Travel advisors from Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, recently had the opportunity to attend one of two exclusive post-American Express Travel Forum training and education events – the first, Viking Cruises’ Executive Retreat, and the other, Travel Corporation’s Family Day.
The invite-only events followed the American Express Travel Forum in Los Angeles, where 130 top-producing Cruise Planners travel advisors were able to attend a special, invitation-only training session and dinner to learn from American Express executives and preferred suppliers.
During the event, Cruise Planners franchise owner Julie Irovando was honored by American Express Travel with the Excellence in Card Benefits Fulfillment Award. Cruise Planners franchise owner Michael Consoli was one of the nominees.
Thirty Cruise Planners franchise owners attended a full day of training with Viking Cruises executives for a comprehensive training of the entire Viking Cruises product line. This included important information about the various rivers, sales tips, lessons on how to qualify clientele, and insights into planning events and cruise nights to generate more interest and business.
Cruise Planners travel advisors received a Master River Cruise Expert Designation. The training was lead by Viking Cruises Vice President of Sales and National Accounts Michele Saegesser. Also in attendance was Director of Sales Erik De La Cruz and Director of National Accounts Ana Parodi, as well as Cruise Planners Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Theresa Scalzitti.
Another group of 40 Cruise Planners travel advisors were invited to The Travel Corporation (TTC)’s Family Day in Cypress, California, for continued training and education.
TTC’s family of 30 brands includes guided and escorted vacations from African Travel, Inc., Brendan Vacations, Costsaver, Contiki, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold, Trafalgar and Uniworld.
Melissa Da Silva, president of Trafalgar, Brendan Vacations and Costsaver, welcomed Cruise Planners travel advisors at its new headquarters and shared information about TTC, its parent company. Travel advisors toured the facilities and received training on the company’s land-based products and river cruises to increase their sales.
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