Top travel agency franchise for veterans has given away 61 free home-based travel businesses since 2012

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (December 19, 2023) – One of the leading travel agency franchises for veterans, Dream Vacations, recently awarded three military veterans with free travel franchises as part of its annual award-winning annual business plan contest “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General.” Currently more than 35 percent of franchise owners within Dream Vacations are military veterans and in the past decade, the travel agency franchise has awarded 61 free franchises valued at more than $700,000 to deserving military veterans.

“Supporting the entrepreneurial dreams of our military veterans and their families is such an honor,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations. “The quality of the candidates continues to be incredible. I’m thrilled to see the heights that this year’s recruits will soar to.”

The Dream Vacations franchise contest was 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. Candidates participated in a rigorous three-part application process which included creating a business plan, video essay and phone interviews. More than 4,600 people have applied for franchise ownership through Operation Vetrepreneur since 2012.

This year’s winners are U.S. Army Veteran Dillon Svoboda of Roseville, Calif.; U.S. Navy Veteran Ron and Melissa Hargrove of Genoa, Ill.; and U.S. Army Veteran Michael and Teri Rigali of New Bern, N.C.

“I was ecstatic to learn I was a winner in the 2023 Operation Vetrepreneur contest,” said Svoboda. “This opportunity signifies the chance to explore the world all while sharing the joy of travel with like-minded adventurers. This incredible achievement allows me to embark on a journey of entrepreneurship, personal growth, and the fulfillment of a dream I’ve always held close to my heart.”

All military veterans who purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency business receive a 30 percent discount off the initial franchisee fee. Veterans also receive an enlistment package valued at more than $5,000, which includes waived administrative fees 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.

As the only travel franchise to receive a 5 STAR ranking from VetFran, Dream Vacations proudly supports military veterans and is consistently recognized by leading industry publications as a veteran-friendly franchise. It is ranked the #2 franchise for veterans by Entrepreneur magazine in 2023, and other recent number one rankings include Military Times and Forbes. 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 program won gold from the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards and the IFA Franchising Gives Back Awards.

Dream Vacations is committed to being “Rich in Diversity” and empowers all owners, franchisees 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 and community heroes who are passionate about travel with an entrepreneurial spirit who would like to be part of a travel agency network that cares more about its agents, travelers and military veterans, should visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com or call 888-249-8235 to learn about franchising with Dream Vacations.

Photo Cutline: (From Left to Right) U.S. Navy Veteran Ron Hargrove of Genoa, Ill.; U.S. Army Veteran Dillon Svoboda of Roseville, Calif.; Joelle Delva Vice President of Operations for Dream Vacations; and U.S. Army Veteran Michael Rigali of New Bern, N.C.  

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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Based on 2023 Villas of Distinction booking data

Wakefield, Mass. (December 14, 2023) – Villas of Distinction_® is sharing insights based on its bookings data, and revealing which destinations and villa properties within those destinations were the most popular in 2023.

“Looking at both our historical and recent trends, I expect these destinations to stay just as hot,” said Andrew Kaye, general manager of Villas of Distinction. “So, if you are interested in visiting one of these popular spots in 2024, my top tip would be to book early.”

Here are Villas of Distinction’s top five most booked destinations and villas in 2023:

