Eugene resident & Springfield business owner named 2018 Elite Cruise Counsellor of the Year by Cruise Lines International Association

Springfield, Ore. (April 30, 2018) – Gary E. Smith, ECCS, vacation specialist and franchise owner of Dream Vacations – TravelPerks, was recently named 2018 Elite Cruise Counsellor of the Year by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) at its annual Hall of Fame Awards reception during the Cruise360 conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Elite Cruise Counsellor of the Year award is the highest accolade a travel agent can receive in the U.S.

“Gary is a role model for travel professionals worldwide. His commitment to professional development and excellence led him to achieve CLIA’s highest certification, Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar,” said Charles Sylvia, ECC, vice president of membership and trade relations for CLIA. “Gary’s tremendous knowledge, inimitable ethics and vast experience, coupled with his selflessness in fostering others, made him the ideal candidate to receive our 2018 Elite Cruise Counsellor of the Year Award. I applaud Gary for his tireless dedication and thank him for his monumental contribution to cruise travel.”

This prestigious recognition is awarded to one individual out of more than 10,000 cruise specialists, of which more than 600 were eligible CLIA-certified travel agents who have achieved Elite Cruise Counsellor or Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar status. The winner has demonstrated commitment to professional development, is recognized as a leader in the industry, mentors other agents and has significantly impacted the travel agent landscape through contributions to their agency. CLIA Members and leaders from the CLIA STARBoard and Trade Relations Committee nominated and voted for the 2018 winners. 

“I am humbled to be named as the top travel agent nationwide by CLIA, the preeminent cruise trade organization in the world,” said Smith, Dream Vacations franchise owner of the Springfield location. “Being part of Dream Vacations and the support they provide has made this monumental achievement possible. I love having the opportunity to share my two passions – travel and educating others – every day through my two careers as a franchise owner and business professor in Lane County.”

Smith has owned his Dream Vacations travel franchise for 14 years. He was named “Rookie of the Year” in 2004 and was the top seller of vacations out of more than 1,100 travel agents, each year from 2014 to 2016. In addition to teaching business at Lane Community College, Smith educates other Dream Vacations franchise owners and travel agents nationwide on how they can grow their business. Smith achieved his success through constant evolution and a willingness to find new ways to build relationships with customers, suppliers, staff, and his community.

As part of World Travel Holdings, one of the nation’s top travel retail networks, Dream Vacations offers consumers the lowest possible pricing and highest levels of service on cruise and land vacations through its relationships with every major cruise line and many tour operators.

Dream Vacations is looking for individuals who are passionate about travel, helping others and are eager to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves. For more information, please visit www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com or call 888-249-8235. 

About Dream Vacations
Travel agents with the top-ranked home-based travel agency franchise Dream Vacations have the resources to plan and create seamless vacation experiences for their customers while offering the best value. A member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings and has received partner of the year, a top-ranking status, by all the major cruise lines as well as national recognition for its support of military veterans. For more information about Dream Vacations, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Like Dream Vacations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise and watch its videos at www.youtube.com/DreamVacationsBusiness.

Existing travel agents who start a Dream Vacations franchise receive free cruise 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (April 18, 2018) – During a press conference at Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) Cruise360, home-based travel franchise opportunity Dream Vacations announced its new #PartnershipGoals initiative to recruit existing expert travel agents. With limited availability, expert agents who join by June 30, 2018, will have the opportunity to attend Dream Vacations’ sold out 2018 Conference aboard Norwegian Bliss, free of charge.

“We are confident that travel agents can take their business to the next level when they combine their expertise with our technology and resources,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of Dream Vacations. “We believe it is important to invest in your assets, and in our case, our most important asset is our network of franchise owners. We are continuously increasing our staff, making enhancements to existing programs and launching innovative programs and partnerships all for the benefit of our franchisees. We care more about our franchisees so they can care more about their clients. That is what we like to call the Dream Vacations difference.”

Travel agency franchise owners with Dream Vacations have access to a plethora of programs that not only provide them with a competitive advantage, but also enables them to maximize their individual profits:

• Spends more than $2 million to fully fund marketing promotions that drive franchisee’s sales, at no cost to them.
• Caps its royalty fee, which means franchise owners can earn 100 percent of their earned commissions.
• Monetarily rewards more than six figures in bonuses above and beyond the normal commissions earned to travel agent franchisees at different sales levels.

