Here’s what you’ll learn after reading this article:
- During the franchise convention, leadership highlighted a cultural shift where consumers view travel as an essential investment in well-being, emphasizing that personal relationships allow Advisors to successfully compete against digital platforms.
- The event featured 52 total workshops and announced that the franchise training program is the first to earn elective credits toward CLIA’s Certified Cruise Counselor certification.
- Madson & Associates received the Franchise of the Year Award, while the convention raised over $118,000 for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida and $15,000 for hurricane relief in Jamaica.
- The 2026 National Conference will be held November 1–8 aboard the Star of the Seas, making it the first industry conference to take place on an Icon Class ship
Even in times of economic uncertainty, leisure travel continues to surge as consumers have shifted their priorities to embrace travel as an essential part of life. That was the positive outlook shared during the 2025 Dream Vacations National Conference, which brought together more than 1,000 attendees this fall for a “Thrive”-themed week of learning, connection and inspiration at this franchise convention.
“We’re seeing consumers redefine what truly matters,” said Brad Tolkin, co-CEO/chairman of World Travel Holdings, the umbrella company of Dream Vacations, in a fireside chat during the conference. “Travel has become more than a luxury – it’s a necessity for connection, renewal and creating lasting memories. Even as other sectors struggle, the demand for travel remains strong.”
One of the top travel trends, Tolkin said this is due to a cultural shift: Consumers now view travel as an investment in personal well-being and family connection. During the fireside chat, Tolkin continued, personal relationships are still the greatest way for travel advisors to compete against direct-to-consumer platforms.
“The human touch will never go out of style,” he said.
Drew Daly, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Dream Vacations, agreed with this optimistic message.
“To achieve success, it’s about being intentional with your choices, staying focused on your goals and loving what you do,” Daly said. “The advisors in our network are thriving because they’re not just selling travel – they’re building relationships, experiences and communities.”
Focus on Franchise Training and Support
The convention, which kicked off November 9 at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, continued through November 15 aboard the brand-new Star Princess for a Caribbean cruise to Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos. This year’s conference included award-winning training programs, including dozens of dynamic workshops designed to support each travel agency owner at every stage of their business.
Among these franchise resources, the convention featured supplier and expert Franchise Owner panels, cruise line executive panels, C-Suite keynote presentations, breakout sessions, like-minded meetups (including veterans and new-to-travel groups), a robust travel trade show, AI programs and education, transformative MarTech advancements and a celebration of record-breaking achievements.
In four general sessions, Franchise Owners had the opportunity to hear from Dream Vacations’ leadership about exciting, innovative new tools and programs, which are intended to help Advisors take their business to the next level by streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency.
“The Dream Vacations National Conference offers us the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to our franchisees through growth-focused opportunities in engagement, support, training, technology and marketing – all of which have contributed to the success we have seen and the opportunities ahead of us,” said Debbie Fiorino, Chief Operating Officer of Dream Vacations.
Recognition for Supporting Franchise Ownership
Among the fastest growing franchises, Dream Vacations, notably, has been named to Franchise Business Review’s 2025 Most Innovative Franchises list, showcasing the network’s ongoing investment in training, technology and other tools that empower its travel advisors.
Dream Vacations has also set a new standard in travel industry education, becoming the first Cruise Lines International Association Premier Agency Member to earn CLIA elective credits for their franchise training program, an accomplishment announced during the November conference. Those who complete the program now earn 40 CLIA elective credits and one ship inspection credit, fulfilling more than half of the requirements needed to receive CLIA’s prestigious Certified Cruise Counselor certification.
The redesigned training program supports Franchise Owners in their roles as both travel advisors and business owners.
“We’ve redefined what professional travel education looks like,” said Charity Santiago, Vice President of Training and Events for Dream Vacations. “From day one, you gain CLIA elective credits, real-world experience, and structured learning that blends foundational business skills with travel expertise. This isn’t orientation – it’s a launchpad for building a profitable travel business with recognized industry credentials and a competitive edge.”
Honoring Accomplishments and Giving Back
Also, during the franchise convention, Dream Vacations hosted their annual awards ceremony. The Franchise of the Year Award – re-named the Bobbye Haupt Franchise of the Year Award in memory of a beloved Franchise Owner who passed away in September 2021 – was presented to Orlando, Florida-based Madson & Associates, operated by Franchise Owners Amy and Michael Madson. Plus, Livermore, California-based Kevin and Donna Gott were recognized as the 2025 Rookie of the Year Award, which honors a new franchise owner who demonstrates exceptional growth, engagement and commitment to service excellence.
Dream Vacations also makes it a priority to give back. Tolkin committed to donating $15,000 on behalf of World Travel Holdings to the Sandals Foundation to help communities recover and rebuild after the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.
And, once again, Dream Vacations donated to Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, with more than $118,000 raised during the conference; a dance-off, silent auction and 50/50 raffle allowed attendees to help support this meaningful cause. Over 14 years, World Travel Holdings has raised more than $2 million for the nonprofit to help make dreams come true for critically ill children.
Looking ahead, the dates for next year’s national conference were announced. It will take place November 1–8, 2026, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida. The first industry conference to take place on an Icon-Class ship, the cruise will visit Perfect Day at Coco Cay, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten before returning to Port Canaveral.
“This incredible setting will bring our community together to explore stunning destinations, gain valuable insights from industry leaders and our headquarters team and create memories that will last a lifetime,” Daly said.
We’d be thrilled to welcome you to our next exciting community event. To find out more about becoming a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner, watch our video tour or call 800-892-3928.
