Fort Wayne & Indianapolis - Area Business Travelers Save Money When Using Travel Professionals,  According to Annual Study

Respected Independent Study by Topaz International, Ltd. Points to Cost Benefits of Using Corporate Travel Agencies Such as Indianapolis or Fort Wayne Travel Leaders.

Fort Wayne, IN (5/27/2009) — For the eighth consecutive year, research confirms that business travelers in the United States consistently save on airfare when using a traditional travel professional – such as Travel Leaders – over the Internet. The study by Topaz International, an independent airfare auditing firm, was released on May 1, 2009.  The most recent figures reveal that travel agencies provide their business travel clients an equal or lower fare 91.56% of the time and save them an average of $61 per airline booking.

“The results of this well-respected study, again, verify that booking business travel via a dedicated travel agency is more cost-efficient than booking via popular online services, as well as directly through the airlines’ own Web sites,” said Ann Waters, President of Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Warsaw and Marion Travel Leaders locations. 

In addition, Bradley Seitz, president and CEO of Topaz International, stated in a news release issued May 1, 2009, that “the challenge of travel management professionals during difficult economic times is to ensure their travelers are spending precious resources wisely, and airfare is one of the highest expenditures in many corporations.”

“Travel Leaders agencies are experts in managing business and leisure travel and we encourage local businesses in Central & Northeast Indiana to consider how our agency can help them, and their employees, reap the proven benefits of the services agencies like ours provide,” said Waters.

When your journey includes us, you travel better. Let your journey begin by visiting the experienced travel experts at one of the Travel Leaders locations in Fort Wayne at Village at Coventry or Dupont Village, Indianapolis, Marion or Warsaw. Call 800-346-9807 or visit us online at www.ctsvacation.com

Conference & Travel is pleased to announce that Tambra Brenner has accepted a position as Vacation Consultant in the Conference & Travel office in Carmel, Indiana.  Tambra has been planning vacations in the Carmel and Indianapolis area for more than 28 years. 

Fort Wayne and Warsaw area Travel Experts
Among First in Nation to Complete Certified Travel Specialist Program
Certification Provides Peace-of-Mind to Travelers Looking for Unmatched, Exceptional Level of Local Expertise and Knowledge

Fort Wayne/Warsaw, Indiana August 1, 2007 – Kassie Coy of Warsaw and Jeff Krudop of Fort Wayne, travel experts at Conference & Travel, have successfully achieved certification through one of the travel industry’s most rigorous new programs to become a Certified Travel Specialist, it was announced today. By completing the process, Jeff & Kassie are among the first travel agents in the United States to attain this new level of professionalism, which will serve area travelers expecting a higher degree of expertise and knowledge when planning trips.

“We are proud that this new professional designation will provide each of our valued customers with enhanced peace-of-mind. They not only expect and deserve to work with someone who thoroughly understands the nuances of the travel industry and specific destinations, but they’re entrusting us to deliver an exceptional travel experience unique to their specific needs. Coupled with Krudop’s 16 years and Coy’s seven years in the travel industry, this certification underscores the extensive knowledge gained that local travelers can tap into.”

In order to earn the new Certified Travel Specialist designation, Jeff Krudop and Kassie Coy had to complete five modules, including:

• Cruise Sales – Kassie Coy received an ACC accreditation and Jeff Krudop received the MCC accreditation.
• Destination Knowledge – Received accreditation from The American Society of Travel Agents.
• Lifestyle Knowledge – Received accreditation for two lifestyle specialist programs, including from The American Society of Travel Agents.
• Travel Supplier Knowledge – Completed minimum of eight travel supplier training sessions.

All totaled, Jeff Krudop & Kassie Coy each earned a minimum of 195 credits necessary to achieve their Certified Travel Specialist designation.
 

The latest buzz on travel agents may have started in March 2007, when USA Today published an article entitled, “Travel agents can make booking a cruise easier, cheaper.” “Since this spring, I’ve heard of at least five major articles heralding the return of travel agents, including stories in USA Today, SmartMoney, The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Miami Herald,” said Ann Waters, President of Conference & Travel. “While I’m thrilled that these news organizations are pointing out all of our positives, it’s gratifying for me to know that we’ve been doing this for travelers all along.”
For example, the SmartMoney article outlined how customer displeasure with online booking sites is starting to show: “And while travel web sites point to their service alerts and 24-hour hotlines, traditional agents often have the upper hand when it comes to dealing with the mounting travel hassles.” (SmartMoney, May 17, 2007)

“We realize there may be some people who think spending hours online searching for tickets is time well spent,” said Waters. “And while I would certainly encourage people to research any trip thoroughly, whether online, through printed travel publications or with a travel agent, here are three things travelers should keep in mind:

• The Value of a Travel Agent: Travel consultants provide value, expertise, convenience and personalized service to their customers.
• The Travel Agent Difference: Travel planning isn’t between places…it’s between people. The travel industry is a relationship business. Travel agents are the invaluable link between travelers and their destinations.
• Customer Advocacy: Travel agents are there for their customers, before, during and after a trip and when the unexpected happens.
• Travel counselors are advocates for the traveler and they support consumer travel issues.

