Based on booking trends, full-service premier luxury villa provider Villas of Distinction releases insight into what destinations are hot for villa vacations in 2018

Wilmington, Mass. (December 19, 2017) – Villas of Distinction_®, the world’s premier luxury villa rental company as part of World Travel Holdings, announces 2018’s year’s most sought after villa vacation destinations based on industry insights — Italy, Orlando, Hawaii, Turks & Caicos and Jamaica.

1. Italy – “This destination continues to be our strongest in terms of bookings,” said Steve Lassman, vice president of villa product & agency relations for Villas of Distinction. “Italy’s culture, the food & wine and its historical beauty continue to be magical and captivating for consumers. Italy is the perfect destination to immerse in and Villas of Distinction’s personal concierge can create a customized cultural experience.” View villas in Italy.

2. Orlando – It is no secret that Orlando, Fla. is one of the most popular destinations for families and multi-generational travelers and there is literally something for everyone, at every price point. Lassman said, “One of the growing trends we are seeing in Orlando are ‘Girlfriend Getaways’ as they combine the excitement of a day at the parks with dining and shopping and the relaxation of a villa.” View Villas in Orlando.

3. Turks & Caicos – “Villa bookings to this area are growing rapidly as guests are looking for islands with wonderful white sand beaches, staffed villas and award-winning restaurants, and the Turks & Caicos checks all of these boxes,” stated Lassman. “Air service is growing rapidly as you now have many cities within the U.S. and Canada offering non-stop service, so it’s easier than ever to get there.” View villas in Turks & Caicos.

4. Jamaica – A villa vacation to Jamaica continues to provide the best value of any Caribbean villa experience. Staff including a chef, butler, housekeeper and laundress are included in the cost of most Jamaica villas, making each villa a personalized vacation with a staff to cater to one’s every need. In addition, the island has so much to offer in the way of activities from snorkeling, scuba diving, golfing, hiking, zip lining, and horseback riding to climbing the world-famous 600-foot-high Dunn’s River Falls or enjoying Jamaica’s 27 native species at the Rocklands Feeding Station. View villas in Jamaica.

5. Hawaii – “Villas of Distinction continues to see substantial growth in Hawaii, in particular, the Big Island and Maui,” Lassman stated. “Vacationers who have already experienced the other sun & fun destinations we offer and are looking for an alternative warm-weather locale with breathtaking views and a slew of outdoor activities are considering the beauty of the Hawaiian islands. In addition, it is always a popular bucket list destination.”  View villas in Hawaii.

Last year’s leading villa vacation destinations were:

1. Italy
2. Hawaii
3. Jamaica
4. John
5. Florida

Travelers looking for a truly customized vacation experience planned by a full-service agency where a Villa Specialist finds the perfect destination to fit a client’s vacation desires, and a personal Concierge tailors a client’s vacation from start to finish will want to book with Villas of Distinction. For more information, visit VillasofDistinction.com or call 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.

easoned sales veterans Drew Daly, general manager of network engagement & performance, now responsible for recruitment sales, and Janet Harris, CFE, promoted to Director, Recruitment Sales 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (December 12, 2017) – With the best interests of its franchisees always at the forefront, home-based travel agency franchise Dream Vacations has announced an organizational restructuring which aligns franchisee engagement with franchise sales. Existing General Manager of Network Engagement & Performance Drew Daly now has expanded responsibilities to include franchise sales, and Janet Harris, CFE, has been promoted to Director of Recruitment.

“Drew and Janet are consummate sales professionals and together, based on their past successes, they will take our franchise organization to new heights,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of Dream Vacations. “Drew is already hyper-focused on the support and engagement of existing Dream Vacations franchise owners, and moving recruitment under his leadership will strengthen our company culture even more by aligning new franchisees with our existing owners, and I’m truly excited by this.” 

In his expanded role, Daly will oversee the Recruitment Sales team who is directly responsible for engaging with prospective owners who are passionate about the travel franchise opportunity, as well as with the most successful travel agents in the industry interested in making a change and affiliating with Dream Vacations. With more than 20 years’ experience in sales, Daly will continue his current role in ensuring the success of franchise owners by working closely with the cruise lines and land suppliers to support training, business development, events and agent support. In addition, Dream Vacations is further investing in its franchisee’s success by creating a new role – Vice President of Engagement – who will report to Daly.

“Our business partners have shared that our franchisees are the most engaged in the travel agent industry which leads to better success, and I am excited to embark on this new adventure where I can have an impact on not only existing owners, but also those who are interested in pursuing their dream business as a travel agency franchise owner,” said Daly. “This new structure solidifies our commitment to excellence because ultimately, we care more – about our prospects and our existing franchisees.”

Janet Harris, CFE, has been promoted to Director of Recruitment Sales. Active with the International Franchise Association, Harris has 25 years of experience in the travel industry and has sold more than 200 franchises since joining the franchise sales team in 2009.  An entrepreneur who has developed, launched and sold several businesses in the service industry, Harris will manage the Franchise Sales Team and be instrumental in their development.

“Franchise sales is my passion and I am thrilled to work with Drew creating innovative ways we can engage with prospective franchisees, ultimately easing their transition into franchise ownership and making them feel like family, before even joining Dream Vacations,” said Harris.

In addition, Rosemarie Reed is now Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships. In this expanded role she will work closely with business partners to identify creative, out-of-the-box opportunities for collaborative partnerships which will further enhance the support offered to franchisees. This change will result in continued growth of the Dream Vacations business and provide a further promotional competitive advantage for franchisees.

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
Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings, the world’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company. As an experiential brand, Dream Vacations is the only travel franchise opportunity to have a name that speaks to the variety of vacation experiences its franchisees sell. With unrivaled buying power, franchisees can provide competitive prices and exclusive offers when selling memorable vacation experiences such as cruises, resort stays and land tours. For more information on Dream Vacations, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Like Dream Vacations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, and follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise.

Home-based travel agency tops list across all industries 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (October 24, 2017) – Entrepreneur magazine has released its annual list of “Top Franchises for Veterans” and topping the list at number one is travel agency franchise Dream Vacations. This ranking lists the top 150 franchise opportunities offering incentives and supporting programs to assist veterans into becoming franchisees. Inclusion on this list, solidifies Dream Vacations as one of the leading franchise opportunities for veterans.

“In addition to being American heroes, while serving our country military veterans develop strong leadership skills which translate well into franchise business ownership,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of Dream Vacations. “Not only do veterans shape our country, but they also shape our franchise organization and make up more than 30 percent of our owners. We believe in listening to our franchise owners and providing them the tools they need to succeed, which is why we are the best travel agency franchise for veterans.”

Rankings are based on incentives for veterans, how franchisors attract and support veterans, and the franchisor’s score in the Entrepreneur 2017 Franchise 500.

“I come from a very large military family and background and served myself in the U.S. Air Force as a young adult,” said Sarah Garrett, Dream Vacations franchise owner in Vero Beach, Fla. “When I saw the commitment and dedication that Dream Vacations has toward veterans who wish to become franchise owners, it struck a chord with me and I knew that I had found a home to do what I love.”

All military veterans who purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency franchise receive an enlistment package valued at no less than $5,000. Franchise owners can select one of three perks — receiving up to $7,000 back based on sales through the Earn Back promotion, a $1,000 marketing credit, or waived administrative fees valued at $1,350. Additional benefits for military veterans include a 20 percent discount off the initial fee, waived training fee for a business partner, veteran-themed marketing assets, the ability to hire active-duty military spouses as associates at a discount, LeisureCare Travel Insurance discounts for veterans, travel discounts for military customers, access to veteran networking groups and the ability to move residences and stay in business.

As a member of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) VetFran initiative, Dream Vacations is the only travel franchise to receive a five star ranking. The IFA also awarded Dream Vacations gold this year at the annual Franchising Gives Back awards for its Operation Vetrepreneur recruitment program. Other national accolades as a veteran-friendly franchise include a number one ranking by Military Times in its “Best for Vets: Franchises” list, inclusion on G.I. Jobs annual “Hot Franchises for Veterans” and recognition by MSC Cruises in its Seaside Salute Award. Additional accolades include being named “Top 10 Military Friendly Franchise” by Forbes and U.S. Veterans magazines and inclusion on USA Today’s “50 Top Franchises for Military Veterans.”

