Travel Agent - September 15, 2008 - (Page 75)

TOURS TRAFALGAR TOURS More than 60 years in business, and still going strong IN JUST A FEW WEEKS, TRAFALGAR TOURS, FOUNDED IN 1947, WILL HIT THE 5-MILLIONTH CUSTOMER MARK. The tourism landscape has changed remarkably along the way, notes Paul Wiseman, Trafalgar’s president. “Just after World War II, we were undertaking tours of Europe and it was incredibly difficult to travel then, [due to] checkpoints at border countries, no common language and multiple currencies,” he says. Now those barriers are, for the most part, gone. So how does Trafalgar (www.trafalgar.com)—a part of the TravelCorp. USA family of brands—continue to evolve and thrive in this era of do-it-yourself vacation travel? Wiseman says that with 61 years of knowhow, Trafalgar has the expertise to save consumers time in planning, organizing and implementing their vacation. He cites his firm’s tour directors as invaluable in satisfying guests and developing repeat business. In addition, Trafalgar’s negotiated rates can save up to 40 percent off the cost of the same vacation created by individual travelers on their own. For example, Trafalgar’s price for “The Californian,” a nine-day tour in 2009 between San Diego and San Francisco, is priced at $1,875 per person. Wiseman says that would compare with a price of $3,499 per person if a couple booked their own arrangements. More than 100,000 guests take Trafalgar’s tours annually to destinations in Europe, the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America, Australia, New Zealand and China. Michelle Duncan, president and CEO, Odyssey Travel, Centreville, VA, has booked Trafalgar many times and says, “I’ve had numerous guests feel it was an excellent value and praise the tour guides.” Visitors to Spain with Trafalgar Tours can walk along the moat at the Plaza de España in Seville Looking Ahead What’s ahead for 2009? Wiseman says collateral is being released earlier than usual this year. Many programs are already out in the marketplace. In October, agents can expect to see the new 2009 First Class and Cost Saver European programs, as well as the Breakaway touring program. Trafalgar will offer 30 river cruises in 2009, including voyages on sister brand Uniworld’s newest ship, River Beatrice, debuting next spring with hotel-style beds, French balconies and a panoramic lounge. Trafalgar also will offer new nine- to 32-day, five-star cruises departing from Paris. “All river cruise products are seeing consistent strong growth,” says Wiseman. In the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Trafalgar will offer 35 seven- to 17-day travel experiences, priced from $1,199 per person. And, for new bookings made by October 31 on these 2009 U.S., Canada and Mexico options, Trafalgar will offer savings of up to $150 per person/$300 per couple for tours of 10 days or longer (mention code TTUSA33). Savings of $100 per person/$200 per couple apply to tours seven to nine days in length (mention code TTUSA23). Within that North America program, there are four new options, includCONTINUED ON PAGE 76 September 15, 2008 TravelAgent | 75 http://www.trafalgar.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - September 15, 2008

Travel Agent - September 15, 2008 Online Now Contents Agent Insider From the Editor Hawaii Europe Pacific/Asia Las Vegas US Airways Vacations - Atlantis, Paradise Island Specialist Central & South America Mexico Caribbean Cruises Cover Story: Merge Mania France by Rail Weddings & Honeymoons Gay & Lesbian Travel Tours Agent Profile Triptailor Vacations Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Vegas Week Insights on Singapore Travel Leaders Builds New Alliances The Latest from the Caribbean A Sneak Peek at a New Ship Classified Marketplace In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch Special Supplement: Thailand Travel Planner

Travel Agent - September 15, 2008

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