E-learning opportunities can effectively bridge the gap between suppliers and the
home-based distribution channel and are one of the motives behind the Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel's (NEST) new series of virtual trainings for home-based agents this fall.
The one-hour webinars are offered two or three times a week over a secure server, and home-based agents participate from their home computers. Suppliers present their product features and benefits, and provide sales and marketing strategies that are designed to increase the agents’ revenue potential.
“Our e-learning program has been a tremendous success,” said Kathryn Mazza-Burney, president of NEST. “Travel agents have the opportunity to keep their skills and knowledge up to date and on the cutting edge, without ever having to leave the comfort of their home offices. The response to the program from agents and suppliers alike has been overwhelmingly positive. Most importantly, the NEST virtual trainings bridge the gap between the need for home-based agents to be fully trained and the need for suppliers to build relationships with this dynamic and ever-growing distribution channel.”
A virtual training was held with Pleasant Holidays and with the Globus Family of Brands. Dates for additional trainings this month are: September 4 (Norwegian Cruise Lines), September 10 (Princess Cruises), September 12 (Celebrity Cruise Lines), September 16 (Berkely), September 17 (Holland America Line), September 23 (GOGO), September 24 (Cunard) and September 26 (MSC Cruises).
To find out more about the NEST virtual training, NEST agencies can log onto the Agent Extranet at www.inthenest.com or contact their local Service Director. To learn more about joining the NEST, home-based agents can visit www.jointhenest.com or contact Andrew Wainer at 888-245-NEST x3008. NEST is holding its fourth annual NEST FEST 2008 “fiesta” conference in Xcaret, Mexico, on November 13-16, 2008. The event will take place at the luxurious Occidental Grand Xcaret, with pre-FAM opportunities in Cancun and the Mayan Riviera.