GTM alums to lead training sessions at CruiseWorld

Peer-to-peer training has been a pillar of Travel Weekly’s CruiseWorld conference programming since its inception. This year, three very successful travel agency owners will control an entire track of sessions focused on “Mastering a Market Segment.”

Ginny Mariano of Avanti World Travel has built a successful travel agency business targeting the luxury market. Geoff Millar of Ultimate All Inclusive Travel is a top seller for some of the best all-inclusive brands and wholesalers. Donna Alkarmi of Lone Star Travel has made romance travel and destination weddings a lucrative and fulfilling business direction.

These travel advisers, all members of the Global Travel Marketplace Advisory Board, will lead peer training sessions at this year’s CruiseWorld, which takes place Nov. 9 through 11 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. Their panelists will be the very suppliers they work with to grow their business and satisfy their customers; attendees will be able to see their relationships in action on the stage.  

“The travel business is all about relationships,” said Mary Pat Sullivan, content director for Travel Weekly Events. “Successful travel advisers know their products, know their partners, and use those relationships to create excellent experiences for their customers. These three sessions will provide a unique perspective on booming market segments: Luxury, All-Inclusive and Romance Travel.

“Attendees will walk away with practical business information and motivation to create their own successful future.”

CruiseWorld will include three days of jam-packed general sessions and more than 30 breakout sessions covering every segment of the leisure travel space. More than 150 suppliers will be represented, in categories such as airlines, attractions, business tools, cruises, destinations, hotels and resorts, professional services and tours/vacation packages and a variety of destinations.

Ship inspections are scheduled for Nov. 8, 12 and 13 in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Attendees will also help CruiseWorld and Royal Caribbean International to make history: Royal Caribbean is welcoming CruiseWorld travel agent attendees to come onboard the world’s largest cruise ship for a private Viewing Launch Party when it is officially named the Harmony of the Seas Nov. 10.

The one-day exhibitor showcase will be held Nov. 10. Suppliers interested in joining the exhibitor showcase should contact Emmy Morales at emorales@travelweekly.com.

For more information on Travel Weekly’s CruiseWorld, the ship inspection roster and the full conference program, visit www.cruiseworldshow.com.