When your journey from a dream to a great story includes us, you travel better.
 

Locally Owned Businesses Team Up to Develop a One of a Kind Adventure.

Fort Wayne, IN January 3, 2007 –  Conference & Travel and gourmet restaurant Joseph Decuis’ have combined resources to offer local gourmands a one of a kind culinary adventure in Paris this April 17th through the 23rd. Conference & Travel’s Leisure Manager, Linda Jenkins, President Ann Waters, and Joseph Decuis’, Alice Eshelman sourced the best in local cooking, dining and shopping venues to put together a charming and exclusive week in Paris. “We are pleased to take our years of travel experience and combine it with Alice’s restaurant savvy and interest to design a week-long excursion that only we can offer. We have personally met with the owners and have experienced for ourselves each venue on our itinerary. Combining this first-hand knowledge with an exclusive local guide during our week-long stay makes this one trip food and wine lovers of Northeast Indiana will not want to miss.” says Ann Waters of Conference & Travel.

For further information contact Linda Jenkins of Conference & Travel at 260-434-6690 or Alice Esheleman of Joseph Decuis’ at 260-672-1715. April in Paris can only be booked locally through these two businesses and space is limited and filling up fast.

Family owned and operated, Conference & Travel has been serving the travel needs of Northeast and Central Indiana since 1983. With offices in Fort Wayne, Warsaw, Marion and Indianapolis we specialize in personal vacation travel as well as business travel. For further information contact Linda Jenkins at 260-434-6690.
 

Conference & Travel Counsels Travelers to Apply Now for Passports if Plans Include International Air or Sea Travel in 2007

Fort Wayne, IN 14Aug2006 –Fort Wayne area residents who plan to travel internationally by air or sea during 2007 are being advised by Conference & Travel to apply now for a passport if they don’t already possess a valid one. That’s because on January 8th, 2007, all international air and sea travel (including cruises) will be subject to new United States laws requiring valid passports. Included on that list is air and sea travel to and from Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, Panama and the Caribbean. Conference & Travel is not only actively encouraging its customers to apply immediately, they are also assisting them with the application process. On Saturday August 19th from 10-2 Conference & Travel at 5701 Coventry Lane is opening it’s office up to the public who need to obtain a new passport, renew a passport or replace a lost passport. USPS staff will be on hand to process applications and take pictures on the spot. C&T will be offering discount coupons from Northwest World Vacations and Royal Caribbean as well as its own discount to travelers who come in that day for their passport needs.

“We’re concerned that the vast majority of the traveling public remains unaware of the imminent changes to immigration policies governing international air and cruise travel, even for something as basic as an Alaskan cruise sailing out of Vancouver,” noted Ann Waters, President for Conference & Travel. “If you’re even considering a trip to our friendly neighboring countries via air or cruise ship, you should apply now for your passport, especially since there will likely be a huge backlog of requests later in the year by those caught unaware. International travelers by air and sea will need the required documentation at the end of the year.”

On January 8, 2007, federal law will require all individuals, regardless of national origin, to possess valid passports if traveling internationally by air or sea, including to and from destinations where drivers’ licenses and birth certificates had previously been sufficient. Those destinations include Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, Panama and the Caribbean. Passports will be required for all forms of international travel, including over land, beginning on December 31, 2007.

For information on passport applications, visit the State Department’s Web site at www.travel.state.gov.

Conference & Travel has been in business for 23 years and has established itself as an area expert on vacations to Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line vacations.

Many travel consultants at Conference & Travel have received extensive training on Disney Destinations theme parks, resorts, cruises vacation packages and more, and can provide the utmost in professional assistance in planning customized Disney vacations. In fact, one reason the agency attained the "Authorized Disney Vacation Planner" status, is that at least 50 percent of the frontline leisure travel consultants are College of Disney Knowledge graduates. The College of Disney Knowledge is an in-depth comprehensive correspondence course that allows agents to develop their expertise regarding the Disney Destinations - knowledge, that consumers can take advantage of when planning a Disney vacation.