Conference to take place aboard Carnival Celebration 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (September 15, 2022) – Home-based agents with Dream Vacations and CruiseOne^® were recently surprised at the Ft. Lauderdale Regional Training when Adolfo Perez, senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing for Carnival Cruise Line, made the announcement revealing the date, cruise and itinerary of the network’s 2023 National Conference. Travel advisors will set sail from Miami on a seven-night Caribbean cruise aboard Carnival Celebration beginning Nov. 5, 2023, cruise to Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Sister ship to the incredibly popular Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration is launching this November and has six themed zones, along with BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster and 19 fun-filled decks, including a wide array of innovative dining and entertainment.

“We can’t wait to host the Dream Vacations and CruiseOne National Conference aboard the beautiful new Carnival Celebration,” said Perez. “Educational workshops will be augmented by all the incredible amenities on this incredible new ship and agents will be wowed by the next evolution of our signature Carnival fun.”

The most anticipated event of the year for agents with Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, its annual National Conference at sea was one of the first in the industry to entirely take place aboard a weeklong cruise. Each National Conference has an overarching theme that forms the foundation and centerpiece for the content during the conference and throughout the upcoming year. This year’s theme is FORWARD. The itinerary is packed with non-stop educational and networking opportunities, as well as multiple fundraisers for signature charity Make-A-Wish^®.

“We are always looking for innovative ways to engage with our agents and thought it would be fun to share this news with them at our Ft. Lauderdale Regional Training,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations and CruiseOne. “We value feedback from our agents and heard loud and clear that they want more advance notice of future National Conference dates to ensure they can attend the most comprehensive travel agent training at sea.”

“We loved sailing on the Carnival Mardi Gras and are super excited to sail on the Celebration for our National Conference in 2023,” said Joy Teet, Dream Vacations franchise owner and vacation specialist in Port St. Lucie, Fla. “Carnival was an inspired host on our last conference on board the Vista in 2016. Their hospitality was absolutely innovative and amazing. Experiencing the new Carnival ships is a must.”

The 2022 National Conference themed FORWARD takes place Nov. 13-20, 2022, aboard Norwegian Encore. Use the #2022ForwardConference hashtag to follow the excitement leading up to the annual Dream Vacations and CruiseOne conference, as well as for updates during the week at sea.

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

Photo Cutline: The 2021 Dream Vacations and CruiseOne National Conference onboard Celebrity Apex. (Photo Credit: Reeves Watson Photography.)

About Dream Vacations and CruiseOne^® 
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. Dream Vacations and CruiseOne franchisees have the resources to plan and create seamless vacation experiences for their customers while offering the best value. Dream Vacations and CruiseOne is part of World Travel Holdings and has received franchise 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 Dream Vacations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise and watch its videos at www.youtube.com/DreamVacationsBusiness.

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American Society of Travel Advisors recognizes Dream Vacations 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (September 9, 2022) – The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), the leading global advocate for travel advisors and the world’s largest association of travel professionals, proudly names Dream Vacations its 2022 Franchise Partner of the Year.

“As travel trade’s premier organization, ASTA strives to promote excellence within the industry,” said Zane Kerby, president and CEO of ASTA. “We’re pleased to use the occasion of our annual convention to lift up those professionals and companies who make lasting and meaningful contributions to the travel industry.”

The award emphasizes Dream Vacations’ extraordinary achievements and long-standing commitment to the industry.

“ASTA strives to promote excellence within the trade. This crucial trait is present in the heart and soul of every franchise owner and associate in our network,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations. “Being named ASTA Franchise Partner of the Year shines a spotlight on the talents and expertise of our travel advisors.”

To learn more about joining the travel agency franchise that cares more about its franchise owners, 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 franchise 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.

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Dream Vacations/CruiseOne hosted the two-day intensive training at Hyatt Regency in Miami 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (August 25, 2022) – Knowing and staying on top of luxury getaway trends is more important than ever for travel advisors. Luxury is the highest-selling segment among repeat cruisers according to a luxury trends article by Forbes, travelers are taking their dream trips now. As a result, Dream Vacations/CruiseOne is continuing to invest in its home-based travel advisors by providing the most innovative and engaging resources to help franchise owners maintain and grow their businesses. Recently, the travel advisors participated in the latest Luxury Summit, where more than 70 Dream Vacations travel advisors increased their skillset in assisting clients secure and book luxurious getaways. As part of the event, the team also announced marketing and training resources, including a new program that gives agents access to local tour companies in the destination they are booking.

