IDEAS TO START & GROW YOUR BUSINESS

The following pages contain a number of ideas designed to help you begin marketing yourself as a travel agent and build a client base. Not all of these ideas are for everyone but hopefully you will find a number of helpful suggestions. Do not limit yourself to the ideas listed here. Be reative.

1. Family and friends. These should be your first source of clients. They will be anxious to help and will feel good about helping you succeed. Be sure to ask them for referrals, either telling their friends about you or giving you the names and phone numbers of other potential clients.

2. Networking. This refers to working with others who can be a source of leads and you can provide leads for. Leads groups and the local chamber of commerce are two good sources. Remember, you can network anywhere. The following are some suggestions for effective networking.

A. Have basic networking tools with you at all times, especially business cards.
B. Set a goal for the number of people to meet in a given situation.
C. Act like a host, not a guest. Introduce yourself to others.
D. Listen and ask questions. Be specific but brief when talking about yourself.
E. Don’t try to close a deal, it is not the place to hit on people for business.
F. Give leads or referrals whenever possible. Givers gain.
G. Exchange business cards, take two of theirs one for you and one for a friend.
H. Manage time effectively. Spend 10 minutes or less with each person.
I. Write notes on the back of cards you collect to help remember details.
J. Follow up! This is very important.

3. Strategic alliances. Set up a promotion with an existing business that can be mutually beneficial. Examples include bridal shops, gyms, beauty shops and others. Brochure racks or stands in the establishments can help direct business to you. Offer to give customers who buy from that business a coupon for $$$ off their next trip. This is a value added amenity which will help the business and provide clients for you. Use your imagination to find other possibilities. Offer the business owner travel at net cost for letting you set up the promotion.

4. Churches and synagogues. Let members of the congregation know what you are doing. Ask permission to post announcements on the bulletin board. Place an ad in the church newsletter. It is usually inexpensive and some suppliers may even co-op the cost. Trips to the Holy Land may allow the spiritual leader to travel free.

5. Market through your affiliation with various organizations such as the Elks, Sons
of Italy, PTA, bingo clubs or other associations you may belong to.

6. Specialty sports groups like bowling leagues, tennis, golf, little league. These are affinity groups that have some common bond and reason to travel together.

7. Post cards. You may already have a mailing list. If not, there are many lists available by demographics or geographic areas. Costs for a list increase as you get more specific.

8. Referrals. Don’t be afraid to ask. With every invoice or set of documents you send out, send five business cards in a small card sized envelope. Invest a few dollars in a stamp that says “Thank You! Please Give One To A Friend.” and stamp the outside of the envelope with your business cards. Give a small gift to anyone who provides a referral that turns into a sale of a cruise or tour. People like to receive gifts and recognition. There are specialty companies that provide low cost items that can be very nice gifts.

9. Newsletters. These are cost effective ways of getting your name in front of your clients. They should be a consistent format, well written, and provide useful information for your clients. This can be on destinations, resorts, cruises, travel specials, testimonials, and a call to action. A quarterly newsletter is effective.

10. Pied pipers. Groups are the best way to increase your income. Affinity groups, specialty groups, and family reunions are just a few possibilities. The pied piper is the one person who has the most influence over the group. Let them know they have the possibility of earning free travel.

11. Be a guest speaker. Clubs and organizations are often looking for someone to give a presentation. Become an expert on some type of travel or destination. These are not necessarily a chance for direct selling. However, your willingness to provide this service along with a demonstration of knowledge will help develop a client base.

12. Local publications such as a community newsletter, Pennysaver, or others can be an inexpensive way to get your name out to the public. Focus on the niche you are most comfortable with and direct your advertising to a market that has the most chance for success. It would not make sense to promote a low end, inexpensive product to an affluent community. Find specials that would be of interest to the target market. The key is to have something that attracts the readers attention so they will read your ad.

13. Vacation nights. Host a party, or help a pied piper you have developed host a party. The main purpose is to book travel. Decorate with material such as posters and balloons you can get from the supplier. Mail invitations well in advance. Have some special promotions such as upgrades and extra discounts which are available only if the clients book that day.

14. Home page on the Internet. Take advantage of this exciting new technology. It will take on an increasing importance.

15. Pass out you business card to people you meet. In the course of conversations with others ask “Where are you going on your next vacation?” Listen to where they have been and what they liked or disliked about previous trips. This can be a lead in to book their next vacation.

16. The Yellow Pages can be somewhat more costly but the return may be worth the
expense.

17. Welcome home cards to clients who are returning from a trip are a nice touch. They show concern and keep your name in front of the client.

18. Write a letter of introduction to family and friends to let them know you are in the business.

19. Pass out flyers door to door promoting yourself and specials. This can be done in residential areas and businesses. Do Not put them in mailboxes!

20. Have your spouse or significant other let co-workers at his or her place of employment know you are in the business.

21. Explore the possibility of advertising in other companies' newsletters.

22. Become a part of a company's employee benefit program. You can provide low cost travel and promotions for the firms employees. The firm may permit you to put flyers along with paychecks.

23. Family reunions. These can be for your immediate family or for all people in a given area with your same last name. Imagine putting together a cruise together for 200 or more people with your same name.

24. Radio. Talk radio programs, especially those catering to smaller target audiences often are looking for guest speakers. This is a great opportunity to reach a large number of people. Become an expert on a destination or particular type of travel

(Ecotourism, art history, cultural destinations are a few possibilities).

25. Condo associations and mobile home parks are another source of leads. Pass out
flyers and offer to be a guest speaker.

26. Retirement communities are made up of people with the time to travel and often the discretionary income. Short trips such as a three night cruise are popular.

This is just a small list of ideas to help develop your client base. As with most things you will get out of this what you put into it. If no effort is put forth the results will reflect it. Don’t
depend on one or two ideas, try several and keep at it. Consistency is the key. There
are many good books and articles designed to help you succeed.

When does it pay to hire a travel agent?

When does it pay to hire a travel agent?
By Ismat Sarah Mangla
Last Update: 7:26 PM ET Feb 14, 2007
from the internet

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- If you want to take a trip these days, you hardly need more than your computer and a credit card to make your arrangements. Travel Web sites such as Orbitz, Travelocity and CheapTickets.com give consumers the power and flexibility to create and purchase their own trips, snagging deals and discounts along the way.

So does it ever pay off to hire a travel agent anymore? "There are lots of occasions when it's smart to use a travel agent," says Nancy Dunnan, editor of TravelSmartNewsletter.com. In many circumstances, hiring a travel agent can save you both time and money -- not to mention hassle.

She adds that travel agents in business today must be capable, talented enough to compete with online business. "Since the arrival of so much available on the Internet, the travel agents who remain are for the most part really top notch. Those who were marginal or not so swift dropped by the wayside with the rise of research and booking on the Internet," Dunnan said.

You should consider using a travel agent in these seven situations:

1. If you are pressed for a time. Let a travel agent can do the research for you. Finding deals on the Internet can be time consuming, and a travel agent can do the legwork quickly and efficiently.

2. Want to take a cruise? "Travel agents who are cruise specialists can easily find excellent discounts and/or cabin upgrades," says Dunnan. The overwhelming number of cruises and destinations make it difficult for the first-time cruiser to select the right trip, and a travel agent can help with that too.

3. Road warriors. Frequent travelers can benefit from a travel agent, because the agent will work hard to keep your business. You can bet that agents will want to find you the lowest prices and upgrades so that you'll keep coming back.

4. Anticipating trouble. If you're traveling to areas prone to hurricanes during hurricane season, use an agent, who "will make certain that you are booked into resorts and hotels that will refund some or part of your costs should a hurricane hit the area. An agent can also help you move from one destination to another, get you back home and help you get a refund," says Dunnan. In fact, travel agents are always useful if you're traveling in an area that has been struck by disaster. "We had a number of subscribers tell us how their agent helped them deal with travel problems during the days and weeks after 9/11. More recently, praise for agents came in from readers traveling in Colorado and other states during the huge snowstorms.

5. Planning a complicated itinerary? Travel agents are invaluable. For example, a first-time trip to China, Tibet and Russia can be difficult to plan, and packaged tours aren't for everybody. An experienced agent can help you put it together, saving you both time and money.
6. Special needs travel. Elderly or ill travelers can benefit from the extra care travel agents can secure. A travel agent can negotiate access for medical equipment such as wheelchairs and oxygen and can also find you safe and easily accessible accommodations.

7. Business interruptions. And if your airline goes on strike or declares bankruptcy, a travel agent can help you quickly get an alternative flight. So carry your travel agent's contact information with you on the trip.

When choosing a travel agent, Dunnan recommends finding one who belongs to the American Society of Travel Agents. For more information visit the group's Web site at www.astanet.com.

Tourlite Honeymoon to Greece

This is an email that I got from honeymooners that returned from Greece.

The honeymoon was magnificent! Greece is beautiful and each hotel was perfect. Athens is busy and crowded but to see all of the ruins was amazing. We have so many pictures, I will email them to you. Tourlite was the best. When we arrived to Athens a car was right there waiting for us. When we arrived at the hotel, an hour after check in- the tourlite rep called our room to meet with us- Nikolos. He was very nice and helpful, provided us with a map, told us different places to visit, restaurants to eat in, and his phone number in case of anything. He was great. All the tours we went on in Athens were wonderful and the guides were so informative.



