International Destination Expo Turkey 2010 - Seminars

Seminars

CERTIFICATION SESSIONS

A Turkish Culinary Adventure: History, Ingredients, & Tastes of Turkey’s Exotic Cuisine
Brought to you by Tour de Forks
Presented by Engin Akin

Culinary Tourism is sizzling hot these days, and one of the fastest growing travel trends. It’s a whole new way to discover a destination, its history, culture, traditions – and its people. And there is no place more exciting than Turkey, where east meets west, for this unique brand of experiential travel. It’s a feast for all the senses and a true epicurean adventure. World-renowned authority on Turkish cuisine Engin Akin will share her vast knowledge and passion for the foods of her homeland; from the simple rustic food of the countryside, to the sophisticated traditions of the Ottoman palace kitchens. Crusty flatbreads, spicy kabobs, delicate pilafs, flavors of the Middle East and a thousand and one exotic sweets - you will learn how it has evolved and how it blends.

Tempt your foodie clients and sell Turkey as destination that will thrill their palates. Who are the foodies among your clients? Tour de Forks will help you identify them from within your client base, and source new ones. There are some valuable sales and marketing tips in the mix. Learn how to grow this delicious new niche – and begin with Turkey.

Complementing this course, Tour de Forks is offering a post-IDE tour led by Engin Akin which will begin with a full "foodie" day in Istanbul - a true insider's experience in which we will "learn and taste." The tour features a hosted 2 night stay in Egin's home in the lovely village of Ula. Cooking lessons and demonstrations will be with Engin in her spacious kitchen and we will get to explore the region. The tour also includes time in Ephesus.

Discover How to Build a Thriving Faith-based Travel Program Centered on the World’s Top Religious Sites in the Middle East and Holy Land
Moderator: Kevin J. Wright, President - World Religious Travel Association

Panelists will include leading tourism representatives from Middle Eastern Destinations

Join Kevin J. Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association (WRTA), and leading tourism representatives from the Middle East, for an unforgettable and unprecedented discussion on the world’s top religious and holy sites in this extraordinary part of the world. Furthermore, discover firsthand how to develop a thriving and diverse faith-based travel program centered on the great religious itineraries stretching across these ancient and biblically-rich lands such as Turkey, Armenia, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, and much more. Not only will you be inspired and fascinated by the discussions, but just as importantly, you’ll return home equipped with the much-needed knowledge and strategies to immediately impact your faith-based travel program ... no matter whether you are new to religious tourism or a long-term expert.

Best of all, this remarkable discussion and seminar will be held in Istanbul (Turkey) ... not only the very crossroads and place where “East Meets West,” but also where the history of faith and religion spans the millenniums.

The Seven Things You Must Know About Mediterranean Cruising
Session Handout [PDF]
Presented by Marc Mancini

It's one of the most client-satisfying cruises you can sell. But not all Mediterranean cruises are alike. In fact, the diversity is far greater than you may think. In this seminar, Marc Mancini will give you seven criteria to help you match the right cruise to your client's needs. He'll analyze the itineraries and approaches that each major cruise line takes when sailing the Mediterranean, explore the less-known alternatives to mainstream cruising, and help you identify the "best-odds" clients for a Mediterranean cruise experience.

And throughout the presentation, expect the anecdotes, opinions and humor that make Marc Mancini one of our industry's most popular presenters.

Treasures of Southern Europe
Session Handout [PDF]
Brought to you by The Travel Institute
Presented by Anna Fesmire, CTC, DS

If you want to strengthen your appeal to sophisticated upscale travelers who seem to have been everywhere and done everything, learn how to sell 6 tiny countries in southern Europe that hold attractions out of all proportion to their size.

Discover the multi-faceted appeal of Andorra, Cyprus, Gibraltar, Malta, Monaco, and San Marino. Among the smallest - and oldest - countries in the world, these minuscule nations offer something for a wide range of travelers: summer and winter sports, shopping for luxury goods at bargain prices, distinctive cuisines that reflects their multi-ethnic populations, and fascinating history as reflected in art, architecture, and cultural practices that give insight into the ability of these tough little "gems" to survive as political entities rather than be absorbed by their large and powerful neighbors.

