WHY IT RATES: Travel agents can grow a successful business with Cruise Planners however it fits into their personal lives.-Codie Liermann, Associate Editor
For the 16th straight year, Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, earned the ranking of No. 1 Travel Franchise to Own in Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500, the world's first, best and most comprehensive franchise ranking.
Since 1994, Cruise Planners' franchise model has given entrepreneurs the ability to run a travel business that fits their lifestyle, from part-time hobbyist to multi-million-dollar top producers.
As the company enters its 25th year, Cruise Planners celebrates its franchise owners with the new "My Story" campaign, highlighting how franchisees from all backgrounds have found success with Cruise Planners. Unlike a franchise with a storefront and staff, Cruise Planners businesses can be run from anywhere and by only one person, giving franchisees flexibility.
The franchise model is popular with those looking for a second career such as Sue Palenik who stated, "Getting laid off was the best thing that ever happened to me," as it led her to be her own boss and work-from-home parents such as Scott Hammer who stated that with Cruise Planners, "my business is booming, but 'dad' is still my primary job title."
Some of the benefits of Cruise Planners' franchise include:
-A low start-up cost
-Turn-key marketing programs with both digital and print components to help attract clients
-An innovative proprietary technology system, CP Maxx, designed to handle booking, accounting, reporting and the tools needed to run a travel business from anywhere on any device with an internet connection
-The home-based travel industry's first-ever, voice-activated technology and mobile apps for both consumers and franchise owners
-On-going personalized training with a business development coach in addition to frequent virtual and in-person training opportunities
"We have grown to become more than just the nation's largest home-based travel franchise. We are the overall top-awarded travel franchise," said Michelle Fee, CEO and Founder of Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative.
"Being named Entrepreneur's No. 1 travel franchise for the 16th year in a row holds incredible clout as it proves we're not a fad franchise for those looking to make a quick buck, we've been helping people build successful businesses while traveling the world for over 25 years."
The Entrepreneur's evaluation of top franchises takes into consideration costs and fees, brand strength, financial strength and stability, size and growth, and support.
Over its 40 years in existence, the Franchise 500 has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Cruise Planners' position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity and commitment to innovating on behalf of its franchise owners.
"While the franchise business model has changed little, the strongest franchise brands are constantly evolving and innovating to keep up with changing trends and technology," says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur.
"Our franchisees' drive for success inspires all of us to always think big, think beyond and never settle for the status quo," Fee said. "Cruise Planners will continue to push the limits, create new programs and build new tools to keep our travel advisors at the forefront of the industry."
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