Cruise Planners Makes it Official with Signature Travel Network

Cruise Planners announced they will join the Signature Travel Network effective September 29, 2022

 

Written By: Thuy Phan, PR & Corporate Communications Manager – Cruise Planners

 

Cruise Planners joins Signature Travel Network as part of a strategic move designed to strengthen its support for travel advisors through enhanced technology, marketing, supplier relationships, and training resources. The partnership reflects a shared vision for long-term growth within the travel industry. After a lengthy and careful research process, Cruise Planners announced they will join the Signature Travel Network effective September 29, 2022. Cruise Planners previously was affiliated with American Express’s Travel Representative program for 18 years, which was set to end in December 2022. With over six-decades in the travel industry, Signature continues to attract the travel industry’s most successful and prominent retailers. The decision to join Signature came down to shared values that Cruise Planners believes will enhance the travel experience for clients of their 2500-strong home-based travel agent franchise network. The move adds a large seller to Signature — Cruise Planners is No. 18 on Travel Weekly’s 2022 Power List — and gives the franchisor a home where it will find support and additive technology, marketing and training.

 

Once news of the representative network’s demise made its way through the industry, the major consortia started reaching out, said Theresa Scalzitti, Cruise Planners’ chief sales officer. The franchisor set up introductory calls, asking for the “full menu” of each consortium’s offerings.

 

Along the way, Cruise Planners did ask itself the question of whether it even needed to join a consortium, because it already offers its members what they need to sell travel.

 

“But the more digging we did, and the more conversations we had with some of the top suppliers in the industry, it really kind of boiled down to, why not?” Scalzitti said.

“This is welcome news and we feel strongly that this is the right direction for our company,” said Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners. “Signature’s programs are impressive and we felt the essence of the pillars we hold ourselves to are reflected in their company as well. There are many complementary programs that Signature offers that will elevate the Cruise Planners brand and give advisors an extra edge to propel their business.”
Cruise Planners was impressed with all the consortia, she said, but in the end, it landed on Signature. Scalzitti said the two organizations gelled well, emphasizing three key areas: marketing, training and technology. Cruise Planners and Signature also had a heightened ability to integrate their systems, making the transition as seamless as possible.

Cruise Planners joins Signature Travel Network to leverage additional industry-leading resources while continuing to provide advisors with the innovative tools and support they rely on.

Signature also operates as a member-owned cooperative, and the ability to help guide the network by having a seat at the table was attractive, Scalzitti said.

The announcement that Cruise Planners joins Signature Travel Network reflects the company’s long-term commitment to delivering greater value and business opportunities for its travel advisor network.

While Cruise Planners stands on its own when it comes to technology, Signature focuses heavily on industry-leading technology, marketing and training programs that Cruise Planners will be able to leverage to augment their offerings.

Signature Travel Network unveiled a new branding and logo and tagline at its annual Owner’s Meeting at the JW Marriott Nashville, where Cruise Planners’ executive team is in attendance.

 

Cruise Planners joins Signature Travel Network in a move that marks a significant milestone for both organizations and reinforces their commitment to supporting travel advisors with industry-leading resources. By combining Cruise Planners’ established franchise network with Signature’s strengths in technology, marketing, training, and supplier relationships, advisors can benefit from enhanced tools and opportunities to grow their businesses. The partnership reflects a shared vision of delivering exceptional travel experiences while equipping travel professionals with the support needed to succeed in an evolving travel industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did Cruise Planners join Signature Travel Network?

Cruise Planners joined Signature Travel Network to provide its travel advisors with additional technology, marketing, training, and supplier resources while strengthening the overall client experience.

2. When did Cruise Planners become part of Signature Travel Network?

The partnership became effective on September 29, 2022.

3. What was Cruise Planners affiliated with before Signature?

Before joining Signature Travel Network, Cruise Planners was affiliated with the American Express Travel Representative Program for 18 years.

4. How will this partnership benefit Cruise Planners travel advisors?

Travel advisors gain access to enhanced marketing support, advanced technology solutions, comprehensive training programs, stronger supplier relationships, and exclusive member benefits.

5. Does Cruise Planners continue to use its own technology?

Yes. Cruise Planners continues to operate its own technology platform while leveraging Signature Travel Network’s additional technology and business resources.

6. Why was Signature Travel Network chosen over other consortia?

According to Cruise Planners leadership, Signature was selected because of its shared company values, strong focus on marketing, technology, training, and its member-owned cooperative model.

7. What is Signature Travel Network?

Signature Travel Network is a member-owned travel consortium that provides travel agencies and advisors with industry-leading technology, marketing programs, training, preferred supplier partnerships, and business development resources.

8. How does this partnership impact Cruise Planners clients?

Clients can benefit from enhanced travel planning resources, exclusive supplier offerings, improved advisor support, and access to a wider range of travel experiences backed by both Cruise Planners and Signature Travel Network.