1. Italy. When 2020 and 2021 vacations got pushed, this created a backlog of travelers whose dream vacation was to visit Italy. The most popular villa in Italy booked by Villas of Distinction in 2023 was Simonetta in Tuscany. Built in 1800 and recently restored, this five-bedroom villa sleeps up to 10 guests and its convenient location allows for a day trip by bus or train to Florence. The portico is the perfect place to enjoy the lush garden, eat meals al fresco or sip a glass of bubbly under the Tuscan sun.
2. Jamaica. According to Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, total tourism arrivals to the destination in 2023 are expected to reach a record 2.9 million, exceeding 2019 arrivals by five percent.* Tranquility on the Beach in Montego Bay rose to the top as the most booked Jamaica villa through Villas of Distinction. This fully staffed villa including a butler, chef, housekeeper, two gardeners and a laundress, has seven bedrooms and sleeps up to 14 guests. In addition to the magnificent indoor waterfall garden as guests enter and the romantic waterfront gazebo, the staff is truly what makes this vacation experience extra special.
3. Turks & Caicos. The draw of this destination is its pristine beaches, delicious food, the third largest barrier reef in the world and the transcendent 12-mile Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales where villa Beach Shack is located. This villa was completely refurbished in 2019 and is a five-star, modern luxury beach house. It has one bedroom and sleeps up to two guests, so it is the perfect romantic getaway for honeymooners and couples. The bedroom features a picturesque view of the turquoise waters and a private pool where couples relax during the day and enjoy the evening sunsets. Also, just a few short steps from the house guests can snorkel on Smith’s Reef.
4. St. Martin. Guests relish in St. Martin’s exhilarating nightlife, breathtaking beaches, world-class shopping, casinos, and its vibrant arts and culture scene. The most popular villa booked in 2023 by Villas of Distinction to this destination was Beach House Younes which has two bedrooms, sleeps up to four guests and is located directly on Dawn Beach, one of the island’s finest beaches. In addition to stunning ocean views, this villa features a private infinity style pool, custom kitchen, indoor/outdoor living and offers direct access to the amenities at the Westin Dawn Beach Resort, Casino and Spa.
5. Dominican Republic. This destination set new tourism records in 2023. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the Dominican Republic welcomed seven million visitors in the first three quarters of 2023, a 25% increase over 2022.** Villas of Distinction reports that Arrecife Royale rose to the top as the most booked villa in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This massive nine-bedroom villa sleeps up to 20 guests and is the ideal home for a family reunion or large group. It boasts so many amenities and activities from relaxing by the private pool, dining al fresco, gathering around the fire pit, or wading in the hot tub to playing pool, ping pong, hitting the fitness room or golfing, there is something for everyone.

Those interested in looking to rent a villa in one of these sought-after destinations should start planning and booking now for 2024 by visiting VillasofDistinction.com or calling 800-289-0900.

*Jamaica Expects Record Number of Visitors in 2023
**The Dominican Republic is Setting New Tourism Records in 2023

About Villas of Distinction_®
Villas of Distinction_®, as part of World Travel Holdings, is an award-winning, full-service villa experience creator with a 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 state-of-the-art 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, the Villas of Distinction team have made vacation planning effortless by pairing travelers find their perfect vacation home and curating one-of-a-kind getaways at the world’s top villas. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction as the Gold winner for “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. www.VillasofDistinction.com

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Guests will receive the cashback upon deposit

Wakefield, Mass. (November 21, 2023) – Villas of Distinction_® is announcing its exclusive Cyber Week travel deal. Guests who book a Villas of Distinction villa from now through December 3, 2023, for travel between now and December 31, 2024, will receive up to $2,000 Cashback paid upon deposit*.

“It is our honor to deliver our guests with the highest level of service when planning and personalizing every aspect of their villa vacation,” said Andrew Kaye, vice president of Villas of Distinction. “We are thrilled to offer them this rich Cyber Week promotion which increases the value of their next villa getaway.”

Here are the offerings:

Booking Value	Villas of Distinction Visa Prepaid Card
$5,000 – $15,000	$150
$15,001 – $25,000	$250
$25,001 – $35,000	$350
$35,001 – $50,000	$500
$50,001 – $75,000	$750
$75,001 – $100,000	$1,000
$100,001 +	$2,000

Visitors looking to rent a villa in Europe should start planning and booking now for summer 2024 by visiting www.VillasofDistinction.com or calling 800-289-0900.

