TomTravel2

I have arrived in Las Vegas for 5 days of travel business fun and madness. I checked into Bellagio and picked up my registration materials for Travel Mart. Today should be more fun than madness. At 3:00 I attend a training “One to One and Beyond: Harnessing the Power of Social Media.” When I saw the offerings for Travel Mart this little meeting was the first thing that jumped off the screen at me. At the time I was mostly curious what this would be about. I was early in my intensive effort to learn Twitter and how to make it work for me. I was really beginning to see progress by that time. Virtuoso on the other hand was hardly visible on Twitter. I signed up mainly to see what they would come up with in a few months starting from scratch.

It has been fascinating watching toes being dipped into the Twitter stream by travel agents, travel vendors and now by my travel consortium. I began to notice several individuals from Virtuoso trying to get up to speed. The individuals running the training I am about to attend ended up contacting me for inside baseball on Twitter. I hear I am going to be mentioned during the training which is cool. I still am very curious where they are going with the thing. I am also curious to see who will be attending. Last year I did not attend the early sessions at Travel Mart. I started the first day of meetings (where agents and vendors sit and meet one to one). I was quite surprised to see how many people are here a day early on a Saturday.

So in a few minutes my first taste of Travel Mart 2009 will tease my taste buds. I am looking forward to all of it, every hectic interesting slice of this mixed berry pie. The two things I am looking forward to the most are this class today and the Tweetup on Tuesday afternoon. The classes tomorrow look interesting as well, and I hope to blog about them as well a bit. “Getting up to techno speed: flexing your online muscles” is another one I probably could have taught. The other is a big part of what I am building my business on “Tapping the X-Y potential-the next generation opportunites.” I recently blogged about how only 7% of 20-30 year olds use travel agents. My angle was that they are missing out on the VIP treatment at hotels they are willing to pay up for at fancy nightclubs. Virtuoso VIP treatment usually costs them nothing yet they all book on the internet.

I see people streaming by on the way to the training, and it looks to be time to head that way.Here comes the summary take-aways and my comments:

• Mission Statement- Making Social media useful focus on Twitter and Facebook
• Oprah? Yeah we are watching Oprah explain Facebook. As much as I am not about celebrities on social media, she did have a coherent basic explanation presented with high end video production.
• Kier and Mikiah did their own video for Twitter. Not as slick as O’s but much more informative. Hey there’s Tomtravel2! That was very weird to see me up there with Mathew Upchurch and Ashton Kushter.
• They are running the live feed of #tmsm but there is no wireless in here. Some of the Virtuosos are tweeting on their crackberries and I am stuck writing in my blog for later.
• Policy- Who is going to represent your company or brand? Think before you jump!
• One agency blocked facebook and twitter and reinstated it within 4 hours after employees complained.
• Agency owners managers- coming to grips with how to implement and do we set rules? One id for personal and one for business ie.
• Suppliers-Big Five encourages social media use by all employees. Use facebook for internal communications and sharing pictures etc.
• Fairmont- doing top down and bottom up hotel by hotel. I have been generally impressed with their approach. Not totally there by any means but always moving in the right direction.
• I just got drafted into answering a question by one of the members. Caught me offguard. What can you post more than four times a day that could possibly be of interest. I answered news, answer questions interact with others.
• How do you get followers? Mikiah cited what Tom did by interacting and adding value. This is fun.
• @Wandermom made a great point about putting your website URL in your profile.
• Some of the blackberry contributers: @travelingking1 @cedery @davidtravel @tafaritweets @brownell  @ jjohnson66 @joshua_bush @scottru @bigfivetours @travelnetwork @travelking1  @?brownell? @?junefullersloane?
• strategy- networking, personalization, advertising, fresh light focus on travel,
• Scott Ahlsmith Virtuoso: hit it from all directions social media web site blog etc keep it interesting-genuine

• Tips-fill out complete profile-yes indeed I agree (put a link and picture as well)
• Quality over quantity- in terms of followers/friends
• Start something- anything- I agree on that.
• tools: Xobni (can  add emailers to facebook automatic) posterous (post later tool) tweetdeck (twiiter client) I prefer seesmic but Ok that’s taste issue. Tweetdeck is very good as well.

Comments: Virtuoso should have had wireless access set up for those of us who don’t tweet from a mobile device. Or am I the only dinosaur left who doesn’t? I hated seeing the #tmsm scroll and not being able to tweet! Here I sat writing a blog in Live Writer that I had to schlep the laptop back to the room to post! Oh well, it is a minor complaint. So I have to pay Bellagio for a day! They say there will at least be a tech center room starting tomorrow I can go wireless in. Over all they did a good job getting themselves up to speed. It was cool being called out, but caught me off guard when they wanted me to answer questions. Good thing I was a Speech major way back when. Always ready to improvise.

More to come after VAST!