Dream Vacations has seen a direct correlation between the support provided with franchisee success and satisfaction, which is why the home-based business opportunity had an 89 percent retention rate in 2017.

“I departed my franchise to join CruiseOne (now Dream Vacations) because I had friends with CruiseOne who kept telling me how good the owners and management were to work with, that they are debt-free and that they treat franchise owners like their customers,” said Michael Sinn, Dream Vacations franchise owner in Lincoln, Neb. “The headquarters team are all professionals who really care that I am successful and they are ready to assist me if I ever need any help. They keep investing in the franchise network to help us grow our business. Since making the switch, my business has grown each year. Last year I did $1 million in sales, and this year looks even better. For anyone who has been successful as a travel agent and wants to take that success to another level, join Dream Vacations. I know I made a very wise decision.”

When surveyed, 95 percent of Dream Vacations franchise owners would recommend the travel franchise to others. Existing travel agents with at least $100,000 in commissionable sales are eligible to join Dream Vacations for as little as $495, with a signing incentive of a free cabin at the 2018 National Conference where they can network and develop relationships with cruise line and resort executives, as well as share best practices with other top-producing Dream Vacations franchise owners. Travel agents with a book of business who want to learn more about the Dream Vacations difference should call 888-249-8235 or visit www.JoinDreamVacations.com.

About Dream Vacations
Travel agents with the top-ranked home-based travel agency franchise Dream Vacations have the resources to plan and create seamless vacation experiences for their customers while offering the best value. A member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings and has received partner of the year, a top-ranking status, by all the major cruise lines as well as national recognition for its support of military veterans. For more information about Dream Vacations, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Like Dream Vacations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise and watch its videos at http://www.youtube.com/DreamVacationsBusiness.

This partnership includes six national TV segments highlighting the brand and training opportunities within Levent’s Travel Agents Success Kit (TASK) program 

Wilmington, Mass. (April 12, 2018) – Villas of Distinction_®, the world’s premier luxury villa rental company as part of World Travel Holdings, announces its partnership with Tammy Levent and her Just Go Trav television travel segment. Just Go Trav, which airs on NBC’s Daytime, debuted in January 2018; the first Villas of Distinction segment aired on Feb. 14^th in 182 cities and more than 30 million homes.

Just Go Trav is a four-minute vignette that introduces viewers to new destinations, travel trends and resort packages. In December 2017, Levent announced that she was partnering with Kevin Harrington, the original shark from Shark Tank and inventor of “As Seen on TV.” Levent and Harrington created Just Go Trav to educate consumers so they don’t rely on the internet, which is filled with misinformation.

“A top priority for us has always been and will continue to be supporting the travel agency community,” said Steve Lassman, vice president of villa product & agency relations for Villas of Distinction. “Working with Tammy through this partnership, provides us with additional outlets to give consumers and travel agents a better understanding of the benefits and value a luxury villa experience offers, while also educating the consumer that a travel agent is their best resource for a villa vacation.”

In addition to the six TV segments in 2018, the Villas of Distinction partnership with Levent includes educating agents on selling luxury villa vacations and better understanding the value a villa provides through her Travel Agents Success Kit (TASK) program. Lassman already hosted one webinar and will be working with Levent on future training opportunities, providing tips for agents on how they can compete with direct-to-consumer sites, grow their business and be profitable.

“We have been so excited with the response from viewers who call in as a result of the travel segment and how they really get to understand the property and/or destination we are featuring as well as all the perks that go with it,” said Tammy Levent, CEO Elite Travel & Founder of TASK. “As partners with Villas of Distinction we are able to highlight the villa experience, and teach viewers about the benefits of booking a villa vs. a hotel as well as the ease of having a home-away-from-home. These segments give the traveler more information than they can possibly get on their own online. My partnership with Harrington has allowed us to pitch these properties as an infomercial rather than a commercial so potential clients don’t feel sold to, but rather informed.”

