News

For Immediate Release

Presidents Circle Honors 397 Travel Agents

Agents from across the country gathered this February to celebrate their accomplishments for 2008. The annual Presidents Circle Awards recognized Expedia CruiseShipCenters’ agents and agency owners for outstanding sales achievements. The black tie gala event was attended by every major cruise line and most tour operators who also presented their annual top sales awards by region.

“Royal Caribbean has been part of this event since its inception” says Adam Goldstein, President of Royal Caribbean International. “It’s impressive not only in the size and quality of the show; we can see how it inspires agents to be the best – especially when you look at the sales growth year after year.”

The size of the Presidents Circle has grown with the company, which is why it has become an all day affair, beginning with individual presentations in the afternoon and a keynote address from Expedia CruiseShipCenters' President, Matthew Eichhorst. “More agents than ever have achieved Presidents Circle this year, over half with sales above $250,000 and 12 agents reaching the Diamond level with sales over one million dollars.” says Eichhorst.

Reaching the top tier does have its advantages as every Diamond level agent receives a fully paid cruise for two to enjoy. The destination is always kept secret and will be announced at the gala awards.

“Selling travel is a very fulfilling profession because we have the privilege of making dreams come true for our clients.” says Michael Drever, CEO and Founder of Expedia CruiseShipCenters. “My job is to make career and business dreams come true for our Cruise Consultants and Franchise Partners.”

Drever, who launched the Presidents Circle program in the year 2000 based on the tenets of Passion, Commitment and Excellence, stresses the importance of recognition for any business. “You can never acknowledge your people too much” he says. “We have our Annual Gala, Quarter-deck Awards, Monthly Recognition and Cruise to Success® rallies. People are the core asset of your business, so you need to spend time, energy and money helping them succeed.”