by John Frenaye
Monday November 09, 2015

Warning, this column may not sit well with some people. And with that disclaimer out of the way, let’s go.

It is no secret that we operate in a challenging industry. So much of our success is tied to things that are out of our control—political issues, commissions, world health issues, natural disasters, etc. If an agency specializes in weddings on Maui and all of a sudden Haleakala decides to erupt and make it the 21st century Pompeii—that agency is done. So, we do need to keep on our toes, but sometimes, I think we shoot ourselves in the foot unnecessarily.

Last week, an effort was underway called “Travel Agent Awareness Week.” In and of itself, it makes sense. In the challenging industry, we need to make…

For the next eight days I'm going to offer little “stings” of information, which I believe will make all the difference in the world to you and your future.

Most individuals believe they do not have to be reminded of something as simple as looking somebody in the eye. Wrong!

by Richard Earls
Sunday November 08, 2015

Every travel agency seeks visibility in its marketplace. Through advertising, niche marketing, and solid networking, agency owners work to raise the profile of their travel practice above the crowd, so the public immediately associates the agency's brand with the word "travel". Creating an association strong enough to be top of mind anytime someone thinks of "travel" is no small feat but, especially on a community level, it is achievable. No doubt in your own community, there is at least one travel agency with more than its proportionate percentage of "mindshare" - people immediately think of that agency when they think of their next cruise or vacation.

Key to the effort of raising your company's profile is the entire concept of "branding."…

Marc Kavanagh, President and owner of Journeys Connect, is a seasoned travel industry sales expert with more than 27 years of hands-on experience in the travel industry and is a vibrant leadership force in group programs and business development. Marc started his career in travel at Ryanair in its early start-up days. He moved from Ireland to the US in 1996 where he worked for Brendan Tours as sales manager for the Northeast. He then went on to join Celtic Tours World Vacations, where for 11 years he was responsible for implementing the company’s sales and marketing initiatives. Prior to launching Journeys Connect, Marc was a partner and President of GCS Groups Inc., a group travel solution for…