Episodes
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From ASTA’s fight against American Airlines’ distribution strategy to the Taylor Swift effect on the travel industry, 2024 was bursting with headlines that affected travel advisors. This week on Trade Secrets, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada talk about the major travel trends and events that shaped the agency landscape.
Further resources
Mentioned on the show:
Trade Secrets episode featuring Andrea Grisdale and a discussion on Italy
Trade Secrets episode featuring David Kolner and a discussion on generational travel
Emma on the Taylor Swift cruise
SNAP, an air booking tool developed by Internova Travel Group and Sabre Omar Banihani's TravelAge West op-ed about the evolution of home-based advisors Some reading on American Airlines and its distribution strategy, including the fallout A win for travel advisors: American Airlines scraps controversial NDC strategy A victory for travel advisors was cause for celebration at the ASTA conference Alienating travel agencies could cost American Airlines $1.5 billion American Airlines unveils revised NDC plans, returns fares to GDSs American rebuilds sales staff, trying to win back agencies and corporates American Airlines says it is gradually winning back corporate business Travel Weekly's 2024 Power List Some reading (and listening) on Jenn Lee's Vacation PlannersNeed 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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Balancing work responsibilities with the needs of personal life has become exponentially more difficult for travel advisors as workloads have increased. But it’s also critically important to find time for friends, family and hobbies outside of work, and to develop systems at work that improve efficiency and allow you to step away. What kind of boundaries should you set, and how can you enforce them? What can you automate to take more things off your plate? Hear all about this and more on this episode of Trade Secrets, featuring Host Agency Reviews founder Stephanie Lee.
Further resources
Host Agency Reviews on the web
Steph Lee’s email and LinkedIn page
Mentioned on this episode:
Host Agency Reviews' guide to writing job descriptions From Travel Weekly, Dispatch, Disney World: The day after Milton's visitFrom Travel Weekly, Dispatch, Wondrous moments from a Taylor Swift affinity cruise
From TravelAge West, HAR launches travel advisor tech software directory
From Travel Weekly, Host Agency Reviews starts listing technology providers Steph Lee’s previous appearance on Trade SecretsTrade Secrets episode on dealing with travel advisor burnout
Host Agency Reviews’ software profiles
Calendly
Text Blaze
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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Missing episodes?
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What’s the difference between a tour operator and a destination management company (DMC)? How can advisors find DMCs to work with, and what are the top do’s and don’ts of working with them? What if a contact at a DMC ghosts a travel advisor? Hear the answers to these questions and more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, where co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada chat about all things DMCs with Andrea Grisdale, CEO and founder of I.C. Bellagio in Italy.
This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways.
Further resources
IC Bellagio on the web
Andrea Grisdale’s email
Mentioned in this episode:
Death of a Travel Advisor by Dori Saltzman -
From TravelAge West: The ultimate travel advisor guide to destination management companies
Conde Nast’s travel specialists
Travel + Leisure’s A List
Wendy Perrin’s WOW List
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, Trade Secrets takes on the world. Jennifer Doncsecz of VIP Vacations returns to the podcast to discuss her specialty: destination weddings and honeymoons. She talks about everything from getting started selling destination weddings and honeymoons, to turning those travelers into clients for life. Then, she answers a number of listener questions about destinations, ranging from the benefits of visiting a spot before selling it, qualifying for fam trips and where to send clients headed to Europe for the first time.
This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways.
Further resources
VIP Vacations on Facebook
Jennifer Doncsecz’s email
Jennifer’s previous Trade Secrets episodes:
All things branding
Destination weddings and honeymoons
Mentioned in this episode:
Death of a Travel Advisor by Dori Saltzman -
The Travel Institute’s course on destination weddings and honeymoons
From Travel Weekly, Getting into groups
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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In this episode, the final in a three-part series of Trade Secrets recorded on the road at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Azamara CEO Dondra Ritzenthaler. She discusses leaving her retirement to helm the small-ship luxury cruise line, the importance of suppliers listening to trade partners, luxury travel sales techniques and what sets luxury cruise lines like Azamara apart.
This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways.
Further resources
Dondra Ritzenthaler’s email
Mentioned in this episode:
Azamara World Academy From Travel Weekly, Azamara introduces advisor training with incentives From TravelAge West: Azamara launches travel advisor celebration with enhanced incentives Dondra Ritzenthaler on Humans of 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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Trade Secrets is on the road again, this time at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. In the second episode of a three-part series recorded on-site in Las Vegas, Megan Vatnsdal, owner of Onyx & Evergreen Travel and affiliate of Four Hundred, talks about how she’s spent the past few years building her luxury-focused agency. She and co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada cover everything from building a book of business, to getting in front of luxury clients, to using events to network.
This episode is sponsored by AmaWaterways.
Further resources
Megan Vatnsdal on Instagram, Facebook and the web
Mentioned in this episode:
Four Hundred BNI (Business Network International) From Travel Weekly, evidence of normalization in travel this year Trade Secrets at Virtuoso Travel Week, part 1Need 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 the road again, this time at Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. In the first episode of a three-part series recorded on site, Virtuoso executive vice president David Kolner shares updates on Virtuoso’s annual event, how advisors are selling so much right now, the different habits of each generation and what the term “luxury” means to him. Kolner also talks about Maui recovery and what travel advisors can do to help the island.
