Travel Agent - October 29, 2007 - (Page 86)

NEWS IMPACT CRUISE AND HOTELS Holland America’s New Pitchman Winds Up, The Donald Uncorks New Luxury Brand Travel Agent DEBRIEFED HOLLAND AMERICA LINE’S NEWLY CROWNED vice president of sales as he set his own course to promote the premium line. Meanwhile, a mainstay in the hospitality industry, with an unmistakable coiffure, touted his new luxury hotel collection. Here’s a hint: his surname rhymes with “dump,” but his properties are synonymous with upscale indulgence. his responsibilities. “I see my job as directing a staff and supporting these people to train and educate agents to be our advocates,” said Allen, who actually started his career with Holland America back in the nascence of cruising, 1981. quite expensive, but offer unparalleled service. “The premium line,” Allen says, “provides affordable cruise fare, but with the option or opportunity to buy up. It allows you to sculpt your vacation and control costs.” Maybe the best part about today’s cruise market is that it plays right into Holland America’s wheelhouse. A popular trend, Allen says, is the market buying longer and more expensive vacations. Holland America offers a plethora of extended-length itineraries. “The market is stampeding there,” Allen says. As for Holland America cutting air commissions along with its sister Carnival brands, Allen is optimistic that the change won’t have a dampening effect. “It shouldn’t have a big impact,” he says. “If agents raise their sales efforts a few percentage points, they’ll make up for it.” Getting the Word Out How his staff gets the message out is the tough part, Allen says. “It’s impossible to give fam trips Trump Trumpets His New Luxury Lodgings Trump poses with Jim Petrus, COO for Trump Hotels; Donald Jr.; and Ivanka Trump Paul Allen (no, not the owner of the Portland Trailblazers and Seattle Seahawks with the same name, as we quickly discovered) assumed the position of vice president of sales only eight weeks ago, having previously served as Holland America’s vice president of Alaska sales and marketing. He takes over for Tracy Kelly, who has since retired. Now, Allen is responsible for the development and implementation of Holland America’s annual sales strategies. Only on the job for a short time, Allen is already cementing to everyone,” he notes, “so we have to create a proxy knowledge.” This includes getting meaningful messages out to agents and giving them practical information they can use. Holland America operates in the premium market, which can sometimes be difficult to qualify: it’s not luxury, but, then again, it’s not contemporary. It’s necessary that potential clients understand the difference. Contemporary, or mass-market, cruises usually are economical and offer shorter itineraries, while luxury cruises can be Donald Trump is known to have his hands in many projects— from bottled water to network television. It’s easy to forget that he has made his fortune in real estate and hospitality. Now, along with his three children, Donald Trump gives you the Trump Hotel Collection, which is being touted as the next generation of luxury hospitality (we assume that means the hotels will be really…really nice—and expensive). The brand’s forerunner, CONNECTING YOU Trump International Hotel For the latest on the cruise and hotel scene, visit www.travelagentcentral. & Tower New York, will com/cruises or www.travelagentcentral. soon company with new com/hotels sister properties, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, slated for a December 2007 opening, and Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas, expected to open in early 2008. Other properties are now under development including the Trump SoHo Hotel Condominium New York, which should open in spring 2009. Each subsequent Trump Hotel Collection property will be a new build and positioned in both established and emerging destinations, Trump says. Don’t hold your breath if you expect Rosie O’Donnell to get an invite. Other features of the brand will be the Trump Attache, a “trumped-up” program (no pun intended), which we believe to just mean a butler service, although Trump claims it goes beyond that. Also expect expansive suites (residential in style), custom furnishings, deep-soaking tubs and all the latest technological trappings. —DAVID EISEN 86 | TravelAgent October 29, 2007 http://www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises http://www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises http://www.travelagentcentral.com/hotels http://www.travelagentcentral.com/hotels

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Travel Agent - October 29, 2007 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe European Tour Packages Mexico Mexico Deals Pacific/Asia Australia Deals Las Vegas Vegas News, Packages and Deals Caribbean Caribbean Deals Hotels Tours Hawaii Cruise River Cruising Takes on a New Life Cover Story: Tanzania Agent Profile Technology: Using Videos Trabsportation: Riding the Rails The Industry: Agenda Holland America and Trump Hotels Bahamas Luxury Booms, BVI Gets First Resort in 15 Years Expanded Family Travel Tours Korean Air Exclusive Report From Results! Travel Conference Travel Week In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertsing Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - October 29, 2007

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