As cruise selling agents sail into the second half of 2018, the horizon is clear for robust cruise sales. But the cruise seascape always brings swells and bigger waves too. Being proactive in your sales game and knowing what opportunities to tap are critical for retailers. Here are key trends and events to watch through the end of 2018 and beyond.

With an increase in visitors, new air routes, and exhilarating hotel and lodge development, it’s a good time to recommend travel to East and Southern Africa to clients. Travel to the Middle East has held steady over the last four years, thanks in part to a stronger than average interest by Millennials, with Matures (born before 1946) not far behind. Discover what's new in these destinations in the Africa & The Middle East Focus Series.

It’s no secret that the consumer has changed in terms of what they want from a trip. Today’s traveler no longer wants to feel like a tourist, like a stranger in a strange town. The desire these days is to fit in like a local and to take part in activities that convey the emotion of what it would be like to live in the place they’re visiting. Or, at the very least, to feel like a very privileged guest who has been granted access to see the sights in a most respectful way. Here are some take-aways from a recent Tour Operator Roundtable we conducted that should help you sell your services to Millennials and other experiential travelers.

The St. Vincent and The Grenadines E-Learning Program aims to give you all the information you need for a sublime island experience, and we hope to do so by immersing you in the character, culture and flavor of our places and people.

Mexico, especially the Yucatecan state of Quintana Roo, is as resilient as it is popular. Amid State Department warnings and the ongoing wall controversy, a record-breaking 10.6 million tourists visited Mexico in the first quarter of 2018, up 12.6 percent over the same period last year. Learn the newest hot spots, trends and travel specialties to recommend to your clients visiting Mexico and take the Cozumel, Riviera Maya 2018 Focus Series today!

An estimated 89 million visitors traveled to France in 2017, up nearly 8 percent from 2016. The government’s target is 100 million in 2020. Between here and there are some key events that should keep the country’s tourism momentum rolling. Discover what's new in the France 2018 Focus Series!

Whether they are in search of history, culture, cuisine or natural beauty, affluent travelers are captivated by Italy. Read about what's new in Italy in the Italy 2018 Focus Series!

Jumeirah is far from just another luxury hotel chain. Born in Dubai, it is one of the reasons that the Emirate is considered a leader in imaginative and exhilarating experiences, pushing the boundaries of luxury hospitality and always exceeding guest expectations.

Our Hallmarks underpin everything we do and the thoughtful and generous service you experience at Jumeirah celebrates the uniqueness of every single guest. For, when you have created one of the world’s most luxurious hotels through the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, you simply think about things that others do not. This is what makes Jumeirah so unique.

Our DNA is built on the highest standards of genuinely Arabian hospitality, the tradition of welcoming guests like no other. We have used this to create the standards of service that have made Dubai exceptional in what it offers to visitors, and are now taking these standards to people all over the world.

Whether your clients are experiencing our remarkable Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, the waterways of Madinat Jumeirah or the honey made by the bees on the roof of Jumeirah Frankfurt, your clients can be sure that their experience will be different, fulfilling and rewarding.

Begin your Jumeirah education today!

This course will provide you with the necessary knowledge to book this successful brand that has been catering to couples and romance for more than 35 years. At all four Jamaican oceanfront resorts—two in Ocho Rios and two in Negril, guests will find virtually everything included. 

For clients planning to take their first family vacation outside the continental United States, especially those living on or near the East Coast, the Caribbean offers many advantages. For starters, flight times are shorter; even the southernmost islands are only three hours from Miami. Read all about updates in the Caribbean in the Focus Series!

River cruising is a hot commodity for travel advisors desiring to increase earnings. Discover what's new in river cruising in the Focus Series!

Year after year in survey after survey, London lands in the top three of favorite European cities to visit, jockeying for position with Paris and Rome. Among the advantages the British capital has over its French and Italian counterparts, especially with first time transatlantic travelers, is a shorter flight time and, beyond some delightful differences in some word meanings, no language barrier. And, of course, there is no shortage of iconic attractions, from Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to the Coca-Cola London Eye, shopping at Harrods, and the West End theaters, where “Hamilton“ and “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” are the hottest tickets. Read more in the London 2018 Focus Series!

From the Panhandle to the Keys, Florida is dotted with a great number and variety of family-friendly hotels and resorts. In addition to amenities for all ages, they are convenient to fun activities, be it a great beach, a theme park, a wildlife reserve or other adventures. Here are some of the most recent developments on the Sunshine State’s accommodations front for you to share with your multi-generational clients.

Become a Certified Switzerland Travel Expert

The North America version of the Switzerland Travel Academy consists of core and specialization modules.

Core modules

Core modules (4 + News from Switzerland) cover what you need to know about Switzerland and inform you on the latest events and experiences in Switzerland. 

1. Basic and practical knowledge: This module is about the country’s geography, languages and cultures, customs and traditions, and important practical information.

2. How to travel to and within Switzerland: In this module, you will learn about Switzerland's transportation system, also known as the Swiss Travel System, which, precise like a Swiss watch, connects even the most remote places by train, bus, and boat.
   You will become familiar with how to travel to and within Switzerland, learn about the numerous means of transportation, and understand the different ticket options.
   Last but not least, you will discover the best scenic routes to transform a journey through the country into a unique experience.

3. Switzerland in 3, 5 or 10 days: Discover Switzerland’s must-sees and learn how to combine them into packages and itineraries, creating the perfect Swiss experience that suits your clients’ needs and wants.

4. Must-know for North American travel professionals: This is a market-specific module that provides important information relevant for North American clients.
   Learn about Switzerland Tourism contact points in North America, flights from North America to Switzerland, passport & visa regulations, tour operators (both outbound and incoming), and much more.

5. News from Switzerland 2018: This module presents the most important Swiss events, openings, and projects occurring in 2018 and is updated every year. Discover on what your clients cannot absolutely miss out!

Completion time for core modules: about 3 hours.

Specialization modules

Specialization modules offer a deeper focus on different topics and provide insights in touristic experiences, knowledge on a specific topic of interest connected with Switzerland Tourism’s partners, segments or campaigns.

• Road Trip: Grand Tour of Switzerland
• Cultural attractions and city breaks
• Nature and outdoor activities
• Snow and winter activities
• Perfect accommodation
• Luxury, wellness, and lifestyle
• Family vacations
• Meetings, congresses, and incentive planners

Completion time of each module: about 40 minutes.

Certification

The process of certification is easy and free:

1. Pass the final exam on the core modules to graduate as a Switzerland Travel Expert.

2. You will receive the certificate that is valid until December of the following year.

3. Every year, stay informed and renew your certificate by taking the exam of the updated “News from Switzerland” module.

After passing the core modules exams, you can continue your training to receive specialization certificates: choose the specialization module you are interested in, pass the exam and receive the certificate.

Graduate benefits

• Certification upon graduation
• Option to specialize in certain segments
• Rights to use the Travel Expert logo for letters / brochures / website / email signature
• Possibility of ordering brochures
• Enter to win an amazing trip to Switzerland (including flights with Swiss International Airlines and Swiss Travel Passes for two people) by graduating by November 30.

Interest in visiting Mexico has remained steady over the last several years, with Millennials and Gen Xers — the generation most likely to be traveling with children — showing the strongest inclination. Read on for information on things for families to see and do, as well as updates on places to stay. 

For the third year in a row, Las Vegas topped the 42 million visitor mark in 2017, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). That trend is expected to continue with the LVCVA forecasting a just-shy-of-the-record count of 42.7 million visitors for 2018.

