It was announced that area Carlson Wagonlit Travel experts will now be listed on Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s nationally promoted Web site (CarlsonTravel.com) so that consumers seeking certified specialists will be able to find them with ease. Customers can now choose a travel agent within the Carlson Wagonlit Travel network based on the agent’s expertise about a specific destination, in addition to being able to select according to geographical location. The offering through CarlsonTravel.com differs from other so-called specialist programs offered on-line in that listed agents are required to be certified by recognized third party organizations.

“’Been there, done that’ is something the traveling public should expect their travel agent to say, especially with respect to destinations on which they claim to be an ‘expert’,” stated Bruce Horner, co-owner of two Carlson Wagonlit Travel locations in Virginia Beach. “We believe in giving our customers peace of mind that they’re dealing with agents who know what they’re selling, particularly if they claim it as an area of specialization. This program helps provide that peace of mind, especially since we have seven agents within our office who have taken the time and effort to know their destinations inside and out.”

“As part of the largest travel agency franchise network in North America, Carlson
Wagonlit Travel has the vast and varied collective knowledge of more than 5,000 travel agents,” explained co-owner Carol Horner. “The Internet has helped us to make it possible for travelers to quickly and easily find the nearest certified Carlson Wagonlit expert that meets their specific needs. We expect that given our areas of specialization, this program will broaden the customer base we currently serve.”

The Horners noted that his office’s agents are certified specialist in the following areas:

·    Disney
·    Sandals
·    Europe
·    Super Clubs
·    Australia
·    Cruise
·    Hawaii
·    Caribbean
·    Hong Kong
·    Israel
·    Cayman Islands
·    Ski

To qualify as a “Destination Specialist,” Carlson Wagonlit Travel requires its agents to become certified by completing a myriad of training courses that have been approved by the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the Anacin Society of Travel Agents (ASTAO).

In addition to the many training opportunities Carlson Wagonlit Travel makes available to its travel agents, the Company provides further destination information on-line via its extranet site designed for the exclusive use of its agents. This “Destination Directory” supports travel agents by providing useful information posted directly by the destinations themselves, as well as links to official destination Web sites, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of important contacts at tourism organizations.

“With CarlsonTravel.com, our goal has always been to be wherever our customers want and need us to be, including on-line, with the added value of a real live expert travel agent who can advise them on all aspects of travel planning,” said Bruce. “Now we have taken that philosophy one significant step further because our customers aren’t only interested in talking to our travel agents, they want to talk to a knowledgeable expert with actual experience who can add the most value to their dream vacations.”

For further information about how you can tap the destination knowledge of a Carlson Wagonlit Travel Destination Specialist, visit www.carlsontravel.com, call or visit one of the Carlson Wagonlit Travel offices in Virginia Beach:

Kempsville Office: 5386 Kemps River Dr. #113 Virginia Beach, VA 23464
Phone: 757-424-0400 or E-mail: TVLBOSS1@aol.com.

Lynnhaven Office: 2872 Virginia Beach Blvd. Virginia Beach,VA 23452
Phone: 757-486-1911 or E-mail: TVLBOSS3@aol.com.

Carlson Wagonlit Travel has been fulfilling the travel needs of Hampton Roads for over 10 years. Providing its clients with high-quality service and personal attention, the Horners and their staff combine local courtesy and conveniences in service with the luxury of tapping into the global resources of Carlson Wagonlit travel. By continually investing in people, technologies, and partnerships, the Company is dedicated to delivering the greatest value to its customers.

For further information, contact:   
Bruce or Carol Horner
Phone: 757.424.0400
e-mail: TVLBOSS1@aol.com