Travel Agent - October 1, 2007 - (Page 12)

FROM THE PUBLISHER Multimedia Travel Intelligence IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY, THAT OLD SAYING “the only real constant in life is change” is a radical understatement. For more than 77 years, Travel Agent magazine has evolved, changed and morphed right in step with the constantly shifting travel distribution landscape. During our long history, it has been our mission to provide travel agents with the most current, relevant and useful information to help you attract and serve clients while running an efficient, profitable business. Our mission statement (“Helping Agents Sell More Travel More Effectively”) is not changing one bit. How we deliver on that promise is changing greatly, however, and we sincerely believe that you will benefit more than ever. Today I am pleased and proud to unveil a new, graphically enhanced, digitally super-charged version of Travel Agent. The issue you hold in your hands is the culmination of months of planning, focus group testing, informationneeds research and lengthy dialogue with travel agency owners, managers and front-line agents. In this fast-paced, Internet-dominated travel marketplace, information is three dimensional, requiring a multitude of media channels. A printed magazine is the perfect medium for certain forms of information, but the Internet is much better suited to other forms. You have clearly communicated that you need and want the best of both worlds. So here it is… To Better Serve Travel Professionals Our new mission statement, “Multimedia Intelligence for Travel Professionals,” is an extension of, and an improvement upon, our core mission to help you sell more travel more effectively. Our goal is to give you all the information you need, delivered via the most appropriate channel, so that you can rapidly absorb and act upon it to improve your bottom line. As you leaf through this issue, you will notice something we call the Mouse Pad at the end of many articles. This is a simple road sign that will direct you to extended online information pertaining to that story, which can be found on our web site. An article featuring Jamaica, for example, will end with a Mouse Pad directing you to www.travelagentcentral.com/jamaica, where you will find breaking news, current deals and fam trips, reward programs, videos, insider tips from fellow agents, links to key wholesalers and tour operators, and so on. Our goal is to deliver seamlessly integrated content where the best of print and the best of the Internet converge to serve your interests. This is truly a unique program. There is —Kerry J. Cannon, Jr. no shortage of magazines in this market, nor a lack of travel web sites. “Data” is not something in short supply in our market. Knowledge and expertise come from the interpretation and analysis of that data; that is what your clients need from you, and that is what the new Travel Agent magazine offers. {} “Today I am pleased and proud to unveil ” a new, graphically enhanced, digitally super-charged version of Travel Agent. 12 | TravelAgent October 1, 2007 Group Publisher Kerry Cannon on location in South Africa KERRY J. CANNON, JR. GROUP PUBLISHER CONNECTING YOU For ideas and resources from Kerry Cannon, visit www. travelagentcentral.com/publetter http://www.travelagentcentral.com/jamaica http://www.travelagentcentral.com/publetter http://www.travelagentcentral.com/publetter

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

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