Travelleaders.com Revamped to Better Connect Travelers with Travel Leaders' Destination Specialists

PLYMOUTH, Minn., June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Travel Leaders is officially unveiling its completely revamped consumer website Travelleaders.com. The site has been redesigned to further increase search engine optimization, enabling consumers from throughout the United States to more readily connect with Travel Leaders' growing roster of certified specialists. Consumers will also be able to easily find travel specials, share information through their preferred forms of social media; and view a variety of videos from the benefits of using a travel agent to featured destinations.

"Studies have shown that 80% of travelers start their research online. For us, the Internet is a tremendous tool to help pair Americans interested in traveling with the best Travel Leaders travel agent based on each consumer's specific tastes and preferences," stated Roger E. Block, President of Travel Leaders Franchise Group.  "Over the past several years, we've seen travel buying behaviors shift as more consumers are migrating back to booking via travel agents versus online, particularly for trips that are more complex.  However, research also indicates that many consumers are challenged in finding exceptional travel agents online.  The new site update will allow us to demonstrate that we are true 'Travel Leaders' in every sense."

Connecting Consumers to Travel Agents and Specialists

"Today's travel consumers value knowledge and expertise above all else. That's why Travel Leaders has placed so much emphasis on certified specialists and has dedicated areas of the website for these highly trained travel professionals, such as our Aussie Specialists, Mexico Specialists and Disney Specialists, just to name a few," added Block.

Any travel offer or section that includes a "thumbs up" icon will lead consumers to a special Vacation Request Form. Prospective travelers will be able to enter specific information and details about the vacation they are seeking in order to provide background that assists the certified specialist who will ultimately receive their inquiry.  These specialists have met all the extensive training required for that destination or supplier and will also be able to match the consumer with the best option to fit their needs.

Also, with the redesign of Travelleaders.com, connecting consumers to a knowledgeable Travel Leaders travel agent is simple. On every major section of the website – whether on the home page, "Travel Specials," "Leisure Travel," "Business Travel" or "About Us" – a permanent "Find a Travel Agent" button, containing an icon with the outline of an agent, is prominent in the top right corner.  Wherever that icon appears throughout the site, the button will take consumers directly to an area allowing them to find the Travel Leaders agencies in their surrounding area.

In all, Travel Leaders has thousands of certified specialists across the U.S. who specialize in both destinations throughout the world and specific travel industry suppliers such as cruise lines and tour companies.  These specialists have completed rigorous training to ensure they have the knowledge and expertise to precisely tailor the right vacation options for each client.

Highlighting Travel Specials

"We realize many people seeking travel information online are interested in travel specials.  That's why we have created a whole new, easy-to-use section within Travelleaders.com that guides consumers to exceptional and unique travel opportunities," added Block.  "With one click, a snapshot of offers for cruise, tour, resort and hotel, car and rail is available.  Consumers are then able to view more details or contact a Travel Leaders travel agent to discuss the offers available."

Social Networking and News Capabilities

Travelleaders.com now allows consumers to share information and travel specials with friends and family through email, Facebook, Twitter, Messenger, Digg, StumbleUpon and many other devices.  Also, Travel Leaders has taken the additional steps to ensure news media and consumers, alike, can be alerted to the latest news, surveys and information from the organization.  An RSS feed has been incorporated into the site and can be accessed via the "News Releases" section within the "About Us" or by going here.

When your journey includes us, you travel better. To find the Travel Leaders location nearest you, go to www.Travelleaders.com or call 888-206-TRIP (8747).

Travel Leaders is transforming travel with a new name that boldly embodies our commitment to our vacation and business travel clients via a progressive approach toward each unique travel experience. As one of America's top ten-ranked travel companies, Travel Leaders has assisted millions of travelers through our strong roots – the former Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates, TraveLeaders and Tzell Travel Group joined together in 2008 to form one of the industry's fastest-growing and robust networks of travel agents. Travel Leaders Franchise Group can trace its beginnings to 1984 as the Carlson franchise system "Ask Mr. Foster Travel," which itself was North America's first travel agency chain established in 1888.

SOURCE Travel Leaders