Travel Agent - October 1, 2007 - (Page 10)

FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to our new look DID YOU EVER PUT ON A FANTASTIC NEW JACKET JUST AS THE COOLER WEATHER IS STARTING TO SETTLE IN FOR FALL? There’s nothing like sporting a fresh new look just as the season is changing. That’s how we’re feeling at Travel Agent. In addition to the visual changes we’ve made to our publication (by this, I mean the stunning layouts, the larger trim size, the enhanced paper quality), we’ve added to our editorial coverage by bringing you a plethora of new features that will help you get all of the information you need in an environment you’ll enjoy. In a nutshell, all of our articles will provide you with carefully researched, hand-picked content that you can apply directly to the discussions you have with your clients during the sales process. We’ll also always include contact information for the travel agent liaison at the companies and hotels we’re writing about, so that you’ll know who to reach out to when you’re ready to make an inquiry or do business. As you turn the pages of our October 1 issue, you’ll be greeted by our On the Web page, updating you on everything you’ll find at www.travelagentcentral.com, where we’ll be featuring exclusive online stories, bonus commissions, deals for your clients and a new video library. When you arrive at our Destinations section, you’ll see an array of photos that will spell out to you the beauty of the products you’re reading about. In each of these articles, we’ll continue to provide you with vital updates on hotels, transportation, shopping and dining in the featured destination; in fact, you’ll find everything that you need to build the ideal itinerary and hence, close the sale. Supplementing these comprehensive features are our Deals pages in which you’ll find value-added packages you can offer to your clients. Along the way you’ll read advice from other travel agents, your colleagues. Hotel Features are property reviews with specific “best-to-book” room information that you can’t find anywhere else. Whether they’re the top accommodations for traveling families, honeymooners or those just looking for the best views from their room, we’ll deliver that information to you, along with the contacts who are on hand to answer your questions. Cruise Ship Reviews will similarly include first-hand reports that will make you feel as if you’ve been onboard yourself. We’ll also continue to provide you with cruise trend reports that will help you with your selling strategies throughout the year. These features will be supported by cruise industry news that affects your business, as well as deals and value-adds for your clients and bonus commissions for you. The Business Operations section is a vital part of our editorial strategy of bringing you the insight you need to help you sell more effectively. In this issue we feature the legendary Rudi Steele of Rudi Steele Travel, and we also tell you how to make podcasts part of your marketing plan. The Industry contains supplier profiles (in this issue we’re proud to feature Donna Flora of American Express) along with Agenda, a compilation of fams, deals and incentives, as well as an industry calendar. In our News Impact section, our ace beat reporters bring you a summary of news you need to know about. Trendwatch delivers data that will help you track consumer trends so that you can navigate your business strategies accordingly. Editorial Director Ruthanne Terrero, on location in Florence, Italy Visit us online! Another big change is that our print issue will now come out every other Monday; however, you’ll be seeing much more of us electronically at www.travelagentcentral.com. There, you’ll find even more information on the topic you’ve just read about, along with a number of other exciting new functions. We’re also launching a series of category-specific e-newsletters filled with news, trends and deals. Enjoy this new journey we’ve set you on! CONNECTING YOU For more from Ruthanne Terrero, visit www.travelagent central.com/edletter RUTHANNE TERRERO, CTC EDITORIAL DIRECTOR 10 | TravelAgent October 1, 2007 http://www.travelagentcentral.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/edletter http://www.travelagentcentral.com/edletter

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - October 1, 2007

Online Now From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Caribbena: Porta Caribe, Puerto Rico, an Unspoiled Retreat Carribbean Deals Mexico: Insider Tips: Hotels, Dining and Shopping in Cancun Mexico Deals Las Vegas: Tell Clients About Day Trips Into the Great Outdoors Europe: Budapest: Off-Season Promotions Pacific/Asia: Korea Expands its Offerings Seoul Primer: All the Info You Need For a Smooth Trip Pacific/Asia Deals Hawaii: Captivating Kauai: Enhanced Resorts, Natural Beauty Cruises: Building Revenue with Themed Cruises Cruise Deals Hotels: London: The Lanesborough’s New Guest Rooms Tours: Gutsy Women Travel’s New Morocco Itinerary Tour Deals Spas: Escape to Tranquility: Three Spa Havens Spa Deals Cover Story: Donna Flora Agent Profile Podcasts Offer a New Way to Give Your Clients Added Value Car Rental Navigation 101: Shift Profits into High Gear with These Tips Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Cruise: Commission Cutting, Hurricanes Pitch Colombia, Impress Your Clients Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism New Alaska Products for Families In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - October 1, 2007

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.