July 22 Group Leader Informational Event Is Open to the Public

Fort Myers, FL (July 1, 2014)—All Aboard Travel, Southwest Florida’s premier cruise and tour package agency, has announced it is now recruiting “group leaders” for future cruise vacations and land tours. Interested individuals are invited to an educational session at Perkins Restaurant & Bakery at 12300 S. Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers, on Tuesday, July 22, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. Two of All Aboard Travel’s Group Specialists will conduct an informal workshop to explain the duties of a cruise group leader and how organizations – such as senior communities, churches, volunteer organizations, youth and sports groups, and clubs built around certain shared affinities and interests – can benefit from traveling together. Attendees will also learn the many ways in which All Aboard Travel makes travel planning easy for groups.

“Group leaders play a crucial role in the ultimate success of a vacation among a group of individuals with a similar hobby or interest. The group leader works hand-in-hand with one of our designated All Aboard Travel travel agents to determine the cruise ship and itinerary or tour best suited for the specific needs of the group. They can also serve as a significant promoter of the cruise group within their community,” stated Jody Ryland, Vice President, All Aboard Travel. “Group leaders are typically outgoing individuals who enjoy social activities and networking, and this is a fantastic way for a member of nearly any group to get involved and promote greater interaction within organizations of all sizes.”

During the Group Leader Informational Event on July 22, participants will learn about the benefits of being a cruise or tour group leader and about the advantages of traveling with a group. For example, depending on the number of people traveling together, the group may earn a lower price on the trip that can be shared with members. Plus, the group or organization can earn points from a cruise line to host an exclusive cocktail party or receive amenities based on the number of individuals joining the group. Additionally, group leaders can earn a stipend from All Aboard Travel based on the group size and the length of the vacation.

Ryland added that group leaders are often surprised by how many details are handled directly by All Aboard Travel on behalf of the group.

• An All Aboard Travel staff member makes a presentation to the group outlining the full trip, providing a range of pricing based on group size, showing travel photos of the destinations and cruise ports, as well as providing their expertise on the cruise ship and itinerary.
• All Aboard Travel creates promotional materials for each group highlighting the specific cruise or tour, ports of call and array of shore excursion options.
• All Aboard Travel is responsible for handling all details for booking the trip and answering any questions before, during and after the vacation.
• All Aboard Travel conducts a group meeting prior to the departure date. During this session, travel documents are distributed and a “question and answer” session is held to address any lingering questions participants may have.

“While the group leader’s role is to serve as a liaison, that individual also experiences plenty of free time to enjoy their vacation,” said Ryland. “Ultimately, there are many advantages for people to travel together – namely, group travel is a tremendous way for organizations to build camaraderie and strengthen the community. Traveling as a group is fun, and when you are aboard a cruise ship or exploring a new destination, away from the stress of daily life, you are able to experience a positive side of your neighbors and colleagues that you otherwise might not get to know.”

To reserve a space at the upcoming group leader informational event, call Mary Stephan, All Aboard Travel Group Specialist, at 800-741-1770, extension 7825. The event is free but space is limited. For more information about traveling as a group, contact All Aboard Travel at 866-329-8944 or contact@allaboardtravel.com. Or, the agency can be visited in person at 12530 World Plaza Lane #1 in Fort Myers.

###

All Aboard Travel is a premier cruise and tour package agency dedicated to providing clients with the best value when cruising to destinations all over the world. All Aboard Travel offers exclusive valued cruise packages that typically include reduced airfare with pre- and post- land programs that may consist of hotels, tours and ground transportation. All Aboard Travel has been in business for more than 20 years and is based in Fort Myers, Florida. It is part of Travel Leaders Group, which is the largest traditional travel agency company in North America with approximately $20 billion in annual sales volume through over 6,000 locations.