Expand your knowledge in the two-hour, interactive session, then exercise your option to come back for The Travel Institute's Destination Specialist test to verify your grasp of essential details. With your DS in hand, you'll be ready to begin marketing to a clientèle willing to pay for your expertise."

To sign-up for Destination Specialist Testing, which you can do while you are in Istanbul please visit The Travel Institute's website.

Turkey, the Cradle of Civilization: A Walk Through 10,000 Years of History
Brought to you by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Presented by Claudette Covey

Become certified to sell Turkey, a country housing the treasures of 13 consecutive civilizations, and a history spanning 10,000 years. Take a walk through this ancient civilization, home to the oldest human settlement in the world in Catalhoyuk, one of the most important settlements of the Neolithic Age. Believe it or not, Turkey is also where Saint John, Paul and Peter preached and lived, and where legend has it Saint John traveled with the Virgin Mary to Ephesus following the crucifixion. Turkey’s rich and storied history, however, serves as the backdrop to a tourism infrastructure that is thoroughly modern, with an accommodations mix and activities portfolio suited to sate virtually any travel palate.

And, as the cradle for the three monotheistic religions of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, Turkey is a safe and secular country, respecting freedom of worship. Turkey travel expert Claudette Covey will share her extensive knowledge of the country’s long history. She will also provide practical information on how you can become a Turkey travel specialist with comprehensive sales and marketing strategies that unveil new and innovative ways to sell this fascinating country. Find out how to create vacations that mix history, culture, affordable luxury and more — all to boost your agency’s profits.

PRODUCT SESSIONS

Explore the Lands of Philosophers and Dreamers with Louis Hellenic Cruises and Karavan Travel
Brought to you by Louis Cruises and Karavan Travel
Presented by Nicholas Filippidis and Giancarlo Baltazzi

The greatest selection of cruising opportunities throughout Greece, Turkey and the Mediterranean. Our vessels have sailed the oceans of the world and pioneered innovative port itineraries for more than 25 years.

On board our small to mid-sized vessels, your clients will find a casual and friendly atmosphere, warm hospitality and very attentive service. Celebrated for their classic style and intimate atmosphere, our ships take travelers – both literally and figuratively – to the lands of philosophers and dreamers. Timely arrivals, flexible itineraries, smooth embarkation and disembarkation procedures, and exciting shore excursions, plus the maximum time in each port provide our guests with a vast array of opportunities for discovery, exploration, enlightenment, and fun. Our cruise itineraries offer a complete destination experience, combining famous highlights with lesser known gems in a way that fulfills each traveler’s every expectation.

Your client can embark on their Greek Island and Turkey adventure in Piraeus, Greece, Istanbul or Kusadasi, Turkey Karavan Travel will provide insights to the fascinating lands of Turkey, the crossroad of civilizations and cultures. A biblical rich land ideal for faith based travel with a modern tourism infrastructure to satisfy the needs of sophisticated travelers. We will offer 2 cruise certificates (4-Day/3-Night Aegean Legend cruise for two) as drawings for our product seminar attendees.

The Islands of Puerto Rico: ASTA 2011 in Puerto Rico info.! General Overview, Puerto Rico Travel Experts program changes, Upscale Earning$ Opportunities, Rewards for Travel Agents & More.. including Raffle.. giveaway prizes
Brought to you by Puerto Rico Tourism Company
Presented by Narciso Moreno, Yolanda Fogueroa and Gabriel Emanuelli

The objective of this seminar is to share with travel agents an overview of the largest home port of the Caribbean. Puerto Rico offers great earnings potential. Take in 16th Century Spanish forts, exotic rainforests and the beauty of the islands of Vieques and Culebra to the East. Puerto Rico is also the culinary capital of the Caribbean options range from classical European to exciting Caribbean- Asian fusions and unique "criollo" cuisine. Add Puerto Rican rum, great beaches and your clients will have the best vacation ever. Learn about hotel updates and offers, cruise lines and passenger statistics, attractions and tours, shopping, Puerto Rico Travel expert program updates and much more. Available sales support material for agents – resources and much more!