*Direct Guests Terms and Conditions:
Offer valid for new bookings made between 11/19/23 – 12/3/23 travel from 11/19/23 – 12/31/24. Amount is based on the base villa cost only. Minimum booking value applies. Cash back will be paid in a Villas of Distinction Visa® Prepaid Card upon deposit. Villas of Distinction Visa® Prepaid Card is issued by MetaBank®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 12 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply. Offer is valid for travel advisors’ clients. The Villas of Distinction Prepaid Card will be mailed directly to the travel advisors’ client within 30 days of deposit. Client mailing address must be provided. 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 a 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 state-of-the-art 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, the Villas of Distinction team have made vacation planning effortless by pairing travelers find their perfect vacation home and curating one-of-a-kind getaways at the world’s top villas. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction as the Gold winner for “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. www.villasofdistinction.com

 

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Travel advisors can earn up to a $5,000 bonus commission Travel advisor’s clients receive up to $2,000 Cashback

Wakefield, Mass. (November 17, 2023) – Villas of Distinction_® is ensuring that its travel advisor partners are not left out of the Cyber Week specials by offering an up to $5,000 bonus commission paid upon deposit*. Travel advisors who book their clients with Villas of Distinction from November 19-December 3, 2023, for travel between November 19, 2023, and December 31, 2024, can earn a bonus commission of up to $5,000. Also, Villas of Distinction is the only luxury villa provider in the industry to pay bonus commission upon receipt of deposit on every new booking.

Here are the travel agent bonus commission offerings:

Base Villa Cost	TA Bonus Commission
$5,000 – $9,999	$100
$10,000 – $24,999	$250
$25,000 – $49,999	$500
$50,000 – $99,999	$1,000
$100,000 – $149,999	$1,500
$150,000 – $249,999	$2,500
$250,000+ base villa cost	$5,000

Travel advisor’s clients will also receive a special Cyber Week deal. Travel advisor’s clients who book a Villas of Distinction villa from November 19-December 3, 2023, for travel between November 19, 2023, and December 31, 2024, will receive up to $2,000 Cashback paid upon deposit**.

Here are the consumer offerings:

Booking Value	Villas of Distinction Visa Prepaid Card
$5,000 – $15,000	$150
$15,001 – $25,000	$250
$25,001 – $35,000	$350
$35,001 – $50,000	$500
$50,001 – $75,000	$750
$75,001 – $100,000	$1,000
$100,001 +	$2,000

“Cyber Week is one of the best times of year to save on travel,” said Steve Lassman, vice president of villa product & agency relations. “What is so incredible about these promotions is providing our travel advisor partners with a rich offer for their clients while allowing them to earn even more with each Cyber Week booking.”

To take advantage of these Cyber Week deals, visit www.VillasofDistinction.com or calling 800-289-0900.

*Bonus Commission Terms & Conditions:
Offer valid for new bookings made between 11/19/23 – 12/3/23 for travel between 11/19/23 – 12/31/24. Amount is based on the base villa cost and excludes taxes, fees, and security deposit. Bonus commission to be paid upon deposit. Minimum booking value of $5,000 applies. Agents who earn over $600 in bonus commissions during a calendar year will be required to complete a W-9 form. Bonus commission paid based on agency guidelines. 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. 

**Direct Guests Terms and Conditions:
Offer valid for new bookings made between 11/19/23 – 12/3/23 travel from 11/19/23 – 12/31/24. Amount is based on the base villa cost only. Minimum booking value applies. Cash back will be paid in a Villas of Distinction Visa® Prepaid Card upon deposit. Villas of Distinction Visa® Prepaid Card is issued by MetaBank®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 12 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply. Offer is valid for travel advisors’ clients. The Villas of Distinction Prepaid Card will be mailed directly to the travel advisors’ client within 30 days of deposit. Client mailing address must be provided. 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 a 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 state-of-the-art 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, the Villas of Distinction team have made vacation planning effortless by pairing travelers find their perfect vacation home and curating one-of-a-kind getaways at the world’s top villas. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction as the Gold winner for “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. www.villasofdistinction.com

 

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The Absolute Best in Travel as Awarded by Travel Agents

Wakefield, Mass. (November 16, 2023) – Villas of Distinction_®, a full-service villa experience creator, has won a prestigious Gold statuette for the Best Villa Rental Company Overall at the 2023 Travvy Awards.