To learn more about Villas of Distinction, visit VillasofDistinction.com or to book a villa vacation, call 1-800-289-0900.

About Villas of Distinction_®
Villas of Distinction_®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service premier luxury villa provider with an extensive portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 50 luxurious destinations including the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Europe, Central America, the Continental United States and many private islands. Most villas feature private pools, butlers, maids and chefs. The luxury provider has gained its clients’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds the guest’s expectations. For more than 25 years, Villas of Distinction’s team of experts have made vacation planning effortless by helping travelers find their perfect vacation home, and creating one-of-a-kind getaways and lasting memories at the world’s top villas. www.VillasofDistinction.com.

About Tammy Levent
Levent is the CEO of Elite Travel, founder of the Travel Agent’s Success Kit (TASK) and the recipient of multiple Travel Weekly Magellan and travAlliancemedia Travvy Awards. She was the travel expert on ABC Tampa’s Morning Blend lifestyle show and her autobiography, “Sink Or Swim: A Survival Story,” has been a worldwide inspiration.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (April 12, 2018) – CruiseOne^®/Dream Vacations recently recognized its top-producing travel agency franchise owners who are members of the home-based network’s prestigious “Circle of Excellence.” The week started with a royal guided Monograms tour of London hosted by Globus and continued with a luxury river cruise experience aboard the Crystal Bach on the Rhine River.

“Achieving Circle of Excellence status is the ultimate goal of many within our network, and it is an accomplishment that we are pleased to celebrate,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of CruiseOne/Dream Vacations. “Circle of Excellence members not only have impressive sales year-after-year, but they are engaged leaders within our organization who are always willing to share their expertise with others. We recognize that their success is due in part to the support of our travel partners, who also make this trip possible.”

In London, attendees experienced hand-crafted, unique city tours coordinated by Monograms, as well as the celebrity treatment with a private boat ride and VIP experience aboard the London Eye for breathtaking city views. While aboard the Crystal Bach river cruise which departed from Amsterdam, attendees received five-star treatment coupled with unmatched luxury and intimate tours while exploring the Dutch countryside. The trip concluded with a memorable canal boat ride in Amsterdam followed by a Crystal Signature Event of a classical music performance.

The Circle of Excellence rewards trip provides top-selling agents, not only with unique vacation experiences, but also the opportunity to network in an intimate environment with key suppliers from the travel industry, as well as members of the CruiseOne/Dream Vacations leadership team. Michael Lawson, account manager for key partners, and Kristen Steele, manager of key partners with Globus family of brands personally escorted the group while they were in London. Escorting the group during the river cruise portion of the rewards trip was Carmen Roig, senior vice president of marketing and sales; Walter Littlejohn III, ‎vice president & managing director at Crystal River Cruises; and Jason Douglas, strategic business development manager represented Crystal Cruises.

Other VIP guests and trip sponsors included:

• Vicki Freed, senior vice president, sales, trade support and service at Royal Caribbean International
• Joseph Casal, manager of national accounts at Royal Caribbean International
• Janet Wygert, vice president, strategic partnerships at Carnival Cruise Line
• Cindy Botelho, manager, national accounts at Princess Cruises
• Gina Garrett-Mancuso, group service specialist at Norwegian Cruise Line
• Barbara Julian, strategic market manager at Celebrity Cruises
• Tracee Adams, director of national accounts at GoGo Vacations
• John Restuccia, director of national accounts at Uniworld

“Babe Ruth once said, ‘The way a team plays together as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don’t get along well together, the team won’t be worth a dime.’  This is the way I feel about our “Circle of Excellence” group, we are all successful individually, but as a group we really shine,” said 2017 Dream Vacations Franchisee of the Year and Circle of Excellence member Mike Ziegenbalg of Jasper, Ga. “If you ask any member why they come on the trip, the most important answer from the majority would be that it’s the collective knowledge we each share, the experiences, the laughter, and even sometimes the pain. It just makes us a much stronger brand. I truly value the one-on-one time getting to know more about each member of the Circle of Excellence. Together with the support of headquarters, the weeklong trip affords me an opportunity second to none. I come home fueled and ready to move my business forward with great anticipation for the next Circle of Excellence trip.”

