Revista Travel WEEKLYtw20070625-dl

Are some sellers of luxury guilty of saying too much? P. 12 w w w. t r a v e l w e e k l y. c o m Arnie Weissmann: w Doing it for the love of the game. Richard Turen P. 73 $99 flights from New York to London. In the Hot Seat, P. 4. Story, P. 8 Zoom, Zoom: T H E N A T I O N A L N E W S P A P E R O F T H E T R A V E L I N D U S T R Y J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 By Michael Milligan The Bush administration, under mounting pressure from Congress, the travel industry and travelers, delayed the next phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which would require travelers entering the country at land borders and seaports to have passports. That requirement was slated to take effect as early as January 2008, but under a rule proposed by the State and Homeland Security departments, the requirement instead would be phased in. Starting Jan. 31, according to the proposed rule, U.S. and Canadian citizens crossing U.S. borders will need to present a “WHTI-compliant document” or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. They will also need The Bush administration intends to implement the second phase of the WHTI sometime next summer. to show a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship. U.S. citizens on roundtrip cruises that originate and end in the U.S. may present a government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Naturalization. Children under 16 as well as children 18 and younger who are traveling in designated groups may present certified copies of their birth certificates. The State and Homeland Security departments said the government would fully implement the WHTI in summer 2008, requiring bordercrossers and cruise passengers to possess passports. Industry reaction to the proposal was mixed. Continued on Page 74 [ WILL BECOME A FLOATING HOTEL IN DUBAI ] Cunard’s QE2 headed for retirement By Johanna Jainchill The Queen Elizabeth 2, the 40-year-old ocean liner that has traveled more miles than any passenger vessel afloat today, will turn off its engines in 2008. After crossing the Atlantic more than 800 times and carrying more than 2.5 million passengers, the Cunard Line ship will move to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where it will become a floating hotel and museum. Such a fate would have been hard to imagine for the vessel when it was launched by Queen Elizabeth II in 1967. The ship went on to set records for transatlantic speed. It even once carried British military troops during a wartime deployment. “We are delighted that when her legendary career as an ocean liner ends, there will continue to be a permanent home for her that will enable future generations to continue to experience fully both the ship and her history,” said Cunard’s president, Carol Marlow. Cunard sold the QE2 to Istithmar, a wholly owned company of the Dubai government. It plans to convert the liner into a luxury hotel off of Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island. Continued on Page 75 WORLD BEAT Sheraton Cable Beach Resort opens in the Bahamas. P. 58 Luxury resort developments spring up in Morocco. Japan strives to attract more leisure travelers. P. 52 P. 66 29 S -pa pe ge cia sec l tio n Passport law postponed for land and sea crossings T R AV E L W E E K LY ’ S POWER LIST 2007 BY HARVEY CHIPKIN PAGE 21 insider CONTENTS O N T H E C O V E R Travel Weekly’s Power List 2007 21 N E W S Meetings & Greetings 1 2 6 Kerzner, MGM Mirage ink Vegas deal 9 Expedia to repurchase some stock D E S T I N A T I O N S 52 Morocco opts for quality over quantity 57 Caribbean marketing unit ‘ready to go’ 66 Japan: We’re not strictly business I N S I D E R 4 Travel Confidential 4 Friends & Colleagues 4 In the Hot Seat: Zoom Airlines’ Hugh Boyle D E P A R T M E N T S 3 1) Crystal Cruises’ 17th Annual Awards Gala was held this year onboard the Crystal Symphony to reward the line’s top agents in 2006. The Cruise Professionals of Mississauga, Ontario, took the ceremony’s award for Top Producer. From left: Eric Graves, Crystal’s vice president of field and group sales; Bill Smith, Crystal’s senior vice president of sales and marketing; Brad Tully, Aida Vincelli and Mary Jean Tully of the Cruise Professionals; and Gregg Michel, president of Crystal. 2) On the deck of the Crystal Symphony were Eric Maryanov of All-Travel, Michelle Morgan of Signature Travel Network and Crystal’s Bill Smith. 3) Emirates sponsored the Fly Emirates Foresta race at the 2007 Belmont Stakes in New York in June. At the races were Nigel Page, Emirates senior vice president of commercial operations, top; Terry Mascarenhas from Up and Away Travel; his wife; and Emirates cabin crew members. 6 12 12 16 News Briefs From the Window Seat Numbers TW Portfolio 51 Legal Briefs 68 Travel Product News 72 Opinion 76 What’s New, What’s Hot YOUR CLIENTS HERE Help get your clients to the best destinations. There’s only one way for your clients to discover the treasures of Europe, and that’s with a voyage aboard Marco Polo at an incredible savings! Fares even include pre- or post-cruise hotel stay and sightseeing tours. Call 1.800.333.7300 or visit orientlines.com. “Top Ten Large-Ship Cruise Lines” Travel & Leisure 2006 World’s Best Awards 30-Day Western Europe and Scotland From $3,449* per person *Fare is per person, for CruiseTour only and based on double occupancy. Airfare is not included. For additional restrictions, please see our brochure. © 2007 NCL Corporation Ltd. Ship’s Registry: Bahamas. 2 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M INSIDER IN THE HOT SEAT TRAVEL CONFIDENTIAL Hugh Boyle, Chairman Zoom Airlines U.K.-based Zoom Airlines, sister company to the Canadian low-cost carrier of the same name, launched its first service June 21 with flights between London Gatwick and New York. The carrier is offering an introductory one-way fare of $99, including taxes; standard one-way fares for regular economy, excluding taxes, will start at $199. Aviation Editor Andrew Compart talked to Hugh Boyle, Zoom founder and chairman, about his airline. A: We don’t have a cost advantage on hours flown [per aircraft], but we deal with very high load factors. It’s also important that we’re a point-to-point carrier, which keeps our costs down. Q: How high do your load factors need to be? A: We really want to achieve 90%. But if we average 80%, given our pricing curve, we’ll make a profit. Friends & Colleagues Q: Why will Zoom work in this market? A: We’re breaking down the restrictions Q: How will you market the service? that exist for flying between the U.S. and A: Marketing will be in print and on billthe U.K., like Saturday-night stays. Also, boards, and we will do a lot of work with you can book us one-way. We still have tourism offices like Visit Britain and a situation where if you book a flight tour operators. We also hope to attract with Virgin, British Airways clients who want to go to Lonor American, a one-way fare don or New York for a weekcosts more than the cheapest end. One thing that is clearly return fare, which is incredihappening is people are gobly silly. By moving away from ing farther afield for a shorter the restrictions that exist, and time. If we can bring prices because times have changed down sufficiently, we’ll create [for distribution methods], I business as well as attract think we’ll be successful. some from existing airlines. I Hugh Boyle hope in the first year 20% of our passengers will be new. Q: Why will Zoom be more successful than previous low-fare, transatlantic carriers, such as People Express and Laker Q: Will you add more routes? Airways? A: We’re looking very closely. Clearly, they’ll be East Coast and West Coast and A: I think the timing is different because they’ll be popular, mass-market destinanow people are booking via the Internet tions like Boston, San Francisco, maybe and go to the Internet to find a cheap Seattle and San Diego. flight; it cuts a lot of the distribution costs. We also have e-tickets now. That’s made Internet bookings and last-minute Q: You’re not entering partnerships with bookings much U.S. or European easier and more low-cost carriers flexible. for connections, at least not yet. Why not? Q: Don’t you lose many advantages A: We’ve had of the low-cost discussions with model when you various airlines, fly long-haul? but there are You can’t have higher aircraft utilization complications with the legalities of who rates because you can’t offer more than is responsible for bags, where you can one flight a day, and people expect more give boarding passes and what happens services. if customers miss connections. But I think we’ll see low-cost carriers doing it A: Our travelers get meals included in in the next two or three years. Ten perthe price and in-flight entertainment. So cent of our customers already are comwe’re keeping some of those services, ing from another flight at some point. and we’ve adopted the booking policy of Especially with JetBlue at Kennedy Airlow-cost carriers. port, where we share the same terminal, I expect about 25% of our passengers Q: So how can you reduce costs enough will do it. to profit with fares this low? E Expect massive crowds waving red dusters in New York on Jan. 13, the day that the “three Queens” of Cunard will meet for the first and presumably last time before the Queen Elizabeth 2 heads to its Dubai retirement in November 2008. Visitors to Venice this summer may get more than a gondola ride and a photo of themselves feeding pigeons at St. Mark’s Square. The city launched a campaign to encourage tourists and Venetians to treat the city in a manner befitting its stature. That means, among other things, no bare torsos in town, no lounging on monuments, no feet dangling in the canals, no picnics in public places and no littering anywhere. Violators face fines of $67 for each infraction, and the city has deployed enforcement stewards to parcel out the punishment. There’s also talk of a lodging tax of a few dollars on overnight visitors to help cover services such as trash removal, still done by hand cart in many Venetian quarters. Look for an announcement of a new five-star luxury brand from Oasis Hotels & Resorts, a company that is partly owned by Globalia, the Spanish conglomerate. Oasis currently has 10 properties in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Mexico, but has set its sights on the islands of the Caribbean, particularly the Dominican Republic. The rendezvous, which has been marketed as a chance to view the Queen Victoria on its maiden round-the-world voyage, now will surely be billed as the only chance to see the three ships together. TC hears the QE2 and Queen Victoria will arrive in tandem and rendezvous with the Queen Mary 2 by Manhattan’s Hudson River piers. The QM2 will then peel off to its Brooklyn berth, while the QE2 and QV will dock in Manhattan. TC also hears that Cunard will soon release a series of “Farewell Transatlantic Voyages” on the QE2. Big development may have reached the saturation point on Anguilla. TC hears that the two-year moratorium on foreign investment, enacted in 2006 and set to expire next year, has been extended indefinitely. The eel-shaped island is 16 miles long, three miles across at its widest point and 213 feet above sea level at the top of its highest hill. However, projects by Fairmont, Viceroy and St. Regis, along with the construction of a second golf course, got in under the wire and are proceeding apace. ( SUBMIT YOUR STORIES AND PHOTOS: Gerry Bourbeau, Travel Weekly deputy managing editor, at gbourbeau@travelweekly.com. ‘We’re breaking down the restrictions that exist for flying between the U.S. and the U.K.’ Los Angeles’ convention and visitors bureau. Nicola Goodson joined Leisure Travel Alliance as director of operations. In past positions, Goodson managed Vacation.com’s membership service department and was reservations manager for Peter Deilmann Cruises. Vail Resorts named Lucy Kay COO of Breckenridge Ski Resort. Kay most recently was vice president of marketing for Breckenridge and Keystone resorts. Elizabeth Churchill was promoted to vice president of sales and marketing for Aqua Hotels & Resorts. She was vice president of marketing and guest services. The Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino in St. Maarten named Ruben Fuentes executive consultant for convention services. He was director of conference services for the Sonesta Beach Resort in Key Biscayne, Fla. NYC & Company, New York’s tourism-marketing organization, named Diarmaid O’Sullivan associate vice president of tourism development. O’Sullivan was director of marketing and cultural relations, North America for Millennium Hotels and Resorts. NYC & Company also ap- NORTHSTAR TRAVEL MEDIA LLC 100 Lighting Way, Secaucus, N.J. 07094-3681 U.S.A. (201) 902-2000. Travel Weekly is published once a week on Mondays by NORTHSTAR Travel Media LLC ISSN #00412082. Canadian GST #123397457 USPS #637 780. Canadian Post Agreement #41021023. Vol. 66, Number 26, Periodicals postage paid at Secaucus, N.J., and at additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address corrections to Travel Weekly, P.O. Box 7504, Highlands Ranch, CO 80163-7504. Publications Mail Agreement No. 40685520. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: RCS International, Box 697 STN A, Windsor Ontario N9A 6N4, email: Subsmail@ ReedBusiness.com. For all circulation inquiries, includ- 4 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M ILLUSTRATION BY J.C. SUARES ing new subscriptions, renewals, cancellations, changes of address and problems with missed deliveries, contact customer service by mail at RBI Customer Service, 8878 S. Barrons Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO 80129-2345; by phone at (800) 446-6551 or (303) 470-4445, fax (303) 470-4280 or e-mail: subsmail@reedbusiness.com. For subscriptions, visit www.getfreemag.com/tw. Annual subscription rates: USA, US$149; Canada, US$189; elsewhere US$229. Rates for single copies and special issues are available. For custom reprints, contact Lisa Abelson at (516) 379-7097. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission. Travel Weekly® is a registered trademark. Printed in the U.S.A. — IPM218464 pointed Chris Heywood director of international and domestic public relations. Heywood was previously manager of corporate communications for LA Inc., ( Announcing CARNIVAL SPLENDOR Our newest, largest and most innovative ship. Debuting in July 2008, CARNIVAL SPLENDOR introduces exciting first-time features, along with a new Northern Europe itinerary that includes the hottest destinations. Guests will discover Carnival’s most spectacular spa experience with two decks overlooking the sea, expanded treatment options, special spa staterooms and more. That’s just the beginning of the innovations they’ll enjoy on board CARNIVAL SPLENDOR. Now open for bookings. Visit carnival.com/splendor for more information. SM © 2007 Carnival Cruise Lines. All rights reserved. Ship’s Registry: Panama. bookccl.com news BRIEFS Kerzner, MGM plan Vegas resort By Jeri Clausing The resort will be designed for approximately 40 of 78 acres MGM owns on the corners of Las Resort developer Kerzner International, whose Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue, a $20 milproperties include Atlantis Paradise Island in the lion-per-acre property that MGM said could Bahamas, will make its first foray into the U.S. in a eventually include more than the resort. joint venture with MGM Mirage. “The Kerzner development could very well serve The two companies signed a letter of intent to as an anchor to a larger development that would become equal partners in what they said will be a encompass all 78 acres,” said Gordon Absher, vice multibillion-dollar project in Las Vegas. president of public affairs for MGM Mirage. “We have studied the Las Vegas market for The partners declined to release any details some time and believe this is an outstanding opabout their plans, noting the early stages of negotiations. Kerzner will lead the project’s LAS VEGAS planning and conceptualization. STRIP “With Kerzner, you can be assured Kerzner MGM Project it won’t be just a hotel,” said Kerzner Sahara spokeswoman Lauren Snyder. Absher promised “something Circus Circus that I think will be very exciting and compelling for Las Vegas.” “We are very lucky to be working Riviera with Kerzner,” he said. “They bring a history of operating first-class reFuture site of sorts with incredible attention to Echelon Place detail.” MGM Mirage said it saw the joint venture, which will draw on MGM Mirage’s Las Vegas experience and Kerzner’s development record, as a “major part of its future.” MGM Mirage owns 200 acres of Wynn undeveloped or underdeveloped TI land in Las Vegas, Absher said. “Our considerable real estate holdings, combined with our experience and efficiencies in develMirage oping major entertainment resort properties, are unmatched,” said Venetian Terry Lanni, chairman and CEO of MGM Mirage. “We believe this joint venture could well serve as a model Caesars Palace Flamingo for similar transactions, which we think could further enhance shareholder value.” Design and planning for the unnamed resort are expected to take portunity to create one of the most innovative and about a year. Construction is expected to take anexciting destination resorts in the world. We are other three years. delighted to join forces with MGM Mirage,” Sol The project joins more than $50 billion in other Kerzner, chairman and CEO of Kerzner Internadevelopments anticipated in Las Vegas over the tional, said in a press release announcing the partnext five to six years, said Jeremy Handel of the nership. Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. BRIEFS DOT sets up for new China routes The Transportation Department invited applications from U.S. airlines for the right to offer new service to China this year. The first new rights, which allow a new entrant to the market with seven weekly frequencies, become available Aug. 1. The DOT will also be selecting new or existing carriers for additional routes that open up in March 2008 and March 2009. Virtuoso again prefers Classic Virtuoso reinstated Classic Vacations as a preferred supplier after dropping the operator at the end of 2003 over “public statements and actions undertaken by Classic and its parent company,” a reference to Expedia and its then-parent, IAC Corp. Cathy Holler, who heads Virtuoso’s destination sales division, said, “There has been a growing demand from the Virtuoso membership to bring Classic Vacations back into the network.” Expedia woos business travelers Expedia.com launched a page for unmanaged business travelers at www.expedia.com/business, matching an earlier move by rival Orbitz. A relationship with MileageManager, a Colorado Springs company, enables Expedia users, for a $4.95 annual fee, to track rewards points across multiple suppliers. Another tool enables business travelers to transmit flight itineraries to mobile devices. Separately, Expedia Corporate Travel plans to expand service in August into Italy, its fifth point of sale in Europe, partnering with L’Orchidea Viaggi for local fulfillment services. Louis Cruises fined for pollution Greek authorities hit Louis Cruises with a $1.57 million fine for polluting the waters off Santorini, where its ship, the Sea Diamond, sank on April 6. News reports said the government also criticized Louis The site where the Sea Diamond sank. for failing to submit a plan to pump fuel from the wreck. Pod hotel to open at London Gatwick A pod hotel is coming to London’s Gatwick Airport. Called Yotel, the 46-cabin hotel in the South Terminal promises a “first-class hotel experience at affordable prices,” Hotel profits set record in 2006 The U.S. hotel industry generated record earnings of $26.6 billion on $133.4 billion in revenue for 2006, a profit margin of nearly 20%, according to Smith Travel Research. Smith said results were fueled by a 7.2% growth in average daily rates and occupancy levels that topped 63%. Smith expects average rates to rise another 6% this year, breaking the $100-aday mark for the first time. Yotel cabins at Gatwick start at about $50. starting at about $50 for four hours. The cabins come equipped with private bathrooms, free wireless Internet and wired Internet access and entertainment systems. Customers can book the cabins for four hours or more, offering travelers the option to relax, shower and nap without leaving the airport. Room service, ordered by television, will be available 24 hours a day. P&O Princess executive to retire in March Peter Ratcliffe, CEO of P&O Princess Cruises International, will retire on March 6 after spending over three decades with the company. David Dingle was promoted to CEO of Carnival UK with responsibility for the company’s British brands: P&O Cruises, Ocean Village and Cunard Line. Dingle was also appointed chairman of the Carnival plc Management Committee, with responsibility for P&O Cruises Australia. Alan Buckelew was promoted to president and CEO of Princess Cruises. “It has always been a goal of mine to retire at age 60\,” said Ratcliffe, 59. “I’ve had a tremendously rewarding career in this industry and know that I leave the future of my cherished brands in the most capable hands of David and Alan.” Both promotions are effective immediately. Ratcliffe will assist and advise them through the transition period. “Peter has only been a part of our organization since the merger of our companies in the spring of 2003, but I can’t say enough about all he has done to contribute to our post-merger success,” said Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corp. Marketing firm shortens name Ypartnership is the new name for Yesawich Pepperdine Brown & Russell, the advertising, public relations and marketing services company that has built up a specialty in travel and related leisure industries. Founder Peter Yesawich remains CEO. 6 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M The Company You Keep Says A Lot About You EXCLUSIVE SPAS SIGNATURE WEDDINGMOONS ® by ROLLS ROYCE SERVICE BERINGER WINES GUILD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH BUTLERS Need We Say More We’ve chosen the world’s best brands and they’ve chosen to partner with us. Because we all share an uncompromising commitment to quality and excellence. So when your clients want the very best there’s only one choice. And when you recommend Sandals, you’ll be in good company too. Call your Tour Operator or 1-800-SANDALS sandals.com Unique Vacations, Inc. is the worldwide representative for Sandals Resorts. NEWS Zoom prides itself on low fares and low environmental impact By Andrew Compart about its engine efficiency and carbon diand policies include: Using drink tumblers made from corn oxide output per passenger, which will be Zoom, which started London-New York starch; cutlery and dishes made from sugar reduced if most of its seats are filled beservice on June 21, is marketing not only beet and sugarcane prodcause the all-coach carrier Zoom Chairman Hugh Boyle ucts; and drink stirrers made its attributes as a low-fare carrier, but also puts more seats on its planes its credentials as an “environmentally conof wood from renewable than its competitors do. is In the Hot Seat. scious and ethically responsible airline.” resources. Zoom said the Zoom also talks about a Page 4 “We very much hope that this will beuse of renewable natural renumber of new environmencome a key factor in customers’ decisions sources would reduce the waste’s long-term tal and ethical policies it said it is “pioneerto fly with Zoom,” the airline said on its effect because it could compost into a natuing” on its new service from the U.K. to the Web site. ral state in about 14 days. U.S. and Bermuda. In addition to recycling Using tea, coffee, sugar and orange juice On the site, Zoom does more than talk a lot of the onboard waste, those practices onboard and in its offices that are sourced from suppliers approved by Fairtrade, a Zoom is using drink tumblers made from corn starch, and certification system created to guarantee a cutlery and dishes made from sugar beet and sugarcane products. fair price for the commodity producers in regions of Africa, Asia and Latin America. Fairtrade products also will be included in the choice of beers and wines on flights. Focusing on environmental issues in service contracts with suppliers, including catering services, ground handling companies and the hotels used by its air crews. Zoom said it wanted suppliers to maintain • • a “robust environmental program.” Of course, Zoom isn’t the only airline promoting its environmental credentials. Delta on June 1 became the first U.S. carrier to offer customers a carbon-offset option when booking flights. It also expanded its onboard recycling to include all aluminum, plastic and paper products on domestic flights to Atlanta. Delta said flight attendants recycled about five tons of material in the first two weeks of the expanded recycling effort. DOT seeks input on flight delay data The Transportation Department is seeking public and airline industry comments on ways the DOT can collect and report more accurate and complete data on flight delays and the time passengers spend stuck on aircraft on the tarmac. The DOT is asking for the input in the wake of complaints by consumer groups and airlines. The comments can be submitted to the DOT under docket number DOT-2007-28522, accessible by doing a “simple search” for “28522” on the DOT docket site at www.dms.dot.gov once the DOT enters it into the system, which it had not done by June 21. The DOT took its first comments June 20 at a public meeting at its Washington headquarters. The hearing was surprisingly noncombative, given that it included airlines and the consumer advocacy groups that have been blasting them. The DOT is not guaranteeing the process will result in any changes. But the DOT would be going to a lot of trouble just to maintain the status quo, and it is under pressure to do something. • American and Northwest duke it out in turf war By Andrew Compart Especially when it comes to their hubs, where they enjoy the most pricing power, airlines can be as territorial as a Rottweiler confronting an intruder. And in that respect, Northwest is known as the fiercest guard dog in the airline industry. The intruder, however, usually is not as big as American, which makes the newest confrontation a bit more interesting. On Sept. 5, American will start service between New York’s LaGuardia Airport and Minneapolis/St. Paul, which is a Northwest hub. American will offer three daily flights on MD-80 aircraft. American, which has been bulking up in the New York market, said it was responding to requests from customers, business travelers in particular. But Northwest, predictably, didn’t take it kindly. Many carriers defend their turf, but none as fiercely as Northwest, which has driven away many low-cost competitors by adding capacity and matching fares on a route, or by retaliating in the competitor’s home market. On Sept. 5, Northwest will start service from LaGuardia to American’s hub at Dallas/Fort Worth, with three daily flights on weekdays and two on weekends on A319 aircraft. Northwest will also increase capacity on its Minneapolis-LaGuardia route this fall. LaGuardia-DFW service “will be a money-loser for Northwest for years to come, but that’s how they react,” said Darryl Jenkins, an airline consultant and former director of George Washington University’s Aviation Institute. “In Northwest’s defense, they’re one of the few carriers that makes money domestically, and they make money domestically by fiercely defending their markets,” Jenkins added. “I guess their philosophy is that they can’t make concessions to anybody.” What’s different this time is that American isn’t a weaker competitor that is likely to back down. “American’s a big boy,” Jenkins said. “I’m pretty sure they knew what Northwest’s reaction was going to be. And I know that Northwest never backs down in a fight. You have two predators going against each other on this one. That’s interesting. If nothing else, to me this is one for the textbooks.” ROMAN COUNTRYSIDE, FRASCATI 6 nights from $1599* SPLENDORS OF SICILY 7 nights from $1599* commission if booked by July 6 $140 fuel surcharge not commissionable 15% AMALFI COAST DISCOVERY 7 nights from $1599* ABRUZZO & ROME 6 nights from $1799* BOLOGNA & TUSCANY 7 nights from $1599* Packages include R/T air, fuel surcharges, 4-star hotel, most meals, excursions, hotel tax/service charges, transfers, & cooking classes where included. *Prices include fuel surcharge but do not include US/Foreign taxes/fees up to $85 per passenger including Sept. 11th Security Fee. Fuel surcharge not commissionable. Direct flights to more Italian cities than any other airline. euroflyvacations.com 8 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M NEWS S&P CUTS DEBT RATING TO JUNK STATUS Expedia’s stock repurchase could cost as much as $3.5 billion By Dennis Schaal Expedia Inc. plans to repurchase 42% of its common stock, or about 116.7 million shares, at $27.50 to $30 per share, a transaction that could cost the company about $3.5 billion. The company’s stock price soared 15% two days after the announcement. Still, Standard & Poor’s said it was cutting Expedia’s debt rating to junk status, apparently fearing the deal would be funded by a huge increase in debt. Moody’s Investors Service added that it likely would do the same. But Barry Diller, Expedia Inc.’s chairman, senior executive and controlling stockholder, was upbeat. “With this action, we couldn’t be clearer that the management and the board of this company are confident in the value of Expedia and in its long-term future,” Diller said. In that regard, management will not be offering any of its own shares for sale. But the debt-rating services took a dim view of the increased leverage. “This represents a dramatic change in Expedia’s previously investment-grade financial policy,” Standard & Poor’s stated. “Upon completion, the tender offer will increase debt leverage, reduce liquidity and curtail discretionary cash flow.” The tender offer, in the form of a “modified Dutch auction,” is expected to begin June 25 and expire around Aug. 6, four days after Expedia announces its second-quarter earnings. Stockholders can indicate how many shares of common stock they seek to sell and at what price within the $27.50 to $30 range. Expedia then determines the lowest price at which the company can buy the shares. Expedia’s tender offer may make the company a less attractive acquisition target for a private equity firm. Diller’s voting control of the company will increase. The company didn’t immediately specify how it would raise the cash for the transaction, but further details about the tender offer were expected this week. At the end of the first quarter of 2007, Expedia had $638 million in cash and longterm debt of $500 million. One analyst, who declined to be identified, said Wall Street believed that Expedia was underleveraged and that its capital structure, with more cash than debt, was inefficient. Many other public companies have much more debt than cash, and “Expedia is adding value to the company by taking advantage of an underleveraged balance sheet,” the analyst said. At the same time, Expedia’s tender offer may make it a less attractive acquisition target for a private equity firm. That’s because Expedia is performing the kind of debt transactions that private equity firms like to sweep in and do. “With the buyback, Expedia has taken some of its capacity to borrow and ability to create value off the table because they are doing it themselves rather than letting someone else do it,” the analyst said. With the tender offer, Expedia’s net leverage could increase from about 4.5 times earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, to around 4.9 times EBITDA, according to the analyst’s projections. With dramatically fewer shares outstanding, the company’s earnings per share also could rise significantly. The Hertz Green Collection will contribute $1 million to the National Park Foundation. Hertz is committed to saving the environment. That’s why for every Hertz Green Collection rental you book for your clients, Hertz will contribute $1 to the National Park Foundation, with a minimum guarantee of $1 million donated over the next year. With the Hertz Green Collection, your clients can drive economically and do something good for the environment at the same time. And we’re proud of our involvement in helping to make the world a greener place. Reserve the exact make and model of any of the vehicles your clients want from the Hertz Green Collection. The car you reserve is the car they’ll get. Like the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Buick LaCrosse, Hyundai Sonata, the Subaru Outback and now the Toyota Prius. There are nearly 35,000 cars in the line and all have an EPA highway fuel efficiency rating of 28 miles or more per gallon. And most cars carry EPA’s SmartWay certification. And as * thanks to you for helping your clients do something good for the environment, Exactly Rewards members will earn $5 for every Green Collection rental picked up and completed before 9/30/07. To reserve a Green Collection vehicle for your clients, simply book through your GDS system, visit hertzagent.com or call 1-800-654-3131. Doing more for you and the environment. It’s another reason why We’re Hertz. They’re Not. hertzagent.com ® Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. © 2007 Hertz System, Inc. Green Collection vehicles available at major U.S. airport locations. FOR YOUR INFORMATION: *Indicates lower emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases. Green Collection vehicles have a minimum 28 MPG EPA Highway Rating based on the 2007 Fuel Economy Guide published on fueleconomy.gov. Actual mileage may vary. Advance reservations are required. Standard rental conditions and return restrictions must be met. Minimum rental age is 21; age differential charges and other exceptions may apply. Contribution to the National Park Foundation based on reserved and paid Hertz Green Collection rentals picked up at participating locations in the U.S. from June 14, 2007 through June 13, 2008. , W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 9 NEWS ARC, IATA partner to sell airlines IATA data in an ARC format By Andrew Compart ARC and IATA reached a joint marketing and licensing agreement that could help them sell more global data to airlines, and both said it could be a forerunner to other, similar arrangements. IATA, which operates the Billing Settlement Plan that is the international equivalent of ARC, has a Passenger Intelligence Services product that includes ticket information from 394 airlines in 156 countries. The database includes agency, country and region of ticket issuance as well as fare categories, average fare value and airport information. Under the new IATA-ARC agreement, the Passenger Intelligence Services data will be offered in the ARC Segment Detail Specification format, which is a file structure ARC uses for the ARC Itinerary Detail product and plans to use for future data products. ARC officials said ARC was working on providing its data in IATA’s format. ARC’s Itinerary Detail provides daily segment information for 38 data elements, including origin and destination airport; class of service; departure and arrival details; and marketing carrier for each travel segment. The reports reflect sales, refunds and exchanges and can provide up to 39 months of historical data. ARC officials said the agreement means airlines that buy the similar databases from both ARC and IATA won’t have to spend the time, effort and money required to reformat them on their own to put them together into a global database. That, in turn, should help sales, they said. Airlines still would buy the databases separately from ARC and IATA but could ask for it in the global format. “The benefit is the carrier would be more inclined to buy data that is in a standardized format,” said Sheila Cuyjet, ARC’s acting general manager for data and analytical services. There is plenty of potential for more cooperation between ARC and IATA because database sales are a growing source of business for both of them. ARC, for example, currently offers more than 40 data and analytical products. Sabre tool combs hotel Web prices By Jeri Clausing Sabre Travel Network is launching a service to help assure agents they are getting a hotel rate that their clients won’t be able to beat on the Internet. The program, called Rate Assured, will monitor Web sites to see what rates individual hotels are offering, then certify in the GDS those hotels that stand by their promises to give agents the best deal. The program will launch June 28, according to Stephen Fitzgerald, vice president of Sabre’s hotel and car distribution unit. “One of the things we hear a lot from agents is that one of their fears is that when they book a room, the customer is going to call back and say they just found it on Expedia for $20 less,” Fitzgerald said. Rate Assured goes beyond the rate programs offered by most GDS systems to monitor individual hotels and see if they are sticking to their promise to give agents rate parity, he said. Part of problem, he said, is that many hotels are individually owned, and they sometimes make decisions to sell rooms on the Internet below prices the chains have guaranteed as a best rate for agents. “Pricing is not set at the chain level,” he said. Sabre has contracted with Rubicon, a technology vendor, to shop third-party Web sites. It will use robotics technology and data feeds from hotel chains to compare rates on a weekly basis, Fitzgerald said. 10 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M With Miami cruises starting at $369,* here’s to a season of more sales. It’s simple logic, really. October and November is the best time to go to the Caribbean because it’s between the high and low seasons. That means cheaper airfare, fewer crowds and more itineraries out of Miami: 5, 7, 9 and 14-day trips. Plus, NCL has the youngest fleet sailing from Miami to the Caribbean. With all that, selling NCL should be a breeze. A tropical Caribbean breeze no less. That’s Freestyle Cruising®. Where you’re free to whatever. To book your clients, visit ncl.com or call us at 1.800.327.7030. *Fare shown in U.S. dollars. Offer applies to select sailing(s). Fare is cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy for an inside stateroom. Government taxes and fees are additional. On-board service charges are additional and will be automatically added to guest’s on-board account. See our brochure or ncl.com for details. Offer is based on availability, capacity controlled, not combinable with other offers, subject to change or cancellation without notice and may be withdrawn at any time. Other restrictions may apply. ©2007 NCL CORPORATION LTD. SHIPS’ REGISTRY: BAHAMAS. opinion The language of luxury T R 12 he restaurant is well-known and highly regarded. Finishing up my entree, I looked over the dessert menu, and the descriptions were so detailed and the prices so high that I doublechecked to see if perhaps I were being charged by the word. vegetables? Scrambled 100-year-old eggs? I’m beginning to think that, just as some municipalities pay citizens to turn in their guns for the general safety of the community, chapters of the Luxury Council should refund the full cover price of any thesaurus a member hands over. Some marketers are giving luxury a bad name, or worse, opening the door to ridicule. I write this not as someone for whom luxury is a way of life, but someone who likes to indulge from time to time. It’s pos- My eyes were drawn to one offering in particular: “Lychee and lemongrass-infused shortcake with papaya tartare and olive oil gelato.” Papaya tartare? Were they serious? I was tempted to ask the waiter if I could perhaps substitute the papaya for some thin slices of watermelon carpaccio. I had gone to the restaurant for a special treat, but reading the description made me feel silly for having splurged. I had been served, with my coffee, a generous helping of pretension. A few days later, I was listening to the marketing manager of an upscale hotel chain say, straight-faced, that a new breakfast menu would be “curated” by a certain celebrity chef. Curated? Would diners be served a still life of fruit? An artful platter of preserved FROM THE WINDOW SEAT sible that the truly wealthy see no irony in using “tartare” as a descriptor for a tropical fruit or believe it’s quite logical to curate an omelet, but I doubt it. In fact, historically there’s some danger ily accommodate), sunsets on the expanin trying to lure the wealthy with a few exsive porch, croquet on the lawn. Let the tra syllables. The novelist and biographer children play in the tower while you enjoy Nancy Mitford wrote in 1954 that the rich the on-site spa. … The good life is calling. (at least, the rich in London at the time) $6,900,000.” tended to separate themselves What’s striking about this defrom the lower classes by adoptscription is what’s absent. It does ing simplicity in language. They not tell how many bedrooms would say, for example, “sofa,” this “cottage” has. It does not say “rich” and “jam,” while the hoi whether the kitchen has been uppolloi would affect airs by usdated. It omits how many bathing “settee,” “wealthy” and “prerooms and fractional bathrooms serves.” the residence has. Even today, the risks of upsetUltimately, it is selling feeling, ting the nobles with an overambitious display of language can, Arnie Weissmann not footage. The description is Editor in Chief not understated, but it is ecoin England at least, have dire nomical. In a few sentences, it consequences. Britain’s Prince describes not only a property that’s for sale William apparently split with his girlfriend, but also the life a buyer might envision for Kate Middleton, because of her middlehimself or herself. class mother’s overuse of high-falutin’ The lessons for marketers of luxury travwords. el are fairly straightforward: Throw away But some marketers of luxury are getting Roget’s. Focus on evoking emotion rather it right. I recently came across a real estate than listing specifications. And let the price brochure for a wealthy New England comtag take up more lineage than any single munity and read this (abridged) descripword that comes before it. tion for a “Berkshire Cottage”: “House some mirth. Live life grandly, E-mail Arnie Weissmann at aweissmann@ and in grand style. Throw a ball, have 100 travelweekly.com. over for dinner (the dining room can eas- numbers U.S. tourism spending growth outpaces GDP in first quarter 2000 dollars in billions, adjusted for inflation eal Direct Tourism Output — all of the accommodations, transportation and souvenirs purchased by travelers in the U.S. — increased at an annual rate of 2.3% during the first quarter, according to figures released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis, a unit of the Commerce Department. REAL DIRECT TOURISM SPENDING IN BILLIONS, BY QUARTER $620 $600 $580 $560 $540 $520 $500 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 In contrast, the real gross domestic product in the first quarter grew at an annual rate of 0.6%. Prices for tourism goods and services increased 3.4% in the first quarter from firstquarter 2006. Overall, direct and indirect tourism-related sales totaled $1.3 trillion during the first quarter, including $717.9 billion in direct goods and $546.4 billion in indirect goods and services sold to travelers, the BEA said. Real direct tourism output Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis The increase in consumer travel purchases helped bolster first-quarter tourism employment, which grew 3.1% year over year. Tourism employment increased 6.3% in fourth-quarter 2006; by comparison, overall U.S. employment rose only 1.5% in that quarter. The BEA estimated that the tourism in- dustry employed 8.6 million people during the fourth quarter of 2006. Of that, 5.9 million were employed in jobs directly related to the industry, while 2.7 million were employed indirectly. The BEA said indirect travel-related jobs involved companies that, for instance, produced the ingredients used to make meals served to airline passengers and plastics used for souvenirs. Employment within the lodging industry grew 4.6% in the fourth quarter from fourth-quarter 2005, which the BEA said was the largest increase since the fourth quarter of 1999. Meanwhile, employment in air transportation services during the fourth quarter increased 1%, an improvement after seven straight quarters of decline. Passenger air transportation grew 3.1% during the first quarter. Prices for air tickets inched up 0.1% in the first quarter. Lodging sales rose 2.9% in the first quarter. Lodging prices were up 2.9%, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of price growth. J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M Premium Members The New ASTA ASTA is proud to acknowledge our Premium Members. These innovative agencies understand that Premium Membership in The New ASTA is focused on the exchange of business tactics and industry information. AAA Minneapolis AAA Travel Agency ADA Travel Adelman Travel Group Alamo Travel All About Travel, Inc. (KS) All About Travel, Inc. (TX) All Seasons Travel Agency, Inc. Allied Tour & Travel Altour American Express Travel Representative Network America’s Vacation Center AMT - American Express Travel Azumano Travel Service American Express Best Travel, Inc. Betty Maclean Travel, Inc. Bon Voyage Cruise & Vacations, Inc. Brea Travel Brentwood Travel Brownell Travel Bursch Travel/American Express Carlson Wagonlit Travel Carlson Wagonlit/Albertville Carrousel Travel Casto Colpitts World Travel Conference & Travel - Carlson Wagonlit Travel Corniche Travel CWT/Goli's Avenues of Travel, Ltd. CWT/Travel Plus DCM Travel Services Ensemble Travel Expedia, Inc. Express Travel Service, Inc. Flathead Travel Service, Inc. Forest Lake Travel Fox World Travel Friendly Travel Inc./American Express Geraci Travel Grueninger Cruises and Tours, Inc. Hickory Travel Systems “As a proud ASTA Premium Member, I urge everyone to look at ASTA’s Hub Travel Center Inc. new program. With technology continuing to advance, vendors Jurni Network Karell Travel continuing to consolidate and the industry continuing to change, we Leisure Travel Alliance, Inc. need to ensure that we have a common membership that can benefit Linden Travel the travel industry as a whole. Many agencies today realize the benefit MacNair Travel Management Marathon Travel & Cruise Shops of membership in a strong consortium. But, a strong National Menno Travel Service Association such as ASTA, will be able to provide an additional resource Montrose Travel MSP Travel Group, Inc. and united front for the travel agency community into the future.” MTS Travel Mundi Travel Steve Orens, Vice President - Plaza Travel, Encino, California National Travel Service Omega World Travel Orbitz Worldwide Town & Country Travel, Inc. Ovation Travel Group Travel and Transport, Inc. Passageways Travel Travel Dimensions, Inc. Peak Travel Group Travel Group Plaza Travel Travel Organizers PNR American Express Travel Travel Solutions, Inc. (MI) Polk Majestic Travel Group Travel Solutions, Inc. (OH) Prestige Travel & Cruises/American Express TraveLeaders Protravel International Travelink RADIUS Travelocity Rich Worldwide Travel Travel-On. Ltd. Rosenbluth Vacations Travelstore, Inc. Rudi Steele Travel, Inc. Tzell Travel Safe Harbors Business Travel Group Uniglobe Travel International San Diego Travel Group Uniglobe Wings Travel Signal Travel and Tours, Inc. Vacation.com Signature Travel Network Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc. STA Travel Vanguard Travel Unlimited Sterling Travel Agency, Inc. Viking Travel Service Strong Travel Services, Inc. Virtuoso Tempo Travel Dba Bay Travel Center Welcome Aboard Vacation Center, Inc. The Travel Authority/TTA, Inc. Wilcox Travel/American Express The Travel Team, Inc Will Travel, Inc. TLG Travel Management/Carlson Wagonlit World Travel Bureau, Inc. Tower Travel Management World Travel of Minneapolis Join our Premium Members who are taking a leadership role in The New ASTA. Contact ASTA at 800.440.ASTA today DEDICATED TO THE BUSINESS OF SELLING TRAVEL WHEN WE SHOW OUR GUESTS ALASKA, they end up seeing their whole world differently. winner Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands Holland America Line offers the widest choice of 7-day itineraries. Pristine fjords, encounters with extraordinary wildlife, ancient glaciers and rugged wilderness are just a few of the attractions that make cruising Alaska unforgettable. At Holland America Line, we offer all these experiences plus the time to enjoy them with more choices of 7-day itineraries. And the experience aboard our ships, like the new ms Noordam and ms Westerdam, is modern yet fresh and appealing in an ambiance that is timeless, elegant and refined. It’s Alaska as it should be. See your Sales Representative to create a 2008 group program. Book via POLAR Online with Travel Agent HQ at www.hollandamerica.com, or call 1-800-544-0443. Spacious, Elegant Ships ◆ Gracious, Unobtrusive Service Worldwide Itineraries ◆ Extensive Activities and Enrichment Programs ◆ Sophisticated Five-Star Dining MONEY TRAVEL WEEKLY PORTFOLIO SYMBOL COMPANY NAME VALUE 6/20/07 VALUE 6/20/06 % CHANGE NEW JOINT VENTURE WILL LAUNCH WITH USED SHIP Carnival loses shipyard slot for TUI vessel By Johanna Jainchill Carnival Corp. plans to transfer a ship from one of its 10 cruise brands to launch a cruise line being formed by Carnival Corp. and German tour operator TUI. During its second-quarter earnings calls with analysts, Carnival said that due to regulatory delays in closing the joint-venture transaction between Carnival and TUI, it had lost the 2010 delivery slot at Fincantieri’s yard in Sestri Ponente, Italy. Carnival had previously announced it would use the slot to build a ship for the new cruise line. Howard Frank “As a result of the delays in the TUI COO transaction, it’s no longer feasible to Carnival Corp. build a new TUI ship for a 2010 delivery,” said Carnival COO Howard Frank. Instead, Carnival will transfer an existing Carnival Corp. ship into the TUI cruise brand in 2009, starting the venture sooner than planned. The TUI transaction is now expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year, behind the company’s original expectation of the first half of this year, Frank said. Carnival CEO Micky Arison would not say from what brand the ship would be transferred but said it would be a “relatively modern” ship. Arison did not rule out moving additional Carnival Corp. ships to the TUI venture down the line. “We’ll have to see on the TUI brand,” he said. “Once that gets started, we have the potential to grow it as rapidly as is warranted, as we have with Aida [Carnival’s German-focused cruise line].” Carnival had previously decided to move existing Carnival Corp. tonnage to a joint venture it formed with Iberojet. Carnival said it expected to close that transaction in the second half of 2007, as well. Carnival’s plans speak to its quarterly results: Continued strength in Europe led to a slight gain in second-quarter profits, offsetting continued weakness in the Caribbean. Carnival posted a $390 million profit for its second quarter, which ended May 30, up from $380 million in the same period a year ago. While the Caribbean was still experiencing pricing pressure, the company’s brands outside of North America produced significant revenue yield growth, Arison said. “The decision to expand our EuroMicky Arison pean cruise business is working, with CEO the strength of our European brands Carnival Corp. offsetting some cyclical weakness in the contemporary segment of North America,” Arison said. Due to higher-than-expected fuel prices, Carnival lowered its full-year earnings guidance. But Frank said that pricing was improving in the second half of 2007 and into 2008, especially in the Caribbean, which he noted was a result of getting “aggressive pricing out there.” Booking volume for Carnival Cruise Lines, which has the majority of its capacity in the Caribbean, is up 18% over last year on a 5.5% capacity increase. AC.PA AKH AAI ALK AXP AMIE AMR CAR BYD BAY.L CCL CHH CAL DAL DIS DTG EXPE FRNT GET HET HA HTZ HLT IHG JBLU LVS MGM MAR NWA PCLN RLH RCL RYAAY LUV 0678.HK HOT STN TRXI LCC MTN WYN WYNN Accor Air France-KLM AirTran Holdings Alaska Air Group American Express Co. Ambassadors International AMR Corp. Avis Budget Group Boyd Gaming British Airways Carnival Corp. Choice Hotels International Continental Airlines Delta Air Lines The Walt Disney Co. Dollar Thrifty Expedia Frontier Airlines Gaylord Entertainment Co. Harrah’s Entertainment Hawaiian Airlines Hertz Global Holdings Hilton Hotels Corp. InterContinental Hotels JetBlue Airways Corp. Las Vegas Sands Corp. MGM Mirage Marriott International Northwest Airlines Corp. Priceline.com Red Lion Hotels Royal Caribbean Ryanair Holdings Southwest Airlines Star Cruises Starwood Hotels & Resorts Station Casinos TRX US Airways Group Vail Resorts Wyndham Worldwide Wynn Resorts $66.36 $45.43 $46.60 $21.12 $11.58 $14.04 $28.19 $38.70 $62.05 $52.17 $31.52 $23.83 $27.00 $24.98 $29.80 $20.79 $50.35 $39.35 $431.75 $362.25 $49.39 $39.62 $39.97 $52.31 $34.44 $27.25 $19.36 N/A $34.19 $28.97 $42.87 $42.70 $29.21 $15.00 $5.86 $6.43 $54.51 $41.36 $85.30 $70.04 $3.78 $3.32 $25.52 N/A $35.18 $26.58 $25.94 $20.46 $11.11 $12.23 $76.06 $67.19 $80.60 $39.92 $45.62 $35.98 $23.00 N/A $65.70 $29.88 $12.30 $10.99 $41.93 $36.95 $38.28 $26.45 $14.88 $16.28 $2.39 $1.42 $69.45 $56.88 $87.58 $66.81 $3.05 $8.69 $29.71 $47.47 $63.35 $33.75 $36.60 N/A $90.97 $64.40 $1,958.82 $1,571.99 46.1 120.6 -17.5 -27.2 18.9 32.3 8.1 43.3 28.0 19.2 24.7 -23.6 26.4 N/A 18.0 0.4 94.7 -8.9 31.8 21.8 13.9 N/A 47.1 26.8 -9.2 13.2 101.9 26.8 N/A 119.9 11.9 13.5 44.7 -8.6 68.3 22.1 24.2 -64.9 -37.4 87.7 N/A 41.3 24.6 31.3 CARNIVAL CORP. 2Q ’07 Revenue Net income $2.9B $390M 2Q ’06 $2.7B $380M %Change 9% 2.6% Robert’s Hawaii employees get stake in company By Michelle Baran Robert’s Hawaii is giving employees a piece of the family pie. The family-run, Honolulu-based tour operator is transferring 43.5% of the company to its 1,405 employees in the form of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Under the plan, CEO Robert Iwamoto Jr. and his partners, most of whom are family members, will cede partial ownership to the employees. Neil Takekawa, the company’s president, will continue in his role. “Our employees are very appreciative to receive this added benefit and incentive, and that’s creating a strong positive feeling,” said Takekawa. “It’s a benefit for helping Robert’s Hawaii become the state’s leading transportation and entertainment company, and it is an incentive for each of us to look at our jobs as an owner … and always looking to increase the value of the company in the years ahead.” According to New York-based Corporate Solutions Group, an investment banking firm that designed and helped implement the ESOP, the draw for Robert’s Hawaii is healthy tax benefits and greater employee loyalty. “This is a great investment for the employees,” said Alex Meshechok, managing director of Corporate Solutions. According to Meshechok, employees do not pay into the ESOP, which was created on Jan. 1 and formally announced to the employees last week. When employees leave the company or retire, they can sell their share back to the company. However, payment can only be made after the ESOP loan is fully paid, which CUMULATIVE CUMULATIVE (NOT INCLUDING AIRLINES) $1,275.64 $971.47 A Robert’s Hawaii motorcoach in Waikiki. Live on the home page: daily updates to the Travel Weekly Industry Stock Index. Go to www.travelweekly.com, click on Research and then the Travel Weekly Portfolio. R E S E A R C H Taking kids along on business trips is becoming more popular, increasing 19% in just 5 years. Business Travel with Kids, 2000 - 2005 (in trips) 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 68 million 62 million 65 million 69 million 76 million 81 million will be in six years. Assuming the company continues to grow, the employees stand to profit. (If the company declares bankruptcy, the employees net zero.) Consequently, employees have a vested interest in contributing to the growth of the company, according to Meshechok. “It’s a big trend in family-run businesses,” he said, adding that ESOPs enable families to maintain control of their businesses while sharing its growth potential with employees, rather than being forced to sell it to another company or private equity group. Though Robert’s Hawaii does not release its earnings, Meshechok said that Corporate Solutions generally helps create ESOPs for clients that have annual earnings before tax and interest of between $5 million and $50 million. Iwamoto’s father, Robert Iwamoto Sr., founded Robert’s Hawaii in 1941. Today, the company operates diverse services on Hawaii’s four largest islands, including tours and transportation. Source: Travel Industry Association TravelScope®/DIRECTIONS® by DKS&A 16 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M DISCOVER WA “WA” IS NOW THE OFFICIAL WALDORF=ASTORIA COLLECTION® GDS CHAIN CODE. P G A W E S T S TA D I U M G O L F C O U R S E – L A Q U I N TA INSPIRED BY THE LEGEND™ ARIZONA BILTMORE RESORT & SPA - PHOENIX GRAND WAILEA RESORT HOTEL & SPA - MAUI LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB - LA QUINTA QASR AL SHARQ - JEDDAH THE WALDORF=ASTORIA - NEW YORK WALDORF=ASTORIA BONNET CREEK RESORT - ORLANDO (SCHEDULED TO OPEN 2009) 1 800 WALDORF WWW.WALDORFASTORIACOLLECTION.COM NEWS TripAdvisor tool uses e-mail contact lists to spread the word By Dennis Schaal TripAdvisor introduced a social, trip-planning capability on its U.S. Web site that enables users to set up personal networks. Like Facebook and some other community sites, the TripAdvisor Traveler Network gives members the option of letting TripAdvisor scan their e-mail contact list from Gmail, Yahoo Mail, AOL Mail, MSN Hotmail, Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express. TripAdvisor then identifies contacts who are already TripAdvisor members, and the user can check off names of contacts to invite to their personal TripAdvisor networks. TripAdvisor expects a boost in membership from the Traveler Network, and TripAdvisor spokesman Brian Payea said the company expects the new feature “to have a positive impact on our overall traffic and advertising revenue numbers.” The new functionality is designed to make the TripAdvisor experience more interactive. Prior to the introduction of the Traveler Network, TripAdvisor members had the ability to communicate with one another by clicking an e-mail icon next to a member’s screen name and sending a private message. Facebook or TripAdvisor” to use personal e-mail contact lists in this manner. “There may also be an issue of whether either the member whose address is uploaded or the member who uploads that address are given adequate notice of what will really be done with the information,” Hasbrouck said. When asked if TripAdvisor had members’ permission to flag their names in other members’ personal e-mail contact lists, TripAdvisor stated: “When travelers become members of TripAdvisor, they agree to the Terms and Conditions of Use and our Privacy Policy. The policy describes how the memberto-member communications tools are used and informs the users of their ability at any time to turn it off.” TripAdvisor said that it had contacted its members about member-to-member communication in March “and again gave our members an opportunity to proactively ‘opt out’ of our community tools.” Members who choose to invite people to their network by having TripAdvisor scan their email contact lists must enter their e-mail address and password on the TripAdvisor Traveler Network page. TripAdvisor pledges not to save e-mail passwords. TripAdvisor does retain records about the individuals who accepted and declined invitations to join a Traveler Network, although it promises not to send marketing communications to people who reject the invitations. In a test before the Traveler Network went live last week, I invited several e-mail contacts whom TripAdvisor designated as members to join a network. There was a mixed reaction to TripAdvisor’s approach to flagging contacts as members. But David Soskin, CEO of Cheapflights in the U.K., who admits to penning TripAdvisor reviews under a nom de plume, said: “Well, I am not too fussed if you have my address and they let you know that I am a member.” TripAdvisor members can allow TripAdvisor to scan their e-mail contact lists; members can then check off names of contacts to invite them to join a personal TripAdvisor network. With Traveler Network, members can create a travel map and indicate destinations where they have traveled. They then can view which other members of their personal networks have hiked, canoed or cruised to the same locales and then communicate with them. Traveler Network members can search destinations and scroll down the search results to view what members in their network said about the destination. Privacy concerns The new feature could raise privacy issues because it gives TripAdvisor access, with the user’s permission, to their e-mail address lists. Edward Hasbrouck, author of “The Practical Nomad” and a consultant to the Identity Project, which tackles civil liberties issues as they relate to travel, said the issue “is less whether it is legal than whether it is ethical or appropriate for either the ‘friend’ or Galileo unveils new product to compete with GetThere By Dennis Schaal Galileo is introducing a corporate self-booking tool, Traversa, that it hopes will cut into GetThere’s hold on Galileo’s GDS customer base. Dave Falter, president of Galileo Americas, said the company’s GDS customers booked about $2 billion in air annually through Sabre’s GetThere, and that its own corporate booking tool, Travelport Classic, generates “much less than $2 billion.” “We didn’t have on our running cleats before,” Falter said. “I think we do now.” The launch partner for Traversa is IBM, which is testing the tool and is slated to roll it out at the end of July. Mike Ihle, vice president of product development for Galileo Americas, said IBM planned to phase in Traversa to employees in 16 countries over the next four to six months. Ihle said that Galileo developed Traversa with input about requirements from IBM, which has been a Galileo customer for about six years and is the only user of Travelpoint 2.0, another Galileo booking tool. About 700 corporations use Travelport Classic, and Galileo plans to switch them to Traversa, predominantly in the first half of 2008, Ihle said. The migration to Traversa will begin in the fourth quarter of this year. Travelport Classic’s days are numbered. “There will be a cutoff date at some point,” Ihle said. Officials are touting Traversa’s ease of use and an interface similar to that of consumer travel sites. They also view its tight integration into the GDS midoffice and back-office systems as a key selling point. Traversa takes air content from Galileo and also incorporates an Air Content Hub, a feature that enables corporations to pull up air content from carriers not in the GDS. Traversa will be available in six languages by the end of the year, officials said. Administrative functions on the agency and corporate sides can be customized. Traversa enables employees to book air, car and hotel in the same booking path, said Galileo. It also tracks unused tickets and offers a “lowest logical air fare” feature that reduces the number of flights displayed that might have overly long layovers or multiple connections. Removing that clutter makes it easier for corporations to prod employees to book preferred carriers, officials said. 18 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M in just a few bookings! Travel Reward Incentive Program – TRIP Earn reward points for travel and/or cash with Pleasant Holidays, Hawaii World and Distinguished Resorts 1 point for every $10 in sales - SAMPLE BOOKING: $7500 = 750 points Points start with your first Hawaii, Mexico, Tahiti, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Asia or Mainland USA booking* Bonus points for Protection Plan/Waiver, Internet, and special promotional bookings Up to 3 years to redeem your points Online tracking of your own TRIP account *TRIP does not apply to bookings for Air By Pleasant, PleasantActivities.com, online bookings provided by Neat Group Corp. or select travel agent specials. Visit PleasantAgent.com to track your own TRIP points! emirates.com/usa Glasgow Manchester Birmingham London Heathrow London Gatwick Toronto† Paris Hamburg Düsseldorf Frankfurt Munich Vienna Istanbul Venice Rome Larnaca Malta Alexandria Tripoli Cairo Moscow Beijing Seoul Tehran Peshawar Beirut Damascus Kuwait Bahrain Amman Dammam Doha Dhaka Manila Riyadh Mumbai Dubai Lahore Karachi Muscat Delhi Kolkata Nagoya Islamabad Hong Kong Shanghai Osaka Zurich Nice Milan New York Tunis Houston** Casablanca Athens Jeddah Our world. Discover the Emirates global network. Accra Khartoum A ripple begins as a single droplet, before its beautiful effect can be seen all across the water. Emirates now flies to over 80 destinations spanning five continents. Dropping in just about everywhere. Fly Emirates. Keep discovering. Bangkok Bangalore Hyderabad Cochin Sanaa Abidjan Lagos Addis Ababa Thiruvananthapuram Singapore Colombo Seychelles Entebbe Sao Paulo* Nairobi Mauritius Brisbane Dar es Salaam Sydney Malé Jakarta Chennai Kuala Lumpur Perth Johannesburg Melbourne Auckland Christchurch 300 international awards and over 90 destinations worldwide. For more details contact Emirates at 800-777-3999. *Launching October 2007 †Launching October 2007—subject to government approval **Launching December 2007 cover stor y T R AV E L W E E K LY ’ S POWER LIST f power is action, then the nation’s top travel sellers are an active bunch, because our Power List is getting bigger. Despite consolidation, or perhaps because of it, the number of agencies topping the $100 million mark in annual sales has climbed to 53, and they’re riding on trends that show no sign of stopping. Among these trends are several that are not only helping the big get bigger but are helping more agencies get big: Medium-to-large agencies are affiliating with global giants such as HRG, BCD and American Express. In addition, new entries such as America’s Vacation Center (No. 52) are building large companies on network and franchise models. Globalization is enabling regional agencies to affiliate with global companies and associations to establish an international presence. Hosting is fueling growth at many agencies, which are capturing significant sales through independent travel sellers. Through a combination of hosting and technology, many agencies are able to produce higher sales with a smaller staff. But the forces at work in travel are not a rising tide that is lifting all boats. There remains a widening gap between the Big and the Truly Big, with a $6 billion space now separating the sales of Nos. 7 (Orbitz Worldwide) and 8 (AAA). And the Truly Big did indeed get bigger: American Express Business Travel, the No. 1 seller on the Power List, increased its sales by 17.5%. Carlson Wagonlit Travel (No. 2), which acquired Navigant International in 2006, reported a 33.7% increase in sales. I • • • • $732 million with 436 employees. Tzell (No. 17) added $100 million in sales year over year but added only 45 employees. One reason for some of those numbers is the growing trend toward hosting outside agents, at-home travel sellers or brick-andmortar agencies that don’t have ARC appointments. Travel and Transport (No. 13) reported hosting 22 outside travel sellers who produced $5 million in sales; Ovation Travel Group (No. 24) reported $62.5 million in sales from outside agents; and Travel Store (No. 32), reported that $59 million, nearly a quarter of their total sales, came from outside agents. Sellers specializing in business travel management continued to dominate the Power List overall, but six of the companies in the Top 10 are primarily sellers of leisure travel. (For more on leisure agencies, see story, Page 38.) Questions The Power List is all about size and represents an effort to rank the nation’s top travel sellers in terms of the total dollar volume of annual sales. That simple starting point, however, quickly leads to complexity. For example: What is a travel seller? For this list, Travel Weekly defined travel sellers as intermediaries that sell travel products through any medium (electronic, telephone, etc.) directly to consumers. Why are some companies treated as single entities and others as conglomerates? That depended mainly on whether a company had a unified ownership and/or corporate structure. Travelocity, for example, is part of a larger entity (Sabre) but reports its sales separately. Carlson Wagonlit is half-owned and Carlson Leisure Group is fully owned by Carlson Cos., but they operate separately. AAA is treated as one entity because it has a national structure and is a nonprofit organization. While individual AAA clubs have a great deal of autonomy, they operate collectively under a national brand. Looking ahead, it will be worth watching to see if the affiliate-based companies will be able to maintain their growth rates, who will gobble up whom and who will affiliate with whom. Every year brings more than a few surprises. 2007 BY HARVEY CHIPKIN . W W W T R A V E L W E E K L Y • • Familiar trends Mergers remain a popular way to bulk up and, as in previous years, the Power List includes agencies that have recently combined. In these cases, the Uniglobe Partners (No. 40) entity among them, the ranking is based on what the joined company would have realized in sales in 2006. Along with consolidation came more spin-offs. Notably, Travelport was spun off from Cendant to become a purely travel-focused company. Other trends continued or accelerated. For instance, the giants in online travel enjoyed significant gains in sales, though not at the explosive growth rates of recent years. Sales at Expedia (No. 3), jumped 10.3% to $17.2 billion. Travelocity (No. 6) enjoyed a heady 35.8% increase, to $10.1 billion. Orbitz Worldwide, which is the travel sales division of Travelport, is No. 7. Priceline moved up a notch to No. 9. Many agencies saw large leaps in sales with little change, or even a drop, in the number of employees. For instance, Travizon (No. 15), increased its sales from $660 million to American Express Business Travel, No. 1 on the Power List, reported $24.2 billion in sales in 2006. . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 21 Introducing Azamara Cruises. Smaller ships. Richer experiences. Deluxe cruising. With truly unique destinations and premier amenities, Azamara Cruises is perfect for your more spirited clients. We blend exclusive cruisetours and excursions with world-class accommodations to create bold new experiences that will captivate even the most seasoned travelers. SM Torii Gate: Hiroshima, Japan Itineraries subject to change without notice. © 2007 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ship’s Registry: Malta. Uncommon destinations for adventurous spirits: Europe including Ancient Empires South America including Antarctica Asia Exclusive cruisetours Fewer passengers, greater indulgences: Smaller ships with only 710 guests Butler service for every stateroom Concierge style amenities Unmatched dining For more information: Cruisingpower.com 1-877-222-2526 The newest star at sea TRAVEL WEEKLY’S Power List 2007 1 AMERICAN EXPRESS BUSINESS TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $24.2 billion (based on public information) Employees: N/D Previous Ranking: 1 200 Vesey St., 48th Floor New York, NY 11207 T (212) 640-1315 www.americanexpress.com 2 CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $22.1 billion (on pro forma basis, including acquisition of Navigant) Employees: 19,000-plus Previous Ranking: 2 701 Carlson Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55305 T (763) 212-2197 F (763) 212-2409 www.carlsonwagonlit.com 1 State Executives PRESIDENT/CEO, WORLDWIDE: Hubert Joly COO, NORTH AMERICA: Jack O’Neill COO, EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA, LATIN AMERICA: Richard Lovell COO, ASIA/PACIFIC: Berthold Trenkel EXECUTIVE VP/CFO: Douglas Anderson EXECUTIVE VP, TECHNOLOGY/PRODUCT Executives PRESIDENT, GLOBAL TRAVEL SERVICES: Charles Petruccelli EXECUTIVE VP/COO: Priyan Fernando SENIOR VP/GENERAL MANAGER, BUSINESS TRAVEL, EUROPE: David Herrick SENIOR VP/GENERAL MANAGER, BUSINESS TOP 10 STATE TRAVEL BUDGETS, 2006-2007 Budget (millions) $70.7 $64.7 $49 $29.1 $24.7 $20.7 $19.4 $19.3 $19 $18.6 Hawaii Pennsylvania Illinois Texas Florida Arizona Colorado New York Louisiana Virginia Source: Travel Industry Association vides access to all CWT online services, became available in 12 languages. It is used by about 1.5 million users in 75 countries. CWT Portrait, an online profile-management tool, grew in availability to 43 countries. Registered users grew 82% over 2005, with 1.7 million registered traveler profiles housed in the system. CWT Freedom, the company’s mobile product for business travelers, was enhanced. It now delivers travel itinerary information (including air, hotel and car bookings and destination-specific information) to Microsoft Outlook desktop calendars and mobile tools, including BlackBerrys, Palms, smartphones and Pocket PC’s. The CWT Diagnostic Tool was created and implemented, allowing clients to measure and benchmark their performances. CWT began providing post-trip carbon-emissions reporting, enabling clients to more effectively manage and offset their carbon footprint. CWT signed a preferred reseller agreement with iJet Intelligent Risk systems to enhance CWT Guardian, the company’s global security product. Enhancements include trip-specific information delivered to travelers before, during and after a trip and real-time travel alerts delivered 24/7 via e-mail or text messaging. CWT orchestrated more than 9,000 events involving 570,000 participants. CWT and sister company Carlson Marketing formalized an agreement to coproduce meetings and events in accordance with clients’ specific needs. Amount of sales fulfilled by third parties: $35.1 million. 93.5% of sales from business travel, 4% leisure, 2.5% other U.S. online adoption rate: 30.3%. Global online adoption rate: 22%. • • • • • 2 • • • • • • Company Facts • CWT is held by Carlson (55%) and One Equity Partners (45%). • Hosts fewer than 100 outside travel sellers. • Privately held. Looking Ahead CWT will continue to expand its global product offerings and will grow and enhance its four lines of business through: Focusing on the traveler by further developing 3 TRAVEL, JAPAN, ASIA-PACIFIC, AUSTRALIA: Elizabeth Ray SENIOR VP/GENERAL MANAGER, GLOBAL SUPPLIER RELATIONS: Andrew Winterton SENIOR VP/GENERAL MANAGER, BUSINESS TRAVEL NORTH AMERICA: Andrew McGraw 2006 Developments Intelligent • Launched the American Expressnetwork for Online Marketplace, an e-commerce MANAGEMEMENT: Loren Brown EXECUTIVE VP, GLOBAL SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT: Mike Koetting EXECUTIVE VP, GLOBAL ACCOUNTS AND SOLUTIONS: Martin Warner VP, CORPORATE AND MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS: Isabelle Koch EXECUTIVE VP, HUMAN RESOURCES: Philippe Vinay ARC Sales: $8.43 billion. • Acquired Denver-based Navigant International, • which doubled the size of CWT in North America. Online transactions grew by 80% in Europe, 70% in Australia, 13% in U.S. Launched online booking tools in Japan and China. Hotel sales volume grew 17%. The number of entries in CWT HARP, the company’s global hotel database, increased by 13%, to 140,000 hotels. CWT Portal, a one-stop, Web-based entry point for travel managers and travelers that pro- • TOP 10 U.S. AIRLINES, BY NO. OF PASSENGERS, 2006 Airline American Southwest Delta United US Airways Northwest Continental AirTran JetBlue Alaska Source: Air Transport Association Passengers (millions) 98.1 96.3 73.5 69.3 57.7 54.8 46.7 20 18.5 17.1 • booking, purchasing and managing travel and related business services. Held its second annual China Business Travel Forum in Shanghai. The American Express Travel Distribution System model and its TravelBahn DS program emerged as differentiators for clients and partner suppliers. 2006 Developments • • • • • Company Facts • Publicly held. 24 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M 2 CWT products that improve the business traveler’s experience. (CWT Freedom will be further enhanced and rolled out globally, for example.) The second-quarter launch of the CWT Program Management Center, a one-stop, multilingual, Web-based management tool that enables clients to easily access information and streamline the management of their travel program. It also has customized dashboards that monitor key performance metrics, coupled with integrated data from a variety of sources (pretrip bookings, posttrip data and credit card expenses) that will help travel managers and procurement professionals track and optimize their travel programs. The second-quarter global launch of the CWT Carbon Calculator, which will permit business travelers to compare the carbon dioxide emissions of various transportation options at the time of booking. Continued integration of legacy Navigant products and systems. A focus on more effective supplier partnerships at a global level, for the benefit of CWT, its suppliers and its clients. • Kjellberg PRESIDENT, EXPEDIA EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA: Dermot Halpin PRESIDENT, EXPEDIA CORPORATE TRAVEL: Jean-Pierre Remy Celebrated 10th anniversary. • Launched sites in Japan, Denmark, Norway • Sweden. and NYTimes.com • Selected bybooking engines.and Sam’s Club to power travel launched a new • Expedia Corporate Travel for the European Global Flight Search platform market, offering European-based customers enhanced flight search and booking capabilities. ECT also launched a global reporting platform to help travel managers oversee travel programs across multiple regions, enabling greater access to information. Announced long-term partnerships with US Airways, United and Continental Airlines to make available all published fares and inventory. Began flowing airline travel segments to Amadeus and Sabre, diversifying the company’s GDS vendors and leveraging the incremental content and pricing these providers offer. Launched partnership with TerraPass to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Reached 200,000 mark for ThankYou rewards program. 94% of sales from leisure, 6% from business. TOP 10 CRUISE SHIPS BY GROSS REGISTERED TONS, 2006 Ships Freedom of the Seas Queen Mary 2 Voyager of the Seas Diamond Princess Caribbean Princess Costa Concordia Carnival Conquest Grand Princess Costa Fortuna Carnival Triumph 2006 Developments GRTs 160,000 151,400 142,000 116,000 113,000 112,000 110,000 109,000 105,000 102,000 • • • • • • • • • • • • • 3 3 EXPEDIA INC. 2006 Sales: $17.2 billion Employees: 6,600 Previous Ranking: 3 3150 139th Ave. SE Bellevue, WA 98005 T (415) 679-7200 www.expediainc.com countries in • ECT will add more Asia/Pacific. Europe and will launch operations in • Expedia is sending groups of employees to work with local tourism providers in and around World Heritage sites to help develop and improve tourism infrastructure. Company Facts Expedia has divisions in Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the U.K. Operates Hotels.com. Publicly held. 4 (tie) BCD TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $12 billion (not certified by an officer; however, according to a spokesman, the $12 billion figure “is the one we give out publicly, and although it is generally accurate, it obviously is not exact down to the dollar and cents.”) Executives CEO: Dara Khosrowshahi CFO: Michael Adler PRESIDENT, EXPEDIA NORTH AMERICA/ EXPEDIA PARTNER SERVICES GROUP: Paul Brown PRESIDENT, EXPEDIA ASIA-PACIFIC: Henrik Looking Ahead Will launch a cobranded credit card in 2007 to provide travelers with more ways to earn loyalty rewards. In early 2007, launched a simplified home page. How Travel Weekly’s Power List ranking was determined O nce again for the 2007 Power List, Travel Weekly requested that gross sales volume, the primary number for the rankings, be certified by a company’s owner, CEO or chief financial officer. Responses showed that most companies were happy to cooperate with that stipulation. In a small number of cases, certification was made by an executive at the vice president level but with financial oversight. The survey on which this ranking was based included questions involving sales figures; ARC sales; travel-related subsidiaries; percentage of sales from business, leisure, etc.; corporate structure; and other matters. Included were several open-ended questions about recent and planned developments to which companies could reply in any way they felt appropriate. For the first time, questions were included referring to the hosting of outside agents and fulfillment for third parties, so that sales attributed to these activities could be sepa- In several cases, such as Priceline (No. 9 on the Power List), sales totals were based on publicly disclosed information because the companies were publicly traded. A number of companies that might have qualified opted not to participate for a variety of reasons. In some of these cases, Travel Weekly estimated their sales based on published material and/or discussions with other parties in the industry. Where a company did not certify its own sales figure, the source of its sales data is explained in parentheses. rately identified. Responses to the questionnaire determined the length of the profiles that accompany each listed agency. Some companies supplied a minimum of information on developments in 2006 or on the company itself; others had a lot more to say. Companies were offered the option of having an executive interviewed by a Travel Weekly editor. Several took advantage of that opportunity. The questionnaires that provide the information for the 2007 Power List were sent out early this year to U.S. travel intermediaries that had appeared on the list in previous years, had been in the news because of acquisitions, had grown for reasons other than acquisition or had contacted Travel Weekly believing they qualified. All questionnaires were transmitted by email. However, a few were returned by fax. While all cooperating companies did cer- tify their 2006 sales, it must be kept in mind that even those numbers are difficult to verify because the great majority of travel sellers are privately held and under no obligation to disclose financial data. Also, there is no commonly accepted standard for calculating sales volume, and there is no clearinghouse in the U.S. that tracks nonairline sales, as ARC does for airline sales. Where possible, Travel Weekly sought to confirm accuracy in the figures by referring to other data and to articles published in the past year. We also reviewed responses for consistency and used whatever resources we had at our disposal to ensure accuracy. There may be companies that qualify for the Power List but that escaped our attention. Representatives of such companies should contact Dennis Schaal at dschaal@travel weekly.com so we can send them a questionnaire for next year’s edition. W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 25 TRAVEL WEEKLY’S Power List 2007 Employees: 12,000 Previous Ranking: 5 Rijksstraatweg 426 2243 CH Wassenaar The Netherlands T (31) 70 512 3001 F (31) 70 512 3009 www.bcdtravel.com 4 (tie) HOGG ROBINSON GROUP (HRG) 2006 Sales: $12 billion (approximation certified by group finance director) Employees: 12,000 (HRG worldwide network) Previous Ranking: 4 16 E. 34th St., 3rd Floor New York, NY 10016 T (212) 404-8800 F (212) 481-2881 www.hrgworldwide.com automation and transaction company. Operates HRG Events & Meetings Management. Owned, managed by Hogg Robinson Group plc. Publicly held. • • • • • • • • • • • Looking Ahead Recently announced acquisition of Washington-based Executive Travel Associations, a travel management company. Continue to sign multinational accounts; recently signed Merrill Lynch. Development of the HRG Universal Super Platform, a technology platform to deliver configurations of products and services. Creating a fully integrated, end-to-end travel and expense solution. Partnering with leading security expert Red24 to offer a proactive travel and security alert system. Further enhancements to HRG Online, an inhouse developed, self-service reservations tool. Green travel products, including an emissions calculator. Expanding, extending and relocating premises in New York; Charlotte, N.C.; and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Executives CEO: Mike Buckman CFO: Stephen Baars TREASURER: Tom Barham PRESIDENT/CEO, EMEA/INDIA: Ilona De March PRESIDENT/CEO, AMERICAS: John Snyder PRESIDENT/CEO, U.K. & IRELAND: Mike Walley PRESIDENT, MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS: Ralph Manaker PRESIDENT, BCD MEETINGS & INCENTIVES: Scott Graf GENERAL MANAGER, ADVITO: Mary Ellen George MANAGING DIRECTOR/SENIOR VP, PARTNER NETWORKS/ASIA-PACIFIC: Greg O’Neil EXECUTIVE VP, PRODUCTS, TECHNOLOGY & SUPPLIER RELATIONS: Dee Runyan EXECUTIVE VP, SALES: Travis Tanner SENIOR VP, MARKETING: Melanie Garrett Executives CEO: David Radcliffe GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR: John Kennerley PRESIDENT, NORTH AMERICA: Tom Gleason 4 • • • 26 2006 Developments independence • Announced Business Travel from status as coshareholder in International. Hogg Robinson worldwide network, • Rebrandedcountries, as HRG (Hogg Robinson covering 96 Corporate Services. • Acquired Robustelli& Associates, U.K. consul• Acquired Ian Flint tants. business of BTI • Acquired the corporate traveland BTI Polska, Czech Republic, BTI Slovakia building on existing Eastern European expertise through owned companies in Russia and Hungary. Hogg Robinson Group relisted on the London Stock Exchange in October. Acquired a number of multinational accounts, including Credit Suisse, Gambro AB and additional business in the U.S. for Daimler-Chrysler. Among other key account retentions, a new fiveyear contract for all Textron companies. 100% of sales from business, including corporate travel management, fulfillment services, consulting, expense management, sports and events and meetings management. $6.5 billion of sales were through Hogg Robinson Group plc. Group). 6 TRAVELOCITY 2006 Sales: $10.1 billion Employees: More than 5,000 Previous Ranking: 6 3150 Sabre Drive Southlake, TX 76092 T (682) 605-1000 F (682) 605-0432 www.travelocity.com 2006 Developments Three travel management companies joined to form BCD Travel, which now has locations in more than 90 countries. Launched two independent business units: Advito (consulting) and BCD Meetings & Incentives. • • • • Company Facts • A subsidiary of BCD Holdings, ainDutch family-owned company, with interests travel and financial services. Parent company also owns Park ‘N Fly (off-airport parking), Airtrade (leisure travel) and Primary Capital (real estate financing). Executives Company Facts • Owns Spendvision, an expense-management TOP 10 U.S. AIRPORTS BY NUMBER OF PASSENGERS Airport Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Chicago O’Hare Los Angeles Dallas/Fort Worth Denver Las Vegas McCarran New York Kennedy Houston George Bush Intercontinental Phoenix Sky Harbor Newark Liberty Source: Airports Council International Passengers (millions) 84.8 77 61 60.2 47.3 46.2 43.8 42.5 41.4 36.7 PRESIDENT/CEO: Michelle Peluso COO, NORTH AMERICA: Tracey Weber PRESIDENT, TRAVELOCITY BUSINESS: Lesley Harris CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER: Jeffrey Glueck CFO: John Mills CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER: Barr y Vandevier CEO, LASTMINUTE.COM: Ian McCaig DEPUTY CEO, LASTMINUTE.COM: Damon Tassone CFO, LASTMINUTE.COM: Ed Kamm CEO, ZUJI: Scott Blume SENIOR VP/GENERAL COUNSEL: Sterling Miller SENIOR VP, PARTNER MARKETING: Paul Nelson SENIOR VP, STRATEGY AND DISTRIBUTION: Richard Harris 6 . C O M • Gross travel bookings increased 35% year over year. a saving • Launched Activities Tab, ontool aimed at activitravelers time and money destination ties, attractions and services. Acquired complete ownership of Zuji, a leading online company in Asia-Pacific. Contracted to power GoTrump.com for luxury travel. 2006 Developments • • 7 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y • Launched Meet Me in …, which enables cus- • Became part of a private company in August tomers traveling from two different cities to meet in a common destination. Travelocity Business introduced a program to provide business travelers with individual e-mail statements on their activity. Launched first wholly owned service center in Europe. Signed five-year deal with Lockheed Martin for global travel management. Rebranded 14 kiosks and ticket booths from Showtickets.com to Travelocity on Location. Introduced customer loyalty program. Launched the Window Seat blog. Company Facts Air by • Owns (partialPleasant, American Tours International ownership), InternetVillas.com, Pleasant Holidays, Member Choice Vacations (partial ownership). Member of FI (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile). Member of FITAC (Federacion Interamericana De Touring Y Automovil Clubes). Member of Hickory, Radius. • • • • • • 2006, when then-parent Cendant spun off Travelport, selling it to the Blackstone Group and other investors. Company Facts One of three business units within privately held Travelport. • • • • 8 AAA TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $3.89 billion Employees: 5,130 travel agency employees (full-time equivalents) Previous Ranking: 8 1000 AAA Drive Heathrow, FL 32746 T (407) 444-7000 F (407) 444-7806 • Subsidiary of Sabre Holdings. Choice Trav• Owns Travelocity Business, World el, Travelocity on Location, IgoUgo. • Affiliates: Travelocity.co.uk, Travelocity.ca, Travelocity.de, Resfeber.se (Scandinavia), Lastminute .com (Europe, South Pacific), Zuji.com (Asia/Pacific), Nextour.co.kr (Korea). Company Facts S KIDISE U CRREE* F 8 S* EE DE FR RA PG U FIRST-CLASS SHIPS. WORLD-CLASS DESTINATIONS. TOP 10 FOREIGN AIRLINE TRAFFIC BY REVENUE PASSENGER KILOMETERS, 2006 Airline Air France-KLM Lufthansa Group* British Airways Japan Airlines Singapore Qantas Emirates Air Canada Cathay Pacific China Southern * includes Swiss Source: International Air Transport Association Introducing weekly 7-day cruises from Istanbul & Athens to the fabled Greek Isles 1-800-881-2377 RPKs (billions) 195.2 136.7 114.9 89.3 87.6 79 73.9 72.5 71.1 68.5 3- and 4-day cruises also available Olympic Tower, 645 Fifth Avenue, Suite 902A; New York NY 10022 Ships are of EU registry. *Children up to age 16 sail free with 2 qualifying adults in a cabin. Offers are capacity controlled, do not include port charges, and are based on availability. www.mccruises.gr 7 7 www.aaa.com Executives CEO/PRESIDENT: Robert Darbelnet EXECUTIVE VP, ASSOCIATION AND CLUB SERVICES: Mark Brown VP, TRAVEL SERVICES: Sandra Hughes ORBITZ WORLDWIDE 2006 Sales: $10 billion (according to information in the company’s proposed initial public offering) Employees: 1,600 Previous Ranking: 9 (as Cendant’s Travelport) 2006 Developments 500 W. Madison St., Suite 1000 Chicago, IL 60661 T (312) 894-5000 www.travelport.com Executives CEO/PRESIDENT: Steve Barnhart sales of $696 million. • ARC of sales from leisure, 11% business. 89% • Tour and cruise sales broke company record. • Online sales grew 30%. • AAA became primary sponsor of a race car. • More than 50,800 students registered for the • Travel High School Challenge, resulting in AAA 1.1 million page views and 276,000 unique visits to AAA.com/TravelChallenge. 2006 Developments • $8.7 billion in U.S. bookings. W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 27 TRAVEL WEEKLY’S Power List 2007 TOP 4 GDS RANKINGS, BY SEGMENTS* GDS Amadeus Sabre Galileo Worldspan CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER: Brett Keller CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER: Ronald Rose CHIEF DISTRIBUTION OFFICER: Paul Hennessy Segments (in millions) Market Share 92.2 86.7 69.7 44.9 31% 30% 24% 15% * Segments for the third quarter of 2006. Source: Thomas Weisel Partners LLC • Privately held, fully taxpaying, not-for-profit corporation. 2005. • 49% increase in sales overBooking.com, a Euro• Strong performance by pean site. out More Ways to • Rolled as using a different Save, with additional • tips such airport. • Launch of Sabre and G2 SwitchWorks as GDS Company Facts agents. vendors. 200 outside sales • Privately held. • Company Facts • Publicly held. • Owns Travelweb.com, RentalCars.com, Breeze net.com. 2006 Developments Night events in the David’s Bridal stores and an e-mail campaign. Enhancing retail experience. The first enhancement is digital signage with colorful graphics and quick, powerful messaging. Travel suppliers have the opportunity to have their brands displayed in Liberty’s 200 retail stores through streaming video sequences on large, LCD screens. 98% of sales from leisure, 2% from business. • 11 9 • Goal is to be the leading online hotel reservation service in Europe. Looking Ahead OMEGA WORLD TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $1.4 billion Employees: 1,380 Previous Ranking: 12 3102 Omega Office Park Fairfax, VA 22031 T (703) 359-0200 F (703) 359-8889 E-mail: proposals@owt.net www.owt.net 9 Executives PRICELINE.COM 2006 Sales: $3.3 billion (public company, from earnings report) Employees: N/D Previous Ranking: 10 800 Connecticut Ave. Norwalk, CT 06854 T (800) 774-2354 www.priceline.com 10 LIBERTY TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $1.8 billion Employees: 2,450 Previous Ranking: 11 69 Spring St. Ramsey, NJ 07446 T (201) 934-3500 F (201) 934-3651 www.libertytravel.com Executives CEO/PRESIDENT: Gloria Bohan COO: Dan Bohan CFO: Michael Peranio EXECUTIVE VP, SALES AND SERVICES: Goran Gligorovic ARC sales • Continuedof $853 million. international expansion and upgrad• ing of technology. • Expanded Bahrain office and opened office in Kuwait. • Acquired several large international accounts (names withheld per nondisclosure agreements.) of sales • 86%meetings.from business, 6% from leisure, 8% from 11 % Change (11%) (13%) (22%) (5%) (1%) (32%) 67% (33%) N/A (6%) PRESIDENT/CEO: Jeffery Boyd CFO: Robert Mylod Jr. PRESIDENT, NORTH AMERICAN TRAVEL: Christopher Soder EVP, GENERAL COUNSEL: Peter Millones Jr. Executives PRESIDENT: Gilbert Haroche COO: Cathy Pelaez CFO: Allen Lindstrom 2006 Developments • ARC sales of $438.5 million. Bridal. The re• New partnership with David’s lationship includes information-sharing for the honeymoon and destination wedding market, exclusive offers featured on Liberty’s new microsite (LibertyTravelHoneymoons.com), signage in the David’s Bridal retail stores, quarterly Honeymoon 2006 Developments TOP 10 ONLINE TRAVEL AGENCIES, BY UNIQUE VISITORS Site Expedia Inc. Orbitz.com Travelocity Yahoo Travel Priceline.com Inc. Cheaptickets.com 1-888-211-3447 NewOrleansFineHotels.com Nine Unique Hotels. One Exciting City. Visitors April 2007 24.4M 13.2M 10.3M 9.2M 8M 7.1M 4.2M 3.9M 3.1M 2.3M Visitors April 2006 27.3M 15.2M 13.2M 9.7M 8.1M 10.6M 2.5M 5.8M N/A 2.4M 1 Kayak.com Network AOL Travel VacationsToGo.com sites Smarter Living Inc. Source: ComScore Media Metrix Photograph by Richard Nowitz, courtesy NOMCVB. 28 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M Company Facts Omega Meet• Owns Cruise.com,TourDeals.com ings and Incentives, and TravTech, with combined annual sales volume of $310 million. One of largest members of Radius. Member of ABC Corporate Services, WATA, Vacation.com. Member of ARTA, ASTA, Travel Institute, PATA, SGTP. Privately held. offline to online media targeting students and youth. Completed relocation of corporate headquarters to Dallas. • Travel Association, Federation of International Youth Organizations. Privately held. • • • • • Looking Ahead Company Facts • Member of International Student Travel Confederation, Student Air • Completing rollout of a new point-of-sale system. • • Launching a Voiceover Internet Protocol solution (VoIP) with enhanced call routing/management. Leveraging Web 2.0 technologies and commonalities to develop marketing relationships with customer base. Expanding retail presence. • Looking Ahead • Celebrating 35th anniversary. • Opening an office in Dubai. 12 STA TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $1.19 billion Employees: 450 Previous Ranking: 13 1 TOP 10 CRUISE SHIPS, BY BERTHS Ship Freedom of the Seas Voyager of the Seas Caribbean Princess Costa Concordia Carnival Conquest Carnival Triumph Costa Fortuna Diamond Princess Carnival Destiny Queen Mary 2 Berths 3,643 3,114 3,100 3,000 2,974 2,758 2,720 2,670 2,642 2,620 12 750 State Highway 121 Dallas, TX 75067 (T) 972-538-8800 (F) 972-315-9578 www.statravel.com Source: Cruise Lines International Association Executives PRESIDENT: Scott Hayden VP, BUSINESS-TO-BUSINESS: James Bell V P, M A R K E T I N G / E - C O M MERCE: Kristen Celko VP, RETAIL SALES: Dan Lawing New Orleans is open – to just about anything. Come discover a unique experience that breathes inspiration into everyone who visits. For more information, please call Leslie Straughan at 800.748.8695 x5018 or lstraughan@neworleanscvb.com. PEN. O BOUT JUST A . TO THING ANY FOREVERNEWORLEANS CO N V E N T I O N & V I S I TO R S B U R E AU Created in partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism and the Louisiana Recovery Authority. 2006 Developments of • ARC salessales$890 million. 10% • 90% of from leisure, from business. • Strategic marketing shift from W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 29 TRAVEL WEEKLY’S Power List 2007 TOP 10 HOTEL COMPANIES BY NUMBER OF ROOMS, 2006 Hotel company InterContinental Hotel Group Wyndham Worldwide Marriott Choice Hotels Hilton Hotels Corp. Best Western Starwood Hotels & Resorts Accor International Carlson Hospitality Worldwide Accor North America Source: American Hotel & Lodging Association 14 Rooms 553,454 532,488 476,118 405,879 393,922 302,595 224,402 217,693 148,337 138,819 15 TRAVIZON 2006 Sales: $732 million Employees: 436 Previous Ranking: 18 10 State St., 2nd Floor Woburn, MA 01801 T (888) 781-5200 F (781) 343-6128 www.travizon.com CARLSON LEISURE GROUP 2006 Sales: $822.7 million Employees: 946 Previous Ranking: 17 701 Carlson Parkway Minnetonka, MN 55305 T (763) 212-5000 www.cltsloyalty.com, www.carlsonconnected.com, www.carlsontravel.com/travelagent Executives CEO/PRESIDENT: Michael Batt EXECUTIVE VP, CARLSON VACATION AND BUSINESS TRAVEL: Tom Baumann EXECUTIVE VP, CARLSON TRAVEL FRANCHISE GROUP: Roger Block EXECUTIVE VP, CARLSON LEISURE TRAVEL SERVICES: Eric Burdon SENIOR DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Don Kennedy Executives 13 2120 S. 72nd St. Omaha, NE 68124 T (402) 399-4500 F (402) 398-9290 www.tandt.com 13 CEO: Joel Smith PRESIDENT: Jeffrey Smith COO/CFO: Matthew Cummings CTO: Lehi Mills EXECUTIVE VP, ACCOUNT SERVICES: Anita Salvatore EXECUTIVE VP, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Therese Kelleher 2006 Developments ARC sales of $567.7 million. 80% of sales from leisure, 20% from business. Acquired CWT/Ocean-Air Travel. Introduced Cruise Specialists-operated Luxury Travel Network, a host agency network for approved, luxury-focused, home-based agents. Introduced Luxury Travel Network Web site. Partners in Travel announced a new 100% commission option for their home-based program. Partners in Travel introduced new booking and client-management technology for its homebased program. TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT 2006 sales: $868 million Employees: 715 Previous Ranking: 16 • • • • • • • • ARC sales of $389 million. 5% from leisure, • 85% of sales from business, 10% from meetings. • Opened an office dedicated to VIP services; will enable Travizon to further customize its VIP services. Opened two fully owned Canadian offices in Toronto and Vancouver. Continued to develop and build NexusReporting suite (a data aggregation and analysis tool). Added a dashboard component, providing clients with an at-a-glance, graphical view of all data related to their travel program. Dashboard also allows for a centralized launching point for all analytical reporting, enhancing clients’ ability to identify trends, flag and prevent violations, track and adjust contract usage and demonstrate cost savings. 2006 Developments • • 15 % Change (11%) N/A (4%) (22%) (5%) (1%) (11%) N/A (16%) (12%) 27.3M N/A 11.4M 13.2M 9.7M 8.1M 6.1M N/A 5.5M 5.1M . C O M Executives CEO/PRESIDENT: William Tech EXECUTIVE VP, SALES, OPERATIONS AND CLIENT SERVICE: Tim Fleming EXECUTIVE VP/CFO: Kevin O’Malley SENIOR VP, STRATEGIC BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: John King Company Facts Travel Franchise Group • Operates Carlson Marketing services (salesand • Carlson Destination not • Privately held. included in Power List ranking). million. • ARC sales of $653.6business, 5% from leisure, sales from • 90% ofmeetings. 5% from TOP 10 • 22 outside travel sellers produced $5 million MOST VISITED TRAVEL WEB SITES, BY UNIQUE VISITORS in sales. $50 new • Signed more thanthirdmillion aofrow. corpo- Site Visitors Visitors rate business for the year in Expanded reserva• April 2007 April 2006 tions center in Fargo, N.D., and opened a new office in Houston. Purchased a high-end leisure agency, Regency Travel, in Omaha, Neb. 2006 Developments • Company Facts Meeting Trends (sales of $37 million), • OwnsInnovations ($58 million) and eTTek SoLoyalty • • • • lutions (N/D). Member of Radius, Virtuoso. 100% employee owned. Expedia Inc. Travelport* Southwest Travelocity Yahoo Travel Priceline.com Inc. American 24.4M 18.5M 10.9M 10.3M 9.2M 8M 5.4M 5M 4.7M 4.5M Looking Ahead Will continue to develop and enhance technology products for eTTek Solutions, a suite of technology products and services. Will continue to grow through internal sales and acquisitions. Travel Ad Network Delta Marriott Source: ComScore Media Metrix * Travelport includes Orbitz, Cheaptickets and other brands. 30 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y Y 0 RL ,00 EA $ 1 E K VE PL O U O SA CO B D N PER A The world’s leading river cruise line …by far ® Call for a free 2008 brochure: 1-877-66 8-4546 vikingrivercruises.com Aschaffenburg, Main River CST: #2052644-40 TRAVEL WEEKLY’S Power List 2007 Company Facts Owns TravizonAbove (leisure division), Travizon Meeting Management, Nexus Reporting (software development firm). Co-founder of G21, a global agency network. Member of ABC Premier, Commonwealth Business Travel Group. Privately held. • • • • • • • • TOP 10 U.S. AIRLINES BY FLEET SIZE, 2006 Airline American Southwest United Delta Northwest Continental US Airways AirTran JetBlue Alaska Source: Air Transport Association No. of Aircraft 697 481 460 440 371 366 359 130 119 114 Company Facts Sports • Owns Professional(annual Tours/ Big Blue Travel sales of $3 million). Member of Radius, Signature. Subsidiary of CNG Travel Group. Looking Ahead Will branch out dashboard concept to include more analysis and benchmarking, where clients can benchmark against other companies and programs. The agency will also add risk-management elements, including map of world with locations of employees and risk factors. Rolling out Meeting Command Center, which will enable clients to build different templates for registrations; aiming for launch at end of 2007. Offering carbon-emissions tracking. G21 will continue to grow with focus in Asia/ Pacific and Latin America. 6 1 16 WORLD TRAVEL HOLDINGS 2006 Sales: $730 million Employees: 700 Previous Ranking: 15 (as NLG) 10 Harbor Park Drive Port Washington, NY 10050 T (516) 621-7666 www.worldtravelholdings.com SENIOR VP, FINANCE: Don Graff SENIOR VP, CUSTOMER SERVICE & OPERATIONS: Pat Krippendorf SENIOR VP, LUXURY BRANDS & PRESIDENT, CREATIVE LEISURE INTERNATIONAL: Frank Samson SENIOR VP, CRUISEONLY, CRUISE 411, 1-800 CRUISES & CRUISES.COM: Jeff Sherota VP, SALES: Jeff Smith SENIOR VP, PARTNER BRANDS, VACATION OUTLET, ROOMS.COM & MARKETING OVERSEAS: John Walsh • • Looking Ahead Los • Completed acquisition of All Star Travel inthree Angeles in February ($30 million in sales); other West Coast deals pending. 2006 Developments Executives Jeff Tolkin, • In 2006, Brad andand Empressformer owners of Travel Impressions Travel, acquired CO-CHAIRMAN/CEO: Brad Tolkin • • National Leisure Group (NLG). 100% of sales from leisure. 18 TOP 10 Company Company Facts Privately held. TRAVEL SOLUTIONS 2 Easton Oval, 3rd Floor Columbus, OH 43219 T (614) 901-4100 F (614) 901-3131 www.ts24.com HOTEL COMPANIES, NUMBER OF HOTELS, 2006 Properties 6,661 4,919 3,955 3,698 2,648 2,460 1,735 1,280 943 720 Wyndham Worldwide Choice Hotels International Best Western International InterContinental Hotel Group Marriott International Hilton Hotels Corp. Accor International Accor North America Carlson Hospitality Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Source: American Hotel & Lodging Association 17 TZELL TRAVEL GROUP 2006 Sales: $657.8 million Employees: 675 Previous Ranking: 19 119 W. 40th St., 14th Floor New York, NY 10018 T (212) 944-2121 F (212) 944-7100 www.tzell.com 2006 Sales: $595.8 million Employees: 150 Previous Ranking: 20 Executives Executives CEO/PRESIDENT: Barry Liben CEO/LEADERSHIP COACH: Tammy TroiloKrings PRESIDENT, GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT COACH: Torsten Krings DIRECTOR, BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS: Kelley Kyle-Hoover CFO: Joe Szablewski PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCT MANAGEMENT COACH: Cindy Maciejunes DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Wendy Peters 18 . C O M 2006 Developments CO-CHAIRMAN/CEO: Jeff Tolkin SENIOR VP, TECHNOLOGY: Jamie Cash VP, CRUISE PRODUCT & INDUSTRY RELATIONS: David Crooks SENIOR VP, HOME-BASED DIVISION: Vivian Ewart SENIOR VP, SALES & HUMAN RESOURCES: Kathleen Federico VP, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Simon Goodall million. • ARC sales of $506 million. 17% leisure, 3% • ARC sales of $327.7business, of • 80% andsales from business, • 70% of sales from from groups meetings. 5% from leisure, 25% Acquired World Travel in New Jersey ($4 mil- meetings and events. • in sales), SailAir in Nashville ($8 million) and lion Landesman Travel in New Jersey ($6 million). New clients include New York Stock Exchange, International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, the Camuto Group. 2006 Developments • Privately • Affiliatedheld. Hogg Robinson Group. with • Member of ABC Corporate Services, Hickory • Systems. Travel Company Facts 32 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y Redefine your office space. IntroducIng Qwest MobIle broadband servIce. Now you caN take your office with you. The car, the airport, the quiet corner of the park. The new Qwest® Mobile Broadband Service allows instant access to the Internet and to your office with blazing-fast broadband speeds when on the network in Sprint Power Vision High-Speed Data Coverage areas* Take advantage of industry-leading security and the flexibility to change plans at any time. Freedom is here. . Now prepare to traverse all business boundaries. See qwest.com/map or a Qwest Solutions Center ™ for coverage details. sm Qwest Mobile Broadband Unlimited† Service † Based on Plan Uses described in Agreement. See details below. $ 59 99 a month Includes $20 a month discount for Qwest High-Speed Internet™ subscribers. ** After $50 mail-in rebate, with two-year Mobile Broadband agreement, when bundled with Qwest High-Speed Internet with two- or three-year agreement. ** FREE card - a $50 value. Get Qwest. Get Nimble. 1 800-618-5308 qwest.com/mobile Services not available in all areas. Prices exclude taxes, surcharges, and other fees. Discounts may apply after first full month of billing. May require equipment purchase at additional charge. Subject to applicable restrictions. Call Qwest® or visit www.qwest.com for details. Qwest Mobile Broadband Card and Qwest Mobile Broadband Card Data Plan: Subscription to Plan and minimum system requirements (including compatible card slot and operating system) required. Must be within specific service area; actual speeds will fluctuate. Early termination charge applies to fixed-term contracts. The Card and Plan are intended for mobile, occasional, personal/business use that do not involve extensive, continuous use or download/upload of large volumes of data. If usage exceeds 5GB/month, customers may be required to show compliance with terms and conditions. If Qwest determines use is non-compliant, service may be suspended or interrupted without notice. Other restrictions may apply. See Terms and Conditions for complete details. Qwest Mobile Broadband Card Rebate Offer: For eligible customers. See rebate form for details. Offer ends 8/19/07. * Qwest Wireless® network services are provided on the Sprint® Nationwide PCS Network (“the Network.”). Although Sprint provides Qwest subscribers access to its wireless network and to Sprint-branded advanced wireless services, Qwest is responsible to Qwest subscribers for customer service. Please call Qwest with any questions or comments about the services. Sprint and other Sprint marks are owned by Sprint Nextel. All other trademarks owned by their respective companies. Copyright © 2007 Qwest. All Rights Reserved. U LT I M AT E H OT E L GU IDE Travel Weekly is proud to announce the launch of the Ultimate Hotel Guide, the industry’s most comprehensive hotel trends and listings resource. Spotlighting key destinations worldwide, this hotel desk reference will feature: · Articles on the latest trends • Insights from Travel Weekly Editor-in-Chief Arnie Weissmann · Updated hotel locator maps · Destination highlights provided by Weissmann Reports The Ultimate Hotel Guide is tabloid-sized and will offer traditional Travel Weekly advertising sizes. First-edition advertisers will receive special pricing, a bonus hotel locator icon on a corresponding map, and an outlined listing. Current Hotel and Travel Index Worldwide clients: Receive a tabloid-sized full page for the same price as your HTIW page! Contact your Travel Weekly sales representative or Jay Nelson, Director of National Sales/Hotels jnelson@travelweekly.com Bruce Shulman, Associate Publisher bshulman@travelweekly.com CLOSE DATE SEPTEMBER 27 ISSUE DATE DECEMBER 10 TRAVEL WEEKLY’S Power List 2007 19 TRAVELERS ADVANTAGE 2006 Sales: $514 million Employees: 408 Previous Ranking: 27 in • InvestmentsnewWeb site and development of product features as well as new branding technology that allows for a solution to clients interested in branded and custom travel, dining and entertainment services for their customers. Launched Travelers Advantage in Spanish. 20 ALTOUR INTERNATIONAL 2006 Sales: $490 million Employees: 407 Previous Ranking: 24 1270 Avenue of the Americas, 15th Floor New York, NY 10020 T (212) 897-5000 F (212) 897-5134 www.altour.com increase in business. Company Facts Altour Service (a car • OwnsYork), Altour Classic service in New Cruise and Travel (specializing in tour and cruises), Altour Travel Master (a consolidator) and Altour Air (an air charter broker). Member of Signature, Advantage/ Focus4Fares, THOR and ABC hotel program. Privately held. • • • TOP 10 CAR RENTAL COMPANIES BY FLEET SIZE, 2006 Company Enterprise Rent-A-Car Hertz Vanguard Car Rental USA Avis Rent A Car Budget Rent A Car Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Advantage Rent-A-Car U-Save Auto Rental of America Ace Rent A Car Rent-A-Wreck of America Source: Auto Rental News Vehicles 630,000 290,000 208,400 190,775 134,225 85,000 17,000 11,500 11,500 6,700 Locations 6,019 2,875 623 1,199 842 575 100 375 85 298 Revenue $7B $4B $2.1B $2.8B $1.4B $1.5B $155M $98M $105M $44M Looking Ahead to expand • Goal isthe hiring ofleisure business with a director of leisure operations. Will include the implementation of CRM desktop software and proactive target marketing. Will launch AltourFrance .com and AltourFamily.com. Will expand consumer travel show program. Executives PRESIDENT: Alexandre Chemla EXECUTIVE VP: Barry Noskeau EXECUTIVE VP/GENERAL COUNSEL: Rosemarie Christofolo • ARC sales of $289 million. 22% • 74% of sales from business, from leisure, 4% from groups and meetings. Brought in 25 new corporate clients and 50 new outside sales professionals in Las Vegas and elsewhere. Opened a groups department. Started an after-hour emergency service, Altour24, staffed with company employees. Extended hours of international rate desk in London. Expanded hotel commission collection team in Arizona. Launched agent and client newsletter to share information. Offered easily personalized leisure Web sites for individual and agency use. Software development group created frontline agent desktop interface that provides real-time access to a comprehensive reporting package. Altour Classic Cruise & Travel’s online sales grew to $2.5 million. Altour Paris grew by more than 20% in 2006, with emphasis on groups, seminars, incentives. Acquired Eden Travel in the U.K. Added Toyota Prius hybrid vehicles to Altour Service. Altour Air moved into new offices, hired additional staff, added an instant-quote feature and had 33% 2006 Developments • • • • • • • • • • • • 21 WORLD TRAVEL INC. 2006 Sales: $476 million Employees: 347 Previous Ranking: 23 1724 W. Schuylkill Road Douglasville, PA 19518 T (610) 327-9000 F (610) 327-8222 www.worldtravelinc.com 19 Executives 801 Royal Parkway Nashville, TN 37214 T (203) 956-1000 F (203) 416-7515 www.travelersadvantage.com, www. affiniongroup.com Company Facts Part of Affinion International (U.K., Italy and France), an affinity direct marketer of membership insurance and package enhancement programs and services to consumers. The company has more than 4,500 affinity partners in industries that include financial services, retail, travel, telecommunications, utilities and Internet. • CEO/PRESIDENT: Nathaniel Lipman CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER/GENERAL MANAGER: Thomas Rusin EXECUTIVE VP/SECRETARY: Todd Siegel VP/TREASURER: Albert Fino EXECUTIVE VP, GLOBAL OPERATIONS: John Kitzie • Will relaunch Web site in summer. Several upgraded booking tools will be added, including a cash-back calculator where members will see their savings as they book. Looking Ahead 2006 Developments ARC • 100% sales of $240 million. of sales from leisure. • Completed transition from being • subsidiary of Cendant. UATP Travel Protection Plans Coverage (on select upgrade plans) includes: lost or delayed baggage, trip delay or cancellation, medical reimbursement and much more… Visit www.uatptravelprotection.com to enroll today. 21 Executives PRESIDENT: James Wells SENIOR VP, OPERATIONS: Liz Mandarino VP, CLIENT SERVICES: Barbara Troutman 2006 Developments • ARC sales of $330 million. 15% • 80% of sales from business, leimeetings/groups/incentives, 5% sure. Web-based. • 15% of bookingsfacility for traina new • Opened service, administration ing, sales, Travel Protection for Travel Professionals. Annual Plans. Travel As Often As You Want. Enroll Today! and reservations. Implemented the Business Objects Enterprise reporting system, which enables customizable, dashboard views. Implemented Cvent group meeting software. Established internal, redundant computer facility in new office for complete system backup. Web site redesigned. Automation of profiles. Enhanced call center reporting. Added management positions to support growth, including vice president of client services, director of reservations center operations, senior director of strategic planning, director of business development, manager of data warehousing • • • • • • • 34 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M and additional sales and account management positions. TOP 10 U.S. AIRLINES BY REVENUE, 2006 Airline American United Delta Continental Northwest US Airways Southwest Alaska JetBlue AirTran Source: Air Transport Association Company Facts • • Member of Travelsavers, THOR. Privately held. Total revenue (billions) $22.5 $19.3 $17.3 $13 $12.6 $11.8 $9.1 $2.7 $2.4 $1.9 leisure. • 98% of sales from business, 2% fromallowing a • Implemented a VoIP/e-mail system common platform for incoming reservation requests of all types and connectivity for agents worldwide. Opened a European reservation center in Shannon, Ireland, to expand global services for clients. Looking Ahead • Implementation of iJet Worldcue travel intelligence system for customer use without additional 2 2 22 325 McDonnell Parkway Hazelwood, MO 63042 fees. Implementation of GDSX midoffice qualitycontrol system. Expansion of online business solutions help desk. Implementation of reservations system interface to GDS and direct-connect solutions. • • • T (314) 545-9400 www.boeingtravel.com BOEING TRAVEL MANAGEMENT GROUP 2006 Sales: $467.2 million Employees: 138 Previous Ranking: 21 Executives COO: James Johnson CFO: Cory Peters VP, GLOBAL OPERATIONS/ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT: Isabelle Donovan • 2006 Developments • Company Facts ARC sales of $356.4 million. • Subsidiary of the Boeing Co. Destinations For Every Slice Of Life. No matter what they’re looking for. Whatever impulse leads them to Vegas. We have the destination to help you create your client’s perfect Vegas getaway. Caesars Palace • Paris • Rio • Bally’s • Harrah’s • Flamingo Visit harrahs.com or call 800.286.0193 Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. ©2007, Harrah’s License Company, LLC. TRAVEL WEEKLY’S Power List 2007 • Continued global expansion to include an Australian reservations center to service Asia/Pacific clientele and support after hours/emergency worldwide. Looking Ahead EXECUTIVE VP: Michael Steiner COO: Marcia Amoye TOP 10 CRUISE LINES BY LOWER BERTHS, 2006 (CLIA MEMBER LINES) Cruise Line Carnival Cruise Lines Royal Caribbean International Princess Cruises Norwegian Cruise Line (includes NCL America) Costa Cruises Holland America Line Celebrity Cruises MSC Cruises P&O Cruises Star Cruises Source: Cruise Lines International Association 2006 Developments 23 GARBER/FCm TRAVEL SOLUTIONS 2006 Sales: $419 million Employees: 340 Previous Ranking: 22 27 Boylston St. Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 T (617) 739-2200 F (617) 739-3204 www.garber.fcm.travel • • ARC sales of $290 million. $62.5 million in sales from outside agents. Lower Berths 47,908 46,203 32,044 24,038 20, 265 18,847 14,864 10,998 9,054 4,191 • 85% of sales from business, 10% leisure, 5% meetings/groups. • Launched GEMaIntellicenter reservationstocenter. By providing lower-cost alternative an on-site travel department, that facility is one of many fulfillment options available to clients. Launched ECOvation initiative to make its own business travel carbon-neutral and to offer the service to its clients. Hired Tom Gehrke as chief information officer, promoted Marcia Amoye to COO. Created a new layer of executive management by instituting a team of vice presidents and general managers responsible for operational and account management teams, strategies and solutions in their respective regional areas. Rolled out 31 new accounts (more than $50 million in new business), including one 25-country configuration through Radius. • • • • Executives 3 2 2006 Developments PRESIDENT: Roz Garber EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT: Joan Kaplan SENIOR VP, SALES, SERVICE, GLOBAL NETWORK, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Joseph Ondrus COO: Paul Woods VP, INDUSTRY RELATIONS: Barbara McInnis VP, CORPORATE SALES: Charlene Leiss VP, OPERATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY: Lea Cahill SENIOR VP, BRANCH ADMINISTRATION: Linda Feldman 6980 N. Port Washington Road Milwaukee, WI 53217 T (414) 352-7600 F (414) 352-3900 www.adelmantravel.com Company Facts Hosts 47 outside travel sellers. • Member of Radius, Virtuoso, Travelsavers. • Privately held. • Executives CEO/PRESIDENT: Craig Adelman COO/CFO: Bob Chaiken EXECUTIVE VP: Steve Cline VP, CORPORATE SALES: Jerome Riese ARC sales of 203 • $2 million in salesmillion. outside agents; from • 10 outside agents. hosting hosts • 90% of sales from business, 4% leisure, 6% other. Pegasus Travel in • Acquiredup new sales of $27Fort Worth, Texas, and picked million. Solidified U.S. reservations center network with a presence in the South, in addition to East, North Central and West. New travel portal to assist customers. Upgraded Cisco IP phone system to provide agency with capabilities to plug in home-based travel consultants at a moment’s notice. Expanded use of Adelman Private Fare technology, which compares international published fares and private fares side by side at point of sale. Purchased TravelSpend, a Web reporting tool that provides dynamic, real-time access to information, pretrip data and enhanced capabilities for Adelman to integrate global data. • ARC sales of $196 million. outside agents. from hosting • $37,000 in salesfrom business, 9% leisure, 1% 90% of sales • meetings. announced addition • In September, in a three-month timeof 20 new corporate clients frame totaling nearly $24 million in air spending. In October, began discussions with Australianbased Flight Centre, parent of FCm Travel Solution, in an effort to partner with a global network. Joint venture announced in January 2007. 25 PROTRAVEL INTERNATIONAL 2006 Sales: $375 million (not certified, based on Web site approximation of “approaching $400 million in sales”) Employees: 550 Previous Ranking: 25 515 Madison Ave. New York, NY 10022 T (212) 755-4550 F (212) 593-4907 www.protravelinc.com 2006 Developments • • Owns Garber’s Meeting and Incentive Marketing, a full-service joint venture (annual sales of $1 million). Part of a joint venture with the FCm Travel Solutions network. Privately held. Company Facts • • • • • • • • • Executives PRESIDENT: Priscilla Alexander COO: Tony Shepherd CFO: Tova Fink 24 OVATION TRAVEL GROUP 2006 sales: $418 million Employees: 348 Previous Ranking: 26 71 Fifth Ave. New York, NY 10003 T (800) 431-1112 F (212) 726-0910 www.ovationtravel.com, www.lawyerstravel.com Company Facts • Privately held. Company Facts 26 ADELMAN TRAVEL GROUP 2006 Sales: $334 million Employees: N/D Previous Ranking: 30 Owns Adelman Travel Academy (a travel school) and Adelman Meetings & Incentives. Member of Radius, Virtuoso. Privately held. Looking Ahead Executives CHAIRMAN/CEO: Paul Metselaar EXECUTIVE VP: Sunil Mahtani of • Deploymentnewautomated pretrip approval. Creating a customer business • be a strategic document addressingplan that will domestic and global marketplaces re: services and technology. The system will be a direct connection to the 26 . C O M 36 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y “The day I graduated from Princess Academy, I sold two cruises specifically because I knew things I didn’t know before.” Marc Gofstein, Commodore Two Bears Travel Shadow Hills, CA “When I graduated from Princess Academy and became a Commodore, I sold 40 people on Sapphire Princess going from Sydney, Australia to Los Angeles.” Denise Lanes, Commodore Rotonda Travel Englewood, FL Vacation.com Become Our Next Princess Academy Success Story. It’s time you reaped the benefits of Princess Academy, the ® one-stop learning source for all things Princess. Just take our easy-to-follow courses and you could be on your way to increased bookings. And incredible rewards like these*: • Academy Graduation Cruise** • Free Internet Access • Free Shoe Polishing & Laundry Services • Free Mini-bar Set-up So join the over 17,000 travel agents who are on their way to earning a graduation cruise. Log on to onesourcecruises.com today. Don’t get left behind. Real Tools. Real Results. Real Rewards. *Rewards vary and are based on your status as a ranked Academy agent. For a complete list of benefits and full details visit onesourcecruises.com. **Each year, Princess will distribute 1,000 Academy Graduation Cruises on a first to book basis to experience the product as part of the training. ©2007 Princess Cruises. Ships of Bermudan registry. TRAVEL WEEKLY’S Power List 2007 TOP 10 FOREIGN AIRPORTS BY NUMBER OF PASSENGERS, 2006* Airport London (Heathrow) Tokyo (Haneda) Paris (de Gaulle) Frankfurt Beijing Amsterdam Madrid Hong Kong Bangkok Singapore customer review process to include past performances and future strategic objectives. Expand global resources through an additional position, director of global accounts, to facilitate and assist Global Account Manager team with implementation of global objectives. Evaluate further expansion through sales and acquisitions in strategic markets. Implement new Web site and customer portal solutions in second quarter 2007. Executives CHAIRMAN/CEO: Valerie Ann Wilson CO-PRESIDENT: Jennifer Wilson-Buttigieg CO-PRESIDENT: Kimberly Wilson Wetty ARC million. • $128 sales of $137sales fulfilled by agency for million in • third parties. • $192 million in sales from hosted outside agents. • 55% of sales from business, 40% from leisure, 5% meetings and incentives. • Celebrated 25 years in business, marked with major events as well as a yearlong marketing program that included a commemorative journal, cobranded direct-mail campaigns and advertising. Added First Coast Travel to office in Ponte Vedra, Fla. Added new associate agents (both home-based and in office locations). Added a Virtuoso Marketing Day in New York headquarters to train and strengthen the brand with agents. Held first Cruise Vendor Day in New York office as well as the fifth Consumer Travel Fest in Hilton Head, S.C. Added online tools for client use; modified consumer Web site to enable clientele to book directly with Valerie Wilson Travel. • • • 2006 Developments Passengers 67.5M 65.2M 56.8M 52.8M 48.5M 46.1M 45.5M 44M 42.8M 35M 27 (tie) VALERIE WILSON TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $320 million Employees: 350 Previous Ranking: 28 475 Park Ave. S. New York, NY 10016 T (212) 532-3400 F (212) 779-7073 www.vwti.com or www.valeriewilsontravel.com • • • • * Totals for some airports include projections, estimates or incomplete data Source: Airports Council International • 27 Some agencies get large on leisure hile Power List agencies are typically corporate heavy-hitters, a dozen or so of the top agencies reported selling more leisure than business travel. Others may have done so but did not break down those figures in the Power List survey responses. Many of the Power List’s biggest leisure agencies are Internet sellers: Expedia (No. 3), Travelocity (No. 6), Orbitz (No. 7) and Priceline (No. 9). Others are agencies that have simply opted to concentrate on selling vacations. Other leisure agencies operate in a niche market: For example, STA Travel, No. 12, specializes in the student market; AAA, at No. 8, is an association of independent clubs. “We have chosen to focus on the frequent leisure traveler as our core market,” said Tom Rusin, president and CEO, North America of Travelers Advantage, No. 19 on the Power List. “What we have been seeing for the past 25 years is that consumers want comfort, and our travel club solution gives them the comfort of putting their money with a financial institution.” Travelers Advantage is a subsidiary of Affinion, a company that offers membership and loyalty programs in many industries. Consumers pay an average annual fee of $119 to join Travelers Advantage. “Our business model is to save a typical member the annual fee in one vacation,” Rusin said. Travelers Advantage does get requests to handle corporate customers, but rather than branch out to corporate business, said Rusin, the company is seeking to build “underserved” leisure markets like the Hispanic market. Rusin said travelers will always want a hu- W man element. “I look at the advertising from Expedia and Travelocity, and they push the fact that there is a human element. You see their ads featuring travelers with a problem who call. We tell people you can call before there is a problem.” A number of corporate agencies, meanwhile, continue to look for ways to expand their leisure offerings. For example, Altour, No. 20 on the Power List, is launching AltourFrance.com and AltourFamily.com and will be expanding a consumer travel show program. At the Travel Authority, No. 30, the agency’s Enhanced Employee Travel Club is a program available to corporate clients and their employees for assistance with leisure travel. Participants receive discounts that are available to the Travel Authority as well as American Express affiliates. The following are Power List agencies that reported or are believed to be selling more leisure than business: Expedia, No. 3 on the Power List Travelocity, No. 6 Orbitz Worldwide, No. 7 AAA, No. 8 Priceline, No. 9 Liberty Travel, N0. 10 STA Travel, No. 12 Carlson Leisure, No. 14 World Travel Holdings, No. 16 Travelers Advantage, No. 19 YTB, No. 35 Morris Murdock, No. 46 Americas Vacation Center, No. 52 Global Travel International, No. 52 — Harvey Chipkin Company Facts VWT Meetings • Owns$16 million). & Incentives (annual sales of • Member of Virtuoso, ABC Corporate Services, Hickory Travel Systems. 18 in the U.S. • 170locationstravel sellers. outside • Privately held. • Looking Ahead mergers • Plans additional associateand acquisitions. to add agents, new offices, • Seekingaccounts. corporate 27 (tie) DIRECTRAVEL 2006 Sales: $320 million Employees: 380 Previous Ranking: 29 (as VTS Travel Enterprises) 150 E. 52nd St. New York, NY 10022 T (212) 267-5500 F (212) 644-0615 www.dt.com Executives CHAIRMAN/OWNER: Vincent Vitti VICE CHAIRMAN Edward Vitti PRESIDENT: Patrick Fragale 2006 Developments $188.7 million. • ARCofsales offrom hosting outside agents. • 5% ofsales from business, 10% from leisure, • 70% sales 20% other. 38 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M STAR ATTRACTIONS MALDIVES HONG KONG COLOMBO KATHMANDU KOCHI STARTING JUNE 26 Qatar Airways introduces award-winning 5 star service to Doha and beyond from its newest gateways – New York and Washington, D.C.* Enjoy convenient connections to over 80 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, and Asia. Visit www.qatarairways.com, see your travel agent or call 1-877-777-2827. * Flights start June 26 from Newark Liberty International. Daily nonstops start July 19 from Washington Dulles. TRAVEL WEEKLY’S Power List 2007 • Renamed Directravel (formerly VTS Travel). Company Facts 30 THE TRAVEL AUTHORITY 2006 Sales: $291 million Employees: 230 Previous Ranking: 32 702 N. Shore Drive, Suite 300 Jeffersonville, IN 47130 T (812) 206-5200 F (812) 206-5400 www.thetravelauthority.com TOP 13 CONSORTIA BY NUMBER OF LOCATIONS, 2006 Consortium/Cooperative Vacation.com* Travelsavers* eTravCo IT Group Ensemble* Virtuoso* Jurni Network** NEST Signature Travel Network Cruise Shoppes MAST Vacation Partners WESTA Cruise & Vacation Specialists • Member of Hickory Travel Systems, THOR. • Privately held. Looking Ahead U.S. call centers will • Allphone systems that have new will enable the agency to move calls based on demand or weather. Locations 5,100 3,000+ 1,153 1,007 1,000 658 450 405 310 250 150 150 119 Volume N/A $18B+ $3.3B $1.4B N/A $4.2B N/A $200M+ $2.5B $100M $505M $450M $80M 29 29 TRAVEL MANAGEMENT PARTNERS 2006 Sales: $300 million (not certified; figure published by company) Employees: 156 Previous Ranking: 31 3725 National Drive, Suite 210 Raleigh, NC 27612 T (919) 782-3810 F (919) 782-3595 www.tmptravel.com Executives PRESIDENT/CEO: To m Lumley EXECUTIVE VP: Lee Thomas SENIOR VP, SALES: Doug Payne Sr. SENIOR VP, RETAIL OPERATIONS: Debbie Myers SENIOR VP, CORPORATE OPERATIONS: Alan Busse 3 * Roughly 10% or more are non-U.S. locations, to as high as 50% Canadian in the case of Ensemble. ** Number includes Nexion (as one location) which by year end 2006 was host to 2,200 mostly home-based agencies. 2006 Developments ARC sales of $188.2 million. 65% of sales from business, 25% leisure, 10% meetings, group incentives and sports event packages via Champion Sports Tours, a company division. Continued growth of SwiftTrip, the company’s self-book- • • • Executives PRESIDENT/CEO: John Lewis EXECUTIVE VP/ COO: Wanda Shankle ing tool. In-house, 24-hour traveler support center expanded to support more travel agency subscribers as well as corporate clients. Enhanced Employee Travel Club, a program available to • • corporate clients and their employees for assistance with leisure travel. Participation ensures discounts that are available to Travel Authority and other American Express affiliates. Agency acquisitions added more than $25 million in sales and added several new venues for retail and corporate divisions. 450 E. 22nd St. Lombard, IL 60148 T (630) 691-9100 F (630) 691-1088 www.corptrav.com • Executives OWNER/CEO: Bonnie Lorefice PRESIDENT: Jane Batio EXECUTIVE VP: Jim Wasson SENIOR VP: Lisa Donavan Berry Company Facts 70 outside travel • Owns SwiftTrip, asellers. 2006 Developments self-book- • ARC sales of $179 million. • tool. ing of sales from business, • 80%from meeting/group Champion • Ownssports fan/teamSports 15% for corporate clients, 5% Tours, a travel travel • • tour company with an annual sales volume of $6 million. American Express affiliate. Privately held. • Continued agency acquisitions, expansion of SwiftTrip and retail sales growth. Looking Ahead 31 CORPORATE TRAVEL MANAGEMENT GROUP 2006 Sales: $283 million Employees: 150 Previous Ranking: 33 1 3 first-ever Lumi• Receivedfrom GetThere for nary award 136% increase in online booking transactions in 2006. leisure. • Affiliated with GlobalStar Travel Management. • Member of ABC, Travelsavers. • Privately held. Looking Ahead Company Facts • Will grow global travel alert program. 40 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M 32 32 (tie) TRAVEL STORE 2006 sales: $241 million Employees: 151 Previous Ranking: 35 11601 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049 T (310) 575-5540 F (310) 575-0542 www.travelstoreusa.com Member • Member of Global Connect. Vacation.com, of Virtuoso, ABC, • CBTG. • Privately held. Company Facts 35 YTB INTERNATIONAL 2006 Sales: $226.1 million Employees: 202 Previous Ranking: N/A 1901 E. Edwardsville Road Wood River, IL 62095 (T) 618-655-9520 (F) 618-659-9675 www.ytb.com Looking Ahead Looking to grow corporate business as well as incentive and group meetings. • 34 KINTETSU INTERNATIONAL 2006 Sales: $240.8 million Employees: 255 Previous Ranking: N/A 1325 Avenue of Americas, Suite 2002 New York, NY 10019 (T) 212-259-9585 (F) 212-259-9580 www.kintetsu.com Executives Executives PRESIDENT: J. Kim Sorensen CFO: John Clagg VP, MARKETING, YTB TRAVEL NETWORK: Shelly Coppersmith DIRECTOR, TRAVEL MANAGEMENT, YTB TRAVEL NETWORK: Tami Goad CEO/PRESIDENT: Wido Schaefer EXECUTIVE VP/CFO: Osvaldo Ramos VP, LEISURE SALES & MARKETING: Dan Ilves VP, CORPORATE SALES & MARKETING: Jim Wright million. • ARC sales of $151sales from hosting outside • $59 million in agents. • 60% of sales from business, 35% from leisure, 5% from meetings, groups and incentives. agencies: House of • Acquired three CaliforniaTravel (Emeryville), Travel (Sacramento), Bridge In Transit (Santa Clara). 2006 Developments Executives CEO: Yuichi Yokoyama CFO: Tomomichi Yokoiwa PRESIDENT: Frank Lee of • ARC salessales$75 million. 25% leisure, 10% from business, • 65% ofand incentives. meetings 2006 Developments • ARC sales of $52.1 million. by third parties. sales fulfilled • $93.7 million of of sales from hosting outside $175.2 million • agents. • 80% of sale from leisure, 10% from business, 10% other. • 300% growth in sales and representatives each of last three years. Company Facts 2006 Developments Company Facts • 158 outside travel sellers. network. • Part of BCDEnsemble. Member of • Privately held. • Looking Ahead • Operates YTB Marketing, an organization with independent marketing representatives who enroll travel agents, most of them home-based. 5 3 RPMs (billions) 139.4 117.2 98.8 76.3 72.6 67.7 60.9 23.3 17.8 13.8 Company Facts 1 • Will concentrate on consolidation in the Bay Area. multiproduct glob- • Operates YTB Travel Network, which handles • Part of KNT, a multiservice, hotels, travel agen- travel processing, document distribution and al company with interests in • Member of Travelsavers. Looking Ahead cies, car rental firms and nontravel companies. 32 (tie) RICH WORLDWIDE TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $241 million Employees: 97 Previous Ranking: 34 500 Mamaroneck Ave. Harrison, NY 10528 T (914) 835-7600 F (914) 835-1666 www.richtravel.com Kintetsu plans to change its logo, slogan and Web site this year. • commission payments. Operates Rezconnect Technologies, which includes a travel franchise system and software and services. The company also develops Web sites for travel agents. Publicly held. • • • Looking Ahead the emphasis will be on • In 2007 and 2008,representatives, both online training thousands of and on site. Will focus heavily on group travel. TOP 10 U.S. AIRLINES BY REVENUE PASSENGER MILES, 2006 Airline American United Delta Continental Northwest Southwest US Airways JetBlue Alaska AirTran Source: Air Transport Association Executives CHAIRPERSON: Ina Rich CO-PRESIDENT: Nathan Devore CO-PRESIDENT: Richard Esman EXECUTIVE VP: Michele Rich Esman EXECUTIVE VP: Donna Devore 2006 Developments 50% • ARC of sales from hosting 203 outside agents. of • 50%salessales$156 million. 40% leisure, 10% from • of other. business, online bookings by more ac• Moreas a method of reducing excounts • Corporate accounts now have full access to all their travel reporting. W W W penses. . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 41 TRAVEL WEEKLY’S Power List 2007 36 PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $222.6 million Employees: 223 Previous Ranking: 37 25000 Great Northern Corporate Center #170 North Olmsted, OH 44070 T (440) 734-8800 F (440) 734-1241 www.protrav.com TOP 8 FRANCHISORS BY LOCATIONS, 2006 Franchisor American Express*/** Results Travel Uniglobe* Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates*** CruiseOne**** Cruise Holidays* SeaMaster Cruises**** Travel Network* * Some locations are outside the U.S. ** American Express does not report statistics for its rep outlets, but it reports a worldwide total of more than 2,200 owned and franchised locations. *** Not including Carlson Leisure Group franchise locations. **** These franchise plans are designed for home-based retailers. Locations N/A 908 710 605 485 119 101 75 Volume N/A $2.7 billion $2.2 billion $3.5 billion $145 million $186 million N/A N/A 36 Executives 2006 Developments PRESIDENT/CEO: Robert Sturm EXECUTIVE VP: Rob Turk DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Lynn Pfeiffer of • ARC salessales$182.7 million. 8% leisure, 7% 85% of from business, • meetings and incentives. • Significant growth in business; acquired major customers, including the largest in company • • history, a $30 million account with a global company. Hired 20 people in the last year. Expanded home-based employee network. Integrated Internet phone system. Launched call-routing system. Broadly implemented Cornerstone’s iBank reporting system with auto-ticketing features. groups. Company Facts Owns Passport Incentives and Meetings and PlanningPoint Meeting & Event Software (total sales of $53.2 million). Affiliated with Hogg Robinson Group. Member of Hickory Travel Systems. Privately held. • • • • 39 TRAVELEADERS 2006 Sales: $201.1 million Employees: 202 Previous Ranking: N/A 2151 LeJeune Road, Suite 300 Coral Gables, FL 33134 T (305) 455-2999 F (305) 567-8939 www.traveleaders.com • • • Looking Ahead outside travel sellers. • Hosts 18 corporate agents in 14 states. Employs • Member of Radius, Virtuoso. • Privately held. • Company Facts division, based on • Will continue to grow sportsNational Collegiate experience working with the Athletic Association. Will provide travel services for the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky. Will continue to add dashboard capabilities to its portal, providing a wealth of easily accessible information for clients. • Executives • Looking to expand group and meeting business by expanding online registration and reconciliation process. Looking Ahead 37 SHORT’S TRAVEL MANAGEMENT 2006 Sales: $219.4 million Employees: 133 Previous Ranking: 38 7815 Floyd St. Overland Park, KS 66204 T (913) 677-7777 F (913) 831-1405 www.shortstravel.com 38 QUALITY REWARD TRAVEL, A MARITZ-AFFILIATED COMPANY 2006 sales: $206 million Employees: 137 Previous Ranking: 41 Box 43 Washington, MO 63090 T (636) 827-7200 F (636) 239-0218 www.maritz.com MANAGING DIRECTOR: Jeff Scott CFO: Omar Jimenez VP, SALES/ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT: Mark Elias • ARC sales of $154.6 million. hosting outside • $31 million in sales from agents. Company Facts 2006 Developments • 70% of sales from business, 15% from leisure, 15% from meetings and incentives. leisure • Now offering corporate clients brandedpropriWeb sites to enable online booking for etary vacation products and services. of GlobalStar. • Member of Hickory Travel Systems. Member • Subsidiary of American Leisure Holdings, a • resort development company headquartered in Orlando. Company Facts Executives OWNER: Donna Speckhals OWNER: Rich Speckhals DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Wendy McDaniel Executives CEO: Camille Hogan PRESIDENT/COO: David LeCompte CFO: Elizabeth Davis COO: Eric Brasch VP, Human Resources: Susan Rice 9 3 C O M Looking Ahead 2006 Developments 2006 Developments • ARC sales of $194 million.incentive travel. • All sales from reward and • Will continue focus on the midmarket client. of Facts • ARC salessales$95.5 million. Company held. from business, • 74% of leisure, 24.3% from • Privately 1.6% from 42 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . 40 UNIGLOBE TRAVEL PARTNERS 2006 Sales: $200 million Employees: 120 Previous ranking: N/A 111 Howard Blvd., Suite 210 Mount Arlington, NJ 07856 T (973) 601-1127 F (973) 601-1170 www.uniglobetravelpartners.com 1606 Carmody Court, Suite 106 Sewickley, PA 15143 T (724) 933-1800 F (724) 933-0448 www.gtmtravel.com CFO: James Harris VP, OPERATIONS: Melissa Junker VP, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Mitch Nace leisure, 6% other. Company Facts 2006 Developments Executives PRESIDENT/CEO: James Pekins • Affiliate of BCD. • Privately held. million. • ARC sales of $157.3 business, 1% 93% of sales from • 41 with Executives PRESIDENT/CEO: Marie Magliano CFO/TREASURER: Doug Carpenter CORPORATE SECRETARY: Mary Hanigan sales of $90.7 million. • ARCmillion in sales fulfilled by $32 • for third parties. agency • $38 million in sales from outside agents. sales from business, 35% • 57% of8% meetings and incenleisure, tives. 