Classic Vacations’ E3 provides coaching and mentorship for visionary travel advisors on how to cultivate their personal brands and establish themselves as experts in an industry of successful entrepreneurs.
SAN JOSE, CA – Classic Vacations, the luxury travel company, recently conducted its E3 (Elite, Education, Experience) event in Maui, Hawaii, held September 29 to October 3. This interactive four-day event is designed for ambitious travel advisors new to Classic and luxury travel, equipping them with the expertise to establish themselves and deepen their knowledge of the company and its partners. With responsible tourism being a core value for Classic Vacations, this year’s event featured an exclusive sustainability training program from The Global Sustainable Tourism Council, marking a first for E3.
Thirty-nine new-to-industry travel advisors were carefully selected through an application process that analyzes sales, engagement, and alignment with Classic’s long-term goals of helping travel advisors create exceptional itineraries for travelers. They acquired skills surrounding how to stand out within their community as they participated in workshops and lectures led by Classic leadership and keynote speakers.
Jennifer Jacob, COO and co-founder of Tique held an interactive training about mastering sales while Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown, founder of Real Talk with Marsha-Ann, spoke to advisors about “activating” their success. Additional workshops and panel topics presented by the Classic Vacations team included “As a Classic Vacations STAR Performer, What I Wish I Knew Then,” sharing Classic advisor success stories, “Optimizing Social Media for Your Travel Business,” encouraging smart tactics for creating an engaging social media presence, and “Creating Successful Supplier Relationships,” exemplifying how new advisors can build and maintain beneficial supplier connections.
Travel advisors engaged directly with several of Classic’s hotel suppliers, giving them the opportunity to learn more about Classic’s extensive portfolio of partners while forging valuable relationships that will benefit their careers for years to come.
“E3 was a life changing experience for me, both personally and professionally,” said Heather B., an E3 attendee. “Several times I thought to myself, there really should be a fourth ‘E’ added as I left feeling empowered and ready to move forward in the industry. I was especially thankful for time with the vendors and having those direct points of contact.”
A leader in luxury travel, Classic Vacations is dedicated to ensuring that high-end travel experiences are also environmentally responsible. Classic Vacations, in partnership with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and the California State University Monterey Bay’s Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management program, led by Executive Director Dr. Paige Viren, PhD, presented the training.
30% of E3 attendees opted to participate in the GSTC training over the course of three days as a bonus course to E3 programming. Following E3, Classic, with 75 suppliers throughout the islands, offered each partner one spot to attend another GSTC training session at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa from October 3 – 5. Classic Vacations and Dr. Paige Viren covered all expenses of the training for parties, giving travel advisors and suppliers the opportunity to become certified, at no cost.
The training course establishes global sustainability standards for the travel industry, enabling certified individuals to stand out and guide their businesses toward eco-friendly practices. Following GSTC guidelines helps companies comply with sustainability regulations while actively protecting natural resources, supporting local communities, and preserving cultural heritage.
“Classic remains dedicated to making a positive impact in every community we serve,” said Melissa Krueger, CEO of Classic Vacations. “Responsible tourism requires continual education and a commitment to harmonize environmental, cultural, and economic values. We are honored to provide this training as part of our partnership and commitment to sustainable travel.”
Krueger is a fierce advocate for climate action, serving on the board of directors of the U.S. Tour Operators Association, and was recently appointed to the board of the California Hotel & Lodging Association Hospitality Foundation. She regularly supports the non-profit organization, Tourism Cares, and guest lectures for The California State University Monterey Bay’s Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management program. The curriculum equips students with practical skills and insights to thrive in the hospitality and tourism sectors, emphasizing sustainability and addressing local, regional, and global challenges. This year, she was an invitee to the first “Innovate for Tomorrow; Climate Action Summit” presented by the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Further exemplifying their commitment to sustainability in the industry, Classic Vacations recently made a significant donation to the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Education Foundation, helping to provide educational scholarships to the next generation of Caribbean nationals.
Hosting E3 2024 and the GSTC training in Maui honors Classic Vacations’ long-standing dedication to Hawaii since its founding there in 1978. E3 underscores Classic’s belief that travel can serve as a force for good when we prioritize respect for the environment, community, and culture.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
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