The Circle of Excellence is an elite program that recognizes agents for top sales achievement and is an honor that many agents strive to attain. Members receive benefits such as priority-access to corporate support phone lines and training programs, complimentary agent site visits and business planning sessions, select free marketing collateral, one complimentary cabin at the annual award-winning National Conference, invitations to select inaugural cruises, a “Circle of Excellence” logo for use in marketing materials and more.

For more information on owning a CruiseOne/Dream Vacations travel franchise, please visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com or call 888-249-8235.

About CruiseOne^® / Dream Vacations
A member of the International Franchise Association, the top-ranked home-based travel agency franchise CruiseOne^® has been in operation since 1992, and its sister brand Dream Vacations launched in April 2016, giving franchisees a choice in how they want to brand their travel business. CruiseOne / Dream Vacations franchisees have the resources to plan and create seamless vacation experiences for their customers while offering the best value. CruiseOne / Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings and has received partner of the year, a top-ranking status, by all the major cruise lines as well as national recognition for its support of military veterans. For more information, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Like CruiseOne / Dream Vacations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise and watch its videos at http://www.youtube.com/DreamVacationsBusiness.

Gold Star Families can honor loved one with Dream Vacations 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (April 4, 2018) – The number one franchise for veterans, Dream Vacations, announces it has expanded its award-winning Veteran Enlistment Package to include Gold Star families, the relatives of U.S. military members who lost their lives serving our country. Valued at no less than $5,000, the Veteran Enlistment Package provides incentives and ongoing resources to those who have served in the military or are currently in the armed forces.

“Gold Star families have made the ultimate sacrifice and many want to do something special to honor the memory of their loved one,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of Dream Vacations. “Military veterans are an important part of our family and we are humbled to honor the legacy of those who served by expanding our Veteran Enlistment Package to include Gold Star families.”

All military veterans and Gold Star families who purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency franchisereceive an enlistment package valued at no less than $5,000. They can select one of four perks currently being offered — receive up to $7,000 back based on initial fee through the Earn Back promotion; waived administrative fees valued at $1,350; free weeklong cruise valued at $1,280; or a surface pro tablet valued at $1,000. Gold Star families will also receive a 20 percent discount off the initial fee; waived training fee for a business partner; veteran-themed marketing assets; and the ability to hire active-duty military spouses and veterans as associates at a discount. Additional veteran incentives include the ability to move residences and stay in business, LeisureCare Travel Insurance discounts for veterans, travel discounts for military customers and access to veteran networking groups. Since 2012, Dream Vacations has awarded 30 free franchises to military veterans through its award-winning Operation Vetrepreneur program.

“I feel honored that my husband and I were recognized as a Gold Star Family by Dream Vacations,” said Diana Ross, Dream Vacations Franchise Owner in N. Fort Myers, Fla. and Gold Star Mother of Sgt. Mark T. Smykowsi, who was killed in action on June 6, 2006, in Anbar Province, Iraq. “Thank you Dream Vacations for taking care of families like mine whom have lost a loved one. My goal is to hire veterans as a way of honoring them and my son.”

Additional accolades Dream Vacations has received as being the best travel agency franchise for veterans include number one rankings as a veteran-friendly franchise by Military Times four years in a row, as well as by Entrepreneur and Forbes. Other accolades include inclusion on G.I. Jobs annual “Hot Franchises for Veterans” list, Franchise Business Review’s “Top 100 Franchises for Veterans” and USA Today’s “50 Top Franchises for Military Veterans.” In 2017, the travel agency franchise won gold for “Operation Vetrepreneur” in the “Support our Veterans” category at the International Franchise Association’s Franchising Gives Back awards, and is recognized by VetFran as the only 5-star travel franchise for military veterans.

People with a passion for travel and entrepreneurism, and who are interested in opening a Dream Vacations travel franchise, please visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com or call 888-249-8235.

About Dream Vacations
Travel agents with the top-ranked home-based travel agency franchise Dream Vacations have the resources to plan and create seamless vacation experiences for their customers while offering the best value. A member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings and has received partner of the year, a top-ranking status, by all the major cruise lines as well as national recognition for its support of military veterans. For more information about Dream Vacations, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Like Dream Vacations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise and watch its videos at www.youtube.com/DreamVacationsBusiness.