2006 Developments You could win a Million Miles with US. Book your client's FREE Disney Dining Plan Company Facts 9 • • • • • • • • • US. Nine Uniglobe agencies and the CPU division of Uniglobe Travel USA merged to form Uniglobe Travel Partners. Hosts 184 outside travel sellers. Affiliate of Uniglobe Travel. Member of Vacation.com. Privately held. Looking Ahead Aims to retain entrepreneurial management of each office. Recently concluded negotiations with its preferred technology suppliers. A major focus for 2007 will be to conduct operations analysis at each office to implement best practices. Will expand reach by targeting larger national and global accounts. Aims to extend its leisure business. Book a Walt Disney World® Resort package with US Airways Vacations between June 1, 2007 and July 31, 2007, and both you and your client are automatically entered for a chance to win one million Dividend Miles in the US Airways Vacations Million Miles Sweepstakes. You can enter every day, so keep booking those packages to increase your chances of winning. Check out our great deals on Walt Disney World® Resort packages at usairwaysvacations.com. 41 GATEWAY TRAVEL MANAGEMENT 2006 Sales: $193.5 million Employees: 123 Previous Ranking: 36 Visit usairwaysvacations.com/millionmiles for details. usvtravelagents.com ©2007 US Airways, Inc. USV07-1022 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 43 TRAVEL WEEKLY’S Power List 2007 42 AZUMANO TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $181.3 million Employees: 182 Previous Ranking: 40 320 SW Stark St., Suite 600 Portland, OR 97204 T (503) 223-6245 F (503) 294-6474 www.azumanotravel.com Executives CEO/PRESIDENT: Sho Dozono VP, RETAIL: Bill Harmon work. Privately held. • LIC RELATIONS: Victoria Cash COMPTROLLER: LaMont Warren • million. • ARC sales of $110.4from hosting • $913,000 in sales • outside agents. • 80% of sales from business, 20% leisure. • in 2006. • 13% increase in salesdivision of a • Acquired the travel honeymoon registry, TheBigDay 2006 Developments .com, and created a new company called TheBigDay Travel, not just for honeymoons but for travel packages for the couple’s family and friends. Organized Flight for Freedom 2006, a journey to New York by goodwill ambassadors from Oregon to commemorate the five-year anniversary of the original Flight for Freedom, organized in the aftermath of 9/11. Completed second year of radio talk show, “The Azumano Travel Show,” now broadcast on Saturdays and Sundays. Expanded leisure sales reach to employee bases of major Pacific Northwest corporations by offering a customized vacation booking tool for their intranet sites. Looking Ahead 2006 Developments Continuing to grow in Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Providing voluntourism opportunity for Oregonians to assist with New Orleans recovery efforts. Continuing to pursue new growth channel through partnership program with American Express involving local management of shared accounts. of • ARC salessales$108.2 million. of from government • 60%24% business, 16% leisure. travel, local competitor Nicho• Acquired(corporate and leisure); las Travel Chris Nicholas brought into management. Joined American Express network as affiliate at the Centurion level. Upgraded phone and computer systems at leisure locations. Acquired all travel business for the Securities and Exchange Commission. Increased online adoption rate to 20% for all corporate business. TOP 10 CRUISE REGIONS BY BED-DAYS, 2006 (CLIA MEMBER LINES) Regions Caribbean Mediterranean Europe Alaska Bahamas Mexico West Hawaii Transcanal Transatlantic South America • 43 CI TRAVEL Bed-Days (in millions) 32 10.5 6.8 6.4 6.1 5.2 2.9 2.8 1.5 1.4 • • 2006 Sales: $172.6 million Employees: 200 Previous Ranking: 39 870 N. Military Highway, Suite 200 Norfolk, VA 23502 T (757) 627-8000 F (757) 893-1380 www.citravel.com Executives Company Facts • Hosts five outside travel sellers. an • Owns Premier Gateway,withinternational air consolidator sales • of $36.6 million (not included in agency retail volume). Part of American Express net- Source: Cruise Lines International Association PRESIDENT/COO: Kevin McElroy EXECUTIVE VP: Tom Mountjoy VP, CORPORATE OPERATIONS: Helen Leon VP, RETAIL OPERATIONS: JoAnn Williams VP, CORPORATE SALES: Chris Nicholas DIRECTOR, MARKETING/PUB- 43 • Company Facts Hosts 18 outside travel sellers. • Affiliate of American Express. • 100% employee-owned. • • • • Looking Ahead Launching custom-made CRM tool to better manage customer relationships and segment data. Will change organizational structure on leisure side. Moving to a performance-based compensation program. • • • 44 Child’s play. Easy to Use Lowest Prices Live Connectivity to Italian Railroad Great Commissions Training Modules Point-to-Point Tickets on - Eurostar Italia ES - Artesia - Cisalpino - Riviera and more... COLPITTS WORLD TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $163 million Employees: 124 Previous Ranking: 42 875 Providence Highway Dedham, MA 02026 T (781) 326-7800 F (781) 326-2921 www.colpittswt.com Executives CEO/PRESIDENT: Alan Krensky EXECUTIVE VP: Jeff Brown SENIOR VP: Jeanne Johnston CFO: Don Fultz • ARC sales of $121 million. 4% • 87% of sales from business, leisure, 9% meetings and incentives. ! Sign up TODAY 2006 Developments 1-888-RAIL-444 www.railagent.com Meeting Partners • Owns$27 million). (annual sales of • Member of GlobalStar, Hickory, and Travelsavers. Company Facts 44 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M 45 CHRISTOPHERSON BUSINESS TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $144 million Employees: 140 Previous Ranking: 44 5588 S. Green St., Salt Lake City, UT 84123 T (801) 327-7700 F (801) 327-7707 www.christophersontravel.com • Hosted 120 outside travel sellers. 47 CASTO TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $138 million Employees: 172 Previous Ranking: 43 900 Lafayette St., Suite 105 Santa Clara, CA 95050 T (408) 984-7000 F (408) 984-7007 www.casto.com Executives PRESIDENT: Mike Cameron DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: Brent Carter DIRECTOR OF ON-SITE TRAVEL: George Mathis 2006 Developments sales of • ARC of sales $82 million. 7% 91% from • 2% meetingsbusiness, leisure, and incen- • Purchased Classic Cruises & Travel. pro• Significant investment in techprietary travel management nology: Air Portal, Airtinerary, AirBank, Hotel Re-Check and Car Re-Check. tives. Company Facts • BCD affiliate. • Privately held. ogy. Looking Ahead 6 4 • Expand meetings and incentive products. to invest in propri• Continuemanagement technoletary travel 46 MORRIS MURDOCK 2006 Sales: $140 million Employees: 201 Previous Ranking: 45 240 E. Morris Ave. Salt Lake City, UT 84115 T (801) 487-9731 F (801) 483-5220 www.morrismurdock.com Executives PRESIDENT: Becky Potts CFO: B.J. Mendenhall 2006 Developments 44% of sales from leisure, 36% from business, 20% meetings, incentives and consolidator sales. • Company Facts • Privately held. W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 45 TRAVEL WEEKLY’S Power List 2007 Executives CHAIRMAN/CEO: Maryles Casto PRESIDENT: Marc Casto OFFICER: Agustin Vallejo VP, CORPORATE OPERATIONS: Magda Allarcon VP, GLOBAL SALES: Frances Mincey 2150 S. Washburn St. P.O. Box 2386 Oshkosh, WI 54904 T (920) 236-8008 F (920) 236-8009 www.gofox.com, www.foxworldtravel.com 49 BALBOA TRAVEL MANAGEMENT 2006 Sales: $116 million Employees: 113 Previous Ranking: N/A 5441 Oberlin Drive, Suite 300 San Diego, CA 92121 T (858) 678-3300 F (858) 678-3399 www.balboa.com Executives of • ARC salessales$85.7 million. EXECUTIVE VP: Geoffrey Kuhnz BUSINESS from • 70% of 6% other. business, VP, VACATIONTRAVEL: Lori Wilkening VP, TRAVEL: Brian Hurley 24% leisure, Introduced Casto Concierge, • to provide custom travel solutions for executives. 2006 Developments ARC • Added a Spanish-language desk. • 2% ofsales of $87.5 million. agents. sales from hosting outside • 56% of sales from business, 39% leisure, 5% Company Facts • incentives. • Hosts 18 outside travel sellers.a provider of ful- meetings andonline booking product offering. Fulfillment Solutions, Expanded • Owns services to travel companies. • Enhanced online registration process. fillment • • Member ofofABC, Virtuoso, THOR. Travel • In-house development of electronic invoice product. • Member Commonwealth Business Group. • 25% of business travel bookings online. enable • Upgraded communications system to specialized call routing. Looking Ahead agencies. • Seeking to acquire WestofCoast and passport re- Company Facts visa • Increasing fulfillment owned visa passport Hosts 24 outside travel sellers. quests through its wholly • Owns Premier Meetings and Incentives ($6.9 department. • in sales). million World • Owns Foxheld. Travel School. Privately • 2006 Developments PRESIDENT: David Juedes Executives 48 48 FOX WORLD TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $132.1 million Employees: 198 Previous Ranking: 46 CHAIRMAN: Joe Da Rosa VICE CHAIRMAN: Mary Alice Gonsalves PRESIDENT: Denise Jackson VP, CORPORATE TRAVEL: John Cruse VP, FINANCE: Inez Reynolds of • ARC salessales$82.5 million. 3% leisure, 2% • 95% of from business, other. from hosting outside agents. • $800,000ain salesTravel affiliate to provide more Became BCD • effective global management solutions for clients. • Completely overhauled Web site and corporate brand to reflect new affiliation. • Launched Armada, a suite of technology tools designed to help clients through content sourcing, process engineering, compliance management and performance measurements. The suite includes: Voyager, a point-of-sale agent desktop; Pilot, a quality-assurance tool and automaticticketing module; and Escort, a Web-based reporting tool. 2006 Developments 9 4 . C O M TOP 10 AMTRAK ROUTES BY RIDERSHIP, 2006 Route Northeast Corridor (Boston-New York-Washington) Pacific Surfliner (San Diego-Los Angeles-San Luis Obispo) Capitol Corridor (San Jose-Oakland-Sacramento-Auburn, Calif.) Empire Service (New York-Albany-Buffalo) Keystone Corridor (Philadelphia-Harrisburg) San Joaquin Service (Oakland-Fresno-Bakersfield, Calif.) Cascades Service (Eugene, Ore.-Portland-Seattle-Vancouver) Hiawatha Service (Chicago-Milwaukee) Empire Builder (Chicago-Seattle) Wolverine (Pontiac, Mich.-Chicago) Source: Amtrak Company Facts Riders 9.4M 2.7M 1.3M 918,241 823,097 799,879 627,664 580,333 497,020 438,529 Hosts five travel • Affiliate ofoutsideTravel. sellers. BCD • Member of Ensemble. • Privately held. • travel management con• Aiming to gain new customers. tracts from midmarket • Developed support relationships with a number of corporate travel departments and intends to continue expanding services in this area. Looking Ahead 50 AUSTIN TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $112.5 million Employees: 105 Previous Ranking: 48 265 Spagnoli Road, Melville, NY 11747 T (631) 465-1000 F (516) 390-6940 www.austintravel.com Executives CHAIRMAN/CEO: Larry Austin PRESIDENT/COO: Jeffrey Austin SENIOR VP, SALES: Jamie Austin SENIOR VP, IT: Stu Austin 2006 Developments 46 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y captivating No-limits nightlife. Alluring restaurants. Non-stop casino action. And always plenty to grab your full attention. 800.592.5627 treasureisland.com TRAVEL WEEKLY’S Power List 2007 million • $1.5parties. fulfilled by agency for third • $25 million in sales through outside travel sellers. • ARC sales of $68.1 million. 45% of sales from business, • 52%leisure, 3% meetings and infrom 51 MONTROSE TRAVEL 2006 Sales: $103.8 million Employees: 154 Previous Ranking: 47 2349 Honolulu Ave. Montrose, CA 91020 T (818) 553-3200 or (800) MONTROSE F (818) 550-6672 www.montrosetravel.com 50 • • • • • Company Facts Minton MANAGER, GROUP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Patti Jenkins MANAGER, AFFINITY GROUP AND CREDIT UNION BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Lisa Fredeen $57.1 million. • ARC sales ofbusiness 39%; leisure • Sales fromcard loyalty program, 29%; credit groups, meetings, incentives and home-based agents 32%. Launched Online Royalty/Points Rewards booking engine to support seven rewards program platforms for credit card loyalty programs. Relaunched CURewards.com. Launched online incentives business. 300% growth in home-based agent business. Escondido, CA 92025 T (760) 233-7630 www.americasvacationcenter.com Executives CO-PRESIDENT: Brad Anderson CO-PRESIDENT: Van Anderson CIO: David Anderson VP, MARKETING: Jeffrey Anderson VP, AGENT SERVICES: Michael Anderson 2006 Developments centives. Continued to enhance Embark, the company’s corporate travel portal. Added on-demand reports that identify who is traveling, who will be traveling in the next few days and the locations of all travelers. Expanded remote agent capability so that 70% of reservations center agents are now remote. Doubled the number of customers using online booking tools and the number of reservations being done online. Doubled business for FareDesk. • • • • 2006 Developments Executives CEO/PRESIDENT: Joe McClure CFO: Julie McClure PRESIDENT, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS AND HOMEBASED AGENT DIVISION: Andi McClure GENERAL MANAGER: Rhonda Holguin MANAGER, ACCOUNTING: Kathy Nolan MANAGER, LEISURE SALES AND MARKETING: Jamie Hoff MANAGER, LEISURE AND HONEYMOON DIVISIONS: Kate Bernier MANAGER, COMMERCIAL AND LOYALTY DIVISIONS: Miguel Marquez MANAGER, GROUPS, MEETINGS AND INCENTIVES DIVISION: Melissa Truskett MANAGER, COMMERCIAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Stephanie Company Facts • Hosts 102 outside travel sellers. HRG. • Affiliate ofof Travel Member • Management Alli• ance. Privately held. • Hosted 143 outside travel sellers. • Privately held. 52 (tie) AMERICA’S VACATION CENTER Looking Ahead continue working on Em• Willadding dashboard and emerbark, gency-handling capabilities. Taking advantage of HRG affiliation to add international business of major accounts. • 2006 Sales: $100 million Employees: 50-plus support team members Previous Ranking: N/A 520 W. Valley Parkway 2 5 unche • L aProtect,d AVC a program to m a ke h e a l t h care available to affiliated independent agents. site. • 100% of sales from leisure. site, a • Launched My AVC Web own consumer site based on AVC’s Company Facts Nearly all sales from hosting outside agents. 300-plus independently owned and operated affiliates. American Express affiliate. Privately held. • • • • Looking Ahead Florida. to open • Plans centers innew and larger support California and global in Vista, • Newwill be headquarterstwice the Calif., more than • AVC Universityalaunching Travel Executive Forum, free online sem• size of present office. CLAIM YOUR DOMAIN As the Internet’s exclusive travel domain, .travel is revolutionizing online travel. Attend the .travel Lunchtime Webinar and learn how .travel can help you better reach consumers online and become more effective in branding and marketing your travel business to improve your Internet visibility and sales. inar series. Will enhance Agent Power, AVC’s proprietary agency software, including live inventory, CRM and automatic commission tracking. 52 (tie) GLOBAL TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL 2006 Sales: $100 million (according to company Web site) Employees: N/D Previous Ranking: N/A 2600 Lake Lucien Drive, Suite 201 Maitland, FL 32751 T (800) 951-5979 www.globaltravel.com Executives Premiering July 17, 2 PM EST Reserve your spot today at www.travelweekly.com/webinars CHAIRMAN/CEO: Randall Warren PRESIDENT/CEO: Michael Gross Company Facts countries. Privately held. inde• Has tens of thousands ofand 85 pendent agents in 50 states • 48 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M GIVE YOUR CLIENTS A VACATION THAT WILL EASE THEIR MIND, BODY AND SOUL. NOT TO MENTION THEIR WALLETS. Book them into participating Fiesta Americana Grand and Fiesta Americana resorts in MEXICO. Not only will they enjoy first-class accommodations, personal service and fun activities, they will love the great rates and 25% off all food and beverage. Coral Beach Los Cabos FROM $181* FROM $189* Condesa Cancun Cozumel Dive Resort Puerto Vallarta Villas Acapulco FROM $135* FROM $ 77* FROM $125* FROM $ 99* RESERV ATIONS: 1 800 FIESTA 1 fiestamericana.com * Guestroom rates quoted per room, per night - double occupancy. Offer valid for bookings made by 7/31/07 for travel period 4/01 – 12/21/07. Taxes, gratuities and other service charges not included. Offers are subject to availability at time of booking and do not apply to group reservations. Other restrictions may apply; see website for complete offer details. THE BEST OF THE CARIBBEAN DOUBLE YOUR EXPOSURE Promote your business in Travel Weekly’s The Best of the Caribbean guide. For the price of a single, full- or half-page ad in The Best of the Caribbean, advertisers receive corresponding advertorial space, giving you twice the coverage. · Reach 180,000 top travel professionals • Bonus advertorial space · Published twice a year · Digital version available Travel professionals refer to these guides throughout the year for information regarding the best products, packages, activities, a ractions and services in the Caribbean. Don’t miss your chance—call now! ISSUE DATE OCTOBER 8 CLOSE DATE JULY 26 Contact your Travel Weekly sales representative or Hazel Lyons, hlyons@travelweekly.com or 201.902.1992 LEGAL BRIEFS If pact says you’re not an agent, cruise line can’t dictate prices Mark Pestronk is a Washington-based lawyer specializing in travel law. His Legal Briefs column appears regularly in Travel Weekly. A cruise line has presented our agency with a new contract offering high commissions and overrides. We would like to sign, but the contract contains some peculiar clauses. In one place it says that we are not an agent of the cruise line, and in another place it says that we must sell only at the prices dictated by the cruise line, with no discounting allowed. The same contract makes us liable for deposits, final payments and cancellation fees due from our clients even if the clients don’t pay or get their credit card charges refunded. Is it legal for us to sign such a contract? Q: You could send a copy of this column to your sales rep and the vice president for travel agency sales, along with a list of proposed changes to the agreement that would make it consistent with either agency status or nonagency middleman status, depending on what agreement you and the cruise line can reach. Finally, I’m sure that the following question has occurred to clever readers: If I just go ahead and sign the illegal agreement, can I ignore the anti-discounting clauses, as they are unenforceable? The answer is that you can legally ignore them, but you need to be cautious because the cruise line might try to terminate the agreement. Then all you could do is sue for an injunction reinstating it, which would probably make the cruise line decide not to renew it next year. To submit a question for Legal Briefs, email Mark Pestronk at mark@pestronk.com. A: No, it is not legal. Signing the contract you describe could create civil and even criminal liability under the antitrust laws for both the cruise line and your agency. The Sherman Antitrust Act has been interpreted by the courts to mean that a supplier such as a cruise line cannot dictate the prices at which a middleman may offer the supplier’s products and services to the public. Such resale price maintenance is considered to be price-fixing by the supplier and the middleman. For the travel industry, the sole exception to the rule is the principal-agent relationship. When the middleman sells as agent for the supplier, the supplier is free to control the level of pricing and the terms and conditions of the sale. The DOJ and FTC would love to pounce on any evidence of price-fixing. By stating in the fine print that your agency is not an agent of the cruise line, the contract goes part of the way to negating your agency status. By making you responsible for paying the cruise line if your clients don’t pay, the contract goes the rest of the way toward making you a nonagent middleman. So, you should not sign any contract that states that the supplier has the right to dictate prices unless the contract clearly states that you are an agent. The U.S. Justice Department, the Federal Trade Commission and numerous class-action attorneys are watching the cruise industry, given its highly concentrated ownership. They would probably love to pounce on any evidence of price-fixing. I realize that you have a practical problem in calling these matters to the attention of the cruise line. Your sales rep will either have no idea what you are talking about or pretend to have none, and your agency does not have enough clout with upper management to get its attention. W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 51 T ES D ION AT IN S In 2006, 100,000 U.S. travelers visited Morocco; the country hopes to double that figure in three years. Morocco to seek resort guests with money to spend nature, Maaninou noted. amount in the coming year. Of the 70,000 hotel beds Morocco had in “The funds will be spent reaching the 2001, 80% were located in “cultural destinatrade and building a trade database to be tions,” or cities such as Fez, Casablanca and more pragmatic and catch their customMarrakech. ers.” The MNTO wants to shift the tourism He said that agencies affiliated with Virmix to 55% sun-and-fun vs. 45% cultural. tuoso and American Express were primary However, it is not interested in mass-martargets. ket, packaged beach holidays of the type “The people who are going to Morocco found in Tunisia, Jamaica and Turkey. are really sophisticated customers,” said “Often, the more people you have visitMaaninou. “They are high-income, univering, the less money you earn per person,” sity-educated and newspaper readers. We said Maaninou. “To bring 100,000 Germans know the type of people who are interested in for less than $400 a week, including air in vacationing in Morocco, so we’re doing fare and food — we will not do that.” very targeted marketing.” Instead, Moroccan tourism officials are In 2006, 100,000 U.S. travelers visited targeting the big spenders. To date, they’ve Morocco; the MNTO hopes to double that had some success growing both traffic and figure in three years. tariffs. “It seems a high target, but we’re talking “In 2001, the average income from each to people, media and the trade, and Moof our tourist was 800 euros [approximately rocco is really on the radar,” said Maaninou. $1,075],” Maaninou said. “Today, it is 1,100 “People want to go. They want something euros [$1,485] so we have different.” not only more tourists Visits to Morocco have but also more money. risen from 4 million in “Tunisia is not an up2002 to 6.6 million last market market,” he addyear. In the first quarter — Rachid Maaninou, MNTO ed. “We receive the same of 2007, the destination number of tourists, but posted 12% year-over-year we earn 2.5 times the revenue.” growth. This May, the MNTO ran a trade and Targeted marketing in the U.S. media junket to spread the word in the Along those lines, this year the MNTO U.S. again began courting U.S. travelers, typical“We were here to talk to tour operators to ly among the biggest spenders worldwide, give them new ideas and to bring them to for the first time in a decade. Morocco is Morocco to see for themselves,” said Maantrying to rebuild U.S. arrivals, which pluminou. “When we have enough product on meted by half in the wake of 9/11. the map, we’ll go talk to travel agents with “After 9/11, the numbers from the U.S. e-training programs because if they don’t dropped completely, and we’re just coming know the destination, they won’t sell it.” back,” said Maaninou. “We were at 120,000 In addition to the U.S., the MNTO is exper year in 2000 and early 2001 but were at panding tourism marketing from its Westjust 60,000 in 2002 and 2003.” ern European core, which accounts for 80% The tourism office is spending an initial of visits, to farther-flung source markets $850,000 or so of its $72 million marketing such as Russia and Scandinavia. budget to court wealthy U.S. travelers on In the States, the tourism board is fothe East Coast. cusing on the Northeast because nonstop “That’s just a beginning,” he said. “It’s flights to Casablanca are available out of difficult to do anything in the U.S. for unNew York on Royal Air Maroc. The flight is Continued on Page 55 der $10 million. We’re going to increase this Qatari businessmen are investing $2 billion in Tangier, where a new port for cargo will free up existing ports at Tangier and Casablanca for leisure vessels. By Kenneth Kiesnoski According to Rachid Maaninou, international markets director at the Moroccan National Tourist Office, the upscale coastal developments will help the country attract more affluent vacationers looking for sun and fun with a dash of culture. “Morocco has no oil, but we have sun and a [strong] native culture, so we decided to make tourism our principal industry,” he W ith three years left in its decade-long Vision 2010 tourism development program, Morocco is focusing on quality, then quantity. The game plan is to grow annual international arrivals to 10 million and to open six luxury resorts along the country’s Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. said. “We started to build six new resorts last January in order to triple the capacity of beds of international standards to 230,000 by 2010. We are developing these resorts with international partners.” Before the launch of the so-called Azur Plan to build the six beach resorts, Morocco had just 3.5 miles of developed coastline. Most tourism was urban and cultural in ‘Morocco is really on the radar.’ LUXURY TRAVEL Over 30 Years of Experience Knowledgeable Travel Specialists and Business Development Managers to help you grow your business ▼ WE’RE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF “THEIR STAY” At Classic Vacations® we help you create custom luxury travel experiences for your clients. Discover Classic Excellence. Extraordinary Value Premium room categories including suites at top-tier, luxury properties ~ all at the most competitive prices Unparalleled Service VIP treatment, 24/7 in-travel customer support, service on a variety of airlines and access to unique activities and tours Hawaii Mexico Caribbean Europe Tahiti Australia New Zealand | | | | | | www.classicforagents.com 1.800.221.3949 © 2007 Classic Vacations, LLC. All rights reserved. Classic Vacations, Classic, and the Bird of Paradise logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks in the U.S. and/or other countries. CST: 2079429-50. 52 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M We started the revolution. And now, we’ve spun in a whole new direction. New nightlife and dining, the most incredible pool scene in Vegas, and LOVE, the new show from The Beatles and Cirque du Soleil. For room reservations, call 866.250.2436 or 702.791.7444 • Fax 702.791.7446 For more information, visit mirage.com ‘Agents are often surprised to see that we have a lot of high-end properties.’ — Nico Zenner, Travel Bound Travel Bound meets demand for high-end product in Europe By Kenneth Kiesnoski T ▼ ravel Bound is expanding its upscale product in Europe, marrying luxury accommodations with add-ons such as private transfers and exclusive sightseeing tours. L UT RXA VUE LR Y Posh in Paris A recent upscale itinerary to Paris arranged by Travel Bound included private airport transfers, luxury accommodations with breakfast and all-day sightseeing. Upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, I was greeted at baggage claim by a Travel Bound representative, who collected luggage and delivered it to a chauffeur waiting in the arrivals area. The comfortable transfer by luxury sedan into central Paris and the centrally located, five-star Hotel Regina near the Tuileries took place to the accompaniment of classical music. The VIP transfer, which has been available for about a year, is not widely advertised because it is more expensive than regA VIP sedan transfer from Charles de Gaulle Airport to a Paris hotel is $385; a regular sedan transfer is $126.50. For all the exclusivity of a sedan or limo transfer, Travel Bound reminds clients, high-end or not, to keep practicality in mind. “We recommend that travel agents look at not just the number of people but the amount of luggage,” said Zenner. “Americans tend to travel with a lot of baggage. Sometimes they need to settle for a larger vehicle.” Private transfers are available from Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. After a night at the Regina (see Room Key), a top-selling Paris hotel for Travel Hotel Metropole and the Hermitage in Monte Carlo. “Agents are often surprised to see that we have a lot of high-end properties,” said Nico Zenner, vice president, sales and marketing for Travel Bound, which sells exclusively through travel agencies. Luxury travel accounts for no more than 15% of company sales, according to Zenner, but he said it’s a segment that is likely to be more important going forward. “With our Virtuoso, American Express TW PHOTO BY KENNETH KIESNOSKI The tour operator, which has traditionally pursued the middle market, has grown its inventory of luxury hotels, including the Hotel de Crillon and Four Seasons George V in Paris; the Bayerischer Hof and Kempinski Vier Jahreseiten in Munich; and the and some Vacation.com agency partners, we don’t underestimate the power of customers increasingly walking in and asking to stay at the higher-end hotels,” he said. “It’s a trend we keep a close eye on, and every year we’re adding more high-end properties as well as more room types within individual hotels.” In addition to the luxury hotels, Travel Bound offers private transfers, car rentals, air, rail, sightseeing and air-hotel vacation packages. ular transfers, said Zenner. He added that selling VIP transfers was “a good way for agents to set themselves apart from competitors.” Elements of an upscale Paris stay from Travel Bound may include a sightseeing tour to a Loire Valley chateau such as Chenonceau. Bound, it was time for an all-day tour of chateaus, or castles, of the Loire Valley with Cityrama, a sightseeing company with headquarters next to the hotel on the Place des Pyramides. The 12-hour motorcoach tour took in castles at Chambord, Chenonceau and Cheverny. “The Loire Valley chateau tour is pretty unique and at the higher end of such sightseeing opportunities,” said Zenner. “We recommend clients book sightseeing tours through us because some of the hottest attractions around Europe do sell out,” he added. “The tours are a mix of one-of-akind, high-end opportunities and middleof-the-road, inexpensive, hop-on, hop-off experiences.” Travel Bound does not sell much air or rail. “Air is not what we specialize in,” Zenner said. “Any type of land arrangement or added service is what we excel in.” Agents can search for hotel offerings at BookTravelBound.com by price range, from $50 to $1,000 or more per night, or by six categories of hotels from “tourist” to “superior deluxe.” “We are constantly adding new hotels; we don’t keep a running list of them,” said Zenner. “But there must be a good dozen [high-end] hotels in Paris alone.” For more information, visit www.book travelbound.com or call (800) 808-9541. ROOM KEY HOTEL REGINA The Hotel Regina is a top seller in Paris for Travel Bound. WIN A HAWAIIAN GETAWAY FOR TWO! Getaway includes airfare for two to Kauai and 4 nights at ResortQuest Kauai Beach. ADDRESS: 2 Place des Pyramides, 75001 Paris, France PHONE: (011) 33-14 260-3110 FAX: (011) 33-14 015-9516 WEB: www.regina-hotel.com E-MAIL: management@regina-hotel .com RATES: About $473 to $3,983 per night OPENED: 1900 ROOMS/SUITES: 120 FACILITIES: Restaurant, bar, business center, meetings/banquet rooms AMENITIES: WiFi Internet; flat-screen, satellite TV with Internet; minibar; inroom safe REVIEW: The upscale yet intimate Hotel Regina is a Parisian classic, ideally located at the confluence of Rue de Rivoli, Rue des Pyramides, Palais Royal and Tuileries Gardens, one block from the Tuileries Metro station. Rooms, outfitted in traditional decor, offer 21st century amenities. Hotel staff are professional, courteous and approachable. — K.K. Enter to win at www.travelweekly.com/hawaii 54 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M Royal Air Maroc is increasing its service out of New York. Morocco beach resorts in the works Continued from Page 52 approximately 6.5 hours. Royal Air Maroc is increasing it service out of Kennedy to nine flights weekly. There is also a plethora of airline connections via major European air hubs such as London, Madrid and Paris, thanks to the open-skies treaty Morocco concluded with the European Union in 2005. “In the past two years, we’ve had 25 new airlines, including low-cost carriers such as EasyJet and Ryanair, coming to Morocco,” Maaninou said. “In 2005 there was one flight a day from London. Today, there are seven.” Of the six beach resorts in development under the Azur Plan, five are upscale. The other, and furthest along in development, is the family-oriented Mediterrania Saidia, set to open in 2009 with nine hotels with 8,000 beds, a 12-mile boardwalk, a 700berth marina and three golf courses. The developments include: Port Lixus: Twenty-five miles south of Tangier, Lixus will have 5,190 new hotel beds, a marina, two golf courses and a sports and leisure complex. “This resort is dedicated to relaxation, spa and wellness,” said Maaninou. “The region is well known for hunting, so it’s a more sophisticated product than Saidia.” Mazagan: In El Jadida, 25 miles from Casablanca, Kerzner International — owner of Atlantis in the Bahamas — will spearhead a seaside resort dedicated to gambling and entertainment, according to Maaninou. The first hotel will open in 2009. Mogador Essaouira: Situated near Marrakech and the beach town of Essaouira, this upscale resort will be developed by three European developers, including Accor. “It will be dedicated to golf, spa and wellness,” said Maaninou. Mogador Essaouira will feature a spa, nautical center, two golf courses, 10 hotels with 4,270 beds and 150 guesthouses with 1,000 beds. nation beach-desert destination. “Within these six resorts, begun in 2003, we will have 130,000 new beds in resorts of the latest generation coming on line from Continued on Page 56 Taghazout, a new Moroccan resort near Agadir, will feature horseback-riding trails. • • • Developers from Dubai are investing $5 billion in Rabat and $2 billion in a mountain ski resort at Oukaimeden. Perfectly redesigned courses. Perfectly happy clients. As part of our $100 million resort transformation, our championship golf courses have been completely redesigned by World Golf Hall of Famer Raymond Floyd. Now, we invite your clients to tee it up with our “Fore the Love of Golf” package. • Taghazout: Los Angeles-based Colony Capital is heading development of this $2 billion complex near Agadir with a Canary Islands-based partner. The first hotel will open in 2009 or 2010, said Maaninou. Incoming four- and five-star brands are said to include Four Seasons, Raffles and Fairmont. (Colony Capital owns the Fairmont and Raffles brands.) Taghazout, at the southern end of Morocco’s Atlantic coast, will have 20,000 beds, two golf courses, two spas and horseback-riding trails. Plage Blanche: Ground has not yet been broken at Plage Blanche, which lies between Agadir and Sidi Ifni. According to Maaninou, Spanish developer Fadesa has been awarded a contract to build a combi- “Fore the Love of Golf” Package from • Newly redesigned, oversized guestroom • Daily buffet breakfast • Unlimited golf including green fees and cart $260* • Admission to Willow Stream Spa, fitness center and exercise classes • Substitute daily golf for one 60-minute spa treatment per day • Room tax and resort fee • Forecaddie for first morning round** • Preview lesson with a Golf Pro • Warm-up bucket of balls For reservations or information, call 1 888 270 2283, email tir.reservations@fairmont.com or visit www.fairmont.com/turnberryisle *Valid May 30 – September 21, 2007. Rates from $260 per person, per night, double occupancy in a Fairmont room. **Additional rounds can be arranged upon arrival. $30 forecaddie fee will apply for replay before 2:00 p.m. • Travel Agent Summer Value Preview Rate $89 Valid June 1 – September 30, 2007. Per room, per night, in a Fairmont room. Room tax and resort fee not included. Maximum of two rooms. Subject to availability. Must present Travel Agent ID at check-in. W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 55 ‘While we want people to visit us, we want them to respect us, as well.” — Rachid Maaninou, Moroccan National Tourist Office Resort developments pop up along Morocco coastline Continued from Page 55 2007 to 2011,” he said. “They will be environmentally friendly; hotels will only be one floor high, and only 20% of resort land will be developed.” In addition to the six Azur Plan initia- Gracious... Service Comes Naturally At Oceania Cruises, our warm and endearing staff provides the ultimate luxury for your clients...genuine hospitality that creates a state of unabashed comfort and ensures that they are relaxed and at ease. Our 400 staff members are driven by a passionate commitment to excellence which results in each of our 684 guests being lavished with service that is carried out with a painstaking attention to detail and the cheerful joie de vivre that is the hallmark of Oceania Cruises. At Island Travel, we believe the cornerstone of hospitality is service. We treat each and every client as a valued guest and Oceania Cruises shares our philosophy. Whenever we sell a client on the Oceania Cruises Experience, I’m assured they will receive the finest service in the world and will return to Island Travel and Oceania Cruises time and time again. tives, global investors are busy enhancing tourism infrastructure across Morocco. For example, developers from Dubai are investing $5 billion in Rabat and $2 billion in a mountain ski resort at Oukaimeden. Qatari businessmen are putting $2 billion into Tangier, where a new container port for cargo will free up existing ports at Tangier and Casablanca for leisure vessels. A new highway — and, eventually, the development of high-speed rail — between Tangier and Marrakech will take hours off intercity trips. In Marrakech, luxury hotel brands such as Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Beachcomber Royal Palm, Lucien Barriere Fouquet’s and Octagon are planning new properties. Investments in Morocco will total about $40 billion over 20 years, according to Maaninou. The Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech. Will it sell? Morocco may build it, but will Americans come? Given the rise in anti-U.S. sentiment across the Islamic world, Maaninou acknowledged that American travelers might be hesitant to vacation in what’s perceived to be a Middle Eastern destination. However, Morocco is historically counted among the most cosmopolitan and diverse Muslim nations. “Morocco is a very tolerant country,” said Maaninou. “It’s a country, for example, where Jews and Muslims have lived together for centuries with few problems. We don’t say there are no problems in Morocco, but we face them.” Gracious L UT RXA VUE LR Y Jim Buckley Island Travel South Carolina JUN0719 Ships’ Registry: Marshall Islands. 