Travel

WORLD24 set to galvanize the travel industry with advanced education, networking and awards

Published

2 months ago

July 18, 2024

The education and programming agenda for WORLD24 focuses on enhancing travel agency profitability through four educational tracks.

July 15, 2024 – Atlanta – WorldVia Travel Group, a collection of leading travel companies in the United States, is set to host WORLD24, its premier annual conference, September 11-13 at Harrah’s Resort Southern California in Funner, California. This education and networking event is expected to draw hundreds of travel professionals from across the nation, offering three days of intensive relationship-building, learning opportunities and award celebrations.

Members of WorldVia Travel Quest Network, the travel host agency operating under WorldVia’s flagship, will have the chance to connect with top travel advisors and suppliers, gain insights from industry pioneers and forge invaluable relationships. The education and programming agenda for WORLD24 focuses on enhancing travel agency profitability through four educational tracks: Business Management, Marketing and Sales, Travel Advisor Skills, and Growth Strategies.

“Our members have a strong preference for the type of in-depth, face-to-face interactions WORLD24 offers,” said Jason Block, chief executive officer of WorldVia. “WORLD24 education is tailored to meet the specific needs our members have voiced, combining our expertise with their most sought-after travel business management and marketing topics.”

Day one of WORLD24 will open with general educational sessions, concluding with WorldVia’s annual Purple Party reception. Top producers will then be hosted at an exclusive Crown Dinner, honoring their exceptional contributions and success over the past year.

Highlights of WORLD24’s learning opportunities includes a session on “Leveraging AI in Your Sales Process,” led by Block, aimed at transforming the sales strategies of travel professionals through advanced AI applications.

Another notable presentation, “How to Make Your Website Your #1 Salesperson” by Sean Fagan, sales and marketing director for WorldVia, will include a live 15-point website audit, offering attendees practical tips for overnight website optimization for improved sales performance. Erica Scannelli, WorldVia’s director of member development, will conduct “Anatomy of a Booking,” offering a deep dive into booking cruises, all-inclusive packages and tours.

The conference will also feature pop-up demonstrations focusing on media production and technological proficiency to help members enhance their business operations.

Event sponsors for WORLD24 comprise a robust list of 70 partner suppliers categorized into numerous sponsorship tiers. One particularly noteworthy supplier is ALG Vacations, the Platinum-level Sponsor of the event. Gold Sponsors include Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Sandals & Beaches and Celebrity Cruises. A slew of high-level suppliers makes up the remaining three sponsorship tiers: Titanium, Silver and Bronze. WORLD24’s success is owed to all sponsoring suppliers whose generous contributions enrich the educational content, provide invaluable resources and elevate the overall experience for event attendees.

New for 2024 are post-WORLD24 extensions, each with their own unique itinerary. Interested members will convene at either Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort and Spa, or the Hilton San Diego Bayfront in San Diego, California, just steps from the Gaslamp Quarter. These extension sites offer additional networking opportunities and relaxation following the intensive WORLD24 conference days.

“WORLD24 is not just a pivotal gathering for travel professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and networks through actionable strategies,” said Block. “WORLD24 is a testament to our collective passion for the travel industry and entrepreneurship as well as a celebration of our members’ successes, offering a platform to honor those commitments and achievements.”

WorldVia’s 2024 conference event will also include the prestigious Questy Awards Dinner, honoring travel agencies and professionals around the United States that have demonstrated remarkable growth and achievement during the past year. The 2024 Questy Awards ceremony marks the awards program’s fourth year. Award winners will be honored in recognition of their business successes and dedication to current and prospective customers.

WorldVia travel agency owner and advisor members had the opportunity to nominate themselves or others for the awards program. A committee of long-standing travel industry leaders working with WorldVia carefully reviewed and evaluated all nominations to select this year’s winners across nearly a dozen categories.

The 2024 Questys Awards program will introduce new award categories like the “Spark of Excellence Award,” celebrating members who excel in theme-park travel planning and the “Trailblazer Awards” for outstanding sales performance in key travel sectors, including Cruise, Beach Breaks, Theme Parks and Family Travel, Touring and FIT (Fully Independent Touring), Corporate and Air Travel, and more.

Returning for the 2024 Questys award categories are the “Monarch Agency Awards,” celebrating travel agencies that demonstrate exemplary sales performance and growth, support of the network, use of WorldVia Travel Quest Network products and programs, and a helping spirit within the community of travel entrepreneurs.

The “Monarch Agency of the Year,” which celebrates the agency with the highest score in the awards scoring process, will also be included in the 2024 Questys slate of awards. Last year’s “Monarch Agency of the Year” was awarded to Alan Granza of ExtravaGranza Travel.

The “Dynasty Award” returns to this year’s Questys, continuing its tradition of recognizing one agency that has consistently demonstrated a longstanding commitment to excellence within WorldVia Travel Quest Network. The award was previously given to John Brawley of Premier Travel Service in 2023.

The “Local Community Leadership Award,” first introduced at the 2023 Questy Awards, continues to recognize entrepreneurs who profoundly impact their communities. Last year’s recipient, Tyson Wharton of Sioux Empire Travel, exemplified this commitment by actively fostering community spirit, inclusivity, and well-being. This award honors those who excel in volunteer service, organize local events, and demonstrate exceptional leadership and advocacy within their communities.

The 2024 award recipients will be honored at the Questy Awards, taking place at Harrah’s Resort Southern California, September 12. To learn more about the 2024 Questy Awards, visit www.travelquestnetwork.com/questy-awards.

