American Express Travel Representative Cruise Planners, which has been a leader in innovative travel marketing and tech tools for more than two decades, recently received the Hall of Fame Travel Agency Innovator Award from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Brand CEO and Co-Founder Michelle Fee, a Hall of Fame honoree herself, said the franchise business' focus is on the creation of innovative travel tech and marketing tools and programs that are designed to help agents stand out from the competition. According to Fee, the travel brand's team is among the most collaborative and creative in the industry, allowing for innovation that's ahead of the pack.
The CLIA award recognizes the comprehensive marketing technology suite available to home-based agents in the franchise. Features include the CP Maxx platform that serves as a booking tool, customer management system and marketing resource; voice-activated artificial intelligence that uses two Alexa skills and is a first in the travel sector; and consumer and agent mobile apps.
Cruise Planners' tools have had a strong impact, and its sales have gone up close to 20 percent for the second year in a row, while the 2017 departing passenger count also rose by double digits from 2016. This brand also offers multiple tech training options to those who have taken advantage of one of its franchise opportunities, and these varying options mean there is individualized help for people who learn at different speeds.
Fee added that the company is committed to its travel agents and will keep shaping the industry by challenging the notion of online booking being faster and cheaper, ensuring that a travel agent's value isn't underestimated.
Cruise Planners currently has franchise opportunities available in many markets. The initial investment is $10,995, and this includes training, support and other benefits.
