Leader in Cruise Vacations Targets Lone Star State for Expansion

    HOUSTON, TX, January 30, 2015 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Expedia CruisShipCenters - part of Expedia Inc, the largest online travel company in the world - is exhibiting at the Franchise Expo South (FES) from February 5-7 at booth No. 711 in the NRG Center (formerly Reliant Park) in Houston, Texas. On hand at the expo to represent Expedia CruiseShipCenters will be Sales Managers, Jeff Warkentin and Daniel Meyer. The travel company looks forward to presenting its retail franchise opportunity to passionate entrepreneurs seeking business ownership.

The cruise industry continues to grow every year, with the average number of cruise passengers growing at a rate of 7.6 percent per year. Cruising also has the highest satisfaction rate of any vacation with a 90 percent repeat rate, and between 2015 and 2017, 37 new cruise ships will debut. Expedia CruiseShipCenters is poised for massive growth with plans to add 150 North American locations in the next three years. This growth will be especially visible in Texas, home of the second fastest growing cruise ship port in the United States in Galveston. Expedia CruiseShipCenters has already planted seeds in Texas with a retail franchise already operating in Houston's Bay Area and another opening soon in Irving, TX. The company believes there are 11 additional franchise market areas available in Houston, and many more prime markets available throughout the state of Texas.

"Texans make up 11 percent of all cruisers in the United States and more cruise lines are choosing Galveston as a strategic embarkation point for their Caribbean itineraries. We believe there is enormous potential to grow our brand in Houston and all throughout Texas," said Matthew Eichhorst, President of Expedia CruiseShipCenters. "We are looking forward to meeting face-to-face with dedicated franchise partners who are passionate about navigating spectacular vacation experiences for residents of the Lone Star State."

As the largest franchise expo in the South, the FES brings together qualified prospects with a variety of franchise companies looking to expand south of the Mason-Dixon line. Additionally, the conference will host more than 40 free and informative seminars along with five symposia covering a wide range of topics such as "What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Franchise," "Getting Ready to Franchise Your Business," "Financing Options for Franchising: Your Best Alternatives Today" and more.

In addition to cruises, Expedia CruiseShipCenters' Franchise Partners and Vacation Consultants can also leverage Expedia's $39 Billion in buying power for flights, hotels, vacation packages and more. For information on franchise opportunities in Houston visit http://www.expediafranchise.com.

About Expedia CruiseShipCenters
Named a fast-growing franchise by MSN Money, Expedia CruiseShipCenters provides exceptional value and expert advice for travelers booking cruises and vacations through its network of 190 retail travel agency franchises. As part of the Expedia, Inc. family of brands, the company's 4,000 Vacation Consultants sell a wide range of vacation products including cruises, flights, hotels, vacation packages, tours, excursions and more. The company has been navigating spectacular vacation experiences for customers across North America for more than 27 years. For more information on Expedia CruiseShipCenters, visit http://www.expediafranchise.com.

Expedia is either a registered trademark or trademark of Expedia, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. 2014 Expedia, Inc. All rights reserved. CST # 2029030-50 and CST # 20893-43

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