The destination also continues to enjoy industry-leading occupancy rates — averaging 88 percent over the last four years — with an exceptionally large base of nearly 149,000 available rooms. That inventory always includes rooms in new properties as well as expansions and renovations of existing accommodations. Upgrades to amenities such as restaurants and spas are also part of the equation, spurred by the always desert-hot competition among the city’s hotels. Here are some of the latest developments on that front. 

Besides the broad appeal of Hawaii’s natural wonders, adventure activities and cultural attractions, there are places to go and things to do that zero in on special interest and niche markets. There is more information on things for families to see and do — as well as updates on places to stay — in the pages that follow.

As engagement season (unofficially Christmas Eve through Valentine’s Day) draws to a close, be prepared for newlyweds-to-be seeking out your services to plan their destination wedding or honeymoon (or both). Better still, try to set up a cross promotion with your agency and local bridal shops, advertising each other’s services. Read on for some other tips on getting and handling this business, gleaned and distilled from conversations we have had with travel agents and wedding professionals.

Whatever it is that inspires your client’s wanderlust —the legendary elegance of a classic ocean voyage, the immersive discovery of a river cruise, the intimate adventures aboard a luxury yacht, or the soaring wonder of travel by chartered private jet — Crystal presents the world's most fascinating destinations to your discerning clientele with expert finesse and award-winning luxury.Take the All Things Crystal course to find out more!

Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises offers gorgeous social spaces and impeccable butler-serviced suites rivaling any land-based hotel or resort while transporting guests to idyllic harbors. Currently, Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises is composed of Crystal Esprit as well as three new builds which are expected to be delivered between 2019-2021. The on board guest experience is exclusively designed for travelers who love adventure, culture and revel in the casual elegance of the Crystal Yachting Lifestyle.

The Crystal Cruises Specialist course is designed to help you understand and communicate Crystal’s commitment to offering the world’s most luxurious and acclaimed travel experiences.

This course will provide an in-depth review of the award-winning Crystal Experience at a time when the line's celebrated ocean cruises are being elevated to a new level of luxury, service and adventure. Use Crystals’ standout sales features when positioning the line to clients. The key to selling Crystal’s ocean cruises is emphasizing how Crystal goes beyond all-inclusive to ALL EXCLUSIVE.

Crystal’s all-suite, butler-serviced river ships feature the same classic elegance and luxury Crystal Experience found on board the company’s award-winning ocean ships. Sell Crystal river cruises to upscale/luxury travelers, particularly those who have stayed in five-star hotels or who have sailed on luxury and upper-premium ocean cruise lines, and to repeat Crystal guests.Take the Crystal River Cruises course to find out more!

Focus on Mexico and you’ll see a destination weddings and honeymoons superstar. The reasons are plentiful. It’s a great value, especially with today’s strong dollar-to-peso exchange rate. It’s close to the U.S., with airlift continually on the upswing. Scenic settings provide romantic backdrops that include beaches, jungles, mountains and deserts. And the country’s rich culture maintains ties to ancient roots and puts a premium on hospitality. Read the Focus Series to find out more! 

Los Cabos’ tourism sector remains strong, Rodrigo Esponda, managing director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board, tells us. He notes that international visitation to Los Cabos increased by 20 percent year over year between January and July 2017, which is double the growth rate for Mexico as a whole. Tourism from the U.S. is a big part of that. Read more in the Los Cabos Focus Series!

Selling weddings and honeymoons has evolved dramatically over the past five years. Some couples may want to still take a relaxing, sun-and-sand vacation to celebrate their nuptials, but they are certainly assuming you’ll be able to add unique activities to the trip so they’ll be able to come home with great stories to tell their friends.

Other couples want nothing to do with the traditional honeymoon. They’re seeking to go where none of their friends have gone before. They’ll be pondering whether to venture into the depths of Africa or perhaps an undiscovered town in Eastern Europe. Read more in the Luxury Destination Weddings and Honeymoons Focus Series!