“It’s an honor to be named a GOLD Travvy Award winner for the eighth consecutive year, as our win was determined by those who know us best: the travel advisors,” said Steve Lassman, vice president of villa product and agency relations for Villas of Distinction. “We wouldn’t continue to receive this recognition year after year without the support of our travel partners and with our commitment to them to deliver a remarkable villa experience. I can’t thank them enough for their ongoing commitment to our brand. These awards are truly a testament to our team and the support and resources they provide to our travel advisor partners.”

The annual Travvy Awards — where travel advisors vote on the best in the travel industry — were held this month at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center to recognize the highest standards of excellence in the travel industry by honoring travel companies, travel products, travel agencies, and destinations for their outstanding achievements. The ceremony was held during CruiseWorld, another event produced under TravelPulse’s parent company, Northstar Travel Group.

Thousands of votes were cast, and the industry came together. From suppliers to advisors and everyone in between, all in attendance were there to cheer each other on as their colleagues and peers were awarded for being game-changers and innovators of travel.

These winners were honored during a gala awards dinner and presentation attended by the finalists, industry leaders and travel professionals from around the world.

For more information, a breakdown of categories and to view the full list of winners, please visit www.TravvyAwards.com.

Travelers looking for a customized vacation experience planned by a full-service agency where a Villa Specialist finds the perfect destination to fit a guest’s vacation desires, and a personal Concierge customizes a guest’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 villa experience creator with a 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 state-of-the-art 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, the Villas of Distinction team have made vacation planning effortless by pairing travelers find their perfect vacation home and curating one-of-a-kind getaways at the world’s top villas. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction as the Gold winner for “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. www.villasofdistinction.com

About The Travvy Awards
The annual Travvy Awards, presented by TravelPulse, part of Northstar Travel Group, recognizes the highest standards of excellence in the travel industry by honoring travel companies and destinations for their outstanding achievement with this prestigious award. Thousands of votes — cast by the travel professionals who sell the vast majority of these trips to tens of millions of consumers yearly — determined the very best in the travel industry. The selections by advisors reflect the suppliers and destinations they believe provide outstanding service to their clients. For more information, please visit www.TravvyAwards.com.

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Travel agency franchise has been ranked either No.1 or No. 2 over the last seven consecutive years

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (November 16, 2023) – Dream Vacations has been recognized as one of the top 150 franchises for veterans in 2023 by Entrepreneur. The ranking, which is featured in the November/December issue of Entrepreneur magazine and on Entrepreneur.com, highlights the top franchise companies that offer incentives to veterans who join their system. Dream Vacations was ranked No.2.

“If you want to see what the perfect franchisee looks like, just go find a military veteran,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine. “These are organized, diligent, solutions-oriented leaders who understand how to work within and execute systems. It’s no wonder that so many franchises offer incentives to attract veterans, and we’re thrilled to highlight the top brands that do it.”

This year, nearly 500 companies applied to be considered for Entrepreneur’s annual ranking of the top franchises for veterans. To determine the top 150 from that pool, Entrepreneur evaluated their systems based on several factors, including the incentives they offer veterans (such as franchise fee discounts), how many of their units are owned by veterans, whether they offer any franchise giveaways or contests for veterans, and more. The ranking also took into account each company’s 2023 Franchise 500 score, based on an analysis of 150-plus data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.

“Veterans hold a special place in our hearts, and they’re incredibly meaningful for the communities they live and work in,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations. “We are proud to have veterans as part of our Dream Vacations family. Their involvement on committees provides crucial feedback, and many are willing to mentor new franchisees. It is an honor to support them every day after the sacrifices they and their families have made for our country.”

Military veterans interested in starting a work-from-home business can purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency business at a 30 percent discount and receive an enlistment package valued at more than $5,000, which includes waived administrative fees 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 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.

“Every ribbon and medal that is pinned onto the uniform of a veteran was earned through dedication to others, for their organization and the success in accomplishing each mission,” said Shane Gray, a proud veteran and Dream Vacations franchise owner in Marshall, Mich. “A veteran will provide this same type of dedication to the corporate office, each client, brand, and supplier, as well as their own business. This alone sets veterans apart from other travel agent franchise owners and has the potential for making them the best in the industry.”

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. Accolades include number one rankings from Military Times and Forbes, as well as 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.

To view Dream Vacations in the Top 150 Franchises for Veterans list, pick up the November/December issue of Entrepreneur magazine, on newsstands November 14^th or visit the full rankings online.

Military veterans with a passion for travel and entrepreneurship 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 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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$120,000 raised for Make-A-Wish^® Southern Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (November 14, 2023) – A full house gathered at the Grand Spectrum Theater aboard the Carnival Celebration for the final general session of the 2023 Dream Vacations and CruiseOne National Conference. World Travel Holdings Co-CEO/Chairman Brad Tolkin shared his thoughts about the road ahead for leisure travel and Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations and CruiseOne, had inspirational words of wisdom to motivate the travel advisors about sharpening their focus in 2024.

Tolkin provided expert insight into what’s to come for the leisure travel industry in 2024 and inspired agents to focus on carrying the positive momentum forward. He shared impressive numbers that reflect how Dream Vacations/CruiseOne have been the fastest growing division of World Travel Holdings over the last three and a half years.

“Consumers might put off that home improvement project. They might put off that down payment for a new car, but the one thing they won’t sacrifice is their vacation,” said Tolkin. “Many people have restructured their budgets to accommodate trips that would have otherwise been financially out of reach. The proof is in how busy our travel advisors as well as the full planes, full ships and overflowing airports.”

To close out the 2023 National Conference, Daly delivered uplifting messages about focusing on yourself and your journey to make sure you create the business and life you want. He emphasized being intentional about every choice because the more focus you have in decision making, the more efficient you’ll become. Daly was then joined on stage by Debbie Fiorino, chief operating officer of owned brands for World Travel Holdings, to discuss their favorite moments and key takeaways from this year’s conference.

More than 900 participants celebrated and walked away with a greater sense of belonging. The generosity of the Dream Vacations and CruiseOne attendees raised $120,000 for Make-A-Wish^® Southern Florida through onboard fundraisers including a private opportunity to ride BOLT^®, the fastest and first rollercoaster at sea; 50/50 raffle; silent auction; and a group fitness dance party at sea.

“National Conference is an opportunity for our large family to get together in-person and it’s jam-packed with inspiration, networking, rekindling and forging new friendships and of course having fun,” said Daly. “This year’s National Conference ended on such a positive note, and we will carry that momentum through 2024, picking up where we left off when we set sail on the Celebrity Ascent for next year’s National Conference.”

Those passionate about travel with an entrepreneurial spirit who would like to be part of a travel agency network that cares more about its agents and travelers, should visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com to learn about franchising with Dream Vacations and CruiseOne.

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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 GetAway Vaca Wins the Bobbye Haupt Franchise of the Year Award 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (November 8, 2023) – It was a star-studded and touching evening filled with laughter, tears, and awe at the Dream Vacations and CruiseOne annual awards ceremony hosted by Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager, Joelle Delva, vice president of operations, and Dawn Gillis, director of network sales and support. The interactive and engaging ceremony featured mesmerizing performances.

The Franchise of the Year Award was re-named the Bobbye Haupt Franchise of the Year Award in memory of a beloved franchisee who passed away in September 2021. She led by example, inspired many, and left a legacy in our network. Under the leadership of franchise owners Anne Harpold and Sharon Grant, GetAway Vaca was recognized as this year’s Bobbye Haupt Franchise of the Year. Harpold and Grant’s engagement with headquarters and their peers within the network, as well as their commitment to the Advisory Council, community involvement, and always helping others, makes them deserving of this recognition.   

