For Immediate Release
Record Breaking Growth Highlights Industry Trend
260 New Agents Join in First Quarter
April 9th, 2009 North America’s leading host agency, Expedia CruiseShipCenters continues to enjoy remarkable growth with more Independent Agents than ever joining the team. The company also expects to increase its number of retail Franchise Locations by 14% this year as new entrepreneurs seek business opportunities that can offer both financial and lifestyle rewards.
Travel Agency owners are also excited about a new program that will help them grow the business in their local market and online by leveraging Expedia CruiseShipCenters marketing and technology.
Holland America Line president Stein Kruse underscores the significance of this in the March 25, 2009 issue of Cruise Week. For one, Kruse says the economy has led to a greater need for smaller agencies to belong to consortia or agency groups. "Marketing support, basic CRM, accounting tools, sales and product training, etc., are all things that become even more important during challenging times," he notes. "These are all time consuming and can distract from the core business of a travel agent: namely, to sell travel."
“The level of interest is off the charts”, says Dan Chappelle, Vice President of USA Operations for Expedia CruiseShipCenters. “We have been talking to agents at the industry’s biggest trade shows and when they see just a small glimpse of CruiseDesk®, they eagerly sign up for a webinar to see more.”
Other Highlights of the First Quarter Include: