Travel Agent - October 1, 2007 - (Page 92)

NEWS IMPACT and Impress Your Clients Pitch Colombia But since this was Cartagena’s first time hosting Travel Mart Latin America in the show’s 31-year history, only the second time Colombia has hosted the event and the first major press trip organized by Proexport, Colombia’s official tourism board, I felt it was my duty to attend. I must admit, images of drug lords like Pablo Escobar immediately came rushing to my moviecorrupted mind—and that’s why I felt completely foolish when I walked the streets of Cartagena. Are there parts of Colombia that are dangerous? Sure. But the only things to fear in Cartagena are mimes asking you for change or vendors trying to sell you a pair of cheap sunglasses. This was the total opposite of the image I had in mind, which made me realize that there’s probably a wealth of clients who, like me at first, are willing to pass up one of the most rewarding vacations Latin America, or even the world, can offer, because they believe the myths. Here at Travel Agent, we like to offer advice that will help you make money. I’m taking it a step further and am practically pleading with you to recommend to clients this beautiful city full of amazing landscapes, incredible architecture and of course terrific, old-fashioned (and very affordable) boutique hotels. You’ll look like a genius! It’s a great place for families, but start with older, more mature couples, or clientele who will The author at Travel Mart’s opening ceremony, hosted by Avianca, on his recent visit to Cartagena (above) I LAUGH WHENEVER SOMEONE TELLS ME I SHOULD BE CAREFUL when traveling to certain countries. After all, I work in New York City and live in North New Jersey, two places where crime is pretty much a daily occurrence. Nevertheless, I was still a bit nervous when I accepted an invitation to this year’s Travel Mart Latin America in Cartagena, Colombia. 92 | TravelAgent October 1, 2007 appreciate history, culture and religion as well as romantic restaurants such as Club D Pesca (www.clubdpesca) and El Santisimo (www. restauranteelsantisimo.com). Outdoor dining, views of the ocean and the city of Cartagena are offered at Club D Pesca, one of the city’s most famous restaurants where A-listers such as former President Bill Clinton, actor Mel Gibson and Microsoft inventor Bill Gates, just to name a few, have all dined. El Santisimo is indoors, more dimly lit and has better food, in my opinion. Tell your clients to get the La Santisima Trinidad (which includes shredded white fish with stewed tomatoes, onions, and garlic prawns sautéed in achiote oil, coriander and lime). It was the best meal I had throughout the entire trip. Afterward, organize a horse-and-carriage ride through town. Although prices vary for this 45-minute trip, I was told the most you would (and should) pay is $45, or a buck a minute. You can book this in advance through whatever hotel your clients are staying at and can request a guide who speaks English. Some sights worth checking out on the ride include the Cathedral of Cartagena de Indias, which looks gorgeous lit up at night. For a walking tour of other great landmarks including museums, churches and shops, book Nicomedes “Nico” Vergara. Request Vergara through Proexport (www.proexport.com.com). When your clients get weary, suggest staying at the Hotel Charleston Cartagena Claustro de Santa Teresa (www.hoteles-charleston.com), known as simply the Santa Teresa. It’s a 90-room boutique-style hotel that was once Cartagena’s oldest convent before it was converted into a resort. (The convent, a must-see, is still intact and is next to the lobby.). The hotel offers a 10-percent commission; call General Manager Francisco Montoya Forero at (31) 23 664-9494 or fmontoya@hoteles-charleston.com. Read the October 15 issue of Travel Agent for a full review of some more notable Cartagena boutique hotels. And if you still aren’t convinced that Colombia is a money-maker just waiting for agents to book, take a trip yourself. Proexport is organizing a handful of upcoming fam trips; contact Tourism Director Maria Claudia Lacouture at 305-374-3144 or mlacouture@proexport.com.co. —JOE PIKE CONNECTING YOU For more information on Colombia, visit www.travelagentcentral.com/colombia. http://www.restauranteelsantisimo.com http://www.clubdpesca.com http://www.restauranteelsantisimo.com http://www.proexport.com.com http://www.hoteles-charleston.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/colombia

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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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