The enriched site allows visitors to learn about destinations and the villas offered, connecting them to local expert agents & concierges to customize vacation experiences 

Wilmington, Mass. (March 15, 2018) – VillaRental.com, a full-service luxury villa rental and destination experience company as part of World Travel Holdings, announced that it added 15 destinations and more than 1,500 villas to its product offerings while improving its website.

The updated site highlights VillaRental.com’s modern luxury and helps guests with one of the most fun parts of planning a vacation — looking at beautiful locations and narrowing down destination options and villas. From there, VillaRental.com’s experienced agents, who are also local experts, provide firsthand knowledge and insider advice to help guests choose a destination and villa based on their vacation desires. In addition, every VillaRental.com guest receives a full-service concierge who not only tailors amenities and arranges customized excursions, but takes care of every aspect of the planning.

“A team of experts that plan a complete destination experience and villa stay from start to finish is something you won’t find when booking through a do-it-yourself site,” said Steve Lassman, vice president of villa product for VillaRental.com. “This personalized service coupled with the space and privacy a villa provides adds tremendous value to our guests’ vacations.”

Because VillaRental.com offers and plans complete destination experiences and villa stays, its website has been designed to assist visitors in determining what their dream vacation looks like by categorizing villas not only by destination, but by experience — Whether a guest wants to escape, play, celebrate, taste local flavors, create memories or be inspired, a villa vacation offers all of these experiences for all ages.

“We made enhancements to this site and the VillaRental.com brand to appeal to a larger and more traditional audience,” Lassman added. “Most people think that luxury villas are only for the rich and famous, but that is simply not true. There are many villa offerings that cost the same or less per night than a high-end resort hotel, and if you are traveling with a large group, the value is even richer.”

To learn more about the villas offered through VillaRental.com, visit VillaRental.com or to book a villa vacation, call 1-800-281-6879.

About VillaRental.com
VillaRental.com, as part of World Travel Holdings, is a full-service luxury villa provider dedicated to creating customized vacation experiences. Experienced agents match guests with their perfect villa rental while offering firsthand knowledge and insider advice on the 20 destinations and more than 2,000 villas offered. From there, each guest receives a full-service concierge that plans a guest’s vacation from start to finish by booking tailored amenities and planning customized excursions. www.VillaRental.com

Dream Vacations and Cruises Inc. honor female agents with OPAL Award for leadership and community service 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (March 8, 2018) – Leading home-based travel agencies Dream Vacations and Cruises Inc. ^®  celebrate Women’s History Month in March by honoring a female vacation specialist with the OPAL Award for Women. The company has named Dream Vacations Franchisee Rhonda Day and Cruises Inc. Vacation Specialist Kathy Crelot the 2018 recipients of this prestigious award.

The OPAL Award recognizes a female franchise owner and independent vacation specialist who demonstrate Outstanding Performance And Leadership. The honoree is active in community and civic organizations, is among Dream Vacations and Cruises Inc.’s top selling agents and has exhibited strong business skills.

“Recognizing the contributions of women in the workforce and community are more important than ever before, and I am so proud that we have an established recognition program in place to celebrate our agents,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of Dream Vacations and Cruises Inc. “While we care more about our agents’ successes, it is always touching to read these OPAL nominations and see how much they care about others within our network and their community. Rhonda and Kathy are role models to all and embody the meaning behind International Woman’s Day and Women’s History Month.”

A resident of Louisville, Ky., Day has been a Dream Vacations (previously CruiseOne) franchise owner since 2013. A team player Day, wants to see everyone experience the success she has had, which includes winning the Growth Award in 2015 and the Brand Ambassador award in 2016. Within the Dream Vacations organization she is an active contributor on its Business Center and Facebook groups, has mentored several franchise owners and has served on the Marketing Committee in 2017. In her business community she has leadership roles with Women in Networking in Louisville and the Jeffersontown Chamber of Commerce, where she activity participates on the Navigator Committee. In addition to volunteering her time, talent and treasure to local and international mission organizations, Day has participated in yearly fundraising events with Day Spring Foundation and Personal Counseling Service. In conjunction with owning a travel business, Day thought it would be a perfect marriage to support a nautical organization. So from day one of opening her franchise five years ago, she has been supporting Mercy Ships, the world’s largest civilian hospital ship providing state-of-the-art care to those in desperate need, free of charge.

