Cruise Planners, the largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the United States, recently hosted its annual ‘CP World’ convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Over 900 franchise owners and travel advisors gathered for four days of insightful workshops, exciting announcements, and valuable networking opportunities, all culminating in a three-night inaugural sailing to the Bahamas aboard Princess Cruises’ brand-new ship, Sun Princess.
The event’s theme, ‘CP World: You’re a Star,’ served as a powerful reminder of the crucial role each Cruise Planners advisor plays in the company’s success. The theme celebrated the unique strengths of every advisor and highlighted the limitless possibilities within the world of travel planning.
Cruise Planners’ five core pillars – Marketing, Technology, Training, Support, and Community – were seamlessly integrated into the convention’s activities, showcasing the company’s commitment to providing franchise owners with the tools and strategies needed to excel in the competitive travel franchise industry.
One of the most significant announcements to emerge from the convention was the launch of ‘Ask Maxx,’ an industry-first AI personal assistant designed to revolutionize the way travel advisors work. This AI-powered tool empowers advisors to quickly access detailed information on destinations, suppliers, itineraries, and the various programs offered by Cruise Planners. ‘Ask Maxx’ dramatically reduces research time, allowing advisors to provide more efficient and faster service to their clients.
In addition to ‘Ask Maxx,’ Cruise Planners introduced over 20 new initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and productivity of its franchise owners and advisors. These initiatives included enhancements to the CP Maxx platform, designed to streamline operations and empower advisors with even more resources.
The convention also featured a range of interactive sessions, providing valuable learning and networking opportunities for attendees. A highlight was the Cruise Line Executive Panel, where senior sales executives from eight major cruise lines shared insights and perspectives on the industry. Educational breakout sessions, social media workshops with industry experts, and panels featuring top producers further enriched the experience, offering attendees practical advice and strategies for success.
Michelle Fee, Founder and CEO of Cruise Planners, expressed her enthusiasm for the event and the incredible community of travel advisors it brought together. “The theme, ‘CP World: You’re a Star,’ reflects our commitment to empowering every Cruise Planners advisor to shine in their own way,” said Fee. “Our north star is providing best-in-class marketing, technology, training, and support so our advisors can continue to thrive in this competitive industry. The introduction of more than 20 innovative initiatives demonstrates our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and helping our advisors reach new heights of success.”
Fee also emphasized that the new tools and initiatives, such as ‘Ask Maxx’ and the CP Maxx enhancements, represent just the beginning of Cruise Planners’ vision for the future. These innovations will enable advisors to work more efficiently, deliver exceptional service to their clients, and build thriving travel businesses.
Founded in 1994, Cruise Planners has grown into the largest home-based travel franchise network in the country, with over 2,500 franchise owners nationwide. The company has earned a reputation for its innovative marketing programs, cutting-edge booking technology, and comprehensive training. Cruise Planners has consistently been ranked as the top travel franchise by Entrepreneur magazine for 18 consecutive years. The company has also been recognized for its exceptional culture, earning a 99% franchise owner satisfaction rating from Franchise Business Review and being named as a top innovator in technology by Entrepreneur.
As part of its ongoing commitment to providing franchise owners with the tools they need to succeed, Cruise Planners has developed initiatives such as the CP Cares Initiative, which supports charitable causes like Blood Cancer Awareness Month, and the Endless Horizons Program, offering unlimited world cruising for life to franchise owners.
For those interested in learning more about Cruise Planners or exploring the opportunity to become a franchise owner, further details are available on the Cruise Planners website. With its blend of cutting-edge technology, hands-on training, and supportive community, Cruise Planners continues to set the bar high for success in the travel franchise industry.