Santorini was amazing. Again the transportation was right there as scheduled. The rep from tourlite again provided us with a map and different tours we can take in Santorini. When we arrived to Katikis we were met by the manager and ass’t manager with 2 glasses of champagne and given a personal tour of the hotel by the ass’t manager. Then we were provided with a cell phone with the reception programmed into the phone in case we needed anything. Our room was perfect and the view from our balcony was breathtaking. We did book a day tour with tourlite- a boat day trip to the volcano, swam in the hot springs and Ancient Thirissa. When the car came to pick us up for the tour they took us to the main hub for tourlite where we met with the head of that branch and welcomed us and gave us the tour complimentary! The tour was great! Definitely recommend it- climbed the volcano which was crazy! Santorini was our favorite- so romantic and beautiful, sunset was the best. We even rented an Atv and went to the beaches. Went to Fira at night for dinner and even hit a couple of the bars. Great time!!!!!!



The hydrofoil was cool and again transport was right at the port waiting for us. The Mykenos Grand Hotel was magnificent! Our room was amazing and again incredible view! When we arrived we were greeted by Theodore (who I think was owner or at least manager). The pool was great. We didn’t book any tours but we went to Paradise Beach one day which was fun, when to town at night and went to dinner at port and went to some bars. Went to the Spa, visited little Venice which was great- didn’t eat there because we were warned it was a tourist trap. The restaurants at the port were really good and very reasonable!



The last day at Mykenos it rained pretty bad therefore the flight got cancelled as you know. Olympic could not accommodate us on another flight the following morning. So I called the Mykenos Grand and asked if we can at least stay there for the night until we can find another flight. Theodore himself showed up as well as the tourlite rep. Theodore brought us the Agean airline counter and said something to the person in Greek and the next thing I know we had 2 plane tickets on the next flight which left a half hour later. The rep from tourlite came with us to check in our bags, made sure we were all settled, contacted the hotel in Athens to let them know we were on our way. John and I were sooooo impressed and gracious. They went above and beyond and as a result, we made our plane on Sunday as scheduled!



I can’t thank you enough for making our honeymoon the honeymoon of my dreams! Everything was perfect and I could not have asked for anything more!

Carnival Announces Customized T-Shirts for Group Bookings

MIAMI (May 4, 2007) – Catering to the growing number of family reunions and other special occasion groups sailing aboard the “Fun Ship” fleet, Carnival Cruise Lines has partnered with Davenport, Iowa-based Victory Store, Inc., to create a special Web site that allows consumers to create custom-designed shirts to wear during or after their cruise.

The convenient, easy-to-navigate Web site, located at www.carnivalfuntees.com , offers three shirt styles – T-shirt, polo shirt or tank top – which can be imprinted with images and information from templates for eight different affinity groups: Family Reunion, Friends and Family, Girlfriend Getaways, Anniversary, Birthday, Wedding, Honeymoon, and Corporate.
Once the shirt and template are selected, consumers can customize the message tailored to their particular event or occasion, with information such as their group’s name, Carnival ship and cruise departure date. T-shirts can be customized with a design on both the front and back. Children’s sizes are available, as well.

A wide variety of colorful designs, from tropical Caribbean scenes with beaches and palm trees to images of Carnival’s sleek ships and the line’s signature winged funnel, provide consumers with a diversity of choices while creating a fun, interactive on-line experience.
“Affinity groups are one of the fastest growing markets in cruising and this Web site provides an easy and convenient way for consumers to create colorful custom-designed shirts that easily identify their cruise group or organization while providing a fun souvenir of their Carnival vacation experience,” said Edie Bornstein, Carnival’s vice president of business development and strategic partnerships.

The cost for the custom-designed shirts begins at $15 and can vary depending on the shirt style selected. Volume discounts are available.

The custom-designed shirts can be created for cruises aboard any of Carnival’s 22 ships, which operate three- to 16-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Greek Isles. The line currently has three new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011.

Carnival Cruise Lines has licensed Victory Store, Inc., to use its trademarks on custom shirts manufactured and distributed by Victory Store, Inc., on its Web site located at www.carnivalfuntees.com .
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Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), is a proud member of the exclusive World’s Leading Cruise Lines . Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, our member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, we offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations.

Review of Liberty of the Seas

I was one of the lucky travel agents to be on the Inaugural North America cruise on the Liberty of the Seas by Royal Caribbean International sailing from Cape Liberty, Bayonne NJ. It was a complimentary 2 night cruise to no where to give us an idea of the vast amenities and beauty of this new baby sister to the Freedom of the Seas. The ships are identical in size with some subtle upgrades and improvements.

Cabins- we got to tour most of the cabins on the ship including the Royal Suite (to die for), the Family Penthouse suite, Grand Suite, Owner's Suite, Junior Suite, Balcony cabin, Promenade Family Stateroom, Oceanview Family Stateroom and the Promenade cabin, to which we were assigned. I'm actually very glad that we were in the Promenade cabin since I have not stayed in this category before and I wanted to see the benefits over the inside (many) and the oceanview (also a few).

I'll try to explain as much as each category of cabin as I remember it starting with the Promenade cabins first. These cabins are interior cabins but have a window facing the large galleria in the middle of the ship. We were on Deck 8, which is the highest level of this category of cabin. I would recommend this deck as opposed to the lower deck 6. The Royal Promenade is light 24/7 and some shops are open to the very wee hours. There might be some noise associated from the party revelers but in our 8th deck Promenade cabin, you couldn't hear any noise at all from the Promenade. We were actually located just a few door down from the elevators and we didn’t hear any noise at all from the hallway or elevators.

Pros to this cabin:
It is lower priced than the ocean view cabins.
The oceanview cabins are on the lowest passenger levels of the ship and the promenade cabins start on deck 6.
Yes, it does not have the ocean view but you can see daylight which helped enormously when it came to having to get up in the morning.
About ½ of the Promenade cabins are connecting which is great for families.
2 small love seats (one under the promenade window – great for people watching)

Cons: if you need the beds separated into 2 twins, it is tight getting around the bed. Interestingly, the beds are rounded in one corner to make it easier to pass by.

In all, I would highly recommend the Promenade cabins to my clients who would prefer to be midship on an upper level but may not want to pay for a balcony.

The cabin amenities (the same for all of the staterooms not at suite level):
Great plush beds
European style linens
100% plush Egyptian towels
Adequate closest space with a good amount of hangers.
Decent but limited drawer space (typical on most cruise ships)
Plasma flat screen TV
Refrigerator
Portable Hairdryer
Bathroom amenities - only shampoo/conditioner in the shower stall. Bar soap. The suites have the upgraded bathroom amenities. Decent storage space in the medicine cabinet, shelf under the sink and numerous hooks on the back of the bathroom door.
Shower - typical Royal Caribbean- the joke is- you soap the walls and shimmy around to soap your selves up. Need to open the shower door to shave your legs.

Additional Suite Amenities included:
Upgraded toiletries
Bathtubs
Balconies
Robes and slippers


The Family Promenade stateroom (there are only 4) is a fabulous and huge cabin to accommodate a family of up to 6 with a sofa bed and 2 bunk beds in a separate nook- great for younger kids or teens. Book these very early since these will be snapped up quickly.

The Family Oceanview staterooms also have the bunk bed nook and will accommodate up to 6. There are only 8 of these and they will book up very quickly. They are located all the way in the forward on decks 6-9.

The Junior Suites were very impressive. Great balcony and a good size with a bathtub.
The Grand Suite is huge with a pull out sofa bed in the living room, bar area, huge bathroom with tub and great double balcony.
The Royal Family Suite with balcony is fabulous for families with teens. It has 2 bedrooms (1 interior and the master has the balcony) with 2 bathrooms and a huge balcony. This may also sleep up to 6 with the double sofa bed.
The Owners Suite is huge with 1 queen bed, a double sofa bed in the separate living area, 1 bathroom and huge flat screen plasma TV that swings back between both the master bedroom and the living area.
The Royal Suite was the most impressive cabin on board the ship. This will only accommodate 4 guests in the private bedroom with king bed, separate living area with queen sofa bed and baby grand piano, dining room table and bar. The bathroom was incredible with marble sinks, a huge tub and shower that could easily fit 2. There is a Jacuzzi on the balcony.
The Presidential Family Suite is the largest and will sleep up to 14 with 4 bedrooms (2 with balconies and 2 interior) with 2 bathrooms, an enormous balcony with a Jacuzzi and bar.

This ship is designed for families and these cabins reflect the demand for upscale family cabins. These cabins are selling out quicker than I ever could have imagined despite the steep pricing.

The Ship
As a sister ship to the Freedom of the Seas, the Liberty of the Seas also has a FlowRider surf simulator and I finally got to see it in action. Richard Fein, the CEO of RCI, challenged guests and the ship’s captain to a contest of who could stay up the longest and he did a great job. The FlowRider is located in the aft of the ship, is open periodically during the day and requires a lesson or assistance from the staff. Guests can either boogey board or try the long board. There are bleachers set up on the 3 sides surrounding the surf simulator for spectators and there were many of us watching- even in the 60 degree windy weather.

In addition to the FlowRider, the sports deck includes a basketball court, the rock climbing wall and a beautiful mini golf course. The ice skating rink on deck 3 is also open throughout the day.

The H2O zone – the kid’s water park is a work of art. The fountains and sculptures were beautiful and this is sure to be a great hit among kids and the young at heart. For those who want something a bit quieter, the adult pool (the solarium is lovely and has 2 Jacuzzis that jut out 12 feet over the ocean. Although they were packed, I only dunked my feet in. It was still only 60 degrees out but it sure didn’t stop the other guest.

The main pool and the sports pool area are huge. There were a ton of lounge chairs set up on 2 levels. Don’t miss the mango shake at the juice bar at the main pool.