See what Germany’s premier culture travel destination has to offer
Brought to you by Saxony - State Of The Arts
Presented by Shireesh K. Sharma

A unique cultural landscape exists in the very heart of Europe. East and West meet here. Europe is coming together here. It is a long story - an exciting present and an interesting future. It is that hidden treasure where nature and culture grow together. It is Saxony – the land and its people. Saxony's 1000 year old history is also marked by over 1000 castles, palaces and gardens. Top class hotels and fine dining juxtapose the baroque architecture of Saxony. Those who look for exquisite art treasures and top-class music, world-famous craftsmanship and modern manufacturing history, stylish dining and princely accommodations will find all that in Saxony. In Meissen, Saxons transmogrify white gold into delicate porcelain, turn juicy grapes into award-winning wines, massive timbers are transformed into impressive Nutcrackers and with a watch from Glashuette you can feel the pulse of time.

As Germany’s state with the most steam trains, Saxony can make you smoke like a chimney. Dresden, fast emerging as the most beautiful city in Europe, impresses with its historic Old Town, the Elbe Castles, the Blue Wonder and the Elbe floodplains that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Leipzig presents itself as “The City of Music”, Chemnitz is the city with brainpower, and Saxony’s smaller towns attract visitors with market places some of which are older than 1000 years. If you have a desire to learn and explore; if you enjoy following the trail of secrets from past centuries, if you wish to cherish a perfect communion of mind, body, art, culture and music, then you should take a peak at this Seminar. In Saxony, even violins are hanging in the sky!

The Seminar will be presented by Mr. Shireesh K. Sharma, Marketing Consultant for The Americas for Saxony State Tourism. Visit www.saxonytourism.com. Some Exclusive door prizes will go to lucky agents attending this Seminar. Qualified travel industry professionals may also submit request for a Familiarization Tour of Saxony at the end of this seminar.

The Seven Churches: An Apocalyptic Adventure in Turkey
Brought to you by Dos Plumas Custom Travel in Turkey
Presented by Dr. Mark Wilson

Mark is a well-known biblical scholar and an advisor of tours in Western Turkey for Dos Plumas Travel. He is also the founder and director of Asia Minor Research Center as well as the author of a number of books and articles on the Seven Churches and the book of Revelation. He is the author of the soon to be published guidebook, Biblical Turkey and was also featured in the History Channel video, The First Christians.

He trains guides for Dos Plumas Travel and others on how to present the Seven Churches to tourists.
Besides the journeys of Paul, the Seven Churches are most known and requested itinerary by American groups than any other destination in Turkey. Mark lives in Smyrna (Izmir), one of the Seven Churches, and has years of experience and research to draw from. He knows how to bring the sites to life in a way only a master teacher is able to. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about new discoveries, suggested itineraries, and opportunities for your clients when traveling to this popular destination.

Door prizes include special handmade crafts that highlight the 7 Church locations by a local coppersmith as well as copies of the History Channels First Christians program where Dr. Mark is featured at such locations in Turkey as Tarsus, Cappadocia, and Ephesus.

Turkey, Europe’s unknown pilgrimage destination
Brought to you by Ya'lla Tours USA
Presented by Ronen Paldi

Ronen Paldi is the president and owner of Ya’lla Tours USA, a boutique tour operator to six countries in the eastern Mediterranean, including Turkey, since 1993. Prior to opening Ya’lla Tours USA, Ronen worked for 10 years as a tour guide in Israel and Egypt and has an educational background in Christian history and theology.

Faith-based travel is a steadily growing market and Turkey is one of the top destinations for Christian pilgrimages and Jewish heritage trips. The modern country of Turkey is home to a great many sites important to the early development of Christianity; from the earliest Christian communities established by Paul the Evangelist and mentioned in the Book of Revelation, to great Christian monuments such as St. Sophia in Istanbul, to early Christian refuge sites in Cappadocia.

Christian itineraries in Turkey will be discussed as well as the process, challenges and opportunities of organizing faith base groups. Ya’lla’s innovative programs are developed with the highest standards for discriminating travelers interested in connecting with the roots of their spiritual heritage as well as the natural beauty, rich history, and hospitable people of this extraordinary country.

