by John Frenaye
Monday May 11, 2015

I have always been a huge proponent of email as a marketing tool. Social media is necessary and fine, but email is more personal and intimate. It is almost analogous to an acquaintance and a boy or girlfriend. With an acquaintance, you are a bit more guarded than with a close friend. Email is no different and it is a powerful medium. And if used right, it could be a pipeline into more direct sales for you. Here is one successful, non-sales, strategy that has worked for me. It’s a no pressure means to follow up on a lead without sounding like the irritating salesperson.

Here is the scenario. A prospect contacts you and is interested in a family vacation that is fairly active, yet needs…

Allow me to explain today’s message in my new short and concise format. I was flying this week to Phoenix and then onto Miami for a couple of speaking assignments. (I love this game!)

Departing from Albany Airport is a real pleasure compared to Newark – my old launching pad.

  — Travel Research Online
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by Richard Earls
Sunday May 10, 2015

Last week, a travel professional emailed me with a simple, yet profound, request. She wanted THE SECRET. You know, the magic trick that transforms ordinary marketing to extraordinary. The secret that will drive more business through your door than you can handle.

So, I told her. She was the secret. So are you.

I'm pretty sure she didn't like the answer. She wanted a trick. She preferred illusion over reality. Early on in our travel practice, we are convinced that there is a bag of tactics we can use to generate business.  All we have to do is learn what the tricks are and we will be…

Robert Cracknell is the Reservations Director for Rental Escapes. Whether he’s helping his own clients plan the perfect luxury getaway or helping his Reservations team find the right villa, he’s an expert on all things luxury travel. Robert has personally inspected many of the villas in the Rental Escapes portfolio all around the world. His extensive knowledge of these villas helps him curate unforgettable experiences.

Travel Research Online (TRO): What inspired you to pursue a career in the travel industry?

Robert Cracknell (RC): I have always been a very adventurous person, and while growing up it was my dream to explore and travel the world. Blending my passion and career into one was a no-brainer, which…