The Promenade
In addition to Sorrento’s Pizza (it has sandwiches, salads and desserts as well), there is a café (coffee shop with sandwiches, cookies, desserts as well as coffees), Ben and Jerry’s, a pub, wine shop, barber shop, gift shop, general store, perfume shop, jewelry store, and a clothing store. A little reading area is tucked into the corner of the café. The promenade has a vintage red sports car (unfortunately just for viewing) and lots of tables to sit, relax and people watch.

The Pirate’s Parade
To give us a taste of what the guests will see, we also got a chance to view the Pirate’s Parade in the Promenade which was a ton of fun. Try to find a spot in the middle (near the wine shop for great viewing. The costumed characters go back and forth so really any location will be good. There are 2 balconies over the promenade where the characters steered the pirate ships and did some wonderful stunts.

The Food
Of course, no cruise is complete without eating to your hearts delight. The Windjammer buffet also included Jade Restaurant which had some very interesting and tasty Asian dishes. From the pool area, you will first pass Jade, but if you are interested in the more common American fare, keep walking and you’ll get into the Windjammer café. The buffet for breakfast has an omelet station in addition to all the usual breakfast buffet foods. Jade offered all cut up vegetables which I assumed (incorrectly) was for the
Omelet station, but it was really for Miso soup. I didn’t try it for breakfast but lots of people were digging in. I did have the scrambled eggs with shrimp and peppers and they were good. The lunch buffet had the Asian specialties in the Jade section and in Windjammer, the selection was vast. There was a carving station, with all the fixings, sandwiches, pastas, salads, soups, fruits and desserts. There were separate salad bowls which were greatly appreciated and guests used them for everything from salads to fruits to desserts.

The Dining Room
3 levels and exquisite. If you sit on the lowest level you get a great view of the entire dining room. The food is presented beautifully. It is tasty and has enough variety for even picky eaters. There are new Vitality menu offerings which are healthier. The service is friendly and efficient. We ate in the dining room for the first breakfast and both dinners. Although I couldn’t get strawberries and blueberries in Windjammer, it was no problem at all in the main dining room for breakfast. The dinner menu always includes Caesar salad, grilled salmon, steak, chicken and baked potato. I had the surf and turf (beef and shrimp) the first night and enjoyed it thoroughly. The 2nd night, I had roast duck which is a treat for me since I rarely have it. Portions are small, but remember you can order as much as you want. On the 2nd night (deemed formal night), the waiters served sorbet between courses- something I don’t remember seeing on Royal Caribbean before. Desserts were good- even the sugar free desserts. One of our associates was celebrating her birthday so I was able to get a slice of cake brought to the table and a dozen waiters all serenaded her. It’s just a slice of cake now. A celebration cake needs to be ordered through the special services- Bon Voyage department.

Royal Caribbean’s food has never been gourmet but it certainly was very good and had a good variety. I know food is very personal but I really couldn’t find fault with the meals that I had.

The Entertainment
We had a welcome aboard 70’s dance party right after dinner on the promenade where the Village people led a dance parade. It was a lot of fun and the guests were really enjoying that.

The first show was Some Where in Time and was truly wonderful. Please realize that I am no Simon Cowell, but we all thought the singers were superb and the show was sensational. The stage sets were truly beautiful and the show really WOW’d us. There was only 1 show that night at 11pm and it was crowded but we were able to get good seats. The stage curtain is a red, jeweled design of cabaret line. It was the nicest that I have ever seen.

The Ice Show- Encore- was top of the line. These skaters were fabulous. There was one scene where the female skater must have changed costumes a dozen times while still on the ice. It was truly sensational. The jumps, twirls and swinging were making me dizzy so I don’t know how the skaters kept up the pace but it was a 45 minute show and it was great.

The 2nd show was a celebrity entertainer- Mickey Dolenz of the Monkeys. He was very good. He performed a number of the favorites from the Monkeys as well as a few others. His sister CoCo was his side kick and they performed a couple of duets together. Again- a great show which was enjoyed by all.

The casino is huge but no longer has the bells when you win at the slots (kind of ruins the fun of winning). There are a ton of bars and private places to hang out in. The disco was packed with dancers.

I know that I skipped a lot but I am writing this after very little sleep. In general, this ship is great. Is it for everyone---- probably not but I know that it would be great for families, honeymooners, couples and groups alike.

I would sail on this ship in a heartbeat. I just wish my 2 night cruise was longer!

HELLO!

Hi Everyone. I am new to TPV. I like it so far. I have so much to learn and I am looking forward to it. I am so excited to be part of a team and I heard such good things about our "group." So any opportunity I get, I will attend the seminars we have. I look forward to eventually meeting you all. Today was my second seminar and I brought along a friend who is a part of our group now as well. Hope we can be successful together! Also - does anyone have an experience booking GROUPS to B'way??? I am currently TRYING to do one for "WICKED" around HALLOWEEN.


~Tacy Flora~

E R T I P J

New Family of 5 friendly hotel in Cancun

Just got an email from the Oasis Palms hotel in Cancun. It accepts 3 children under the age of 12 in a room with 2 adults.

Let me say that I know nothing about this hotel, but it may be worth checking it out for the budget minded families.

Here is the info on their kids program--- looks good :)

OASIS PALM BEACH
NEW KIDS AND TEENS BEACH AND WATER PARK CLUB
Facilities are open daily from 8 AM – 11 PM

AMENITIES & FACILITES:

“SEVEN SEAS” Pool and Entertainment Center
Brand new pool area specially designed with kids in mind. The new pool at Oasis Palm Beach will provide hours of fun. With three tiered areas for swimming and a delightful water slide coming into the largest and deepest main area, this pool offers hours of fun.

New garden area offers fun“PLAYGROUND"
Our playground offers the perfect rest when leaving the pool if for only “few seconds”. Here you will find slides, swing sets and a rock climbing wall. The perfect place to make new friends!

Beach Area “Little Mermaid”
Volleyball, badminton and beach soccer are only few of the fun activities available in our kids beach zone! Urban legend says that in this same beach there is a treasure buried. The one who finds it will receive a great surprise!

“Little Sea Horse Club” Designed for kids 3-6 years of age.
Table games will be available as well as a variety of arts and crafts such as painting, face painting, manual crafts with Playdough, etc.

Explorers, Sharks and Pirates Clubs Designed for kids 7-15 years of age
Besides table games and arts and crafts, kids will enjoy balloon sculpting and origami. They will participate in fun cooking classes where they will learn how to make their own ice cream and cookies and better yet, eat them!!

“Cyber” Room Designed for kids 7 years of age and older
This facility offers educational, safe and fun video games on the Internet for hours of fun!

Future Land Room Designed for kids 7 years and older
This area will offer fun games such as Xbox, Playstation and Nintendo.

“Movie & Disco Room” Designed for kids 12 and under
Every day starting at 6 PM kids will enjoy our featured film followed by a disco dancing night from 8 PM – 10:30 PM

Amphitheatre
This is a great, fun place available to all age groups. Here they will enjoy magic shows, marionettes, dance contest, etc.

For kids 13 and over we have prepared special nightly activities until 10:30 PM.

Child Play / Day Care “Ocean Jewels” Designed for little ones 1 - 2 years of age
Service available from 8 AM to 11 PM. This facility offers cribs; toys and everything needed to keep the little ones entertained and fully supervised. Additional charge will apply. $$

RESTAURANT, KIDS AND TEENS BUFFET “TUCAN”
Specially designed restaurant facility for kids. Buffet area is low and easy for children to reach. Our buffet will offer a combination of kids favorites.






Our Kids Club is Divided into 5 Different Groups by Age

Child Play / Day Care:

This service is available for kids 1-2 years of age.
Daily and / or weekly rates apply $$.
This facility is supervised by trained personnel who will care and entertain your little ones. Toys, games, fun activities and of course nap time are all scheduled during the day within a fully supervised environment.

The Sea Horse Club:

This club is available for kids 3-6 years of age.
This club offers both, outdoor and indoor activities throughout the day. Diverse activities are scheduled daily by the pool, beach and indoor facilities. All fully supervised by our trained staff. Parents are required to register their kids for either a few hours or for a full day of fun. Kids are to be picked up by their parent (s) during lunch time break and at the end of the day.

The Explores Club:

This club is available for kids 7-9 years of age.
This age group will also enjoy outdoor and indoor activities plus some additional cool surprises such as mini-disco dancing contest, swimming competition, volleyball tournaments, etc. All fully supervised by our trained staff. Parents are required to register their kids for either a few hours or for a full day of fun. Kids are to be picked up by their parent (s) during lunch time break and at the end of the day.

The Shark Club:

This club is available for kids 10-12 years of age. They will enjoy a day filled with sports, water sports, treasure hunt, water ballon wars, water polo among others plus the most important one; making new friends.
Because at this age kids are more independent, it is not required that parents register and pick up kids during the day. They are able to come in and out of the club at will. Our staff will supervise them while participating in the scheduled activities only.

The Pirates Club:

This club is available for kids 13 and over.
They will enjoy a fun filled day full of beach, water and sporting activities such as snorkeling, sailing, windsurf, canoe trips, etc.

Their day starts at 9 AM daily with breakfast with club friends followed by scheduled activities. During the evening “Club Pirata” is organized starting with dinner among club friends and followed by fun games such as trivia, table game competition, disco night until 10:30 PM.

Overnight Camp

Our fully trained staff will make sure kids participating in our over night camp have a great time while their parents go out for the night. Available to kids from 7 – 13 years of age. Reservation required 24 hours in advance.
Hours: 6:30 PM – 8:00 AM the next morning.

Additional charge per kid applies for this camp.

Tahiti Fam Report

I was corresponding with a travel agent from Australia (isn't the internet great!) when I was booking some honeymooners to Tahiti and she was kind enough to send me the Fam Report she put together after her trip.

Hope you find it helpful.