Summer Resort Getaways in Arizona, a Case Study:

Long before a clever journalist coined the phrase “staycation” Valley of the Sun (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Carefree, Paradise Valley, Tempe, Chandler, etc.) residents were doing in town resort getaways every summer. My home town is blessed with a wonderful array of luxurious resorts. As a true seasonal destination our luxe resorts that are priced to the stratosphere during the fall winter and spring high season always come to earth during our long hot summer. This summer the rates have fallen into a well. The local tourism economy has taken a severe beating, and resorts have priced to sell. No popular American destination has been effected more except Las Vegas. If you live in Arizona this is the summer of deals and steals on the best resorts! If you are crazy enough to come and take the heat it might even be tempting to out of state visitors at these prices.

Last week I called all seven of the Virtuoso properties to get the best rate or package for June 26th 2009. I also searched for the best deals available on seven major travel web sites. The client I was helping mentioned “an amazing deal” she had seen advertised by one of the big “online travel agencies".” I am not posting the rates that I found for the client for a stay on June 26th because rates are subject to change. I will show a comparison to what was available with a Virtuoso advisor and what was available for booking on the internet.

Internet travel sites and online travel agencies have spent a ton of money trying to convince the traveling public that they always have lower prices. This is one of the few things they have excelled at: creating the perception that the internet is cheaper. I often speak to clients who think they have found bargains on the internet, only to find that it is the exact same price I can get for them. In the case of luxury travel vendors my “price match” comes with added perks that gives my clients a huge advantage. Take a look at the amenities that come with a Virtuoso rate at these fine hotels then read on for the rate comparisons.

The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa, a Waldforf Astoria Collection: The venerable and classy Arizona Biltmore is the resort that set the stage for the Valley of the Sun as a vacation destination. Unique architecture inspired by sometime Arizona resident Frank Lloyd Wright is complimented by lush garden setting and green lawns. The convenient location gives easy access to downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale’s shopping. The resort is nestled at the base of popular hiking trails at Piestewa Peak and the Phoenix Mountain Preserve.

Virtuoso guests receive:

· Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

· Daily Continental breakfast for up to two in-room guests,in the restaurant

· 4pm late check-out, subject to availability

· A complimentary lunch for two, once during stay (excluding alcoholic beverages)

The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa: This resort has one of the best settings of all of the Phoenix area properties. True to it’s name The Boulders resides in and among large red boulders at the foot of Black Mountain just to the south of the town of Carefree. Well known as a spa and golf destination for celebrities, The location offers a peaceful retreat that still offers access to the amenities of the booming Valley of the Sun.

Virtuoso guests receive:

· Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

· Daily Continental breakfast for up to two in-room guests, in restaurant or via room service

· A US$100 recreational credit once per stay to be used for golf or tennis

· VIP Status

· Welcome amenity given in the name of the booking Virtuoso agent or agency

· 4:00pm late check out based on availability

Fairmont Scottsdale: Location, location, location. What golfer doesn’t want to stay overlooking the TPC? This is the site of the rowdy “biggest party on grass” or FBR Open (formerly the Phoenix Open) often the most attended stop on the PGA tour. Low-key southwestern architecture and well known Fairmont hospitality are found at the former Princess Scottsdale now Fairmont Scottsdale Resort. I had lunch there on Father’s Day which was excellent. There are some renovations being done on what was the large water feature off the main lobby. We were told that this would be done by summers’ end.

Virtuoso guests receive:

· A one-category upgrade at the time of booking, subject to availability

· Daily Continental breakfast for up to two in-room guests, served in LV Bistro, The Grill or via In-Room Dining

· 12 Noon early check-in, subject to availability

· 4 PM late check-out, subject to availability

· A US $100 Food & Beverage credit per room, once during stay (no cash value if not redeemed)

Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North: This newest entry among The Valley’s Virtuoso gems is considered by many to be it’s crown jewel. Set at the foot of iconic Pinnacle Peak, the Four Seasons Scottsdale overlooks the greater Paradise Valley and Scottsdale areas with views of the distant Phoenix Mountains and beyond. Fine dining, luxe decor, and pampering service are provided in a way only Four Seasons can deliver. Some of Arizona’s best golf is right outside the door in one of the most exclusive addresses in Arizona.

Virtuoso guests receive:

· Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

· Daily breakfast for up to two in-room guests, in Crescent Moon or in Casita dining

· Welcome amenity of a snack trio & bottled water

· 50% Discount off valet parking for duration of stay

The Phoenician: This modern resort sets the bar high for glitz and style. This 250 acre resort property features 10 restaurants, 9 pools and has a $25 million art collection for guests to admire. Sitting at the foot of Camelback Mountain the Phoenician is close to Scottsdale’s shopping and downtown Phoenix sports and culture venues. I like the having tea at the Phoenician while I take in the wonderful view of Scottsdale and the distant Superstition Mountains. Golf, pool and spa here are top notch.

Virtuoso guests receive:

· Room view upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

· Daily full breakfast for up to two in-room guests, (up to $50.00 credit per day) in restaurant or via room service per guest room

· Welcome amenity of fresh seasonal fruit

· $50.00 Food & Beverage Credit, once during stay

Royal Palms Resort and Spa: A lush private oasis of luxury just south of iconic Camelback Mountain the Royal Palms is one of a kind. Winding paths lead throughout the garden setting and Camelback rises majestic above it all. This Mediterranean villa styled property makes guests feel they are far from the madding crowd, yet it is very convenient to Old Town Scottsdale, Fashion Square, and the Camelback Corridor. Get Pampered at Alvadora Spa or dine at widely acclaimed T. Cook’s all in Old World ambience.

