Only home-based travel agency franchise to receive this distinction from VetFran
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (July 18, 2017) – As the premier franchise opportunity for veterans, Dream Vacations A CruiseOne Company has been recognized by the International Franchise Association Franchise Education and Research Foundation’s VetFran Program with a 5 STAR designation. Dream Vacations is the only travel agency franchise to receive a 5 STAR ranking.
“We are honored to be recognized by VetFran,” said Debbie Fiorino, senior vice president of Dream Vacations. “Veterans are a vital part of our country and the franchise industry, and because of their contributions to protecting our freedom, people in the U.S. can live the American Dream and choose to become business owners. We thank those in the armed forces for their service and are proud to support military and veterans in making their business dreams become reality.”
VetFran’s three-tiered recognition system is inspired by the military’s star system for generals and admirals and will make it easier for veterans to better assess and identify franchise opportunities. The new recognition system helps participating companies showcase the types of incentive packages they offer veterans, as well as encourages an even-stronger commitment to the veteran community.
There are eight criteria in the STAR program. Franchises with a 5 STAR ranking have a clean audit report; offer at least a 20 percent discount to military veterans; have been in business for at least five years and three years as a franchisor; 80 percent continuity rate; include Item 19 financial performance on Franchise Disclosure Document; at least 50 units; participation in one VetFran event per year and a Certified Franchise Executive on staff.
All military veterans who purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency franchise receive an enlistment package valued at no less than $5,000. In addition to selecting one of three perks — receiving up to $7,000 back based on sales through the Earn Back promotion, a $1,000 marketing credit, or waived administrative fees valued at $1,350, military veterans receive a 20 percent discount off the initial fee; waived training fee for a business partner; veteran-themed marketing assets; and the ability to hire active-duty military immediate family and veterans as associates at a discount. Additional veteran incentives include the ability to move residences and stay in business, LeisureCare Travel Insurance discounts for veterans, travel discounts for military customers and access to veteran networking groups. In addition, military veterans can win a complimentary Dream Vacations travel agency franchise by entering the sixth annual Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General contest. The entry form and all contest details can be found at www.OperationVetrepreneur.com.
Dream Vacations has received many national accolades as a veteran-friendly franchise, including a number one ranking the past three years in a row by Military Times in its “Best for Vets: Franchises” list, inclusion on G.I. Jobs annual “Hot Franchises for Veterans” the past six years and recognition by MSC Cruises in its first-ever Seaside Salute Award. Additional accolades include being named “Top 10 Military Friendly Franchise” by Forbes, “Top Veteran-Friendly Franchise” by Entrepreneur and U.S. Veterans magazines and inclusion on USA Today’s “50 Top Franchises for Military Veterans.”
Military veterans who have a passion for travel and entrepreneurism who are interested in opening a Dream Vacations travel franchise, please visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com or call 888-249-8235.
About Dream Vacations A CruiseOne Company
Dream Vacations A CruiseOne Company is part of World Travel Holdings, the world’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company. As an experiential brand, Dream Vacations is the only travel franchise opportunity to have a name that speaks to the variety of vacation experiences its franchisees sell. With unrivaled buying power, franchisees can provide competitive prices and exclusive offers when selling memorable vacation experiences such as cruises, resort stays and land tours. For more information on Dream Vacations, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. Like Dream Vacations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, and follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise.
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Media Contact:
Rachel Shapiro
PR Manager, Dream Vacations
954-958-3664
RShapiro@wth.com