Forbes cited that due to the health crises; travelers are seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This was further echoed in the supplier presentations. The suppliers explained that all-inclusive amenities, gourmet food, and big, luxurious cabins are the most important decisions for travelers when they consider luxury cruise products. Attendees were enlightened about the factors that can sway clients. These include bucket list destinations and itineraries, the experience and reputation of the cruise line, and the recommendation of the travel advisor.

“We wanted to set the tone with the latest luxury trends. They paint a clear picture that clients are turning to travel advisors for their expertise,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations/CruiseOne. “We understand that innovation, customization, and consumer insights are key when growing a small business, and at our Luxury Summit, we made sure to address relevant best practices and equip our travel advisors with the latest tools, assets, and content to help them generate new leads, and retain loyal customers.”

Dream Vacations/CruiseOne also unveiled a new program at the summit, giving franchise owners more ways to stay in front of their new and existing customers. Travel advisors now have access to In Country Partners. The program gives agents access to local tour companies in the destination they are booking. These destination management companies bring value by being locals, people that live and work in the location, and bring a wealth of knowledge to the vacation experience.

In addition, the Marketing Team compiled a robust directory of luxury suppliers’ marketing portals, providing agents who want to market luxury products a one-stop shop. These portals provide varying assets such as social media, email, video, etc. which agents can incorporate into custom marketing programs.

“We are looking forward to using the Luxury Asset Directory created by our marketing team. This is just one of the many takeaways I can’t wait to implement,” said Amy Madson, owner and vacation specialist, Dream Vacations Madson & Associates. “Attending the luxury summit allowed us to hear from top suppliers in a short timeframe giving us the opportunity to compare and contrast their products more clearly. This helps us better qualify which cruise line is the best for each particular client. The knowledge we gain from these types of events is an invaluable tool in helping us grow our business.”

Those passionate about travel with an entrepreneurial spirit who would like to be part of a travel agency network that cares more about its advisors and travelers should visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com or call 888-249-8235.

About Dream Vacations / CruiseOne^® 
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. Dream Vacations / CruiseOne franchisees have the resources to plan and create seamless vacation experiences for their customers while offering the best value. Dream Vacations / CruiseOne is part of World Travel Holdings and has received franchise 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 Dream Vacations / CruiseOne on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise and watch its videos at www.youtube.com/DreamVacationsBusiness.

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The Villas of Distinction Ski Rental & Delivery credit is an exceptional value add for ski fanatics looking to hit the slopes this winter

Wakefield, Mass. (August 11, 2022) – Villas of Distinction_®, the world’s premier luxury villa rental company, announces its latest promotion – a $500 Ski Rental & Delivery Credit*. Customers who book a Villas of Distinction villa in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, or Utah from now to Oct. 1, 2022, for travel between Nov. 1 – Dec. 31, 2022, will receive a $500 Ski Rental & Delivery Credit. The credit applies to the ski rental equipment, fitting, delivery, and pickup when done.

“Ski season is right around the corner and what better way to kick it off than to add value to our guests’ ski vacations,” said Steve Lassman, vice president of villa product & agency relations for Villas of Distinction. “With more than 300 villa options in these destinations, ski enthusiasts are sure to find the perfect location and they don’t even have to leave the villa for their ski equipment.”

For those who prefer to escape the winter cold, discover more of our specials in warm-weather destinations. Villas of Distinction is currently running a variety of other offers for customers including 30 percent off select Orlando Villas** for bookings now through Aug. 31, 2022; 15% off select villas in Riviera Maya*** for bookings now through Aug. 31, 2022; and for bookings now through Dec. 11, 2022, a free night at select Bahamas villas****.

For more information about the “Ski Rental & Delivery Credit” promotion, visit the Villas of Distinction website or call 1-800-289-0900.

*Terms and Conditions: Offer valid for new bookings made now – October 1, 2022, for travel November 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022. Three-night minimum booking required. Applies to travel in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Utah. Subject to availability and may not be combinable with other offers. Additional restrictions may apply; please call for full details. 

**Terms and Conditions: Booking dates: Now – August 31, 2022. Travel window: Now – December 17, 2022. Blackout dates apply, two-night min stay required, subject to availability and may not be combinable with other offers

***Terms and Conditions: Booking dates: Now – August 31, 2022. Travel window varies. Blackout dates may apply, same night minimums apply, subject to availability and may not be combinable with other offers

****Terms and Conditions: Booking dates: Now – December 11, 2022. Travel window: August 15, 2022 – December 15, 2022. Blackout dates may apply. Five-night minimum booking required, combinable on 10-night stays, subject to availability and may not be combinable with other offersAbout Villas of Distinction_®
Villas of Distinction_®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service villa experience creator with an extensive portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 52 destinations worldwide including the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Central America, and beyond. Many villas feature excellent staff and top-of-the-line amenities – like private pools, home theaters, in-villa game rooms, and fitness centers. The luxury villa provider has gained its guests’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds expectations. Since 1989, 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. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. www.VillasofDistinction.com.

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Home-based travel agents will network and learn ways to take their business to next level 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (July 28, 2022) – Travel advisors with Dream Vacations and CruiseOne will take to the high seas for their annual award-winning National Conference aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Encore the week of November 13 – 20, 2022. Celebrated among industry thought leaders as the most comprehensive travel agent training at sea, each year’s National Conference has a theme that will not only be the inspiration for the week, but also the coming year. This year’s theme, FORWARD, speaks to Dream Vacations and CruiseOne’s main direction and path as it looks to continue to break records and grow business.

“We know the future of travel is brighter than ever, and not only do people want to travel, but they value the expertise of booking through a travel advisor,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations and CruiseOne. “We can’t wait to spend the week sharing best practices and tools, so we can move the business FORWARD one step at a time and one booking at a time.”

Throughout the week, attendees will participate in inspirational sessions featuring key travel industry executives and world-renowned motivational speakers; engaging networking events; one-on-one meetings with cruise, resort and tour suppliers; interactive educational workshops; and peer-to-peer brainstorming sessions. They will learn how to elevate their businesses by leveraging the award-winning technology, marketing and training programs available.

“Even though we’ve been in the business for 20 years, we look forward to every conference – especially this one,” said Amy and Michael Madson, Dream Vacations franchise owners and vacation specialists in Orlando. “National Conference is always a great opportunity to renew and refresh supplier and HQ relationships and to network with our fellow agents. We always come away with a few ideas or reminders to help us improve our business while making a few new friends along the way!”

Use the #2022ForwardConference hashtag to follow the excitement leading up to the annual Dream Vacations and CruiseOne conference, as well as for updates during the event.

For more information on joining these award-winning agencies, please visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com to learn more about owning a Dream Vacations and/or CruiseOne travel franchise.

About Dream Vacations and CruiseOne^® 
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. Dream Vacations and CruiseOne franchisees have the resources to plan and create seamless vacation experiences for their customers while offering the best value. Dream Vacations and CruiseOne is part of World Travel Holdings and has received franchise 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 Dream Vacations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise and watch its videos at www.youtube.com/DreamVacationsBusiness.

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Guests will make their villa getaway even more exceptional with concierge credit they can spend towards select excursions and services

Wilmington, Mass. (July 21, 2022) – Villas of Distinction®, the world’s premier luxury villa rental company, is offering a booking deal like no other in the industry as part of its “Festive in July” promotion. Customers who book a Villas of Distinction villa from July 24 to July 31, 2022, for travel between Nov. 20 – Nov. 27, 2022, and Dec.18, 2022 – Jan. 7, 2023, can receive up to a $2,000 concierge credit. The concierge credit can be used towards select services and excursions to make an unforgettable escape even more exceptional. For example, guests might embark on a private zipline tour in Mexico, a private snorkeling tour in St. Martin or hire a private chef to make a meal even more special.

“Our villas always fill quickly for the festive season, but 2022 has exceeded our expectations,” said Steve Lassman, vice president villa product & agency relations for Villas of Distinction. “Although most of our villas are booked, we are excited to feature villas across our portfolio with last-minute holiday availability as part of our ‘Festive in July’ promotion. We’re here to help you create one-of-a-kind holiday getaways, where no request is too big or too small. Don’t wait and make your arrangements now because these villas will not be available for long.”

Villas of Distinction is currently running a variety of other offers for customers including up to 15 percent off select Orlando villas when booking now through July 31, 2022; 25 percent off select Grand Cayman villas for bookings now through August 26, 2022; and for bookings now through December 21, 2022, guests can enjoy 20 percent off select Turks & Caicos villas.

For more information about the “Festive in July” promotion, including the $2,000 concierge credit, visit the Villas of Distinction homepage or call 1-800-289-0900.

*Terms and Conditions: Offer valid for new bookings made between 7/24/22 – 7/31/22 for travel from 11/20/22-11/27/22 and 12/18/22-01/07/23. Valid for select pre-paid services only. Service offered is subject to availability. No cash value. The value of any unused credit is non-refundable. Credit cannot be applied towards booking value. The tiers are based on the base villa cost only. Minimum spend of $5,000 applies. May not be combinable with other offers. All offers are subject to availability and may not apply to all villas or travel dates. Other restrictions may apply; please call for full details.

About Villas of Distinction®
Villas of Distinction®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service villa experience creator with an extensive portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 52 destinations worldwide including the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Central America, and beyond. Many villas feature excellent staff and top-of-the-line amenities – like private pools, home theaters, in-villa game rooms, and fitness centers. The luxury villa provider has gained its guests’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds expectations. Since 1989, 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. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. http://www.VillasofDistinction.com.

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Dream Vacations travel agency franchise launches 11^th annual “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest on July 1, 2022 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (June 29, 2022) – Leading travel agency franchise Dream Vacations is recruiting military veterans to enlist in its 11^th annual, award-winning “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest. The number one franchise opportunity for veterans will be awarding two veterans a free franchise as part of the nationwide contest that since 2012, has given away 56 franchises valued at nearly $700,000 dollars. One grand prize winner will also receive a 2023 Dream Vacations’ National Conference cruise cabin. This year’s contest begins on Friday, July 1, 2022, and runs through Monday, Sept. 5, 2022.

“Our commitment to our nation’s veterans is forever ongoing, and we strive to support our military heroes and their families every way we can,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations. “Our annual Operation Vetrepreneur contest is just one small way we show our gratitude to veterans by making it easy for them to pursue their dreams of business ownership, prosperity and success for their families – no matter their location.”

The Dream Vacations franchise contest is open to former members of any of the six branches of the U.S. military (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard) who are retired, off active duty and/or honorably discharged prior to the contest start date and are residents of the U.S. To participate, candidates must complete an online entry form and an introductory phone interview with a Franchise Development Manager. Candidates will be required to submit a candidate profile, business plan and video. Finalists will be invited to participate in follow-up phone interviews before winners are selected. The entry form and all contest details can be found at www.operationvetrepreneur.com.

Two winners will be notified in September 2022. Each grand prize is valued at $12,300 and includes a complimentary Dream Vacations franchise with a waived $10,500 initial start-up fee and monthly service fees. After completing Dream Vacations’ New Franchisee Training, the winners will be armed with all the tools and knowledge they need to begin their next journey as small business owners creating dream vacations.

“I am so honored to have won a Dream Vacations travel franchise. It is truly a life-changing experience,” said Grant Springer, Army Veteran and 2013 Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General winner from Edgewater, Md. “Dream Vacations is a company that gives back to the military community and offers many incentive programs to assist veterans in transitioning back to civilian life. We have owned our Dream Vacations franchise almost nine years, and as a Veteran, our only regret is that we didn’t do it earlier. This business has allowed for my wife and I to spend time together after retiring from the Army and to work from anywhere at any time. The corporate headquarters team feels like an extension of our franchise as they and the other franchise owners truly make us feel as if we are part of their family.”

According to the Department of Defense, more than 200,000 military veterans are entering the civilian workforce each day, and Dream Vacations recognizes that franchising provides a unique opportunity to leverage the traits gained in the military and translate them to entrepreneurship. This includes teamwork, decisive thinking, leadership and self-discipline to name a few. Those who have served in the Armed Forces also have an innate desire to serve others and see the world, which are important aspects of being a successful travel franchise owner.

