LAGUNA HILLS – Orange County’s Expedia CruiseShipCenter was recognized this month as the top new location in the United States.
The Laguna Hills center, the first in Southern California, generated more than $1.2 million in bookings in its first 10 months of operation.
“We offer Expedia value plus concierge service,” said Chris Meyer, the partner who manages the Orange County operation. “We have found a steady flow of customers who are happy to find experts to help them navigate the complex world of travel to find the very best experience for them.”
Expedia Inc., the largest online travel company in the world, has partnered with Expedia CruiseShipCenters to provide travelers a one-stop-shop for cruises and vacations. Awards were given as part of the firm’s annual national conference.
Two local travel consultants also were recognized in the firm’s Presidents Circle awards. Jane Shobe, of Laguna Hills, won the gold award for exceeding $350,000 in bookings. Ann Ronan took silver for exceeding $150,000.
“Those numbers represent satisfied customers who say things like ‘best family vacation ever’ and ‘I never knew there was such beauty in the world,’” Meyer said. “I love it when they bring in a photo from their trip and start recounting the highlights. Our bulletin board mosaic includes pictures of senior citizens on a zip line in Costa Rica, a family in Rome’s Coliseum and a newly engaged couple in front of the Eiffel tower.
“Some already have booked their next trip.”
The center, which opened in January, has “seen unprecedented growth during their first year in business, exceeding $750,000 target by more than 70%.” said Matthew Eichhorst, president of Expedia CruiseShipCenters. “This incredible accomplishment is a direct result of how dedicated Chris and his team of consultants are to providing exceptional value and service.”
Meyer said some visitors have been surprised to see a new travel center open, particularly under the name of the online giant Expedia. He explains the “call, click or come in” model.
“I liken it to the Apple Store,” Meyer said. “Like Apple, Expedia has a robust transactional web site. Still, I have seen Apple Stores full of people in Irvine, San Francisco, Tokyo and Munich. Why? Because technology is complex and clarification works best face to face.
“The Internet is a treasure trove of travel information, but an expert guide is often needed to uncover the diamonds. Like Apple Store staff, our consultants help simplify the complexities and find exactly the right product. We also hold regular educational events on topics such as river cruising and taking better vacation photos.”
The early success in the vibrant local market is leading Meyer to explore expansion in Orange County.
“Some people think travel agencies are a thing of the past,” Meyer said. “And many have disappeared in recent years. But a community travel center connected to the No. 1 name in travel is a 21st Century business that can help people take advantage of the myriad opportunities and see more of the world.”
More than 600 franchise partners, consultants and industry partnersFPC attended the week-long professional-development conference, which was held in the eastern Caribbean aboard the Ruby Princess cruise ship. It featured keynotes from travel industry leaders, workshops on best practices and networking.
The Laguna Hills center is at 24321 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite H-3 (between Trader Joe’s and Woody’s Diner). Phone: (949) 201-4246. www.cruiseshipcenters.com/saddlebackvalley. Meyer’s blog is octravelblog.com.
ABOUT EXPEDIA CRUISESHIPCENTERS
Expedia, Inc., the largest online travel company in the world, has partnered with Expedia CruiseShipCenters to provide travelers a one-stop-shop for cruises and vacations. Expedia CruiseShipCenters was founded in 1987 and offers the best value in the industry with 3,800 travel consultants in more than 160 franchise locations throughout North America. Recently named a fast-growing franchise by MSN Money,the company offers flexible, rewarding business opportunities for travel consultants and franchise owners with a passion for travel. For more information on joining the Expedia CruiseShipCenters team, visit: www.joinecsc.com/ saddlebackvalley or www.expediafranchise.com.