During my second full year with YTB, the company launched what was known as a Regional Travel Training. The tour hit several of the major markets around the country where vendors and suppliers came to us, instead of requiring us to come to them. At the time, YTB had grown to a size that enabled suppliers to hit strategic cities in conjunction with YTB to offer information, support, and additional training for the field.

I remember sitting in the large audience at the time, taking notes, and thinking that YTB was well on its way to being a major player in the travel industry. It’s not that vendors don’t do this kind of training for other large Host Agencies, they do. But they don’t do it for just any Agency. (Maybe a BDM would, but not the President of the Company.)

The trainings inspired me to research more about the companies that spoke during the day and what they had to offer. I left with new tools and ideas on how to promote my travel business. Because of the training put together, I knew YTB was serious and I needed to get serious. It tools were always there, I just needed to take the time to go do it.

What also impressed me during that day was how excited the suppliers were about being with us. I’ve seen it for years. YTB happens to be a real breath of fresh air for most suppliers because of our passion and excitement. I remember seeing a vendor just last year up at Red Carpet who just raved about our Company. I believe the exact words were “Completely blown away”. It was such a shame to see that sour because Travel Professionals couldn’t accept the partnership. Anyone who actually catches our enthusiasm and passion are soon trashed by this group who’ve never seen or experienced the passion or enthusiasm they see when it comes to travel.

Remember Robert Dickinson? If you don’t, I sure do. (Wrote about it here.) That was another example of someone who saw the vision of YTB and was excited about being on YTB’s Board of Directors only to suddenly “decline” less than 24 hours later.

Regardless of the number of times I’ve seen individuals or companies pressured or harassed to drop YTB there are companies who see the fears and phobias that traditionalists have about MLM’s and support us anyway. (They’re just a little quieter about it publicly to keep from being spit at.)

If you want to know more about how vendors really feel about our company, go watch some of the videos in the Media Center in your back office. (Sorry, you’ll need to log in to see it.)

Or, you can show up at one of this year’s Travel Training Roadshows that kicks off this weekend in Costa Mesa, California.

President and Founder Kim Sorensen will be hitting cities, including here in Atlanta later in March, to offer travel training from some of the industries most respected suppliers in the travel industry. It’s your opportunity to see for yourself why suppliers and vendors appreciate YTB Travel Network, and why we as a company should support them. They’ve all got some great product and the proper tools to help you succeed in the travel industry.

The biggest advantage I’ve found in Regional meetings like this is more face time with the vendors. Funshine is great, but it’s also very crowded. With the country split up into regions there are fewer people, giving you a better opportunity to ask questions, get additional information and develop relationships. Heck, I ran into one of the supplier from the first Regional Training a year or more later and she remembered who I was.

Check your travel portal for cities, dates, vendors and times and make one of these roadshows this spring with YTB. I can tell you from personal experience, it inspires me to this day when I get around other passionate travel agents with a hunger to learn and grow their business.

It’s there for those who want it – and I know plenty who want to build this side of their business.

So go out and get it – starting this weekend.

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Do You ZamZuu?

Since day one with YTB, I’ve considered myself a “Travel Agent”. Not because I had any special training, achieved any special credentials, or aligned myself with any specific host. It was an attitude that I had when I joined. I was about as green as they came when I joined YTB, but I did have a passion for travel and a desire to learn that got me to the point that I am today. I’ve heard over and over that unless I align myself with one of those legitimate hosts out there, that I’d never be considered a “Travel Agent”.

Yet, the folks with all the arrogance and attitude – haven’t actually experienced the service and value I bring to my clients.

Fact is, anyone can become a “Travel Agent” with the proper mindset and willingness to learn and it doesn’t matter what company you align yourself with. Other than my family, 99.9% of our clients have no idea who or what YTB is. All they know is Doug and Ronda with BandBVacations.com. If a client has a change in schedule, a problem with a booking, or happen to need assistance with arrangements, the “Agent” they call is us, not the Home Office.

That being said, having the mindset of “Travel Agent” isn’t going to cut the mustard when it comes to servicing our clients. We could have all the love and passion in the world – but without the proper knowledge to actually assist our clients, mindset alone is moot.

It also takes knowledge and training to drive this business and make it a success.

