can stay at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino (www.planethollywoodresort.com) with up to $75 savings on packages of $1,400 or more when booking between September 14 and October 4 and travel between September 21 and January 31, 2009. Another deal provides savings of up to $75 on packages at Harrah’s Resorts (www.harrahs.com) of $2,000 or more when booked between September 7 and September 20 for travel between September 14 and December 18. Both offers come with other bonus value inclusions. Agents can contact www.worldagentdirect.com. GOGO WORLDWIDE VACATIONS: GOGO is offering a deal at The Palazzo (www. palazzolasvegas.com) with discounted meals and entertainment as well as a $25 Slot Credit Or Match Play, 25 percent discount at “Woo” and “Mainland” and two-for-one admission to the Lamborghini Showroom. Rates start at $310 per person for a three-night stay. In addition to meals and entertainment discounts at The Venetian (www.venetian.com), guests receive $25 Slot Credit Or Match Play with rates starting at $268 per person for a three-night stay if traveling before March 31, 2009. Treasure Island’s (www.treasureisland.com) “TI Book Now Offer” includes two-for-one lunch at The Buffet at TI, two-for-one drinks at Kahunaville Party Bar, free VIP viewing access for the Sirens of TI Show, free one-day passes to WET—The Spa & Salon at TI and free admission to the new Christian Audigier—The Nightclub. Rates start at $134 per person for a three-night stay when booked by September 30 with travel before January 28, 2009. Finally, another deal for Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino (www.planethollywoodresort.com) includes $5 off breakfast, lunch, dinner or brunch at the Spice Market Buffet and redeemable for up to four buffets, per coupon. Guests also get $40 Free Play as well as “Shopping & Dining Passport” at the Miracle Mile Shops, 10 percent off food or beverage at Planet Dailies (up to four people on the check), two-for-one well drinks at The Playing Field sports book and loung and two-for-one admission to Planet Hollywood Spa by Mandara, which includes access to fitness center, sauna, steam rooms and hot tub. Rates start at $163 per person for a three-night stay with travel before December 31. Agents can visit www.gogowwv.com for more information. I CONNECTING YOU For the latest deals on trips to Las Vegas, visit www. travelagentcentral.com/usa-las-vegas Interested? Request #009. September 1, 2008 TravelAgent | 35 http://www.planethollywoodresort.com http://www.palazzolasvegas.com http://www.palazzolasvegas.com http://www.planethollywoodresort.com http://www.venetian.com http://www.treasureisland.com http://www.gogowwv.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/usa-las-vegas http://www.travelagentcentral.com/usa-las-vegas http://www.planethollywoodresort.com http://www.imperialpalace.com http://www.harrahs.com http://www.worldagentdirect.com

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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