Carnival Cruise Lines has introduced a new trade and community outreach program designed to promote the value of cruising and build awareness on the many benefits of using a travel agent in key markets around the country.
The team, which travels each month to various events and connects consumers with travel agents, is led by Vicki Tomasino, a highly respected 30-year veteran of the company’s sales team who has been appointed divisional vice president of trade and community relations.
Over the past three decades, Tomasino has maintained outstanding relationships with travel agents who in turn have developed a strong appreciation for her longstanding support of the trade.
Tomasino and her team of experienced business development directors have been working on the launch of the Trade and Community Outreach concept for several months and have already participated in a variety of events as part of the nationwide program.
Recent events have included the Long Beach Grand Prix, the Baltimore Polar Bear Plunge, and the Merrell Down and Dirty Mud Run in New York. All events spotlight the fun and spontaneity of the Carnival brand and the value of using a travel agent. During these events, the trade and community relations team connects consumers in attendance with local travel agents.
“I’ve always found it so enjoyable and fulfilling to work with travel agents on building their business,” said Tomasino. “This role is the most exciting in my career as I’m able to work with agents in a new and innovative way that’s highly targeted. We have a great deal of fun with it, too.”
Added Joni Rein, Carnival’s vice president of worldwide sales, “Another industry first, the new role for Vicki and her team demonstrates our 42-year commitment to the travel agent community. We continue to evolve our engagement based on travel agent feedback and this group is a great example of that.”
Tomasino’s team also conducts workshops in communities where events are held to further reach out to home-based and new agents on building their business. The team is also responsible for joint trade and consumer events that include participation with local chambers of commerce and convention and visitor bureaus, as well as port organizations.