When YTB launched the E-Campus training two years ago with theAcademy.com and Dr. Marc Mancini, I was ecstatic. At the time, it was a major advancement and move towards training our sales force. The move was also “pro-active”, being launched before all the attention and fuss in the news and media publications came out about YTB being some sort of “card mill”. (A term and definition we still don’t answers for two years later.)

Like Carnival Corporation, Apple Vacations, Pleasant Holidays, Collette, World Choice, Globus, and other preferred suppliers who do business with YTB, Dr. Mancini saw something in YTB that lead to this training to help the company achieve its long term goal of being a dominant force in the travel industry.

If you’re going to partner with someone, they might as well be the best. Here’s a little bio that I picked up on Dr. Mancini two years ago.

What’s even more impressive is that the YTB E-Campus program is designed by Dr. Marc Mancini, one of the travel industry’s most highly respected speakers, educators and consultants and authors of such books as Conducting Tours: A Practical Guide, Cruising: A Guide to the Cruise Line Industry, and Selling Destinations: Geography for the Travel Professional. Dr Mancini and his firm are the creative force behind some of the best-known and most successful training programs in the business including training programs for CLIA, AAA, and NTA.

What YTB did was land the industries leading authority in travel to design and implement a very intensive and thorough training program that covers the following 10 segments.

• Course 101: Overview of the Travel Industry
• Course 102: Lodging
• Course 103: Tours / Groups
  
• Course 104: Cruising
  
• Course 105: Air Travel
  
• Course 106: Rail, Car Rentals and the Rest
  
• Course 107: Travel Sales, Service and Marketing
  
• Course 108: Destinations: North and South America
  
• Course 109: Destinations: Europe
  
• Course 110: Destinations: Africa, Asia and the South Pacific

And for doing what we as “Travel Agents” should do for our business and completing this course, what do you think YTB did to reward those who took their travel business seriously?

• The ability to drop the “R” from RTA and the title of “Travel Agent”
  
• 75% Commission Contract
  
• Monthly YTB Special Promotions
  
• Entry For A Free Cruise
  
• Exclusive YTB FAM Trips
  
• Training Events & Trade Show (Funshine was comped)
  
• The Fun & Travel Magazine to help you grow your business
  

Not too shabby for some rinky-dink MLM that has no interest in Travel huh? Fact is, those who claim YTB doesn’t offer training haven’t been paying attention to the facts. Instead, they choose to ignore any type of training to keep their fantasy over YTB being less than legitimate alive.

We posted a list of those who completed the E-Campus training this past weekend in our newsletter. If you’re a YTB TSO or Rep and you’d like a listing to view, please get signed up on our list. I don’t think it’s appropriate to post this list publicly. With all the attention and animosity from a very small and childish group in the travel industry who have nothing better to do it will simply create more spin and turn this significant accomplishment into something it’s not.

For those who did complete this training, you know who you are. You know the value of knowledge and learning. I commend you for taking responsibility and ownership of your travel business. You can now not only call yourself “Travel Agent”, but earn an above average commission percentage found in the industry. (Industry average being 74%.)

Congratulations!

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Do You ZamZuu?

A couple months ago I read an article that compared Travel Agents to Doctors. With the Swine Flu scare that has hit both the US and Mexico I can’t imagine anyone calling a Travel Agent about what they should do to prevent the spread of this virus. To me it’s like calling an electrician to come unclog your stopped up sink. However, if you need advice from an Agent concerning the swine flu, I do know an RTA who is also an RN up in the Bronx. She’s the only Agent I would trust with actual medical training to help in the prevention of this area. (Otherwise I would simply go to a Doctor.) I realize there are Traditional Agents who claim to be authorities in just about any area you could think of.

If you choose to call a Travel Agent concerning advice, please ask for some type of credentials that qualify them as someone who knows squat about the spread of this virus. Personally, I think a someone with medical training would be far more appropriate, but that’s just me.

I contacted Gail last night to ask permission to re-post since she’s the only Agent I know who is actually qualified to offer advice in this area as an RN.

Mexico, the Swine Flu and Travel

The Swine Flu was a hot topic at work today with my co-workers and my patients. As I nurse I am doing double duty addressing the medical issues and the Travel side of this public health issue with friends and family. There has been 103 confirmed deaths in Mexico as of this writing . There are 44 confirmed cases in the US, which are milder than the strain found in Mexico. 28 of them are in New York isolated to a school in Queens, NY. World Health Organization elevated the Pandemic alert to Phase 4 out of 6.  So of course every time someone sneezed in our facility they came over to “Nurses’ Row” My office is in the Bronx which is just over the bridge from Queens.

Ah…. Let the fun begin!

Its important to note that this Swine flu operates as any other flu and the same precautions should be taken to prevent its spread. I have heard and read some interesting concepts about the flu. Like it came from eating Pork, or from people having un-natural relations with Pigs, which is also a myth. So lets begin with:

What is the Swine Flu?

It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by an influenza (flu) virus. Most people do not realize that animals get illnesses that are also common to humans, like diabetes, heart disease, cancer and Yes the flu. Human cases of Swine flu occur around people who are around pigs. It can also pass from person to person. This strain of Swine flu also has bird flu and human flu genes.

How do you catch swine flu and is it Contagious?

Swine flu is spread by contact with infected pigs or their surrounding area that has been contaminated with Swine flu viruses.. Also spread by contact with a person who has been infected with the Swine flu. It is considered contagious which simply means it can be spread from person to person.

How Can We Prevent spreading the Swine Flu

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Cough or sneeze in the bend of your el bow if you do not have a tissue available
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners, like Purel are also effective.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* stay home from work or school if you become ill with the Swine Flu. Pleeeeeese!!!!
* limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
*Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. That is how Germs are spread.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. Contact your doctor. You may be prescribed an anti-viral medication such as Tamiflu or Relenza which can lessen the severity of the flu.

I planned a Trip to Mexico, Should I cancel it?

Many people are asking if they should change their travel plans. The US is planning on issuing a Travel Alert for non-essential travel to Mexico. This is the perfect scenario to emphasize the importance of purchasing Travel Insurance. This is the type of situation that it is very useful in.
So far No cruises to Mexico have been canceled. For example, Carnival Cruise line offered this on their site:

“Fortunately, there currently is no evidence of a swine flu pandemic and there have been no reports of guests exhibiting symptoms of swine flu on Carnival’s ships. Carnival enforces the highest of standards for cleaning and sanitation on all of our ships to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We are monitoring the situation in Mexico and maintain regular contact with the Centers for Disease Control. We do not anticipate that our guests’ cruise experience will be impacted by this type of illness and will not be making any adjustments to our itineraries.”

No Airline flights have been canceled. Some airlines are offering passengers to change their travel plans without penalty. Other airlines are offering to reschedule flights and/or travel plans at no extra charge. This may change day to day. Check with your airlines for their policy, or the travel agent you booked with.

Information is changing and evolving daily. Check at the CDC.Gov site for the most up to date information on Travel to Mexico and the effect that the Swine Flu may have on it.

In the meantime, lets pray for Mexico. Its been a difficult year for our neighbors to the South.

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Do You ZamZuu?

Looks as if we have another company in our industry who has had enough of the games being played in the Travel Industry. Paul Henderson, CEO of Pro Travel Network, wrote an open letter to the industry on Friday which Travel Weekly picked up.

I have to hand it to Mr. Henderson, he’s got spunk!

Now I don’t agree with everything, but unlike the Traditionalists in our industry, I’m not going to split hairs or point out “what’s wrong” simply to belittle a message that I do agree with. (A nice trick that I’m sure Paul understands all too well.) The minor points shouldn’t overshadow a strong message that I, and I think most Travel MLM’s can stand behind, although I’ll allow everyone concerned to form their own opinions.

What I like best about this message is that it’s clear that like YTB, Pro Travel Network has no intention of going anywhere and there are a few in the industry would be better off finding a way to co-exist so they can get back to working their own business rather than spending the time they do pointing out what needs to be changed in ours.

Here’s the problem as Mr. Henderson see’s it; there are no guidelines to follow, or legal precedence to go by that gives anyone a stamp of approval to call themselves a “Travel Agent”. Now I know that there are those who have voiced their own set of rules or guidelines, but when you look at what they say and compare it with IATA, CLIA, ARTA, PATH, and OSSN, you end up with WTF.  Or better stated, a melting pot of ideas without one clear leader that defines the role of “Travel Agent”.

