Carlson Wagonlit Travel Group Travel

Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Group Travel
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Group Organizer Travel opportunities
All you have to do is organize a group as few as 16 people including yourself
and you may be able to travel on a complimentary basis as the tour host. Your
group members receive great value and benefit from attractive group pricing. Alternatively you can earn a finder’s fee or a generous saving for everyone in your
group. (Note that taxes, airfare and personal on board costs for shore excursions, drinks, etc. are at your own expense). If you are working with a charity, a
portion of the earned credit can be donated to a predetermined recipient.
Group Affiliations & Tour Themes
Groups generally fall into three categories. The tour theme will be decided
based on the type of group you have assembled. Here are a few examples:
Familiar People
Associations
Common Interest
Family
Alumni Groups
Literary
Bridge
Friends
Volunteer Groups
Culinary
Charity
Co-workers
Sports Groups Adventure
Dance
Reunions
Church Groups
Wildlife
Arts
Type of Travel
Land Tours
We offer a unique selection of tours to exotic destinations around the world
covering Europe, Central and South America, Asia, India, Africa and the South
Pacific. Our carefully crafted itineraries can be further enhanced to suit the
particulars of your group. A selection of our existing hosted tours can be found
on our website www.cwtgroups.ca. Land tours can be customized to a particular
theme or special interest such as culinary, history, nature, dancing, bridge, art,
music, etc.
river & ocean Cruises
Our excellent relationships with our preferred supplier partners such as Cunard
Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America, Royal Caribbean,
Oceania Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Silversea, Seabourn and other specialty
lines will allow you to select from a wide variety of cruise itineraries from around
the world. Your group will share the benefits of significant savings with our
special group pricing, generous onboard amenities as well as exclusive welcome
cocktail parties.
Destination: Your selection of a destination will be made in consultation with
our expert group consultants. Your ideas and suggestions will be very valuable
as you know the needs of your group best. Together we will ensure all the
participants needs are met. Some of our very successful group destinations
which cater to a broad range of group needs are: Eastern and Western Europe,
Southeast Asia, China, Africa, and beyond. For cruises the most popular
destinations are; Caribbean, Panama Canal, Alaska and the Mediterranean,
but there are many other interesting itineraries available such as South America
and the South Pacific. In recent years River Cruises have become extremely
popular. Viking River Cruises, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and other lines
offer interesting itineraries in Europe, China, Vietnam, Egypt and Russia.
10
Steps
to A Successful Group
1
Typically the planning of a group starts a year or more in advance of the travel
date. If you have a group of potential travellers and possible destinations in
mind, contact your Carlson Wagonlit Travel group sales specialist.
2
A meeting is set up to meet with our group specialist to determine the critical
elements of the group. By the end of this meeting, travel dates, destination,
group size, level of accommodation, and budget have all been set.
3
We then arrange flights, confirm hotels, plan group transportation, inquire
about visa and health requirements and book sightseeing tours. We ensure
all details are looked after on your behalf.
4
We create and send you a package with all the information you will need to
promote the group. We can set up our group website for your prospective
group members to access.
5
You contact your group members and provide them with all the relevant
information about your group. If you need assistance we can help prepare
a direct mail piece with details of your trip to mail to your target audience.
6
We consult with you to set up a booking process that would suit your group
(phone, email, etc.) Our CWT group coordinator will accept payments and
make bookings for group members. We will keep you updated on bookings
made within your group.
7
We finalize and prepare all travel documents including airline tickets, predeparture information, detailed itineraries, and hotel contact list for every
member of your group.
8
We assist you to arrange where possible, a pre-departure “get to know
each other” meeting and answer any questions group members may have.
Carlson Wagonlit Travel group staff will be available to assist you.
9
Bon Voyage! You leave with the group. Keep in mind a group member may
look to you for assistance if they have difficulties. To help you resolve any
issues, Carlson Wagonlit Travel will prepare a detailed outline on all aspects
pertaining to the group’s travel. As well we can provide detailed hosting tips,
compiled from previous hosts’ experiences and group surveys.
10 While on tour you may
find people asking about
future trips. Once you
return, Carlson Wagonlit
Travel can assist you to
prepare a survey for the
group to evaluate the past
trip, and give suggestions
for destinations that may be
of interest in the future.
PROMOTING YOUR GROUP TOUR
When you are ready we can help.
Carlson Wagonlit Travel will provide you with promotional tools designed to get your
group excited about travelling on the trip. After consultation with you, we will tailor
the tools to what best suits your group. You should consider the following possible
promotional opportunities:
•
Customized brochure/flyer created specifically for your group for you
to distribute.
•
Professional email template to electronically send to your mailing list.
•
Customized web page on our website for your group which will allow a
one stop resource for all the important information about the tour. This
is a convenient tool for participants and less work for you.
•
Press releases to your local community paper, notices on bulletin boards
around your community, personal letters of invitation from you, a casual get
together with a presentation on the destination and word-of-mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a group leader?
If you enjoy travel and have the ability to organize a group of family, friends, or
others to travel together, then contact us. It is all very simple and we will guide
you every step of the way.
Will I have help organizing the tour?
We will help you pick a destination; plan the itineraries, select the accommodation
and activities to suit your particular group. We will manage all reservations, payments
and documentation.
Do I need to have travelled previously to the chosen
destination to be a group leader?
Previous travel experience to the destination is not a requirement but is a valuable
asset. Pre-reading or study on the destination is highly recommended, as your group
will appreciate it if you have some knowledge of the tour or cruise areas visited.
Knowledge or familiarity of the local language is also an asset.
How will my group members book the tour?
Your group will be assigned a group tour reference name/date. When your
members contact us to book by phone (toll free), email, or on-line, their booking
will be directed to the assigned group co-ordinator at Carlson Wagonlit Travel.
Will there be other travellers from outside my group
on the tour?
You have a choice of having your group as an “open” group or as a “closed” group.
As an “open” group, we may also promote and market your group departure. As a
“closed” group only you and your select members will be traveling together.
Is my trip really free? Are there any hidden charges?
If you organize a group of as few as 16 people including yourself, you may be able to
travel on a complimentary basis as the tour host. Any additional charges that apply,
will be fully disclosed and reviewed during consultation with our group specialists.
CWT will provide you with a written outline of all applicable terms & conditions.
Will my group fly together?
We will make every effort to schedule your group to travel on the same flights
from your home city. However, air routing is subject to availability and subject
to change by the airlines and based on the gateway the participant wishes to
travel from.
Can I lead more than one group?
There are no restrictions on how many groups
you can lead. Based on your time commitment
and your desire and passion to see the world,
you can lead as many as you wish. In fact some
group leaders travel to different regions of
the world each year. The more you travel and
know about the destinations, the easier it is to
promote your group departures.
For further information contact your nearest
Carlson Wagonlit Travel location: