Specializing in Romance

Should you specialize in selling destination weddings, honeymoons, vow renewals and anniversaries? Many agents do – and find it incredibly lucrative.

But you obviously must know what you’re doing – you wouldn’t want to ruin the most important day in your client’s life. But there’s plenty of help out there if you want to learn more about destination weddings and romance travel.

One primary source of education on this market is the Destination Wedding Honeymoon Specialists Association (DWHSA). Turn to page 18 to read about the trade association, which represents more than 800 specialist agents and brings them together with the suppliers and destinations that serve them. Lisa Sheldon, the DWHSA executive director, offers plenty of advice to agents who want to specialize in romance travel.

On page 20, we look at a primary channel to reach brides and grooms – the bridal show. While some agents wouldn’t miss a bridal show opportunity, others find them a waste of time and money. So we asked several veterans of wedding shows for their advice on how to make the most of these events.

“Wedding shows are extremely worthwhile as long as you have an extensive, proactive follow-up plan,” said Tammy Shamblin-Renie of Red Parrot Travel in Longwood, Fla. “If you can get a telephone or in-office appointment at the show, 90 percent of the time that’s business in your hand.”

Suppliers also offer assistance in booking destination weddings and honeymoons. Sandals Resorts is renowned for romance travel, so we asked Marsha-Ann Brown, director of romance for Sandals and Beaches Resorts, for her advice on how to qualify and sell destination weddings. That QA is on page 22.

We also highlight Funjet Vacations and how their groups departments help you master all the details to arrange the perfect wedding. Check it out on page 24.

There’s plenty more in this issue – a profile of the recently renovated Seven Seas Navigator (page 26), family travel to Orlando (page 30), and lots more about Florida (starting on page 34) – so please enjoy!