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Travel

Explore Worldwide announces senior product appointments

Published

4 weeks ago

August 7, 2024

worlddailyinfo

Rachael Stone and Carmel Hendry promoted

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Travel

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island completes first phase of renovation

Published

4 weeks ago

August 7, 2024

Vicky Karantzavelou

Ribbon-cutting celebration marks completion of Phase One of Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island multi-million-dollar transformation; All 340 guestrooms now fully refreshed, with stylish upgrades.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC. – Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island recently completed phase one of a comprehensive resort renovation program, unveiling its 340 redesigned guestrooms during a July 9th “Find the Light”-themed ribbon-cutting celebration. Inspired by the island’s natural beauty, guestrooms now feature several stylish upgrades and enhancements, serving as a serene backdrop for a breathtaking island escape.

“We are thrilled to officially unveil our newly renovated guestrooms just in time for the peak summer season,” said Bob Cosgrove, general manager of Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. “We are committed to providing exceptional accommodations and amenities to travelers visiting us from around the world, and this is just the beginning of what is to come.”

Cosgrove was joined during the ribbon-cutting by hotel leadership and local VIPs including Bill Miles, president of the Hilton Head Island VCB and David Ames, Mayor Pro-Tem of Hilton Head Island. The celebratory event featured a program of remarks, entertainment by a DJ, food and refreshments surrounding a branded ice sculpture and property tours.

Renovated room

Phase one of the extensive project began in December 2023, resulting in 340 beautifully updated and comfortably designed guestrooms. The redesign incorporates a soothing color palette to reflect the serene ambiance of Hilton Head Island. All guestrooms now feature revitalized bathrooms, luxurious bedding, coastal-inspired furnishings and décor, flat-screen LCD televisions, custom hardwood finishes and more. Seamlessly blending comfort and coastal elegance, shades of blue and brown complement thoughtful details throughout the guestrooms, such as stylish wall hooks for swimsuits and hats, textured wall coverings and unique bedside light fixtures suspended from leather handles.

Renovated room.

Next up as part of the resort’s multi-million-dollar transformation is a focus on enhancing the resort’s ballrooms and meeting spaces, dining and retail facilities, outdoor areas, spa and more. Planned upgrades during phase two – which is anticipated to be complete by May 2025 – include the addition of a new hot tub and adult pool with private cabanas, a refreshed lobby bar, an expanded pool bar, a new poolside retail area and other exciting improvements.

With 24 different room types, including deluxe rooms, executive suites, signature suites and fully accessible rooms, the resort caters to a variety of travelers and price points. The presidential suite, known as the Palmetto Suite, offers panoramic views of lush tropical gardens from two private balconies. Its expansive living area and parlor are flooded with natural light through floor-to-ceiling windows and the full marble bathroom is equipped with a jetted spa tub for a spa-like experience. The Palmetto Suite also features a large dining room table, a convenient wet bar and numerous other luxury amenities. As an added touch, suites and VIP guests will also find personalized, embroidered hand towels in their rooms upon arrival.

Renovated room.

SonestaSonesta International Hotels Corporation

Built toward the back of the sand dune and surrounded by palmetto and palm trees, the property embraces the Lowcountry nature of Hilton Head Island. Hammocks and firepits are scattered throughout the 11-acre resort, fostering harmony among guests, the resort and its natural surroundings. The resort’s U-shaped layout further enhances tranquility by allowing all guestrooms to boast spacious and private balconies.

Located within the Shipyard gated community, the resort grants all guests exclusive membership access to Shipyard’s clubhouse, championship tennis courts and six world-class golf courses. Its central location allows guests to conveniently walk or bike to Hilton Head Island’s renowned dining scene, local shops and more. The resort is just 8.5 miles from Hilton Head Airport and 47 miles from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, making it easily accessible to travelers from near and far.

Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.

She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.

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Travel

Elliott Reiterates Southwest CEO Change Demand, Details Stake

Published

4 weeks ago

August 6, 2024

dairoldi@thebtngroup.com (Donna M. Airoldi)

Elliott Investment Management on Monday detailed its holdings in Southwest Airlines and reiterated its call for changes to top management at the carrier, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

The investment firm in June announced it had taken a stake worth approximately $1.9 billion in Southwest and called for the carrier’s CEO, Bob Jordan, to be replaced.

Monday’s SEC filing noted that Elliott representatives had met with Jordan, Southwest chairman and former CEO Gary Kelly and other members of the board, but did not provide details. In addition, Elliott noted it has “identified and had discussions with a number of highly qualified former airline executives, industry leaders and other qualified persons with relevant experience who are eager to serve on the board,” according to the filing.

As indicated in its July 8 letter to Southwest, Elliott in the SEC filing said it intends to provide shareholders with the opportunity to elect new leadership and board members either by calling a special shareholder meeting or at an annual meeting of shareholders. That same day, Southwest announced the addition of a new board member, and on July 3 adopted a shareholder rights plan, also known as a “poison pill” defense strategy, to deter activist investors or acquirers from gaining a controlling interest.

In addition, Elliott purchased 17.3 million shares of Southwest common stock via 14 transactions between July 11 and Aug. 5, for a total of just under 42 million shares when added to its previous shares, according to the filing.

The investment company now has a 7 percent beneficial ownership of the company, as well as a 4 percent economic exposure in cash derivative agreements, for a total 11 percent economic interest in the carrier, which is the same as it had in June when it made its initial $1.9 billion purchase.

Investors are required to file with the SEC within 10 days after a purchase exceeds a 5 percent ownership stake in a company.

Southwest did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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