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

About Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings, the world’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company. As an experiential brand, Dream Vacations is the only travel franchise opportunity to have a name that speaks to the variety of vacation experiences its franchisees sell. With unrivaled buying power, franchisees can provide competitive prices and exclusive offers when selling memorable vacation experiences such as cruises, resort stays and land tours. For more information on Dream Vacations, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Like Dream Vacations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, and follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise.

In celebration of its clients, Villas of Distinction_® is offering destination dollars with every booking through October 31, 2017

Wilmington, Mass. (October 17, 2017) – At Villas of Distinction_®, the world’s premier luxury villa rental company as part of World Travel Holdings, October is Customer Appreciation Month. To celebrate, Villas of Distinction is giving clients up to $5,000 Destination Dollars to spend on extras when they book any villa from now until October 31, 2017, for travel between December 16, 2017, and December 31, 2018.

Customers can use their Destination Dollars on any amenities booked through the luxury villa provider’s concierges from private chef services, cooking lessons, golf tee times and massages to vacation explorations like a private yacht sail in Turks and Caicos, a zipline adventure in Mexico, wine tours in Tuscany and much more.

“We love our customers so we are excited to show appreciation to our customers in the month of October by giving up to $5,000 for extras ‒‒ the most robust offer we have ever provided,” said Steve Lassman, vice president villa product & agency relations for Villas of Distinction. “Every one of our clients receives a personal concierge who creates a customized vacation to fit any desire, and this offer allows our clients to take advantage of these experiences on us, adding even more value to their villa vacation.”

The amount received is based on the value of the booking excluding the security deposit. For more information and terms and conditions, visit the Destination Dollars page on VillasofDistinction.com or call 1-800-289-0900 to speak to a Villa Specialist.

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.

In appreciation of its travel agent partners, Villas of Distinction is giving up to a $1,500 bonus commission

Wilmington, Mass. (October 12, 2017) – Villas of Distinction_®, the world’s premier luxury villa rental company as part of World Travel Holdings, is thanking its travel agent partners with a robust bonus commission. Travel agents who book their clients with Villas of Distinction from now until October 31, 2017, for travel between December 16, 2017, and December 31, 2018, can earn a bonus commission of up to $1,500.

In addition, our travel agent partners’ clients will also receive up to $5,000 Destination Dollars to spend on in-villa and in-destination amenities booked through a Villas of Distinction concierge. This includes a private chef, an in-villa masseuse, or local excursions such as a private zipline adventure in Mexico, yacht sail in Turks and Caicos and many more activities that bring families and friends together to create unforgettable memories.

“We love and appreciate our travel agent partners, and are excited to devote the month of October to thanking them for their continued support by helping them earn extra commission for themselves and enhance the experience for their clients,” said Steve Lassman, vice president villa product & agency relations for Villas of Distinction. “We are proud to be the only luxury villa provider for more than 30 years to consistently provide our travel agency affiliates with invaluable bonus commissions.”

Villas of Distinction’s Villa Specialists and Concierges are there for our travel agent partners and their clients every step of the way in planning and customizing a dream villa vacation. Agents can also trust that the villa property they reserve for their client is top-notch as Villas of Distinction personally inspects and approves all villas in its portfolio.

For more information and terms and conditions about the travel agent bonus commission and the Destination Dollars, visit the Travel Agent Incentives and Special Offers page or the Destination Dollars page respectively on VillasofDistinction.com or call 1-800-289-0900 to speak to a Villa Specialist.

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.

The company expands its commitment to helping veteran families

Wilmington, Mass. (October 11, 2017) – World Travel Holdings, the world’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company, is proud to announce its participation in the Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) – an employment and career partnership connecting military spouses with more than 360 partner employers who have committed to recruit, hire, promote and retain military spouses in portable careers.

“World Travel Holdings is honored to be welcomed into the Military Spouse Employment Partnership program,” said Loren Kennedy, vice president of human resources for World Travel Holdings. “Our remote Travel Agent Professional and Customer Care Representative positions are the perfect fit for military spouses who have to relocate frequently due to Permanent Change of Station Orders. We are excited to extend our recruiting efforts to military spouses because they embody valuable characteristics such as resilience, commitment and a passion for travel that they can bring to these roles.”

World Travel Holdings officially joined the Military Spouse Employment Partnership on Oct. 2, 2017, at the annual Induction Ceremony held at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Building in Washington, D.C. The Military Spouse Employment Partnership was launched on June 29, 2011, as part of the White House’s Joining Forces Initiative. The partnership is part of the Department of Defense broader Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program, which seeks to reduce the significant unemployment rate and wage gap currently experienced by military spouses when compared to their civilian counterparts.

World Travel Holdings’ franchise division already has a robust, award-winning veteran program and more than 30 percent of its network is comprised of veterans or active-duty spouses. Since 2012 its Dream Vacations brand has given 30 military veterans the dream business opportunity of owning a travel agency franchise, at no cost, as part of its annual “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest, which has been recognized in both the travel and franchise industries. The company is the only travel agency franchise to receive a five-star ranking from the International Franchise Association’s VetFran initiative, and it has been ranked the number one travel franchise three years in a row on Military Times’ “Best for Vets” list.

Military spouses interested in a career at World Travel Holdings should visit the Life @ World Travel Holdings careers page to learn more and follow World Travel Holdings on LinkedIn and Facebook.

About World Travel Holdings
World Travel Holdings is the world’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company with a portfolio of more than 40 diverse brands. In addition to owning some of the largest brands distributing cruises, villas, hotels, resort vacations, cars and luxury travel services, World Travel Holdings has a vast portfolio of licensed private label partnerships comprised of top leisure travel providers, including almost every U.S. airline, leading hotel brands and prominent corporations. The company also operates a top-rated travel agency franchise and the country’s original host agency, and is consistently recognized as an industry leader in work-at-home employment. Its global presence includes operating multiple cruise and vacation brands in the United Kingdom. World Travel Holdings has offices in Wilmington, Mass.; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Virginia Beach, Va.; New York, NY; and Chorley and Southampton, England. For more information, visit WorldTravelHoldings.com.

Franchisee of the Year Honor and Operation Vetrepreneur Wins Franchising Gives Back Gold 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (September 27, 2017) – National home-based travel agency franchiseCruiseOne and Dream Vacations were recently recognized during two awards ceremonies at the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Annual Franchise Action Network Conference in Washington, D.C. CruiseOne Franchisees Richard & Cheryl Butz were recognized as Franchisee of the Year, and Dream Vacations’ military initiative Operation Vetrepreneur was recognized as a gold Franchising Gives Back winner. 

“We are in the business of creating dream jobs for entrepreneurs, and as a franchisor, there is no higher honor than to be recognized by the International Franchise Association,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of CruiseOne and Dream Vacations. “As a low-cost, home-based travel franchise, it is really something special to see our name share the spotlight with major household names in the franchise industry.” 

The Franchisee of the Year award is an annual recognition for a select group of franchisees who have demonstrated excellence within the franchising community. Laurys Station, Pa. residents Richard & Cheryl Butz were recognized because they have grown from a home-based operation to one of CruiseOne’s most successful storefronts nationwide. Their strong work ethic, tenaciousness and persistence feed their success.

“I am so proud of Richard and Cheryl for how they have grown their business and become mentors to others within our franchise network,” noted Fiorino. “They are two of the most deserving people to receive this recognition.”

In conjunction with the IFA’s Franchise Education & Research Foundation, the Franchising Gives Back program was established by a generous donation from Roark Capital Group and it salutes the best, most innovative community leaders and charitable programs nationwide. Dream Vacations’ was one of five gold winners and was recognized in the “Support our Veterans” category for its Operation Vetrepreneur initiative, which has awarded 30 military veterans free franchises since 2012.

“Military veterans are a vital part of society and awarding veterans a free franchise is just one way we are able to give back to those who have done so much for our country,” added Fiorino. “This award truly solidifies our standing as the best franchise opportunity for veterans.”

The Franchise Action Network Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. brings together more than 300 franchise business leaders to raise awareness with policymakers and other D.C. influencers about the industry’s continued success and economic contributions.

Existing travel agents, military veterans and those who are passionate about travel with an entrepreneurial spirit who are interested in starting a travel agency, should visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com or call 888-249-8235.

About the International Franchise Association
Celebrating 56 years of excellence, education and advocacy, the International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the more than 733,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 7.6 million direct jobs, $674.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy and 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology and business development. 