Crelot has been a Cruises Inc. vacation specialist in Skaneateles, N.Y. since 2015. Always willing to lend advice to other agents, Crelot organized a lunch group for agents in her area to get together. A Navy Veteran, Crelot is the Finance Officer of the Skaneateles American Legion and is very active in her local business community as a result of her previous career as CEO of the Finger Lakes Federal Credit Union. She is an active member and sits on several committees for her local Chamber of Commerce and Rotary, and is a returning board member of the Skaneateles Area Arts Council. A women’s right’s activist, Crelot has participated in the Seneca Falls Women’s March and is on the planning committee for several community fundraising events in celebration of International Women’s Day this year.

Dream Vacations and Cruises Inc. is committed to being “Rich in Diversity” and empowers all owners, agents and employees to reach their highest potential by leveraging their broad range of talent, experiences, personalities, viewpoints and ideas to generate business growth.

For more information on joining these award-winning agencies, please visit www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com to learn more about owning a Dream Vacations travel franchise, and visit www.sellcruises.com to learn more about the Cruises Inc. host agency.

About Dream Vacations/CruiseOne^® and Cruises Inc.^®
Dream Vacations/CruiseOne^® and Cruises Inc.^® are part of World Travel Holdings, the nation’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company. The Dream Vacations and CruiseOne franchise opportunities give entrepreneurs a choice in how they want to brand their travel business, and Cruises Inc. is an independent business opportunity. Both business models provide a work-from-home opportunity to those interested in selling all types of travel experiences whether it be a cruise, resort stay or land tour. With a mission of delivering a remarkable experience, travel agents with all three brands are given premium resources to plan and create a seamless vacation experience for the customer while offering the best value. For more information on Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com, like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise or watch its videos at www.YouTube.com/DreamVacationsBusiness. For more information on Cruises Inc., visit www.SellCruises.com and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SellCruises.

Seventh annual rankings factor in company culture and support for military franchisees

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (February 28, 2018) –  For the fourth consecutive year, leading travel agency franchise Dream Vacations has been named the number one franchise for veterans across all industries by Military Times. Each of the past four years, Dream Vacations has enhanced its recruitment and support of military veterans, resulting in national recognition as one of the leading franchise opportunities for veterans. 

“Being recognized as the number one franchise for veterans by one of the most prominent military publications in the country is an incredible honor, and then to learn that you have received this accolade for the fourth year in a row is such an amazing privilege,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of Dream Vacations. “Military veterans are the backbone of our country, having served to protect our freedoms and the American Dream. As the heart and soul of our organization, we are proud to offer veterans a sustainable career that affords them fulfillment throughout all stages of their military retirement. We salute veterans and are grateful to have them in our family.” 

A valuable resource for veterans – and a coveted honor for franchises around the country – the annual Military Times rankings are the result of a meticulous, months-long process. The publication invites franchise companies to complete its rigorous survey of more than 100 questions, tests to ensure the accuracy of responses, carefully evaluates survey data and includes only the best companies in its published rankings. The franchise rankings evaluate company culture, investment quality, overall franchising costs, military discounts and other non-financial supports, including support for franchisees in the National Guard and reserves.

“My nearly 32 year military career was a great foundation for the high adventures of becoming a Dream Vacation franchise owner.  The harmonious transition from military to business owner was made easy through the network of professionals that I encountered while pursuing this opportunity,” said Army Veteran Ron Beverly Sr. of N. Wales, Pa. “The core values that were engrained in me throughout my military career focused on the importance of integrity, teamwork and discipline. This translates into the dedication that is required to be successful as a business owner. My mission first mind for success was nothing short of a perfect match for this new endeavor.” 

All military veterans who purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency franchise receive an enlistment package valued at no less than $5,000. In addition to selecting one perk— receiving up to $7,000 back based on sales through the Earn Back promotion or waived administrative fees valued at $1,350, military veterans receive a 20 percent discount off the initial fee; waived training fee for a business partner; veteran-themed marketing assets; and the ability to hire active-duty military spouses and veterans as associates at a discount. Additional veteran incentives include the ability to move residences and stay in business, LeisureCare Travel Insurance discounts for veterans, travel discounts for military customers and access to veteran networking groups. Since 2012, Dream Vacations has awarded 30 free franchises to military veterans through its award-winning Operation Vetrepreneur program.

“The franchise brands on this list make the extra effort for their veteran and military-connected franchisees,” said George Altman, the Military Times editor in charge of the rankings. “They earned their places on these rankings through their dedication to current and former service members, and their efforts should get the attention of veterans considering their launching a franchise.”

Additional accolades Dream Vacations has received as being the best travel agency franchise for veterans include number one rankings as a veteran-friendly franchise by Entrepreneur and Forbes, inclusion on G.I. Jobs annual “Hot Franchises for Veterans” list, Franchise Business Review’s “Top 100 Franchises for Veterans” and USA Today’s “50 Top Franchises for Military Veterans.” In 2017, the travel agency franchise won gold for “Operation Vetrepreneur” in the “Support our Veterans” category at the International Franchise Association’s Franchising Gives Back awards, and was recognized by VetFran as the only 5-star travel franchise for military veterans.

Dream Vacations is committed to being “Rich in Diversity” and empowers all owners, agents and employees to reach their highest potential by leveraging their broad range of talent, experiences, personalities, viewpoints and ideas to generate business growth.

Military veterans with a passion for travel and entrepreneurism, and who are interested in opening a Dream Vacations travel franchise, please visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com or call 888-249-8235.

About Dream Vacations
Travel agents with the top-ranked home-based travel agency franchise Dream Vacations have the resources to plan and create seamless vacation experiences for their customers while offering the best value. A member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings and has received partner of the year, a top-ranking status, by all the major cruise lines as well as national recognition for its support of military veterans. For more information about Dream Vacations, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Like Dream Vacations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise and watch its videos at www.youtube.com/DreamVacationsBusiness.

Dream Vacations named the best among travel agency franchises and ranks more than 10 percent higher than its peers

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (February 19, 2018) – Franchise ownership satisfaction is above industry standards according to a Franchise Business Review survey of home-based travel agency franchiseowners with Dream Vacations. Results reveal that Dream Vacations ranks more than 10 percent higher than its peers within the Travel and Hospitality Benchmark. As a result, Franchise Business Review named Dream Vacations “Best in Category.” 

“We don’t sell franchises, we award dream businesses to people who are passionate about travel and helping others,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of Dream Vacations. “The success of our franchisees is our number one priority; there is a direct correlation from the personal service our support team provides to the financial success of our franchisees. It also helps that we work in a fun industry, making this an enjoyable career for entrepreneurs.”  

Ninety-eight percent of those surveyed agreed that they enjoy operating their franchise. This is attributed to being passionate about their career and the ease in which they can conduct business. Dream Vacations provides cutting-edge technology making it possible for franchisees to work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. In addition, as a home-based business opportunity,franchisees have the flexibility to work when they want, how they want, and where they want.   

When asked if fellow franchisees are supportive of each other, 98 percent agreed that as a franchise owner with Dream Vacations, one instantly feels part of a supportive family. Lainey Melnick, a Dream Vacations franchise owner in Austin, Texas said, “This is probably one of the biggest strengths of our network. Our initial training, conference and regional trainings are excellent and give us a great framework to building relationships. I’m still very close with my training class; we continually support each other to build our business and inspire each other to take on more responsibilities. The same is true for our local franchise owners. We make a real effort to work as partners and not as competitors to show each other respect and help build the brand so we can all benefit.” 

Survey results also revealed that 94 percent of participants would recommend the Dream Vacations travel agency franchise. The support provided by the headquarters staff begins with the franchise development team and continues through during franchise ownership with the corporate support team. With new enhancements and upgrades to the franchise system continuously being launched and the travel industry ever-changing, in-person, virtual and on-demand trainings are provided so franchisees can leverage the tools Dream Vacations provides and better service their customers.

