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Agent Newsletter – March/April 2011


Mar./Apr. 2011

 
 

 

SPECIAL NEEDS GROUP NAMED EXCLUSIVE SUPPLIER OF SPECIAL NEEDS EQUIPMENT FOR NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
 
Special Needs Group was recently named the exclusive mobility and oxygen equipment supplier for Norwegian Cruise Line. 
 
This agreement, which is effective immediately, applies to all 11 ships of Norwegian’s fleet, including their newest and largest ship the 4,100-guest Norwegian Epic. 
 
"We are proud to be affiliated with Norwegian Cruise Line, an outstanding cruise company that has consistently worked to welcome and accommodate guests with special needs," said Andrew J. Garnett, founder and CEO of Special Needs Group. 
 
Norwegian and other lines in the growing cruise industry are proactively taking strides to accommodate guests with disabilities, both in ship design and onboard services.

With Special Needs Group’s new exclusive contract with Norwegian, it is now the only mobility and oxygen equipment supplier that is approved to deliver to all major cruise lines. Read More.  
   


 BOOKING GROUP CRUISES/VACATIONS: HOW AFFILIATING WITH ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES CAN INCREASE TRAVEL AGENTS’ BUSINESS 

When organizations book a group cruise or vacation, it’s very common that some or many of those wanting to participate have some type of special need. Individuals with special needs and their family/friends are most likely involved with one or more organizations or special need oriented groups such as the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, American Diabetes Association or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Many are affiliated with church and senior organizations, the Lions Club, Optimist Club, Rotary Club, etc., groups which may have only one or a few members with special needs. These people should, and do, have every travel opportunity as those who don’t have special needs.

One in seven persons in the U.S. has some form of disability; one in five families is touched. These individuals need and want to travel. Therefore, travel agents specializing in the special needs niche have an advantage when booking group travel. Agents can not only enjoy personal gratification by partnering with groups to help individuals with special needs realize their travel dreams, but they can also increase their profits.

Frequently, if group leaders think that one or more of their members can’t travel because of a group member’s special need, they’ll forgo planning a vacation for the entire group. Read More.       

 

 CITY OF HIGHLIGHT: COPENHAGEN, DENMARK 

Copenhagen is a very friendly and accessible city to travelers with disabilities. Although Copenhagen has a lot of cobble stone lined streets, the city has made many alterations and enhancements to make the sidewalks accessible. Additionally, quite a few hotels in different categories have accessible accommodations; parking is easy; major department stores have elevators to all the floors; and many of the top tourist destinations are accessible.
National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet)
National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet) is Denmark’s largest collection of cultural history. The Museum covers Danish history from the earliest of settlements to the present day. Through archeological treasures, artifacts, descriptions and information, visitors get a great deal of knowledge and understanding of Denmark and the Danes. The rooms are marked by ‘Ages’ and can take a while getting through so it is recommended to choose the exhibitions you want to see. The museum does not charge an admission fee, a big bonus in the expensive city of Copenhagen. The museum is accessible and has small lifts that will carry individuals in wheelchairs from floor to floor. Read More.

Interesting Fact: Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest amusement park in the world but is also one of the first amusement parks in the world to receive the Danish Accessibility Label.

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Quote of the Month:
"Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful."
– Annette Funicello, actress and singer 


   
 

UPDATED TRAVEL AGENT PORTAL
Our Travel Agent Portal now includes:
Online booking – book your wheelchairs and scooters for cruises online 24/7.
Web link generator – put a banner on your website to place equipment orders. Any orders linked from your website will earn commission as well! 
Cruise Ship Checklist – gather special needs information for your ship inspections
Traveler Questions – ask your clients questions pertaining to their special needs requirements
AND MORE
All can be found on Starboard.  


 

Travel Agents Earn Commission on Every Rental.

Toll Free: 1-800-513-4515 | International: 954-585-0575

2860 West State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
www.SpecialNeedsGroup.com

 
About Special Needs at Sea and Special Needs Group…

Special Needs Group, Inc. is a one-stop resource for special needs travel around the world. We offer a broad range of special needs equipment for purchase and rental including wheelchairs, scooters, power chairs with capabilities to support 500 pound or more; oxygen (liquid, cylinder, and concentrator); hearing impaired equipment, Braille printing, baby cribs and more. Recommended by the world’s major cruise lines and hotels for superior service and value, we also provide consultation services regarding special needs policy and new-build design. Special Needs Group, a U.S. company, is not a travel agency; we do not compete in any way with travel agents.

 

 

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