Avoya Travel Hosts First-Ever Avoya Academy for Independent Agencies

MIAMI, FL--(Marketwired - Oct 25, 2013) - Avoya Travel®, an American Express Travel Representative and one of the leading travel companies in North America and beyond, today announced the successful debut of its Avoya Academy™, an in-person educational program offered to its Network of Independent Agencies. Designed to grow Independent Agencies' businesses, the Academy focuses on comprehensive education about The Avoya Advantage™ and how Independent Agencies can better utilize Avoya's resources to maximize their sales potential.

"The Avoya Academy was created for Independent Agencies to come together in small groups and receive personalized and detailed education on the many advantages Avoya provides that can significantly increase their income potential and growth," said Van Anderson, Co-President of Avoya Travel. "We are ecstatic that the program was so well received by our Network and supplier partners. We look forward to continuing to offer professional development for our Independent Agencies in many platforms to help them achieve sales success, including the Avoya Academy, on-demand webinars, our annual convention, the Avoya Mastermind™ program, and much more."

The first-ever, Avoya Academy was held during August near San Diego, California and boasted sold-out attendance. Over a two-day period, the participants experienced hands-on learning from members of Avoya's executive leadership and support staff, including workshops on Agent Power™, Avoya's award-winning Travel Agency Operating System™, how to get the most out of Avoya's groups and exclusive promotional offerings, best practices of product specialization, as well as roundtables with some of Avoya's Platinum Preferred Suppliers.

"I have been selling travel for 35 years and attending the Avoya Academy provided me with incredibly valuable learning opportunities and it was a great investment for my Independent Agency," said Connie Lemmon, owner of an Independent Agency of Avoya Travel. "The program was motivational and engaging -- I walked away with some new sales tips and the networking with other Independent Agencies and time with Avoya's support staff was invaluable."

Avoya recently announced that it will host its next Avoya Academy in Hollywood, Florida. The company plans to announce additional Avoya Academy dates and locations throughout the United States for 2014.

Avoya Travel (www.AvoyaTravel.com) has a long-standing reputation in the travel industry for being one of the top producing and most innovative travel companies worldwide. The company has been a part of the American Express Travel Representative Network for 25 years and has an elite network of independently owned and operated travel agencies.

Avoya Travel has received notable accolades, including being named 'Travel Agency of the Year', by Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises, American Express, Oceania Cruises, and more. Avoya Travel has also been featured for its groundbreaking technology, innovative Live Leads™ program, and leadership in travel by top industry publications, including Agent @ Home, Travel Agent, Travel Pulse, Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, Vacation Agent, and more.

Travelers interested in booking their next vacation with Avoya Travel, should call 800-753-1463 or visit www.AvoyaTravel.com. Travel agency owners and experienced professionals interested in growing their business should contact Avoya Travel at 800-521-2597 or visit www.JoinAvoya.com.

About Avoya Travel:
Avoya Travel® (www.AvoyaTravel.com) is one of the largest and most awarded travel companies in North America and beyond. As an American Express Travel Representative for 25 years, Avoya® is deeply committed to Integrity and Professionalism™, quality service, and success in every aspect of planning cruises and vacations. With hundreds of Independent Agencies in its Network, Avoya provides exclusive discounts, amenities, and first-class customer service to travelers worldwide.