Episodes
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Trade Secrets is on the road for a special, three-episode series recorded on the ground at the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas. In this episode, part one in the series, hear ASTA CEO Zane Kerby’s take on American Airlines’ decision to change course on its NDC implementation after listening and responding to the travel agency community, as well as why ATSA is making changes to its Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) certification program. Then, hear from two advisors on their own journeys to become VTAs.
This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands.
Further resources
From TravelAge West:
Travel Advisor Conference: ASTA celebrates AA win, pushes VTA certificationFrom Travel Weekly:
ASTA says its advocacy factored into American’s NDC reversalA victory for travel advisors was cause for celebration at the ASTA conferenceASTA stiffens certification requirements for Verified Travel Advisor programNeed advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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When it’s time to expand your business, what’s the best way to do it? Should you hire independent contractors, employees or assistants? Then, once they’re onboarded, how do you effectively train — and, subsequently, trust — your new people? All that and more is covered in this week’s Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada talk business expansion with Julie Lanham, president of Vacations to Remember in Augusta, Ga.
Thanks to our friends at Jetset World Travel for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.
This episode is sponsored by All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy.
Further resources
Julie Lanham on Instagram
Mentioned in this episode:
From TravelAge West: Why you should consider hiring an international virtual assistantFrom TravelAge West: Travel agencies are struggling to hire qualified advisors, according to a new surveyLuciaNeed advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Missing episodes?
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Marketing is an important part of most travel advisors’ businesses. This week on Trade Secrets, Christina Vieira of Showcase the World Travel discusses finding your “why,” identifying ideal clients and reaching those clients on the platforms that make sense. She also discusses the importance of a good email marketing plan, automation and more with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada.
Thanks to our friends at Key to the World Travel for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.
This episode is sponsored by All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy.
Further resources
Christina Vieira on Instagram and Facebook
Magic Made Simple, which helps travel agents set up systems, online and on Instagram
From Magic Made Simple, just for Trade Secrets listeners: Six workflows to automate
From TravelAge West: Gifted Travel Network’s luxury travel symposium on the rivers
Christina Vieira’s five Rs:
RecognizeRecommendationRelateRespondRequestMentioned in this episode:
Simon Sinek’s TED Talk“Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen,” by Donald MillerActiveCampaignZapierLeadPagesNeed advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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When the State Department upgrades its travel advisory for a destination, or updates an advisory with new information, it can make clients a little jumpy. How should travel agents navigate the situation? Get the answer on this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, when co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by travel advisor Brittany Shuford of Darling Destinations in Birmingham, Ala.
Thanks to our friends at OutsideAgents.com for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.
This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.
Further resources
Find Brittany Shuford on Instagram and Facebook
Mentioned in this episode:
The State Department’s travel site, Travel.State.GovThe State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)Emma’s Humans of Travel podcastTravel attorney Mark Pestronk’s free resources, including disclaimer and release formsA travel agent guide to selling high-risk travelNeed advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to season five of Trade Secrets. In this episode, hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Nexion Travel Group president Jackie Friedman on the show to talk about the value of travel advisors. They discuss the modern history of the profession and the evolution from “agent” to “advisor,” then answer listener questions about standing out from the crowd, how advisors can sell their own value and what makes a good elevator pitch.
Thanks to our friends at WorldVia for helping us solicit travel advisor questions this season.
This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.
Further resources
Nexion Travel Group on the web
Reach out to Jackie Friedman via email
Mentioned in this episode:
Erica Carr’s bookitbox TravelChristine Potthoff’s travel beCAUSECourtnie Nichols’ client gifting strategyNeed advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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How is the Trade Secrets podcast made? Find out all the behind-the-scenes details in this special episode with co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada. From the show’s origin, to scripting, to editing and posting, take a peek behind the Trade Secrets curtain.
This is a special episode of Trade Secrets between seasons four and five. Season five will return in two weeks, on April 8.
