MIAMI, Jan. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Avoya Travel® / American Express®, one of the leading travel companies in North America and beyond, today announced the success of its recent National Conference, which provided an interactive platform for its elite Network of Independent Agencies and preferred supplier partners. Entitled, The Avoya Advantage™, the conference showcased new exclusive Avoya® opportunities for customers, travel professionals, and preferred suppliers.

Held December 2 – 9, 2012, onboard Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam Caribbean sailing, Avoya (www.AvoyaTravel.com) brought together a record number of Independent Agencies and top industry leaders, along with Avoya Executives and Support Staff. All of the attendees celebrated the success of 2012 as well as participated in unique small-group learning sessions, seminars, networking, and more.

While onboard, Avoya unveiled several new features to Agent Power™, its proprietary and revolutionary travel agency operating system. It also announced new direct mail marketing campaigns and an all new platform for connecting customers with travel experts that uses Live Leads™ patent-pending technology. These new and exclusive Avoya Advantages improve the customer experience by empowering Avoya's Independent Agencies to work with more customers more efficiently than ever before.

"At Holland America Line where we create once-in-a-lifetime experiences every time, it was an honor to celebrate and share in the achievements and advancements of Avoya Travel and their professional Network of Independent Agencies onboard the Nieuw Amsterdam," said Mark Kammerer, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales, for Holland America Line. "Together with our focus on performance, the already successful partnership will move to greater heights in 2013 and beyond."

During the conference, Avoya recognized the accomplishments of its Network, including special recognition for the record number of top producing 'Best of the Best' Independent Agencies, all of which received free shore excursions, the new Google Nexus 7 tablet, and a river cruise in Europe. The 2012 Best of the Best are recognized for their overall excellence in sales and running their Independent Agencies with Integrity and Professionalism™ while delivering exemplary customer service. Avoya also awarded its Independent Agencies for top sales for each of Avoya's preferred suppliers.

Avoya also announced plans for the Network's 2013 National Conference. Next year's event will be held in conjunction with Norwegian Cruise Line's Breakaway inaugural out of New York City in May 2013. Avoya's conference will incorporate on-land and at-sea components, and will reveal a new series of announcements and celebrate the continued success of its Independent Agencies and supplier partners.

Avoya (www.AvoyaTravel.com) has a long-standing reputation in the travel industry for being one of the top-producing and most innovative travel companies worldwide. The company has been a part of the American Express Travel Representative Network for over 20 years and has an elite Network of independently owned and operated travel agencies.

Avoya Travel has received more notable accolades than any other travel company, including being named multiple times as 'Travel Agency of the Year', by Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean, American Express, Oceania Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Brendan Vacations. Avoya Travel has also been featured for its groundbreaking technology, innovative Live Leads™ program, and leadership in travel by top industry publications, including Agent @ Home, Travel Agent, Travel Pulse, Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, Vacation Agent, and more.

Travelers interested in booking their next vacation with Avoya Travel / American Express, should call 800-753-1463 or visit www.AvoyaTravel.com, or for customers located in Canada, call 866-935-4051 or visit ca.AvoyaTravel.com. Travel agency owners and professionals interested in growing their business should contact Avoya Travel at 800-521-2597 or visit www.JoinAvoya.com.

About Avoya Travel / American Express:
Avoya Travel® / American Express® (www.AvoyaTravel.com) is one of the largest and most awarded travel companies in North America and beyond. As an American Express Travel Representative for more than 20 years, Avoya® is deeply committed to Integrity and Professionalism™, quality service, and success in every aspect of planning vacations and cruises. With hundreds of Independent Agencies in its Network, the Avoya Advantage™ provides exclusive discounts, amenities, and first-class customer service to travelers worldwide.

Contact:
Lauren Tait
Manager of PR and Events
Avoya Travel / American Express
(305) 600-4529 x22201
Lauren.Tait@AvoyaTravel.com

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SOURCE Avoya Travel / American Express