As part of Tahiti Tourism Tiare Program I was selected to attend the Tahiti Famil in February 2007. This famil was four nights to Papeete and Moorea.

This was a fantastic experience for me as I had never been to French Polynesia before, and I am very interested in French culture due to my family back ground.


AIR NEW ZEALAND
We flew Air New Zealand in both directions, via Rarotonga. This was actually quite enjoyable as it gave you an hour to stretch your legs, use the bathroom and do a quick bit of Duty Free shopping. The meal going up was very standard and served in a cardboard box. The meal on our return flight was of an extremely high standard – a croissant and for lunch, a grilled focacia sandwich. The staff were also much friendlier and helpful on the return flight – especially Margi. There was no in seat entertainment, just the standard main screen TV. The movies chosen were more catered towards the male market and did not interest me.


ACCOMMODATION - LE MERIDIEN TAHITI
We spent the first two night’s accommodation at this hotel. I was lucky enough to have a room to myself also, so it was very spacious and enjoyable. The property is located 15 kilometres from downtown Papeete and Faa International Airport.

Rooms were spacious and overlooked a fantastic pool area. They also had a small balcony with table and chairs. Junior Suites had a larger deck, which also had couches and a TV on it to make the most of the indoor/outdoor flow.

I really liked the pool at this resort; it had a sand base and made you feel as though you were swimming in a lagoon. The pool was huge and catered well to all ages.


SITE INSPECTION – SOFITEL TAHITI RESORT
Rooms are brightly coloured with bright tropical duvets and bright yellow curtains. Would strongly recommend clients upgrade from Mountain View Rooms to Lagoon View Rooms as the Mountain rooms over look the busy main road and residential houses. The property was refurbished in 2005 and has 216 rooms including 2 suites, some rooms are interconnecting. It also has the only Japanese Teppan Yaki restaurant in Tahiti.


ACCOMMODATION / SITE INSPECTION – INTERCONTINENTAL RESORT TAHITI
This hotel is located next to Sofitel Tahiti Resort. It was built in 1974 and is the biggest hotel in Tahiti with 270 rooms.

The décor of the rooms is quite traditional and did not appeal to me. It has patterned wallpaper and older style quilt duvets. Rooms are spacious. I would recommend Lagoon View Rooms over Garden View, as the position of the room has a better view. Overwater Bungalows are stunning, and for clients who can afford it, this is pure luxury. The rooms are not sound proof, and I woke up during the night when planes flew over. Also the beds were rock hard.

This property also offers Transit Rooms for clients who have stayed at Intercontinental Resort Moorea and are waiting for their international flight.


SITE INSPECTION – SHERATON TAHITI RESORT
This hotel has the WOW factor. The lobby, entrance way and common areas are very spacious and have touches of Tahitian décor including a shell chandelier.

Rooms are neutral colours, with granite bathrooms. They all have balconies which have views of the Papeete harbour. They also offer the second room at 50% for children, which is great for families wanting more space. Deluxe rooms also have internet connections.

The Sheraton also has a stunning man made white beach, one of the best in Tahiti.


SITE INSPECTION – HOTEL LE MANDARIN
This hotel is located behind the shops in Papeete, so it is very central for clients who are wanting a city stay, or about to join a cruise. It is within walking distance to lots of shops and also the markets.

Rooms are spacious, and have wooden floors which makes the room appear large and modern. The mini suites are also very spacious, and for the minimal price difference I would probably put clients in this room category.

The hotel also has Le Plazza on site, which is a Chinese Restaurant. The food here was delicious, and people from all over Tahiti come here. Fridays are popular with a local band playing during lunch.


SITE INSPECTION – RADISSON PLAZA RESORT
Another hotel with the WOW factor. Radisson Plaza is situated overlooking Matavai Bay, on the black sand of Lafayette Beach. This resort is further out than the rest (approx 10 minutes from Papeete); on the opposite side of the island but this is truly a stunning resort. The resort does offer two daily shuttles into Papeete.

This hotel has 165 rooms and is only 2 ½ years old. Rooms are beautiful, with wooden floors and neutral modern décor. All rooms are very spacious and I would not hesitate in putting clients here.

The pool area here is stunning. This resort would cater to clients wanting to sit back and relax and enjoy this resort style atmosphere.


ACCOMMODATION – MOOREA PEARL RESORT & SPA
We spent our third night at this property and were absolutely spoiled! We were lucky enough to be given a Beach Bungalow and this made our trip. The room was huge, with spacious bathroom and a huge deck which was on beautiful white sand, and only a few footsteps away from a stunning beach.

This hotel offers a good range of accommodation, including a family room which also has a loft for more space. Garden Bungalows have private plunge pools. The overwater bungalows are lovely, and the premium ones offer unrestricted views of the horizon.

The hotel has a distinctive “Tiki” theme and this is followed throughout the property. All Pearl Resorts are themed.

There are shops within a 5 minute walk, including a mini supermarket, restaurants and clothes/tourist stores.

I loved this resort and would not hesitate in putting clients here.


SITE INSPECTION – SHERATON MOOREA LAGOON RESORT
The Sheraton is located on Moorea’s northern coast between the famous Baie de Cook and Baie d’Opunohu and is only a 15 minute drive from the ferry terminal.

This is a stunning resort, with azure blue water which looked so inviting. The resort has 106 bungalows ranging from Garden to Overwater.

All bungalows were extremely spacious and nicely decorated with wooden flooring and neutral colours.

The resort has a very large Hair Salon and Spa which is very popular with guests, and also offers a 24 hour gym which is located across the road.


SITE INSPECTION – INTERCONTINENTAL RESORT & SPA
This is a huge resort located on the northwestern side of Moorea on a white sandy beach.

The resort has a huge lobby and rooms are very spacious. This hotel caters well for clients who arrive on an early morning ferry by providing them with a complimentary cell phone so they can enjoy the resort and surrounding facilities while waiting for the room to be ready. Once it is ready a member of the staff will phone.

All rooms have Tahitian Décor which is a nice touch. Overwater bungalows do not have a glass floor, as they are located more over land, than water so it is important to advise clients of this to avoid disappointment.

The resort offers wonderful Spa treatments at Helene Spa including a bath full of local flowers which was to die for.


SITE INSPECTION – HOTEL LES TIPANIERS
I really liked this property and thought it had a lovely, cozy feel to it due to its size. It is located approximately 20 minutes from the ferry terminal on a stunning white sandy beach.

The property only has 22 bungalows so it is very intimate, but still offers clients the peace and privacy that they want. Garden, Beach & Vanilla bungalows offer kitchen facilities so this property is well suited to families. There are also local shops 1km away.


SITE INSPECTION – HOTEL HIBISCUS
This hotel is also located on the western side of Moorea, approx 25 minutes from the ferry terminal.

It has a lovely white sandy beach and is within a 2 minute walk from local shops.

The air conditioned room really did not appeal to me; it felt like a drab hotel room, which opened onto an overgrown patio so I would recommend a bungalow for a more traditional feeling.

The hotel also has a restaurant on site, which has a lovely relaxed beachy atmosphere to it. This is a basic resort, but would be suitable for families or budget conscious travellers.


EXCURSION – PAPEETE MARKETS
These markets are in the heart of downtown Papeete and are open daily from 7.30am till 6.00pm (Sundays only until 9am).

The markets offer a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, monoi oil, scented soaps, vanilla pods, pastries, handicrafts and souvenirs. I would recommend clients visit the market to experience the culture of Papeete. English is very limited, but that is all part of the experience!


EXCURSION – TIKI VILLAGE
Visitors experience the traditions and life-style of an old Tahitian village through demonstrations of weaving, stone carving, tattooing and painting, plus music from traditional musical instruments including a nose flute.

This was a great evening out as it was great to experience the Tahitian culture. We also enjoyed a huge buffet of traditional food, including meats which were cooked underground.

The evening concluded with traditional dance, songs and fire dancing. This was a fantastic night, and I would strongly recommend clients do this while they are in Moorea.


EXCURSION – MOTU VISIT WITH STING RAY FEEDING
We were picked up in a speedboat and taken out to a private motu to enjoy the day swimming, snorkelling and lying in the sun.

On the way out we were lucky enough to have a pod of dolphins swimming by which provided a fantastic photo opportunity.

The water around the motu was crystal clear and great to go snorkelling in. Sting rays swam in the water, and guests were able to touch and kiss them while having their photo taken.

Lunch was a huge BBQ with chicken, sausages, fish and traditional raw fish dishes and salads. Drinks were provided throughout the day including beer. A very enjoyable day out.


EXCURSION – LE ROULETTES


********************************************************

Overall this was a fantastic famil and I thoroughly enjoyed my four days away. I would not hesitate to send clients to this destination and know they would have the experience of a life time in this beautiful destination.

Chan's CIE Fam Trip to Ireland

“CIE promotional Tour to Ireland”

Saturday November 12 to Saturday November 19, 2005

Highlights: After landing at Shannon Airport traveled to Killarney. Visited town of Adare, Kenmare, the Moll’s Gap, took a tour of Muckross House. (Two nights in Great Southern Hotel). On our way to Waterford visited Blarney Castle, shopped at Blarney Woolen Mills, visited the Cobh Heritage Centre, (one night in Granville Hotel). On our way to Dublin visited the famous Waterford Crystal Factory, took guided tour of Kilkenny Castle. (Two nights in Jury’s Corke Park Hotel). Visited Dublin Castle, Old Jameson Distillery, and the most famous O’Neal’s Bar & Pub for lunch. On our way to Limerick visited Bunratty Folk Park and Bunatty Castle. (One night in Drmoland Castle Hotel). The last evening we attended once again the Bunratty Castle for a medieval-style banquet.

