LITTLETON, Colorado – June 9, 2008 – On June 12, Avalon Waterways will begin a new, four-part Webinar training series for travel agents, providing them the opportunity to become experts in river and small ship cruising.

Through this first-ever online program, agents can take part in a Q & A session with Avalon Waterways’ Managing Director Patrick Clark; get tips from industry experts on selling and marketing river cruises to groups; receive insight into the benefits of small ship cruising as well as the products/cruises available with Avalon Waterways and take a virtual tour of the company’s newest, most luxurious ship, the Avalon Scenery.

“River cruising continues to be the fastest-growing trend in travel,” said Clark.  “Through this exclusive online training, Avalon Waterways – a leader in small ship cruising, and part of the Globus family of brands – is providing agents the tools they need to grow cruise sales and become experts in this burgeoning category.”

Agents who complete the four-part Webinar series will receive two Continuing Education Units from The Travel Institute, a certificate of completion and have the opportunity to win a free cruise getaway.  In addition, they will be eligible for familiarity trips (FAMs).  

“Our Avalon Waterways sales are up 20 percent since 2007,” said Clark.  “We’re encouraging agents to take advantage of this opportunity and become a part of the success story of this increasingly popular travel style.”  Interested agents can get more information by visiting www.globusfamilyofbrands.camp7.org or calling 1.866.270.9850.

ABOUT AVALON WATERWAYS
Chosen by Travel + Leisure magazine as a Top 10 Small Ship Cruise Line in 2007, Avalon Waterways is the world’s fastest-growing small ship cruise company.  Making waves in small ship and river cruising by offering travelers the newest, most luxurious ships in Europe, China, Egypt and the Galápagos, Avalon Waterways’ ships feature state-of-the-art design and technology and house the largest staterooms, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic sliding glass doors.  The Avalon Waterways team cares about the little things that make a big difference in enhancing a journey abroad, including local wine with all on-board dinners and the best land programs available.  Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of brands, an award-wining travel industry leader with 80 years of international travel expertise.

Travel agents can request Avalon Waterways brochures by calling toll free 1.800.221.0090 or visiting www.globusfamilypartner.com.