Iceland’s volcanic eruption in 2010 might have caused air travel havoc, but it also started a boom never seen before in Iceland’s tourism. It wasn’t too long ago that Iceland could expect about 350,000 visitors a year – not a bad figure for a country with a population of around 330,000. But in the year following the eruption, tourism began to increase by unprecedented numbers.

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Super Value Tours, the number one seller of tour packages to Japan and Taiwan is an award-winning wholesale tour operator to Asia. They offer exclusive services and opportunities that are not available from other companies, or even to the independent traveler. They have worked hard to build relationships that are both sincere and gratifying with local restaurants, hotels, and sites to offer these deals to their clients. Founded on the idea that all aspects of a tour, from start to finish, should be of the highest caliber of quality and presented at a fair price, Super Value Tours goes the extra mile to make sure this is the case.

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Years ago (many years ago) I learned how to fly single engine airplanes, and there were three specific lessons I learned that will serve me forever:

1. Use all of the runway. The surface behind you is useless. Use every inch of available assets.
2. A stiff neck will kill you. Look around and always be observant of your surroundings. Tunnel vision is a luxury you can’t afford.
3. Use your checklist. Regardless of your age or experience level, do not depend on your memory to see you through.

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This phrase hit me like a ton of bricks as I was watching the TV show Blue Bloods.

The detective (the commissioner’s son) made a decision that he knew was a step or two “out of bounds.” When he was called into explain himself, life became very uncomfortable for the detective. He knew what was coming. He braced himself for an unpleasant tongue-lashing. The “s*(&” was about to hit the fan.

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New Caledonia, a South Pacific archipelago with a total land area of more than 6,900 miles, is known mainly for its vast and varied environment, not to mention its beautiful lagoon and mixed culture. Acting as a refugium due to its isolated location, New Caledonia is home to an array of species of plants and animals unique to the world. Part of the Melanesian subregion and including multiple islands within its collective, New Caledonia has much to offer the traveler with an interest in the outdoors. With headquarters settled in New Caledonia’s capitol of Nouméa, Aircalin won’t let you miss out on a chance to see the alluring terrain of New Caledonia.

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Suzhou, the second largest city in the Jiangsu Province of East China, contains over 2,500 years worth of history in several forms. Known primarily for the extensive gardens and beautiful scenery, Suzhou is located Northwest of Shanghai. Often dubbed the “Venice of the East” or “Venice of China” due to its canals, it has grown to be one of the most popular destinations in China.

Thanks to Stunning China, the supplier sponsor of this column, you can use this 60-Second Geography article in your own travel agency’s newsletters and websites.

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“What’s that sound? I didn’t notice it yesterday? There it goes again!”

These were my exact words a week or two back when my clothes dryer began squeaking. From what I could determine, it was making a weird noise for no reason that I could discern. Like many people who share my upbeat attitude toward life, I figured it would probably go away as fast as it came. I went back to living my life.

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Last week, I got in a discussion with a colleague and the topic of preferred suppliers came up.  I have my list and he had his. In short time, the discussion turned into a friendly banter with each of us picking apart the other’s choices. I don’t know why you like Supplier A because they did this and that way back in 2010.  Well Supplier B has a reputation for doing this.  Eventually we agreed that we could pick apart ANY supplier if we dug deep enough. So we decided to restructure the debate to what we WANT in a preferred supplier.  Hey Supplier A and Supplier B–you listening? Read the rest of this entry »

All business people tend to be optimists and travel agents perhaps even more so than most.  A positive outlook is in the nature of the profession.  Travel professionals inherently plan for best case scenarios.  People love to travel and at the outset of every client relationship, there are great expectations about the trip to come and the long term possibilities of a life-long relationship of travel dreams realized. Yet, far too often,  that “next trip” doesn’t materialize.  The client drifts off and books their next trip with another agent, or online or direct with a tour operator.  There are many reasons a relationship might never gel between a new client and a travel agent, but here are three steps you can take to help ensure your clients will return to you year after year.

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You may have missed the news last week. AmaWaterways is going big. The company is building a double-wide river cruiser for the Danube.

Construction on AmaMagna started in March. The new ship will set sail in 2019. It will be interesting to see what AmaWaterways brings to the table – or rather, to the Danube. With the expanded space, AmaWaterways can include more features on AmaMagna than are on its current fleet.

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Although I am not a big fan of mindless television, I sometimes find myself channel surfing. I recently paused on a show titled “Shark Tank.” Optimistic entrepreneurs plead their case in front of four potential investors in hope of gaining interest in the form of cash in return for a percentage of ownership.

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First , allow me to shed a little light on the definition of marketing. Marketing in its truest sense is getting the right people to know you, like you and trust you. It has little to do with actually selling your services. It has everything to do with your becoming visible, likeable and worth listening to.

If what you are doing now under the marketing umbrella isn’t working, or you’re just getting started, take a long look at what you’re trying to do. Is it exciting? Is it eye catching? Is it unique? If not, you’re campaign probably too bland to get anywhere. Bland in this case equals “vanilla.”

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From towering volcanoes to miles of rain forest and breathtaking views, the city of La Fortuna is not to be missed.  Positioned within the central American country of Costa Rica, La Fortuna has gained much traction over the years as a must-see travel destination.

Thanks to Costa Rica Dream Adventures, the supplier sponsor of this column, you can use this 60-Second Geography article in your own travel agency’s newsletters and websites.

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What have YOU shared lately on your social feeds?

What have your fans shared lately?

Inspiring your fans and their friends to share your photos and graphics is key to reaching a broader audience. Once your fans share, their friends share, and their friends’ friends share your post, and you have the snowball effect happening.

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Virgin Atlantic have recently started non-stop services from San Francisco and Boston to the north of England city of Manchester. With flights already heading across the pond from Atlanta, Chicago, Newark, JFK, Philadelphia and Washington DC it’s worth taking a much closer look at why you should be actively promoting this user-friendly gateway to North Wales, northern England and Scotland.

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I was channel surfing the other day when I came across a program featuring…Ice Skating. As beautifully as these ladies skated, and as precise as each jump was executed, I realized that all of this creative balance and symmetry did not come by accident. Polished professionalism, regardless of the trade, is the result of focused and well-initiated practice.

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New York City Vacation Packages is more than just the only major independent travel company in the United States that focuses exclusively on New York City: they put their customers first, and have garnered years of success because of it. New York City Vacation Packages go the extra mile to accommodate their clients, even throwing in extras to make the trip that much more memorable.

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Originally settled by the Tlingit people over 10,000 years ago Sitka, which means “People on the Outside of Baranof Island,” is a city steep with culture and natural beauty. From the endless amount of trails and outdoor beauty, to the museums and educational buildings, Sitka is the perfect blend of foliage and historical significance.

Thanks to ShoreTrips, the supplier sponsor of this column, you can use this 60-Second Geography article in your own travel agency’s newsletters and websites.

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Córdoba, Argentina is the geographical center of Argentina, and the capitol of the Córdoba providence. Known not just for its Spanish and Jesuit history, Córdoba blends old with new through out the city, from building renovations to forward thinking. Córdoba is the main area of urban development in the central region of the country, and even served as the American Capitol of Culture in 2006, a testament to its cultural integration. The Spanish colonial architecture and beautiful views, and the near endless selection of things to see and do are just a few of the reasons Córdoba should not be missed on your Argentinian vacation. Thanks to Aerolíneas Argentinas, you don’t have.

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Blogging is a simple process, but can also be a lot of work. While it is not hard to post to your blog, getting readership and relationship-building results from your blog is an arduous task. Maybe you’ve been blogging for a while and still aren’t seeing the dialogue you’d like. Here are five ways I can think of to help you enhance your blogging skills. Read the rest of this entry »