In an industry that has “self service” companies like Travelocity, Orbitz, Expedia, and Priceline that enables anyone to book just about any type of travel they want without the aid or service of a “Travel Agent”, (to the tune of $45 BILLION annually no less) you might be asking yourself why some feel that they need to protect this title the way they do. Likewise, the airline industry started this whole mess when American Airlines cut commissions and offered up self service to the masses back in the late 1990’s. So what “qualifies” John or Jane Doe to book an airline ticket themselves? What kind of qualifications are required by John or Jane to order cruise documents, a hotel room, a car? None. Zip. Ziltch. Nadda.

In defense of the “professionals” who are beside themselves, many were brought up in the industry much differently than it is today, and many have been members of the industry much longer than many of us “newbies” who only have a couple of years under our belts. However, it’s ludicrous to try to compare this profession to say…a Doctor. You can’t order and do heart surgery yourself like you can a cruise and I seriously doubt you ever will. But that’s the way it is in this industry. People simply make up their own set of rules and stories in an attempt to rid the industry of a model they clearly love to hate, but at the same time clearly can’t grasp.

Case in point is Joystar. Mr. Henderson like myself clearly understands that Joystar was never a “Card Mill” or an “MLM”. (I told you that back in October of 2007) But I don’t know if Mr. Henderson understands Bill Alversons connection to TravelMax which was an MLM and simply followed him over to Joystar because many believe once and MLM’er ALWAYS and MLM’er. (Part of the ignorance we deal with.) Nor does it explain companies why Cruise Value Center closed abruptly a few month ago who was also not an MLM. In addition, the small number of RTA’s that I can count on one hand who cut YTB out of the mix and booked directly with a supplier only to walk off with the money (out of more than 300K who have been involved) there are hundreds more in the traditional arena who are caught and prosecuted doing the same thing. But like the issues surrounding what makes anyone a legitimate “Travel Agent”, those stories are simply ignored and fingers are promptly pointed back the direction of MLM.

The problem in this industry IS MLM according to some, and they spend an incredible amount of time and effort in their own personal missions to save everyone from the evil MLM’ers who never have and never will be successful. (By the way, that would include yours truly. ;-P) It appears that Mr. Henderson also sees right through the smoke and mirrors of this illusion…

Neither are all MLMs bad.  What a ridiculous notion.  Who says they are?  Those who have never had success in it or see it as a threat to their models?  Or those who use these bashing techniques as promo for their previously unrecognized companies?  Travel is a 7 Trillion industry, so I hardly think competition is the issue.  MLM has just become another “buzz word” created to label those we don’t like.  Is there anyone today that sees Mary Kay as a bad business model?  Warren Buffet owns Pampered Chef.  Is there anyone out there who hasn’t eaten from Tupperware?  Avon is a household name.  So why can so many traditional companies such as American Express, etc., sell a home-based agent product, with training and accounting tools, support, etc., but if an MLM does it, it is no longer a valid product?  Come on!!!

So how can we judge any travel-related MLM, as good or bad. If they book lots of travel…they must have cheated.  Or we take their number of agents and divide into travel revenue to show that each agent only booked or earned this or that, as if that means anything.  I was taught as a child that less than 20% do over 80% of the work.  If an MLM agent takes an unwarranted FAM….oh my God, the end is near.  So we spend hours picking apart one another’s business, instead of addressing the real issues of concern…that perhaps a bad company has exploited.  Fix the issues, the exploitation goes away.

There in lies the both the problem and frustration that so many of us have concerning these critics who have entirely too much time on their hands to dream up and concoct the blogs, forums, and posts that they do. If you actually look at the real issue, you have to look inward and admit that YOUR model is flawed, and some just can’t come to grips with that idea.

Once again, we have another solution to sit down and talk about the issues face to face.

I would love to sit in on the panels or boards to help defend, not MLM nor card mills, but fairness.  To look at what is fair.  Let’s face it, most travel agents don’t book $1,000,000 per year.  Since only a few even hold the IATAN card, that means most book far less than $50,000/yr.  Many thousands are part-time.  Does that make them less qualified to make a booking?  So this must be researched and carefully thought out, debated and discussed.  But, I do believe all bad agencies and hosts should be terminated, but we must first, as an industry come together to create what guidelines allow for that.  Otherwise, we must stop pushing rules that do not exist!!!