“The healthy economy coupled with the strength of the travel industry and new cruise ships on the horizon means that there is no time like the present to begin a career as a travel franchise owner,” added Fiorino. “It’s no secret that our franchise satisfaction is tops because our franchisees are making more money due to our continuous investments in their success; they are doing what they love; and they have incredible personalized support. We are large enough to lead the industry, and small enough to care about each individual franchisee.”  

Dream Vacations is looking for individuals who are passionate about travel, helping others and are eager to go into business for themselves, but not by themselves. For more information, please visit www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com or call 888-249-8235. 

About Dream Vacations
Travel agents with the top-ranked home-based travel agency franchise Dream Vacations have the resources to plan and create seamless vacation experiences for their customers while offering the best value. A member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings and has received partner of the year, a top-ranking status, by all the major cruise lines as well as national recognition for its support of military veterans. For more information about Dream Vacations, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Like Dream Vacations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise and watch its videos at www.youtube.com/user/DreamVacationsBusiness.

The Caribbean has recovered and Villas of Distinction is accepting guests on impacted islands; adds Aruba to its portfolio 

Wilmington, Mass. (January 31, 2018) – Villas of Distinction_®, the world’s premier luxury villa rental company as part of World Travel Holdings, is reporting that Caribbean destinations – St. Barts, St. Croix and Anguilla have been restored and its portfolio of villas in those destinations are accepting guests. It also announced that 15 villas in Aruba have been added to its robust collection.

“I am very impressed with how the island communities have come together to rebuild and welcome back visitors,” said Steve Lassman, vice president of villa product & agency relations for Villas of Distinction. “We continue to see bookings in several of our most popular Caribbean islands like Barbados, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Turks & Caicos, and we are looking forward to being a part of the Caribbean’s economic growth by bringing business back to these areas.”

Villas of Distinction continues to add some of the most sought after destinations to its portfolio. In the Caribbean, the villa rental provider recently added villa vacation rentals in Aruba. According to the U.S. Department of State, approximately 1.5 million tourists per year visit Aruba, with nearly 60 percent of those from the U.S.

“The Caribbean islands continue to be our most popular destinations and I am excited to offer villa vacations in Aruba to our guests,” said Steve Lassman, vice president of villa product & agency relations for Villas of Distinction. “Whether a guest is looking to relax and enjoy white sand beaches and crystal clear waters or they prefer adventures, Aruba offers an array of activities that our Villa Concierges can arrange based on our guests desires.”

Villas offered in Aruba include:

The five-bedroom, 5,000 square-foot Allamanda 5 at Tierra Del Sol sleeps 10 and overlooks the beautiful north coast of Aruba. This villa, which is located at Tierra del Sol Resort & Golf, offers exclusive club access with an array of amenities including a golf course, pool, fitness center, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and tennis courts. The cost of the villa stay also includes free airport pickup to the resort, 50 percent off golf fees, daily breakfast per person, daily maid service and a personal front desk concierge.

Allamanda 4 at Tierra Del Sol is a four-bedroom villa that sleeps eight and overlooks the first fairway of the golf course and the north coast of Aruba. The open concept layout on the first floor allows plenty of room for family and friends to relax and reconnect, while the large rear yard patio with a shaded terrace and private swimming pool is the perfect oasis to soak up the sun, read a book enjoy a meal.

Villas of Distinction also has numerous villas in Caribbean destinations unaffected by the 2017 storms including Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Nevis and Turks & Caicos.

To learn more about Villas of Distinction’s villa collection in the Caribbean, visit VillasofDistinction.com or to book a villa vacation, call 1-800-289-0900.

About Villas of Distinction_®
Villas of Distinction_®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service premier luxury villa provider with an extensive portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 50 luxurious destinations including the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Europe, Central America, the Continental United States and many private islands. Most villas feature private pools, butlers, maids and chefs. The luxury provider has gained its clients’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds the guest’s expectations. For more than 25 years, Villas of Distinction’s team of experts have made vacation planning effortless by helping travelers find their perfect vacation home, and creating one-of-a-kind getaways and lasting memories at the world’s top villas. www.VillasofDistinction.com.