What Agents are Saying About CCRA Net Rates top

CCRAtravel.com is where agents are turning for guaranteed commissions. In 2007 millions of dollars in travel agent commissions went unpaid. CCRA doesn’t want you to lose out on your hard earned money anymore!

These agents are using Net Rates to their full advantage and look what they’re saying:

• “As most everyone in the travel industry knows, Marriott still does not accept industry codes such as TRUE and CLIA, so I use CCRAtravel.com to book Marriott for my clients.”
  Jeff Grieder, TX
  Travel Agent
  Excerpt from a Letter to the Editor in Agent@Home, May 2008
• I have always found CCRA Net Rates to be lower than Expedia and Hotels.com. Another great thing about CCRAtravel.com is that my commission checks arrive right on time, and who wouldn’t love that? Thanks CCRA!”
  Jackie Peterson, VA
  Agency Owner
• “Since my agency began to use CCRAtravel.com, we have not had to deal with “nonpayment” of a hotel commission.  They are paid quickly and on time.”
  Gina Hoyt, WA
  President
• "I've made 15 Net Rate bookings in just over three months, and some of my commission mark-ups have been as high as 25%."
  Amy Brasby, FL
  Travel Agent

Another Successful Cruise-A-Thon top

CCRA Embarked on Another Successful Cruise-A-Thon

CCRA had another successful appearance at Travel Trade’s Cruise-A-Thon in May. This year the trade show returned to Vancouver, B.C. where more than 1,100 travel agents and industry suppliers gathered to learn new ways the cruise industry has improved in the past year.

While attending the show, CCRA trainer Nancy Freigher met with hundreds of CLIA agents who were not all aware of the many benefits of booking on CCRAtravel.com. CLIA agents learned about Net Rates available in port cities worldwide, secrets to finding the highest commissions with CCRA Net Rates, the amazing income potential with multiple room booking, and how CCRA pays full commissions for all bookings including Marriott Hotels.

CCRA has established contracts with top hotel chains, including Marriott Hotels, as well as with rate distribution companies. For all the hotel inventories on the CCRA Booking portal, CLIA agents’ commissions are safe and secure!

“CCRA is committed to supporting the success of cruise industry travel agents,” said Nancy Freigher, Membership Services Manager. “We want to welcome aboard all CLIA agents to the CCRAtravel.com Booking Portal!” For assistance with pre and post cruise bookings on the portal, contact Nancy directly at nancy.freigher@ccrainternational.com. Free weekly trainings are also a good place to start.

If you missed us at the Travel Trade Cruise-A-Thon, visit CCRAinternational.com to learn about the benefits CCRAtravel.com has to offer CLIA members.

ADVERTORIAL

London Style BBQ at The Montague on the Gardens top

Package is valid now through September 7, 2008

The long awaited summer season is upon London and The Montague on the Gardens is sure to be ready!

Nothing showcases the beauty of a warm summer's night better than our stunning secluded garden terrace or our wood deck. Few hotels in London border residential gardens and The Montague takes full advantage of beautiful summer nights.

For those clients headed to London, offer them a “London style BBQ”. Al fresco dining; cool and refreshing cocktails on the wood deck, a mouth-watering BBQ meal and ice cream sundae.

Should your clients be lucky enough to stay on a Saturday or Sunday night, for Sunday lunch they will experience a delicious Spit Roast meal.

Summer BBQ and Spit Roast package includes: Luxury accommodation in a superior room Complimentary full English breakfast each day 2 Course Barbecue meal on one day * Summer Cocktail on the Terrace  * Spit roast on Sundays Look for this package on CCRAtravel.com. Available in the GDS or internet and is also commissionable at 10%.

ADVERTORIAL

Barceló Praha, Prague top

Your Best Option for Prague Accommodations in June

We offer you: A special rate for TRAVEL AGENTS which represents a 30% discount of the BAR (TRAVEL AGENT RATE; business card required at check in) Special CCRA Guests Rate during all June from 77 euro which represents a 15% of the BAR, the rate includes a Free Upgrade to Jr. Suite, late check out of 4 pm, newspaper, and bathrobe. For stays of a minimum of 2 nights. (CCRA Rate)

ADVERTORIAL

COMO Hotels and Resorts top

STAY 3 NIGHTS FOR THE PRICE OF 2!

COMO Hotels and Resorts’ two London properties are offering an extra night free for two nights booking from July 18 to September 1, 2008, also offered for weekends (Friday to Saturday) only from now to end of the year. Available from City Rooms up to City Studio at The Metropolitan and from Double Rooms to Studio Suites at The Halkin.

Both hotels located within minutes of each other in the centre of London. The Halkin is a quiet haven tucked in London’s Belgravia, close to Knightsbridge and Mayfair shopping area. It promises discreet luxury where service is efficient and intimacy matters. Yet the look is elegantly contemporary, and the boutique-size remains enduringly appealing. It is a place to relax and be waited on, to sleep and be reinvigorated, where serenity is proved the essence of the hotel experience.

There are just 41 guest rooms and suites at The Halkin, all generously proportioned and individually designed and decorated. They are also equipped with the most up-to-date technological features; both interactive ETV, WiFi and high-speed internet access are standard, and from your bedside console, enjoy the ability to dim lights, call your Butler or activate your ‘do not disturb’ sign. A brand new facility that The Halkin guests can enjoy is the newly built private gym. For the discerning gourmet, hotel restaurant Nahm offers delectable eastern cuisine in Europe’s first Michelin-starred Thai restaurant, courtesy of celebrated Australian chef David Thompson.

As its sister property, the Metropolitan rooms are also equipped with the latest technology with complimentary Wi-FI and high speed internet access. Numerous rooms overlook Hyde Park, the green heart of London. Located on Park Lane, the Metropolitan London offers cosseting service, courtesy of Armani-clad staff and a sleek yet serene urban aesthetic for the discerning traveller.

Replete with a selection of universal events spaces, the Metropolitan can host interviews, product launches and board meetings. Guests can also enjoy the decadence that makes the Met Bar the coolest hangout in the city, open to members and hotel guests only. Nobu, the Metropolitan's Michelin-starred restaurant headed by chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, serves innovative new style Japanese. For a quieter moment, retreat to the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape offering a full-range of holistic, Asian-inspired therapies including Reiki and Reflexology in addition to yoga and a fully-equipped private gym.

So come and stay at The Halkin and Metropolitan London during the summer and receive “One More Night” free when booking two consecutive nights, subject to availability.

GDS CODE:
The Halkin = LW
The Metropolitan London = DS

ADVERTORIAL

Las Rocas Resort & Spa, Baja Spa Package top

Baja Spa Package, available now!
One night stay in an ocean front standard room plus two 30 minutes Swedish massages, continental breakfast for two and yoga classes at only $130.

Las Rocas Resort & Spa features a breathtaking oceanfront setting, a diversity of accommodations with
180 degree ocean views, and award winning restaurant offering famous Puerto Nuevo Style Lobster and the
finest hospitality in all of Baja.

Las Rocas peace and privacy are prized above all other commodities. Relax in our full service holistic
spa, or by one of or uniquely designed infinity pools on the cliff overlooking the ocean. Located at surf spot Km 38 in Rosarito Beach, 15 minutes south of Tijuana and 40 minutes south of San Diego, Las Rocas is definitely the best choice.

Accommodations - With everything from simple elegance to Penthouse luxury, we have a room for everyone. All rooms come complete with a private terrace, a 180 degree ocean view, cable TV and telephone.

Spa - We provide the most original treatments inspired in Baja; using only local resources that include local seaweed, jojoba oil, Baja sea salt and other healing ingredients; all blended in yummy treatments to surely seduce senses and invigorate souls and not to mention beautify the skin. Las Rocas Spa, described by the press as the one with the most eclectic menu, has an all certified staff that constantly strives to give the most warm and healthy experience.

Bars & Restaurants - We offer a variety of dining options, from our casual and nutritious spa cuisine to the elegant main dining room. The food is as delicious as the view!

ADVERTORIAL

Royal Palms Resort and Spa top

CCRA Exclusive Offer
Purchase two nights receive
the third night complimentary!
July 1 – September 15, 2008.
(Restrictions may apply)

The Royal Palms Resort and Spa, located at the base of Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona, is legendary for its aura of romance, offers intimate, luxurious summer retreats to cool body and soul. Regal Spanish Colonial architecture, beautifully sculpted gardens and walkways, masterfully designed rooms, regional Mediterranean cuisine at the award-winning T. Cook’s, and refined, gracious service create an enchanting, intimate ambiance. The Alvadora Spa and access to some of the country’s best golf courses make Royal Palms the Arizona’s hottest choice.

Summer rates start at just $169 now through September 6, 2008, and a host of cool package experiences are available that include complimentary valet parking, resort fee and gratuities. The Heat Is On offers one night of luxury and a $100 credit for the award-winning T. Cook’s or the acclaimed Alvadora Spa, starting at $269 per room, per night, plus tax. The Summer Side of Life includes two nights of luxury, dinner for two at the award-winning T. Cook’s restaurant and the resort’s signature rose-petal turndown, starting at $459 per couple, per night, plus tax. Other package options are available such as Summer Lovin’, Floating in the Pool Fridays, the Art of Massage, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Girls’ Night Out and Shop Til You Drop.

The celerated culinary team of T. Cook’s is serving up a calendar of sensory delights. Dishing with the Chefs and Three Divas, a summertime cooking series, teams Executive Chef and Iron Chef competitor, Lee Hillson, and Executive Pastry Chef, Pierino Jermonti, with three of the Valley’s most popular media personalities. The star-studded line-up will take to the stoves on June 20, July 18, and August 15.

Every Tuesday over the course of the summer the chefs serve up a culinary extravaganza with Tasting Tuesdays. Special chefs’ menus, inspired by the healthy and flavorful Mediterranean and citrus cuisine, are offered, and a gift of an autographed copy of the T. Cook’s cookbook (valued at $45), Desert Dream, Desert Romance is included with each Tasting Tuesdays booking for two.

As the Arizona spokesperson for Hass Avocado, Chef Hillson makes it easy being green with his summer fair of inspired avocado dishes: Chilled Avocado Soup, Avocado Tempura, Avocado and Crab Timbale, Halibut with Orange and avocado, and more. The most popular item on the after-dinner menu is green too: Executive Pastry Chef’s Pasta Dolci Tropicale, a baked streusel layered with avocado and tropical fruit cream.

Renewal has its own menu this summer at the Mobil Four Star Alvadora Spa at Royal Palms. Through September 6th, Monday – Thursday, guests are invited to come in from the heat of the day and indulge the senses with one of Alvadora's revitalizing services or packages. Book two services and receive a 20% discount; book three services and earn 30% off; book four or more services and receive a 30% discount plus a $20 credit for one of the pool cabanas.

The Too Sexy for Your Shoes Pedicure is a must for summer and a great value at $85, including the pedicure products to take home. For pure indulgence and to keep summer skin looking its best, the Citrus Grove Package includes the spa’s signature Orange Blossom Body Buff and Citrus Grove Facial, both for just $334 including gratuity. For information, 602-840-3610.

To Book all the best rates at Royal Palms Resort and Spa, visit CCRAtravel.com.
Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

Reference Guide Tip - A Real-Time Currency Converter top

Planning a trip to a foreign country is especially challenging when the exchange rates are fluctuating.
CCRA’s Travel Agent Reference Guide has a handy tool for you and your clients - a real-time Currency Conversion Table.

Located here: http://www.ccrainternational.com/tools/CurrencyConversions.htm, users can see a table which displays the world’s major currency rates. The rates are always up to date, and the calculators give you options of converting your dollars to over 100 world currencies.

To use the Real Time Exchange Rates calculator, first type in your dollar amount, select your current currency and which currency you wish to convert to. Click “Convert”.

To use the Most World Currencies calculator, type in your dollar amount, select your current currency. Then select the Currency you’d like to convert to, from a list over 100 world currencies.