2008 European Brochure now available. order at http://agent.OceaniaCruises.com or call 800-531-5658. As a parliamentary monarchy, Morocco is ruled by secular law. Hence, alcohol is available to non-Muslim visitors at all times. That said, the MNTO encourages Western vacationers to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural norms, said Maaninou. “We have launched a huge program of responsible tourism because while we want people to visit us, we want them to respect us, as well,” he said. “We have our own culture and religion, and there are things tourists should not do. For example, you can drink, but you shouldn’t be completely inebriated on the street.” Alcohol is available everywhere, but no sales are permitted after 7 p.m. in supermarkets. Also, visiting women generally may dress as they wish in public. For more information, visit www.visit morocco.com or call (407) 264-0133. ▼ 56 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M ‘We must trumpet our strengths, put life back into Caribbean promotion.’ — Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, CTO New organization looks to tackle marketing challenges By Gay Nagle Myers L ow-cost air transportation, the efficient delivery of information, the elimination of impediments to sustainable growth and the guarantee of positive visitor experiences are key marketing challenges and goals of the Caribbean region, according to Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, secretary general of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. ribbean promotion and reinforce the region’s diversity. If we don’t have visitors leaving the region saying it’s great, then we have failed,” Vanderpool-Wallace said. “CTDC represents cooperation and coordination across the board between the public sector, represented by CTO, and the private sector, which is CHA. We’ll have more efficient use of marketing funds, and we’ll have a greater presence and dominance in the media,” he said. Key issues include: Air transportation. “There are too few seats with too high prices and too few connections. We need fares that are competitive. We’re asking governments to adopt our recommended solution of open skies to the Caribbean and standardized civil aviation rules.” The launch in September of an official Caribbean Web site will feature listings of destinations in Continued on Page 61 “Our focus is to build the Caribbean brand one phenomenal experience at a time,” Vanderpool-Wallace said in his keynote speech at the 14th annual Caribbean Marketing Workshop, one of the industry events held during Caribbean Week in New York. Taking on that assignment is the new Caribbean Tourism Development Co., a marketing and business-development unit owned equally by the CTO and the Caribbean Hotel Association. The CTDC was announced in June 2005, approved a year later and legally formed in December 2006. “Now we are ready to go,” the secretary general said. With its mandate to own, protect, promote, enhance and advance the Caribbean brand, the CTDC has redefined the Caribbean’s marketing aim in light of the changing face of tourism marketing in the region. “We mu s t t r u m p e t o u r strengths, put life back into Ca- • New York’s South Street Seaport was the venue for the all-day Caribbean Fair, one of many events hosted throughout Caribbean Week. • CA R I B B E A N ▼ Caribbean Week was a busy one Events during the annual Caribbean Week held recently in New York included speeches, panel sessions, cricket matches, beach volleyball, gospel singing, wedding ceremonies, concerts, culinary demonstrations, town hall meetings, a children’s village and a Caribbean street fair. The Jamaica Tourist Board hosted a tourism awards luncheon and presented Jacqueline Johnson, president of Jacqueline Johnson & Associates, with the Marcella Martinez Award for “unparalleled achievement in the design and implementation of successful programs to strengthen and support Caribbean tourism.” The Jamaican-born Johnson represents Conde Nast Bridal Media, which includes five bridal publications and two bridal Web sites. Aloun N’Dombet Assamba, Jamaica’s minister of tourism, entertainment and culture, said that Johnson “has devoted most of her career to promoting the Caribbean and its people.” The Marcia Vickery-Wallace award, named after the former editor of Brides magazine for her dedication in promoting the Caribbean region, recognized travel writer Joe Yogerst for his writings on the culture of the Caribbean. Special recognition awards also went to Alec Sanguinetti, chairman and CEO of the Caribbean Hotel Association, and to Hugh Riley, director of marketing, Americas, for the Caribbean Tourism Organization. The event-filled week culminated with the 34th annual Governments of the Caribbean state ball at the Waldorf-Astoria. New this year was a series of beach volleyball qualifying matches, which was a prelude to the first Caribbean Beach Volleyball Championship Tournament in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico, on Nov. 3 and 4. — G.N.M. W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 57 ‘We have sunk a lot of pylons already, with many more to come.’ — Bryan Guillot, Baha Mar Resorts Baha Mar takes first step with debut of Sheraton Cable Beach By Gay Nagle Myers “It’s our first step,” said Bryan Guillot, Baha Mar’s chief marketing officer. “We have sunk a lot of pylons already, with many more to come.” The opening of the Sheraton is the first phase of a project that calls for the development of a megaresort on Cable Beach. Baha Mar’s partners in the joint venture are Harrah’s Entertainment and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. “This first phase is critical because it is an indication of what the total product will represent,” Guillot said. T he Sheraton flag was unfurled on Cable Beach in Nassau, Bahamas, on June 12, a milestone event for Baha Mar Resorts. CAR I BBEA N The 694-room Sheraton Cable Beach Resort, formerly a Radisson, was “taken down to the concrete in the renovations,” according to Guillot. Each guest room cost $100,000 to renovate. All rooms have a balcony or patio with ocean views, high-speed Internet access, LCD flat-screen TVs, walk-in showers, large desks, ergonomic chairs and signature Sheraton Sleeper beds. The resort has seven acres of gardens, three pools with waterfalls, a swim-up bar, oversize Jacuzzis, four restaurants, two lounges, four tennis courts, 25,000 square feet of meetings facilities, a business center and a Kids Club. The Sheraton joins its neighbor, the 550room Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino, as part of the Cable Beach Resorts family. Both are owned by Baha Mar Development Co. Together, the resorts form one complex offering cross-property amenity privileges to guests, including the Cable Beach Resorts Golf Club. Still to come in Baha Mar’s grand plan are a 1,000-room Caesars Palace, a 300-room W, a 300-room St. Regis and a 700-room Westin. “We’ve tried to cover all markets in this product development,” Guillot said. “The Sheraton and the Wyndham target the The Sheraton Cable Beach Resort in Nassau, formerly a Radisson, opened on June 12, marking the first phase in the development of the Baha Mar project. At the flagraising were, from left, Robert Sands, Baha Mar Resorts; Kevin Regan, Starwood Hotels & Resorts; Sarkis Izmirlian, Baha Mar Resorts; Hans Altenhoff, Sheraton Cable Beach Resort; Don Robinson, Baha Mar Resorts; and Neko Grant, Bahamas minister of tourism. midrange price level. The W aims for the hip-and-cool market, the Westin for the meetings segment, the St. Regis for the high-end traveler and Caesars for the gambling crowd.” The facilities of each hotel will be available to guests at all the hotels with the exception of the St. Regis, whose pool will be for the exclusive use of its guests. Marketing the Starwood brands (St. Regis, Westin, W and Sheraton) will be a big part of selling the resort, Guillot said. “We want travelers to think of Baha Mar as a destination where they will stay at one of the properties there. We want them in the mind-set of, ‘I’m going to Baha Mar, I’m staying at W’, for example,” he said. For travel agents, selling Baha Mar will be an “educational challenge,” Guillot said. “Baha Mar is a place to relax or to invigorate, depending upon how active a guest chooses to be,” he said. “The knowledgeable agents will help the traveler sort out that decision.” Guillot said the resort will sell all-inclusive stays. “Sheraton is offering an all-inclusive option, and we are developing one for Wyndham guests, as well,” he said. As for the competition posed by nearby Atlantis Paradise Island, also a behemoth in terms of size, scope and facilities, Guillot said that Baha Mar “competes on a more global basis.” “In the end, we all need to grow business to the destination, not to just one resort project,” he said. Airlift is a critical factor now and in the future, according to Guillot. He’s pleased that an airport upgrade will be taking place in Nassau. Guillot said Baha Mar was “a big vision” and hinted that the project could be replicated in other destinations. There are a lot of pylons to be sunk before that happens, however. ▼ fiesta americana grand Coral Beach, Cancun The Mandarin Oriental at Barefoot Beach is scheduled to open in 2009. Sustainable tourism at forefront in Caymans By Melanie Reffes Air arrivals through April totaled 113,822, an 8.3% increase over last year, according to statistics compiled by the Caribbean Tourism Organization. To meet the challenges of increased arrivals and emerging environmental concerns, the National Tourism Policy is being updated and new marine conservation laws are in place to protect coral reefs. “Our existing environmental legislation dates back to the 1970s, and in some instances, these laws do not address present challenges,” said Charles Clifford, the Cayman Islands’ minister of tourism, environment, investment and commerce. Clifford was addressing delegates at the Sustainable Tourism Conference held in Grand Cayman last month. Created after Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the National Tourism Policy is under review by the public and private sectors with a final report to be issued in September. “Sustainable tourism development will I ncreases in air arrivals, new laws aimed at protecting the environment and the promotion of new tourist attractions is keeping the Cayman Islands busy. be the bedrock of the policy to address concerns, such as how we present a distinctive Caymanian experience,” Clifford said. One of those distinctive experiences can be found at Boatswain’s Beach, a marine park that is an expansion of the Cayman Turtle Farm. Also new is the Mission House in Bodden Town, which tells the story of Caymanian religious and social history. The Mission House is also an example of traditional Cayman Islands architecture. Opening next year in Grand Cayman’s Lower Valley is the Agri-Tourism Project, which will serve as an education center for the preservation, promotion and development of agriculture as well as the craft and culinary heritage of the Cayman Islands. Other Grand Cayman developments in the works include Camana Bay in West Bay, which will open this fall with office space, cinemas, shops, restaurants and apartments overlooking the water. Resorts on the drawing board include the 114-room Mandarin Oriental on Barefoot Beach, scheduled to open in 2009, and the Caribbean Club on Seven Mile Beach, which will reopen later this year after extensive renovations. Also on Seven Mile Beach but still not fully operational, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman remains stuck in legal red tape following Hurricane Ivan damage from 2004. Meanwhile, the resort’s Beach Suites complex has been open for some time. “I am a bit frustrated by the situation, but there is very little the government can do because it is an insurance matter,” Clifford said. Elite Island Resorts formed a marketing partnership with the 130-room Sunshine Suites, across from the Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa on Seven Mile Beach. Cruise arrivals through April stood at 853,600, which represented 70% of all visitors to the Cayman Islands and was 3% above the numbers for the same period in 2006. To ease congestion in George Town when several cruise ships are at anchor at the same time, the government enacted the Go East project. The project is described as a cruise management tool that steers visitors to attractions such as Pedro Castle and the Queen Elizabeth Botanical Park on the less-populated east side of the island. Cayman Airways began nonstop service from New York’s Kennedy Airport on June 24 and may add flights for the winter season, according to Clifford. Hyatt’s Beach Suites complex in Grand Cayman is open, but the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman remains closed. The resort has been shuttered since Hurricane Ivan struck in 2004. If grandeur is your destiny, The Grand is your destination. Is it possible to mix modern luxury with classically regal treatment? Yes. It is. Indulge your clients with the sophisticated serenity of luxurious surroundings, set against a backdrop of Mexican hospitality like they’ve never known. It’s service delivered with an attention to detail reminiscent of the grand hotels of yesterday. Such is the magic of Fiesta Americana Grand. f i e s ta m e r i c a n ag r a n d.com · -   - f i e s ta- cancun · guadalajar a · los cabos · mexico city TW PHOTO BY GAY NAGLE MYERS ‘The Caribbean region is underperforming.’ — Allen Chastanet, CTO chairman Tourism pros feel the urgency to market their product better By Gay Nagle Myers A t a panel discussion during the Caribbean Marketing Workshop in New York, moderator Glenn Bean, director of sales and marketing, North America for the Bermuda Department of Tourism, posed the following question to the panelists: “What do we need to do differently in tourism marketing?” Their answers revealed not only their passion for the Caribbean and their resolve to rework strategies but also their determination to hold fast to culture, tradition and heritage. The panelists included Aloun N’Dombet Assamba, minister of tourism, entertainment and culture for Jamaica, and Allen Chastanet, minister of tourism and transportation for St. Lucia and chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization. Assamba: Our focus is the visitor experience. If our visitors do not have a good experience in Jamaica, they will not return. More than 45% of our business each year comes from repeat visitors. What distinguishes our sun, sand and sea from other islands is our attractions, and this sector has to receive the same incentives as the hotel sector. We market our culture, we sell our experiences, and in the end it comes down to the connections made between visitors and the Jamaican people that seals the deal. Chastanet: We must establish a vision. I told our tourist board to develop a brand that will make visitors want to come to St. Lucia. We must look at the process to see why things are working or not At a panel session during Caribbean Week were, from left, Aloun N’Dombet Assamba, Jamaica’s tourism minister; Allen Chastanet, CTO chairman and St. Lucia’s tourism minister; and Edward Lewis, Essence magazine. The moderator (standing) was Glenn Bean, Bermuda Department of Tourism. working and find the areas where there are gaps. Travelers are more experienced now and are using many resources to research their trips, such as Trip Advisor. Tour operators and hoteliers are no longer in control. The Caribbean has lost market share in the past 15 years. We are not growing as fast as other markets, such as Dubai and Las Vegas, for example, which have made quantum leaps in attracting visitors. The Caribbean is one word with multiple cultures. We must be able to define these cultures. Technology and brand drive the marketplace. We take too long to figure out solutions and resolutions to problems. Bean: What is obsolete in marketing? What should we embrace in marketing? Assamba: We must never forget that our business is all about relationships, and that the travel agent continues to play a key role in these relationships. This business may be hightech, but it also is high-touch, and we need that balance. People always must be part of the product. Chastanet: The Caribbean region is underperforming. We have got to figure out how to have a regional marketing campaign, how to fund it and to deliver on the experience that everyone wants. The most powerful brand we have is the Caribbean. We have some very bold things to do in the next few months, and we will not let you down. 60 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M Destinations such as Jamaica, St. Lucia and the Dominican Republic have reported declining U.S. arrivals in 2007. Suspension of passport law pleases the region By Gay Nagle Myers he Caribbean Tourism Organization, representing 32 nations across the region, applauded the actions of the U.S. government to temporarily ease the passport requirements of U.S. air travelers returning to the U.S. through Sept. 30 if travelers can produce evidence that they have applied for but not received their passports. The CTO also said that a proposed law delaying the requirement that cruise passengers hold passports would help ease traveler frustration. That requirement, scheduled to take effect in January, could be pushed back to June 2009 due to a huge backlog of passport applications. The CTO urged that the law requiring U.S. air passengers to travel with a passport be delayed until June 2009, too. “The evidence now is overwhelming that tourism and commerce in the Caribbean region have suffered considerably as a result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative passport rules, as was predicted by the U.S.’ own study by the Customs and Border Protection in August 2006 as well as by a study by the World Travel and Tourism T Council,” said Allen Chastanet, CTO chairman and St. Lucia’s tourism minister. “By excluding the Caribbean from further delay in its implementation, the consequences will be severe.” Caribbean destinations such as Jamaica, St. Lucia and the Dominican Republic have experienced a declining number of U.S. visitors in the first four months of 2007, Chastanet said. CA R I B B E A N ▼ Cayman Summer Splash CTO’s head man addresses issues Continued from Page 57 rotating alphabetic order; a search feature by amenities and properties that gives equal billing “to a four-room inn on Tortola as it does to Atlantis on Paradise Island”; a Find an Agent section and booking engine; video selections; a currency converter; a vacation planner; and a Google Earth function that will display specific property locations. The Web address will be announced at the time of launch. Efficient distribution of pertinent information. “The biggest failure in the Caribbean is the dearth of information regarding visitors,” Vanderpool-Wallace said. He called for streamlining the processes used to obtain immigration data, sharing visitor evaluations and obtaining timely research on the financial performance of the tourism sector. Forestall, reduce and eliminate impediments to sustainable growth. “In a world increasingly concerned about the environment, the Caribbean must be seen as refuge: fresh air, naturally clean, green and serene,” he said. He urged a further extension beyond Sept. 30 of the recently eased passport entry requirements for U.S. air travelers (see story above) and advocated tax-free weeks for visitors to the region in September and October, traditionally slow travel periods during which hotel and attraction admission taxes would be waived. • Your clients can spend their summer on an island that truly lives up to its name – Grand Cayman. Take advantage of Cayman Summer Splash where 8 hotels feature 5 nights at the cost of 4 and kids stay free and eat free. Choose among over 250 scuba diving sites with shallow reefs and schooling fish, or sink your toes into 80-degree water perfect for snorkeling. Grand Cayman is the ultimate family getaway. Image courtesy of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. Used by permission. • visit usvtravelagents.com or call 800-455-0123 today W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 61 The soft opening for the Marley Resort & Spa is set for Aug. 20. Cove Atlantis, Marley Resort give the Bahamas some variety The architecture and exterior colors of the Cove Atlantis blend with the overall design of nearby Atlantis Paradise Island. By Eleanor M. Wilson T The Cove Atlantis It is dramatic, eye-catching and cost $300 million to build. Although the Cove Atlantis, the latest addition to the Atlantis complex on Nassau/Paradise Island, is separate from the main buildings, its pinkish-blue facade with tur- he Bahamas’ hotel product continues to diversify its offerings with the debut of one upscale resort for adult couples and another set to open in August that taps into the allure and legend of reggae icon Bob Marley. THE ANGUILLA the more bookings you make the better your chances. $30,000.00 SWEEPSTAKES SELL ANGUILLA AND WIN Each Month Qualify to dest USA Sandr aW Americ illiams C an a SereilceebratiEg g2le v int n 0yrs o Angui of lla agen t na me -SJU /AX A Anguill inat ion a WIN $2,000.00 CASH The Grand Prize minimum requirement 4 round trips on American Eagle from SJU to AXA per month WIN 5 NIGHTS AT BIRD OF PARADISE VILLA vacation package for a party of 5 which includes economy air travel & car rental. rets and spires blends with the style and design of the mammoth resort complex. The drama begins at the wide lobby, a high-ceilinged, open-air marble runway flanked by lily ponds and waterfalls. Woodwork and rows of metal sculptures complement the centerpieces, a series of square fountains that change color throughout the day. “We’ve created a combination of energetic decor; excellent foodand-beverage outlets, including the Mesa Grill by Bobby Flay; and the highest level of service,” said Jamie Bruce, senior vice president of sales for the Cove Atlantis. The resort’s $10 million marketing budget targets couples, in contrast to the family scene at Atlantis. The adult pool, named Cain at the Cove, has a hip vibe. There’s a poolside casino and bikini-clad drink servers. Rimming the pool deck are 20 private cabanas, renting for $450 per day. Cabana guests get butler service, an outdoor shower, an indoor powder room, a refrigerator and a plasma-screen TV with DVD player. Louvered walls open up on three sides, revealing poolside and beachside terraces. The Cove’s six room categories range from ocean suites to the two-story penthouse suite with an infinity bathtub. All units have separate living areas, spacious bathrooms, plasma TVs, Bose sound systems, wireless Internet and sea views. Guests staying in the suites on the concierge floors can go to the Club for special snack and drink service. Children under 12 are not permitted in the Club. The adult pool, named Cain at the Cove, has a hip vibe. There’s a poolside casino and bikini-clad drink servers. Each of the 16 themed rooms and suites is named after a Marley song, including Kaya, Jammin’, and One Love. There’s a Stir It Up bar, the Natural Mystic spa and a Simmer Down restaurant, where Rita shares her husband’s favorite recipes. In a small stone patio nook called the Uprising Tea Lounge, guests sip bush tea while having their nails done. Spa scrubs, wraps and massages feature natural herbs, many grown on property. The boutique is filled w ith Mar le y memorabilia, the works of Jamaican, Bahamian and African artisans, and daughter Cedella Marley’s Catch a Fire clothing line. For details and a preview, visit www.marleyresort.com. ROOM kEy THE COVE ATLANTIS, NASSAU Address: Box N-4777, Nassau, Bahamas reservAtions: (877) COVEVIP (278-3847) Web site: www.thecoveatlantis .com rooms: 600 suites in six categories rAtes: From $575 for a onebedroom ocean suite to $4,350 for a two-bedroom presidential suite, per room, per night, double (for midweek check-in Sundays through Wednesdays). FAcilities: 24-hour shuttle service to Atlantis with use of and access to all facilities, including 20 restaurants, the spa and the marine habitat. Marley Resort & Spa The Marley Resort & Spa on Cable Beach in Nassau is the former home of the family of Jamaican reggae icon Bob Marley. It is a piece of Jamaica dropped in the Bahamas, overseen by Bob’s daughter, Stephanie, and Bob Marley’s widow, Rita. The resort’s soft opening is set for Aug. 20. Bookings will be accepted from that date forward. FOR RULES AND INFORMATION LOG ON TO www.anguillaepals.com/sweepstakes 62 J u n e The ocean deluxe suites at the Cove Atlantis feature step-down living rooms. 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 w w w . t r a v e l w e e k l y . c o m Dolphins serve as ring bearers for day-cruise weddings that feature the Dolphin Encounter attraction in Nassau. Agents get tips for destination weddings at show By Eleanor M. Wilson Destination weddings are big business in the Bahamas. “We have the ideal setup,” said Ellison “Tommy” Thompson, deputy director general for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. “Couples get married in Nassau or on Grand Bahama Island, with family and guests present. Then they escape to one of our Out Islands for a private honeymoon.” At the first Bahamas Wedding & Honeymoon Symposium, held in May at Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort in Nassau, panelist Rebecca Grinnals, bridal consultant and chairman of the Caribbean Wedding Association, offered agents several promotional ideas for destination weddings: cottages on Love Beach add splash to a less formal event. Day cruises also are popular. Those that feature the Dolphin Encounter attraction in Nassau hold the wedding ceremony on a platform above the water, and the dolphins serve as ring bearers. Wedding cake designer Sylvia Weinstock was on hand to share her expertise with agents. Weinstock’s cakes, featuring deli- cate, spun-sugar flowers, begin at $500 for 20 to 25 persons. Wedding planner Preston Bailey was also there, offering four commissionable WeddingMoon packages managed by Sandals wedding coordinators. For more details on destination weddings in the Bahamas, call (800) 4-BAHAMAS or visit www.weddings.bahamas.com. The Bahamas hosted its first Weddings & Honeymoons Symposium last month at Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort in Nassau. Emphasize your ability to reduce the couple’s stress by handling all the details. Don’t ignore the groom. More than 80% of today’s grooms are full planning partners. Check wedding blogs for leads, send out newsletters and post your own blog. Send bridal clients and potential clients a “just back from” message after an agent fam trip and include photos. Package short “mini-moon” trips that enable couples to experience a destination before committing to booking their destination wedding or honeymoon. Ask clients about newly engaged friends and relatives. Don’t be bashful. Post kudos received from satisfied clients. The Bahamas Bridal Association’s membership of bakers, florists, limousine services, musicians, photographers, videographers, ministers and other wedding suppliers is another valuable contact. Agents accessing www.bahamas-bridal -association.com are assigned a service provider (at no cost) who coordinates with the agent and the client on the progress of each component used. Commissions are paid individually. Among several Grand Bahama wedding locations are Pelican Bay on the lagoon at Lucaya, the beachfront at the Westin & Sheraton at Our Lucaya and Old Bahama Bay at the Ginn Sur Mer Resort. Choice locations on Nassau/Paradise Island include Sandals Royal Bahamian, the Cloisters at One & Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island and the gardens at GrayCliff Inn. Compass Point’s bright, crayon-colored • • • • • • • Accommodati on! This year, your summer vacation can be even more fun than ever when you visit St. Lucia. Save up to 40% on your vacation and seize the opportunity to do all the exciting things you’ve been meaning to like a rainforest canopy ride or a hike up the world famous Pitons. Have your fill of the sumptuous multinational dining choices and nightlife. Or you can just relax at one of our spectacular beaches or Spas and do nothing at all. Collect your FREE Discount Card & Super Summer Savers Guide on entry to St. Lucia at the Airports & Marinas to SAVE BIG! North America Phone: 1 888 4 STLUCIA Fax: 212 867 2795 Email: stluciatourism@aol.com Contact your Travel Agent or log on to www.stlucia.org w w w . t r a v e l w e e k l y . c o m J u n e 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 63 Community involvement is key to ‘making our tourism product attractive to visitors.’ — Clarice Modeste Curwen Grenada’s new tourism chief aims to continue recovery By Gay Nagle Myers Clarice Modeste Curwen, Grenada’s new tourism minister, also holds portfolio responsibilities for culture, performing arts and civil aviation. But by the end of her first month in office, she knew that it would be the tourism function that would take most of her time. “Our government recognizes the importance of tourism and how it impacts Grenada and its people so directly on a daily basis,” Curwen said. Her top priority as tourism minister is to continue the focus set by her predecessor, Send your clients off to enjoy Barbados with US. Brenda Hood, who served in that post before, during and after Hurricane Ivan ravaged the island in 2004. “Grenada is in an exciting phase right now. We have gone forward after Ivan, we have continuity in government and we are attracting international investors and developers,” Curwen said. Community involvement is key to “maki n g o u r to u r i s m product attractive to our visitors,” she said. As an example, she cited an event called Fish Friday, begun in the aftermath of Ivan and now a popuClarice Modeste lar happening each Curwen Friday night in the Tourism Minister seaside village of St. Grenada John’s, halfway up the island’s west coast. “This brings locals and visitors together to the stalls where the fishermen cook and sell their fish, musicians gather and vendors sell their crafts under a large tent,” Curwen said. “It’s provided a source of income, economic activity and employment as well as a sense of fraternity for everyone.” One of the most visible signs of Grenada’s comeback from Ivan is the new Port Louis Project near the capital of St. George’s, begun in late 2006 by British entrepreneur Peter de Savary, who first visited Grenada as a young boy on a family vacation. When completed in several years, the complex will feature a 120-room, five-star hotel with spa; a 120-room, midrange property; estate lots; and residential units. The 350-slip marina, which can accommodate mega-yachts, and a wharfside restaurant already are in operation. Tapping into the sports tourism niche market is among the things on Curwen’s radar screen. “We have a new stadium that hosted the CARIBBEAN From water sports and golf to shopping and dining, a visit to Barbados can be as active - or as tranquil - as your clients desire. They’ll love the serene Caribbean waters and coral beaches for sunbathing and swimming or the Atlantic coastline, which is ideal for surfing and sailing. visit usvtravelagents.com or call 800-455-0123 today ©2007 US Airways, Inc. USV07-1016 International Cricket Cup matches, and now we want to maximize this facility,” she said. Developing the medical market also figures into Curwen’s plans, due in part to her earlier training as a physician, later followed by her three-year stint as minister of health. She’s interested in setting up a dialysis unit on the island for use by both locals and visitors. Among the issues she will be dealing with is the controversy over a proposed Four Seasons property to be built on the Mount Hartman Estate in the southern part of the island. At issue is the restricted status of an area encompassing 30% of the total land mass, which was designated a national bird sanctuary some years ago for the protection of the indigenous Grenada dove. “There were fears that the construction project would impact the bird sanctuary,” Curwen said. “The government … will ensure that any development will respect the present sanctuary.” ▼ 64 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M LaSource in south Grenada is due to reopen in December. Grenada continues to expand and renew tourism product By Gay Nagle Myers I • • • • n addition to developer Peter de Savary’s $500 million Port Louis project in St. George’s, Grenada’s tourism product continues to grow in the areas of accommodations, attractions, transportation and infrastructure. The property will have a spa, 20 guest rooms and gardens with every kind of fruit and vegetable that is grown on Grenada. Resorts are under development near Grenada’s capital city, St. George’s. Mount Cinnamon, another de Savary venture, is a $225 million project on Grand Anse Beach. It will feature a 200-room hotel, a pool, a clubhouse, restaurants, beach facilities, cricket fields, tennis courts and 21 luxury cottages and apartments that will be available for rent when not owner-occupied. Some of the cottages opened in time to host officials and visitors in Grenada for Cricket World Cup matches this past spring. The Prickly Bay Waterside residential development sits at the water’s edge of the L’Anse aux Epines Peninsula on Grenada’s south coast. The facility will offer a gym, a spa, a pool, dive services, meeting rooms and a business center. It is slated to open late this year. La Source, a 200-room resort on Pink Gin Beach near the airport on the south coast, has been closed since Hurricane Ivan hit in 2004. Insurance problems have delayed its renovation and reopening, which is now scheduled for December. Bacolet Bay on the east coast is anoth- The new Leaper’s Hill site offers visitors a history of Grenada and its people, customs and lifestyles. er residential development that will offer apartments and villas for purchase. Construction began in February. Levera, a 360-acre site on Grenada’s north coast, will feature a 250-room complex, including a 40-room boutique hotel and villas. The focus of the $112 million project is ecotourism. On-site activities will include turtle watching, horseback riding and hikes on nature trails. The Grand Etang Welcome Center and Park has been refurbished. Fort George, Fort Frederick, Annandale, Concorde Falls, the Dougaldston spice estate and the River Antoine rum distillery also have been renovated. In northern Grenada, the new Leaper’s Hill site offers visitors a history of Grenada and its people, customs and lifestyles. The Mount Edgecombe Plantation project is a restoration of a working plantation in St. Mark’s Parish on the west coast of the island. • • • • W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 65 Tokyo hopes for a boost in awareness from its bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Japan wants more visitors who don’t wear suits and ties By Mark Chesnut “The Tokyo metropolitan government is trying to increase the number of foreign visitors,” said Yuko Homma of the tourist promotion department at the Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau. In 2006, the Tokyo CVB traveled to New York, Chicago, Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, to produce events to encourage more visits, and they are considering a similar effort this year. T okyo has long been known as a business destination. But if the city government has its way, leisure travelers will increasingly consider it a vacation hot spot. “That has helped people to know what Tokyo has to offer,” Homma said. “But Tokyo is still not as popular with leisure travelers as other destinations.” According to the Japan National Tourist Organization, more than 7.3 million foreign visitors arrived in Japan in 2006, a 9% increase over the year before; about 4.9 million were tourists, a 14% increase over 2005. The number of tourists from the U.S. Known as a business travel hub, Tokyo is striving to attract more international vacationers. increased 1.9% to 38,267. The city also hope for a boost in awareness from its bid for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee will choose a host city in 2009. If Tokyo gets the Games, the city would build a 100,000seat stadium, the largest in the nation, as a centerpiece for the event. ROOM KEY RITZ-CARLTON, TOKYO It’s not as expensive as you think Homma said that the perception that Tokyo is a pricey destination is incorrect. “Traveling in Tokyo is not expensive,” Homma said. “There are luxury places, top hotels and restaurants, but we also have economy hotels.” Plus, with the U.S. dollar strong against the Japanese yen, this city is more affordable than in past years, bringing even luxury travel into a more affordable price range for travelers from the U.S. Tokyo may have lots to offer in a variety of price categories, but the developments making the biggest splash right now are in the luxury market. The city is in the midst of a growth spurt that has resulted in several new retail, hotel and cultural complexes. The Roppongi district, once known primarily for its nightlife, is home to the city’s biggest new development, Tokyo Midtown, which opened this year. The 25-acre commercial and residential complex, set on what was once the home of the Japanese Defense Agency, now boasts the city’s tallest building, the Midtown Tower; three art galleries, including the Suntory Museum of Art; and the Galleria, a mall where visitors stroll on hardwood floors and shop for the latest fashions from Restir, J. Lindeberg and Arnys Paris. A quick walk from Tokyo Midtown is the new National Art Center, which opened in March and exhibits a variety of international contemporary and modern art. Tokyo Midtown is also home to the city’s newest and tallest luxury hotel, the 250room Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo (see Room Key). The 314-room Peninsula Tokyo will open this September in the Marunouchi business district, and the 204-room Shangri-La Tokyo will open in March 2009. The Ritz-Carlton is Tokyo’s newest luxury hotel. ADDRESS: Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan PHONE: 011-03-3423-8000 RESERVATIONS: (800) 241-3333 WEB: www.ritzcarlton.com RATES: About $526 and up COMMISSION: 10% REVIEW: This 250-room property, which opened this year, occupies the top nine floors of the tallest building in Tokyo. It also has the most expensive presidential suite in all of Japan, priced at $20,000 per night. Standard guest rooms are amply sized, with stunning views and huge bathrooms. The large spa and fitness center is attractive and well equipped. The hotel lobby’s high ceiling and striking decor enhance the city views just outside the window. Its four on-site locations for dining and drinking make great meeting places. — M.C. ASIA/ SOUTH PACIFIC THE WAY TO GO GLOBETROTTING New tour options Targeting the luxury travel market is Be- TRAVEL PLANNERS FOR GLOBETROTTERS TRAVEL PLANNERS FOR GLOBETROTTERS Q Quality products to ensure repeat business We are proud to offer North America’s largest range of independent and escorted travel ideas for Globetrotters. NEW Request broc hures: 1.800.387.8850 Visit our website: www.goway.com For GroupsOnly call: 1.800.838.0618 spoke Tokyo, a new tour operator that limits its customized tours to groups of three or less. Bespoke Tokyo’s luxury safari costs just over $2,000 a day and includes a welcome package of literature, a hybrid car with driver, lunch and a memento of the day. The company’s services are also available without frills at an hourly rate. Tokyo-based Elite Japan Travel has added tour programs, including a tea ceremony, a flower arranging class and an incense ceremony. Even traveling to and from Tokyo has gotten a bit more luxurious, thanks partly to ongoing upgrades at Narita Airport. American Airlines has relocated to Narita’s Terminal 2 this year, allowing for quicker connection times between American and airlines in the Oneworld alliance. With the move, American also unveiled a spacious, 13,300-square-foot Admirals Club lounge. The new lounge has two business centers, free wireless Internet access, shower facilities and a large dining area. American has also redesigned its firstand business-class menus to offer improved Japanese-Western fusion cuisine on its Tokyo flights. For more information about Tokyo, call the Japan National Tourist Organization in New York at (212) 757-5640, visit www .jnto.go.jp or visit the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau at www.tcvb.or.jp. ▼ 66 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M Leela Hotel Group plans to open six luxury hotels in India in the next three years. Japan Rail East Pass now available to agents via AccesRail The Japan Rail East Pass is good for a 465mile stretch of the eastern part of the island of Honshu, including Tokyo’s metropolitan rail system and the Narita/Tokyo Express Train, or NEX. Agents can issue the passes via their GDS on AccesRail’s IATA carrier code, 9B. Passes are available for either Green (superior) or Ordinary (standard) class travel. The GDSs convert prices from Japanese yen to dollars at the exchange rate in effect on the day of purchase. T he Japan Rail East Pass is now available for purchase through AccesRail, which pays 8% commission on pass sales. For more info, visit www.bigfive.com or call (800) 244 3483. Ritz introduces land-cruise tour Ritz Tours introduced an 11-night Yangtze Special package combining stays in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai with a Yangtze River cruise with Victoria Cruises. The package costs from $2,769 per person, double, and includes air, hotel, sightseeing, meals and the services of experienced guides. Departures are scheduled for Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28 and Oct. 12, 19 and 26. For information or reservations, call (800) 900-2446 or visit www.ritztours.com. PDT offers air-inclusive packages Pacific Delight Tours is offering seven Kaleidoscope itineraries to China and Hong Kong that include air from 35 U.S. cities. Multicity itineraries include Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin, Suzhou and Hong Kong as well as cruises on the Yangtze River with Victoria Cruises. For example, the fivenight Beijing Kaleidoscope is available from $968 per person; the five-night Hong Kong ASIA/ SOUTH PACIFIC BRIEFS ▼ Kaleidoscope is priced from $1,138. Hotel, sightseeing and transfers are included. Visit www.pacificdelighttours.com or call (800) 221-7179. India hotel company eyes expansion India’s Leela Hotel Group plans to double its room inventory during the next three years as part of an expansion plan that calls for six new hotels throughout India. Leela currently operates four five-star hotels in Mumbai, Bangalore, Kovalam and Goa. The first of the six new hotels will open in Gurgaon next spring, followed by Udaipur in winter 2008, Chennai in winter 2009 and South Delhi, Hyderabad and Pune in 2010. Big Five’s Last Shangri-La Big Five Tours & Expeditions launched the Last Shangri-La, a 14-night program to Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. Participants visit a Tibetan refugee camp to meet carpet weavers, craftspeople in Nepal’s ancient capital of Patan and a Bhutan painting school. Tours to remote villages in Nepal can be arranged. Other highlights are visits to Tibetan capital Lhasa, Nepal’s Chitwan National Park and the eastern Himalayas in Bhutan. Land-only pricing starts at $7,490 per person, double, and covers flights within Asia, hotel taxes/service charges, some meals, hotel/airport transfers and all sightseeing. Prices are valid until Oct. 31. W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 67 travel product news The Vero Beach Hotel & Club challenges golfers to beat its general manager, Peter Serena. tail and chocolates upon arrival; drinks and canapes at the Pastel Lounge; a Chinese dinner with set menu at Lok Wah Hin; dessert at Divine Buffet Desserts at the Square; a cheese platter delivered to the room; and a buffet breakfast the following morning. In addition, guests have access to the fitness center, sauna and steam room. A farewell gift of goodies is offered with a late checkout. The plan is priced from about $274 per night, double, for a superior room. Novotel Bangkok Phone: (011) 66-2 209-8888 Loews Hotels Phone: (800) 23-LOEWS Web: www.loewshotels.com GDSs: All systems Rosewood’s ‘Two Nation Vacation’ combines stays at two resorts DALLAS — Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has created the Two Nation Vacation, which includes stays at the King Pacific Lodge in Canada and Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands. The eight-night package combines three nights at the King Pacific on Princess Royal Island, British Columbia, and five nights at Little Dix Bay in Virgin Gorda, B.V.I. The plan is priced from $13,525 per couple and is valid through September. The stays at the resorts can be taken consecutively or on alternate dates. Components of the Canada portion of the plan are roundtrip charter flights from Vancouver; accommodations in an oceanview room; all meals and beverages; unlimited guided ocean fishing, kayaking and hiking; a wildlife viewing and cultural tour; and a 90-minute spa treatment. The Little Dix Bay portion includes accommodations in an ocean cottage; dinner for two at the Sugar Mill and Pavilion restaurants; a torch-lit dinner on the beach; a trip to a secluded beach; and three spa treatments. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts Phone: (888) ROSEWOOD Web: www.rosewoodhotels .com Three Loews properties feature ‘Back to School’ package WASHINGTON — Three Loews properties — the Madison Hotel in Washington, the Loews Philadelphia and the Loews Annapolis in Annapolis, Md. — are offering guests a head start on back-toschool shopping with the Back to School overnight plan. The package, available July 5 through Oct. 31, includes a $25 Nordstrom gift card, a personalized bank with a presidential $1 coin, lunch for two at Cafe Nordstrom, a consultation with a fashion stylist and a Nordstrom catalog. The plan is priced from $229 during the week or $289 on weekends at the Loews Annapolis; from $344 during the week or $244 on the weekends at the Madison; and from $329 during the week or $249 on weekends at the Loews Philadelphia. Rates are commissionable at 10%, except where noted. Fairmont Copley Plaza creates ‘Sizzle in the City’ plan BOSTON — For holiday weekend travel this summer, the Fairmont Copley Plaza is offering the Sizzle in the City overnight plan. The package includes accommodations for two, a copy of the Eyewitness Travel Guide to Boston and a pre-arrival consultation with the concierge to assist in booking any tours or attractions. The plan, valid June 29 to July 5 and Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, is priced from $199 per night. An upgrade to the Fairmont Gold floor is available for $100 additional. Fairmont Copley Plaza Phone: (800) 441-1414 Web: www.fairmont.com/ copleyplaza GDSs: All systems Vero Beach Hotel & Club promotes ‘Beat the GM’ golf challenge VERO BEACH, Fla. — The Vero Beach Hotel & Club is offering guests the chance to play its general manager, Peter Serena, in a golf match for their room rate. In the Beat the GM package, valid through Sept. 29, golfers who beat Serena will be offered a “scratch rate,” or a nightly rate of their own score. The rate will apply for as many consecutive nights as the guest plans to stay. Matches will be held at the Indian River Country Club on Saturdays. Challengers pay their own greens fees. At the end of the challenge, the player with the lowest score will win a future two-night stay at the resort. Vero Beach Hotel & Club Phone: (866) 602-VERO or (772) 231-5666 Web: www.verobeachhoteland club.com GDSs: All systems Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort Phone: (800) GET HERE Web: www.marcoislandmarriott .com Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common offers plan for Red Sox fans BOSTON — The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common is featuring the Red Sox Nation overnight plan for fans of Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox. Priced from $2,004 (the year the Red Sox won the World Series for the first time in 86 years), the plan includes overnight accommodations in the Red Sox Nation suite, a club-level, luxury suite designed with Red Sox decor. Also covered is access to the Club Lounge; ballpark-themed food delivered to the room; a trip to Fenway Park for a VIP tour; roundtrip limousine transportation for the Fenway Park tour; and souvenirs. Tickets to a Red Sox game are not included. The price is based on two people sharing the room. The fee for additional guests is $150 each, which includes access to the Club Lounge and the Fenway tour. Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common Phone: (800) 241-3333 or (617) 574-7100 Web: www.ritzcarlton.com GDSs: All systems IN THE SPOTLIGHT Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort celebrates turtle mating season MARCO ISLAND, Fla. — The Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort is inviting couples trying to conceive to stay during sea turtle mating season (through Oct. 31). The Fertile Turtle package, priced from $399 per night, per couple, covers deluxe accommodations in a gulfview room, a couple’s massage, red clover and raspberry teas (which are said to promote fertility) and a commemorative photo album. The resort is offering couples who conceive during their stay a free three-night stay after the baby is born. Parents need to provide a birth certificate and proof of a stay at the hotel within eight to 10 months of baby’s arrival. A portion of revenue from each booked Fertile Turtle package will be donated to local sea turtle conservation efforts. W HONOLULU DIAMOND HEAD OFFERS GIRLFRIENDS PLAN HONOLULU — The W Honolulu Diamond Head is offering the Wonder Women package as a girlfriends’ getaway special. Created in conjunction with Bobbi Brown cosmetics, the package includes a gift pack of beauty aids and a ziptop makeup case; a copy of Brown’s “Living Beauty”; and two cocktails at the W Honolulu’s Diamond Head Grill. Valid through Nov. 18, the plan is priced from $335 per room, per night, single or double. W Honolulu Diamond Head Phone: (866) 716-8112 Web: www.starwood hotels.com/hawaii A guest room at the W Honolulu Diamond Head. GDSs: All systems Blue Boar Inn & Restaurant offers hot-air balloon or helicopter rides MIDWAY, Utah — The 12-room Blue Boar Inn & Restaurant created the Bed, Balloon and Breakfast plan for couples. The overnight package, priced from $375 per couple, features a 20-minute hotair balloon or helicopter tour of the Rocky Mountains and a threecourse European breakfast. In addition, guests will receive a basket of pastries and sparkling cider for the ride. Blue Boar Inn & Restaurant Phone: (888) 650-1400 Web: www.theblueboarinn.com Novotel Bangkok offers packages designed around seven deadly sins BANGKOK — The Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square has created a series of packages, each themed around one of the seven deadly sins: decadence, envy, gluttony, lust, revenge, sloth and vanity. For example, the Gluttony package includes a welcome cock- 68 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M marketplace quick contact AIRFARES INTERNATIONAL CONSOLIDATORS EXECUTIVE RECRUITING S YSTEMETHODSSearch Very successfully recruiting executive and senior level positions exclusively for travel industry clients since 1982, including agencies, airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, and travel technology companies. To discuss your staffing needs, call: Karen Osband 877-802-5584 Candidate resumes welcome at: KROsband@SYSTEMETHODS.com Additional information at: www.SYSTEMETHODS.com HOST AGENCY Capture new business by promoting your services and contact information in QUICK CONTACT. Reach Top Travel Professionals ready to respond to your message today! Choose your own header. Contact: Emmy @ emorales@travelweek ly.com BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Long Island Agency Owners and Independent Agents Join a global agency that supports your business. Be yourself. Keep your independence AND identity. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES What can you do if given the chance? Join NYC’s largest independent travel agency and the fourth largest in the U.S. as ranked by a 2006 survey by Business Travel News. Join AAA Mid-Atlantic’s talented team of experienced travel agents and discover just what you can accomplish! Openings available in your neighborhood ... TOUR OPERATOR SPECIALS AAAmidatlantic.jobs For a confidential discussion about the benefits of joining us, contact Mark Southgate, General Manager, at 516 295 3900 EXT 322 or email msouthgate@tzell.com AAA. Use it for all it’s worth. ® W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 69 marketplace For advertising information, please contact Emmy at emorales@travelweekly.com or 201-902-1951 AGENCY SERVICES Donna Conklin & Associates (Established 1987) BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES SUPER OPPORTUNITY DOMAIN FOR SALE DOMAIN NAME FOR SALE! “travel agents rates.com” To make an offer, contact lisatamargo@tampabay.rr.com or (813) 310-4007. POSITIONS OPEN We can help with all your ARC/IATAN questions, including New Applications, Changes of ownership, Name, Location etc. 888-466-7407 • dcainc@cox.net Get to Know Garber FCm With over 60 years of experience as a top agency in the US, Garber has just partnered with global travel leader FCm Travel Solutions - and we are poised for the future! Come join our established team and be part of providing innovative, high quality service as we move forward and continue to grow. ▲ ▲ HOST AGENCY BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Sr. Management, Leisure Travel (Operations & Marketing) Headquarters (Chestnut Hill, MA) Leisure Travel Consultants - Boston, MA (downtown & suburbs) ▲ Corporate Travel Consultants - MA (Bedford, Boston, Lowell, Marlborough,Woburn), NH (Hanover), VA (Arlington, Ashburn) ▲ Corporate Floater - MA ▲ Future Opportunities! We anticipate our growth will create new openings in TECHNOLOGY, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, SALES and SERVICE so feel free to touch base with us now, so we can keep you in mind! Garber | FCm offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. To apply for a position or for more information, send your resume to jobs@garber.fcm.travel or call Kristin Harris at 800-225-4570, x1733. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ... www.garber.fcm.travel PJasonKingAssociates.com What’s In Your Toolbox? Cruise Planners has the Right Tools to Help Build Your Business! TRAVEL STAFFING FIRMS Specialists in Travel Placement since 1984 PERSONNEL TRAVEL CONSULTANTS & TEMP, LLC. CORPORATE • LEISURE • MEETING PLANNING SERVING NJ, NY, PA, MD, DE, VA, DC, CT & MA Preferred supplier to Fortune 500 companies & Large Travel Agencies Ph: 609.758.7242 • Fax: 609.758.7219 gayle@ptcptt.com • www.ptcptt.com Senior Travel Management Top candidates available for Crème de la Crème Travel Companies Nationwide & Globally P. Jason King Executive Search Serving the Travel, Tourism, Hospitality & Leisure Industries since 1975. POSITIONS OPEN 888-582-2150 • www.CruiseAgents.Com National travel trade association is seeking a Director of Premium Sales to be responsible for meeting the goals of new membership category. This position will require face to face sales calls at the highest levels within prospect companies. Candidate will create aggressive strategy to meet shared goals, assist w/development of Premium Membership sales plan & manage campaigns. Must be willing to relocate to Washington DC. ASTA is an EEOC/AA employer offering a competitive compensation package of salary and benefits. Send resume with cover letter containing salary requirements to HOST AGENCY Southern California Company offering, salary, benefits and incentives for qualified candidates, all GDS experience welcome. Agents • Corp Sales • Meeting Planner • Access programmer Please fax or e-mail resume to 818-550-6680 or Jobs@montrosetravel.com resumes@astahq.com or fax to 703-739-8798. Inside Sales Representative for NORTHSTAR Travel Media, a leader in B2B publishing for the travel/hospitality industry located in Secaucus, NJ. Sell advertising for Travel Weekly Magazine by cold-calling and establishing new accounts via telephone contact and direct mail, generating effective sales promo materials and setting account goals, etc. No travel, no outside sales. Exc. comm. skills, 2 plus years successful sales exp, BA/BS desired. Email resumes to Twsalesresumes@ntmllc.com along with salary requirements. NTM, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. World Access, a national provider of Access America travel insurance, has an immediate opening for a Director, Online Services located in Richmond, VA. Online Services generates new online clients through direct sales. The successful candidate will have 7+ years proven experience with a track record of achievement in sales or consulting in a premier organization, preferably in the travel, insurance or financial services industry. At least 2 years’ management experience. World Access has an additional immediate opening in Chicago/St Louis for a Territory Manager. The successful candidate will have 3-5 years proven experience in aggressively growing distribution with small to medium sized Travel Agencies. BA/BS with experience in travel. Position works out of a virtual office. World Access offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including health and dental insurance, vacation and sick time and 401(k) with company contribution. Please forward qualified resumes, with attached cover letter and salary requirements to hr7@worldaccess.com. Learn all about World Access at www.worldaccess.com 70 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M marketplace For advertising information, please contact Emmy at emorales@travelweekly.com or 201-902-1951 POSITIONS OPEN POSITIONS OPEN SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVES Emirates, the international airline of the United Arab Emirates, has challenging opportunities for Senior Sales Executives responsible for Corporate, Consolidator and travel agency accounts. The positions will be based in Washington, D.C., Houston and Phoenix. Your responsibilities: • Develop and promote the business with relevant corporations, consolidators, travel agents and business travelers and ensure that set revenue objectives are achieved. • Build and maintain good relationships with all assigned clients and motivate them in all matters affecting the Company’s business. • Evaluate and report on market conditions to ensure that Emirates maintains market awareness. • Present targeted presentations and provide training to increase Emirates market share. Requirements: • A minimum of five years in an airline/travel industry field sales role. • Strong sales presentation/communication skills and computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. TAUCK WORLD DISCOVERY is the nation’s leading tour company of 115 distinctive land journeys, ocean/river cruises, safaris, family travel & premier VIP events in all 7 continents. All positions are based in Norwalk, CT home office. PRODUCT PLANNING MANAGER (RIVERBOATS/CRUISE) Key duties include design, preparation & oversight of all tour elements/components involved in the creation/operation of each tour series (9-12 tours), vendor/supplier contract negotiation & new product development. Must have product management experience in travel/hospitality industries, thorough knowledge of luxury travel/tour industry. Cruise background ideal. PC proficient. Travel up to 150 days annually. • Thorough knowledge of the assigned area travel market. • Knowledge of reservations, fares and ticketing • The ability to source new business opportunities. Good knowledge of international markets would be a definite advantage. Competitive salary and benefits package available. TO APPLY: Please send your cover letter and resume within 10 days of the appearance of this advertisement to the Human Resources Manager-Emirates, 55 East 59th Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10022 or e-mail to emiratesrecruit.usa@emirates.com REGIONAL PRODUCT OPERATIONS MANAGER (EUROPE) Key duties include overall leadership of regional product operations team w/responsibility for implementation of all tour elements/components involved in current year’s operations/systems management for each tour series (9-12 tours), supplier communications/relations, liaison w/internal business partners (i.e. tour director, reservations, guest relations). PC proficient. Travel up to 20 days annually. We offer competitive compensation & comprehensive benefits packages. Send resumes (include salary req) to: HR Dept, TAUCK WORLD DISCOVERY, 10 Norden Place, Norwalk, CT 06855, Fax: 203-899-6612, Email: HRTauck@tauck.com We will respond only to qualified candidates. EOE M/F/H/V BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER We are seeking a highly talented Business Development Manager to cover Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana territory. The ideal candidate will have a college degree with a minimum of 4-5 years of outside field experience, preferably in the travel industry, reside in one of the covered territories, and generate sales from travel agents, wholesalers and group customers in the assigned territory. • • • • Exhibit strong negotiation skills Excellent presentation skills Demonstrated ability to forecast sales Strong Interpersonal skills The first thing you will notice about the people at RBC® is our passion – our commitment to always earning the right to be our clients’ first choice. It’s who we are. It’s in everything we do... and we’re looking for additional talented people who share this passion for putting clients first. things first. We offer highly competitive salary and commission incentive, comprehensive benefit package, including 401K with company match, and great travel discounts. For consideration, please submit resume and salary history to hr@uniworld.com Director, Product Development and Vendor Strategy, Based in Minneapolis, MN As the Dir. of Product Development & Vendor Strategy you will be responsible for developing & negotiating leisure sales products & sales strategies for Cruise Holidays. You will also be responsible for developing & maintaining relationships w/suppliers that add value for the Cruise Holidays franchisees as well as Carlson. Oversee the management of the preferred supplier relationships with all Cruise Holidays preferred cruise & tour operators. Including supplier selection & negotiation as well as identifying opportunities that enhance & build upon existing relationships. Drive the selection & negotiation of products to be marketed by Cruise Holidays. Creation of new programs for Cruise Holidays and its franchisees – for example, FIT programs & Group programs; and Establish a strategic & targeted approach for store sales of cruise and cruise related products and work with the appropriate teams to ensure that franchisees understand why, how and what they should sell. Position Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in business or other related field, or equivalent exp.; and the ability to travel up to 30% of the time & attend approximately 8 weekend industry functions per year. Experience / Key Skills: Superior verbal, presentation, and written comm. skills. 7+ years marketing and/or customer relations exp. in the travel/cruise industry. Previous agency management experience including mrkting, agency operations, cruise sales & financial analysis exp. and/ or similar cruise line experience. Cruise industry operational experience – from knowing what travel agents sell to how the cruise lines operate. As one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies, we have the resources that will enable you to do just that as a: Business Development Manager – Atlanta The Business Development Manager will contribute to meeting U.S. Travel sales plans by working with travel agency managers/owners to grow travel insurance sales and to help them view insurance as a revenue generating activity. Explore this great opportunity to work from home! To apply online, please visit us at www.rbc.com/careers and search for Position ID # 71254. We value diversity in the workplace, are committed to employment equity/equal opportunity employment and will provide reasonable workplace accommodation to applicants with disabilities. ® Registered trademark of Royal Bank of Canada TRAVEL AGENT CAYMAN ISLANDS Person with enthusiasm, vision and Innovative ideas. Minimum 4 years Experience in an IATA agency with Corporate and leisure. Sabre pref. Resume faye@itravel.ky Position number is 4341 To apply for this position visit: www.carlson.com W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 71 opinion • D EDITORIALS Why is this good? Despite the ongoing flap over the passport situation, there seemed to be some good news from Washington last week when Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) introduced the Travel Promotion Act of 2007 to promote the U.S. as a destination in overseas markets. Significantly, the bill has a powerful pair of bipartisan sponsors, Sens. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), the two kingpins of the Senate Commerce Committee. That’s a good sign. Notably, the legislation’s stated purposes go beyond promoting travel to the U.S. to include communicating U.S. security and entry procedures to foreign visitors so that they won’t be deterred by negative impressions of the process. Another good sign. The bill would set up a Corporation for Travel Promotion, supervised by a board of directors with representatives from various travel industry segments, plus the small-business and higher-education communities — a welcome acknowledgement of travel’s importance to commerce, science and culture. Still more good news: The corporation would have an annual budget of up to $100 million for advertising, promotion, outreach and related activities. At this point we asked ourselves, “What’s the catch?” The catch appears to be a body blow, possibly a death blow, for the Visa Waiver Program, the long-standing arrangement by which the U.S. permits the citizens of 27 countries to enter the U.S. without a visa. Those countries extend the reciprocal privilege to U.S. passport holders. It so happens that the assumed funding source for the Travel Promotion Act is a $10 fee that would be paid by foreign visitors when they apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization, or ETA. An ETA would be, in effect, a digital visa. To get one, a foreign visitor would have to transmit biographical and itinerary information to the U.S. in advance of arrival. It’s not yet clear how much information would be required, nor is it clear how or when the traveler would transmit the information or how the U.S. would communicate its “authorization” back to the traveler. Even less clear is what happens to the reciprocal waiver if the U.S. starts requiring every traveler to have the electronic equivalent of a visa. The U.S. has sowed enough confusion for travelers who ask, “Do I need a passport?” It now seems determined to sow even more chaos when they ask, “Do I need a visa?” LETTERS Passport delays end up costing honeymooners egarding the State Department’s offer to refund expedited fees [“State Department offers to refund fees for expedited passports,” TravelWeekly.com, June 18]: OK, this is a great start. But what about the people that had to rebook their vacations because passports did not arrive on time? I had a honeymoon couple that applied for their passports in what we thought was (and were told) enough time in advance of their travel to receive them. Unfortunately, the passports did not arrive on time. They decided to reschedule their honeymoon so they wouldn’t lose the entire value of their package. As it turned out, the passport arrived two days after their original scheduled departure. The cost for them to reschedule their honeymoon was $600. I’m sure there are worse stories out there, but this is in the forefront of concern in our office. Thank you for raising this issue. Jan Long World Travel Center Salina, Kan. R connection times lies on the airlines or whoever should be regulating them. Those same flights are listed on all GDSs as well as on the Internet. In fact, on many occasions I have reserved adequate connections for clients only to have the airlines make schedule changes that shrunk the time considerably. Yet they are still listed as legal connections, and very often there are no alternatives. Unlike the old days, travel agents are not able to piece together segments in order to book desirable flights and connections for their clients (not for any kind of a decent rate, at least). Someone in the airline industry or airport system needs to control the flights and set up realistic, legal connections. Sue Fleener A to Z Cruises and More Tualatin, Ore. W 72 Caring for a Queen We find ourselves already speaking of the QE2 in the past tense, as in, “She was a great ship.” We have to remind ourselves that she is a great ship. If you stop to ponder the source of that greatness, you might conclude that what is great and notable about the QE2 is not just her graceful good looks, the grand and intimate spaces, the stout machinery. It’s the care. It takes a grand design, hard steel, great people and good luck to make a ship great and keep it great for 40 years, but above all it takes care. What makes her great is that people care about her. And the care is contagious. There will be numerous farewells to the QE2 over the next year-and-a-half, and we should remember that each one is a tribute to those who designed, built and operated this ship; those who refurbished and maintained it; and those who burnished its image and arranged for this regal retirement. They achieved greatness because they cared. I Did the Kents make it? Readers respond to Turen’s column I 2 5 , n Richard Turen’s Reality Check column [“Blind faith,” May 21], I am surprised that he is laying the blame for short airline connections on the cruise lines and tour companies. I do agree that the “pick” for their passengers can be terrible at times. I have had a number of disputes with vendors, and therefore usually advise my clients to purchase air separately or request an air deviation. But the bottom line is that the blame for impossible was quite surprised that Turen did not mention that the cruise lines are always going for the lowest negotiated air fare, particularly on return flights. The passengers have already taken the cruise, and the cruise line could care less about any potential problems on the return home. This business about the computer selecting the flights is bull. We advise clients to purchase their own air if they can’t live with the assigned air. They almost always go with the cruise line’s air due to the cost; however, we give them the choice. We also advise clients on tight connections to take a carry-on bag with two days of clothing. Did Turen advise his clients to consider a planned overnight stay in Paris? That is a lot less expensive than purchasing their own air and also makes the return trip more relaxing and less stressful. I spent many years in the airline business. Under normal conditions, 50-minute connections usually work, otherwise the airlines would not schedule them. In many J U N E 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M OPINION E-mail: To contact most Travel Weekly staffers, type their first initial and last name, followed by @travelweekly.com. Phone (headquarters): (201) 902-2000 Fax (headquarters): (201) 902-2034 We know that a whole lot of us have stopped paying rent to the shopping center landlord, preferring to pay a lower rent to the host agency. Or some of us simply work out of that spare bedroom the kids don’t use anymore. We know that home-based agents are real and they are a force — and that they sell far less on a per-person basis than the average Girl Scout during the annual cookie sale. We know that the cruise industry is so integral to the success of the retail community that a serious event at sea could have a crippling effect on the short-term survival of many agencies. But the results of the new ASTA survey of its membership points to some trends that are worthy of further examination. The first thing you learn from this study is that we are all getting old. How old? Eightyeight percent of us are over the age of 44. But 40% of us are over 55, and that number is climbing. That means that unless there is a major pattern shift, it won’t be very long before nearly half of all travel agents are just a few years away from getting mailings from AARP. And I have always believed that we all ought to be on AARP’s mailing list. Those folks warrant watching. There are those who wring their hands at the failure of our industry to attract the young. I am not one who loses sleep over the lack of youth in our business. The only thing a young travel consultant can do for me is introduce me to older travel consultants with some history and some destinations under their belt. I don’t mind young surgeons. Perhaps they have been exposed to new techniques W For the love of the game e are starting to get some credible figures that may serve to help us understand where the retail travel agent community stands at this moment. Join me as we step back and look at ourselves, our “old” selves. than larger agencies. The survey talked about what we sell. The largest single category is “tour packages,” at 31%. The term, of course, includes any number of products, from a three-day experience at Hedonism to an esand machinery at medical school corted tour of the world’s loveliest gardens by private jet. my old doc knows nothing It would be interesting to know about. But I just don’t have that same what percentage of the averfeeling about recent travel school age agency mix is fully escorted graduates when compared with tours. Take that out, and the 26% of agency business that is cruises some 60-year-old destination changes everything. specialist who lives and breathes, Richard Turen say, Africa as a speciality. I do beAir sales are half of what they lieve that it ought to be illegal for were in 2000, when they accountanyone under 27 to advise anyone over 40 ed for 50% of total agency sales. But the really good news is that just unabout where and how they should spend the der 60% of us actually managed to make a most important moments of their lives. The ASTA survey also showed that most profit in 2006, a time of stock market gains of us ancients are still in “brick-and-mor- and a spurt in travel abroad. tar” agencies, about 75% of us. When you do even the most rudimenOf course that’s only brick-and-mortar tary analysis of this business, you must be buildings. I suspect that when you add in drawn to the conclusion that majority of its those travel agents who work in buildings practitioners do it mostly for the love of the made of wood or aluminum siding, the fig- game. ure would be much higher. I had promised, dear readers, to let you The majority of us just sort of get by. We’re no world beaters, and we don’t enjoy know if the Kent family made their tight the responsibility of large payrolls. Fifty- connection in Paris, as assigned by Royal three percent of ASTA members this year re- Caribbean’s air scheduling software [“Blind port total gross sales of less then $2 million. faith,” May 21]. The Kents, flying back to Chicago, made About half of these agencies do less then $1 million. They are the travel tinkers. their flight due to a delay out of Paris. They Only 9% of us do more than $10 million. literally had to run to make it. Their mother, There is a rather big shift in the growth of who was traveling with them, didn’t run, those who sell more than $5 million annu- and missed her connection to New York. As for the luggage, sure enough, two of ally. That figure has grown about 2% a year since 2000 and the family members had missing suitcases is now at about when they arrived home. The luggage has since been found and returned. 19%. By my definiContributing editor Richard Turen owns tion, four out of every five agencies is small, under $5 million. Of course, as any of the Churchill and Turen, a vacation-planning large players will tell you, these small agen- company, and has been named to Conde cies that don’t sell air, have found a niche Nast’s list of the World’s Top Travel Specialists and make at least 15% commission may since the list began. Contact him at rturen@ be making a far higher percentage of profit travelweekly.com. VICE PRESIDENT/EDITOR IN CHIEF: ARNIE WEISSMANN EDITOR: ROB FIXMER MANAGING EDITOR: REBECCA TOBIN EDITOR/NEWS & OPINION: Bill Poling (202) 429-9030; Fax (202) 429-9054 DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR: Gerry Bourbeau MANAGING EDITOR/SUPPLEMENTS: Margaret Myre EDITOR/DESTINATIONS: Kenneth Kiesnoski CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kent M.C. Lau SENIOR EDITORS: Michelle Baran (Tour Operators) Jeri Clausing (Hotels & Hospitality) (720) 379-8123 Andrew Compart (Aviation, ARC, DOT) (202) 429-9033; Fax (202) 429-9054 Johanna Jainchill (Cruise, Alaska) Jerry Limone (Copy Desk) Michael Milligan (Government, General Assignment) (202) 429-9038; Fax (202) 429-9054 Gay Nagle Myers (Caribbean) Dennis Schaal (Technology, Business Travel, Israel) Kimberly Scholz (Familiarization Trips), Fax (201) 902-2034 EDITORS-AT-LARGE: Nadine Godwin (New York, Retail) (212) 452-7819 Dan Luzadder (Business) (303) 670-9303 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Theresa Bednarczyk ART DIRECTORS: Romina Paludi, Thoralf Tollefsen DESIGNER: Thomas Lechleiter CREATIVE CONSULTANT: J.C. Suarès CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Dean Blaine, Mark Chesnut, Harvey Chipkin, Laura Del Rosso, Bob Joselyn, Felicity Long, Kristin O’Meara Hillmann, Joe Rosen, Allan Seiden, Jorge Sidron, Richard Turen TRAVELWEEKLY.COM: MANAGING EDITOR: Kimberly Scholz WEB SERVICES MANAGER: Linda Buchanan WEB ADMINISTRATOR: Karen Nyland ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS MANAGER: Neal Tornopsky PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR: Michele M. Garth PRODUCTION SPECIALISTS: Adrian Carbunescu, Lisa Gonzales • REALITY CHECK LETTERS cases you make the connection; however, there is a good chance your checked baggage is left behind. As someone who has been in the business for many years, Turen could have written a much better article: He spent almost all of his time on the problem and not on the solution. Would I want him as my travel agent? Maybe. Stuart Hartzell, President Griffin International St. Louis s a travel consultant, I appreciate that [Turen’s column] shows why the people part of the equation is so important. I sure hope the Kents put their itinerary in the luggage so it would get to them eventually. Thanks for a piece I can use to help clients understand when I say, “I think you should book independent air because ...” A Editor’s note: Columnist Richard Turen told Travel Weekly readers he would let them know what happened to the Kent family as they tried to make a short connection in Paris. Read his Reality Check column on this page to find out. Please send letters for publication to Travel Weekly, attn: Letters Editor, 100 Lighting Way, Secaucus, N.J., 07094, or e-mail them to TWletters@travelweekly.com. Travel Weekly reserves the right to edit all letters for length and to conform to our style and standards. GROUP CIRCULATION DIRECTOR: Simon Young PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Robert Brai TRAVEL WEEKLY MARKETING: DIRECTOR, N.C. OPERATIONS & MARKETING: Cindy D. Sheaffer MARKETING MANAGER: Kathryn Noval PROJECT MANAGER, CUSTOM PUBLISHING: Michaela Siegrist GRAPHIC DESIGNER, CUSTOM PUBLISHING: Alissa Rea Williams Jani Doctor Terra Mar Travel Hemet, Calif. W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 73 NEWS New entry fee would fund promotion plan E-mail: To contact most Travel Weekly staffers, type their first initial and last name, followed by @travelweekly.com. Phone (headquarters): (201) 902-2000 Fax (headquarters): (201) 902-2041 By Michael Milligan WASHINGTON — A bipartisan bill was introduced in the Senate that would establish a tourism-marketing entity to spearhead a $100 million campaign to encourage overseas travelers to visit the U.S. Under the Travel Promotion Act of 2007, sponsored by Sens. Byron Dorgan (DN.D.), Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), the U.S. would establish an independent, non-profit entity called the Corporation for Travel Promotion. It would have a 14-member board appointed by the Secretary of Commerce. The bill also creates a $100 million Travel Promotion Fund that would be financed through a new $10 entry fee paid by travelers from countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers from the 27 VWP countries are permitted to enter the U.S. without a visa and visit for up to 90 days. The countries reciprocate by extending the same privilege in to U.S. citizens. The CTP would use the $100 million fund to promote travel to the U.S. The VWP fee would be collected as part of the Electronic Travel Authorization program, a border security system the Department of Homeland Security is developing. Travelers from Visa Waiver countries would be required to provide biographical data and other information on the their VICE PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: BOB SULLIVAN Phone: (201) 902-1956; Fax: (201) 902-1971 ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: BRUCE SHULMAN Phone: (561) 799-1788; Fax: (561) 799-1731 REGIONAL ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: BARBARA FRIEDMAN CT, MA, ME, MD, NJ, NYC, RI, VT Phone: (201) 902-1934; Fax: (201) 902-2041 REGIONAL ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: SHARI WEINSTEIN DC, LI, NYC, NY, OH, VA, WV Phone: (201) 902-1936; Fax: (201) 902-2041 REGIONAL ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: HAZEL JANE LYONS Caribbean, Bermuda Phone: (201) 902-1992; Fax: (201) 902-2041 REGIONAL ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: RACHEL GUTIERREZ CA, ID, MT, OR WY Phone: (310) 954-2508; Fax: (310) 954-2504 REGIONAL ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: EDWARD CONNOLLY AK, AZ, CA, NM, NV, UT, WA Phone: (310) 954-2532; Fax: (310) 954-2504 REGIONAL ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: SETH CARPIEN Mid-West, CO Phone: (336) 714 3310 ; Fax: (336) 896-0555 REGIONAL ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: CINDY HANSON FL, GA, NC, SC Phone: (336) 714-3156; Fax: (336) 896-0555 MANAGER, CLASSIFIED SALES: EMMY MORALES Phone: (201) 902-1951; Fax: (201) 902-7283 HAWAII DESTINATION MARKETING DEBBIE JOSEPH 3555 Harding Ave, Suite 2C, Honolulu, HI 96816 Phone: (808) 739-2200; Fax: (808) 739-2201; E-mail: Josephd001@hawaii.rr.com CENTRAL AMERICA/ SOUTH AMERICA TRM, TRAVEL REPRESENTATIONS & MARKETING LILLIAN MARTINEZ 495 Biltmore Way, Suite 404, Coral Gables, FL 33134 Phone: (305) 476-1130; Fax: (305) 854-4589; E-mail: twtrm@earthlink.net LOUISIANA/MISSISSIPPI DESTINATION MARKETING CONSULTANTS, INC STU BARASH 9535 Bearden Creek Lane, Humble, TX 77396 Phone: (281) 459-6605; Fax: (281) 436-0698 MEXICO TOWMAR JUAN MARTINEZ DUGAY PALOMA MARTINEZ Presa de la Angostura, 8, Col. Irrigacion Mexico DF 11500 Phone: (011) 52-55 2122-3900; Fax: (011) 52-55 5395-4985 E-mail: jmdugay@towmar.com, pmartinez@towmar.com CANADA AMERICAN PUBLISHERS REPRESENTATIVES FRANCOISE CHALIFOUR 41 Britain Street, Suite 303, Toronto, Ontario M5A 1R7 Canada Phone: (416) 363-1388, Ext. 237; Fax: (416)-363-2889; E-mail: fchalifour@aprcanada.com EUROPE/ASIA MANAGING DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL SALES: PIERRE-DENIS BERNOUX Phone: (201) 902-1932; Fax: (201) 902-2041; E-mail: pbernoux@ntmllc.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL: JOANNE NELSON Phone: (201) 902-1931; Fax: (201) 902-2041 NORTHSTAR TRAVEL MEDIA LLC CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER: GEORGE HUNDLEY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER: TOM WRIGHT travel plans to the U.S. The information would be transmitted in advance of their arrival. The VWP travelers would then be given authorization electronically to proceed with their travel plans. The Discover America Partnership, an advocacy group that supports the bill, contends the U.S. is losing billions in visitor dollars to other countries and needs to begin promoting itself to remain competitive. At the same time, according to the Partnership, the U.S. needs to counter a perception around the world that U.S. security measures are barriers to travel to the U.S. Geoff Freeman, the partnership’s execu- According to a study released recently by the Partnership, the $10 entry fee, assuming the addition of more countries to the VWP, would result in a 1.6 million increase in inbound arrivals and $8 billion in new revenue for the U.S. The funding mechanism included in the Travel Promotion bill mirrors a proposal recently floated by the Discover America Partnership. However, under the partnership’s proposal, half of the fee would go towards an inbound marketing campaign, while the other half would be retained by the DHS to enhance the entry procedures into U.S. The partnership is promoting the Elec- Defending the concept of a $10 entry fee, the Discover America Partnership contends that ‘it’s not as if the status quo of no fee is doing us any good.’ tive director, told Travel Weekly, “You can’t expect to grow [or] maintain your market if you put obstacles in the way with no counterbalance in the way of marketing.” Freeman anticipates that the idea of a U.S. entry fee will run up against criticism by some who will argue that it seems counterintuitive to add a fee at a time when U.S. share of inbound tourism is in decline. “The trend line of overseas travel to the U.S is down,” Freeman said. “It is not as if the status quo of no fee is doing us any good at this point in time. If it takes a fee to get the promotion under way, to turn things around, then it is an investment.” tronic Travel Authorization fee proposal as substitute for a previous funding option rolled out in January that would have had the airlines collecting the entry fee. However, the airlines, which are generally against imposing new fees on airline passengers, opposed the plan. “The airlines have made it clear that they do not want to be partners in collecting [the fee],” Freeman said. “If that is the position they are going to take, and it is understandable, we had to find an alternative vehicle.” Meanwhile, Freeman said, he expects that a bill similar to the Travel Promotion Act will introduced soon in the House. More confusion seen in phase two of passport regime Continued from Page 1 Although the delay will provide cruise passengers and travelers driving to Canada more time to secure passports, some in the industry expressed concern that the phasedin approach would create confusion. “We support efforts to improve our security but are wary of our government’s ability to communicate and implement multiple phases in a manner that works for those who will be affected,” said Travel Industry Association president Roger Dow, in a statement. “Our government does not have a track record of getting it right the first time when it comes to WHTI,” he said. Meanwhile, the National Tour Association said moving the start date to next summer still doesn’t give the government enough time to properly implement the passport rule. “The departments of State and Homeland Security must recognize the magnitude of the problems in implementing WHTI,” said NTA Legislative Counsel Jim Santini in a statement. “In order for smooth execution of the land and sea requirements of the passport mandate, we must do more to maintain border integrity and facilitate cross-border tourism. We simply need more time for the agencies to be able to comply and to educate the public and those enforcing the rules.” Separately, Congress is moving to delay land/seaport passport requirement for another two years. The House has approved such a measure and a similar version has cleared the committee process and is awaiting action in the Senate. The debate over delaying the land/seaport portion of the WHTI comes at a time when the government is being widely criticized for its inability to keep up with the unprecedented demand for passports spurred by the initial stage of the WHTI, which requires air passengers traveling to Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico to possess a valid passport. Faced with a mounting backlog of passport applications, the State and Homeland Security departments on June 8 decided to temporarily permit people without passports traveling to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda to use a driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID and proof that they have applied for a passport. The policy will remain in place until Sept. 30. Last week, Maura Harty, the assistant secretary of state for consular affairs, was called before a Senate international operations and organizations subcommittee to explain why her department was caught flatfooted, in light of the fact that the Homeland Security and State departments had two years to prepare before the WHTI finally took affect last January. “This is really inexcusable,” said Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), ranking member of the subcommittee, who called the passport backlog an “immediate and ongoing crisis.” Harty explained that her office, mindful of the WHTI, geared up to issue a maximum of 16.5 million passports this year, up from 12.3 million in 2006. However, Harty said, it soon became clear the department’s estimates were off. In January, the department received 1.8 million applications for passports, about 600,000 more than projected. The following month, 1.7 million more applications arrived, followed by 1.9 million March. “We did not forecast 5.4 million passport applications in three months’ time,” Harty said. “It was a miscalculation on the size of the surge.” When asked by subcommittee Chairman Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) who was responsible for the miscalculation, Harty said that as head of the department, the responsibility was hers. In essence, the State Department may be a victim of its own success in publicizing the WHTI. Coupled with the travel industry efforts and the resulting heavy media coverage, more consumers than expected began applying for passports, which Harty called “the most valuable travel documents on the planet.” Nonetheless, Harty added, “WHTI means a permanent increase in demand” for passports that will continue for years to come. Currently, only 25% of Americans, or 78 million people, have valid passports. The State Department expects to issue 23 million passports next year and as many as 30 million a year by 2010. 74 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M NEWS QE2 to end 40-year reign with final voyage to Dubai in 2008 Continued from Page 1 The QE2’s fate is similar to that of a predecessor, the Queen Mary, which is a floating hotel and tourist attraction in Long Beach, Calif. Cunard said it would deliver the QE2 to Dubai World in November 2008, where it would be permanently berthed at a specially constructed pier at the Palm Jumeirah. Istithmar said the QE2 would commence service in its new role in 2009, after an extensive refurbishment that would aim to re-create QE2’s original interior decor and fittings and build an onboard museum of the ship’s history. “QE2 at the Palm Jumeirah will become one of the must-see experiences of Dubai and of the Middle East,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World, in a statement. The Palm Jumeirah was developed in 2001 as a residential, tourism and leisure destination by Nakheel, also a Dubai World company. It is the first and smallest of three Palm Islands Nakheel is developing that will double the length of Dubai’s shoreline. From the air, the island looks like a palm tree; residential and tourist properties are built along its trunk, crescent, and fronds. East and has a strong maritime not have other opportunities to QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 HISTORY heritage, a sentiment echoed by see vessels such as this.” Dubai World in its promise to preTaylor, of Nakheel, also preContract to build QE2 signed between Cunard Dec. 30, 1964 serve the ship’s heritage. dicted that having the ship on and John Brown Shipyard “Dubai is a maritime nation and Palm Jumeirah would allow Sept. 20, 1967 Launched by Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland we understand the rich heritage of “far more people to be able to April 18, 1969 Cunard formally accepts delivery QE2,” said bin Sulayem. “She is experience it and see what it’s coming to a home where she will like than maybe when it was May 2, 1969 Maiden voyage, Southampton to New York be cherished.” sailing around the world.” Crosses Atlantic westbound in a record time For Carnival Corp., Cunard’s John Maxtone-Graham, a June 1970 of 3 days, 20 hours and 42 minutes parent company, the move made steamship historian and ausense. Cunard’s second new-build thor, has sailed on the QE2 no Queens Grill penthouses added, altering October 1972 in three years, the Queen Victoria, less than 50 times. He said he external appearance will join the fleet in December. was surprised by the announceSails from Southampton on first World “When we merged with P&O ment, because while on a 2005 Jan. 4, 1975 Cruise, a journey of 38,000 miles Princess, we had certain strategic trip to Norway and Iceland, things we wanted to do, and part the curtains, carpeting and bed First transit of Panama Canal, making it the March 25, 1975 of that strategy was to modernskirting were replaced in his largest ship to travel through the canal ize the fleet,” said Carnival CEO stateroom. Used by the British Government as a troopMicky Arison during a conference “And I thought, at least this May 3, 1982 ship in the Falklands Islands Campaign call last week to discuss the comis a ship that’s not about to go pany’s second-quarter earnings. out of business,” he recalled. Leaves New York for Southampton on its June 14, 1995 “We are only moving out capacMaxtone-Graham guessed 1,000th voyage ity that is not consistent with the the ship would have continued fleetwide profile these brands have sailing until 2010, when an upAug. 29, 2002 Completes 5 million miles — a world first today,” added Carnival COO Howdated International Convention ard Frank. Passes Cunard flagship status to Queen Mary for the Safety of Life is expected “We are just bringing in the new May 1, 2004 2 when the Boston Cup is transferred to Com- to retire many older ships. The Queen Victoria, and we have these QE2 as it is now would not be modore Warwick on the QM2 two modern ships and this very in compliance with the new Sept. 4, 2005 Becomes the longest-serving Cunard ship in old, terrific, great ship — but that regulations, which preclude any the company’s history in the long term, eventually we combustible materials, such as June 18, 2007 Cunard announces QE2 sale to Dubai World have to retire. It’s very old.” wood. Reaction to the sale has been Maxtone-Graham noted Nov. 11, 2008 Date for final voyage, Southampton to Dubai mixed. While some Cunard aficiothat the 40-year-old ship beat nados have expressed resentment the standard life expectancy of towards Cunard for selling an icon a cruise ship, which is about 30 of steam travel to what they conyears, thanks to a “heart transsider a theme park, others were plant,” as he called the QE2’s relieved it would live out its days conversion from steam to diesel with its original status preserved. electric engines in 1987. “If you look at other ships that As much as he would like to have gone, certainly having it as think the QE2’s berth in Dubai the way it is intended is better than would preserve its maritime being broken up and destroyed,” life, he said past passengers will said Matthew Schulte, executive director of “She’ll be there for a while the way the know better. the Steamship Historical Society of AmeriQueen Mary is in Long Beach. It’s great that “A ship must be moving,” he said. “It ca, based in Rhode Island. she’s there, because there are people that do must have a mission.” A ‘perfect match’ Nakheel said that over the next five years, the Palm Jumeirah will become home to more than 30 beachfront hotels, and that it recently inked a 15-year deal to bring a Cirque de Soleil show to the island. Charlie Taylor, Nakheel’s communications manager, said that the QE2 and the Palm Jumeirah were a perfect match. “The QE2 is a major symbol of maritime history and was quick to become a maritime icon. And the Palm Jumeirah, since its development, has also very quickly become an iconic landmark,” Taylor said. “So to have the QE2 on the Palm Jumeirah, you are bringing together two icons.” Taylor also said that Dubai was established by sailors from around the Middle ...And now, I’d like to dedicate this song to our loyal Perillo Perks members! Are you a P Perks member? Perillo Perks a agencies can get big bonus commissions, and your booking agent can win great prizes like iPods, trips, gift cards, eve a ukulele! All you have to do is join and start selling Perillo. even Perillo’s Ital & Hawaii Tours are easy sales! Italy Our all-inclus all-inclusive, escorted vacations to Italy and Hawaii have been legendary for 62 years. With time-tested itineraries, great guides, f activities and scrumptious meals, I promise they’ll come home happy! fun Perks Members please read this... Memb Thank you for making 2006 our best year this century! I’m looking forward to our ‘top sellers’free trip to Rome this spring. And m of you are already ahead of your 2007 goals. Grazie!!! most To join Perillo P Perks: www.PerilloPerks.com | For Brochures, DVD and Reservations: 800-431-1515 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 75 w h a t ’s n e w 1 2 • w h a t ’s h o t 1 Sony Portable Reader. For the technophiles among us (and what business traveler can afford not be a technophile?), Sony has introduced a soft-sided, thin, light, portable reading system that enables you to download a trove of best-selling titles via an included cable link to your computer. About the size of a paperback book, the Sony Portable Reader features three readable digital print sizes, 64 megabytes of memory (not including an expansion slot), a 600-by-800 resolution tablet and navigation controls that allow you to flip pages or chapters and go to your own bookmarks. One caveat: turning a virtual page causes the screen to go black for an instant before it refreshes, which takes some getting used to. $349; www.sonystyle.com. 2 Crumpler Camera Bag. The MD-07+, which the company lists in its catalog as the “7 Million Dollar Home” bag, gets its origins from messenger bags developed in Melbourne, Australia, in 1955 by three bike messengers who formed the Crumpler Co. In any event, this water-resistant bag is stylish when other such bags are frumpy. The bag has fully padded interior sections with configurable dividers, one external pocket with an internal mesh pocket, two internal side pockets, a mesh zip pocket under the clip and a Velcro release flap. The MD-07+, at 15-by-11-by-7 inches, can easily accommodate a 33-millimeter, digital SLR camera; extra lenses; a flash unit; and other accessories. $128; www.crumpler bags.com. 3 AeroBed Premier DuraSuede Air Mattress. Perfect for the outdoor enthusiast who doesn’t want to leave all the comforts of home behind, this inflatable bed feels good when you stretch out on it and is plenty durable and puncture-resistant. The air mattress comes in three sizes — twin, 3 full and queen — and unfurls in less than 60 seconds with a built-in pump and wand control that also enables the restless to set the desired firmness. The next morning, deflate it, roll it up and head on out. Twin, $139.99; full, $199.99; queen, $229.99; www.aerobed.com. 4 Case Logic 22-Inch Expandable Roller. This bag makes a lot of sense. Lightweight (8 pounds, 1 ounce), expandable and carry-on compliant, the 22-inch bag features a removable laptop shuttle that fits 4 most 15.4-inch models; an organizational panel to store magazines, gadgets and personal effects; a water bottle holder and a zippered mesh separator compartment. $179.99; www.caselogic.com. Doberman Mini Mobile Alert. This is a gadget all right, but it could be a useful one under dicey circumstances. This personal alarm, which is easy to attach to your cell phone, backpack, purse, clothing or laptop, 5 has a pull-pin trigger that will set off a shrill alarm when deployed to thwart potential pickpockets at an airport, market or anyplace else where such theft could happen. $12.99; www.dobermanproducts.com. 5 Got something for What’s New, What’s Hot? E-mail Joe Rosen at jrosen@travelweekly.com. Know us ng tho i a e of hot nds ls g thorou so hly star o vice ser om self. your here lients. nt py c e bee you’v sults. Hap s if it’s a . Star re t line, ce On treatmen tars. vi nto s R Ser et star STA ou g nals i se sio yy ou u rofes hen y t 68¢ a da avel P 0720. W g Tr us 776urnin For j e’re t at 1-800w w ll us o out h Ca Find c line. n 76 J U N E 2 5 , 2 0 0 7 W W W . T R A V E L W E E K L Y . C O M If You’re Ready to Make More Money, You’re Ready to Join Vacation.com As North America’s largest travel agency marketing organization, we use our substantial buying power and Preferred Supplier partnerships to negotiate lower prices, higher commissions and more value-added options for “Switching to Vacation.com was a great decision for my agency. Their marketing programs are free and effective, and participation is always my choice. Their Engagement program is by far the best— and easiest to use—in the industry. Vacation.com is a true partner that puts me in control of my business.” our members. Join and you will: I Receive higher commissions and bonus incentives from the industry’s top suppliers, including those you use every day I Target the right customers with the right promotions through our award-winning direct mail and e-mail Engagement marketing program I Streamline your business with powerful booking engines featuring cruises, land vacations, hotels and car rentals I Offer your clients unique cruise and vacation packages with complimentary value-added amenities created by and sold exclusively through Vacation.com Gary Davis Platinum Vacations, Mission, KS Member since January, 2005 I I Sell cruises more profitably with easy access to hundreds of group departures Sharpen your business skills through personalized education programs available both in person and online Everything you need to maximize profitability. Only at Vacation.com. www.joinvacation.com For more information, call 800-843-0733 North America’s Largest Vacation Selling Network At most locations. Some amenities and programs are only available at U.S. locations. © 2007 Choice Hotels International, Inc. All rights reserved. 07-420/06/07