Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Aug. 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avoya Travel ®, one of the world’s most innovative travel brands, hosted the first-ever Avoya Travel Institute in August to give Independent Agencies in the Avoya Travel Network ™ exclusive networking with the company’s Diamond Level Preferred Suppliers. With the addition of the Avoya Institute, Avoya is offering even more cutting-edge educational opportunities and resources to help Independent Agencies grow their businesses and incomes.

As the Avoya Network continues to grow at a record pace, Avoya is always looking for new ways to support Independent Agencies and provide high-quality education to help travel professionals run thriving businesses. The Avoya Institute was created based on feedback from Independent Agencies who wanted more face-to-face time with Avoya’s high-level supplier partners.

The two-day event centered on relationship building and networking between Independent Agencies and Avoya’s Diamond Level Preferred Suppliers. Programming included small group roundtables with vendors as well as hands-on workshops and educational time with Avoya’s Groups Department, Promotions Department, and Support Staff teams. Attendance was intentionally limited for an intimate setting that allowed Independent Agencies more time for education and networking.

“The Globus family of brands was honored to participate in the Avoya Travel Institute and enjoyed the quality time to build friendships with the passionate travel experts in the Avoya Travel Network,” said Paula Hayes, Vice President of Sales, Globus family of brands. “Participating with Avoya Travel at a higher partnership level has allowed the Globus family of brands to grow relationships with Independent Agencies, cultivate stronger brand loyalty, and ultimately create even better vacation experiences for our mutual guests.”

“Attending the Avoya Travel Institute was invaluable to my Independent Agency. I was thrilled to have so much one-on-one time with top suppliers, to meet new contacts, and to learn about product developments that I can share with my clients,” said Tina Bradley, owner of Wish You Were Here Vacations, an Independent Agency in the Avoya Travel Network. “Hosting an event with exclusive access to so many top vendors, who want to form relationships with travel professionals in the Avoya Travel Network, is a testament to Avoya Travel’s reputation in the industry.”

The Avoya Institute was held August 9 – 10, 2018 in San Diego, California, at the Sheraton Mission Valley. Avoya’s Diamond Level Preferred Suppliers that participated in the event include, but are not limited to: Allianz Global Assistance, AmaWaterways, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Contiki, Crystal Cruises, Globus family of brands, Holland America Line, Insight Vacations, The Mark Travel Corporation, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises, Trafalgar, and Windstar Cruises.

The Avoya Institute is the second new event in 2018 to join Avoya’s award-winning portfolio of educational forums and resources. Earlier this year Avoya announced a new Avoya Mastermind Academy series that was enhanced to meet the growing needs of Avoya’s expanding Network. In May, the company also held its Avoya Conference , which is the largest annual event for Avoya’s support staff, Independent Agencies, and supplier partners to come together for learning, networking, and celebrating innovative advancements that expand the Avoya platform and grow Independent Agencies’ businesses.

To learn more about opening an Independent Agency in the Avoya Network, visit:  www.JoinAvoya.com .

About Avoya Travel Avoya Travel is a family-owned company with a longstanding reputation for being one of the world’s most innovative marketing and travel technology companies. As an American Express Travel Representative for more than 30 years, and one of their largest sellers of cruises and tours, Avoya is deeply committed to Integrity and Professionalism™, service, and value in every aspect of planning cruises and vacations. Through an elite network of independently owned and operated travel agencies, Avoya provides exclusive discounts, amenities, and first-class customer service to travelers worldwide. Cruise lines and travel partners recognize this, as Avoya has received numerous accolades, including being repeatedly named Travel Partner of the Year by Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruises, American Express, Oceania Cruises, MSC Cruises, and more. Today, Avoya is headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, with support offices throughout the United States.

Travel agency owners, travel professionals, and others interested in owning and operating their own travel business 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 .

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/Attachm...a1b582304a

Media Contact: Angela Velarde Avoya Travel                                                                                                                                               (305) 677-2308 x23272