Travel Agent - September 1, 2008 - (Page 58)

TravelAgent’S TOP SALES REPS: SMALL SHIP CRUISES/OPERATORS & SUPPLIERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 56 George Priester *TOP Sales Manager PRIESTER ASSOCIATES SALES REP: CAR RENTAL #1 (Tie) In an impressive show of agent support—and a tribute to his diversity—George Priester, CTC, not only tied for first place in the Small Ship Cruises category, but also won top honors in the Car Rental category. Twenty-five years ago, he started Priester Associates, which specializes in travel marketing representation and consulting. For 10 years, he has represented Auto Europe, and earned the title of Sales Manager from them even though he is an independent contractor. “I’m not in this business by accident,” he says proudly. “I love the industry, I love selling travel and I love traveling myself.” “He is extremely knowledgeable and helpful with our agents,” says one industry player, while another notes that he “keeps a great check on us.” Katherine Killen Business Development Manager UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION #1 (Tie) Katherine Killen has spent more than 13 years in the travel industry, starting as a Sales Account Manager at The Vacation Store in Virginia Beach, VA, then five years at sea onboard Princess Cruise Lines as their Cruisercise Manager and Assistant Cruise Director before returning to Ohio to work for Costa Cruise Lines as their Sales Development Manager. Killen joined Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection as Business Development Manager for the territory of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky in 2007. She earned a B.S. in Education from Bowling Green State University and now lives in Sheffield Village, OH, with her husband and daughter. Pam Shaw Business Development Manager, New England & Bermuda GLOBUS FAMILY OF BRANDS #1 (Tie) Pam Shaw has represented the Globus family of brands in New England and Bermuda as a Business Development Manager for more than six years. Prior to Globus, she was with Tauck World Discovery as Northeast Sales Manager for more than four years. Before joining the world of tour operators, she spent 11 years representing the Cunard Line and Costa Cruises. ”I am honored to represent the Globus family of brands in New England,” she says. “From its quality product and high level of service to the travel agent, the Globus family of brands represents the best of the industry today at a time when companies are cutting back on their service levels and commission.” Patterson Swindle Regional Sales Director-Southeast SILVERSEA CRUISES #2 Patterson Swindle has been in the travel industry for almost 29 years. For the past six years, she has worked with Silversea Cruises. Before that, she was a travel agent for 13 years, and then worked for a hotel and two tour operators. She has extensive experience in the cruise industry, having worked with Costa, Princess and Renaissance. “My relationships with my accounts are personable,” she says. “I like to get to know them and understand their needs. It is a true partnership.” A native Atlantan, Swindle has two grown boys. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading and travel. CONTINUED ON PAGE 60 58 | TravelAgent September 1, 2008

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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