General about Ireland: Ireland is a small country. 32,000 sq. miles with 4 major provinces; North, South, East and the West and 32 counties – 26 in Ireland and 6 in Northern Ireland (under British jurisdiction). In southern Ireland 90% are Catholics and 10% Protestants while in Northern Ireland 60 % Protestants and 40% Catholics.

In Ireland, elderly people are very well taken care of. The reason simply; what they did for their country. Retirement age is 65 for every body and every one gets a pension at the age of 66. In addition to state pension every body gets full medical/dental coverage and free transportation.


November 13, 2005. Weather sunny and clear. Arrived at Shannon Airport at 7.30a.m. and left in our CIE Tour Bus at 9a.m. Shannon is a new town and was built due to the Shannon Airport. On our way to Killarney we passed the Shannon River, which is the longest (250 miles) in Ireland. Passed Raheem Industrial Park. Stopped to see the picturesque thatched houses in the village of Adare before heading into Killarney, set beside glorious scenery of mountains and lakes. Checked into Great Southern Hotel. For lunch we had great vegetable soup with Irish soda bread.

In the afternoon walked around town and did some shopping. Had one of the best salmon fish with potatoes dinner with local beer.

November 14, 2005. Weather; morning cloudy and later sunny. After breakfast, left Hotel at 9 a.m. Stop for a brief tour/visit to see the Hotel Brehon. Then we started driving to explore some of Killarney’s scenic areas that make this region so popular with visitors from all over the world. We arrived into the town of Kenmare and everybody did some shopping and had Moca coffee. Left at 12 noon toward the Moll’s Gap, a vantage point on the famous Ring of Kerry route. At Moll’s Gap took many pictures including that of the Black Valley. At Café Avoca, we had homemade soup with bread for lunch and Strawberry Moreng pie with cream for desert, the best dessert ever. Continued along this popular road where every bend, and there were many of them, revealed new panoramas of mountains and the Lake of Killarney. Stopped at Ladies View to take pictures, where some parts of the movie “Far and Away” were filed here.

Upon arriving at Killarney National Park, we took ride in Horse Buggy and took many pictures of the Lake, animals, old abbey etc. Stopped at Muckross House for a tour of this stately 19th century mansion, built overlooking one of the Killarney’s lakes. Enjoyed the magnificent furnishings and learned about the history of the owners of the house. Returned to Hotel.

This evening participated in an educational seminar for CIE before dining in Hotel. (For NJ CIE person to be contacted is Carol). After dinner we joined the bar until midnight and had the best Irish coffee.

November 15, 2005 Weather; started with light rain and fog and later son came out. Left Killarney at 8.30 a.m. and passed through Macroom to Blarney. Macroom is a birth place of William Hunt, who later founded the state of Pennsylvania. Stopped at Blarney’ castle, walked around, (some people climbed 100 steps to kiss the blarney’s stone for good luck), did some shopping at Blarney Woollen Mills, which had a superb selection of quality Irish made goods.

Passed Cork city as we drove to the port town of Cobh. Visited the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of immigration from Ireland to the United States. Learned about travel conditions for the many Irish emigrants on the early sailing ships and steam vessels, including Titanic and Ultaniac ships. Followed the coastal route via Youghal, where Sir Walter Raleigh was once mayor, to Waterford for dinner and overnight stay. Waterford is the 5th largest Industrial and one of the oldest cities in Ireland with population of 50,000.

Checked-in Granville Hotel at 4p.m. and at 6p.m. listened to Jack the comedian about the city of Waterford and about the Hotel. Then took a short tour/walk into the oldest part of the city with Jack. After dinner watched live cricket (England vs. Pakistan).

November 16, 2005 Weather was clear. Bags out at 7.15a.m., breakfast at 7.30 a.m. and left Hotel at 8.30a.m.

First stop, visited the famous Waterford Crystal Factory to see the cutting and polishing of this fine product and also the excellent display of trophies and stemware in the showrooms. Did some shopping including a pair of yearning made of Ireland crystal on sterling silver. Left at 10.45 a.m. for Kilkenny (Kilkenny means church of corts) and while in bus, enjoyed its intriguing medieval streets and buildings. Upon arriving at Kilkenny castle at 12.00 noon, took a guided tour around Kilkenny Castle, home of the Butlers, Earls and Dukes of Ormonde. The castle was first built in 1192 and added to over the centuries. Restored to 1830’s splendor, it houses wonderful paintings and furniture. Also walked around the castle and did some shopping and had lunch containing Apple/Ginger/Barley soup with homemade Bread.

Continued north through the prime horse-breeding country of County Kildare and into the greater metropolitan region of Dublin. On our way to Dublin passed by the Greenness’s factory, U-2 Bono’s restaurant Scarlet, area where River Dance (Irish step dance) was invented and the tallest building in Ireland. At 4 p.m. checked in our Hotel Jurys Croke Park Hotel of Dublin. In the evening draw to Taylor Three Rock Pub, located on the outskirts of the city. Savor enjoyed a great meal with Irish specialties and then relaxed with an Irish coffee and enjoyed a lively show with traditional Irish songs and a display of intricate step dance.

November 17, 2005 Weather was sunny but cold. This morning took a tour of the Dublin City Center to see the prominent public buildings, elegant Georgian townhouses and peaceful gardens. Noted big contrasts between centuries-old historic places and modern streets which pulse with activities.

Next stop was Dublin Castle. Took a guided tour and observed the magnificently furnished State Apartments and learned about historic events that have taken place there. Then we arrived at and took a guided tour of the Old Jameson Distillery where we learned the number of steps needed to create Irish whiskey. Participated in whisky testing panel of 4 people. Took pictures and got certificate.

Then we were dropped off at Perry’s St. Right in the main shopping center of Dublin. Had a late lunch at the most famous O’Neal’s Restaurant Bar in Dublin metropolitan area. Later, visited the historic Trinity Library to look at Kills evaluation and history and visited the one-of-kind library. We also did some shopping. Returned to our hotel (took a cab) at 6 p.m.

Late this evening hit the bar and later watched live cricket.

November 18, 2005 Weather was cloudy and cold. Left Dublin at 8.30 a.m. for Limerick by train. Enjoyed the scenery while we travel south west in a comfortable high carriages took us through an excellent views of rich farmlands and busting market towns scattered through the countryside. Arrived Limerick, situated at the last crossing point on the Ireland’s longest River Shannon, at 10.15 a.m., where our CIE motor coach was waiting for us

Arrived at the Bunratty to visit the Bunratty Folk Park, with a collection of charming cottages and houses and traditional lifestyles in days gone by. Took a self guided tour of the Park and had lunch (vegetable soup and homemade bread). Checked into deluxe, 5 stare, Dromoland Castle Hotel, one of the most famous in Ireland and enjoyed sometime to explore the amenities and grounds and took many pictures.

In the early evening, once again, headed for the Bunratty castle for a medieval-style banquet where food was served at a long table (no utensils allowed) and the “lords” and “ladies” of the castle entertain us throughout the evening. Returned to Dromoland for overnight stay and once again stopped in the Hotel Bar for last drink in Ireland.

November 19, 2005 Weather was clear. This morning bags were checked at 7.15 a.m., had breakfast at 7.30 a.m. and left for Shannon Airport at 8.30 a.m. Took American Airlines Flight # 211 departed at 11.30 a.m., which arrived at Boston on time at 1.15 p.m. From Boston took the AA Eagle flight at 4.30 p.m. and arrived Newark at 6 p.m.



C/P/Nov 2005

Ultimate Selling Workshop

I attended a workshop at the NY Times Travel Trade Show yesterday given by Scott Koepf which was quite interesting.

Just a brief synopsis of what he said during this Ultimate Selling Workshop.

We are not in the sales business anymore. Now we are in the marketing business.

The future of Travel Agents will be to create unique marketing, establish personal relationships and to establish the value of YOU.

He identified 7 steps of sales that the best sales pros follow regardless of industry.

1. Preparation- you must be excited about what you do. You need a positive attitued. No one wants to deal with a grump!

2. Opening- 1st impression or greeting. Otherwise known as small talk. It takes 2 seconds to make a first impression- so make it a good one.

3. Qualify- this should take 80% of your first meeting with a new client.
The goal is to make a lifetime client, not just to sell them 1 vacation. You need to find out everything you can about these clients so that you don't have to ask the 5 D's. You should be able to know the answers to these questions after you finish qualifying the new client.
The 5 D's
- destination
- date
- duration
- dollars
- desire

From your questions about their past vacations, likes, dislikes, what they did, what they wanted to do, their favorite part, their least favorite part, who they traveled with, what type of room/resort/cruise ship/cabin, etc. you should be able to have the answers to these questions without coming out and saying "what is your budget?"

Qualifying is the art of asking questions.

4. Research and presentation
5. Overcome objections
6. Close the Sale
7. Follow up

After qualifying, don't go directly into the presentation. Get their contact info. Do research and set up an appointment to discuss your results.


Even being in the sales business for most of my adult life, this was a great refresher course for me and I picked up quite a few pointers.

Mindy Gilbert

Trip Advisor-friend to our clients or foe

This was in the 2/12/07 Opinion Section of Travel Weekly.
Please read it and share this with your clients. I think this will now make a world of difference in how we think about Trip Advisor




The dark side of consumer reviews (02/12/2007)


To contact Richard Turen, send comments to rturen@travelweekly.com.

By Richard Turen

Once upon a time, when expertise still meant something in our society, there were experts who knew more about a subject then you did. You asked your travel agent about the new Orient Express hotel hugging the coast in Ravello or the five-star inclusive along the Playa Maya.



