Our 2019 Destination Success was, well, a huge success! From July 16 – 19, the KHM Travel Group Team hosted 133 of our independent travel agents for education sessions, travel supplier presentations, and networking.
On July 16, agents could attend optional Disney sessions to learn about the full range of Disney’s travel options and how to add value to their clients’ Disney experiences.
Agents gathered early the next morning for breakfast and to hear about the new Carnival Mardi Gras from our BDM Chris Schutz. Chris highlighted the exciting new elements the Mardi Gras will have, including the first roller coaster at sea and the first Shaq’s Big Chicken restaurant. After breakfast, the attendees gathered to learn about our consortia, Travel Leaders Network’s Distinctive Voyages. This program offers exclusive benefits on select sailings, which is another valuable selling point agents can bring to their cruise clients.
As the morning continued, we heard from our Norwegian Cruise Line BDM, Jane, who shared the major travel trends for many of Norwegian’s top destinations. Afterward, we welcomed a panel of river cruise experts from Viking Cruises, Avalon Waterways, Riviera River Cruises, and Scenic River Cruises to the stage. During this question and answer panel, each BDM answered questions about their ships, itineraries, excursions, and amenities to highlight what each line brings to river cruise clients.
Right before lunch, our agents heard about Holland America Line’s Yukon itineraries. As the only cruise line sailing the Yukon, HAL has a unique product that allows your clients to dive into Alaska with exclusive excursions and cruise-tour options.
We began the afternoon with lunch sponsored by Delta Vacations. Their expanded partnerships with other airlines also make Delta Vacations a stand out option for international travel to places like France, Australia, and Korea. Then the team from Royal Caribbean took to the stage. From CoCoCay to their 50th year of sailing, there was plenty of exciting news to share. The first full day concluded with a trade show with over 30 of our travel suppliers, prize giveaways, and a social hour sponsored by Royal Caribbean.
Vacation Express and Blue Diamond Resorts kicked off day two about their charter air options and unique properties. Celebrity Cruises’ presentation had everyone ready to adventure to the Galapagos on their modern, high-end ships. The morning continued with Universal Parks and Resorts sharing details on their flexible dining plans, character dining options, and tips for agents when building a memorable family vacation.
Before the morning was over, agents also heard from GOGO Vacations. Working exclusively with travel agents, GOGO Vacations helps agents customize travel for their clients all around the world. The focus for this session was on St. Lucia, where they are growing their network of resort and excursion offerings. Our BDM from GOGO Vacations was then joined by representatives from Avanti Destinations, Classic Vacations, and Globus family of brands for a panel discussion on European travel. Of course, another way for your clients to experience Europe is to sail its rivers! Viking Cruises presented on the itineraries, service, and joy that comes on their cruises.
Our Education Team had the microphone in the afternoon to share tips on prospecting for clients and using myTravelCRM’s powerful email marketing tools to connect with clients.
From Apple Leisure Group (ALG), Jennifer Greenfield, our BDM and Cheryl Hudak, Regional Director of Sales joined us to share how ALG has renewed their commitment to serving our agents and providing them with the support they need to find success. ALG also sponsored our social hour at which the agents had the chance to tour our new office space.
Madeline from Princess Cruises joined us for breakfast the next morning and walked agents through the variety of cruising options their clients have when sailing with Princess Cruises, including their Alaska and Mexico itineraries. The next presentation from our Group Team gave agents a better idea of how to approach group travel and how to identify the type of group they are working with.
For many agents, ensuring they are compliant with the laws and regulations of the travel industry can be stressful. Karen from our dedicated Compliance Team walked agents through the need-to-knows of credit cards, travel insurance, and marketing regulations. Karen’s insightful presentation left agents feeling confident in how they run their businesses.
Destination Success demonstrates by showing how important it is that we, as agents, personally know our suppliers, fellow agents, and host advisors. It provides great information, fine tunes our knowledge of suppliers, enables us to network outside our territory with fellow agents, and re-energizes us to succeed in our businesses.
Susan Sams Baggott
A lively question and answer panel comprised of Rick Zimmerman, KHM Travel Group’s President, Craig Freeman, our Business Optimization Executive, Dave Gouttiere, our Chief Financial Officer, and Bill Coyle, Director of the Education and Programs Team gave agents the keys to a successful business.
In our last lunch presentation. Tina from Globus family of brands walked agents through the four brands that make up the company and how to know which client fits each.
Some agents opted to continue their education with the Sandals Certified Specialist training, but for others, it was time to depart. We’d like to say thanks to all those who attended our 2019 Destination Success event and to our suppliers for sharing their insights and for your continued support of our agents.
Destination Success is a must when trying to catapult your business. Having the opportunity to meet our valued supplier partners and experience the educational aspect of what they bring to the table is paramount. I’ve attended several Destination Success opportunities since joining KHM Travel Group and have always walked away learning something new to enhance my business.
Karen Beasley
Don’t forget to check out our Flickr album to see all the photos from the event!
Ready to find success as a travel agent? KHM Travel Group is a leading host agency dedicated to helping our agents start and grow their travel businesses. For more information, fill out the form to the right or give us a call at 1-888-611-1220.