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Become a Home Based Travel Agent
VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY
Extraordinary Experiences and Value for Guests
Extraordinary Opportunities for Travel Agents
By Mitch Schlesinger
Voyages to Antiquity, the new
cruise line introduced by Orient Lines founder Gerry Herrod,
provides the opportunity for travel agents to earn significant
commissions, while offering their clients innovative destination
experiences and incomparable value
The new line focuses on Mediterranean itineraries that trace the
“cradle of civilization” cultures (Romans, Egyptians, Greeks,
Byzantine, etc.), calling at many destinations that the
megaships of today can’t reach. “This is clearly a product that
appeals to clients who appreciate a fascinating experience which
provides the ultimate in enrichment, education, and fulfillment
in a relaxed environment” said Mitchell Schlesinger, responsible
for Sales Development in North America for Voyages to Antiquity.
Starting in May, 2010, the 9 itineraries, with 16 departures,
are an excellent way for agents to solicit group business from
organizations with an affinity for history and antiquities,
adventure travel, archaeology, art, museum associations,
religious organizations, and more.
In addition to group opportunities, Voyages to Antiquity is an
excellent product for experienced travelers seeking
extraordinary destinations and a greater cultural immersion.
“We’ve heard from dozens of agents who are in contact with past
Marco Polo guests and have received a warm response.”
Schlesinger said. “It is extremely rewarding to receive so much
positive feedback from agents based on the wonderful experiences
we provided for their clients for so many years at Orient Lines.
The value starts with included shore excursions, gratuities for
stateroom and restaurant staff, house wine at dinner, and
special shore events like a private evening in the Doge’s Palace
in Venice. “It is critical that agents clearly delineate for
potential guests just how significant this value truly is”
Schlesinger added. “Guests out-of-pocket expenses can be as much
as $1,500 per person. Plus, with air add-ons available from Free
to $199, a deluxe outside stateroom at around $6,500 per person
is an extraordinary price for such an in depth experience. “
Best of all is the potential earnings for travel agents. “With
all of the out-of-pocket expenses included in the cruise fare,
agents are in essence earning their full applicable commission
on shore excursions, gratuities, house wine at dinner and
roundtrip air” Schlesinger pointed out. “At a base commission of
10%, earnings range from $700-$2,500 per cabin with potential to
earn more with commission overrides available. Travel agents
have struggled to earn meaningful commissions over the past
several years. We recognized this and wanted to design a product
that rewards them fully for their promotional efforts. As a
small brand with limited consumer marketing budgets, our intent
is to have virtually 100% of our bookings sourced through them.”
“I want agents with specific group opportunities to contact me
directly at m.schlesinger@voyagestoantiquity.com.” Brochures can
currently be requested at info@voyagestoantiquity.com. The
website featuring online ordering, E-Brochures, and agent
registration is still a few weeks away, but it is worth the wait
as it will feature an array of agent friendly e-marketing tools,
destination and enrichment information.
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Mitchell J.
Schlesinger
President
MJS Consultants
mjschlesinger@bellsouth.net
Mitchell Schlesinger has an extremely distinguished and
diverse career in the travel industry, which began with learning to "Try
Harder" at Avis Rent A Car.
He is very well known for his innovative and creative
approaches in prominent roles as a marketing and sales executive in the
cruise industry at NCL, Orient Lines and Costa Cruises. This is
highlighted by the industry's first ever network television advertising
for the SS Norway, the brand development of "Cruising Italian Style" for
Costa Cruises and a myriad of enhancements that positioned Orient Lines
as the industry's "Destination Cruise Specialist".
As one of a select few cruise executives with in-depth
experience in both the upscale worldwide destination and contemporary
segments, Mitch brings unique perspectives to his analysis of industry
trends and developments. And throughout his career in the cruise
industry, he has been an aggressive supporter of the travel agency
distribution community, pioneering educational programs at each
individual line at which he worked, through his involvement in marketing
with CLIA, and participation roles at key industry learning programs
including Cruise-A-Thon.
Mitch is currently President of MJS Consulting, providing
a variety of strategic marketing and sales consulting services to
clientele including cruise lines, travel agents, travel agent
organizations and investment capital firms. He also provides sales and
marketing education to the travel agency community through his articles
published in various trade publications.
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