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11/5/03 - Hancock Becomes Accredited Cruise Counse

News Release

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - (Nov. 5, 2003)

HANCOCK BECOMES ACCREDITED CRUISE COUNSELOR

Tania Hancock, Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), Tourism, Sales & Service (TSS), manager, recently completed the requirements for Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) Cruise Counselor Certification Program. Hancock is recognized as an expert in cruise vacation sales by the cruise industry as an Accredited Cruise Counselor.

Hancock received certification after completing extensive classroom training from the Official CLIA Cruise Academy Training programs, personal cruise product development as well as other professional selling programs within the cruise industry.

CLIA is a marketing and training organization comprised of 24 of the major cruise lines and more than 22,000 travel agencies across North America. CLIA was formed in 1975 in response to a need for an association to promote the special benefits of cruising. CLIA exists to educate, train, promote and explain the value, desirability and affordability of the cruise vacation experience. According to CLIA, travelers book nearly 95% of all cruises through their travel agency.

The Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau's mission is to attract and serve visitors to the Municipality of Anchorage. ACVB's marketing functions are funded by half of the bed tax collected by hotels. The other half goes the Municipality's general fund. ACVB receives no state or federal funds. For more information, explore www.anchorage.net

Contacts:

Erika Biringer, Public Relations Manager
(907) 257-2331
ebiringer@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net

Nance Larsen, Director of Communications
(907) 257-2310
nlarsen@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net