5 / 13 / 2002 - Travel Agent Magazine Honors France Legends Vice President Huntington Beach, CA - The foremost travel trade magazine in the United States has declared France Legends Vice President Alexis Goeller a “Rising Star.” The April 29 issue of Travel Agent features the 6th Annual Rising Star survey, in which editors honor the most promising young travel professionals in the country. Goeller is one of only twenty-two executives chosen for the tour operator category. Candidates for Rising Star status must be under 35 years of age and hold a senior executive position. More importantly, they have to have tangible accomplishments to their credit. In Goeller’s case, one of those accomplishments is the creation of the unique France Legends brochure. “Our brochure was a labor of love,” says Goeller. “We wanted it clearly to reflect what France Legends is. We are a company of caring professionals, thoroughly knowledgeable about France. