I had originally scheduled a post on the new struggles of Royal Caribbean today, but one of the lesser known critics commented that I should write about them again. I decided that not only would it be a good idea, but a lot of fun to point out how they’ve completely botched another attempt to point the finger at YTB, but ended up pointing three back at themselves.

It never ceases to amaze me how low some people will stoop in an attempt to slander our fine company and our people. We’ve written at length about the lies, the misinformation, the false speculation, and how they love to distort and deceive in an attempt to tell the general public what’s wrong with YTB. Why they are so afraid of our company, I’ll never know. But even with all the evidence that proves them wrong, they continue to come back for more punishment.

As someone who has been calling a spade a spade for two years now, I make no apologies, nor do I feel the need to excuse how the lies, myths and false information goes against every fiber of my being. What I find most interesting is that instead of answering direct questions or accusations, I’m called names, they poke at my physical appearance, or try to tell me that I’m overreacting and being defensive. Reality is; that type of behavior is designed to get me off the subject at hand and put the focus on me instead of the real issue.

If you don’t like the heat, you should stay out of the kitchen. The hotter it gets, the more I know how much I irritate and frustrate our critics. That’s worth every slanderous comment, false accusation, and punch below the belt, which in turn reflects more on them than it ever will me. While they would love to have me join in the fun, they appear to be doing just fine without my participation. Besides, I would never want to distract them with actual documentation and facts that would highlight how clueless they are on their own turf. 

You may remember today’s subject from a battle won here just last year. While it frustrates our critics that Candi May has remained deaf and mute to any of the critics claims and false accusations, ignoring the jealous crowd of critics has enabled her to continue to build her business and remain quite happy with YTB. Like me, her self respect and self worth isn’t tied to a bunch of overzealous critics who can’t seem to get a life. Those who were at this years Convention probably remember Candi May and her “Travel Like a Rock Star” presentation. She has that same speech on her new blog and when the critics found it, they needed to mix things up, and I got to tell you…they botched it up.

If you either listened to her speak or take the time to read her post, Candi is abundantly clear about her experience in the traditional arena. She’s been travel agent for 24 years and gave examples of her experience as a traditional agent. For the traditionalist who want to keep these perks private however, they took issue with her stance and decided to attack her ethics, intelligence, and character to make it sound like she was deceiving everyone. (Much like they attempt to do with anyone else associated with YTB.

In her post, she states,

“I’ve been in the travel business for over 24 years now and for the 21 years before I was in YTB I was a traditional travel agent and eventually owned three travel agencies in Downtown Louisville. But, 24 years ago I was young, broke and inexperienced in the travel business. We took our first “agent rate” trip to a place called the Don Cesar in beautiful St. Petersburg Beach Florida.”

Sounds pretty clear to me…how ’bout you? Sorry to say, not everyone got that message. According to No Travel MLM’s Candi is called out for deceiving the general public. John writes:

This does sound wonderful, but there appears to be some serious sleight of hand going on here. Is anyone surprised? Well, John Travolta turned 50 in February 2004. And according to another post on Candy May’s blog:

I joined forces with YTB in June of 2006 and that is how this journey began.

John believes he has one of his infamous “gotchas” here with proof that one of our leaders is lying. He’s extracted one line from another post that is totally unrelated to her traditional agent journey and used it in an attempt to throw it back in the face of YTB. But take a look and read her first post in it’s entirety. You’ll find the following statement which can be found smack in the middle of her first blog post when she states:

“I started in the travel business a little over 24 years ago as a traditional travel agent.”

A statement that our critics hope you don’t find in the first post so they can pound their chest and slander someone so they can feel better about themselves and the traditionalist who got away. The only slight of hand here is by John. Either that or he has some sort of disorder that causes memory loss. (More evidence of THAT below.)

Candi also talks about a booking contest with a company that specialized in Mexico. She won that trip by booking lots of travel. She went completely free including round trip air to a beautiful resort called the Royal Hideaway in the beautiful Mayan Rivera.

According to John, Royal Hideaway will not accept a YTB agent on a FAM because YTB has lost their IATAN accreditation. The IATAN requirement for Royal Hideaway might be true…might not. I have to ask however why IATAN is relevant when you win a trip that’s provided by a company the specializes in Mexico? Small detail that again either escaped him or he was holding his breath in the hope that you’d miss that this was a contest provided by the supplier, not something she asked for as travel professional courtesy. But it just might work for the casual reader who is only interested in finding something negative, or a reason hate a company or poeple that are still sticking around after two years of pitching the same tired old line.

Remember the memory loss I eluded to earlier? I find it hilarious that John is trying this line again:

She claimed to have been flown to Minneapolis and wooed by Carlson who wanted her agency to join the conglomerate, yet no one at Carlson has any records of her name or her agency.

Are we to assume the this goof simply forgot that we’ve covered Candi’s affiliation with Carlson with two letters, one signed by Roger Block himself, and the other from Linda Fox that came with a Formal Agreement that was deemed by John as being authentic just last year? These two documents did convince him at one point, but he doesn’t remember that embarrassment now? I think it’s more accurate to speculate that we’re back to the denial phase now that it’s a year later and again crossing our fingers that nobody remembers how badly beaten and bruised he got the first time he pulled the same stunt.

If you say the same lie over and over, maybe it might come true? Maybe you can get someone to believe you this time. Or maybe you simply get caught for the same tired old story because you’re too thick headed to admit you’ve ever been wrong even once.

Not this group. They go on the attack and attempt to deflect in order to save face. We’re overreacting. I’m coming to Candi’s aid as her knight in shining armour to defend her. I’m wearing a man bra!

One of the other chums, who’s can deflect with the best of them attempted to turn the tables and put the burden of proof back on me. The pitch here is hat you actually need an IATAN in order to get an agent rate and since YTB does not have IATA accreditation, we’re not eligible for FAM’s.

Ainsworth tries this little line to intimidate and demand an answer:

Doug, you’re the once coming across as stupid. You’re right in stating that the first paragraph is speaking of Candy’s years being a TRADITIONAL travel agent. The whole blog post is about her years as a TRADITIONAL travel agent, and all the things she got to experience. None of the things she mentions here happened since she joined ytb! What has she gotten to experience like these things in the 3 years that she has been with ytb, hmmmmm? Answer that, Mr. Know It All.

Okay chump, since you asked, I do know of an offer Candi received from YTB THIS year:

Hey my special friends…I have an incredible opportunity for my distinct travel professionals: Check this out…

I am looking for a few of our Travel/Group specialist to join me on a FAM in Cancun late next week. The only cost is for the flight…THAT”S RIGHT!…ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE IS FREE!

Oasis Hotels and Resorts is one of my finalists for our Riviera Maya/Cancun and Dominican Republic destinations. They have a scheduled FAM to view 5-6 of their resorts…

If you know of others that focus on Groups, I could extend this to them…

And just how do I know that Candi got this special invite for being a Travel Pro with YTB? Because I got it too.

That’s right! Those of us who produce and book lots and lots of travel like the moral of Candi’s story still get offers.  And note, no magic IATAN is required, no calling the resort, no worries about if we could get in…YTB was invited and for those of us who work hard and book travel, the invitation was passed along to us.

That’s something that Traditional Travel Agents don’t want you to know. Suppliers actually invite YTB just like they do any other agency regardless of accreditation. What suppliers look for is productivity. Suppliers actually consider YTB a valuable source of revenue because we produce. While IATAN certainly provides proof of that with a minimum of $5K in commissions earned, it isn’t really required for the VAST majority of the trips that are offered.

And what would a post from these critics be without the personal insults that Candi couldn’t make it as a “real agent”. I suspect that before long the insult will be that Travel MLM has come up with a far superior product offer for those that are serious about staying in the travel business. (Which is what Candi saw years ago because she’s smart, not some dead beat.)

To prove my point, I have a challenge for the smarter than average critics out there that like spout off that a traditional host is a better alternative.

Provide me documentation of just one Host, one Agency, one single Brick and Mortar that:

• offers 80%-100% commission contracts.
  
• pays cash bonuses of up to $10K when you hit performance levels for travel commissions earned.
• AND completely covers the cost of your Medical Insurance and provides a $150,000 Life Insurance policy.
• Oh, and you need to give me that “hat trick” for less than $500 start up and $49.95 per monthly overhead.

Fact of the matter is that they can’t and that my friends scares the livin’ daylights out of some of the traditionalist who live in La La Land that these traditional host are a better deal. That’s why we have deceptive posts like John’s and the loyal band of thieves to keep up with the charade about YTB being a flawed business model and that Candi couldn’t make it in the traditional arena.

In this current economic climate, coupled with how badly beaten the traditionalist have been from suppliers the internet, and the change to self service, YTB has a safer, more profitable alternative for those who are serious about selling travel bar none.

Spout off all you want about me, Candi, Coach, Scott, Kim or anyone else associated with YTB folks. We already saw this model for what it is. We’re already in and enjoying the best compensation the industry has ever seen. If you want to come along, feel free.

But if you want to spout off, lie and slander based on jealousy…can it. Like so many times before, it’s only going to show that nose of yours is getting bigger by the day.

Oh and John, since you’re big on being the spelling ace…it’s Cand”i”, not Cand”y”. ;-P

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Do You ZamZuu?

Can you believe this past weekend? One of the most memorable weekends I’ve experienced in a long, long time. It’s hard to think of another time I’ve been more pumped.

The anticipation started weeks ago, as it usually does this time of year. Even with the uncertainty of what lay ahead. As each day passed, I knew the long wait was almost over. By the time Friday rolled around I was making calls and surfing the internet trying to find any information I could, reading both the pros and the cons. Sure there are critics (aren’t there always?) making all kinds of predictions, but what do they know? By this time you should know that I’m a believer, have been for years. There’s very little (if anything) anyone could do to sway me away from what I love and what know to be true.

When Saturday arrived I was thought I was ready, but the incredible bombshells that came that day had me thinking about both the possibilities and how it could help us advance. While I knew we would be prepared, I didn’t know exactly what plays were going to be called. By this time, I had very little concern for what the oppositions was going to do. While my mind wondered what was ahead of us coming from California, I still felt confident and honestly didn’t have any doubt.

What transpired was nothing short of spectacular. It had me on my feet, giving out high fives, and bringing the passion back to the surface, pumped and ready to take on anyone who opposed us. (That includes any trash talkers from Baltimore!)

Things really didn’t settle down for me until Sunday night and I had a chance to let it all sink in.

Pittsburgh’s one step closer to it’s 6th Super Bowl ring, hosting yet another AFC Championship game at home!

What did you think I was talking about, YTB’s World’s Largest Tailgate Party?

That was good too, and honestly can’t get past the irony of the two events. How this weekend upset a lot of people both in the field of sports, and in the travel industry. While there were some that have been speculating who would come out victorious, and who would be a cake walk, (Arizona anyone?) it looks as if nobody really knows what’s going to transpire, or could posibly predict what’s going to happen.

That’s why they play the game.

I honestly have not had much of a chance to surf around and see what “critics” are talking about, (been enjoying my weekend watching football instead of wallowing in mud) but from what I’m gathering right now, some may be missing a couple of key points. (Like that’s anything new.)

One, our Convergentware upgrade back in December plays a big role now with the Trip of A Lifetime Sweepstakes that’s been launched. As entries are populated and clients fill in their information, we’ll be able to see likes, dislikes and market far more effectively. I realize there are those that want YTB to get out of the Travel Industry, but with the $30 Million YTB has invested in infrastructure to be a dominant player in industry…well, one can always, hope, pray, or more like plead.

Two, it looks as if YTB has reached a point that we can in fact strike our own deals for FAM’s and discounted travel. To have a company roll out their own FAM’s with suppliers and vendors should tell you something. Volume creates deals, not some card you hold up on a pedestal. There are very few Agencies in this industry that can strike this type of agreement with any supplier let alone several, because most don’t have the sales to back it up. The Great Escapes should be a very clear message to you that suppliers do understand the power of numbers, and they do “get YTB”.

Working with YTB makes much better business sense, now more than ever with the economy the way it is. Suppliers and vendors only pay for what YTB is able to produce. This notion that YTB costs suppliers money in reality is the complete opposite. (Thus why you’ve only seen three out of literally hundreds drop any Travel MLM.) While Royal Caribbean is spending money with Agencies to help advertise (Co-op dollars) attempting to bring in much needed revenue, Carnival brings in the local Business Development Manager, and one sidekick from Miami who brings up some banners and conducts a Sail-A-Thon via streaming video to market cruises in one night to tens of thousands of potential customers. Far better bang for your buck, and Gerry Cahill being a “finance guy” (critics call him a “bean counter”) most certainly knows this.

Three, some can’t grasp what diversification and multiple streams of income in business is all about. Because YTB has a Network Marketing division, I’m sure you realize that most view the model from a completely different perspective than “traditional business”. You’ll notice that everyone considers American Express and Carlson Wagonlit as “traditional travel agencies”, as they should, they are number one and number two. Please note that no one has a problem with American Express also being a bank, and Carlson Wagonlit also owning restaurants. That type of diversification is completly acceptable, but if YTB decides they want to diversify, creating an opportunity to capture another income stream, just like AMX and CW, it’s blasphemy.

To be fair, it is a bit different. You need to go back to “The Long Tail” example I posted about last week. In traditional business, when CW wants to open up a TGI Friday’s for example, there is a cost or investment in opening up that restaurant. Just when CW will recover that investment is unknown and irrelevant at this point. YTB on the other hand just partnered with a company called Aisle 19 this past weekend. Aisle 19 is free to join as an Representative, free to join as a customer, and provides the ability to shop at stores you already do for the exact same products, at the exact same price you would without the program. Difference is, Representatives get a commission and customers get cash back through the program.

Because YTB and Aisle 19 involves Network Marketing, a model with a severe phobia for some, it’s going to be labeled as a “scam” or an “illegal pyramid” even though nobody invested a single dime in the program. (Just like YTB’s MLM, or Rep Opportunity by the way.)

While I’m sure there will be more written about this in the coming days, I think we’ve already his the nail on the head as to why there’s a problem for some. While critics make it appear that they have “you’re best interest” at heart, the truth of the matter is, it’s nothing more than “wealth envey” which can best be expressed by this one post from a this one critic.

I just thought of something……If YTB is now using Aisle 19 (instead of it’s own product or business or company or it’s own mall stores etc.,) then YTB itself (The Old Fart) has just become a great big distributor for Aisle 19 and all of the YTB members and all the people that the YTB members bring into Aisle 19 will be HIS/YTB’s own downline and YTB will be making money off of all of that multi-level of downline- YTB members and whoever they bring on to Aisle 19 (their customers) and whatever YTB members buy and whatever the member’s customers buy. Yikes. Is this right? This is jacked up. Have I missed something?

For the record, no, this sharp tool didn’t miss anything. He’s pretty much figured it out, although it looks like it created some smoke as the wheels began to turn. We just tapped into NFLshop.com (along with some 600 other retailers) to capture a piece of the pie, and it didn’t cost any of us a dime to do so. But because this critics believes the rich get richer instead of actually doing what the rich do to become rich, it creates fear, anger and resentment.

Oh well…

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Do You ZamZuu?

I wanted to post something on Friday concerning Travel Weekly’s Preview 2009 and one presentation in particular. Before I did however, I wanted to make sure that what I thought I heard and my notes from the presentation were in fact accurate. So I decided to hold off until I could listen in again with the On Demand feature which is available for the next 90 days.