Sometimes, if you were lucky, you spoke to an agent who was so knowledgeable that she could actually reel off specific hotel room numbers from her little black book, a book compiled from 20 or 30 years of enduring three- and four-day inspection trips; snapping photos of bathrooms and views off the balcony; briefings by hotel property execs. That's a lot of trudging up and down stairs, comparing room types, taking notes.



Your stock in trade was your collection of personal experiences. Your own little black book.



Now, we all carry the same black book. We all have access to so much data that a new type of traveler has emerged. The self-confident, self-educated hotel consumer, eager to demonstrate his or her hotel superiority, is tough to deflate. Armed with reviews from Trip Advisor and other consumer review sites, consumers, confident that they are armed with the "truth," constantly challenge today's agents.



But how accurate is hotel information gleaned from reviews written by the public at large? Not accurate at all, it turns out. The simple truth is that the Internet is the most efficient method ever devised to quickly transmit misinformation in a cost-efficient manner to the largest possible audience.



So marketing departments maintain lists of pseudonyms so they can plant seeds. Certain important Internet personalities, primarily bloggers, receive free products or payment in kind for their raves or for spewing unkind words about a competitor.



As Smart Money pointed out in its November issue last year, bloggers are being enticed by free trips and fancy gadgets into "planting fake reviews."



This new process has a name. It is called "buzz marketing," and the nation's largest PR firms are setting up buzz marketing departments designed to influence the word of mouth generated by consumer reviews. There is even a trade group to promote buzz marketing with more than 300 members, including household names like Best Buy and AOL.



Major corporations are beginning to staff buzz marketing positions. In researching this article, it took me all of four minutes to find an ad for a blog/viral manager of buzz marketing placed by Blockbuster Video's online subscription services. The successful applicant would need to "embed yourself and the Blockbuster brand in the online community."



And, sounding a bit like a conspirator, the person in this position will be expected to "develop a network of trusted evangelists and influencers who write and speak online."



Dell Computer was devastated by an onslaught from online bloggers intent on damaging the firm's credibility in the area of customer service. Was this orchestrated?



How hard would it be to employ chat rooms to launch an attack on your hotel competitor masquerading as reviews? How hard would it be to find some bloggers willing to shape their "buzz" for free gifts, cash or in-kind payments?



What we do know is that, according to Pew Research, more than 57 million of us read blogs. We read the strings of comments made about hotels worldwide, and virtually all of these hotel "reviews" have one thing in common: Each is written by someone who is using a fictitious identity. The Edelman public relations firm, one of the largest, admits to "reaching out" to bloggers that attract as few as 10 readers.



What does "reaching out" mean? If opinions can be manipulated and paid for, how valuable are the reviews our clients are bringing to us? Who writes them and what are their motivations?



And, dear friend, why have we, as an industry, been so silent on this topic? We have access to services that provide independent hotel inspection reports, and we still personally inspect dozens of properties in an average year.



Yet consumers think they can get better information from someone they have never met, someone who is using a made-up identity, someone who might well be under the influence of powerful corporations.



I remember a dinner in Lugano, Switzerland, many years ago. I was sitting with one of the world's top hotel inspectors, a former general manager at a famous property. We were working on our second bottle of a lush cabernet when he explained that each of the really top-tier hotels had one thing in common: The maid's cleaning cart was brought into the room.



The reason was that the maids were taught to use Polaroid cameras. Almost half of all guests in luxury hotels move the furniture around a bit. The maid, before cleaning, snaps a photo of the room as the guest has left it. That photo goes on the guest's permanent profile and the room will be set up properly the next time they check in.

"That's how you tell a top-tier hotel," I was advised.



I never read that on the Internet.

Platinum Seminars Campus at Sea

NCL - DREAM:SOUTH AMERICA OUTSIDE CABINS ( Santiago/Valparaiso to Santiago/Valparaiso ) 999*Santiago/Valparaiso - Concepcion/Talcahuano - Puerto Chacabuco - Punta Arenas - Ushuaia - Puerto Montt - Valdivia/Corral - SantiagoFourteen Nights: November 7, 2007

NCL - DREAM:Exotic Panamal Canal ( Miami to Santiago/Valparaiso ) 999*Miami - Ocho Rios - Puerto Limon - Transit Panama Canal - Trujillo/Salaverry - Lima/Callao - Arica - Coquimbo - Santiago/ValparaisoFourteen Nights: October 24, 2007

NCL - DREAM:SOUTH AMERICA 2008 OUTSIDE CABINS ( Santiago/Valparaiso to Buenos Aires ) 999*Santiago/Valparaiso - Puerto Montt - Puerto Chacabuco - Straits of Magellan - Punta Arenas - Beagle Channel Glacier Cruising - Ushuaia - Cape Horn - Stanley - Puerto Madryn - Montevideo - Buenos AiresFourteen Nights: February 17, 2008

NCL - DREAM:SOUTH AMERICA 2008 OUTSIDE CABINS ( Santiago/Valparaiso to Buenos Aires ) 999*Santiago/Valparaiso - Puerto Montt - Puerto Chacabuco - Straits of Magellan - Punta Arenas - Beagle Channel Glacier Cruising - Ushuaia - Cape Horn - Stanley - Puerto Madryn - Montevideo - Buenos AiresFourteen Nights: March 16, 2008



*Agent Rates are Cruise Only (plus port tax) - Companion Welcome/Same Rate
Agents will be required to provide a copy of their IATA or CLIA card to sail

**Please note: Seminars are conducted by Platinum Seminars, not the cruise lines

Cruise Passengers Buy Insurance

USTiA Survey Shows 70% of Cruise Passengers Buy Insurance
Source: ModernAgent's Travel Pulse Daily

More than 70 percent of all cruise passengers buy travel insurance, according to a 2006 Consumer Survey conducted by the U.S. Travel Insurance Association (UStiA). The survey showed that people are more likely to buy insurance when there are more factors out of their control, when there are considerable pre-paid, non-refundable expenses, and when they want protection from unforeseen events. These are all considerations for the typical cruise vacation.

"When it comes to cruise vacations, the old proverb 'ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure' is a wise choice," said Jon Ansell, UStiA president. "The most common claim situation is that a sudden illness or injury in the family forces people to cancel a cruise. Other common issues can affect a cruise vacation too, such as lost, stolen or delayed baggage; missing connecting flights en route to the cruise; becoming ill or injured while at sea or while on a shore excursion. Hurricanes and delays reaching the port of embarkation due to bad weather are also circumstances typically covered by travel insurance."

With the growing popularity of cruising, new travel insurance policies address the special needs of cruise passengers that include standard travel insurance protections, such as trip cancellation/interruption, medical and evacuation coverage, as well as enhancements such as "missed cruise connection." If a passenger misses a flight to the point of embarkation for a covered reason, the insurance covers the flight costs to the ship's next port of call, and reimburses for the portion of the cruise that was missed.

Cruise insurance may also cover the cost of treatment in the cruise ship medical department, which can be quite high. In the case of a serious illness or accident in which the cruise ship's hospital may not have sufficient resources, both standard travel insurance and cruise insurance policies offer 24-hour hotline assistance to help arrange for medical care.

Ansell advises travelers to check their current health and homeowners policies to see what coverage they have and then look around for a reputable travel insurance provider to cover any gaps. "Many people are surprised to find that their medical insurance may not cover them in international waters, and may provide no coverage at all for medical evacuation," he said.

To view the article in Modern Agent, click http://www.modernagent.com/Resources/Editorial.aspx?n=20383

For more information on UStiA, visit http://www.ustravelinsurance.org/.

Marketing Lesson #6

This Is Your Sixth Marketing Lesson
with Mike Marchev
"Marketing Communications"

This lesson is a bit lengthy but worth your time reading every point.
Here are 15 Marketing Mistakes you need to eliminate from your daily program.
========================================
1. You don't know to whom you are marketing.
========================================
It is too easy to fall into the trap of simply hanging your shingle that reads "Open For Business." Yes. Selling is a numbers game. Yes. There are millions of people who want
and/or need your services. Yes. No matter what you do, some mud will stick now and then if you sling enough of it resulting in a few new business transactions.
But if you don't have all the time in the world, then it is far more prudent to focus on a tightly specified area of interest. Quite frankly, I don't care what this focus involves or who it involves. I am simply reminding you that the tighter your focus, the more successful you will be in the long run. Know whom you want to do business with.
Harley bikers? Bus groups for seasoned people? School trips?
Golf outings? Sporting events? Small businesses? Large businesses?
Trips to Italy? Cruises? Home-based businesses? Owners of
one-eyed dogs? There are only four hundred million examples
I could use. If you want a lesson in reality as it relates to interest groups, take a field trip to your local Barnes & Noble book emporium and walk the magazine rack.
There is a magazine for virtually every hobby, trend or whim in the universe.... and there are hundreds of them.... and more on the way.
As our planet continues to fill up with people, they tend to hang with people who exhibit similar tastes.
These are the groups I am asking you to identify. Once you know who you are going to market to, your life becomes instantly more enjoyable. You will find that this is easier said than done. Most worthwhile things are.

======================================
2. You don't know why your customers buy.
======================================
Let's use an example to "drive" this point home.
If I asked you what attributes you look for when shopping for an automobile, you would give me your buying criteria on the matter. These are your personal feelings as they relate to you - specifically. If I asked someone else what it is they look for when they shop for a car, chances are they would give me an entirely new set of "needs."
You may say "style". While others might say "speed”. Another might be looking for "gas economy". Another - "price". Another - "the sound system". (Don't laugh at this one. I once sold a car entirely based on the speakers strategically positioned behind the rear seats.)
I think you get the idea. What you think from this day forward does not matter. What your prospects think is the only thing that does matter. Therefore, you must get into the habit of asking them what is on their mind.
Once you get this, you will be in for lots of new business.
=================================
Mistake #3. You are not client centered.
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Most customers are getting tired of hearing companies chant the "CUSTOMER SERVICE MANTRA". Based on my experiences in the marketplace, chances are pretty good that most companies are full of baloney. There are a great number of organizations out there who still don't know how to spell customer service, no less how to deliver it on a regular and consistent basis. DAMN FEW!