Ya’lla’s recently produced 20 minute DVD on the Footsteps of Paul in Turkey will be shown and each seminar participant will receive a free copy of the video.

Turkey and beyond Customized groups and FITs
Brought to you by Key Tours
Presented by Koray Edemen

This seminar will discuss how to expand and combine programs to and from Turkey with neighboring countries, orientation and highlights of destinations like Greece, Egypt, Israel and Jordan. Suggestions about how to build customized FITs and Group programs with a combination of these countries, as well as examples of creative ideas and specialized programs like religious and historical tours. This session will also include a drawing with three door prizes: 1 Turkish Kilim (Rug) and 2 Turkish Tiles.

Turkey for your Best Clients: Creating the Perfect Custom Itinerary
Brought to you by CTC Turkey
Presented by Mary Bai

Let’s discuss creating custom packages for your clients who prefer not to travel with a group. Learn about special components that sophisticated travelers may appreciate such as wine tastings, gourmet restaurants, Christian or Jewish heritage experiences, home hosted lunches, cooking classes, specialist guides, and getting clients off the beaten path. Included is information on suggested itineraries as well as accommodation and transportation options in Turkey. A variety of Blue Cruises and Yacht Charters will also be discussed. We’ll even provide tips on how to keep prices down while creating the trip of a lifetime.

A graduate of Tufts University, Mary Bai has more than 25 years experience in travel planning, specializing in Turkey. Working from offices in Boston and Istanbul, she specializes in creating custom travel plans for agents across the US and Canada.

There will be a drawing with 3 door prizes including: Dinner for two people at 360 Restaurant in Istanbul, a Turkish Kilim Rug & A Turkish Tea Set.

Understanding and Selling Turkey, A Fascinating Growth Destination
Brought to you by Turkey At Its Best
Presented by Engin Kadaster

This highly acclaimed presenter will give an overview of the most popular regions of Turkey, and ideas on how you can effectively and successfully sell tours and shore excursions to this unique destination. A very informative session that will cover insights to increase your profits by developing special interest and private tours to Turkey. Engin, an archaeologist with 44 years of Turkish tourism experience has guided Royalty, Heads of State and other VIP visitors in Turkey, will gladly answer your questions.

Immediately afterwards, there will be a drawing for seminar attendees where a beautiful gift from Turkey will be awarded.

Session Handout [PDF]

SUPPLIER SEMINARS

Grow Your Business with ASTA
Presented by Cheryl Ahearn, American Society of travel Agents (ASTA)

Join ASTA Senior Vice President, Cheryl, Ahearn, for an exciting look at the many tools ASTA offers to help grow your business in the U.S. and around the world. Share business experiences, ask questions, and learn how to get the most out of ASTA. See WebExchange, ASTA's electronic global marketplace for promoting and selling your services, and ASTA's on-line Buyer's Guide, designed to give your services the effective visibility you want. Highly recommended for all exhibitors interested in growing your global presence.

How to find and work with U.S. Travel Agents
Presented by Wayne Nelson, American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)

Looking to get more business from the United States? Did you know that U.S. travel agents are eager to find international travel sellers to do business with? Join Wayne Nelson of ASTA for this informative presentation and learn how to develop successful business relationships with U.S. agents, including what U.S. agents are looking for in an international travel company, specific tips for more effective communication with U.S agents, and some of the tools ASTA provides to reach the U.S. market. If you want to grow or start your business with U.S. travel agents, this is a seminar you don't want to miss!

How to find, talk to and work with the growing Home Based and Independent Travel Agent distribution channel
Presented by Scott Koepf CTC, MCC, President, National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA)

If you are looking to get business from the US and Canadian Travel Agency distribution system then this seminar is a must! The fastest growing segment of retail travel distribution is the home based and independent travel agent. They are difficult to find and operate differently than the distribution channel of the last 40 years. Learn how to reach them and work them in this important seminar.

Seminars are tentative and subject to change.

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View the agents who have been certified at the International Destination Expo in Sun City, South Africa in March 2009
as specialists in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Southern Africa Spa and Southern Africa Winelands. IDE09 Certification List