This episode is sponsored by Allianz Partners.
Further resources
Virtuoso’s website
David Kolner on LinkedIn and Instagram
UBS’s Global Wealth Report 2024
From TravelAge West:
Five things we learned at Virtuoso Travel Week 2024From Travel Weekly:
Travel is flourishing, and Virtuoso says it’s at the top of the heap High prices are giving luxury travelers pause, but they’re paying Going back to MauiNeed 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, Chad Burt of Outside Agents joins Jamie Biesiada and Emma Weissmann of Trade Secrets for our annual “mailbag” episode, featuring travel advisor listener questions on a variety of topics. During the episode, we’ll dig into advanced use cases of generative AI, airline loyalty, host agency affiliations, picking a travel advisor specialty and more.
This episode is sponsored by Allianz Partners USA.
Further resources and related readings
Outside Agents on the web
Outside Agents’ blog
More about Outside Agents’ MAGgie technology
Outside Agents’ Power Prompts
Chad’s book of prompts - password: oastrong
Mentioned in this episode and related reading:
Canva Trade Secrets episode on generative AI Some recent Travel Weekly coverage on consolidators Trade Secrets episode on switching host agenciesNeed 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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New travel advisors, look no further than this episode of Trade Secrets for advice on everything from setting up your business, to finding clients, to prioritizing fam trip destinations. Co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by KHM Travel Group’s Bill Coyle, vice president of agent engagement, to tackle listener questions on that and more.
This episode is sponsored by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.
Further resources
Connect with KHM Travel Group online, on Facebook, on Instagram, on YouTube and on LinkedIn
Encompass the World Travel, Bill Coyle’s family agency
Mentioned in this episode and related reading:
From Travel Weekly, stories on card mills and the history of host agencies Travel Weekly’s Legal Briefs column by industry attorney Mark Pestronk (many articles talk about terms and conditions) From TravelAge West, an article on terms and conditions by industry attorney Jeffrey Ment The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and its educational offerings The Travel Institute The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its educational offerings Trade Secrets episode on fam tripsNeed 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, how do you handle it when a client has unrealistic expectations? What if they ask to stay at a property you wouldn’t recommend (especially if they serve truly lackluster midnight hotdogs)? What do you do when their budget is unrealistic for the trip they want? Or, what if they have a really bad experience while they’re in-destination? Get advice on all that and more in this week’s episode of Trade Secrets, where co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada are joined by Abbey Meyer, CEO of Sky High Travel in St. Louis, Missouri.
This episode is sponsored by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.
Further resources
Sky High Travel on the web, Facebook and Instagram
Resources mentioned in this episode and related reading:
Trade Secrets episode with Tique’s Jennifer Jacob, who talks about the “bless and release” method of breaking up with clients Abbey Meyer on Humans in the Hot SeatNeed 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 the road for a special, three-episode series recorded on the ground at the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas. In this episode, the final in the series, co-hosts Emma Weissmann and Jamie Biesiada welcome Eric Dresin, the secretary general of the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA), onto the show. They chat about the travel agency landscape in Europe, the phenomenon of Europe’s travel “planners” (who don’t actually book travel) and more. Then, hear from Thekla Kammenou of the Greece-based tour operator Four Ways Travel, about the tourism scene in Greece and some of her favorite spots.
This episode is sponsored by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts.
Further resources
Eric Dresin on LinkedIn The ECTAA Four Ways Travel online and on Facebook Thekla Kammenou on LinkedIn, Facebook and emailNeed 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 the road for a special, three-episode series recorded on the ground at the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference in Dallas. In this episode, part two in the series, travel advisors can learn all about how to get on TV, and why it’s the best marketing tactic a small business can employ. Vacation Planners International’s Jenn Lee, Gifted Travel Network’s Vanessa McGovern and ASTA’s Erika Richter — all experts in media relations — offer tips, advice and beyond.
This episode is sponsored by the Globus family of brands.
Further resources
Email Jenn Lee and ask for her step-by-step process for pitching the media Connect with Vanessa McGovern on LinkedIn Email Erika Richter, join the ASTA Member Lounge on Facebook and find ASTA’s educational opportunities onlineNeed 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 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 reversal A victory for travel advisors was cause for celebration at the ASTA conference ASTA 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 assistant From TravelAge West: Travel agencies are struggling to hire qualified advisors, according to a new survey LuciaNeed 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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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:
Recognize Recommendation Relate Respond RequestMentioned in this episode:
Simon Sinek’s TED Talk “Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen,” by Donald Miller ActiveCampaign Zapier LeadPagesNeed 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.Gov The State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) Emma’s Humans of Travel podcast Travel attorney Mark Pestronk’s free resources, including disclaimer and release forms A 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 Travel Christine Potthoff’s travel beCAUSE Courtnie 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 Weekly TravelAge West Emma Weissmann Jamie BiesiadaMentioned in this episode:
Slate’s Dear Prudence “Tiny Beautiful Things,” by Cheryl Strayed Auphonic Omny Studio PodBeanSome 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 advisors On 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 relationships How 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 max Royal 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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