In this issue’s cover story, “Viking Expands in All Directions,” we profile Viking River Cruises and focus on the incredible growth that agents can expect from this brand in the coming years.
Viking — like much of the river cruise industry — is driven by innovation. River cruising was virtually non-existent until relatively recently and, even with its exponential growth, this travel segment is still full of potential. Torstein Hagen, CEO of Viking River Cruises, is the kind of entrepreneur who is perfect for this fledgling enterprise. Tough, smart and daring enough to take a chance on something he believes in, his personal vision has had a major impact on shaping the industry as a whole. There are a handful of other dreamers in river cruising who fit this mold as well and, thanks to their hard work and perseverance, we all have the opportunity to witness a historic evolution unfold.
“Only things the dreamers make live on. They are the eternal conquerors,” wrote the journalist Herbert Kaufman.
Indeed, their dreams will live on throughout the great rivers of the world.
As the year-end work starts to wind down, now is a good time to nurture the dreamers in your own business. Look ahead and set goals for what you would like to accomplish next year, three years from now and five years down the road. Don’t throw out any suggestions — why limit your options — just let the ideas stew and see what rises to the surface. One of those distant dreams might just conquer the world someday.
On another note, as the year comes to a close, you might be looking back on your recent travels and, perhaps, reliving those moments through your photos. TravelAge West wants to share those memories along with you. Send us a few of your favorite shots by Dec. 3 for our second annual Reader Photo Contest. Winning photos will receive a cash prize and be featured in an upcoming issue of TAW. For complete contest rules, visit TravelAgeWest.com/PhotoContest.