About CruiseOne^® / Dream Vacations
Ranked in the top three percent of all franchises worldwide and a member of the International Franchise Association, the home-based travel 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. As part of World Travel Holdings, CruiseOne / Dream Vacations franchisees are given premium resources to plan and create a seamless vacation experience for the customer while offering the best value. CruiseOne has received partner of the year, a top-ranking status, by all the major cruise lines. For more information on CruiseOne / Dream Vacations, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Like on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, and follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise.

Dream Vacations, CruiseOne^® and Cruises Inc.^® Recognized by South Florida Business Journal and Florida Trend

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (August 17, 2017) – Travel agents are making a comeback and the home-based travel agent industry is thriving. Leading home-based travel agencies Dream Vacations, CruiseOne^® and Cruises Inc.^®, which are part of World Travel Holdings, have been included on the annual Top Private Companies lists for South Florida Business Journal and Florida Trend for the sixth and fourth year in a row, respectively.

“We have a reputation as the best travel agency franchise and host opportunity, and I am proud this recognition now extends beyond the travel industry and into the business community alongside so many prestigious organizations,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of Dream Vacations, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. “I am confident this distinction is a direct correlation to the ongoing support and resources our headquarters team provides our network of home-based franchisees and independent vacation specialists to ensure they are the most successful in the industry.”

Ranked 28^th out of 100, Dream Vacations, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. are the highest ranked travel agency businesses by regional magazine South Florida Business Journal on its annual Top 100 Private Companies list.

Florida Trend, a statewide magazine focusing on the business and politics that shape Florida, ranked Dream Vacations, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. 169^th out of 225 private companies headquartered in Florida.

Dream Vacations, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. are 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 on joining these award-winning agencies, please visit www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com to learn more about owning a Dream Vacations and CruiseOne 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 world’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 and follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise. For more information on Cruises Inc., visit www.SellCruises.com and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SellCruises.

Only home-based travel agency franchise to receive this distinction from VetFran 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (July 18, 2017) – As the premier franchise opportunity for veterans, Dream Vacations A CruiseOne Company has been recognized by the International Franchise Association Franchise Education and Research Foundation’s VetFran Program with a 5 STAR designation. Dream Vacations is the only travel agency franchise to receive a 5 STAR ranking.

“We are honored to be recognized by VetFran,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of Dream Vacations. “Veterans are a vital part of our country and the franchise industry, and because of their contributions to protecting our freedom, people in the U.S. can live the American Dream and choose to become business owners. We thank those in the armed forces for their service and are proud to support military veterans and active-duty spouses in making their business dreams become reality.”

VetFran’s three-tiered recognition system is inspired by the military’s star system for generals and admirals and will make it easier for veterans to better assess and identify franchise opportunities. The new recognition system helps participating companies showcase the types of incentive packages they offer veterans, as well as encourages an even-stronger commitment to the veteran community.

There are eight criteria in the STAR program. Franchises with a 5 STAR ranking have a clean audit report; offer at least a 20 percent discount to military veterans; have been in business for at least five years and three years as a franchisor; 80 percent continuity rate; include Item 19 financial performance on Franchise Disclosure Document; at least 50 units; participation in one VetFran event per year and a Certified Franchise Executive on staff.

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 of three perks — receiving up to $7,000 back based on sales through the Earn Back promotion, a $1,000 marketing credit, 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. In addition, military veterans can win a complimentary Dream Vacations travel agency franchise by entering the sixth annual Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General contest. The entry form and all contest details can be found at www.OperationVetrepreneur.com.

Dream Vacations has received many national accolades as a veteran-friendly franchise, including a number one ranking the past three years in a row by Military Times in its “Best for Vets: Franchises” list, inclusion on G.I. Jobs annual “Hot Franchises for Veterans” the past six years and recognition by MSC Cruises in its first-ever Seaside Salute Award. Additional accolades include being named “Top 10 Military Friendly Franchise” by Forbes, “Top Veteran-Friendly Franchise” by Entrepreneur and U.S. Veterans magazines and inclusion on USA Today’s “50 Top Franchises for Military Veterans.”

