November 13, 2026 // Franchising.com // Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – Dream Vacations concluded its 2026 National Conference aboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas with a look toward the future of travel entrepreneurship, franchise business growth and the opportunities ahead for travel advisors.
Brad Tolkin, co-chairman/CEO of World Travel Holdings, Debbie Fiorino, chief operating officer of Dream Vacations and Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations, reflected on the evolution of the business, what differentiates the Dream Vacations franchise model from other travel business models and the continued opportunities for entrepreneurs in the travel industry. Their discussion also explored the company’s growth, the characteristics that can help a franchise owner succeed and why now is an attractive time to build a business in travel.
“I’ve been in this industry a long time, and one thing I’ve learned is that people will always find a reason to travel,” said Tolkin. “The way they research, plan and book continues to evolve, and we have to evolve with them. But the human touch will never go out of style. When you combine strong demand for travel with the technology, education and resources we’re putting behind our network, there is tremendous opportunity ahead for Dream Vacations franchise owners and associates.”
Dream Vacations continues to invest in training, technology, marketing and industry relationships designed to help franchise owners build their businesses.
“Travel continues to be something people prioritize, and there are more ways than ever for advisors to build a business around that demand,” said Daly. “What makes this such an exciting time to join Dream Vacations is that you’re not starting from scratch. You have an established brand behind you, along with training, technology, marketing tools and a network of people invested in helping you succeed. You still get to build a business that’s your own, but you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.”
Looking ahead, Dream Vacations surprised attendees by revealing plans to hold its 2028 National Conference aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore Oct. 8-15, 2028.
“We couldn’t end an incredible week without one more big surprise, and Alaska aboard Norwegian Encore is quite the mic drop,” said Daly. “Our advisors are going to have an amazing opportunity to experience Alaska firsthand while we bring all the education, networking and fun that makes National Conference so special.”
Before setting sail aboard Norwegian Encore in 2028, Dream Vacations will gather for its 2027 National Conference Oct. 24-30, 2027, aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Festivale from Port Canaveral, Fla.
The Dream Vacations travel agency community raised more than $120,000 for Make-A-Wish® during the 2026 National Conference. The travel agency franchise has supported Make-A-Wish for 15 years, with parent company World Travel Holdings raising more than $2 million through the partnership to help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and continued support of the Dream Vacations and CruiseOne community,” said Norman Wedderburn, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. “Their commitment goes beyond fundraising. Year after year, their franchise owners, advisors, supplier partners and team members come together around our mission and help create hope and joy for children with critical illnesses and their families. Raising $120,000 during this year’s National Conference is another wonderful example of what can happen when an entire community rallies behind the power of a wish.”
Those passionate about travel and entrepreneurship who want to build a business with access to established training, technology, marketing resources and industry partnerships can visit DreamVacationsFranchise.com to learn more about Dream Vacations franchise opportunities.
Dream Vacations is a home-based travel agency franchise that gives its advisors everything they need to plan smooth and memorable vacations for their clients— all while delivering great value. As part of World Travel Holdings and a proud member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations has earned top honors, including franchise partner of the year from major cruise lines. The franchise is also nationally recognized for its strong commitment to supporting military veterans. For more details, visit www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. You can also connect with Dream Vacations on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Make-A-Wish Southern Florida has a sole mission: Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Started in 1983 by the Plantation Junior Woman's Club, the Southern Florida chapter has granted more than 15,000 wishes. The 15,000th wish came true when Gemma, a 7-year-old who is battling leukemia had a VIP experience with Ron Magill at Zoo Miami. It is our vision to grant the wish of every medically-eligible child in our territory. This year, we granted more than 550 wishes to local children with critical illnesses. We also granted an additional 300+ wishes in collaboration with other chapters, when children travel to our territory to experience their wishes. Make-A-Wish Southern Florida serves children and families in 22 Florida counties in Southeast and Southwest Florida, the Tampa Bay and Suncoast regions and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
SOURCE Dream Vacations
CruiseOne / Dream Vacations franchisees are able to offer their customers low pricing on vacations