June 2004
Signature Travel Network…Making Its Mark!
New name, new affiliates, and expanded programming highlighted for 2004
By Michelle Morgan CTC, President, Signature Travel Network
As reported in Travel Trade in January 2004, Leisure Travel Group announced its re-branding as
Signature Travel Network. The change is designed to call attention to our powerful new customized
technology, branded marketing tools, expanded network of individual agencies, and a unique portfolio of
products worldwide.
With 300 agency locations and nearly $1 billion in annual sales, the business outlook for members of
Signature Travel Network is optimistic and positive. Our members are seeing double-digit sales growth
this year compared to the same period in 2003, with results steadily on the rise.
In addition to revenue sharing programs offered to maximize bottom line profits, Signature offers a
variety of resources designed to boost sales, improve yields and enhance operational efficiencies.
Signature’s dedication to its members has resulted in tremendous growth, adding over 65 member
agency locations in 2003, and another 15 members YTD in 2004.
At Signature, we monitor business trends worldwide and have enhanced both traditional and Internet
marketing, technology, and training tools. The advances are well received by our network members. Jay
Shapiro, Five Star Travel, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, comments, “We did our homework before selecting
Signature and in the final analysis, Signature’s superior technology was the deciding factor.”
Signature publishes over 5 million marketing pieces annually. The Travel Magazine, The Cruise Journal, and
Signature’s supplier-specific mailers include relevant editorial, striking images, and compelling travel
offers, as well as seamless customization with member agencies’ contact information. These targeted
mailings deliver sales results.
To drive consumers to member websites, all Signature print advertising and direct mail marketing is tied
to electronic content featured on each members’ website.
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By expanding and upgrading technology and emphasizing ease of use, Signature’s electronic programs are
designed to make our members competitive with today’s online travel retailers. Each week, Signature’s
e-marketing department sends exclusive vacation offers to our members’ clients, based on their
established preferences.
In serving their customers, members can tap into in-depth content that features thousands of offers for
vacations by sea and land with pricing updated daily. For example, Signature's proprietary cruise booking
engine, "CruiseConnection," marries robust content with ship information (deck plans, stateroom stats,
etc.) that links to a real-time live inventory booking system and allows five simultaneous promotion
comparisons.
Signature also hosts destination-specific websites, Experts2Alaska.com, Experts2Mexico.com and
Experts2Hawaii.com, which are available to assist our members in capturing new customers and leads
outside of their local markets.
With technology evolving as quickly as the marketplace, Signature is fully committed to providing the
training and sales support to encourage our members to take full advantage of the rich resources
available to them. Signature’s comprehensive range of services include GDS consulting,
ClientBasePlus/TRAMS, corporate and leisure hotel programs, mailing house services, destination
specialists in key markets, customized business consulting.
The benefits to Signature members are substantial and wide-ranging and the response from members
and suppliers is gratifying. Eric Maryanov, president of All-Travel.com in Los Angeles, used the
Network’s tools to double his company’s cruise and tour volume in a single year.
In the past year, while continuing to provide comprehensive services to our members, Signature Travel
Network has refined its image, significantly expanded its technological capabilities, added new product
and service lines, stepped up its marketing, and enhanced its roster of executive talent to serve our
members and our preferred suppliers. With its vision focused on serving its members today, as well as
anticipating marketplace changes and member needs for the future, Signature Travel Network is
adaptable, accountable, innovative, and stronger than ever.
Travel Trade – June 2004 – Page 2