Allow me to clarify.
You might be good at it --- servicing your clients ---Now and then, when you feel like it.
But how often is that? Based on my experiences.... not often enough.

Customer service has nothing to do with "smile training" or reminding me to "have a nice day". It is all about knowing which side of the bread the butter goes on and who makes your job possible.

It is coming to work living and breathing the fact that without paying customers you could stay in bed all day long with little consequence.

When a customer says jump, you say "how high?" When a customer wants "2", you deliver "2x2". Get it?

If you wake up in the morning and the first thing out of your mouth does not sound like the noise "customer", then you have some work to do.

I am often asked, "Mike, is the customer always right?" Of course not. The customer is often dead wrong. But, the customer always, always, always is the customer. Until you decide otherwise.

Now, if you don't particularly care about the customer, you can be right. Go ahead. Be right. Otherwise, work with the feelings and thoughts and buying habits of the customer. Until you hear otherwise, customers still make the world spin on its axis.

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Mistake # 4. You have no marketing plan.
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I don't want you to jump ship on this one. Very few people in business today have a marketing plan. Most well-intentioned folks have a "wing-it" plan. They have a "we try harder" plan. They have a "I'm a nice person so I deserve success" plan, and they all call them Marketing Plans. No such luck!
The reason they don't have a plan is because in order to have a marketing plan, they must know what "marketing" is ... or means ... and how it works. They don't.
This does not make them bad people. It does make them struggling people in need for some degree of direction.
Here is a brief overview for interested people only:
Okay. School is out for now. In review:
1. We covered marketing mistakes 3 & 4.
2. We discussed how to position the Success Letter.

This information alone is enough to keep you busy for the next year and a half. But if you want more, you are entitled to more.
Before Lesson #3 arrives, I suggest that you print Lesson #2 out and share it with your staff.
Stay tuned for Lesson #3 which will be arriving the day after tomorrow.
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May I suggest that you print this email out and give each member of your team a copy. You can use it as a basis for discussion at your next sales meeting.

What? You don't have sales meetings! Start having them every Monday morning. For 15 - 20 minutes. Every Monday. Without fail. Your business will grow as a result and employee morale will only go "south" for a maximum of 7 days. You can use each of these 5 lessons as a point for discussion.
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Mistake # 5. You are not persistent.
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The Rule of 7 comes to mind whenever I talk about "persistence".

The Rule of 7 states: To make an impact in a strangers mind, you must contact them a minimum of seven times in each 18-month period. Most people quit or give up after the first rejection. A majority of those remaining quit after try #2. 7 (seven contacts) is the secret.
There really is nothing magical about the number seven but you don't want to become a nuisance. By airing out your contacts over time you eliminate much of the chance of "bugging" people. i.e. the 18 month time frame.
As long as you contact them with information they consider to be useful, you have little to fear of overdoing your welcome. The secret is to "keep on keeping on". Preferably, with good, solid, meaningful information that is relevant to your prospects. A popular way of keeping your name in front of your targeted audience is by clipping a meaningful article from a newspaper or magazine and stapling it to your business card. Period. (Oh yeh, and then sending it to somebody.)
You can send a simple, one-page letter that contains a column or two of easy-to-read "news". This is affectionately known as a "newsletter". Mine is different from your graphically correct,
four-color beauties. Mine consists of a letter with some news in it. (How clever am I?)

Whatever you decide to do, it is most important that you don't become a hit-and-run artist. This is what becomes of most would-be marketers. They start strong and fade fast. You need to select a process, or a system, and stay with it week after week, month after month, year after year. That is where we get the reputation for PERSISTENCE.

You can also send postcards. More on this in a minute.
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Mistake #6. You expect the prospect to do too much work.
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Let's get this clear once and for all. It is your business. It is your life. It is your future.
You have yours and I have mine. Others have theirs. And very seldom do the twains meet.

If you want to do or accomplish something, (anything), it is entirely up to you. If you want to speak to me, and you call me and leave a message, it is not my responsibility to call you back. You wanted to talk to me, remember. You must keep on calling until you accomplish your goal.

Don't expect me to care about you or your problems. I have enough of my own thank you very much. If you want to succeed in this or any other business, decide what it is that YOU must do ......and then do it.
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Mistake #7. You don't go for the jugular.
"If he wanted to do business with me, he would call me."
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BALONEY! Think of it this way. You are a professional. If you don't ask me to do business with you, you are an AMATEUR.

Now the choice is yours. Are you a pro, or are you a wanna-be?

Here are some facts:

Some people are going to think you are pushy no matter what you do or say.
Some people are going to tell you to "buzz-off".
Some people are going to threaten to call the cops.
Some people are down right lazy slugs and although they are looking
at you straight in the face do not have a single clue what
you just said to them or asked them to do.
Some people will be reluctant to do business with you
but they will agree just the same.
Some people will be glad you asked. Others will take offense.
Some people won't wait for you to ask and demand that
you take their business.

This is what makes the world such a zany yet attractively fun planet. It takes all kinds. And believe me, there are all kinds out there. As long as you are not a crook, thug, or a dishonest ex-con, you have nothing to apologize for. Just stick to your knitting.
Keep on asking for the business.
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Mistake #8. You are boring people.
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Hey, you can answer this one yourself. Who do you want to spend time with?
Choice A: A boring, whining, negative slug?
Choice B: A proactive, fun, creative, idea-generating, bundle of energy.
This my friends is what is known in the business as a "no-brainer."
Give me the "action-guy/gal" each and every time.

If you are boring --- stop being boring. If you are not boring, don't become boring. Need a slogan to pace your day? Fail Faster. Failing at anything is never boring. In fact, it often is quite exhilarating. Don't fail "stupid". But do get away from your daily comfort zone and stretch a little.

Okay. Enough about mistakes.
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9. You fail to connect with your prospects and customers
sufficiently often.
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Look ye hear! We are back to the Rule of 7. No harm. Repetition is the key to learning.
Again. Contacting your prospects 7 times over an 18 month period. That is the key.

Monday Morning Message

WORTH REPEATING
AND REPEATING
AND REPEATING
AND REPEATING
* Why You MUST Follow-Up With Your Customers/Leads!
* Did you know that the average consumer needs to hear a commercial 17 TIMES before making a "buying" decision. Yet, so many adroit marketers miss the boat when it comes to follow-up. Even I have been guilty of not following up with leads or staying in constant contact with my customers. It is SO critical that you keep in contact with your customers, and follow up with your leads. For instance, if you're capturing people's email addresses when they visit your web
site, what are you planning to with those emails. Keep in mind, these are people that have raised their hand, and expressed an interest in your service.

For you NOT to follow up on those leads via email would be a CRIME! You could send them weekly or monthly tips about their particular interest. You could have a free recorded
message for people who are not on the web, and offer them a free report by snail mail, etc. The bottom line is to always give your customers/leads, EVERY available option to get information from you. Remember, don't think that just because you've emailed or snail mailed them once or twice, that they're not interested in what you have to offer. Keep in mind that people are VERY busy, and they're NOT sitting around the house waiting for something from you! This is why
follow-up is SO critical.

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10. You let past buyers and customers get away.
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Shame on you!

The human approach to losing an account is to stay away because you think that the people you were once doing business with don't like you anymore.

Foolish you. In all probability, the reason they stopped doing business with you is because you stopped paying attention to them.

Regardless of your "reasons" why not go back to former business associates, and find out what the current status is. I want you to go back as soon as you can. No, that is not clear enough.
I want you to contact all past clients within the next 7 days. Now that is an objective for you.

What will you say to them?

Say you are sorry that it has taken so long to contact them again. Tell them that for whatever reason they decided to move on without you, you plan to address their concerns and provide
them with a superior service. Apologize if necessary. And then ask them for another opportunity to work with them.

Tell me this: What have you got to lose? They will remain yesterday's news unless you do something about it.
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11. You don't seek to "upgrade" your buyers.
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Upgrade is in parenthesis because I don't necessarily endorse the concept of "selling up". I do, however, endorse the practice of "selling right."

And if "right' is "up" I say go for it.

I also endorse "selling down" if it too is the right thing to do.

Bottom line: Sell right. And right does not mean what is right for you. It means what is right for the customer. This does not always translate to profitability either.

But, over the course of the year, if the account remains profitable, maintain the relationship at all costs. If the account is unprofitable, it may be time to raise your prices or sever relationships with
this particular customer.
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12. You are not ready to sell when your prospects are ready to buy.
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This mistake has to do with "clock watchers". Who ever said that the world had to dance to the beat of your drum? Who said the magic hours are between 9 & 5? Not me.

In fact, other than business travel, 9-5 is probably the worst hours one could ever keep in today's 24/7 world. (I hate that term but that is what it's called) You will have to decide your own hours.

My message to you: Be there when I want to talk to you. You figure the rest out.
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Mistake # 13. You think like an order-taker, not a marketer.
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Here is the fastest way to go out of business: Wait for the phone to ring and then answer it.
Here is the surest way to maintain a growing business: Make it your mission to make your phone ring.
"Making things happen" is an old saying that simply will not go out of vogue.
You want mail? Send more mail.
You want more calls? Make more calls.
You want more e-mails? Send more e-mails.
You want more action? Create more action.
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14. You don't use "What Next?" Thinking
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This is the second to last reminder in our mistake avoidance campaign.

