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Dear Travel Partner,
 It’s hard to believe it’s March already and St. Paddy’s day will soon be upon us. In the current economy, however, it will take more than a lucky horseshoe or 4-leaf clover to be successful.
Today, more than ever, every penny counts. In this issue we will help you identify marketing opportunities, realize cost savings, and implement programs that earn you more money.
Weddings and honeymoons will remain a strong market through 2009. Guest columnist, Bill Todd, returns with suggestions on how to out-think, out-smart and out-sell your competition for this lucrative business.
Also, visit our Featured Destinations in the month’s issue. Our featured destination properties recognize the importance of the professional travel agent and they value your business. These properties created offers that can help you save money and deliver exceptional value to your clients.
This week, CCRA implemented two new programs to help our agents earn additional revenue.
First, we are pleased to announce a new, direct connection between the CCRAtravel.com and the Hilton Hotels Corporation giving our agents rate and inventory transparency as well as LRA at over 3,000 Hilton Family hotels throughout the world. What’s more, agents who book Hilton rooms via the portal will receive double “Unlimited Budget” points now through May 31st. *See details below.
This week we will also implement CCRA Group Travel Solutions. Our agents have told us that they need a way to book groups … so we’ve created a tool to help you. In this month’s issue you’ll learn about this program that gives you a choice between NET and commissionable offers … you pick the one that works best for you and your clients.
And speaking of commissions … our sources tell us that they fail to collect on as much as 35% of all commissions owed them. In 2008, our commission collection rate was 97%! Read on to learn more about how CCRA is there for you.
But wait, there really is more! We are delighted to announce CCRACashRewards. Starting April first, we will pay $1.00 for every room night booked via the CCRAtravel.com reservation website. That’s $1.00 for every room, regardless of rate or room type and it’s in addition to any commission or mark-up. Watch for details.
Sincerely,
Your CCRA Team
*You must be a member of the "Unlimited Budget" travel agent program to receive points.
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Two Great Ways To Increase Revenue Through CCRAtravel.com top
Protect Your Commission
We are all aware of the challenges in collecting commissions from hotels. Industry experience says that you will lose out on about 35% of the commissions on your direct bookings. Let’s say you forecast that you’ll earn $30,000 in hotel commissions in 2009. Based on industry standards, if you book directly, you will most likely receive just $19,500.
Booking with CCRA has been the home-based agents’ answer to unpaid commission for the past few years, and once again CCRA has proven that we look out for our agents. In 2008 we collected over 97% of commissions for bookings made via CCRAtravel.com, compared to an industry average of just 65% of commissions collected by agents from hotels.
Coming Soon - CCRA Cash Rewards
But wait, there’s more great news -- and even more reasons to book through CCRAtravel.com. In April we will also be launching our CCRA Cash Rewards program for agents. Now in addition to your commissions, you’ll also earn an additional dollar for every room night booked on ccratravel.com.
You can’t afford to miss out on opportunities like this! Let us pay you for your hotel bookings. Don’t go another year with unpaid commissions, and zero rewards, CCRA is there for you in a shaky economy!
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Honeymoons Still Big Business Even in a Recession top
Written by: Bill Todd
 If you’re looking for a spending stimulus package, you'll be pleased to know that the honeymoon market can be extremely profitable during a recession.
Weddings are one of the markets that will generate substantial new sales in 2009. According to the latest update from The Wedding Report:
• The number of weddings in the US will actually increase in 2009 from 2008. Over 2,216,000 weddings will take place this year
• In 2009, over $8 billion will be spent by American couples on their honeymoons.
• In 2009, the average couple will spend just under $4,000 on their honeymoon. In fact over a quarter of a million couples will spend over $7,500 on their honeymoon.
As a travel agent, you provide a critical service to engaged couples. Know the latest, hottest destinations and the little “out-of-the-way” spots. And always remember, not every couple has $4,000 to spend, but every couple dreams of a perfect honeymoon. Have a full price range of products and a can-do attitude regardless of the budget. Every client has the potential to refer more business.
Where do you start? 
1. First, make sure it’s easy for couples to find you. Update your website keywords. Then go surfing yourself. The web is full of sites that claim to match agents and honeymooners. Do your homework and learn every trick you can.
2. Get active in your local community. You’ll want to build a network of “birddogs” who interact with the engaged couple all through the planning process – caterers, pastors, bridal shops and tuxedo rentals, etc.
3. Have a brochure or a business card that identifies you as a honeymoon expert. Focus on what a honeymoon means … not just where it will be. If you have testimonials from other newlyweds – use them!
4. Clip engagement announcements and send the couple your sales piece. Emphasize the “perfect honeymoon for every budget” or “stress-free honeymoon planning” angles.
