Sponsored By

World Travel Holdings franchisees repay $1m stimulus loan

World Travel Holdings said its Dream Vacations and CruiseOne franchise owners repaid all of the company's $1m COVID-19 assistance.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

September 10, 2024

1 Min Read
'Seeing that every franchisee who participated in the program has repaid the loan is a testament to their incredible resilience and the remarkable rebound our industry has experienced,' Drew Daly saidPHOTO: WORLD TRAVEL HOLDINGS

At a Glance

  • Stimulus program launched in 2021
  • Every franchisee who participated repaid their loan
  • Travel demand is surging

WTH launched the 'We’re There to Help Stimulus Program' in 2021 to support franchisees during the pandemic.

Now, three years later, every one has fully repaid the financial assistance.

Testament to resilience

'World Travel Holdings stepped up to the plate for our franchisees, ensuring that those in need received the support necessary to weather the storm,' said Drew Daly, SVP and GM for Dream Vacations and CruiseOne. 'Seeing that every franchisee who participated in the program has repaid the loan is a testament to their incredible resilience and the remarkable rebound our industry has experienced.'

The program's success also demonstrates the deep sense of community within the Dream Vacations and CruiseOne franchise network, according to Sharon Grant, president of the Dream Vacations and CruiseOne Advisory Council. While Grant did not apply for a loan herself, she appreciated how crucial the program was for many small business owners to keep their entrepreneurial dreams alive.

WTH committed to the network

'The leadership at World Travel Holdings is deeply committed to our network and consistently provides the resources and tools needed for our success. The implementation of the "We’re There to Help Stimulus Program" is just one example,' Grant said.

She added that as the industry experiences a surge in demand for travel, the Dream Vacations and CruiseOne network’s dedication to providing clients with 'remarkable experiences is our thank you to World Travel Holdings, which helped us not only survive but thrive.'

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

The latest cruise news, analysis and more straight to your inbox
Get the free newsletter read by industry experts

You May Also Like