You see every piece of the business puzzle as an end to itself. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Here is a simple example and I will leave it at that.

You see a honeymoon package as a honeymoon package. I see it as Step #1 in an 8-Step Selling Sequence.

Step 2 is a vacation package.
Step 3 is a ten-year anniversary package.
Step 4 is another vacation package.
Step 5 is a 20-year anniversary package.
Step 6 is a ............. a vacation package.
Step 7 is a trip back to the homeland.
Step 8 is a 50-year anniversary.
And the sequence goes on.

Remember the hardest sale is the first sale. The most meaningful sale is the second sale to the same buyer. The most profitable sales begin after #2.

These are the words of profitability according to Mike.
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15. You are disappointed when people don't buy from you
immediately so you get dispirited and give up.
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Everything worthwhile takes longer than first imagined. I didn't make this up.
It simply is the way the world spins. And people will not buy when the time is right for you.
They will buy when the time is right for them.

When will that be? Who knows?
If not this month .... next month.
If not this year .....next year.
If not this decade .... next decade.

Hey, if you are not planning to go out of business this week, what's your hurry? Enjoy the ride and try to learn something along the route.

You have plenty of follow-up to do with the prospects you plugged into your system last year, right?

Your new slogan is to simply keep on keeping on. When your prospects are ready, you will be ready. Until then, keep building that Database and filling your sales funnel in at the top.

There you have it in easy to swallow spoonfuls.
15 Marketing Mistakes Worth Avoiding at All Costs.

That puts the mistake portion of this course to rest.
Be sure to review them now and then to make sure you are not
falling back into a trap of quick sand.
That's it for today. Quite a mouthful.
One more email to go. That will make seven since we started.
The time flew by didn't it. If you want more, I have more.

Travel Ports & Voyages 2006 – 2007 Group Space

November 22, 2006

The following group space is open for all Travel, Ports & Voyages agents to sell. By selling into group space, your clients get locked in group prices, any group amenities offered by the cruise lines/tour operator and you may be eligible to share in the free tour conductors.


If you are booking into any of these groups, call the groups departments of the travel supplier to reserve your cabins/rooms. CALL THE Travel, Ports & Voyages AGENT HOLDING THE SPACE. IF YOU PUT ANY CABINS/ROOMS ON HOLD AND THE CLIENT CHANGES THEIR MIND, YOU MUST CANCEL THE SPACE.

If you have any questions regarding the group space held, please call the agent holding the space.

Prices are subject to change until time of deposit and the group space can be withdrawn by the cruise line or Travel, Ports & Voyages at any time.


Ship: Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas
Date: November 4, 2007
# nights: 7
Itinerary: Bermuda and Boston
Port of embarkation: Bayonne
Cruise Line/Group Sales #: 800-327-2055
Group ID # : 1758603
Name of Group: Teacher Convention group
Agent Holding Space: Mindy Gilbert
Agent’s phone #: 732-249-7184
Agent’s Email address: mpg1226@aol.com

Category # Doubles/Quads Rate
D1 Balcony 6 $640.00
D2 Balcony 6 $620.00
D3 Balcony 6 $610.00
E1 Balcony 3 4 triple $600.00
I Oceanview 3 4 $530.00
H Oceanview 3 4 $550.00
L Inside 6 $360.00
M Inside 3 $350.00
N Inside 4 $340.00
PR Inside- promenade 3 $380.00
3rd/4th guest $230.00
Inside/ocean/balcony

Port charges $169.00
Taxes & fees $91.70
Airfare /taxes
Amenities

Commission 15%
Deposit of
$500 per cabin
Due by - check with Mindy - still available
Final payment Due by 8/15/2007
Notes:
Call Mindy Gilbert before booking any space
8 amenity points
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Ship: Celebrity Mercury Date: August 3, 2007
# nights: 7
Itinerary: Alaska
Port of embarkation: Vancouver
Cruise Line/Group Sales #: 800-437-4111
Group ID # : 73289 Name of Group: O’Reilly Group
Agent Holding Space: Mindy Gilbert
Agent’s phone #: 732-249-7184 Agent’s Email address: mpg1226@aol.com
Category Cabin type # Doubles/Quads Rate
5 Ocean view 4 $1180
6 Ocean view 3 $1160
7 Ocean view 4 $1110
10 Inside 4 $840
Port charges $219
Taxes & fees/ new Alaska tax $49.36 $49.31
Airfare /taxes from EWR $619 + $108.44
Amenities 2 points
Commission 15%
Deposit of $250 pp Due by 3/1/07
Final Payment Due by 5/20/07
Notes: Call Mindy Gilbert before booking

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Bolongo Bay Beach Club, St Thomas, USVI

The Catamaran, "Heavenly Days"

The Mafolie Restaurant View of Charlotte Amalie at night from The Mafolie

Magen's Bay

Bolongo Bay Beach

I posted on the forum, but this will allow me to give a more detailed report with some pictures. My niece was married (November 2006) in St Thomas at Bolongo Bay. Tommy and I went down for the wedding and stayed for a week. We did the all-inclusive option and stayed in a beachfront room (ground floor). When you arrive at the resort they welcome you with a rum punch while you are checking in (you are also welcomed at the airport in St Thomas with a rum punch!). Bolongo Bay is a small resort, only 65 rooms, and it is family run. If you book directly through the resort, their commission is 11%. When we went to our room I have to admit I was thinking "I have to stay here for a week?". It was nothing fancy and you could see where the room used to have a kitchen facility. The rooms used to be more on the order of efficiencies, but they have since changed that. They do have a refrigerator and sink area, as well as some dishes for use. The tile in the kitchen area does not match the tile in the rest of the room. The room is outdated, but they are working on that. The rooms are all getting new mattresses (should be completed by now) and they are working on the rest as well. Now, after the initial feelings I had, I have to say that it was a most wonderful vacation.

You get over the outdated room pretty fast. They make you feel like family, get to know you by name, and to know your preferences. Even if you do not choose all-inclusive you still have access to their water equipment. The Beach House restaurant (it will be changing its name soon - something like the Lobster House) on the property is 5 star- you order off the menu and everything is delicious. The service is excellent, although you don't want to be in a hurry. The only night we were in a hurry was karaoke night, so we could get good seats! The Beach House is closed for dinner on Sunday and Monday, but they also have an informal restaurant called Iggies. They have karaoke there as well as themed nights. The drinks are powerful - they don't water down the drinks for the all-inclusives.

We took the catamaran cruise to St John's island for the day - it is included if you stay 7 nights. The next day my niece was married on the catamaran. It was a sunset cruise (5 - 7 pm) and we had about 30 guests on the catamaran. The crew was wonderful, and it was nice that we had already been on the boat with them and got to know them. First we had hors d'oeuvres and rum punch (or whatever you wanted to drink - it was an open bar), and they played music while we sailed. We sailed out to Buck Island, dropped anchor, and they exchanged their vows with the sun setting behind them. We had plenty of champagne, then headed back to Bolongo Bay for dinner on the beach. Dinner was great and there was a band with a dance floor. There were a few glitches - their wedding planner was brand new - but if you have someone who is not picky, I would highly recommend it. I didn't think I would like this kind of wedding - I am used to the more traditional ones - but I have changed my mind. I think it was very romantic and it was fund staying there while being on vacation.

I will definitely return for another stay! While we were there, we went back to St John's another day, this time by ferry from Red Hook. We took a taxi to the ferry, and had a great day at the island. The first time we went to the island on the catamaran, it was mostly for snorkeling. They have all the equipment on board as well as the styrofoam noodles. Lunch was served on board, and you could spend your day snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing on the beach, or just stay on the boat. We did a little of everything. When we went by ferry, we took a taxi to a different beach and rented snorkel equipment there. Another day we went to Magen's Bay in St Thomas. Always a great place to go and some of the locals were having a barbecue there. Someone tapped me on the shoulder and said "remember me? I'm Calvin Klein!" It was one of our waiters from Bolongo (he goes by the name Calvin Klein). That is how much they make you feel at home.

We went into town one day - and went out to dinner at The Mafolie restaurant our last night. We went there because we were there on our honeymoon 27 years ago and wanted to go back. Of course it is under new ownership - actually very new. We met the owner (Mike Sigler 340-774-2790; http://www.mafolie.com/ ) and he also owns the hotel that is there by the same name. He showed us some of the rooms there and if you have clients who don't want to stay on the beach, this is a great place to stay. It is built on the side of the mountain overlooking Charlotte Amalie. The rooms have wonderful views, and each room is a little different. As for the restaurant, the food was great (it had gone downhill we were told, before the new owner took over.) The head chef is from the states. The owner said he had trouble finding dependable help and decided to bring someone over from the U.S.

We decided against renting a car while we were there and opted for taxis. We saved a little by doing this, but that wasn't the reason for doing so. They drive on the left and the roads are windy and narrow. We didn't want any problems. When we came back one night, we saw two cars pulled over - an accident. The woman who rear ended the other car was obviously a tourist. We were glad we didn't rent a car when we saw that!

Also, if you have clients going to Bolongo Bay, contact Paul Graber who is their rep and he will send a gift on your behalf. Paul also represents Secret Harbour Beach Resort in St Thomas; The Buccaneer Hotel in St Croix; Anse Chastanet in St Lucia; and Coconut Court Beach Hotel, Bougainvillea Beach Resort, Barbados Beach Club, and Treasure Beach Hotel, all in Barbados.

Click here for a photoshow of the pictures http://photoshow.comcast.net/watch/Fd9Uf8qv

Mary McGrath