Cuddle Up With DWHSA’s 2015 Romance Travel Wish Book

In October, the Destination Wedding Honeymoon Specialists Association (DWHSA) is unveiling the 2015 Romance Travel Wish book, a digital publication that hones in on trends and packages in the destination weddings, honeymoons and romantic getaways markets.

John Hawks, DWHSA administrator, said the association hopes to have, at minimum, 1,000 U.S. and Canadian agents register for the book. The goal, he said, is to have the book reach 1 million North American travelers. “We did a survey a couple of months ago asking agents how many current email addresses they have for clients,” he said. “On average they answered about 1,450.”

In an effort to expand the romance market, Hawks said DWHSA is asking agents to send the book to every client, since the romance market incorporates – in addition to honeymoons and weddings – such elements as babymoons, familymoons and vow renewals.

The books, which are being published in conjunction with DWHSA’s technology partner, TheHoneymoon.com, will mirror that company’s digital Honeymoon Magazine, with articles and images featuring such romantic venues as cruises, Mexico and the Caribbean, Florida, Hawaii and Las Vegas.

For all intents and purposes, the books appear as though they were created specifically for the individual travel agent who will distribute it. “It’s a great tool for agents to hand out at bridal shows and other consumer shows,” said Lisa Sheldon, executive director of DWHSA and owner of I Do Island Weddings in Janesville, Wis.

Sheldon noted that one target for the book is baby boomer clients. “They’re all at that age where they’re either retiring or they’re empty nesters,” she said, adding that the group is perfect for targeting vow renewal and multi-generational vacations.

Agents do not have to be members of DWHSA to be included in the wish book promotion.

Click here to register for the 2015 Wish Book program.