From Independent Travel Advisor to Cruise Planners Franchisee: A Success Story
Highlighting Journey of Independent Travel Advisor Turned Franchisee
Contributed by: Cruise Planners
September 2024 — Cruise Planners, the leading travel agency franchise network, is excited to announce the release of a new podcast episode that highlights the transformative journey of Chandra, an independent travel advisor who made the bold decision to become a Cruise Planners franchisee. Recorded aboard the luxurious Celebrity Ascent, this episode captures the essence of Chandra’s career evolution and her insights into the advantages of joining a host agency or franchise network like Cruise Planners.
The episode, titled “From Independent Travel Advisor to Cruise Planners Franchisee,” delves into Chandra’s personal experience as she reflects on her early career, where she initially decided to operate as an independent agent. Despite her background in management at Fortune 500 companies, Chandra admits that going it alone was a “big, big mistake.” She reflects on the challenges of having the lowest commission levels, minimal support, and the high cost of managing her business without the backing of a host or franchise.
Chandra eventually joined Cruise Planners and now runs a thriving business as a franchisee, while also serving as an ASTA Chapter President. Her role as a leader has given her insight into the industry, allowing her to see how agents from other organizations struggle with the tools and support they lack. Chandra praises Cruise Planners’ proprietary tools like CPMAXX, which provide her with deep insights into her business and clients. “Second to none!” she says, noting that other advisors rely on spreadsheets and reports, while she benefits from a powerful system that offers a competitive edge.