August 2013 was the first time since Anne and Sharon were 5-year-olds that they didn’t experience the thrill of “going back to school.” After very rewarding 30-plus year careers in education, they both decided to “graduate” with the class of 2013. Harpold and Grant launched their franchise, GetAway Vaca, in January 2014 to satisfy their love of travel. Since then, GetAway Vaca has grown into a thriving franchise with 10 associates. Harpold and Grant both belong to the Circle of Excellence, an elite group of the top one to two percent of all Dream Vacations and CruiseOne sellers.

The onboard ceremony honored departmental awards where advisors were recognized for their sales, marketing, public relations, social media, IT, and more. The ceremony also recognized those who served the network by participating on a committee, those with milestone anniversaries, and top-producing advisors.

To follow the excitement this week aboard Carnival Celebration, use the #2023FocusConference hashtag.

Those passionate about travel with an entrepreneurial spirit who would like to be part of a travel agency network that cares more about its agents and travelers, should visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com to learn about franchising with Dream Vacations and CruiseOne.

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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VP of Marketing Alicia Linden and VP of Technology Sandi Szalay  Announce New Initiatives and COO Debbie Fiorino Delivers Motivational Address 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (November 6, 2023) – On the first full day at sea of the Dream Vacations and CruiseOne National Conference aboard the Carnival Celebration, Senior Vice President and General Manager Drew Daly led a discussion with Vice President of Marketing Alicia Linden and Vice President of IT Sandi Szalay looking back on the year that was and what lies ahead for the travel agency franchise.

Linden recapped the dynamic marketing campaigns including boat billboards that hugged the Florida coastline, national HULU commercials, and of course, the Times Square billboard in the heart of Manhattan. The towering Dream Vacations ad provided immense brand exposure with 18 million impressions, new lead generation and drove a 10 percent increase in website traffic during the campaign timeframe. Linden promised more of these opportunities in 2024 including regional TV placements throughout the country, national commercials on streaming services, and more regional digital billboard opportunities.

Daly’s focus then turned to Szalay for a check-in on how the Dream Vacations and CruiseOne network rallied around the award-winning groups application after the initiative was announced at last year’s conference. She revealed that group sales are up more than double every year prior going back to 2017. Szalay informed the crowd about the MarTech teams’ commitment to deliver on the network’s wish list and previewed some exciting upgrades to Cruise Control, the network’s proprietary customer relationship manager (CRM), shopping & booking platform and groups application. Linden and Szalay announced the next major MarTech project in 2024 will be working on customizable and optimized websites for Dream Vacations and CruiseOne travel advisors.

“This joint session was a great way to showcase how our ‘MarTech’ teams work closely together on many goals and projects that support our network,” said Daly. “With the strength of these two teams, we are able to produce advanced technologies that automate, simplify and optimize the marketing tools we deliver to our network of travel advisors.”

During Sunday’s general session, World Travel Holdings Senior Vice President of Product & Operations David Crooks sat down with Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy for a Q&A. Duffy shared valuable insights as well as her vision and outlook for 2024. She also credited the Dream Vacations and CruiseOne network of travel advisors for playing a pivotal role in the incredible year the travel industry is enjoying. Crooks also spearheaded a panel on Monday, playfully named “Spill the Tea”, where attendees got the inside scoop from suppliers on updates and changes within their brands. The “Spill the Tea” panel was composed of:

• Barbara Julian, Key Account Manager, Celebrity Cruises
• Koreen McNutt, SVP Sales and Trade Relations, MSC Cruises
• Robert Coleman, Vice President Sales, Holland America Line
• Chris Posada, Director of Strategic and National Accounts, Norwegian Cruise Line
• Carmen Roig, Vice President Sales, Princess Cruises
• Adolfo Perez, SVP, Global Sales & Trade Marketing, Carnival Cruise Line
• Vicki Freed, SVP, Sales & Trade Support & Services, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

With the theme of “Focus,” Chief Operating Officer of Owned Brands for World Travel Holdings, the parent company of Dream Vacations/CruiseOne, Debbie Fiorino delivered a powerful message about maximizing what you can control and minimizing what you cannot. Fiorino expressed how successful people design the life they want by removing negative thoughts and distractions as well as things that no longer serve them so they have room to focus on what’s working.

