Cruise Planners–American Express Travel is the highest-ever ranking franchise on Entrepreneur’s Annual Franchise 500 List; Here’s why
CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – April 7, 2014 – Cruise Planners-American Express Travel, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the travel industry, continues to edge out its competition and this year has launched its way into the No. 19 spot on Entrepreneur’s Annual Franchise 500 List – the highest ever in the “Travel Industry” category.
“People who have an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for travel make successful Cruise Planners franchisees,” said Vicky Garcia, COO and co-owner of Cruise Planners–American Express Travel. “Our franchisees are set up for success from day one with our award-winning marketing initiatives, cutting-edge training and technology, and talented Home Office team with a proven track record of excellence.”
Below are the top benefits for people who join Cruise Planners and become “travelpreneurssm.”
Gain credibility with American Express
Cruise Planners is an American Express Travel Service Representative agency, which lends instant credibility to its new franchisees and offers a variety of exclusive marketing programs to help close the sale. Customers get exclusive added benefits and can purchase cruises with American Express Membership Rewards® points, with agents earning full commission.
Work with award-winning professionals
Named the No. 1 Cruise Tour/Travel Agency by Entrepreneur magazine for the past 11 years – and the highest-ever ranking travel company to date – Cruise Planners positions franchise owners for success by providing innovative marketing, booking and lead-generating tools, as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry’s top executives.
Frequent turnkey marketing campaigns
- Award-winning advertising programs created by an in-house marketing team
- Monthly direct mail brochures and full-color pieces are customized with agents’ contact information; mailed to clients at no cost
- Personalized, full-color, 32-page magazine available twice a year featuring hot destinations, new cruise ships, and vacation specials
- Weekly email campaigns to customers with special offers
- Website and lead generation program
- Print-On-Demand marketing and communications tools
Sell with great tools
Cruise Planners agents have access to proprietary software enabling them to research travel trends, manage and book reservations, market their business online and create customized marketing materials. Through innovative mobile applications, agents can access clients’ booking information and practically run their business from the palm of their hand. Agents can also connect with the supportive Home Office staff to help grow their business, produce invoices, and track commissions.
Comprehensive training
There’s no previous experience necessary when joining Cruise Planners as a franchisee. Cruise Planners’ Business Development team guides new franchisees through the start-up process preparing agents to attend a six-day training program including a tradeshow and a chance to meet members of the Home Office team, take ship tours, and receive product demonstrations. It doesn’t end there; Cruise Planners provides ongoing education via an annual convention, seminars at sea, live and on-demand webinars available on Cruise Planners University, and a sales service center. Each training element helps agents earn CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) certification.
Drop anchor with Cruise Planners
When you join the Cruise Planners family, you’ll find it has the team, talent and dedication to help your business succeed. And, after 20 years, Cruise Planners–American Express Travel still believes we’re anchored in each franchisee’s success!
About Cruise Planners–American Express Travel
Named No.1 Cruise Tour / Travel Agency by Entrepreneur for the past 11 years and recently featured in Entrepreneur as one of the top 30 franchise innovators in technology, Cruise Planners positions franchise owners for success by providing them with innovative marketing, booking and lead-generating tools as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry’s top executives.
Headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla., Cruise Planners has achieved top producer status with every major cruise line. Accolades include a record 11 Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly in 2013, Special Needs Group Accessible Travel Advocate Power Partners™ for 2012, American Express Travel Representative Excellence Award for eight years in a row (2004 – 2011), American Express Agency of the Year (2010), Royal Caribbean International Home-Based Partner of the Year (2007 – 2012), Royal Caribbean International President’s Award for Overall Achievement for 2012, Norwegian Cruise Line Franchise Agency of the Year (2011-2013) and Home-Based Agency of the Year (2010), Celebrity Cruises Southeast Region Travel Agent Partner of the Year (2010), American Express Vacations Globe Award (2008 – 2012), Globus Family of Brands Premier Agency Partner (2009- 2012), Platinum Circle Member with Viking River Cruises (2009-2012), Regent Seven Seas Cruises Top Producer and International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association Member. For information, visit www.cruiseplanners.com or call 888-582-2150.
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Media Contacts:
Caitlin Murphy
Director of Public Relations, Cruise Planners-American Express Travel
954-344-8060
CMurphy@CruisePlanners.com
