Angela Grandchamp has earned platinum-level status in Sandals Resorts’ Certified Sandals Specialist program. She is one of roughly 100 travel agents in the United States to have earned platinum status, the highest level of recognition in the program. Grandchamp has owned and operated Middletown Cruise & Travel Inc. since 1994. She has a B.A. in elementary education from Catawba College.
PBN: Could you please explain the Sandals Resorts’ Certified Sandals Specialist program?
GRANDCHAMP: The Sandals Certified Specialist Program is for agents who would like to become experts on all facets of the Sandals/Beaches Resorts. Agents are required to attend a rigorous, yearly education and training program. Sandals provides us with an ongoing process of product education, resources, and substantial sales and marketing support … to keep updated on the constantly changing upgrades to properties along with any new promotions being marketed to the public. A platinum-level agent must report a minimum of 250 traveled bookings since their initial enrollment in the program.
Rhode Island's Market Has Changed. Developers, Builders, Investors and Sellers Must Change With It.
By Emilio DiSpirito IV License Partner | Engel & Völkers Oceanside Leader | The DiSpirito…
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PBN: What made you decide to get involved with the travel industry and to open your own agency in Rhode Island?
GRANDCHAMP: My husband and I were just getting out of the restaurant business and we were looking for another business that we could open on Aquidneck Island. At the time, 1994, there was a window-replacement company for sale and a travel agency which had been in existence since the ’70s … I have always enjoyed working with people and have always loved to travel. So, we purchased the agency and the rest is history.
PBN: Have you noticed any major changes in the travel industry since you opened your doors in 1994?
GRANDCHAMP: Yes … About six months after we purchased the agency, the airlines started decreasing travel agent commissions. [By] 2002, commissions were eliminated entirely. The first travel websites came online in 1994. In 2001, Sept. 11 changed the entire travel industry forever, for not only travel agencies, but the traveling public.
Since the beginning, we have seen the number of retail agencies on Aquidneck Island decline from 12 to four. We’ve seen documentation go paperless and airlines begin to charge the public for everything. Yes, you could say that we have seen many major changes since we purchased our agency in 1994. •