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

About Dream Vacations A CruiseOne Company
Dream Vacations A CruiseOne Company is part of World Travel Holdings, the world’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company. As an experiential brand, Dream Vacations is the only travel franchise opportunity to have a name that speaks to the variety of vacation experiences its franchisees sell. With unrivaled buying power, franchisees can provide competitive prices and exclusive offers when selling memorable vacation experiences such as cruises, resort stays and land tours. For more information on Dream Vacations, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Like Dream Vacations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, and follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise. 

Sixth consecutive time recognized for innovative employee engagement programs

Wilmington, Mass. (June 21, 2017) – World Travel Holdings, the world’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company, today announced its recognition as one of the Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces™ in North America. The annual award, issued by Achievers, an industry leading provider of employee recognition and engagement solutions, commends top employers that display leadership and innovation in engaging their workforces. 

“Employee experience remains a top priority for employees in 2017,” observed David Brennan, Achievers general manager. “The impressive Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces™ Award winners are using rewards and recognition to foster positive, productive workplaces. We’re excited to learn from them and honor their accomplishments.” 

World Travel Holdings believes an informed workforce is an engaged workforce. Education plays a vital role in many programs, giving employees the knowledge they need to drive individual results and have an impact on the company’s bottom line. From financial update podcasts, town halls and informative newsletters to motivational communications, training programs and leadership development, employees have their finger on the pulse of industry events and company news, ultimately leading to record-high engagement levels and sales growth each year.

“Because nearly 80 percent of our team works remotely, we pride ourselves on creating innovative ways for employees who work virtually to engage with each other and with our in-office employees, ultimately feeling part of something bigger than themselves,” said Loren Kennedy, vice president of human resources. “We named our Achievers entry #ObsessedWithEngagement because we recognize that an engaged and passionate workforce is critical to our overall success.”

The Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces™ Awards are judged by an esteemed panel of academics and thought leaders in the field of employee engagement. The 2017 judging panel also included representation from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), HR Technology Conference and HRO Today. The judges evaluated each applicant company based on the Eight Elements of Employee Engagement™: Communication, Leadership, Culture, Rewards & Recognition, Professional & Personal Growth, Accountability & Performance, Vision & Values and Corporate Social Responsibility.

“To be included on this prestigious list for six years in a row is an incredible an honor and testament to the passion our leadership, and management teams have for our company,” added Kennedy. “They lead by example and have cultivated our award-winning company culture.”

In addition, earlier in 2017 for the third year in a row World Travel Holdings was listed as both one of the “100 Top Companies to Watch for Telecommuting and Remote Jobs” from FlexJobs, and as one of the Top Workplaces in South Florida by Workplace Dynamics and South Florida Sun Sentinel.

World Travel Holdings will be honored alongside the other recipients of the Achievers 50 Most Engaged Workplaces™ Award at an awards gala. The gala will be held on September 11^th, 2017 at the historic Saenger Theatre in New Orleans as part of the Achievers Annual Customer Experience Conference (ACE).

About Achievers
The Achievers Employee Recognition and Rewards solution provides companies with a robust foundation for their employee engagement initiatives by enabling both social and rewards-based recognition. Designed for today’s workplace, Achievers’ innovative cloud-based platform can increase employee engagement and drive business success. It empowers employees to recognize and reward each other in real time and aligns employees with company values and goals. Delivering millions of recognitions annually, the Achievers platform inspires employee loyalty, engagement and performance. Visit us at www.achievers.com. Achievers is a Blackhawk Network company and is headquartered in Toronto and San Francisco.

About World Travel Holdings
World Travel Holdings is the world’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company with a portfolio of more than 40 diverse brands. In addition to owning some of the largest brands distributing cruises, villas, hotels, resort vacations, cars and luxury travel services, World Travel Holdings has a vast portfolio of licensed private label partnerships comprised of top leisure travel providers, including almost every U.S. airline, leading hotel brands and prominent corporations. The company also operates a top-rated travel agency franchise and the country’s original host agency, and is consistently recognized as an industry leader in work-at-home employment. Its global presence includes operating multiple cruise and vacation brands in the United Kingdom. World Travel Holdings has offices in Wilmington, Mass.; Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Virginia Beach, Va.; and Chorley and Southampton, England. For more information, visit WorldTravelHoldings.com.

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