Travel Agents Recognized As Avalon Waterways® Specialists

Online, May 2, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Kalamazoo travel agents have achieved prestigious Avalon Waterways® Specialist status in Globus® Family of Brands Travel University training program, certifying them as an expert river cruise professionals. As specialists, Terry and Scooter Tessari of The Cruise Center, Inc. join an exclusive group of travel agents who are now recognized for their unique qualifications and knowledge as river cruise planning professionals. The husband and wife co-owners of the agency earned this distinction after completing the required course work covering worldwide destinations, onboard programs, and customer service skills necessary to graduate from the program. Course titles included: History of River Cruising, History of Avalon Waterways®, River Cruise Market Landscape, Avalon Waterways® 2011 Fleet, Avalon's River & Small Ship Cruise Experience, Avalon Waterway's Vacation Portfolio, Theme River Cruises, River Cruise Traveler, Selling and Marketing River Cruise Vacations, and Beyond the Port.
"As Avalon Waterways® Specialists, we joined the first group of approximately 100 travel agents who are now recognized for their unique qualifications and knowledge as river cruise planning professionals. We are thrilled to be Avalon Waterways® Specialists and expand our expertise about river cruising. The knowledge we've gained makes us a more valuable resource for our clients, and enables us to recommend the very best vacation which matches all of their needs," said Scooter.
The Tessaris were among a select gathering of travel agents to participate in the first-ever Seminar at "See" familiarization cruise aboard the Avalon Creativity in April. While sailing on the popular Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches itinerary, the agents toured the vessel to become acquainted with its facilities and services and took part in selling and marketing classroom sessions. River cruising is one of the fastest growing travel styles in the industry. In fact, 85% of river cruise travelers plan to take another. Included shore excursions featuring city highlights as well as in-depth sightseeing with professional local guides, wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, and sleek contemporary ships with state-of-the-art technology, Avalon Waterways® leads the way in offering a world class river cruise vacation.

For further information about river cruising, contact Scooter or Terry Tessari at (269) 372-1963 or stop by The Cruise Center, Inc. 5466 Holiday Terrace, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009

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