Social Media Groundbreaker and Customer Service Evangelist Peter Shankman to Headline Cruise Holidays Annual Convention

By: Cruise Holidays | 2 Shares 213 Reads

HARO Founder to Spread Message of "Customer Service Magical Moments"

October 18, 2013 // Franchising.com // Minneapolis, MN - Peter Shankman, the genius behind one of the most successful journalistic networking tools of the past decade, and co-founder of a new customer service consultancy, will deliver his message of "the new world of customer service" at the Cruise Holidays Annual Convention. The annual gathering of Cruise Holidays franchise owners, agents, suppliers and other industry executives will take place November 10-17, 2013, aboard Norwegian Breakaway out of New York City. Shankman will provide a keynote speech and will also be available to network with convention attendees throughout his time onboard.

Shankman is the founder of HARO (Help A Reporter Out), which in 2007 rapidly became one of the top resources for journalists to find credible sources on virtually any story topic. The platform has become a go-to service for many in the travel industry, including Cruise Holidays franchise owners, who often respond to travel-related story inquiries by journalists, both locally and nationally. Earlier this year, Shankman announced the formation of his new firm, Shankman/Honig, which teaches companies of all sizes how to improve customer service with an end result of higher revenues, increased profits, and elevated brand awareness.

Cruise Holidays franchise owners have long advocated that what sets them apart from the rest – especially from faceless Internet booking engines – is their deep expertise, local presence and attention to white-glove customer service. "It’s a cornerstone of what we do. But what’s different now, compared to 10 years ago, is that with the onset of social media, we have the opportunity to be praised or face criticism around every bend. Companies cannot afford to make a misstep and we look forward to hearing more about Peter’s vision to elevate our connection with our clients," said Kevin Weisner, Senior Vice President, Cruise Holidays International.

"Everyone has a connection to the world," added Shankman. "Good or bad, everyone will tell their story of how you treated them, every single time. I look forward to working with the Cruise Holidays franchise owners – they understand the importance of customer service and I want to help ensure that their customers are talking about their magical vacation moments to their friends, and literally wanting to give them their business every time."

About Cruise Holidays®

Cruise Holidays®, the world’s most far-reaching cruise-specialty retail franchise, features stores and virtual offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Cruise Holidays is also a distinguished provider of land tour vacation packages. Founded in 1984, Cruise Holidays is part of Travel Leaders Leisure Group.

SOURCE Cruise Holidays®