PHNOM PENH — Travel Professionals International’s fourth annual Chairman’s Circle trip brought 15 of TPI’s top producing agents to Vietnam and Cambodia for an AmaWaterways cruise on the Mekong River.
Hosted by TPI CEO and President, Morris Chia, the trip rewarded the exceptional performance of the invited agents and allowed them to experience AmaWaterways – one of TPI’s preferred suppliers – first-hand. The seven-night river cruise aboard the AmaDara, sailing the ‘Vietnam, Cambodia, & the Riches of the Mekong’ itinerary, was part of an all-expenses paid trip for the agents.
The cruise started in Ho Chi Minh City and then it was on to Phnom Penh and further up the Mekong and beyond to the renowned Angkor temples, including Angkor Wat, known as the largest religious monument in the world. The cruise focused on the historical, cultural and ecological riches of the Mekong River. Next year’s Chairman’s Circle trip will be a cruise with Crystal Cruises, said Chia.
One of the highlights of this year’s sailing was an excursion through a Cambodian village known as Kon Chen, for a visit to a primary school and participation with a Grade 3 class learning to speak English. Impressed and moved by the enthusiasm and determination of the children, Chia on behalf of TPI offered to finance English lessons for 30 children. The agents took Chia up on his offer to match any additional financial commitments for the children’s education they could make.
“AmaWaterways is thrilled to once again to have hosted the TPI team of top travel advisors for this very prestigious event,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways Executive Vice President and Co-Owner. “Our strong relationship with TPI continues to grow each year and this year, we showcased Southeast Asia and our beautiful ship, AmaDara, to this exceptional group of TPI travel advisors.”
Chia said it was “truly my honour to have hosted our top achievers for this once-in-a-lifetime voyage as we recognize their commitment to success.” The TPI Chairman’s Circle trip is part of TPI’s larger Velocity travel advisor recognition program and recognizes the successes of TPI’s highest-producing travel advisors.