This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.
Further resources
Email Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada
Follow us on Instagram
Travel WeeklyTravelAge WestEmma WeissmannJamie BiesiadaMentioned in this episode:
Slate’s Dear Prudence“Tiny Beautiful Things,” by Cheryl StrayedAuphonicOmny StudioPodBeanSome previous episodes we mention:
When is it time to leave your host agency and join a consortium?Top travel pros and their best advice for advisorsOn the ground in Maui: Should travel agents send clients to the island right now?Icon of the Seas: How big can a cruise ship get?Why can’t we be friends? Forming productive travel advisor-supplier relationshipsHow do I use generative AI to improve my travel agency’s workflow?Travel advisors, are you using the right tech stack?Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Welcome to the season four finale of Trade Secrets. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, and Jamie Margolis, owner of the Dream Vacations franchise Moms at Sea, during the second installment of a two-part series with Freed (listen to part one here).
During the episode, Freed and Margolis talk about the importance of forming — and maintaining — a good agent-supplier relationship, the “unicorn” cabins onboard Royal Caribbean ships that offer more space for less money, the value proposition of cruising and more.
In two weeks, Trade Secrets will release a special episode about the making of the podcast. It will return for season five two weeks after that, on April 8.
This episode is sponsored by Travel Insured International.
Further resources
Contact Vicki Freed by email or her personal cell phone, 305-458-0463
Find Jamie Margolis and Moms at Sea online, on Facebook and on Instagram
The last Trade Secrets episode, also featuring Vicki Freed
From Travel Weekly, Agent Life: From Facebook group to franchisee: Moms at Sea’s fantastic voyage
Mentioned in this episode:
The Taylor Swift cruise: From TravelAge West, Who is Marvelous Mouse Travels, and why is it hosting a Taylor Swift-themed cruise? Sign up for Vicki’s Tips online On Millie Schwartz, from Travel Weekly: At 90, Schwartz still drawn to selling travel An example of Carnival’s Fun Ship cruise commercials from the 1980sNeed advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Get ready for a cruise-filled episode of Trade Secrets. This week, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Royal Caribbean's Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support and service, and Nick Weir, senior vice president of entertainment, onto the show. Hop aboard as we dive into everything from the brand-new Icon of the Seas — billed as the largest cruise ship at sea — to what it takes to entertain Royal’s millions of cruisers. This is the first of a two-part series featuring Freed; join us next time for a discussion on creating a strong advisor-supplier relationship.
This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises.
Further resources
Contact Vicki Freed by email or her personal cell phone, 305-458-0463
Follow Nick Weir on X (formerly Twitter)
Royal’s trade marketing hub (also home to the link to register for Vicki’s Coffee Talk)
Vicki Freed on Humans of Travel: Royal Caribbean’s Vicki Freed on breaking into the cruise industry _ and meeting the boss who helped shape her
Icon of the Seas coverage
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas takes thrills to the maxRoyal Caribbean sets a new cruise benchmark with Icon of the SeasNeed advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Travel advisors, are you stuck in the technological past? In this episode of Trade Secrets, Brian Shultz, chief information officer for Cruise Planners, joins hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada to talk about the latest in tech offerings for advisors, game-changing generative AI use cases and tools that can save you both time and money.
This episode is sponsored by Windstar Cruises.
Further resources and related reading:
Meet Cruise Planners’ Brian Shultz
Cruise Planners’ website and franchise site
Trade Secrets episode on generative AI: How do I use generative AI to improve my travel agency’s workflow?
From TravelAge West:
WTTC report: Artificial intelligence has the potential to ‘revolutionize’ travel and tourismHow travel advisors can get ahead using artificial intelligenceFrom Travel Weekly:
Travel takes on generative AIAt Ensemble event, confronting the emergence of AI in travelTravel advisor Lorryn Langton’s poem created with generative AI, made for a group headed to Puerto Vallarta and posted in their private Facebook page:
T'was the night before Mexico, in the Midwest so cold, the women were bustling, their spirits so bold. With tequila in mind and pools to explore, they readied themselves for adventures galore.
Sunshine awaited, a tropical delight, a respite from winter, a warm welcome sight. Catamaran sailings and whale spotting too, an escape from the cold, a dream coming true.
The bags were all packed, passports in hand, visions of palm trees and white sandy land. To Mexico they'd go, leaving winter behind, A getaway to unwind, a paradise they'd find.
Spa time awaited, relaxation in store, A pampering session, leaving stress at the door. In the warmth of the sun, with a breeze so divine, They'd sip on cocktails, letting worries decline.
So, on the eve of departure, excitement so high, the women embraced, beneath the moonlit sky. To Mexico they'd journey, from the cold they'd break free, a holiday adventure, just as it should be.
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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This week on Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada gaze into their crystal balls to reveal what 2024 might hold for the travel agency community. They share what’s in and what’s out for this year, along with major trends that will shape the advisor landscape. They’ll even share some resolutions for themselves and for the podcast.
Here’s a preview of what’s in and what’s out, according to our hosts.
Emma’s “in for 2024” list:
Using a travel advisor!High prices for both accommodations and airfare.Europe: Italy, Greece and Portugal are all hot spots.Group and event travel.River cruising for younger generations.Authentic, immersive experiences.Emma’s “out for 2024” list:
Peak-season travel (book shoulder season!)Last-minute trips (book early!)Leaving sustainability out of the conversation.Working to the point of burnout.Being afraid of technology that can actually help business.Jamie’s “in and out for 2024” list:
In: Being a traveler. Out: Being a tourist (credit to Signature Travel Network’s Ignacio Mazza)In: 201 destinations. Out: 101 destinations (credit to Jetset World Travel affiliate Sarah Sullivan)In: Slow travel. Out: The quick, cram-it-all-in tripIn: On-time flights. Out: Flight disruptions (fingers crossed)Out: Economy class. In: Business and first (this is an aspirational joke for Jamie, who almost always flies economy)Further resources:
Trade Secrets episode on burnout, balance and more
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Trade Secrets is on a break right now, but will be back starting Jan. 29 with brand-new episodes. In the meantime, we wanted to share one of our favorite episodes from season four. It’s also one of the most popular.
This episode was recorded at the ASTA Global Convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on May 2, 2023. Co-hosts Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann rounded up some of the industry’s finest to offer their best advice to travel advisors. They touch on everything from sustainability, to entering the luxury market, and beyond.
Further resources:
The ASTA Travel Advisor Conference 2024
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is Humans of Travel, hosted by Trade Secrets co-host Emma Weissmann, featuring AmaWaterways’ Kristin Karst.
If you’ve worked in the travel industry for any length of time, you’re probably familiar with Karst. The co-owner and executive vice president of river cruise line AmaWaterways, Karst is a staple at most travel industry conferences, perhaps best known for her bubbly personality, welcoming demeanor and close, personal relationships with travel advisors.
However, many travel industry colleagues may not know Karst’s unique backstory. She was born and grew up in Dresden, a German town along the Elbe River, in what was formerly Eastern Germany, under a regime that mostly kept Karst and her family isolated from the Western World.
In this episode of Humans of Travel, Karst reflects on a childhood spent under the Socialist Unity Party of Germany, and how the limited travel her family was able to do allowed her to gain an appreciation for all that Eastern Europe had to offer and fostered an early love of tourism.
Karst will also dive into what it was like when the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, and how she got her start in the travel industry as a leisure manager at American Express Travel, a role that she kept until she moved to Southern California and met Rudi Schreiner, her husband-to-be and the former president of Viking Cruises.
Listeners will hear Karst reflect on the early days of AmaWaterways, how she keeps her work-life balance in check and what’s behind her unwavering positivity.