It shouldn’t be that big of a guess that the one presentation I was interested in was Thursday’s “What Proves You are a Travel Pro”. Questions were asked by agent groups looking for answers from association heads about – you guessed it, “credentials” as they explored just who should be recognized as a travel agent, and who shouldn’t be.

The presentation was kicked off with a brief presentation by Bob Sharak from CLIA, Kelly Chiusano from OSSN, Scott Koepf from NACTA, and Bert Rivero from IATA as they clarified their roles in the industry.

After the overview presentations, the Q&A started with Kim Sorensen who asked the first question to the panel. The question can be summarized in two parts:

With the industry in “a perfect storm” with agents and agencies closing down, what are these associations doing to not only attract but train new blood that enters the industry? Secondly, what type of training, qualifications and documentation should an agency provide for the new blood in order to guide them to obtaining the roll as “Travel Professional”?

We’ve documented here before, fairly recently as a matter of fact, that the industry as it stands is struggling. I’ve written about Liberty Travel closing a number of its locations, and Cruise Value Center closing overnight without warning. Those that are left have resorted to embezzlement, and defrauding airlines to make ends meet. Even the current leader in the Travel Industry is looking for a $3.5 Billion bailout.

Based on what we’ve seen in recent weeks, any illusion that the traditional industry is doing well, is just that; an illusion.

There’s no question in my mind that the industry is in dire need of attracting not only new blood but new ideas into this industry. To be fair, it’s not that the industry hasn’t changed, although it appears to be with a considerable amount of resistance. The industry does eventually adapt. (As I suspect it will with MLM’s.) Scott Koepf did a great job in summarizing all the changes with the age of internet bookings, cruise only agents, and home based agents who were at first frowned upon and met with resistance. Today, these entities are not only accepted, but respected.

The face of the industry has also changed from being viewed as an “Agency” to that of an “Agent”. I’m often asked by Traditional Agents how I maintain any type of bookings with all the negativity critics produce about YTB. The answer is simple; the relationship is with me, not YTB. When clients look to make a booking, they look at me, not my host agency. Pricing, service, and professionalism are a direct reflection on me, not my agency. You might want to read Chris Andersons, “The Long Tail” for better clarification on how our entire capital structure is changing in this way. Another reason why I believe YTB and Network Marketing is on the right track.

Even with this shift in capitalism, Agents and Associations look to be more concerned with complaining and how companies like YTB make them look. More importantly as we’ve heard time and time again, is their illusion that we only get involved to take advantage of industry without giving back in the form of travel sales. The solution for them of course doesn’t rest on their shoulders, but on the suppliers themselves. It’s suppliers who ultimately decide just who they want to do business to produce income and gain market share.

Especially with the current economic conditions.

So how do these Associations help the new person who wants to get involved in the industry?

Bert Rivero (IATA) wouldn’t take any responsibility to ensure agents are trained properly. IATA is designed for those who have already acquired not only the knowledge, but skill set to sell a minimum amount of travel in a calendar year. IATA seems to be more interested in educating suppliers on how much money they’re loosing because of “card mills”.

Bert may need to take a lesson from Gerry Cahill with Carnival, who produced a very sound solution that was brought to light almost a year ago to curb this perceived problem of “card mills” taking advantage of FAM’s without giving back to the supplier. Of course, the relationship between YTB and Carnival has flourished, even with the new requirements, which doesn’t match IATA or the Travel Industry agenda.

Kelly Chiusano was much the same, in that OSSN really doesn’t have a current structure in place to guide, train or educate the new person who enters the industry. It’s up to the host to provide this type of training and education. She did mention that the larger host agencies did have training and education in place to help bring them into the fold and help them become a professional.

It wasn’t until we heard from Scott Koepf from NACTA who I think was the first to really understand the question in its entirety, and does provide both training and continuing education for those of us who aspire to become professionals in the industry. It looks as if YTB may be on the right track now that it has an entry level with Affiliates, Referring Travel Agent, and Travel Agent program in place. Each of the YTB levels produce a better understanding, better commission splits, and enhanced privileges within the industry.

CLIA, was by far the best equipped to answer this question, and Bob Sharak did an exceptional job of explaining how their association works hand in hand with host agencies and individuals to educate and train both the new recruit, but the seasoned professional in the industry. Not only does CLIA provide various training experiences, from on line to more intimate classroom training. CLIA provides various levels of qualifications starting with a brand new Associate Cruise Degree (ACD) along with various Cruise Counselor levels which stars with Accredited (ACC), to Master, (MCC) and even Elite (ECC) levels.

Like Carnival back in January, CLIA has come up with its own solution to the Agent ID cards with new requirements that include training and minimum booking requirements in order to obtain the privilege of carrying their credentials.

Instead of complimenting and giving CLIA credit for these new requirements, critics (as they always do) tend to twist and create problems within a solution, and are now obsessing over a loophole they claim to have found. Instead of highlighting the loophole from our critics, I would instead suggest that you chime into YTB who will be providing an overview of these new requirements with CLIA on tonight’s “Getting Started Call” with Jeannie Sharpless. This way you’ll be guided with an overview of how to qualify the right way. (If you miss the call, you can find it archived in your back office.)

By following the guidance of both CLIA and YTB, who knows, you too could qualify for that elusive roll as a “Travel Pro”.

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Do You ZamZuu?

I don’t like to favor any one team member more than any other, and I will tell you that one particular team member gives me so much lip and grief that part of me doesn’t even want to tell you about what he’s doing. (Sorry buddy, but you do! ;-p) When you find someone with business smarts like Chris, sometimes you have to swallow your pride for the greater good of the team and the company.

Chris found me like most people do, over the internet, and what impressed me most was that Chris wasted no time and took action from minute one and picked up the phone and called me instead of waiting for me to call him. Chris asked a lot of questions and I gave him resources and information to make an informed, educated decision about our company and our business model.

I’ve been contemplating and also doing some reading over the weekend concerning Vicki Freed’s stunning move from Carnival over to Royal Caribbean. There really hasn’t been all that much that I can find concerning the subject at this time, which isn’t surprising since this news came late Friday afternoon and most of the world is spending time doing something else on the weekend. I’ve always noticed a big drop in readership during the weekend, Saturday’s more so than Sunday, so it’s not surprising that there isn’t much out there right now. Besides, it’s Championship Sunday!

Dahhh!

To say that this move from #1 Carnival to #2 Royal Caribbean by Vicki isn’t news however couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s a real shocker to most, (including me) and the few comments and posts I’ve seen have people stunned. Everyone who’s been in this industry for some time, or is passionate about the cruising industry certainly knew that Royal Caribbean was looking for a new Sr. VP of Sales after moving Lisa Bauer over to Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations. Vicki Freed however, a fixture with Carnival for 29 years, was probably the LAST person anyone would have predicted to fill this void. It came as a big surprise to just about everyone, most of all Carnival.

I saw one quote that expressed very well what Carnival has done in the cruise industry. “Carnival basically took the formality out of cruising, and made it available to the masses. They revolutionized an industry, all from very humble beginnings as the underdog. It was history in the making and Freed was a part of it.” and someone else continued with “She is as much a part of Carnival as Ted Arison, Bob Dickinson, Micky Arison, Maurice Zarmati, Roger Blum, Roberta Jacoby, Cherie Weinstein, and Meshulam Zonis. These individuals were truly the “rat pack” of Carnival Cruise Lines.”

This is BIG – BIG news in the industry.

Some Industry Insiders have already posted predictions, speculating, or forecasting what all this could mean for the Cruise Industry as a whole. I’ve posted about my belief in “predictions” or speculation recently and based on this move of Vicki’s being such a stunning move only adds validity to my belief that no one can accurately predict the future. Especially in this industry! What you need to understand about people who make predictions like this is that this speculation is based on what they “want” to happen, not necessarily “believe” will happen. It’s anyone’s guess, both positive or negative at this stage of the game, (Vicki doesn’t move into her new digs officially until Tuesday) and to make any assumption about what Vicki, Carnival, or Royal Caribbean will do without being Vicki, Carnival, or Royal Caribbean is foolish.

With the changing of the guard at Carnival with CEO Bob Dickinson now retired after 35 years, and new CEO, Gerry Cahill now “in” the time was right for Vicki to make this move. It’s no secret that Vicki is both widely admired and loved by just about everyone in the industry. Like Lisa Bauer being “The Face” of Royal Caribbean back in October, Vicki Freed was “The Face” of Carnival for 29 years. While researching for this post, I found that many thought Vicki was upset about NOT being named CEO and President. After all she’s the one who’s been driving sales with Carnival for years. Some “speculated” that she would be the next obvious choice to move into Dickinson’s position once he retired. But instead, Vicki was overlooked and the responsibility fell to CFO, Gerry Cahill.

I laughed at this comment: “Hell hath no furry, like a woman scorned. Can’t necessarily say I blame her after putting in 29 years. I’ll bet some of the higher ups at Carnival are kicking their collective butts right now.”

Cahill being a finance guy, (bean counter?) admitted to knowing very little about the Travel MLM and “card mill” issues that have been debated so heavily in the industry in recent months. When I was first introduced to Cahill as CEO and President back in November he was asked point blank about his understanding of “card mills” and if he would follow Royal Caribbean’s lead in terminating Carnivals relationship with, and I quote “questionable travel selling organizations”. Cahill answered “I have no understanding of what the distinction Royal Caribbean is making.” and he did emphasize he wanted to

I thought that might get your attention… ;-p

I’ve got a couple of questions.

I’m wondering if Carnival has a chance in the next couple days to get the word out about their new sales requirements for FAM’s to those of us in YTB? I’m also wondering what most of YTB will think of Carnival for making this move after our Top Producers enjoy a cruise with them for free. I couldn’t tell you if this has ever been done before, and I imagine that it probably has, but I’m wondering how often Carnival or any other cruise line reserves and entire ship for one company?

Wow…I have a lot of questions today, don’t I?

I spend a lot of time reading comments and posts on forums, message boards, and blogs and I find some of the positioning about what Carnival announced on Wednesday about their new requirements concerning FAM trips. For some reason, everyone who opposes the YTB business model thinks (in general terms) that Carnival is “putting the screws” to YTB for making this move, “turning up the heat” if you will.

Chaaa…right!

What Carnival is doing is trying to let the rest of the travel industry know they hear and understand the issues that Traditional Travel Agents have. For good reason too, Vicki Freed was hammered so bad on her Blog that she had to remove all comments from irate Travel Agents who condemned Carnival for supporting YTB and other Travel MLM’s. The problem is that Carnival knows exactly who and what YTB is. Not only has Carnival awarded their Pinnacle Award to YTB for the last three years in a row, but Carnival was also the company who came to YTB’s aid back in November to help prove to the rest of the industry that YTB sells travel.

Guys, they threw Travel Agents a bone, and they can chew on it all they want. Like I said in my last post, Carnival figured out a way to have their cake and eat it too. The issues are not either/or, and there is a way to have both.

I have to wonder when some will wake up and smell the coffee. They need to open their eyes and look at what just transpired. Can they not only see support Carnival gives YTB or the supporting documentation Travel Weekly and Modern Agent have provided with quotes about MLM’s producing impressive numbers for suppliers? Even long time opposition to YTB Travel Trade now understands the impact of YTB and our growing sales numbers.

Some also believe this is the beginning of the end of the impressive recruiting numbers that YTB has been producing, more than doubling our sales force from 60K to over 135K in 2007 alone. Little do they know, (or simply ignore) that YTB has been laying the ground work for what’s currently going on for months.

Back in August, at the National Convention, the Coach’s Birthday Bash was announced. While the contest does reward our top Power Team Builders, that’s only HALF of the ship. The other half of the ship this weekend are top Travel Sellers with our company. Winners of Travel sales were based on the number of bookings (double occupancy) for all cruises, tours, and vacation packages booked. Air, car, and hotel were ONLY included in the total if all three are booked together. No other combinations of air, car, and hotel applied.

Other Travel related programs introduced back in August included:

- In addition to our Directors who build teams, now any RTA who earns $25,000 in travel commissions in a 12-month period will qualify for fully paid health insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Commission level must be maintained to continue to receive this benefit.

- Effective January 1, 2008, new requirements were placed in order to qualify for a YTB Referring Travel Agent credential card. RTAs joining as of January 1, 2008 must sell a minimum of $1,500 in travel before applying for the RTA credential card. ($2,500 for CLIA requirements)

- Fun & Travel Magazine was introduced as a twice annual publication all about TRAVEL! (And ONLY Travel) This magazine discusses travel trends, features preferred vendors, and reviews the hottest travel destinations.

- RTAs were also introduced a new opportunity to sell a one-year subscription in a Two Fly Free program for a $300 fee. This will allow for free airfare from select cities when purchased in conjunction with a 7-10 night hotel stay (intern
ational destinations are also available).

Many also don’t realize that YTB already had it’s own requirements in place for FAM’s. Any RTA who wanted a FAM trip with Carnival, or any other cruise line, needed to abide and follow the following company requirements.

“Book only two cruises (two cabins) at regular fare for your customers and you’ll be qualified to take another discounted cruise.

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Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812

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RTA #24635

Finally!

I have been waiting for someone to make this move, and it finally happened. It’s not surprising that our star is Carnival Corporation, AGAIN. I feel it’s important to review just a bit, and set this up for all those concerned. If you recall, Royal Caribbean in a “bold move” (?) terminated its relationship with YTB back on November 9th. No notice, no warning, not even a phone call. Just a simple letter from then Sr. Vice President of Sales, Lisa Bauer, who effectively played the roll of airline stewardess as she said “Bah-Bye” to 4 Agencies sinking more than $23 Million in revenue for the company in 2007.

I’ve never really understood this move, and for the life of me still can’t grasp why any company would toss any business overboard. However, I also agree that it’s their company and they are free to do business with whomever they choose too. More importantly, for me at least, this move in no way effectively addressed the real issue at hand.

So what was it about Carnival that was so different? How did they respond to the issues and controversy swirling around concerning “card mills” and Travel MLM’s who abuse the FAM privileges that ARE designed for those that actually support the industry?

They now require a minimum of 5 bookings with them in a 12 month period in order to be eligible for a FAM. Imagine that? Everyone involved in this industry needs to support and sell their product BEFORE being able to take advantage of a reduced rate with them.

How do you like them apples?

What this so effectively does is eliminate the abuse yet save the account for future growth and obvious profits. Is it any wonder why they are called “The Most Popular Cruise Line in the World”? Because they’ve so effectively and succinctly addressed the real issue, they are able to keep all business avenues open.

Now comes the real question…

Will other suppliers and vendors see this in the same light as I do? Will they see this as an effective alternative to closing the door on impressive numbers from a bunch of part time Referring Travel Agents? Can they have their cake and eat it too?

My bet is that the Traditional Agents will not see this as an effective move. Like most, it’s either black or white, it’s either /or. And we can’t forget those that are so closed minded and just want Travel MLM’s gone, shut down for good. I do know of some however, who do believe we may be able to co-exist and may agree that this is a step in the right direction.

While I do not believe this closes all the issues, and there is still more work to be done. This IS a good move for all concerned, and most certainly a step in the right direction to as we like to say “legitimize” the industry.

Way to go Carnival!

Are the other suppliers listening?

PS – While looking for a picture to post with this post, I found this, and came very close to using it. I decided not too, but thought is was hysterical and wanted to share it with all of you anyway. Too funny!

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