|
Group travels for those who help travelers in their travels
By LYNN YORK
| Article published on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2006 |
|
 |
CLEARWATER – On a balmy late July evening, a crowd of well-seasoned travelers checked into the historical Belleview Biltmore Resort, but they weren’t there for a night of rest and relaxation.
Instead, these adventurous visitors, who literally came by bus, boat and car, were about to embark on an interactive event packed with educational fun and professional networking.
The Suncoast Travel Industry Association formed back in 1975 as a way for local travel agents to stay abreast of the latest travel information. Since then, its members expanded into a network covering Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Citrus and Hernando counties with more than 120 members consisting of airline sales reps, agency owners and tour operators, to name a few.
For those who promote travel, the association is “still the only Florida venue for education,” according to Malcolm Weathers, the group’s current president and sales manager for the Florida Aquarium.
Suncoast’s objective is to provide workshops and seminars where agents get the chance to meet with cruise lines, hotels and other travel supplier representatives, as well as receive and share advice.
“In this click and buy era, I think it is much better to book travel with someone who understands what you want out of your travel experience … and to have an agent who is knowledgeable,” said Linda Graurer, board member, accredited cruise counselor and co-owner of Four Seasons Tours And Cruises in Largo.
Meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at various locations in the Tampa Bay area. The July get-together was arranged through mutual friends, Jean Rice, general sales agent for Maestro Vacations, and Martin Mehnert, Belleview Biltmore’s director of revenue management and corporate preferred membership services.
About 100 people attended this particular gathering, which included an informal cocktail reception, personal hotel tours and a brief speech from Weathers.
Then it was time for the fun – a project creating getaway packages built around the Belleview Biltmore. As agents and their client guests brainstormed for ideas, Mehnert and his staff answered questions regarding the resort’s amenities and its future. There were concerns because of ongoing stories about the hotel’s proposed redevelopment so much of Mehnert’s time was spent simultaneously reassuring and promoting.
After completing the assignment, the meeting closed with a first-class dinner buffet and prize giveaway, and when the good-byes were said and done, everyone left armed with new information and looking forward to the next function.
With programs like last month’s, the Suncoast Travel Industry Association offers something that many of their regional peers do not have, the chance to increase industry knowledge and expertise, and form new and oftentimes lasting contacts. Quite a few members have been involved for numerous years, like Weathers (since its inception, 31 years), Graurer (15 years) and Diane Curchy of Creative Travel Marketing and Elaine Post with Insight Vacations (13 years each).
Additionally, the organization annually recognizes excellence in the industry and bestows one member with the “Travel Industry Person of the Year” award, which includes a trophy and lifetime membership. Applications for membership are currently being accepted. Visit www.stiagroup.com.
|
Article published on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2006
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
