Carnival names semifinalists in business plan challenge

Carnival created the challenge to help travel advisors craft overall business plans that boost their success and income. the line held a series of daylong training events around the US and one virtual event.

One semifinalist was chosen from each of the six in-person events and two were chosen from the virtual event.

More than 1,000 submissions

More than 1,000 plans were submitted. They were judged by a panel from Carnival, Cruise Lines International Association and the American Society of Travel Advisors.

The semifinalists are: Gwendolyn Johnson of GMN Vacations, LLC in Charlotte, North Carolina; Margaret Gomes of Gomes Travel Planners/Dream Vacations in Los Banos, California; Paula McDonald of Family 1st Travelers, LLC in Livonia, Michigan; Kimberly Stanley of Adventure by Kim in Tupelo, Mississippi; Leigh Lee of Our Next Adventure Travels in Johnstown, Colorado; Charvon Parker of Gateway Travel in Garner, North Carolina; Juan Velazquez of Cruise Planners in Fort Mill, South Carolina; and Maureen Adams of Inteletravel in Charleston, South Carolina.

Each semifinalist earned a $2,500 prize and the chance to take home the additional grand prize of $5,000 to use toward executing the winning plan.

Daymond John and Christine Duffy

One of semifinalist will be named the grand prize winner when entrepreneur Daymond John, star of ABC’s 'Shark Tank,' helps to conclude the series at a grand finale event in Houston on Sept. 27. Carnival President Christine Duffy will join John during the event to discuss tips for entrepreneurial success.

Advisors are invited to attned the event or can register for the live stream here. 

During the training series, Carnival encouraged advisors to develop business plans with a tool created in cooperation with America’s Small Business Development Centers, a partner of the US Small Business Association. The advisors were then invited to submit their plans and compete for cash to use toward implementing them.

Creativity and passion

'We are looking forward to recognizing each of these eight semifinalists at our exciting grand finale event at the end of September. I’m impressed by the creativity and passion we’ve seen from the advisors who shared their business plans with us and I’m delighted by our continued partnership and thrilled to play a part in their future growth,' said Carnival's Adolfo Perez, SVP global sales and trade marketing.