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THETRADESHOW Adds Technology, Niche Educational Seminars

Alexandria, Va., July 21, 2009 – THETRADESHOW (Travel Retailing and Destination Expo) has added even more targeted education for this year’s event, taking place in Las Vegas, Sept. 13-15, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

“In just three education-packed days, the #1 travel trade show in North America is offering up a wide selection of educational sessions to help every travel agent enhance their areas of expertise and capture more sales opportunities,” said Tom Nibbio, manager for partner development with International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, one of THETRADESHOW’s 16 industry partners. “With the competition in today’s marketplace, no agent can afford to miss out on this great opportunity to learn about new niche markets and ways in which to make their agencies more efficient.”

Technology

·         Let’s Get Acquainted with ClientBase. Presented by Ken Jonker. Courtesy of Sabre Travel Network. Attendees will learn how to get started with ClientBase.

·         Sabre Cruises - The Hottest Tool for Selling Cruises is Here! Presented by Tina Shaffer. Courtesy of Sabre Travel Network. Sabre Travel Network’s new cruise booking tool allows travel agents to cross shop 13 leading cruise lines more efficiently than ever before. Attendees will lean learn how to shop, compare and book their favorite cruise lines – all through one Web site.  They will also learn how to easily sell upgrades, amenities and pre- and post-sailing packages. (Sabre Cruises is available to all travel agents.)

Niche

·         "All Welcome!" The Booming Gay Travel Market. Presented by Tom Nibbio. Courtesy of The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. IGLTA''s gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (GLBT) educational program—"ALL WELCOME!"—is a unique interactive course that educates the travel industry retailer, supplier and media with respect to the global gay and lesbian travel market. IGLTA staff reviews and compares recent GLBT travel research studies, methodology and reports from around the world, and shares examples of good advertising and promotional practices in this booming multi-billion dollar industry. Seminar topics include: IGLTA’s resources; niches within this diverse market; justification for courting the GLBT traveler; travel research studies and methodology; supporting the needs of the GLBT traveler; useful publications, media and Web sites; trusted endorsements for “Gay-Friendly” travel destinations or providers; and top “Gay-Friendly” destinations.

·         Cuba: Breakthrough Opportunities for the US Travel Industry. Presented by Representatives of Cuban tour and travel providers: Christopher Baker, author of Moon Handbook on Cuba; Andrea Holbrook, Holbrook Travel; John McAuliff, Travel Industry Network on Cuba; Lisa Simon, National Tour Association; and Robert Whitley, US Tour Operators Association. Courtesy of Fund for Reconciliation and Development. Seminar attendees will hear first-hand reports from the travel sector in Cuba and from colleagues with personal experience booking tours. Learn the latest about Presidential actions on non-tourist travel (family, educational, cultural, religious, humanitarian, sports), legislation to end all restrictions and the Orbitz petition campaign. Meet the author of the most popular guide book on Cuba.

·         India - Its More than Incredible, It’s Rewarding As Well. Presented by Rajeev Kohli. Courtesy of India Tourism. India is truly an Incredible Destination to sell. From the incomparable Taj Mahal to its forts and palaces; from its beaches to its might mountains; from its tiger sanctuaries to its pristine eco-reserves, there is a face of India for every traveler. This session will not only run you though some of what India has to offer but also show you how India can be a truly profitable and rewarding destination to sell.

·         Travel to Cuba: Who is permitted to go? Presented by Ronen Paldi. Courtesy of Ya’lla Tours USA. While travel to Cuba by citizens and residents of the United States is restricted, it is allowed for licensed people and/or organizations for religious and humanitarian purposes, as well as other more general purposes (journalists, scientific study). The session will detail the following items: what the United States currently allows with regard to travel to Cuba; who can travel to Cuba and for what purpose; what it means to be licensed to travel to Cuba, the different types of licenses and how a traveler can obtain a license; restrictions that apply to travelers once they are in Cuba; what it means for a tour operator to be a licensed Travel Service Provider; what travel agents need to know to protect themselves and their clients; and the unique opportunity and challenges that legal travel to Cuba presents to retail travel agents.

To learn more about the educational seminars offered at THETRADESHOW or to register to attend, please visit THETRADESHOW.org.  

THETRADESHOW is created and supported by the travel industry’s leading organizations, including: ASTA, ACTA, CLIA, ETOA, IGLTA, NACTA, NBTA, NTA, The Travel Institute, U.S. Travel Association and USTOA. Official media partners are: Agent@Home, eTurboNews, JaxFax, Modern Agent, Recommend, Travel Trade, Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, USA Today and Vacation Agent.

THETRADESHOW (Travel Retailing and Destination Expo) is a 3-day, in-depth networking and educational event. Global and inclusive, THETRADESHOW unites under one roof travel suppliers and buyers from all over the world, representing every segment of the travel and tourism industry. It is the trade show event for travel decision makers. For more information on THETRADESHOW, please call 1.866.870.9333, visit THETRADESHOW.org or e-mail pr@thetradeshow.org

Contact: Kristina Rundquist/Laura Gajewski 703.739.8710