Avis launches 2009 Travel Agent Scholarship
SYDNEY – Avis has launched the 13th Travel Agent Scholarship of Excellence, valued at more than $30,000.
Avis travel industry manager Russell Butler said that given the current economic climate it was never more important for travel agents to use superior customer service to attract and retain clients.
“Travel budgets are coming under pressure and cheap deals are increasingly luring consumers online, but travel agents who offer the highest levels of customer service will continue to be rewarded by client loyalty,†Butler said.
“The 2009 scholarship will recognise Australia’s best consultants and provide all finalists with the opportunity to further improve their skills and advance their careers.â€
This year’s winner will benefit from professional business coaching, receive free cruise training modules and mix with senior Australian industry executives while holding an honorary position on the Avis Travel Agents Advisory Board.
The total 2009 scholarship package includes:
Two Qantas business class return tickets to New York and six nights’ luxury hotel accommodation.
Seven days’ car rental from Avis.
American Express foreign exchange products valued at $1,000.
Four ICCA cruise training modules.
A personal online behavioural profile and three consultation sessions with a Polonious Resourcesbusiness coach.
A one year honorary position on the Avis Travel Agents Advisory Board
A tour of Avis’ World Headquarters in New York and site visits to US agencies.
Avis has simplified the registration process this year to make it easier than ever for travel agents to take part.
After registering online at www.avisscholarship.com, agents receive an application pack which must be returned by July 27.
For the first time this year candidates can send in their
submission electronically, eliminating the need for printing and binding.
Avis is once again offering an incentive programme to encourage early registration. Every working day between by May 19 and June 5 one registered agent will receive a $50 shopping voucher.
Finalists, chosen by the quality of their submissions, will be flown to Sydney on October 13to personally present to members of the Avis Travel Agents Advisory Board. And the 2009 winner will be announced that evening at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.
All finalists will stay the night at the five-star hotel and take home an Avis weekend car hire and a $50 American Express Foreign Exchange voucher.
In addition,finalists will receive a personal online behavioural profile and consultation session with a Polonious Resources business coach.
Key dates for 2009
Registration opens -19 May
Deadline for submissions-27 July
Finalists announced -15 September
Winner announced -13 October
Tips from judges on how applicants can maximise their chances of becoming a finalist are available on the Avis Scholarship website(www.avisscholarship.com)
Ian Jarrett
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