WMPH Vacations Co-Founders and Presidents, Uf Tukel and Don Walker have helped shape and grow the cruise and travel industry since 1992. WMPH Vacations opened in May of 2004 and has grown from 5 employees to 120 and is an award winning, top-producing agency for all of the major cruise lines. Here are some of the company's accomplishments.
Cruise Industry Hall of Fame - Outstanding Retailer
CLIA Cruise Lines International Association
On April 5th, 2014, Uf Tukel and Don Walker were inducted inducted into the CLIA Hall of Fame. They were honored at a gala event during the 10th anniversary cruise3sixty conference and trade show in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
The CLIA Hall of Fame honors those individuals, past and present, whose efforts and accomplishments represent a significant contribution to, and a positive impact on, the cruise industry. Honorees are selected based on open nominations from CLIA's membership, followed by a review by the CLIA Trade Relations Committee.
"During this very special 10th Anniversary of cruise3sixty and as we look to an exciting next decade of growth, it is particularly noteworthy that this year's honorees have all played such significant roles in building and shaping the industry", said Christine Duffy, CLIA's president and CEO. "And, they have all been among CLIA's strongest supporters for many years."
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Magellan Award - Online Travel Services - Best Marketing App
Travel Weekly
The Travel Weekly Magellan Awards honors the best in travel and salutes the outstanding travel professionals behind it all. The Cruise Finder? Mobile App by WMPH Vacations and iCruise was awarded the Best Marketing App at the 2011 Magellan Awards ceremony and was featured in Travel Weekly Magazine
Best Apps and Websites for Travelers - Cruise Finder? App by iCruise
Travel + Leisure Magazine
Pick The Perfect Cruise and Stateroom: Cruise Finder
Browse itineraries for 32 cruise lines and 310 ships, sorted by size of ship, departure date, destination, or even money-saving deals. Once you've mapped out your voyage, detailed deck plans and pictures of ships, ensure that you'll love your cabin too.
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Top 30 Travel Agents Under 30 years old
Travel Agent Magazine
In 2013 and 2014, WMPH Vacations had two Travel Professionals named to the Travel Agent Magazine's Top 30 Travel Agents under the age of 30. Rebecca Witt and Paul Stroncek are among the next generation of agents who discover new places to go and new ways to connect with travelers. We are very proud of them and what they are are doing for their clients and the travel industry.
Accessible Travel Advocate Power Partner
Special Needs Group
WMPH Vacations was the first agency to have 100% of its agents complete the Certified Accessible Travel Advocate Program. As a result, WMPH was named SNG Accessible Travel Advocate Power Partner, together. The Special Needs Group Certification Program educates agents on the size, scope and needs of the disabled market segment and on protection offered by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).
Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies
South Florida Business Journal
The South Florida Business Journal named WMPH Vacations and iCruise.com of Delray Beach the 38th Fastest Growing Company in South Florida. The South Florida Business Journal is a newspaper covering general business news, major events in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, and around the world. With sections on global news and local news, business news and political news, Florida cultural life and newspaper classified ads, the Florida Press Association recognized the South Florida Business Journal as the best weekly newspaper of its size.
Top 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America
Inc. Magazine
The Inc. 5000 is an annual list of the 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the United States. The Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth over a four-year period. To qualify, companies must be able to show four full calendar years of sales. Additionally, they had to be U.S.-based, privately held, and independent, not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies as of December 31 of the last year measured. Revenue in the initial year must have been at least $200,000, and revenue in the most recent year must have been at least $2 million.
Online Agency of the Year
Royal Caribbean International
WMPH Vacations was named the Online Partner of the Year by Royal Caribbean International. The company is a Top Producer for Royal Caribbean. In addition to their consistent support of the cruise line, Uf Tukel and Don Walker both serve on Royal Caribbean's Travel Agency Advisory Board and provide technical advice and feedback on Royal Caribbean's technology efforts.
Retail Agency of the Year
Norwegian Cruise Line
WMPH Vacations was named Retail Agency of the Year by Norwegian Cruise Line. WMPH is a top producer for Norwegian Cruise Line and a member of Norwegian Cruise Line's President's Club and Travel Agent Advisory Board.
President's Award Overall Partner of the Year
MSC Cruises
In addition to serving on their Travel Agent Advisory Board, WMPH Vacations was named MSC Cruises 2014 President's Award Overall Partner of the Year. "It is an honor to receive this award. We value our relationship with MSC Cruises and appreciate their partnership, support and commitment to provide a quality product. We are proud to introduce cruisers to the great value and exceptional experience of an MSC Cruises vacation." Uf Tukel, Co-President and Founder, WMPH Vacations
Strategic Partner of the Year
Carnival Cruise Line
As a Top Producer for Carnival Cruise Line, WMPH Vacations showed significant growth in reservations, technology utilization, and client satisfaction with Carnival Cruise Lines. As a result, WMPH was awarded the Carnival Cruise Line Strategic Partner of the Year award. WMPH also serves on Carnival's Travel Agency Advisory Board.
Southeast Region Agency of the Year
Celebrity Cruises
WMPH Vacations was named Southeast Region Partner of the Year by Celebrity Cruises. WMPH Vacations was the first agency to have 100% of its agents complete the Celebrity Cruises 5-Star Training Academy. As a top producer for Celebrity Cruises, WMPH Vacations sits on the Travel Agency Advisory Board and provides advice and feedback on technical projects.
President's Club
Princess Cruises
WMPH Vacations is proud to be a returning member of Princess Cruises' President's Club. This is achieved by exceeding goals on a year over year basis. In addition to an award each year, WMPH is invited to attend the Princess Summit Cruise with other President's Club members.
Centurion Club
Holland America Line
The Centurion Club is a group of Holland America Line's Top 100 US and Canadian travel agencies who produced the most sales in the previous calendar year. Winners receive a commemorative award and invitation to set sail on the annual Centurion Club cruise.
Earmarked Agency - Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Walt Disney World Travel Company
WMPH Vacations is proud to be one of 200 Disney Earmarked Agencies. As an Earmarked Agency, WMPH is a recognized leader in planning magical vacations to the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, and on Disney Cruise Line ships. Earmarked Agencies are Authorized Disney Vacation Planners and must demonstrate year over year growth. WMPH Vacations' Co-President Uf Tukel served for two years on the Disney Earmarked Agency Travel Agent Council.
Seven Seas Council Award
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The Regent Seven Seas Council Award is presented to the top travel agencies specializing in luxury cruise sales for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
