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| Dave Ferran, head of sales for Classic Vacations, speaks during the opening breakfast of the STAR Performers event at the Andaz Maui at Wailea resort. // Photo by Joe Pike |
If you weren't one of the agents lucky enough to attend Classic Vacations' STAR Performers event in Maui, Hawaii, Travel Agent tells you exactly what you missed.
From an upcoming expansion to Asia to newly modified travel protection plans, we break down the top highlights from the event held at the Andaz Maui at Wailea resort.
Classic Vacations to Expand to Asia in 2017
At the event, we learned that the popular tour operator has plans to add Asia to its portfolio for 2017.
Dave Ferran, head of sales for Classic Vacations, made the announcement during the event's opening breakfast at the Andaz Maui at Wailea resort.
Ferran told attendees that there will be a specific focus on Southeast Asia and that the Asia offerings are expected to exceed Europe as Classic Vacations' most expensive product.
Is South America Next?
According to several Classic Vacations representatives Travel Agent spoke to, we learned that the operator would like to expand its footprint into South America, although those plans are in the very preliminary stages.
Classic Vacations' New "Classic Connections" Program
Classic also announced that it has expanded its portfolio with the new Classic Connections program. Each partner in the program will provide exclusive offers for the client, experts to help plan the clients' travel and competitive commission levels for the travel advisor. Plus, advisors will also receive Classic's "Royalty Rewards" points on the value of the booking.
ME to WE
ME to WE, one of the first two Classic Connections partners, is a social enterprise dedicated to traveling with a purpose. The company conducts commissionable, volunteer travel opportunities to Kenya and India. Travel Agent also learned that ME to We will soon be expanding its portfolio to include Ecuador, specifically the Galapagos Islands.
National Parks Revealed
This company provides clients with an opportunity to see some of the United States' most beautiful natural landscapes while enjoying top notch accommodations and exclusive amenities. Although it doesn't currently offer any national parks in Hawaii, National Parks Revealed representatives told attendees of the STAR Performers event that it is in the process of adding Hawaii parks to the existing portfolio.
Classic Vacations' Newly Modified Travel Protection Plans
Travel Agent also got the skinny on the popular tour operator's simplified travel protection plans. Here's what you need to know to make some money on them.
Classic's Travel Smart Plan (TSP)
Classic recently simplified its travel protection plans, focusing on the core "Classic" TSP and the more robust "Prestige" TSP.
Both programs have coverage for travelers' arrangements, belongings and health, as well as non-insurance services such as "One Call," and "Global XPI." The programs also include competitive commission levels and commission protection for travel advisors. Perhaps the most convenient feature for agents is the "Cancel For Any Reason" benefits on the entire vacation.
Prestige Plus Travel Smart Plan (TSP)
Designed to give advisors an insurance product they can offer their clients to cover their entire vacation, the "Prestige Plus" TSP offers the same coverage as Classic's "Prestige" plan, plus coverage for non-Classic components (other arrangements made through third-party suppliers, such as cruise lines). It includes the commission protection and "Cancel For Any Reason" benefits.
Inside Classic Vacations’ New Cruise Offerings
Finally, we learned about the tour operator’s new “Pre- and Post-Cruise Program” as well as its new “Scenic River Cruises” offerings.
Advisors can now easily book pre-bundled land packages, which are available in 80 major port cities, to add to their cruise bookings and earn higher commissions. A broad portfolio of hotels and tours, with Classic’s new insurance product to cover it all, aims to be a game changer for agents.
The newest addition to Classic Europe’s product portfolio, “Scenic River Cruises,” provides an all-inclusive experience aimed at affluent clients. Advisors earn full commission when booking these cruises with Classic.
Earlier this year, Scenic announced its new partnership with Classic. Classic Vacations has said that Scenic's new Space-Ships and inclusive fares were factors in the decision.
The partnership with Classic Vacations continues the expansion of the Scenic brand in North America, started four years ago. Scenic said it has seen North American sales increases in triple digits year over year.
Inclusions on Scenic fares range from personalized service with a low guest to staff ratio, unlimited beverages (including premium wines and spirits), all meals at any of six dining options, and personal butler service, to all excursions, events and entertainment; from Wi-Fi and airport transfers to all tipping and gratuities on board and ashore.
On-board river highlights and on-shore experiences have an included Scenic Tailormade handheld GPS guided tour system provided to every guest. Every ship includes the line’s Sun Lounge technology – where the walkout open-air balcony can convert to an all-weather lounge, expanding the living area of the stateroom.
Scenic offers escorted tours in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, the Americas and elsewhere.
The STAR Performers event was held from Sept. 15-18 at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort.
Visit www.classicvacations.com and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all the latest travel news. Be sure to follow Travel Agent’s Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike.