In This Issue

• Start Your Summer Planning with CCRA Hotel Partners
• Notes from Liz: Blind-sided? Or Informed – Read the instructions!
• Just What Are Your Customers Saying About You?
• Tourism Cares Announces 2011-2012 Globus Special Grantees

Featured Destinations

• Hôtel Astor Saint-Honoré, Paris, France
• The Halkin, London - 20% Commission
• As the only AAA Four Diamond resort in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, The Shores Resort & Spa offers a Summer Special
• The Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel Offers a Special Introductory Rate for Travel Agents

Start Your Summer Planning with CCRA Hotel Partners

Welcome to the April Newsletter. It seems like only yesterday we were preparing for wave season, and now it's time to prepare for summer! As you know April and May are when travelers begin planning their summer vacations and are seeking your expertise. With the economy slowly coming around, you can definitely expect to see family travel increase this summer. Gone are the days when people were looking to stay home during the summer. Take the time this year to educate your clients on affordable trips they can take this summer that they might have skipped the past couple years.

Brush up on the latest trends travel trends to get your clients the best vacation at the best price.  To help get you started, take a look at this month's featured destinations. These CCRA partners have special offers and great rates in Paris, the UK, Florida, and Michigan. Some of these hotels are offering amazing Travel Agent rates you can advantage of too. Don't miss out!

Still not sure if these are the places for your clients? Check out this link to see what other travel trends you need to be aware of all over the world: http://www.denverpost.com/travel/ci_17205559. This site tells you the hottest travel destinations to visit, what to watch for, and the best value destinations. This is definitely a page you want to keep bookmarked in your browser. 

To help you with other booking needs for you and your clients, we are also pleased to announce a new preferred travel partner program. To support the CCRA's Global Network Division and international expansion efforts, CCRA has partnered with a diverse and comprehensive spectrum of reputable travel industry suppliers worldwide. The program's industry partners will offer fully commissionable products, booking incentives, and other promotions to the growing database of over 50,000 agents. Visit CCRAtravel.com for more booking options.

Enjoy the newsletter!

Sincerely,

The CCRA Marketing Team

Notes from Liz: Blind-sided? Or Informed – Read the instructions!

I purchased a do-it-yourself garden kit and started to put it together without reading the instructions. An hour later, frustrated because I had not completed the project, I glanced at the instructions to see it was very simple. Had I read the instructions to begin with, I could have been done in 15-20 minutes instead of an hour and a half later.

Time gets away from all of us and we are always in a hurry, but does it make sense to push ahead without looking where we are leaping? As one of my colleagues is always stating, we may not have time to do it right, but we certainly have time to do it again!

This includes looking at the www.CCRAtravel.com booking portal. There are some agents who take the time to learn "the ropes" and all the nuances of booking in the portal. These are our prolific bookers who are making quite a sum of commission because they know how. And then there are agents who call us in a panic because they did not take time to learn the correct way to use the portal before jumping in and booking. Sometimes we can help, and sometimes we cannot. If the agent had taken the time to read the information, the entire issue could have been averted.

When you are dealing with clients who are spending their money with you, it is important to take bookings seriously. So if you have not taken a class or gone online to hear the recorded training, PLEASE sign up for one of our complimentary live training classes.

You really owe it to yourself to gain as much knowledge as possible, make better decisions for your clients and hopefully more money for you!

The new training time for the CCRA weekly webinar begins Thursday, April 7, at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. Sign up today!

Sincerely,

Just What Are Your Customers Saying About You?
Written by: Bill Todd

One monumental challenge faced by all travel entrepreneurs is how to create a memorable marketing message that will cut through the clutter of the over 3,000 marketing communications being directed at consumers each day. In short, how do you stand out in a crowd that is teeming with competitors? Especially competitors who have been in business for years or have very deep marketing pockets.

One way to out-smart the out-spenders is to concentrate on increasing your brag index. Simply put, your brag index is the percentage of people, who after doing business with you, will voluntarily tell no less than 8 to 10 people about their positive experience. The higher your brag index, the less money you will have to invest in sales, marketing and advertising. When a business maintains a high brag index they've tapped into a powerful free resource called "word-of-mouth advertise." It allows them to reduce their marketing costs and increase their profit margins resulting in far higher net profits. By focusing on immediately increasing your brag factor travel entrepreneurs begin the lucrative practice of standing out in a sea of monotonous competitors.

Your objective is simple: to begin servicing your customers in a way that is so fresh and so innovative that you add a spark to their experience. A great way to start is to have your staff brainstorm on how to motivate your customers to brag about your service. You will be amazed how fun and easy it is to start doing little things in an extraordinary way. The result will be that your customers will become walking, talking billboards for your business. Revenue from referrals will begin to increase as your customers brag about you to their friends, co-workers and family members.

Bill Todd
Bill Todd is one of the travel industry's most sought-after sales and marketing speakers and coaches. He is the co-author of the new book Speaking of Success which also features best-selling authors Stephen R. Covey (Seven Habits of Highly Effective People), Ken Blanchard (One Minute Manager) and Jack Canfield (The Secret and Chicken Soup for the Soul). Todd has served as vice president of sales and industry marketing for the 5000+ franchises and seven global brands of Choice Hotels International, and was vice president of sales and marketing for Marriott International's Corporate Lodging Division. BTodd@BTodd.com | www.BTodd.com | 301.633.5856

Featured Destinations

Offering Exclusive Amenities and Complimentary Fruit and Bottle of Champagne

On a quiet street at the edge the sophisticated and whirlwind Rive Droite rests the illuminating Hôtel Astor Saint-Honoré. Built by Lord Astor in 1907, the Parisian luxury boutique hotel sumptuously seduces guests as an extraordinary and stately base for both business and pleasure.

The infinite facets of the City of Lights are reflected in the luminous and quiet atmosphere of the hotel's 128 richly appointed rooms and suites. From classic rooms to regal suites, the Hôtel Astor Saint-Honoré's accommodations brim with considerable appointments.

Guests can conveniently partake of complimentary wireless Internet access, large flat-screen televisions, and entertainment systems with CD players.

The gracious atmosphere flows through every area of the hotel. Beyond a stunning art deco ceiling at the entrance, the hotel's signature restaurant delights guests with the innovative gastronomy of renowned chef Nicolas Clavier. The elegant establishment proffers traditional French cuisine, as well as classic club sandwiches and Caesar salads at lunch, and afternoon tea featuring fresh-baked pasties and the finest selection of the world's best teas. At the Hôtel Astor Saint-Honoré's legendary bar, guests can enjoy a stylish cocktail in an authentic English clubhouse atmosphere, founded in honor of Lord Astor. Elsewhere, guests might opt to roam through the Hemingway library and peruse the epic antiques and furnishings.

Refreshingly, the hotel hosts business in equal parts to pleasure. The hotel is an optional choice for seamlessly combining seminars, conferences, and events with the best of Paris.

Just beyond the Hôtel Astor Saint-Honoré, guests can discover the world-famous Louvre, stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries, and shop along the glittering Avenue des Champs Elysées.

For all the best rates at Hôtel Astor Saint-Honoré, visit CCRAtravel.com. For the best rates in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan, or CCRA in Apollo/Galileo.

In celebration of The Halkin's 20th anniversary, we are offering an enhanced commission of 20% on bookings that stay from April 1st - June 30th, 2011.

GDS code - CV

Sabre 23595 | Galileo/Apollo 29401 | Amadeus LON412 Worldspan 0412

The Halkin is a haven in the heart of London's Belgravia. This innovative offering from COMO Hotels and Resorts is hidden on a quiet street a few hundred yards from Hyde Park Corner. It promises discreet luxury where service is efficient and intimacy matters. Yet the look is elegantly contemporary, and the boutique-size remains enduringly appealing. It is a place to relax and be waited on, to sleep and be reinvigorated, where serenity is proved the essence of the hotel experience.

Bespoke Italian design is combined with subtle nuances of Oriental influence. Comfort is fundamental and exquisite; be enveloped by delicate Egyptian linens of the highest thread-count, complimenting the oversized beds of the 22 rooms and 17 suites. Rooms are replete with soft carpets and warm wood panelling, and boast some of the largest bathrooms in London, lined with floor to ceiling marble and the furnishings are coloured by a soft palette of creams and gentle, muted browns.

The Halkin's rooms are equipped with the most up-to-date technological features; both interactive ETV and high-speed internet access are standard, and from your bedside console, enjoy the ability to dim lights or activate your 'do not disturb' sign. Be the centre of our attention, where Armani-clad staff promise service that is both intuitive and intelligent and guests can be assured of a guarded, perfect privacy.

For the discerning gourmet, hotel restaurant nahm offers delectable eastern cuisine in Thai restaurant, courtesy of celebrated Australian chef David Thompson.

Exquisitely exclusive, the Halkin remains the best-kept secret in the capital.

For all the best rates at The Halkin, visit CCRAtravel.com. For the best rates in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan, or CCRA in Apollo/Galileo.

Arrival at The Shores Resort & Spa presents warm and intimate boutique beach resort ambiance, whether you are arriving for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. Each luxurious room offers a refreshing retreat with breathtaking views of Daytona Beach, the Atlantic or the Intracoastal Waterway. Chic furnishings, warm hues, Italian marble bathrooms and pillow-top beds help you sink into a relaxed and yet energized state of mind.

The Shores is located along a pristine section of beach in the residential section of Daytona Beach Shores, about 4 miles south of "The World's Most Famous Beach." The location is perfect for a quiet getaway - yet close enough to all of the attractions that make Daytona so well known including the Daytona International Speedway.

As the only AAA Four Diamond resort on Florida's Central East Coast, The Shores Resort & Spa also offers a long list of luxurious guest services and amenities to ensure your ultimate comfort including a freeform beachside swimming pool, terrace and tiki bar. The Indulge Spa with 2,500 square feet and six treatment rooms is the area's most comprehensive full-service resort spa with a variety of luxurious experiences, including the new Bamboo-Fusion massage. Azure, with indoor and alfresco dining, serves up delicious and tempting fare any time of day, or you can create a private dining and entertainment cabana event for 2 or 20.

The Shores Resort & Spa participates in Stash Hotel Rewards. A loyalty reward program that can earn you stays in some of the most sought after boutique hotels in the world!

Summer Offer:
Book now and get a room category upgrade through the month of May 2011!

For all the best rates at The Shores Resort & Spa, visit CCRAtravel.com. For the best rates in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan, or CCRA in Apollo/Galileo.

Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel (formerly the Four Points by Sheraton Ann Arbor)

The Four Points by Sheraton Ann Arbor, MI is undergoing a stunning transformation to be completed by end of April 2011. Created to be a modern space inspired by classical design elements, our $8.5 five million dollar renovation will feature open and inviting spaces with warm, friendly colors, as well as timeless furniture and accessories. Coppery oranges, chocolate browns, and warm creams will resonate throughout the entire hotel, with bold pops of mossy green featured in the lobby and lounge. The public spaces will feature an open floor plan, creating a spacious feel while pulling the guests into and through the area. Once completed, the hotel will be rebranded as a full service Sheraton Hotel, the only Starwood product within 25 miles.

Our newly renovated guest rooms will feature a warm atmosphere with classically inspired wood pieces in a dark stained finish and plush, inviting seating and bedding. Each room will have the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and in-room safe. Polished nickel accents will give the space a bright, modern feel, while the lighting creates a soft ambient glow. Curvilinear geometry is brought in through the use of patterns and a union of rounded and square shapes. The art draws on local inspiration and spirit to bring another layer of vibrancy to the spaces. Together, these elements combine to create a modern retreat for the guest while maintaining all the comforts of home.

Agents welcome to come, connect and check us out.
Enjoy a special introductory rate, of $59.00 for June 2011 (subject to availability).
Use the Travel Agent rate plan (TA) when booking.

For all the best rates at Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel, visit CCRAtravel.com. For the best rates in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan, or CCRA in Apollo/Galileo.

Tourism Cares Announces 2011-2012 Globus Special Grantees
Four world treasures receive grant funding to continue their good works

Four exceptional sites have been selected as 2011-2012 Tourism Cares Globus Special Grantees. Tourism Cares, the tourism industry's premier charitable organization for preservation, conservation, restoration and education in tourism, made the selections.

Beginning in 2004, Globus, a worldwide leader in escorted travel, in partnership with Tourism Cares, has supported grants for the preservation and restoration of exceptional North and South American sites. The selected sites are highlights of popular Globus North American vacations, and for the first time, a site in South America has been selected, in Galápagos, Ecuador. The growing collection of sites represents the diverse geography and beauty of the world.

According to Phillip Gordon, President of Globus, "We at Globus feel a responsibility to preserve the sites that our customers go to such great lengths to experience. Globus supports the preservation and restoration of several of the great attractions in North and South America, including national monuments, historic sites and specific points in some of the most famous national parks."

"We are honored Globus is continuing its partnership with Tourism Cares for the eighth consecutive year through the Tourism Cares Globus Special Grant Program," said Bruce Beckham, Executive Director of Tourism Cares. "Their generous support helps us restore these significant sites around the world, helping us preserve the travel experience for future generations."

Fundación Galápagos Ecuador, Ecuador

Fundación Galápagos Ecuador, was created in 1998 by ETICA - Metropolitan Touring, a well known travel company in Ecuador, known as a leader in sustainability. The goal of the nonprofit organization is to involve the local community in understanding the Galápagos Islands, their islands, as well as protecting them. Their responsible tourism approach to environmental conservation has been a model adopted by many other tour operators in the local industry. The organization has received numerous awards and recognitions in recent years for actively setting new standards in Ecuador's tourism industry. The Tourism Cares Globus Special Grant will assist projects for environmental education for children, solid waste recycling and coastal cleanup.

Friends of World War II Memorial, Washington, DC

The mission of the Friends of the National World War II Memorial is to insure that the legacy, lessons, and sacrifices of World War II are not forgotten, to enhance the educational experiences of those who visit the memorial, to plan and support commemorative and celebratory events at the memorial, and to contribute to the continuing care of the memorial and its park-like grounds. To help achieve those goals, the organization is establishing a multifaceted educational program for student groups visiting the memorial to expand their understanding of World War II and enhance their appreciation of the memorial. Volunteers are being recruited and trained as docents, who will lead special educational tours of school groups. A web-based teacher guide and educational materials, that will assist teachers in presenting World War II history prior to their visits to the memorial, is also being developed. The Tourism Cares Globus Special Grant will support the Educational Enhancement Program at the National World War II Memorial, a site that receives more than 4.4 million visitors annually.

Parkway Partners Programs for Louis Armstrong Memorial Park,
New Orleans, Louisiana

Parkway Partners Programs was formed in 1982 to address city budget cuts that inhibited the ability of the city of New Orleans to care for its lush public landscapes and vigorous urban forest. The nonprofit organization empowers residents to improve the quality of life in the city by providing them with opportunities to create and maintain public green space. Named for jazz great Louis Armstrong, Louis Armstrong Memorial Park is a 32-acre park located in the Tremé neighborhood, one of the oldest in the city, and early in its history, one of free people of color. The park contains the 7,800-seat New Orleans Municipal Auditorium, the 2,100-seat Mahalia Jackson Theatre of the Performing Arts, Congo Square (an important venue for music festivals and a community events), and part of the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. The Tourism Cares Globus Special Grant will be used for continued care of the Louis Armstrong Memorial Park's dense canopy of live oaks. Parkway Partners Programs will monitor the condition of these iconic giants, to ensure they are not overwhelmed by infestation.

Yellowstone Association for Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The mission of the Yellowstone Association, in partnership with the National Park Service, fosters the public's understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of Yellowstone National Park and its surrounding ecosystem by funding and providing educational products and services. The nonprofit organization was founded in 1933. The Tourism Cares Globus Special Grant funding will help support educational programming, including field seminars, group programs and private tours, to be based out of Yellowstone National Park's new educational facility, the Yellowstone Overlook Field Campus. The support allows the park to continue to instill in visitors a desire to preserve and protect Yellowstone's pristine wilderness landscapes, spectacular wildlife and magnificent geothermal features for generations to come.

Tourism Cares is a non-profit public charity whose mission is to preserve the travel experience for future generations. It accomplishes this by mobilizing the travel and tourism industry and travelers to give back to society through grants to natural, cultural and historical sites throughout the world; through academic and professional development scholarships for students of hospitality, travel and tourism; and through the organization of volunteer efforts to clean up and restore tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation. For more information about Tourism Cares, please visit www.TourismCares.org.

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