I have no idea if Mr. Henderson’s response to our critics has anything to do with this or not, or if he even knows about the “witch hunt” that’s brewing for yet another look at MLM’s at the end of the month, and I’m afraid that no one from the MLM industry has been invited to participate. Instead, we can look forward to even more spam that gets promptly deleted when it arrives in our “in box” with the nonsense both of us have apparently been bombarded from some very irate and frustrated people.

I couldn’t agree more that until the industry starts looking at a clear definition of “Travel Agent” the intense energy spent by these critics to warn everyone do more harm, and cause more confusion for everyone involved. But like my alcoholism, these traditionalists need to take a hard look at themselves in order to do that, and I see no signs of it I’m sorry to say. Meanwhile, I’ve seen plenty of MLM’s change, adapt, and respond to the issues going on in the industry, and that shows strength, not the weakness as some like to spin.

Overall Paul, what the MLM’s need to do is walk the walk and given time, the traditionalists in the industry will exhaust themselves, especially at the pace their going. Like the Mary Kay’s, the Tupperware, the Avon’s, and the Primerica’s of the MLM industry, time will prove that our model DOES work with the proper management behind it. (As proper management is key for any business model.) I’m afraid that you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone at this point who is willing to listen to your ideas on the other side of the river, which they call “da Nile”. I agree it’s frustrating, it’s sad, and it’s extremely unproductive, but there’s really not much anyone can do to help until they’re willing to admit that we can help.

From where I sit, they’re just not ready and I can’t see any clues that they ever will.

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Do You ZamZuu?

Since I got my new iPhone, I’ve been enjoying a number of features along with PodCasts and MP3 books which have been feeding my mind good, positive, and healthy information. I’ve been a firm believer of “what you think about, you bring about” for a long time. It’s a big reason why I haven’t watched the news in years, if it’s important enough for me to find out about, it will find it’s way to me. Reading or watching negative news is a major reason why the majority of people in our world these days seem to struggle from day to day in one area or another in their lives, while others seem to be able to have all the luck, and all the breaks.

Still, some think promoting their own illusions and bad news by twisting words in order to fit their own agenda. I recently received a Google Alert that one critic still can’t grasp the difference between sales and promotion, even when the comments section clearly distinguishes the difference. Ignoring the true spirit of what’s written doesn’t make your views right or wrong, they’re simply perceptions and opinions. 

I’ve been resigned to the fact that I’m completely powerless in changing certain perceptions for some time. You either accept what I have to say and how I view this world for face value or you don’t. It makes very little difference to me what flavor Kool-aid you drink or to what degree you spike the Kool-aid to enable you to see things through your own set of glasses. This world is abundant with poeple who are not only capable but willing to view things my way to even worry about the unwilling or those incapable of changing their perception if they don’t want to.

We each have our own set of “files” that have been embedded into our minds that make us think and act the way we do by the people we hang with or listen to. Some can change either out of choice, and sometimes change comes out of necessity. To try to force your own beliefs on someone else can not only be exhausting, but often times, you drive someone farther away by doing so. (Even if their purpose is only to say “I’ll show YOU!”)

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, nobody likes to be proven wr..wro…wrrrrrr…

Sorry…still struggling with that word.

Nobody likes to be shown they’re mistaken.

That doesn’t mean however that we can’t come up with examples of our own perceptions and beliefs on this side of the fence, and welcome those who agree with us with open arms when the opportunity arises.

Back at the beginning of the month I uncovered a number of truths thanks to someone who actually works for a supplier in the travel industry. Although this critic’s agenda is an attempt to malign and slander our company, it’s become clear that while he says one thing, suppliers actually feel and act quite differently than the claims made by a select few who want to pull the wool over everyone’s eyes.

While critics can’t quite grasp why an MLM model would work in the travel industry I eluded to a number of supplier benefits when working with an MLM, which in this economy can greatly enhance thier bottom line for a minimal investment of both time and money. Of course, what I wrote didn’t fit critics perceptions based on the Kool-aid they drink. Instead, and I’ve seen this all to often, the true meaning and intent of what I wrote was somehow twisted and spun in the opposite direction, with the hope that they can take my words and use them against me to advance their own agenda. I’m labeled as a renegade, clueless, mean spirited, and am somehow a cause of irritation.

To each their own, but remember it’s much easier to blame something or someone else, rather than take responsibility for your own thinking and actions.

