CruiseOne and Dream Vacations, a global home-based travel franchise business, just received recognition via two different awards at the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Franchise Action Network Conference, an annual event. This year, the conference was held in Washington, D.C. and brought more than 300 business leaders in the franchise industry together to raise awareness among policymakers and other influential people. Brand franchisees Cheryl and Richard Butz were named "Franchisee of the Year". Operation Vetrepreneur, a military incentive program from Dream Vacations, received a gold "Franchising Gives Back" award.
Brand Senior Vice President Debbie Fiorino said that the company's goal is to create dream jobs for local business owners and that recognition from the IFA is among the highest honor a franchiser can achieve. She added that the company, as a home-based travel franchise that is low-cost, is honored to be among major household names in the franchise industry today.
A select group of franchisees received the "Franchisee of the Year" award, which honors those who demonstrated excellence in the community of franchises. This years' winners, Cheryl and Richard Butz of Pennsylvania, earned this accolade because they grew from a home-based business to one of the most successful storefronts for CruiseOne nationwide.
The "Franchising Gives Back" program recognizes franchises with innovative and successful charitable programs. The brand was a gold winner of this award for its Operation Vetrepreneur program, which has granted veterans 30 free franchises since its start back in 2012. According to Fiorino, giving veterans access to franchising opportunities is a way for the company to give back to the people who have done so much for the country.
Part of World Travel Holdings and ranked in the top three percent of franchises worldwide, Dream Vacations currently has franchising opportunities available in many areas. This franchise has an initial investment of $9,800, but those who qualify for financing may pay as little as $3,500 down.
