This week saw the release of our latest Top Supplier Sales Reps feature. As in years past, we highlighted some of the leading sales representatives who go above and beyond the call of duty to make a travel agent’s life easier. Congratulations to all of our winners.
In marketing news, we just got back from Ataway Exchange, a conference owned by our parent company Questex Media that brings together top digital marketing experts and representatives from travel supplies and destinations. We rounded up some top digital marketing strategy tips travel agents might find useful, including blue-sky branding, the danger of over-pitching and social networking and engagement.
In the Caribbean, we followed up on the ongoing story of the temporary closing of Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa. In an interview with the Turks & Caicos SUN, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, chairman of Sandals Resorts International, parent company of Beaches Resorts, said that “economics” forced the temporary closure of the property. The resort will be closed from September 1 to October 19.
In cruise news, Royal Caribbean’s new Quantum of the Seas is gearing up for its debut with an announcement of the new vessel’s inaugural itineraries. The ship, the first of the new Quantum class, will sail roundtrip from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, NJ to the Caribbean starting November 23, 2014, through April 2015. Bookings will be available to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members May 28, 2013, and to the general public on June 4.
We also heard from travel agents regarding another new ship – trade reaction was positive to the new Norwegian Breakaway, which sailed out of New York.
Finally, in case you missed it, we've been announcing the results of our Ultimate Travel Pro sweepstakes. The first two runners up are Laurelee Graham and Joey Sciarrotta. We'll be announcing the grand prize winner of a $500 gift card on Wednesday, May 29.
Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for the latest travel industry news, trends and updates.