Become a Home Based Travel Agent

C-e-l-e-b-r-a-t-e  Good Times, Come On!
By: Jan Shaughnessy

In these trying times we all are looking for ways to increase sales.  What are you doing to generate new business?  Are you advertising the $299 cruise?  Most likely so is everyone else.  In these challenging times you need something that makes you stand out in the sea of discounted cruise rates.

My suggestion is have fun and celebrate.  In 2009 and 2010 there’s a plethora of anniversary events and celebrations.  Why not choose a few and plan a marketing campaign to promote them.  How about Sri Koorathazhwan’s 1000th year in 2010?  Ok, don’t ask.  You’ll have to Google it.  Here are some anniversaries and celebrations you might consider.

Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of Statehood.  – What a perfect opportunity to promote an Alaska cruise/cruisetour.  Alaska will hold events year long to celebrate.  You can find deals like discounts on flying around the tip of Mt McKinley.  To piggy back on the Alaska 50th celebration Cruise West is giving a $50 ship board credit if your client is celebrating a milestone 50th birthday or anniversary.

Oceania Cruises Five year anniversary – Oceania is celebrating their five year anniversary with great offers.  2 for 1 cruises, free airfare, free pre-paid gratuities, and on board credits. This is a great opportunity to move your clients into a deluxe brand. 

Disney – Disney is always celebrating something.  This year they are offering a free one-day pass on your birthday.  Clients need to register their birthdays on the Disney website.  The Disney Travel Agent website has a 2009 Celebration link which will give you suggestions to help market and grow your Disney business.  They offer ideas to celebrate birthdays, triumphs, reunions, anniversaries, and even ideas for first timers.  Disney also has many new entertainment events this year. 

History Buffs – Do you have clients that are history buffs?  This year marks a milestone anniversary of 65 years since the invasion of Normandy.  An escorted tour visiting Normandy, or river cruise from Paris to Normandy would be ideal to promote.  Avanti Destinations has some unique historical tours.  Avanti is offering a 20th anniversary Fall of the Berlin Wall tour, and a 500th anniversary Henry VIII Ascension to the Throne tour. 

Upcoming events in 2010 – Other events you might consider promoting now are the 200th Anniversary of Munich’s Ocktoberfest, the 2010 Passion Play in Oberammergau, and Superbowl February 7, 2010 in Miami.  I have done a Superbowl cruise for the past seven years.  This is a big event on the cruises with the game on big screen and tailgating food in the lounges. 

Whatever you choose to promote, have fun with it and C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E Good Times, Come ON!