Virtuoso guests receive:

· Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

· Daily Continental breakfast for two in T. Cook’s Restaurant

· An $100.00 Resort credit, once per stay

· VIP status

· 4 PM late check-out, subject to availability

Sanctuary On Camelback Mountain, Resort and Spa: This one of a kind resort has a feng shue vibe and a celebrity pedigree. Long a favorite of Hollywood types and VIPs, it is truly a Sanctuary. Sitting high on the slopes of fabled Camelback Mountain, guests at this gem are treated to one of the Valley of the Suns best views. The “Praying Monk” rock formation seems to be blessing it’s nearby neighbor and the Phoenix Mountains and Mummy Mountain rise across the valley known as “Paradise” between. Dining at Elements while the lights come sparkling to life at dusk is treat for the taste buds and the eyes.

Virtuoso guests receive:

· Guaranteed upgrade at time of booking on Mountain Rooms; upgrade on arrival, subject to availability, on Spa Rooms

· Daily Continental breakfast for up to two in-room guests, in restaurant or via room service

· A complimentary 30-minute massage OR 50% off spa treatment of choice (gratuities not included)

· VIP status

Online Travel Agencies: For comparison only. I searched for all seven properties for the same date on five of the popular online travel agencies and two multi-site comparison sites. For four of the resorts the best rate available on any web site was the same as the Virtuoso rate, but the online rates included none of the above amenities for the same price. For one resort all of the internet sites showed a rate that was over $100 higher than the Virtuoso rate with no amenities. For one resort one site had a rate $10 less than the Virtuoso rate (all other sites offered the same rate as the Virtuoso rate or higher) with no amenities. One resort had a special rate that was available to me and on all but one of the internet booking sites (the Virtuoso rate was applicable only to upgraded rooms and was higher than the special). For this one I could only match the web booking sites

Conclusion: The best rate is not always the best value. When the best rate is equal to or more than the Virtuoso rate this is especially the case. When is paying the same for less a good deal? Never. Prices for self booking even on the internet are in the vast majority of cases the same as rates available through any travel agent. Sometimes one web site or booking directly with a hotel can offer a slightly better rate. Sometimes a travel agent can offer the best rate. Frequently when booking luxury hotels the Virtuoso amenities included are by far the best value.

Do us both a favor and contact a Virtuoso advisor the next time you are looking for a high end vacation. Chances are you will save yourself money and gain added value. If you select a Virtuoso advisor who makes and nurtures contacts with the resort management you will also be afforded special treatment beyond your expectations. Do you still want to book a luxury resort stay on the internet? Don’t you want the free breakfast, upgrade and etc.?

Visit the Alliance Travel Partners web site if you would like to talk to me or my partners about these or other great values in travel!

Tomtravel2.com

Welcome to Tomtravel2.com! I am as excited about this new venture as I am about travel! On this blog you will find a unique perspective on travel. As a Virtuoso luxury travel agent I will strive to bring insights, observations, news and opinions that will add value to travelers and travel professionals alike. Virtuoso is the first name in luxury travel, and it has been a wonderful experience being a Virtuoso travel agent. This blog has been in the dreaming and planning phase for some time, but an opportunity to “live blog” from the beautiful Riviera Maya south of Cancun has come my way. Because of my upcoming trip I decided to take the plunge and start blogging sooner rather than later.

Travel News

I love to follow the latest news that pertains to all things travel. Those who follow me on Twitter know that I also love to share that news with you. Look for links to articles and blogs on luxury travel, foreign travel, soft adventure travel,travel vendors, trends in travel, and the business of travel. I will also share the quirky, unusual, and odd as I find it.

Twitter and Travel

Many of you will find this blog by way of my “tweets” on Twitter where I am @Tomtravel2. I encourage all lovers of travel, and travel pros to follow me there. Shoot me a DM or reply, and I will be happy to respond. I will over time devote a good deal of my time blogging about Twitter and other social media. I plan to provide some of the resources that I found helpful as I climbed the Twitter learning curve. This exciting new medium is a wonderful way to connect to people with common interests. Future blogs will cover my “Twilosophy” and “Twethics.”

Luxury Travel

I plan to introduce my readers to the best experiences and vendors in luxury travel. This coming week I have the opportunity to visit a number of luxury all inclusive resorts on the Riviera Maya in Mexico (Zoetry, Secrets, and Dreams). Look for detailed reviews with a luxury travel agent’s perspective. I will taking pictures and linking to them from this site. Over time I will include details from all my future travels and some from the recent past.

Travel Business

As a former stock and bond market trader and analyst I have an innate curiosity about how the travel business works. Look for my observations on the business of booking travel, and what it means for the consumer and the industry. I always have an eye on the horizon so I will blog about where I think travel is headed.

Comments Welcome

I look forward to your comments and feedback, and I thank you for visiting my blog.