The spin machine and the accusations concerning my ideas in this article was certainly no different. The desperation however had escalated and my article was not only sent into the YTB Home Office, but a number of chums this critics has befriended inside of Pleasant Holidays. It’s my understanding these chums spend each weekend exchanging horror stories about YTB. (And the thought of every meeting in the Travel Industry has the letters “YTB” in it is absurd according to another critic.) Since I exposed the truth, AGAIN, this critic tried to turn up the heat to discredit and point fingers at me in order to take the focus off of himself and his own misconceptions.

To be sure, both YTB and Pleasant Holidays got my message and had a chance to read my suggestions.

So while John attempts to convince everyone that YTB costs suppliers money, a supplier himself provides a rather unique Freudian slip and let’s the cat out of the bag that suppliers don’t hire YTB, suppliers don’t provide Co-op advertising to YTB, and suppliers only pay YTB for what YTB produces. That’s my friends is a model that suppliers NEED in an economy such as this, and the smart suppliers that actually get that concept such as Carnival Corporation, Globus, Trafalgar, MSC Cruises, Apple Vacations, Disney, and many other preferred suppliers reap the rewards of our business model. I can’t remember the last time Pleasant Holidays was even mentioned in a Travel Compass, a training call, or at Funshine. They do sit on our site, but nobody pays any attention to them because nobody from the company is promoting their features, advantages, and benefits. In all honesty, how much would it cost the company to get on a conference call the we provide, or hop in front of a camera for a video that we produce?

But no…they would rather spend thousands with a bunch of struggling Agents who demand co-op dollars in order to promote them with no guarantees of any return of their investment, when one call, or webinar would drive traffic and sales to help their bottom line costing them virtually nothing.

What’s unfortunate for our critic is everyone has the ability to interpret what’s written on their own and people can and do form thier own conclusions. Not everyone drinks the same flavor Kool-aid. So what do you think happened after this critic attempted to spin my idea into badmouthing a 50 year old supplier who’s been sitting on our booking engine without putting forth the type of promotion or training like our preferred suppliers do?

Our regularly scheduled Travel Training call with one supplier/vendor was replaced with another this past Thursday night, and I’ll give you three guesses as to just who that replacement might have been. (And the first two don’t count.)

It appears that the true spirit of my suggestion was received by either YTB, Pleasant Holidays or both, because we not only had our first training call with Pleasant Holidays in I don’t know how long, but they provided a nice promotional PDF to promote the features, advantages, and benefits of Pleasant Holidays to our clients.

I’d argue that they got the message loud and clear don’t you?

I’m not going to mention just who was on this call from Pleasant Holidays, but if you’re and RTA, you can find information in both the Travel Compass, and our Travel Training call achieve in your Travel Portal. (Both dated February 18th, 2009) I don’t want to subject the Pleasant Holidays BDM to the same outrage from our critics that Vicki Freed had received when they found out she supported the YTB business model when she was with Carnival. A real shame, but that’s how immature and selfish these “professionals” can be.

Instead, I’ll simply tell those of you in YTB where to find this information and suggest that you study it, and start promoting Pleasant Holidays since they’ve shown that they too understand our business model and want to support what we do. Remember, you can only contact Pleasant Holidays directly once you have become First Class Certified and a minimum level of RTA. (Affiliates who have not been trained can only book through our booking engine.)

And our critic who thinks he knows more than I do based on what he’s been told by others instead of learning from experience…

Let’s face it, YTB has hit the skids and is at the end of their rope. Ah well, what’s one more supplier lost because of a RTA that can’t keep his ego-driven mouth shut? Bad publicity, lost revenue, and more suppliers to cut them off at the trunk. I won’t even bring up the lawsuits.

In case anyone is wondering, yes, I did send his blog and the offending part to Pleasant Holidays and another copy to Eran at YTB. I’m sure they’ll all be amused.

Missed it by that much.

Let’s try this on for size. If nothing else, I’m personally indebted to this critic. “Agent 99″ has single handily exposed the truth about more lies, myths, and misconceptions about our company and our business model than all the other “Agents” who have been attempting to do the same for the last year and a half.

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Do You ZamZuu?

