Kenneth Shapiro
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As I write this I’m returning from Crystal Cruise’s 18th Annual Sales Achievement Awards Gala onboard the Crystal Serenity with top agents and company executives. At the gala, I heard a lot about Crystal’s plans, and will be sharing these in a future issue.
Given the line’s achievements, there was much discussion on the ship about the trappings of success — becoming complacent, taking your customers for granted, forgetting what it was that led to being number one in the first place. Certainly, one of the reasons for Crystal’s growth is its leadership role in the industry, whether it’s creating unique itineraries, developing one-of-a-kind shore experiences or constantly improving shipboard amenities.
In the same spirit as Crystal’s continuing innovation, here at TravelAge West we’re always looking to improve as well, and I’m proud to announce two changes that coincide with this issue’s cover story, "The Business of Being Green"
Beginning with this issue, the magazine will now be printed on recycled paper. This move has been in the works for some time, and it came about because of our firm belief that we all have a responsibility to consider the resources we consume, as well as the waste we produce, and find a way to bring this into balance.
Along these lines, we have also decided to offer our subscribers the option of receiving a digital subscription instead of printed copies. New and existing subscribers can now choose to receive the exact same content sent to them in a digital format, which will of course greatly reduce our paper consumption, as well as the greenhouse gases that come as a result of transporting and delivering printed copies. To switch over to a digital subscription, visit www.getfreemag.com/taw and choose "Renew/Change Address for a Free Subscription." (Of course, the majority of each issue’s articles — as well as Web exclusive content — can still be found online at TravelAgeWest.com.)
This digital edition may not be for every reader, but based on a survey of readers we conducted for this issue’s cover story, we are clearly not alone in our desire to make our businesses greener. According to the survey, 79 percent of agents said green initiatives were important to them personally, so I’m confident these changes are in keeping with readers’ desires.
