Avoya Travel Kicks Off Annual Conference

MIAMI, FL--(Marketwired - Apr 7, 2014) -  Avoya Travel®, an American Express Travel Representative and one of the world's leading travel companies, set sail Sunday on the company's annual conference onboard the Celebrity Silhouette. Entitled, Our Future Built Together, the conference will highlight Avoya's commitment to the progress and innovations that support the company's Independent Agency Network and supplier partners in creating extraordinary vacation experiences for customers.

During the 7-night Caribbean sailing, Avoya's Independent Agencies, preferred suppliers, and support staff will gather for motivational and educational programming. Inspirational keynote speaker Dondra Ritzenthaler, Celebrity Cruises' Senior Vice President of Sales, will be among those headlining the opening general session. Prominent presenters also include Larry Pimentel, President and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises; Vicki Freed, Senior Vice President, Sales, Trade Support and Service for Royal Caribbean; and an anticipated executive panel on building long-term loyalty. In addition, Independent Agencies will participate in preferred supplier roundtables, dynamic workshop tracks, and networking events.

As 2014 marks the 50^th anniversary of Avoya's founding family first entering the travel industry, the conference will celebrate the past decades, pay tribute to the company's growth, and look ahead to the future of travel. Avoya will also honor its founders, the Andersons, with celebratory events onboard including an unforgettable 60's theme night and costume contest and the Chairman's Dinner honoring patriarch and founder, Pal Anderson.

"Avoya's 2014 conference focuses on the future of travel industry and new opportunities for shared success with our Independent Agencies and supplier partners to ultimately enhance the customer experience," said Brad Anderson, Co-President of Avoya Travel. "We are excited to bringing together industry leaders, our Network, and Avoya executives for a week onboard the beautiful Celebrity Silhouette."

Avoya's 2014 conference departed on April 6 out of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, for a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary. Follow Avoya's conference updates and join in the conversation on Twitter at #AvoyaTravelConf2014 and @AvoyaTravel.

About Avoya Travel:
Avoya Travel® has a long-standing reputation for being one of the world's largest and most innovated travel companies. As an American Express Travel Representative for more than 25 years, Avoya is deeply committed to Integrity and Professionalism™, service, and value in every aspect of planning cruises and vacations. With an elite network of independently owned and operated travel agencies, Avoya provides exclusive discounts, amenities, and first-class customer service to travelers worldwide. For this, Avoya has received numerous accolades, including being named 'Travel Agency of the Year,' by Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises, American Express, Oceania Cruises, and more.

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