Military veterans and Gold Star families interested in starting a work-from-home business immediately can purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency business now at a 30 percent discount, receive an enlistment package valued no less than $5,000 and will have their administrative fees waived which is valued at $1,350. In addition to having access to the Command Center, an internal portal with veteran-specific training and veteran-themed marketing assets, all veterans and Gold Star families receive a waived training fee for a business partner 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, travel discounts for military customers and access to veteran networking groups.

The only travel franchise to receive a 5 STAR-ranking from the International Franchise Association’s VetFran initiative, Dream Vacations proudly supports military veterans and is consistently recognized by leading industry publications as a veteran-friendly franchise. Dream Vacations was named Entrepreneur magazine’s top franchise for veterans in 2021, and in the category, has ranked either first or second out of 150 franchises nationwide since 2017. Other recent number one rankings include Military Times and Forbes. In 2022, Dream Vacations was named the No. 1 travel agency franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for adapting and evolving when facing the unique challenges and changes that shaped the franchise industry over the last year. Additional recognitions include inclusion on G.I. Jobs annual “Hot Franchises for Veterans,” US Veterans magazine’s “Top Veteran-Friendly Companies”, USA Today’s “50 Top Franchises for Military Veterans” and recognition by MSC Cruises in its Seaside Salute Award. The “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” program won gold from the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards and the IFA Franchising Gives Back Awards.

Military veterans with a passion for travel and entrepreneurship who are interested in opening a Dream Vacations travel franchise and want to be considered as a candidate for the “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest, please visit www.OperationVetrepreneur.com or call 888-249-8235.

Photo Caption: (from left to right) 2019 Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General Winners: Army Veteran Don Shirley, Army Veteran Michael Foster, Marine Corps Veteran David Alexander, Air Force Veteran Jimmy Weeks, Navy Veteran Tawnya Caldwell. (Photo credit: TheLXA.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 www.youtube.com/DreamVacationsBusiness.

Begins July 1^st, 2022, at 12:01 a.m. ET and ends September 5^th, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. ET.  Void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 or older at the start of the Contest, have a computer and internet connection, be a legal resident of the US or DC and a former member in good standing of one of the six branches of the U.S. military who is retired, off active duty and/or was honorably discharged prior to the start date of the Contest.  If selected as winners, Contestants must commit to a 5-year  Dream Vacations home-based franchise, which requires attendance at a New Franchisee Training Class and a starting investment capital (for more information, go to www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com  or call 888-441-2542).  Only one (1) submission per contestant. To enter, complete the online entry form on our website (www.operationvetrepreneur.com).  If qualified and selected to move to the next round after a phone interview, Semi-Finalists must submit a video, Dream Vacations candidate profile, video, and a minimum 300 – 1,200-word business plan. Submissions must comply with the Submission Guidelines in the Official Rules. Only complete, valid submissions will be accepted. Sponsored by Dream Vacations, 1201 W. Cypress Creek Rd. Ste. 100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309.  See [www.OperationVetrepreneur.com] for complete Rules and details. 

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New marketing resources include an automated post-booking review tool, updated customizable assets and increased video content 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (June 7, 2022) – Knowing and staying on top of marketing trends is more important than ever for travel advisors. As a result, Dream Vacations/CruiseOne is continuing to invest in its home-based travel advisors by providing the most innovative and engaging marketing resources to help franchise owners maintain and grow their business. Recently, the headquarters’ Marketing Team hosted its first-ever Marketing Summit, where nearly 250 Dream Vacations/CruiseOne travel advisors increased their skillset in being a customer-centric marketer. As part of the event, the team also announced new marketing resources, including an automated post-booking review tool, updated customizable assets and increased video marketing content.

During the Marketing Summit, attendees participated in interactive panels, workshops and breakout sessions with their peers, all designed to help accomplish their marketing objectives. The headquarters team, along with travel suppliers and third-party partners, also provided marketing insights and fresh ideas which franchise business owners could implement into their business and marketing plans.

“We are constantly striving to provide our network of travel advisors with the best ways to stay ahead of the ever-changing marketing landscape,” said Alicia Linden, director of marketing for Dream Vacations/CruiseOne. “We understand that innovation, customization and consumer insights in marketing are key when growing a small business, and at our first-ever Marketing Summit, we made sure to address relevant best practices and equip our travel advisors with the latest tools, assets and content to help them increase visibility for their business, generate new leads, and retain loyal customers via engagement tactics.”