In the years I’ve been with YTB I’ve seen numerous changes in the travel industry. I’ve also seen plenty of predictions and it can be very difficult to separate fact from fiction. A big reason for this blogs existence is to help separate what’s real and what’s not. That’s not to say I’ve been right 100% of the time, but I do take what I know at the time, with corresponding documentation to back it up and share what I know. I’m also a big proponent of solutions not problems. When you’re out there on the internet looking for garbage, it becomes increasingly difficult to find the golden nuggets that are right under your nose. The old catchphrase, ‘you are what you eat’ and ‘garbage in garbage out’ come to mind.

Back in late July, 2008 CLIA shored up some of the concerns “Travel Professionals” have regarding illusions that if you’re participating in a Travel MLM, you’re only in it for the perks. The new requirements from CLIA now mandate that if you would like to enjoy the privilege of a FAM or Agent perks, you need to be actively pursuing continued education, and also produce a minimum amount of travel in order to qualify and carry the CLIA credential.

2009 ID Card applicants are required to be enrolled in, or to have achieved a designation (ACC, MCC, ECC, ECCS) in CLIA’s Cruise Counsellor Certification Program. Attainment of an ACC designation requires a program of mandatory and elective training options as well personal cruise experience, shipboard inspections and 25 cabin sales within the two year enrollment period.

A short time after these requirements came out, critics of CLIA and Travel MLM’s claimed to find some sort of loophole to get around these new requirements. I’m not going to elaborate just how this works because my purpose here isn’t to show everyone how to cheat, steal and lie. Nor have I found anything to verify that anyone is actually attempting to cheat the system. Besides, from what I’ve been able to gather, it’s much more troublesome and expensive anyway, and if caught, you will not pass go.

If you found information on the internet on how to make an IED would you go promoting it all over the place? Of course not. Why this loophole is promoted on blogs, trade publications, and even in Travel Weekly’s Virtual Summit astounds me.

So forgive me if I focus on evidence of those who are doing this the right way, and provide links in an attempt to urge anyone and everyone to do the right thing here. It’s a strange concept I know, but from what I’ve seen, those who have been harping about whats wrong will never be happy no matter what the change. Nor do they fully understand the damage they are doing to their own industry.

Even with the paranoia that surrounds this mysterious loophole, CLIA remains unchanged in their direction and accreditation program. News of CLIA training and certification programs across the country with no less than 85 in-market training events in the first quarter of 2009 were released this week in various trade publications.

Likewise, YTB has also produced various newsletters and PDF’s, (check your Travel Compass or my free newsletter) on how to apply and achieve these new requirements. Stacey Stroud and Jeanie Sharpless recorded a step-by-step conference call for applying and renewing CLIA credentials, and how these new requirements enhance your travel business. And as an added bonus, if you haven’t seen them yet, there are a couple of streaming videos with interviews (found on the top Menu Bar of your Travel Portal) from both Marc Mancini who produced YTB’s E-Campus Training, and Dan Adams from TheAcademy.com. Both these interviews were recorded during YTB’s Funshine Travel Trade Show at the Gaylord Palms late last year. 

In addition, and since nobody appears to be talking about it out there on the internet, (although there is quite a buzz within the YTB ranks) there are those that have already achieved the requirements as early as January 8th, 2009. Enter Ms. Stephens who was featured (and archived in your back office via the Travel Compass) who was the first YTB RTA to complete the CLIA Accreditation.

Being CLIA certified has helped me grow my YTB business. I have learned how to more effectively find the groups and gain the re-booking for the next year. I love cruising and I will continue to book group cruises as they pay big! I feel all RTAs should be CLIA certified as it really helps you to know how to qualify your groups and the knowledge also helps you in booking and resolving any issues that may come up. It gives you more confidence in handling the group. I have also completed the E-Campus training with YTB and it has really helped me on the travel side. I recommend everyone complete these classes. The travel training in the travel portal is just a wonderful tool as I have completed 15 Travel Agent University Courses and I continue to take courses to learn more about the exciting travel industry.

I have to question this idea and the spin that you just can’t get quality travel training in a Travel MLM.

Seriously question it.

I honestly don’t know, nor is it under my control if some will ever come to grips that anyone who enters the travel industry has the same level playing field when it comes to training. All you really have to do is look at CLIA’s new requirements in the spirit it was intended. Likewise, once you’ve decided to join a company such as YTB, and actually plug into the various training programs and formats offered you’ll find it’s no different from any other company out there. In fact, I’d challenge anyone to find any special designation or difference with CLIA with any travel company or model.

Some have already tried, and found out differently. And if your still not sure, I can assure you that Jim Smith, CTIE with CLIA is more than capable of setting the record straight. He and I did have a brief phone conversation concerning any misgivings or spin to the contrary.

My recommendation concerning any loophole you may have heard about or read about…if it aint right, don’t do it.

Hummm…where have we heard that before?

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Do You ZamZuu?

I think it’s save to say that we all like things that are familiar to us. When I go to the grocery store I usually go to the same one because unlike other stores I know exactly where to find my Heinz Ketchup, where Breyers Ice cream can be found, along with my favorite blend of Arabica Premium Ground Coffee. A few months ago, they changed a few of the front isles around from running vertically to horizontally and I must have stood there for 5 minutes just wondering how I was going to find things.

What happened to the way it was?

Part of the reason I struggled with the move from Blogger to WordPress was because I wasn’t comfortable with change. Blogger was familiar, I knew how to drive it, and I liked the template design.

But the template I was using was outdated, and couldn’t take advantage of all the new toys and features that are now available with updated Blogger templates. Plus I knew that this new format here on WordPress would be much more powerful, being able to host many features I knew were important in order to continue to grow and expand my visibility on the World Wide Web.

Logically, I knew the change would be good, and I’ve certainly been extremely pleased with the functionality of my new home. It’s was a simple matter not being familiar with what I was about to dive into.

With technology rapidly changing, with better tools and resources, and the internet becoming more and more of “The Source” for news, entertainment, and socializing, it’s not surprising the Travel Weekly just got an extreme makeover.

Like most everything I come across that I’m familiar with and find that’s changed, my first reaction is “Ack! How do I find what I want?!” But after taking the time to look around I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only was all the “stuff” I look for in Travel Weekly was still there, but a lot easier to find. (Again, change is often “good”.)

All the industry news that I like to read is now on the front page. Down at the bottom of the site are all the industry channels that I try to keep up with. I like reading about these different destinations and offers and find I can scan the entire section now and only read what catches my eye. There’s also a ton more content to browse over which I really like, and while Travel Weekly may not be the first to break important news, they have always had a history of reporting on stories I find elsewhere.

The Industry News section has also been expanded on the front page giving me a better idea of what’s going on around the industry. (Found Apple Vacations and Travel Impressions have also terminated it’s relationship with Joystar.)

Something else you may notice at the bottom of these articles is a comment section. Yes, you can now input your own comments and discuss what you think about the news and events that are being reported. However, like here, the comments are moderated. (I can’t imagine why?) If you’d like to get an idea of what Travel Weekly might expect in proper conduct to enable you to add comments on their site, you can find them here.

Other features have been introduced as well, a new multimedia section has been introduced for things such as uploading photos. Photo will be categorized in three areas, “Destination Albums”, “Recommend Trips”, and “Experiencing Cruising”. Readers will also be able to comment on photos that are uploaded. Video’s can also be uploaded for those that like that medium. (Hopefully, it will be a step up from YouTube.)

There is also an expanded area for hotel information, travel deals, and Fam information. (An area that was honestly lacking compared to other sources I read on a regular basis.) The Travel Weekly site is also introducing something called “5 Minute Guides” for key destinations, along with non-destination guides such as car rentals, and technology.

Overall, this is a huge makeover for “The National Newspaper of the Travel Industry”. I’ve seen many changes and upgrades over the years from sites like Travel Weekly. Travel Trade upgraded a few years ago, and Travel Pulse use to me Modern Agent back in the day. One of the best features I like about Travel Weekly however, is that unlike the upgrades I’ve seen in the past, the hundreds of links I’ve used as supporting documentation here on this blog from Travel Weekly, are still in tact.

Thank You – Thank You – Thank You!

Probably the best feature out of all since my goal here is to help educate and provide you with documentation of what’s REALLY going on in this industry.

PS - If you're involved with YTB, sign up for our FREE Newsletter. As a Website Owner or Website Seller, we'll keep you up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB.

PPS - Subscribe to the Just Picture It Now RSS feed, (including e-mail) for all the latest posts and updates found right here!

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Book Your Travel & Vacations With

Do You ZamZuu?