Globus Travels The Globe In 2011

Nov 29, 2010

For Globus Family of Brands, 2011 will be a year of expansion in the global market while the company also remains dedicated to its clients and focuses on its agent interactions. Despite these uncertain economic times, Globus has stood its ground as a forerunner in the travel industry by remaining visible.

“We did not stop marketing nor did we begin to cut back on our sales force,” said Scott Nisbet, president and CEO of Globus Family of Brands. “In times like these, you have to stay in front of the customer and the agent so that they know that you are there and ready when they make a purchase decision.”

As a result, the company’s sales are off to an extremely strong start heading into 2011. Globus continues to remain competitive during the upcoming year by modernizing its marketing techniques. The agency’s new trade campaign, “Welcome to the Family,” is geared specifically toward travel agents.

“The new campaign boasts a completely new look and feel, and it offers a mix of messaging and communication that is fun, warm-hearted and sincere,” said Nisbet. “We also understand that agents are busy. They need something that is quick and easy to digest and, if it is actually pleasing and fun to look at, all the better. Basically, we are all in this together and, together, we will succeed, just like family.”

For Globus Family of Brands, whose brands include Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways, 2011 promises new travel options, exciting projects and satisfying renovations for both clients and agents alike.

Return to Africa
After a brief hiatus from travel to the world’s second-largest continent, Globus Family of Brands will return to Africa in 2011 with an even stronger focus on itineraries and affordability. Travel options for Africa include tours and independent packages equipped with accommodations such as safari tent camps. Ensuring a notably lower price tag than many of its premium competitors, Globus’ program for 2011 puts the distant destination within reach for many clients.

Avalon Sails in Style
May 2011 will mark the inaugural sailing of the Avalon Panorama, an all-suite river cruise ship.

“The Panorama Suites are 30 percent larger than the typical river cruise stateroom and include wall-to-wall panoramic windows that open up a full seven feet wide to create an open-air balcony,” said Nisbet. “In addition, fleet-wide Avalon enhancements ensure that your clients will have a river cruise experience that is nothing short of inspiring.”

Accommodations onboard the Avalon Panorama include The Comfort Collection by Avalon; increased dining choices (including room service); premium L’Occitane bath essentials; robes and slippers for all guests; and more.

Small-Group Options
For clients who want a guided experience without the added pressure of planning activities, Globus is increasing its number of small-group discovery tours in Asia and introducing this travel option to Africa.

“Travelers can choose from 10 different itineraries across China, Vietnam, Thailand, India and Africa,” said Nisbet. “We never allow more than 20 guests on these vacations.”

Monograms Introduces A Panoramic View
For the many clients who have yet to visit Europe and want to make their first experience count, Monograms “panorama-style” vacations link together five noteworthy European cities in one easy to book and even easier to enjoy independent vacation package.

“In addition, since every piece of the journey is commissionable, these packages are sure to be popular amongst agents,” said Nisbet. “If your agency is making, say 15 percent, with the Globus Family of Brands, booking just one couple on one of these vacations would earn more than $1,000 in commission”

Committed to Agents
Globus also recognizes the importance of agent education and communication, which is why the travel brand has focused on expanding its sales force over the last couple of years as opposed to cutting back.

“Our sales team will be out in full-force so that we can have more one-on-one face-time with agents than ever before,” said Nisbet. “We will also continue to offer a stellar line-up of trainings and educational courses geared toward helping agents not only become better acquainted with our product, but also to help them simply become better at their job. If an agent needs it or wants it, we have it: robust training, 24-hour access to online booking and sales and marketing support, a category leading sales team, cobranded websites, steady and powerful stream of consumer promotions to help ignite sales, more than 20 videos across the four brands, virtual tours of all classes of Avalon ships and so much more.”