Sure, your clients have been to the Caribbean and most likely, with their entire family in tow. But there is a reason why families frequent an area whose beauty is matched only by its bounty of attractions. One destination in particular, Cayman Islands, speaks directly to the prominent role that kids play in the vacation decision-making process by checking all the boxes. A range of full-service, family-friendly accommodations - check. Snorkeling, swimming and children's programs - check. Children's menus and delicious non-kid dining - check. Happy kids and even happier adults - check. Learn more to sell more.

Specializing in Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts, owner of Canada’s “best” hotel and 18 other premium properties, is easy (only nine lessons) and rewarding. You’ll have spacious (every guest room is at least 400 square feet) and luxurious go-to accommodations in several trending destinations, from Bali to Hanoi. More importantly, Pan Pacific Specialists are eligible to win a $50 gift card every month, a two-night North American stay every quarter and a six-night stay at Pan Pacific Singapore and Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort and $1,000 cash this year.

For over 20 years, Silversea has been committed to creating unforgettable luxury cruise vacations and destination immersion experiences for our guests. As our legacy of luxury continues, so does our commitment to excellence, innovation, expansion of product offerings, and unwavering commitment to you – our valued travel partners.

To ensure you have the tools you need to succeed, we designed this comprehensive training program to give you confidence in selling Silversea’s luxury intimate ships and expedition products. 

Rollings with the flow!  Read all about what's trending, new ships and itineraries, target markets and tips on how to sell the product more efficiently.

River Cruising continues to expand across the globe and new options are creating demand to entice more clients. Simply put, “river cruising is hot,” says Vicky Garcia, chief operating officer and co-owner, Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative. “As a network, we continue to see double-digit growth in this segment, with some agents specializing in it quite successfully.” See what’s ahead.

Today’s cruise travelers aren’t playing shuffleboard all day, stuffing themselves at the midnight buffet or dressing in formal attire every night. Over the decades, guests have evolved in both their personal interests and mindset. Learn more about adventure cruising today!

Vegas is usually a one-and-done type of booking. Short stays, fast commissions. You can even specialize in one of the best values on the strip in 20 minutes. Become a Treasure Island Specialist to have a go-to Vegas experience that boasts modern rooms (starting at $59), 10 restaurants, a 95,000 sq. ft. casino and the salient Mystère by Cirque du Soleil. Plus, you'll receive 50 percent off show tickets upon graduation - well worth the 20 minutes spent specializing in a top U.S. destination.

The Antigua & Barbuda Specialist program is designed to help you become a Specialist in selling our amazing destination. Whether you specialize in destination weddings, family getaways, luxury experiences or special interest markets like sailing or eco-adventures, this course will provide you with all the unique selling points and product information your clients may need.

Hawaii has all the ingredients for a destination wedding, honeymoon, anniversary or other romantic escapades. These include a near-perfect climate, jaw-dropping scenery, top-flight resorts, beautiful beaches, elegant restaurants, exotic culture, myriad natural and historical attractions, opportunities for outdoor adventure, and so much more. We’ll touch on some of these aspects in the pages ahead.

Travel agents who become an AmaWaterways Specialist and book an AmaWaterways cruise within three months of graduation will receive a $50 reloadable prepaid MasterCard. Plus, Specialists can earn a $50 bonus for each new booking made through April 29, 2017, for travel in March or April 2017, as well as a $75 reward for every Mekong cruise or Paris/Normandy cruise.

Specialists are also eligible to win a seven-night AmaWaterways cruise for two in 2017 or 2018 when they make a total of five new FIT bookings for travel in 2017. Become an AmaWaterways Specialist to qualify for ongoing rewards, exclusive promotions and robust sales support.

What do a lot of the frequented hotels on the Las Vegas Strip have in common (besides fanfare)? From ARIA to Vdara to Delano, 13 top Las Vegas properties are a part of the MGM Resorts International hospitality group and you can specialize in them all in under 30 minutes. When you become a MGM Resorts International Master Specialist, you will instantly qualify for exclusive rewards, like a chance to win a two-night stay and a $250 resort credit. Your VIPs become Vegas VIPs with ongoing communication and up-to-the minute information on all 13 MGM properties.

Costa Rica is an excellent choice for all your meeting, incentive, conference and event needs. In addition to high quality hotels and venues, including a new convention center in 2018, Costa Rica is a fascinating destination that will excite meeting attendees. We are recognized for our dedication to the conservation and protection of our natural resources, of which we offer a remarkable amount of biodiversity and protected national parkland.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts started in Switzerland, a small country known for big mountains and equally high standards of living. These standards have inspired the brand to make quality of life our promise to our guests. Quality of life can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s spending time with family and friends. For others, it’s having easy access to a place of relaxation. However you define it, we hope the contemporary Swiss style and locally inspired flair at our high-end (but not always high-altitude) hotels keeps you returning again and again.

We look forward to welcoming you to Swissôtel, where quality of life comes first.

As someone who has the responsibility of booking travel for others, you understand the importance of creating a seamless, efficient and satisfying experience, whether the travel is for business or leisure. Famous Agents is the industry’s most exciting travel agent education and rewards programme. Our members increase their earning power by staying up-to-date on all the latest news from Fairmont, Raffles and Swissotel locations worldwide. They also earn fabulous personal rewards and enjoy countless member-only benefits.

Today, specialization is the key to success for many travel professionals in frontline sales. To help you excel and effectively sell one of the world's most spectacular destinations, Tourism Vancouver has designed the Vancouver Specialist Program, an interactive online training program that will provide you with the knowledge to increase your sales and deliver tailored itineraries for your clients.

The Vancouver Specialist Program is an educational tool designed to expand your knowledge of Vancouver and help you sell the destination more effectively. This program was designed to be intuitive, interactive and engaging. We believe learning should be interesting, fulfilling and fun – just like a visit to Vancouver.

Achieving a Vancouver Specialist designation means you will have even more confidence to promote and sell Vancouver. More importantly, your clients will really appreciate that the knowledge you have of the city will allow you to create a better travel experience for them.

When you earn accreditation as a Vancouver Specialist you will receive a Vancouver Specialist certificate in recognition of your qualification, as well as access to special benefits and sales resources to further enhance your ability to sell the destination to your clients. Vancouver Specialists are eligible for:

• Access to an Experience Pass which provides complimentary admission for you and a guest to attractions and sightseeing activities for personal fam visits.
• Access to industry rates for accommodation and additional sightseeing activities for personal fam visits.
• Exclusive invitations to our Virtually Vancouver webinar series where you will receive updates on what’s happening in the city
• Exclusive invitations for Vancouver fam opportunities

Despite the recent call for “authentic” experiences in travel, the all-inclusive sector continues to grow and innovate. Become a Club Med Expert Agent to sell the all-inclusive resort pioneer and its over 70 properties on five continents. And for every client, who books a ski trip in China or a private villa in Maldives, you’ll earn a comp night. 

We don't have to tell you that today's affluent travelers are interested in authentic experiences. The more exotic and uncharted, the better. First comes fascination followed by luxury hotel developers and validated by travel editors' picturesque prose. Sri Lanka fits the "emerging luxury destination" paradigm to a tee, complete with Lonely Planet "Dream Trips" and Robb Report's "Top Destinations for 2016" write-ups and Shangri-La property openings.  Become a Shangri-La Specialist to prepare for those inevitable Sri Lanka requests and for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

The Silver Muse Specialist course is dedicated to educating you on all things related to Silversea’s new flagship, Silver Muse, which makes her debut in April 2017. With this ship, Silversea once again raises the bar in the ultra-luxury cruise travel market.

A small boutique ship with only 596 guests (less than 300 suites), Silver Muse boasts all-suite, all-balcony accommodations, making it the most intimate new ship in the ultra-luxury market.

