Cruise Planners Named a Military-Friendly Franchise for U.S. Veterans by G.I. Jobs Magazine
Posted on: June 16, 2010 at 11:32 AM
Cruise Planners/American Express, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the cruise industry, was selected as a Military Friendly Franchise by G.I. Jobs magazine for 2010. The honor reflects the company’s efforts to provide programs geared to create and support successful veteran entrepreneurs.
G.I. Jobs magazine has listed Cruise Planners within its Franchising Basics for Military Veterans Guide, which highlights the company’s many initiatives designated solely for U.S. Veterans looking for franchise opportunities in the travel and cruise industry. Cruise Planners fits its criteria as a franchise to invest in because of the company’s many military-friendly programs.
“This recognition allows us to showcase our commitment to the military community as well as the veterans seeking new career paths when they return from service,” said Michelle Fee, co-founder and CEO of Cruise Planners. “We have created incentives for veterans to become franchise owners with Cruise Planners because we understand the difficulty of transitioning into civilian life and finding a solid career path in an uncertain economy.”
The company’s commitment to grant a 10 percent entry-fee discount for veteran franchisees along with its low-cost entry fee of $9,995 merits Cruise Planners worthy of making G.I. Jobs’ franchise list. Additionally, through its CP Cares program, created to support charitable organizations throughout the U.S. and around the world, the company made an $18,000 donation in February to the Fisher House Foundation and awarded a free franchise to a veteran after winning an essay contest.
“Unemployment is a hard transition for anyone to handle and even more difficult for our military men and women returning home from long tours abroad and struggling to find work,” said Fee. “Making this list is a testament to how our business is not solely for the stay at home moms or individuals tired of working in an office. We have seen significant growth of veteran franchise owners, and with new programs and initiatives in the works, we hope to see that number rise.”
About Cruise Planners/American Express
Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Services Representative, is the largest home-based travel agent network in the cruise industry with more than 700 franchise owners across the country that independently book cruises and associated travel. Named No.1 Cruise Tour / Travel Agency by Entrepreneur magazine for the past seven years, Cruise Planners positions franchise owners for success by providing them with innovating marketing, booking and lead-generating tools as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry’s top executives.
Headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla., Cruise Planners has achieved top producer status with every major cruise line. Accolades include Royal Caribbean International Home-based Partner of the Year (2007 – 2009); Regent Seven Seas Top Producer (2009); and American Express Travel Representative Excellence Awards (2004 – 2009). For more general information, please visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.
Media Contact:
Holly Zawyer / Deseraé E. del Campo
Cheryl Andrews Marketing
P: 305-444-4033
holly@cam-pr.com / deserae@cam-pr.com
