Travel Agent - September 10, 2007 - (Page 45)

that strong viewpoints are often evoked. This is most evident in the world of cruising, where policy changes, ship introductions, new itineraries and fare fluctuations keep agents on their toes day in and day out. We asked agents what puts a smile on their faces when they are awake and what keeps them up at night with worry. Higher Prices, Better Profits Jeff Kivet, CEO and chairman of Cruise Value Center in East Brunswick, NJ, is most impressed with the cruise lines’ ability and focus on finding more exotic ports of call. Not only is it advantageous for cruisers in general, it, too, tends to pump up per diems and commissions. “When a line moves a ship to somewhere new in Europe,” says Kivet, “it makes revenues better and a better experience for clients. The lines have made a strong attempt to replace the ‘blah-blah’ with ports they’ve never been to before.” Danny Miller should know; he’s been working in the industry for more than half a decade and is currently the director of vacation travel for Brook- COMMISSIONS Costa is the leader in group sales with UP TO1 %! 7 That’s amore. c d Anniversa mon ry Dia c European destinations such as Portofino, Italy have been a “gold mine” for agents line, MA-based Cleveland Circle Travel. “There are so many cruises now,” he says, “with a really great choice of itineraries.” While higher prices translate into Continued on page 46 Being Italian, we're not shy about expressing our love. That's why we offer travel agents such generous commissions and guaranteed rates. That's why we offer programs and amenities customized to any group,be they corporate,Kosher,Holistic, athletic,line dancers,ballroom dancers,or what have you. And that's why we offer an account team to work with those groups, no matter their size, to assure smooth sailing. We want to sweep travel agents off their feet! So we bring a little love,laughter and la dolce vita not only to the cruise, but to the preparations leading up to it. MEDITERRANEAN u NORTHERN EUROPE u CARIBBEAN / BERMUDA u SOUTH AMERICA DUBAI u FAR EAST u INDIAN OCEAN u TRANSATLANTIC For more information about groups call 1-800-327-2537 or visit costalovesgroups.com. Ships’Registry: Italy 5551 September 10, 2007 TravelAgent 45 http://costalovesgroups.com http://costalovesgroups.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - September 10, 2007

Contents Editor's Letter News You Can Use Agenda: Fam Trips, Calendar of Events, Deal of the Week South America Rising: COVER STORY EUROPE: Undiscovered Croatia PACIFIC/ASIA: Chiang Mai: Hotspot of Northern Thailand LAS VEGAS: Las Vegas’ Inside Man Las Vegas News & Notes Las Vegas: The New Frontier PACIFIC NORTHWEST: A Gem on Oregon’s Central Coast FLORIDA: Hyatt Regency Miami Spruces Up Ensemble Update Agent Outlook: Cruising Today Nantucket Island Resorts Classified Marketplace Home-Based Travel Expo Update Advertisers’ Information People & Places Thailand Planner

Travel Agent - September 10, 2007

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