5. Don’t forget the family. Out-of-town guests will need hotel arrangements (and even flights). The bride will be delighted to cross this chore off her list.
6. Finally, think about bridal shows and advertising. This route is more costly than e-marketing, but shows will allow you to interact not only with buyers but with other suppliers. One great idea from a fellow supplier can change your whole business strategy.
An associate of mine was fond of saying, “The only place 'success' comes before 'work' is in the dictionary." With a little work, you can get your share of an $8 billion dollar market.
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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CCRA Introduces CCRA Group Travel Solutions top
Recently CCRA surveyed 500 travel agents about their booking habits and issues. Agents repeatedly told us their ‘wish list’ for any reservation system would include group booking capabilities. When you couple these responses with industry trends that indicate consumers are turning back to professional agents for their complicated travel plans, like group travel – a groups solution became a top priority.
 CCRA has partnered with two group providers, GTA and Hotels.com, to provide agents with access to competitive, professional, streamlined group travel planning. Travel agents can access the new groups functionality simply by clicking on the “Got Groups?” icon on the CCRAtravel.com portal.
Agents accessing the “Got Groups?” tool complete a group request form and in less than 48 hours are contacted by both of CCRA’s travel partners. One bid will be net, allowing agents to add their own markup, the other will be commissionable.
Said Mai Meyaart, “By providing our agents with two pricing options, our goal was to create a program that could meet any agent’s business model. Once the agent has reviewed both proposals, he or she can choose the option that is best for the client and for the agent. We urge every agent with a group of more than 8 rooms to give this new tool a try.”
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In the heart of the West End, the Strand Palace Hotel is easily accessible from the City and Docklands areas. The property is located in close proximity to Covent Garden, Charing Cross and a short stroll from Waterloo stations.
Surrounded by some of London’s finest architectural and cultural landmarks, the hotel is the perfect base for  leisure travelers, while for business, it provides an impressive location for important meetings.
· Stylish multi-million transformation of public areas, Club bedrooms and the Strand Conference and Events facilities.
· 786 bedrooms for guests to choose from, of which 500 have been upgraded to Club standard. Bright, chic and contemporary, the Club rooms raise the hotel's commitment-to-comfort to a new level of luxury, complete with everything needed for a hassle free stay
· Fantastic choice of 2 restaurants and 3 bars - all under one roof
· Strand Conference and Events at the Strand Palace Hotel is a large, multifunctional space comprising 8 well-equipped rooms. Flexible area can be arranged to suit a variety of events
· Strand Conference and Events facilities are all air conditioned, with integrated Wi-Fi and audio-visual equipment available
· With 500 contemporary Club rooms and a recently revamped lobby, complete with a dedicated Club Check-in area to ensure a speedy arrival and departure.
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 Rising 32 stories and only 200 yards away from the edge of the Falls, this AAA/CAA four-diamond, 5-star Fallsview hotel is just two blocks from the Fallsview Casino, Journey Behind The Falls, Maid of the Mist Boat Ride and so many more of Niagara Falls’ best attractions.
With unrivaled views of both the American Falls and Canadian Horseshoe Falls, this 402-room hotel has oversized guest rooms including whirlpool suites, fireplace suites and 2-story loft suites featuring spectacular floor to ceiling windows. With warm and welcoming guest rooms, full-service and amazing views, you might not want to leave your guest room!
The Sheraton Fallsview Hotel and Conference Centre has so much to offer. Relax by the indoor pool, soak your cares away in the whirlpool and rejuvenate in the sauna. Appetites of all sizes will be satisfied at our on-site restaurants including the award-winning A Cut Above Fallsview Steakhouse Restaurant where you can find certified Angus beef and tantalizing seafood or enjoy a quiet drink and light snack at Stanley's Lounge.
 The most popular Niagara Falls attractions including live entertainment, award-winning wineries and factory outlet shopping are all nearby. Anytime is an exceptional time to visit Niagara Falls. Let the Sheraton Fallsview map out a worry-free itinerary for you. From quiet time to fun time, we have something for everyone. Experience an intimate getaway with our Wine and Roses Romance Package or explore the area’s rich vineyards and tastings with our Niagara Wineries Tour Package. Families looking for that rejuvenating break will want to check out our Family Fun in Niagara Package or Scenic Tour Package allowing you to sit back in comfort and visit Niagara’s most popular attractions including the Skylon Tower, Journey Behind The Falls, IMAX Theatre, Niagara Skywheel and more. Admission fees to these attractions are included. This is a real deal!
Make your choice the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel and Conference Centre when visiting Niagara Falls, Canada. Because you don't just stay here. You belong.
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The Allerton Hotel Chicago celebrates its 85th anniversary as a Chicago historic landmark hotel with a brand new  sophisticated look after a top-to-bottom renovation last spring.
Our new sleek interior design featuring a sophisticated yet residential feel has won us a finalist spot in three categories at the 2nd annual Hotelworld Global Hospitality & Design Award Competition
- Best Guest Room Design
- Best Lobby/Public Space
- Best Restaurant/Lounge
Our convenient location in the heart of the Magnificent Mile makes us the hotel of choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Check out our “85 and FABULOUS” campaign featuring monthly special promotions throughout 2009.
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The New York Palace is now part of the prestigious Dorchester Collection, a portfolio of some of the world’s foremost luxury hotels in Europe and America. Known for its impeccable service and spacious accommodations, The Palace offers beautifully appointed rooms featuring spectacular views of iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center, or the East River.
 Situated on Madison Avenue, the landmark hotel is within steps of Midtown Manhattan’s prestigious business and shopping areas, and just a short walk from Central Park and Broadway’s Theater District. With more than 40,000 square feet of versatile function space, The Palace is New York's premier venue for business and social events. The hotel is home to the highly acclaimed, Two Michelin Star restaurant GILT, a full-service spa and fitness center, and Istana – an elegant brasserie.
Located in the elegant and exquisite Gilded Age setting of the historic Villard Mansion, GILT features the innovative Modern American cuisine of Executive Chef Justin Bogle. Complemented by an impressive wine list, GILT’s 52-seat dining room offers guests three- and five-course prix fixe menus in addition to a grand seven-course tasting menu.
The New York Palace offers three hotels in one. Located on floors 9 through 29, Deluxe rooms in The Main House are beautifully furnished guest accommodations featuring large marble bathrooms and spacious seating areas.
Located on floors 30 through 39, Executive Level rooms offer all of the comforts of our deluxe accommodations plus exclusive access to The Executive Lounge. Offering spectacular city views from the 39th floor, The Lounge features five different food presentations throughout the day, including American buffet breakfast, afternoon  snacks, and evening cocktails, cordials and hor d’oeuvres. Executive guests enjoy complimentary high speed wireless internet and the use of three computer terminals, including printing and faxing services. The Lounge also offers three fully equipped boardrooms available for rent by the hour for private meetings.
For guests seeking the ultimate in luxury, privacy and service, Towers accommodations on floors 41 through 54 feature oversized Deluxe Classic or Art Deco style rooms and suites with private elevators and reception, and dedicated concierge desk. The New York Palace’s quartet of lavish Triplex Suites – the only tri-level suites in the city – feature Art Deco interiors, floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of Manhattan and intimate rooftop terraces.
The New York Palace is ideal for business or leisure travel to New York City.
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 Sheraton Universal, an iconic Los Angeles hotel known as the ‘Hotel of the Stars’ has just completed a more than $25 million renovation, just in time to celebrate the legendary hotel's 40th anniversary in 2009. The revitalized hotel salutes Hollywood’s heyday and feature elements in the Hollywood Regency style inspired by the 1920s through the 1940s.
Hundreds of film, television and music entertainers have also been guests at the ‘Hotel of the Stars’ including Jennifer Aniston, George Clooney, Matthew McConaughey, B.B. King and Telly Savalas, who lived at the hotel for 17 years, just to name a few. The hotel has also served as the film location for countless films and television shows, the most recent of which are Desperate Housewives, Chuck and CSI.
The property now features 451 guestrooms with iPod docking station clock radios, flat screen televisions, and STARBUCKS 1-cup coffee makers, including 31 suites (two presidential, three VIP, one Shrek-themed and 25 executive and junior suites) that feature art deco design complete with brown, blue and ivory color palettes. The 21-story hotel offers more than 30,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space including the newly renovated rooftop function space, Starview Room, which offers 3,500 square feet, and panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills-- the only rooftop function space of its kind in the area.
 Other new features include the latest Sheraton offerings such as wireless internet throughout, Love That DogTM Program, 24-hour fitness center, and valet and self-service parking. Palates can be satisfied at the newly revamped full-service restaurant, Californias, elevating it to a casual-chic spot for California-inspired cuisine, and In the Mix, an art-deco inspired vodka bar, and in-room dining. The new look and menus are complemented by the hotel’s long-standing reputation as a celebrity haven and its warm, friendly service by seasoned staff, many of whom have served the hotel for more than 20 years. Guests can also connect for business or pleasure inside new semi-private cabanas in the lobby.
The Sheraton Universal is located adjacent to Universal Studios and Universal CityWalk, one Metro stop from Hollywood & Highland and in close proximity to the heart of Hollywood, L.A.'s most popular beaches, Rodeo Drive and Pasadena.
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