CCRA's New Cash Rewards Program top

New this month CCRACa$hRewards! Designed to help travel agents turn their businesses into cash machines. Over the past year we surveyed many of our CCRAtravel.com users, and asked what was missing. The answer? A rewards program.

"While many travel-related companies are cutting back, CCRA is making good on its commitment to support the travel agent industry,” says Dic Marxen, CCRA president and CEO.

“We recognize that a large percentage of our audience is feeling the effects of these troubled times. The more we deliberated about a program to benefit our agents, the more it became obvious that the best solution was one that paid them additional cash."

We have been committed to travel agents’ success since CCRAtravel.com’s launch in 1996. We first brought you CCRA Net Rates where you are able to mark up your own commission. Now we bring you more opportunity with CCRACa$hRewards. We now pay an additional dollar for every consumed room night you book whether GDS rates, Internet discount rates, CCRA preferred rates, or Net Rates. These dollars are in addition to your commission or markup.

The best part about this program is that it’s totally free! All you have to do to start earning your additional dollars is update your CCRAtravel.com agent profile.

Access CCRAtravel.com your normal way, click on My Account and fill in the missing information. Once you’ve updated your information, start booking and watch the dollars roll in as your clients check out.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity, update your profile today!

CCRA Exhibits at this Spring's Biggest Trade Shows top

CCRA appeared at one of this spring’s major home based travel agent events, the OSSN Home Based Travel Agent Show and Conference. We returned to the successful Home Based show in March, and were excited to unveil our new rewards program, and our new group booking tool.

The Home Based Travel Agent Show & Conference in Chicago, featured a Tech Forum highlighting a variety of topics, such as key websites for agents to better service their clients; how to promote properly through emails and a strong web presence; and a panel discussion with home based agents who have made it big working with today’s technology and tools. Beyond the seminars, panels, training and keynote speakers, the trade show gives travel agent delegates an opportunity to go one-on-one with more than 300 blue-ribbon suppliers.

The conference included accredited training by CLIA, OSSN, and Niche Cruise Marketing Alliance (NCMA), plus more seminars encompassing tours and cruises, romantic Pacific getaways, family and group travel, golf and spa vacations, faith-based sojourns, airline consolidators, profitable booking and legal tips.

We were also honored to return to the 5th annual Cruise3Sixty show, held in Ft. Lauderdale last week. Always dynamic, the Cruise3Sixty trade show brought us face-to-face with the leaders in the industry and over 2,200 travel agents. At both these shows we presented to agents our latest upgrades, including CCRACa$hRewards and Group Tools.

Keep watching CCRA’s eBlasts and newsletters as we continue to improve our programs for you.

During Tough Economic Times Loosen Your Death Grip on E-mail top
Written by: Bill Todd

E-mail is a great tool to follow-up with a client immediately after a sales call. It is a lousy tool to depend on solely for selling. Why? Last year your customers spent over 8 hours a work week plowing through their e-mail. That is one full day a week that is now lost to slogging through and responding to a mounting avalanche of e-mail messages. During the first quarter of 2009 many businesses began urging their employees to reduce both cell and land line phone expenses by relying more upon email. As a result the Washington Post recently coined a new phrase: “E-mail Bankruptcy.” This term describes a popular new tactic undertaken by people who have become swamped by an unmanageable number of unsolicited messages. Those declaring bankruptcy are swearing off e-mail entirely or, more commonly, deleting all old messages and starting fresh.

The good news is that this summer you can easily grab the attention of your customer by dusting off an old sales tool. Last year, the amount of first-class mail dropped in the United States by over 9 billion pieces. In fact, the amount of first class mail has been rapidly declining since 2001. You may have even noticed that those blue neighborhood mailboxes have almost disappeared due to lack of use. I strongly recommend you write your client an old fashioned, personalized letter and mail it in a business envelope using a first class stamp.

When your customer receives your letter, it will be a pleasant surprise. In fact, they may feel slightly nostalgic as they start looking for the long forgotten letter opener that has recently become an office heirloom. Your message may take a little longer to reach your customer, but you will effectively cut through the clutter and grab your client’s attention. Remember, it is not how many communications you send out in 2009 that will drive incremental business. Specifically it is how many get read and acted on that will drive sales.

