by Robin Amster
Last updated: 9:51 AM ET, Fri January 12, 2018
After reporting double-digit growth in 2017 cruise and land sales, Dream Vacations, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. are on track for a record-breaking 2018.
While Dream Vacations and CruiseOne are home-based travel agency cruises and Cruises Inc. is a host agency, they are all part of World Travel Holdings, the nation's largest cruise agency.
"Because we care more about the success of our independent agents and travel franchise owners, we make every decision and investment with their best interests in mind," said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice-president of Dream Vacations, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc.
In 2017, Dream Vacations, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. made a multi-million dollar investment in its IT team, doubling its size in six months. This led to the development of tools aimed at creating time-saving efficiencies for bookings made directly with cruise lines. Enhancements in booking resort vacations and upgrades to the group booking process plus a reimagined online vacation shopping experience are all planned for 2018.
On the marketing front, the new Vacation Superhero Referral program's goal is to make it easy for consumers to recommend their travel agent.
Referrals from the program have access to exclusive promotions and, when they book, their referring "Vacation Superhero" is rewarded with a gift card. Since launching less than 30 days ago, the program has netted more than 300 referrals.
As a result of the Loyalty Cruise Perks program, more than 3,000 existing customers returned from a cruise and re-booked another cruise. Launched last August, the program rewards clients for booking their next vacation while onboard or within 30 days of returning home.
Also in 2017, group business increased by nearly 15 percent, largely due to the Groups Concierge program.
Dream Vacations, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. were also recognized as a Top Private Company by the South Florida Business Journal and Florida Trend, as well as a Top Workplace by Workplace Dynamics and Sun Sentinel.
"2017 was truly a year of collaboration, innovation and firsts, and the recognitions we received are testament to the fact that we care more about our agents and franchisees and their success," added Fiorino. "It will be tough to top 2017, but I am confident in my team and know that 2018 will be a phenomenal year."
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
