Ming with Michelle Sutter, Fathom's Senior Sales
Leader, West
It was a full house in Vancouver, with over 50
eager agents in attendance to learn about Fathom.
Ming with (l -r): Ted Mitchell, Expedia
CruiseShipCenters; Rob Stover & Donella Chong, Uniglobe One Travel; Bonnie St. John, Expedia CruiseShipCenters & Susan Tompkins, Takeoffnow.com Travel Services.
More than 50 agents attended the fathom
presentation in Vancouver last week, hosted by Vancouver-based Michelle Sutter,
fathom’s Senior Sales Leader Western
division. Part of an 11 city North American
road show, this was probably the year's most anticipated event as it is the 1
st training opportunity in the West
since the new brand’s inception in June.
The informative session highlighted the brand's vision and
its commitment to 'transform lives", even if just
7 days at a time. It was clear from
the presentation and brand proposition that fathom
is not your typical cruise. Those looking for a week of basking in the sun and
boozing need not apply. The objective of a fathom
cruise is to give travellers the chance to make a difference to the well-being
of the people they meet, and to enrich their lives through economic,
environmental and educational projects.
Michelle indicated that response to the brand has been
overwhelming and fathom bookings thus far
are coming from Americans eager to finally experience Cuba. This sentiment is
echoed by Bonnie St. John of Expedia CruiseShipCenters from Bothell, WA who
made the drive to attend the training. There is already strong interest in her
community and she cannot wait to spread the word to her clients upon her
return.
Debbie Siu of VIP Travel also sees the huge potential in the
brand. She specializes in group travel and feels fathom's
DR itinerary would be perfect for families, associations and even corporate
businesses looking to learn, educate and to make a difference. Armed with a
stack of brochures, she is ready to head back to the office and pitch the idea
to her groups.
The fathom concept
reminds us to take a moment to reflect on what we have - the basic needs of
safe drinking water, education, a solid roof over our heads - all of which we
take for granted while there is so much lacking in other parts of the world. A
cruise on fathom allows us to give back,
learn and be enlightened. No matter how small, we as travellers can always make
a difference in other people's lives - and that's a great concept.
Ming Tappin is a cruise veteran with over 20 years’ experience in
the industry and has sailed on 36 cruises and counting. Based in Vancouver,
Ming is Owner of
www.yourcruisecoach.com.
