Magic Johnson launches minority focused, home-based travel agency franchises

(May 15, 2006) Magic Johnson Enterprises, in partnership with CruiseShipCenters, GOGO Worldwide Vacations and Royal Caribbean International, announces the launch of Magic Johnson Travel Group. 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."

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."

For additional information, please call 1.888.GoMagic (466.2442) or visit www.magicjohnsontravel.com .


Go to Target Market News homepage

 

Click here to read more

________________________



_____________________________________________________________________________________


 12th Annual Edition Available 
Latest 'Buying Power' report shows black consumers spending more on home life

As the American economy continues to move sluggishly, African-American households are curtailing their spending in many categories, including food, clothing and basic household items, while investing more in home repair, home entertainment and consumer electronics. Although they are trimming back, black consumers are still spending more than their white counterparts on most of these products.
Story and statistics continued
_________________________

  SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 


The trade publication for
in-depth coverage of Black
Consumer Marketing
and Media news