If you are pressed for time and must send an e-mail, take into account the findings reported by Graphic Design Monthly. When marketing to a business, it is best to send your message Tuesday through Thursday between 9:30 am and 3 pm. If you are marketing directly to consumers, send your message Friday through Sunday between 5 pm and 8 pm. By following these guidelines, your clients will be receiving your e-mails at the optimal time, thus increasing your open and read rates.

Bill Todd is one of the travel industry’s most sought-after sales and marketing speakers and coaches. He is the co-author of the new book Speaking of Success which also features best-selling authors Stephen R. Covey (Seven Habits of Highly Effective People), Ken Blanchard (One Minute Manager) and Jack Canfield (The Secret and Chicken Soup for the Soul). Todd has served as vice president of sales and industry marketing for the 5000+ franchises and seven global brands of Choice Hotels International, and was vice president of sales and marketing for Marriott International’s Corporate Lodging Division. BTodd@BTodd.com | www.BTodd.com | 301.633.5856

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Why not treat yourself with a stay at London’s most stylish hotels: The Halkin and Metropolitan London.

Both hotels are currently offering a special promotion of:
Stay three nights for the price of two.

This offer is based on a three-night stay and valid until the end of the year, subject to availability. All terms and conditions available on the GDS.

The Halkin is a haven in the heart of London’s exclusive Belgravia.

The Metropolitan London is a cool, contemporary hotel located on Old Park Lane.

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The Tulip Inn Munich Airport is only 4 km away from the Munich Airport. Our hotel insists on a high standard of 24-hour services: The shuttle service to and from the airport to the hotel, friendly reception staff and also the relaxing lobby bar is available for you all around the clock as a matter of course to guarantee you with best service. We also care for the condition of late arriving guest, with our snack menu and room service, which is also available 24-hours.

The Tulip Inn Munich Airport combines flexibility and mobility for your business and leisure client. With a great location near the center of the city, you can easily visit the famous Hofbraeuhaus, the Victualienmarket and the BMW World.

In 2007 the hotel was extended by more than 30 superior rooms in an outbuilding. All the 37 rooms are equipped with large double beds, TV, coffee and tea set, air condition and a balcony or terrace. Inspired by nature, the combination of light green and dark brown, provide a immediate sense of well-being. With a hotel-wide WiFi reception, your availability is guaranteed all the time.

Now, after having extended our hotel we are pleased to introduce our new restaurant concept: “George & Co.” George & Co. sets value on fresh, seasonal dishes and Bavarian specialties. We offer every guest the possibility to arrange his own menu. We offer small starters and light menus as well as a great dinner or a small snack.

Special Offer for CCRA
Book now for your clients and get them breakfast for free!
Valid for reservations until April 30, 2009 for a stay until August 31, 2009.

Tulip Inn Munich Airport, Freisinger Strasse 77, 85445 Schwaig, Germany

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First opened in 1958, the Riviera Resort & Spa was a beacon to the Hollywood elite, achieving almost mythical status by hosting in its original heyday the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Elvis Presley, to mention a few. On October 15, the Riviera Resort & Spa reopened its doors following a $70 million modernization.

Designed in a modernist wheel configuration, a series of two-story buildings skirt a central swimming pool, bar, restaurant, and outdoor lounge that maintain the same sense of intimacy as 50 years ago. The color scheme of reds, yellows, deep orange, chartreuse, and white is complimented by pop art portraits of the resort’s celebrity clientele, displayed amongst hounds tooth accents, oversized chandeliers, light-infused pillars, and mirror clad walls. The 406 rooms and suites all have oversized retro furnishings, marble bathrooms, private balconies or patios, and modern amenities like flat screened televisions and wireless Internet.

The resort’s main restaurant, Circa 59, gives guests a chance to enjoy fine dining in a dynamic setting. The menu is a nod to the 1950s, with classics like the Cobb salad, potpies, and an elaborate iced seafood platter. Modern twists include the lobster mac and cheese, Kobe beef, and “sharing dishes” that you will have difficulty sharing. And of course there’s always guestroom dining.

The No. 1 reason for many to visit Palm Springs is because of its history as a spa town. The resort’s brand new SpaTerre offers an 11,000-square-foot retreat from the world paired with global treatments inspired by Thai, Balinese, and Indonesian rituals. For those who prefer a more traditional spa visit, SpaTerre includes a full service hair and nail salon, a relaxation center, and a state-of-the-art fitness area. There are 18 treatment rooms, private steam rooms, a coed Buddha Lounge interspersed with palm trees, with a Jacuzzi and an expansive Watsu pool.

The new Riviera Resort & Spa is a captivating concoction of current indulgences, decadent distractions and elegant energy.

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Pioneer the Windy City.
Make yourself at home in our newly-renovated Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O'Hare Airport. Conveniently located just ¼ mile from Chicago’s O'Hare International Airport, we offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are also one of the first smoke-free hotels in Chicago.

Cute & Cozy.
Find everything you need for a great night’s sleep in one of our 295 newly-renovated boutique style guest rooms. Jump right into the plush goodness of our signature Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed. Surf the web ‘til your heart’s content with complimentary High Speed Wireless Internet Access, available in all guest rooms and public areas.

Great Place to Gather.
Behind our sleek new design is the same great casual comfort and service you expect. Our lobby is wappointed with an array of cozy conversation areas. You can stop into the Mirage Restaurant, which serves a variety of mouth-watering dinners. Linger around at the Oasis Lounge and enjoy an after dinner drink beside the crackling fireplace.

With over 12,000 square feet of flexible meeting space - including the 4,620 square foot International Ball Room and the 1,836 square foot Kennedy Ball Room - we offer just what you are looking for. From a board meeting for 16 in the elegant Eisenhower Board Room to a meeting for 500 in the International Ball Room, we have the best facilities and the staff to meet your needs. Internet Access is available in every meeting room. Professional audio-visual equipment and services are also available.

5 Million Dollar Renovation Completed January 2008 Chicago O’Hare Airport
10249 West Irving Park Road Schiller Park, Illinois 60176

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Amsterdam's appeal lies in its rich cultural heritage, diverse & creative culture, commercial dynamism and high quality of life. In this diversity Amsterdam is also rich in hotels and special venues. Bang in the middle of the bustling city centre of Amsterdam, at the hub of the trendy and culturally stunning fashion and Museum district, Park Hotel has created the largest Boutique Hotel in Amsterdam.

All 189 rooms have been re-designed to showcase style, comfort and intimacy. Park Hotel's rooms are models of modern simplicity. The room's neutral palette and natural materials provide a seductive escape from the bustle on the street.

Furthermore all guests are welcomed in their own Living Room. The lobby area of the Park Hotel is turned in to a spacious area where guests can escape from the buzzing city. The total design of the Living Room is focused towards the guests. Enjoy one of the many books in the extensive library or sit down next to the fire place and enjoy a good glass of wine and some light bites and lose yourself in the eclectic sounds of the music.

At a culinary level Park Hotel created MOMO Restaurant, Bar & Lounge. This cosmopolitan style Restaurant & Bar blends the flavors and colors of the Far East with the style and sophistication of the West, bringing an exciting new concept to Amsterdam. MOMO offers amazing food and drinks from around the world, a sexy interior, funky music, energy and style – the perfect destination for Amsterdam’s cool and beautiful.

For those who like to meet in style, Park Hotel facilitates over 400m2 of inspiring Meeting & Event rooms spread over 9 dynamic rooms. Each space resonates with the hotel's signature blend of understated sophistication and ambience. Aiming to surpass expectations with state-of-the-art audio/video capabilities as well as forward-looking design and comfort, these rooms are not typical, sterile business settings. Each meeting room was designed to direct all attention toward the screen, which has produced an efficient and well-organized environment completely free from distraction.

It is save to say that Park Hotel, Amsterdam is a unique hotel amongst the many hotels in Amsterdam. When travelers to Amsterdam expect more from their stay they will find it in the Park Hotel. This elegant hotel is situated on the Stadhouderskade 25 in Amsterdam. Why not spin around in style and visit www.parkhotel.nl to explore all facilities of the Park Hotel, Amsterdam. This hotel is truly one of the leading 4-star luxury hotels in Amsterdam. With its contemporary design, high quality furnishings, state-of-the-art infrastructure and passion for perfection, Park Hotel has become a leading luxury hotel in Amsterdam.

Park Hotel Amsterdam chain code IQ
Amadeus AMSLAD | Sabre 20722 | Galileo 17642 | Worldspan 8944

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