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is The Folo, hosted by Travel Weekly’s Rebecca Tobin. Each week, The Folo digs deep into a topic of interest in the travel industry.
On this episode, Tobin talks to Trade Secrets co-host Jamie Biesiada, also a senior editor at Travel Weekly covering retail travel sales and theme parks, about Disney’s planned $60 billion investment in its parks, experiences and products division over the next 10 years.
They talk about what Disney’s been up to, the competition and what could be coming down the road. Most especially, they hone in on what kind of changes travel advisors would most like to see.
This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Trade Secrets is on a holiday break, but in the meantime, we wanted to share some of Travel Weekly and TravelAge West’s other podcasts with our listeners. This week’s episode is The Last Resort, hosted by Travel Weekly’s Christina Jelski. The Last Resort is a monthly hospitality-focused podcast where travel advisors share their first impressions of the last resort they visited.
On this episode, Jelski talks to SmartFlyer-affiliated travel advisor Sarah Lopez and Travel Weekly managing editor Rebecca Tobin about their recent visits to the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on the Hawaiian island of Kauai.
Lopez and Tobin talk about the resort's prime position along Kauai's famed North Shore and why it offers an ideal wellness retreat-style experience, without being an "in your face" wellness destination. The pair chat about some of their favorite amenities at the resort, from delicious bagels at the property's Neighbors cafe to complimentary access to electric Audi e-tron vehicles. Lopez also discusses the negative impact that the recent Maui wildfires have had on Hawaii bookings as a whole.
This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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How did Christy Menzies, the owner of Menzies Luxe Retreats, achieve $1 million in sales in her first six months in business as a travel advisor? Find out the answer to that question and many more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, where Menzies shares her journey in the industry and offers sage advice on explaining the value of travel advisors, finding clients as a new advisor, rapidly growing sales and more.
This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.
Further resources:
Menzies Luxe Retreats on the web
Christy Menzies on Instagram
Mentioned on this episode:
Host Agency Reviews’ Stephanie Lee on Trade SecretsFrom TravelAge West: How Virtuoso Rising Star Christy Menzies Reached $1 Million in Sales in 6 MonthsHost Agency ReviewsJenn Lee on Trade SecretsLucia, a freelancer marketplaceTrade Secrets’ honorable mention as best travel and leisure podcast from FolioNeed advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Thinking of becoming a travel advisor? This is the Trade Secrets episode for you, featuring the sound advice of Steph Lee, founder of Host Agency Reviews. During this episode, delve into the world of travel advising as a profession, including what to know about starting a business, what challenges you may face and more. Already established in the industry? We’ve got plenty for you to mull on, too, from using host- or consortium-provided marketing materials, advice on moving into a management role and more.
This episode is sponsored by ALG Vacations.
Further resources:
Steph Lee’s Facebook, Instagram and email
Host Agency Reviews (HAR)
Friday 15 podcast
Travel Agent Chatter podcast
Questions to ask a host agency sheet
Host Week
Travel Jobs board
Hosted Travel Advisor Report 2023
Independent Travel Advisor Report 2023
Seven-day agency setup program
LiteAccelerator CourseMentioned on this episode:
Travel Advisor Resource Center resourcesASTA’s roadmap to becoming a travel advisorLucia marketplaceThe Professional Association of Travel HostsFrom TravelAge West: Travel advisors, here’s how to protect yourself from fraudNeed advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Travel insurance is an important product for travel advisors and travelers alike, but it’s also an undeniably complex one. What should advisors talk about when selling travel insurance, and what shouldn’t they discuss? Is an annual plan a better deal than per-trip plans? What is a preexisting condition, and what does it mean for advisors? Find out the answers to those questions and more in this week’s episode, the second in a two-part series on travel insurance featuring Richard Aquino, vice president and head of sales for Allianz Partners. Find part one here.
This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM.
Further resources:
Allianz Advantage, Allianz’s website for travel advisors
Mentioned on this episode, Jamie’s air ambulance coverage:
Dispatch, Richmond: Onboard a Skyservice Air AmbulanceSkyservice’s air ambulances swoop in when travel turns tragicNeed advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Travel insurance is an important product for travel advisors and travelers alike, but it’s also an undeniably complex one. How should travel advisors position this product to clients? What insurance provider should they use? How do they parse through complicated plans? Find out the answers to those questions and more in this week’s episode, the first in a two-part series on travel insurance featuring Richard Aquino, vice president and head of sales for Allianz Partners.
This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM.
Further resources:
Allianz Advantage, Allianz’s website for travel advisors
Mentioned on this episode:
Travel Weekly’s Legal Briefs, a column by industry attorney Mark PestronkTrade Secrets’ season one episodes on travel insurance, part one and part twoThanks to our friends at Cruise Planners for helping solicit questions for this season of Trade Secrets! https://www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com/
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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One month after wildfires devastated Lahaina, Signature Travel Network decided to move forward with its annual Owners’ Meeting at the Grand Wailea, located on an unaffected part of Maui.
This episode of Trade Secrets was recorded from the island. Hear from Signature CEO Alex Sharpe, travel agency owners and supplier representatives from Allianz Partners, Travel Insured International and Pleasant Holidays as they share their thoughts about promoting travel to the island. Listeners will also learn about Signature’s relief efforts, and the resounding takeaway for travel advisors who have visited: Responsible, compassionate tourism is welcome on the Valley Isle.
Note: Although unaffected areas of Maui have remained open to tourism, the affected areas of West Maui will officially open on Oct. 8, according to Hawaii Gov. Josh Green.
This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM.
Further resources:
Coverage from Travel Weekly and TravelAge West:
A visit to Maui, a month after the Lahaina fire: Aloha and welcoming hospitality for visitorsAs Maui thanks agents and urges travel, it plans a new marketing campaignSignature Travel Network to Proceed With Owners' Meeting in MauiOn the ground in Maui: Signature’s Owners’ Meeting highlights ‘respectful, compassionate’ tourism to the islandGo, postpone, cancel or move Maui travel? Advisors share how they're managing upcoming bookingNeed advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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This week, Trade Secrets is all about the fam — fam, or familiarization, trips, that is! Hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Theresa Chu-Bermudez, owner of Get Out! Custom Travels, co-host of the Tin Lounge Podcast and the creator of Fam with Intention. They talk about all of the ins and outs of fams: how to find them, how to prepare for them, what to do on a fam, and what to do after the trip is over.
This episode is sponsored by Air France-KLM.
Further resources:
Theresa Chu-Bermudez
Theresa’s agency, Get Out! Custom Travels, online and on InstagramFam with Intention online and on InstagramTyson Wharton, owner and founder of Sioux Empire Travel, and his fam trip do’s and don’ts:
Do:
Be on time and on scheduleDress and act professionallyBe positive, helpful, mindful and respectful of other guests on the propertyIntroduce yourself to your sales managers, BDMs, other travel advisors and hotel staffPack a bunch of business cardsSee the place through your clients’ eyesBe prepared — pack comfortable shoesBe grateful, be kind, be awesomeDon’t:
Approach other guests and try to sell them your servicesTreat this as a vacation — it’s workComplainBreak the rules of a site inspectionAct a foolTake calls during inspections and important fam appointments, but you can work in your room or on down time if you need toAnnoy or overwhelm your BDM, hosts or managersMentioned in this episode:
Gimbals for your phoneFuture Leaders in Travel RetreatTrelloThanks to our friends at The Hive for helping solicit questions for this season of Trade Secrets!
Need advice?
Call our hotline and leave a message: 201-902-2098
Email us: [email protected]
Theme song:
Sock Hop by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4387-sock-hop
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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