Cruise Planners Remains Best Franchise to Own in the Travel Industry Based on Entrepreneur’s Annual Franchise 500 List

Cruise Planners is No. 1 within the travel category for the 12th consecutive year

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – December 19, 2014 – Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, the nation’s largest home-based travel agency franchise network in the industry, continues to be one of the best franchises to own and remains in the highest ranking in the “Travel Industry” category for the twelfth year in a row. In 2015, Cruise Planners ranks in the No. 22 spot on Entrepreneur’s Annual Franchise 500 List.

“Our first-place ‘Travel Industry’ ranking for the twelfth consecutive year is a testament to our innovative style and longevity within the industry,” said Vicky Garcia, COO and co-owner of Cruise Planners. “This year, we have extensively developed new techniques for building success, have grown our in- house support team for franchise owners so they are never alone in business, and created new in-house technology, so this accolade is quite an honor.”

With this placement, Cruise Planners remains the No. 1 franchise opportunity in the “Travel Industry” category for 12 consecutive years, which makes Cruise Planners stand out among similar travel franchises. Also, since Cruise Planners is a home-based business opportunity, the work-from-home business model is ideal for anyone with a passion for travel.

“Entrepreneur’s ranking is something savvy business people trust when deciding to invest in a franchise,” Garcia said. “Our franchisees are set up for success from day one with our award-winning marketing efforts, innovative technology and top-notch training programs, and our accomplished Home Office team to help build successful businesses.”

Entrepreneur magazine judges all companies by the same criteria with financial strength and stability, growth rate and the size of the franchise as the most important factors. The magazine also researches the number of years the company has been in business and working as a franchise as well as startup costs, litigation, percentage of franchise terminations and if the company provides financing.

About Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative

Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, is the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the travel industry. Cruise Planners operates a franchise network of more than 1,000 franchise owners who are experienced travel professionals who independently book amazing vacation and travel experiences for their clients. The Florida-based Home Office team positions franchise owners for success by providing them with innovative marketing, booking and lead-generating tools as well as professional development and hands-on training with the industry’s top executives. The company continues to be lauded and was named No.1 Cruise Tour / Travel Agency by Entrepreneur for 11 consecutive years. Cruise Planners was recently featured in Entrepreneur as one of the top 30 franchise innovators in technology and named to the Fast 50 by the South Florida Business Journal.

Headquartered in Coral Springs, Fla. for 20 years, Cruise Planners has achieved top producer status with every major cruise line. Accolades include a record 11 Magellan Awards from Travel Weekly in 2013, Special Needs Group Accessible Travel Advocate Power Partners™ for 2012, American Express Travel Representative Excellence Award for eight years in a row (2004 – 2011), American Express Agency of the Year (2010), Royal Caribbean International Home-Based Partner of the Year (2007 – 2013), Royal Caribbean International President’s Award for Overall Achievement for 2012, Norwegian Cruise Line Franchise Agency of the Year (2011-2013) and Home-Based Agency of the Year (2010), Celebrity Cruises Home-Based Account of the Year (2013) and Southeast Region Travel Agent Partner of the Year (2010), American Express Vacations Globe Award (2008 – 2012), Globus Family of Brands Premier Agency Partner (2009- 2012), Platinum Circle Member with Viking River Cruises (2009-2012) and Regent Seven Seas Cruises Top Producer. Cruise Planners is one of the Top 50 franchises for Veterans according to GI magazine, has been named one of the Top 25 franchises for African-Americans by Black Enterprise magazine and is a member of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association. For information, visit www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com.

Stay in Touch: Media can stay up-to-date with Cruise Planners by visiting our media room, following us on Twitter @Cruisitude or on Facebook. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers should locate a travel advisor near them. For those interested in becoming a franchise owner, please visit our franchise site.