Dream Vacations/CruiseOne also unveiled new marketing resources at the summit, giving franchise owners more ways to stay in front of their new and existing customers. Travel advisors now have access to an automated post-booking tool that sends surveys via SMS text messages or email to clients and prompts them to post reviews to the travel advisors’ Google My Business, Facebook or Yelp pages. In addition to boosting reviews for their business, it also increases their visibility on search engines, giving them credibility and validating them as travel experts to their future customers.

The Marketing Team has also updated customizable assets available to travel advisors via the Dream Vacations/CruiseOne intranet. New assets include print ads, flyers, web banner ads, notecards, vouchers, social posts and more. Not only is the design and copy updated, but also the look and feel of the brands. To keep up with consumer trends, QR codes have been placed within assets, so advisors can provide customers with seamless access to their website or any URL of their choice. This is a huge benefit for travel advisors since they can customize and personalize assets as they see fit for added flexibility to market their business while also sustaining brand standards.

In order to more effectively market the products travel advisors are selling, Dream Vacations/CruiseOne is also putting a stronger focus on video content. In addition to having access to more than 200 professionally produced videos created for travel advisors’ branded websites, Dream Vacations is also encouraging travel advisors to create their own videos about their personal travel experiences to share and engage with their clients via social media.

“We learned so much at the Marketing Summit – from new customizable assets and how to use them – to leveraging our great reviews on social media – to hearing from cruise line marketing experts on how to target different types of travelers,” said Karen Quinn-Panzer, Dream Vacations travel advisor and Marketing and Sales Committee co-chair. “There were also many ‘ah-ha’ moments for all of us as we discovered what is working well across our network of agents during the interactive breakout sessions with our peers.”

Those passionate about travel with an entrepreneurial spirit who would like to be part of a travel agency network that cares more about its advisors and travelers should visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com or call 888-249-8235.

About Dream Vacations / CruiseOne^® 
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. Dream Vacations / CruiseOne franchisees have the resources to plan and create seamless vacation experiences for their customers while offering the best value. Dream Vacations / CruiseOne is part of World Travel Holdings and has received franchise 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 Dream Vacations / CruiseOne on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise and watch its videos at www.youtube.com/DreamVacationsBusiness.

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Up to $1,500 in bonus commission up for grabs

Wilmington, Mass. (May 2, 2022) – Villas of Distinction_® is thanking its travel advisor partners during National Travel and Tourism Week with a robust bonus commission offer*. Travel advisors who book their clients with Villas of Distinction from May 2 – 7, 2022, for travel between now and December 31, 2023, can earn a bonus commission of up to $1,500.

“Travel advisors are the lifeblood of our industry,” said Steve Lassman, vice president villa product & agency relations for Villas of Distinction. “The theme of this year’s National Travel and Tourism Week is ‘The Future of Travel’ and without the advisor community, we would not be ready and prepared for the pent-up demand for travel. This bonus commission is just one way to thank our travel advisor partners.”

In addition to being the only luxury villa provider for more than 30 years to consistently reward its travel agency partners with invaluable bonus commissions, Villas of Distinction supports advisors by directing its guests to book with a travel advisor, providing enhanced promotions for their clients as well as hosting special “Wine Down Wednesday” monthly events. The luxury villa provider also hosts Zoom get-togethers with travel agencies and their clients to help them acquire new villa guests. It also continues to increase advisor engagement by providing more educational knowledge about villas, which has helped them to successfully sell this unique product.

For more information about the travel advisor bonus, call 1-800-289-0900.

*Terms and Conditions: Offer valid for new bookings made between May 2, 2022 – May 7, 2022, for travel now – December 31, 2023. Amount is based on the base villa cost and excludes security deposit. Minimum booking value of $10,000 applies. Agents who earn over $600 in bonus commissions during a calendar year will be required to complete a W-9 form. Offer may not be combinable with other offers. All offers are subject to availability and may not apply to all villas or travel dates. Other restrictions may apply; please call for full details.

About Villas of Distinction_®
Villas of Distinction_®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service villa experience creator with an extensive portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 52 destinations worldwide including the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Central America, and beyond. Many villas feature excellent staff and top-of-the-line amenities – like private pools, home theaters, in-villa game rooms, and fitness centers. The luxury villa provider has gained its guests’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds expectations. Since 1989, 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. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. www.VillasofDistinction.com.

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Booking.com research reveals three out of four global accommodation providers have implemented at least one kind of sustainable practices at its properties*

Wilmington, Mass. (April 22, 2022) – Villas of Distinction_®, the world’s premier luxury villa rental company, is celebrating Earth Day by sharing some of the eco-friendly accommodation options in its portfolio of more than 2,800 villas throughout 64 destinations worldwide.

According to Booking.com’s 2021 Sustainable Travel Report*, 66 percent of U.S. travelers say they want to stay in a sustainable accommodation, and 82 percent of Booking.com’s global accommodation partners surveyed view sustainability in the hospitality industry as being important.

“Many of our villa partner properties continue to add sustainable features,” said Steve Lassman, vice president of Villa Product & Agency Relations for Villas of Distinction. “The pandemic improved air quality, lessened water pollution and noise, reducing pressure on tourist destinations. This has influenced people to want to travel more sustainably in the future, and we along with our travel advisor partners are seeing this trend.”

Cliff Villa’s motto is ‘Luxury with Zero Guilt’. This carbon-neutral 8,333 square-foot villa perched on a 40-foot cliff with 360 degrees of ocean and mountain views is located on the north-western tip of Curacao. Its water, energy and heating are all from the sea, wind and sun. Cliff Villa sits on a nature preserve and its water and energy footprint impacts this pristine landscape.

The villa has gone zero-footprint by installing commercial-grade clean technology including a high-efficiency reverse osmosis unit that draws water directly from the sea; the flat roof and drainage pipes use rainwater for the pool and garden; the garden is watered using Israeli-designed efficient drip irrigation on an evening time; hot water for the villa is produced by efficient solar-powered tankless technology that is mounted on the roof; and a silent vertical wind turbine farm creating sustainable energy.

The 8-bedroom, 8.5-bathroom Eco Serendib in St. John, Virgin Islands has set new standards for eco-luxury. Its eco-friendly elements include 69 “Buy America” compliant Suniva solar panels, which significantly reduce carbon emissions, and Sub-Zero/Wolf’s kitchen appliances, which are made from up to 75 percent recycled materials and use less energy than a 100-watt bulb. Susan Jablon Mosaics which are featured at the spa and in the pool area, are made from 100 percent recycled glass, and the mulch lining the walkways in the zen garden, produced by The Garden of Glass, is also made from recycled glass. The Andrew Morgan bedding is rich and luxurious yet made of sustainable, organic textile.

In addition, Eco Serendib features a grey water system for irrigation as well as three separate 20,000-gallon cisterns to collect rainwater. The saltwater pool eliminates the need for chlorine and other harsh, damaging chemicals. There is an organic “seed-to-plate” garden located right at the villa for fresh produce and herbs. And for those mixing business with pleasure, the business center technology offers the option for 100 percent paperless meetings.

Zabuco Honeymoon Villa I at Secret Bay in Dominica is comprised of eight secluded and sustainably built villas and bungalows. This eco-tourism friendly villa uses sustainable materials and locally sourced products. The villas have been purposefully placed in areas that required minimal clear-cutting and are composed of sustainably sourced Guyanese hardwood. In addition, the eco-resort was constructed without heavy machinery. The chef-prepared meals at the villa focus on locally sourced fruits, seafood and produce which also supports local businesses and provides the freshest cuisine. The villas at Secret Bay offer classes about the island’s wildlife, plants and land, educating tourists about the importance of sustaining the island. As an eco-luxury resort composed entirely of sustainably sourced materials, Secret Bay exists in a beautiful equilibrium of responsibility to its environment and a commitment to guest comfort.

For more information about Villas of Distinction or to book a villa vacation, visit www.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 villa experience creator with an extensive portfolio of thousands of privately-owned villas in more than 52 destinations worldwide including the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Central America, and beyond. Many villas feature excellent staff and top-of-the-line amenities – like private pools, home theaters, in-villa game rooms, and fitness centers. The luxury villa provider has gained its guests’ trust by ensuring every villa meets strict standards so that each home exceeds expectations. Since 1989, 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. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. www.VillasofDistinction.com.

*Booking.com’s 2021 Sustainable Travel Report

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