“During my address at last year’s Forward Conference, I posed the question, ‘how could we progress and improve every single day to ensure we are winning?’ This year, our travel advisors proved they know how to move forward and how to win,” said Fiorino, chief operating officer of owned brands for World Travel Holdings. “When our agents zero in and focus, they progress and improve. We saw that firsthand with our incredible effort during Wave season that endured the whole year. I look forward to seeing the amazing wins our advisors have next year with their reinvigorated focus.”

To follow the excitement this week aboard Carnival Celebration, use the #2023FocusConference hashtag.

Those passionate about travel with an entrepreneurial spirit who would like to be part of a travel agency network that cares more about its agents and travelers, should visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com to learn about franchising with Dream Vacations and CruiseOne.

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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Strong demand for Europe is creating an increase in bookings to less sought after European destinations

Wakefield, Mass. (November 1, 2023) – During the pandemic, the rise in domestic travel drastically increased, creating a backlog of travelers whose dream vacation was to visit Europe. Villas of Distinction_® is seeing this trend as visitors flock to lesser-known destinations in Europe.

“When 2020 and 2021 vacations got pushed to 2022 and beyond, popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany and Greece, were booked,” said Steve Lassman, vice president of villa product & agency relations for Villas of Distinction. “This trend also created a longer peak season for these destinations.”

Villas of Distinction is experiencing this booking trend firsthand with an increase in Spain bookings up about 50 percent year over year and significant volume growth for Croatia and Portugal. Per booking, when compared to last year, people are spending one more day in Europe and traveling with an additional person in their party. Villas of Distinction has also seen an increase in spend in England, Scotland, Spain, and Switzerland.

Some villas in these areas that have been especially popular include:

Beige in London, England, is in the prestigious Mayfair neighborhood, features four bedrooms and sleeps up to seven guests. This villa’s design exudes European sophistication and charm, and its location is truly exclusive — just moments away from Jermyn Street and nestled between Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park.

The Colonel’s House in Scotland has four bedrooms, sleeps up to eight guests and is part of the legendary Greywalls Hotel, built in the late 1960’s by the Weaver family for Colonel Weaver’s retirement. This charming villa features a drawing room with French windows which open to a private garden and terrace; a full kitchen and a small, cozy study where the housekeeper can set out a drinks tray.

Victoria is situated in the city of Barcelona, Spain, has eight bedrooms and can sleep up to 16 guests. While this is an early 20^th century villa on the artistic heritage list, it was refurbished in 2009 with all modern conveniences. Its design is a delightful combination of hand-picked antiques and progressive modern furniture. This villa’s impressive foyer is awe-inspiring with a majestic marble staircase, two stunning 18^th century Chinese vases and bronze chandeliers.

Geneva Bliss in Geneva Switzerland is the ideal villa for family celebrations or corporate events. This eight-bedroom villa can sleep up to 16 guests and has generous indoor and outdoor spaces with state-of-the-art entertainment and spa facilities. Its amenities include a cinema, wellness space with a jacuzzi, Turkish bath, pool, and fitness room. In the basement there is a teppanyaki experience where guests can enjoy the cuisine made by a private chef. This area has seating for 12, a dining room that seats 14 and a cigar lounge.

Visitors looking to rent a villa in Europe should start planning and booking now for summer 2024 by visiting www.VillasofDistinction.com or calling 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 a 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 state-of-the-art 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, the Villas of Distinction team have made vacation planning effortless by pairing travelers find their perfect vacation home and curating one-of-a-kind getaways at the world’s top villas. Travel Advisors have named Villas of Distinction as the Gold winner for “Best Villa Rental Company Overall” in the annual Travvy Awards since 2015. www.villasofdistinction.com

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