Travel Agents Select Favorite Sales Representatives at 2014 WAVE Awards

Jul 05, 2014

As part of the voting for the 2014 WAVE Awards, travel agents write in their favorite sales representatives. Following are the winners for river cruise, hotel, tour operator and cruise line sales representatives.

Michael Weldon, Viking River Cruises, Favorite River Cruise Sales Representative
For the third year in a row, Michael Weldon, sales manager for Viking River Cruises, took home the WAVE Award for Favorite River Cruise Line Sales Representative.

“To have the agents pick one of our reps is a great honor,” said Michele Saegesser, Viking River Cruise’s vice president of sales. “Viking is very pleased to have one of our best reps recognized for the third year in a row. He is one of the most respected cruise sales managers with great integrity and skill.”

Dave Ryan, Classic Vacations, Favorite Tour Operator Sales Representative
Dave Ryan covers California’s Central Valley and the East Bay, Northern Nevada and Hawaii. He joined Classic Vacations in 2007 and has more than 27 years of travel industry experience.

“Dave’s commitment, dedication and overwhelming sense of pride in delivering a superior level of service and support to the customer are unwavering,” said James Kareka, regional director of sales for Classic Vacations. “He works tirelessly to find solutions for our customers that facilitate mutual success and support long-lasting partnerships.”

Tami Louis, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Favorite Cruise Line Sales Representative
Tami Louis is a travel industry veteran with more than 25 years of experience. She joined Regent Seven Seas Cruises in 2003 and is responsible for parts of Los Angeles, San Diego and Hawaii. She is extremely driven and very knowledgeable about her product, her
territory and her agents.

“Tami is an inspiration to all those who meet her,” said Carlos Garzon, vice president of sales and operations for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “She instills in you a desire to succeed, to dream and to be more. Each day she finds a purpose to serve.”

Diane Fraser, Aston Hotels & Resorts, Favorite Hotel Sales Representative
Diane Fraser oversees California and the Southwestern U.S. for Aston Hotels & Resorts. She has a large territory, but makes sure she keeps in close contact with her travel agents and continuously updates them on products, programs, promotions and the travel agent loyalty program, Stars Online. She took home the award for Favorite Hotel Sales Representative for the sixth year in a row.

According to her colleagues: “Diane truly understands the needs of our travel agents and works closely with them with training and sales support to help them close the sale with their clients. Her enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication to her agents is well known and appreciated, and we can’t think of a higher honor than having the people she supports on a daily basis nominate her for this prestigious award.”