Magic Johnson Enterprises, in partnership with CruiseShipCenters, GOGO Worldwide Vacations and Royal Caribbean International, announces the launch of Magic Johnson Travel Group (MagicJohnsonTG) today aboard the brand new Royal Caribbean International cruising vessel Freedom of the Seas -- the largest and most innovative ship to ever sail. The first multicultural home-based travel agent initiative and franchise network specifically targeting African-American, Hispanic and Asian-American franchisees and customers, MagicJohnsonTG aims to cultivate organic growth in the minority travel segment and incite entrepreneurs from Urban America.
"This is an amazing business opportunity for developing entrepreneurs," says Michael Drever, President and CEO of CruiseShipCenters International Inc. "The strength of the Magic Johnson brand powered by CruiseShipCenters' Marketing and Technology systems provides an unprecedented formula for success. When you add the knowledge base and resources of Royal Caribbean and GOGO, you get a sense of how this venture will have a major impact on the travel industry and Urban American economy."
Headquartered in Miami, MagicJohnsonTG features home-based franchises throughout North America consisting of a comprehensive "business in a box"-- a cutting-edge, integrated agent desktop comprised of a customizable agent-level website, contact management database and e-marketing suite with permission-based marketing being the key component of the software. The franchise also includes a complete training program, including 40 hours of correspondence coursework, one week of on-site introductory training and one week of advanced training onboard a Royal Caribbean ship.
"Magic Johnson Travel Group was created with the goal of building a network of culturally diverse home-based travel agents, who sell to their communities, neighbors and friends," says Earvin "Magic" Johnson, CEO, Magic Johnson Enterprises. "I have been privileged to partner with three well respected companies in the travel industry. My company's role is to provide a trusted voice for Urban America and to pass along entrepreneurial economic empowerment to those communities."
A modular approach is available to new sellers of travel. The cruise category is the first product on which the sellers will be trained and certified. Future training will be offered in modules for other products, including all-inclusive and vacation packages. Additionally, existing agents purchasing a franchise receive the ability to sell every product, including air, car, hotel, all-inclusive and charters in the coming months.
MagicJohnsonTG equips agents with a suite of marketing tools and resources to help agents build business and also provides an experienced headquarter support organization that serves as a "lifeline" to agents working from home.
Michelle Kassner, President of GOGO, stated, "GOGO Worldwide Vacations has a longstanding vision of making travel experiences available and affordable to everyone. This joint venture opportunity supports our vision and aligns GOGO with outstanding industry partners."
Minority travel has grown at a quicker rate than overall U.S. travel volume, with a four percent increase among African-Americans, a 10 percent increase among Asian-Americans and a 20 percent increase among U.S. Hispanics.(1) Though the MagicJohnsonTG joint effort is laser-focused on this quickly growing multicultural market, all ethnicities, cultures and races are welcome to be a part of the revolutionary business concept.
President of Royal Caribbean International Adam Goldstein states, "Royal Caribbean International believes this venture will cultivate new sellers and buyers of travel in Urban America and fill a large void in the agency community. We share Earvin 'Magic' Johnson's vision and enjoy a strong partnership with the multicultural communities we serve."
Magic Johnson Enterprises is the No. 1 brand in Urban America with a star-studded, successful portfolio of nationwide franchises, including Starbucks, Burger King, 24 Hour Fitness, Washington Mutual Home Loan Centers, AMC/Magic Johnson Movie Theatres and T.G.I. Friday's. Through targeted investments in key markets, Magic Johnson Enterprises franchise networks serve more than 32 million consumers annually in 163 locations in 19 states across the United States.
For additional information, please call 1.888.GoMagic (466.2442) or visit http://www.magicjohnsontravel.com.
CruiseShipCenters International Inc.
Established in 1987, CruiseShipCenters (CII) is a privately owned corporation with headquarters in Vancouver, British Columbia. As the master franchisor, CII oversees the development and expansion of the CruiseShipCenters system worldwide.
There are currently 86 CruiseShipCenters franchised locations generating over $260 million dollars in annual sales. The company is recognized as one of the top sellers of cruise vacations by every major cruise line. In addition to its retail locations, the company has developed and manages unique websites featuring over 10,000 cruises in both U.S. and Canadian currencies for its team of 1,450 independent cruise consultants.
GOGO Worldwide Vacations
GOGO Worldwide Vacations was created in the 1950s as a wholesale operation serving travel agents directly and exclusively. Today, GOGO is the travel industry's largest privately owned wholesaler of vacation packages, with over 40 branches throughout the United States where GOGO serves and sells to over 18,000 travel agencies worldwide.
GOGO vacation packages cover 200 destinations on four continents, including the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Florida, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Mexico, and Tahiti. GOGO represents the most well respected brands in the hospitality industry, including Club Med, Fairmont, Four Seasons, Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, Sandals, Starwood Resorts, SuperClubs, and many more. GOGO also provides private-label packages for American Airlines Vacations. Due to longstanding supplier relationships, GOGO offers special discounts, exclusive promotions, free nights, and many other value-added amenities.
The headquarters for GOGO Worldwide Vacations is located in Ramsey, N.J.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is one of the world's largest cruise companies, operating the Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises brands, with 28 modern ships and a passenger capacity of approximately 59,600.
These brands offer an array of onboard activities, services and amenities, including swimming pools, sun decks, beauty salons, exercise and spa facilities, ice skating rinks, in-line skating, basketball courts, rock climbing walls, miniature golf courses, gaming facilities, lounges, bars, Las Vegas-style entertainment, cinemas and Royal Promenades, which include interior shopping, dining and an entertainment boulevard.
The company will introduce 6 more ships by the end of 2009, when it will have a total capacity of approximately 81,500 berths. The ships operate worldwide with a selection of itineraries that call on approximately 16 destinations.
The information contained in this press release is not intended as an offer to sell a franchise or the solicitation of an offer to buy a franchise in any state, including, but not necessarily limited to, California, Hawaii, Washington, Virginia, Maryland, New York, Rhode Island, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota or South Dakota. Some states regulate the offer and sale of franchises and/or business opportunities. Magic Johnson Travel Group will not offer or sell a franchise unless and until it has complied with the applicable presale registration and disclosure requirements in the applicable state. Offers will only be made by prospectus and only when registered or otherwise qualified to sell franchises in those states.
(1) TIA, The Minority Traveler, 2003 Edition
This Release on Media Only Resource Site: http://www.MagicJohnsonTravelGroupNewsroom.com
© 2006 Business Wire