Navigating through the multigenerational travel niche can be a balancing act. Investigation, negotiation and good old-fashioned legwork all come into play when family dynamics are involved. But the rewards are handsome, as well. Read about multigenerational travel trends in the pages ahead.

Fresh off a record-breaking year, Hawaii’s tourism will focus on the latest travel trends, from adventure to culinary tourism, to give visitors authentic cultural experiences with every Hawaiian vacation. Become a Hawaii Destination Specialist to stay on top of the latest tourism developments from one of the world’s most popular destinations.  Both existing and new graduates will benefit from a richer understanding of the six individual islands. In addition to learning insider tips and accessing customized sales tools, you’ll benefit from consumer referrals, up-to-date and robust marketing materials and ongoing rewards.  

Manage your Starwood booking like a pro from one easy account that monitors your profit performance. Become a StarwoodPro to learn about Starwood's nine world-class brands via five educational modules. You’ll be able to virtually visit Starwood destinations and learn the power of story-selling to help your clients visualize their next vacation – so you work smarter, not harder. Plus, you’ll qualify for Starpoints rewards, redeemable for free nights and award flights, complimentary in-room Internet for your clients when you book at spg.com and real-time online commission tracking.

MSC Cruises, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is the largest privately held cruise line in the world – with a current fleet of 12 ultramodern ships – and the fastest growing, with an industry unprecedented 11 new next-generation ships planned by 2026.

In this course, we are going to discuss MSC Cruises - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. You'll learn how best to market MSC Cruises and you’ll get comprehensive marketing tools and financial incentives. You'll learn how to navigate the MSC Cruises websites and discover the advantages of using MSC Book - the online booking engine for agents - as well as be introduced to MSC’s sales and marketing structure.

Tourists continue to put the Caribbean on the map in record numbers and Barbados in particular is experiencing a boom. For specialists, a membership in Barbados Elite Club means your earnings should reflect your expertise. So, you've taken the in-depth course, you've enjoyed "Preferred Agent" status on the official BTA website and you've logged your bookings in the rewards program for a chance to win $500 every month as well as a trip to Barbados. Oh, you haven't? Refresh your knowledge to maximize your membership benefits.

In addition to upgrading several of its Caribbean properties, Palladium Hotels & Resorts is looking to enhance their relationship with agents. The Palladium Connect learning and loyalty program features targeted training, including a romance, spa and family course, with an emphasis on rewarding specialists. Become a Palladium Specialist to earn money simply by: graduating from three courses; booking one of Palladium’s 48 properties; inviting other agents to register with the program; and providing Palladium hotel reviews.

 

Costa Rica is an ideal destination for your leisure clients who enjoy ecotourism and active vacations, as well as those that have an interest in cultural and historical attractions. The Costa Rica Specialist course will introduce you to the four regions of Costa Rica and the key attractions and activities available within them.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts operates its extraordinary collection of hotels by the credo: “True luxury is not just about what you do, it’s about how you feel.”  The renowned collection of hotels and resorts offers celebrated landmarks in celebrated locations around the world. Each exudes unparalleled residential charm and enchantment, while embracing the heartfelt service for which we are known.

Raffles caters to leisure and business travelers alike, who celebrate the finer things in life; we are consistently ranked among the world’s top-10 hotel brands in the annual Conde Nast Traveler Business Travel Awards.

As someone who has the responsibility of booking travel for others, you understand the importance of creating a seamless, efficient and satisfying experience, whether the travel is for business or leisure. Famous Agents is the industry’s most exciting travel agent education and rewards programme. Our members increase their earning power by staying up-to-date on all the latest news from Fairmont, Raffles and Swissotel locations worldwide. They also earn fabulous personal rewards and enjoy countless member-only benefits.

Family travel to Mexico is by all accounts booming. And that’s no accident. Suppliers, tour operators and travel sellers are redoubling efforts to highlight Mexico’s vast appeal. Read all about it in the Mexico Family Focus Series.