Written By:Jennifer Kruse, CTA, ACC, LCS, Associate Director, Trade Recruitment & Engagement – Travel Weekly Events
Applications are now being accepted for CruiseWorld’s STAR (Select Travel Advisor Recognition) Program. As part of Travel Weekly’s ongoing commitment to supporting the professional development and growth of the travel advisor community, this program helps fund attendance for approximately 250 of the estimated 800 travel advisor attendees at CruiseWorld. The program is structured to provide enhanced event programming while offsetting some of the financial expenses incurred by travel advisors to attend professional development events.
STAR Program alum and active HBTA community member Mitch Krayton, Krayton Travel, has high praise for what CruiseWorld and the STAR Program can do for one’s business. “Since attending CruiseWorld, I am able to speak to my clients with a superior level expertise.”
Krayton explains,“the educational sessions are spot on and full of great content. The sponsors and exhibitors are fun to hear from and have informative booths, presentations and workshops. I really learned a lot last year,” CruiseWorld allowed Krayton and other travel advisors to become more educated on destinations, hotels and resorts, and cruise lines to provide the best experience for their customers.
“CruiseWorld gave me the opportunity to get up-close-and-personal with both colleagues and suppliers,” said Krayton. He feels building relationships with different industry executives and representatives at CruiseWorld differentiates him from other travel advisors.
Mitch cites CruiseWorld’s unique STAR Program as a major catalyst for his recent growth in the travel industry. “I gained a boost in confidence due to my increased knowledge and connections. My cruise bookings have gone up, and I’m much more comfortable discussing the more complicated aspects of my clients’ bookings,” he said.
Since attending, Krayton’s booked multiple cabins on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, thanks to both an inspection of the ship and the opportunity to interact with the cruise line during the event.
“Attending CruiseWorld is the chance of a lifetime!,” said Krayton. “I was so excited at the conclusion of last year’s CruiseWorld that I immediately began recommending it to fellow travel professionals.”
Krayton elaborates on why he would recommend the STAR Program and CruiseWorld to a fellow travel advisor. “Being in a room full of industry professionals allows you to get a sense of how valued you are to the travel community. Hearing it from the executives really validates your career. CruiseWorld honors and supports what we do.”
“Thanks to my participation in the STAR Program, I feel special, and recognized as a high-quality professional and cruise specialist,” added Krayton.
He continued on to say that he will personally vouch for the excellence of the STAR Program. “I highly recommend the STAR Program. If you’re on the fence about applying, go for it—just go for it,” he says.
“If you’re selected to be a STAR, you’re one of few travel professionals who has a chance to really shine,” he concluded.
The core component of the STAR Program is a series of collaborative meetings between exhibiting suppliers and pre-qualified, travel advisors committed to business growth.
Advisors who qualify for the STAR Program, and who are selected to participate, receive complimentary registration and complimentary hotel accommodation for two nights. Specific participation requirements are detailed on the CruiseWorld website at www.cruiseworldshow.com/star. Traditional registration opportunities are available for those who do not wish to apply for the STAR Program.
Whether attending as a STAR Program participant or a traditional attendee, CruiseWorld’s robust programming provides value for all types of travel advisors, from the home-based professional to the cruise-centered advisors, the seasoned veterans and those new to the industry. Register today and receive $25 off the current registration price using code HBTA at checkout.
CruiseWorld, taking place from November 7-9 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, features c-suite keynote speakers, supplier workshops, peer-to-peer training, a one-day Exhibitor Showcase, sponsored meal functions, ship inspections and significant networking opportunities.
CruiseWorld will include three days of general sessions during which attendees will hear from the top leadership in the cruise and tour community, with updates, insights and trends from industry leaders. Over the course of the event breakout sessions will be held covering every segment of the leisure travel space. Certification programs and CLIA classes will also be offered.
The signature one-day Exhibitor Showcase will be held on Thursday, November 8 with companies representing diverse segments of the travel industry including, airlines, attractions, business tools, car rental, cruise, destinations, hotels and resorts, professional services, tour operators and packaged vacations and more. 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 STAR Program, visit www.cruiseworldshow.com.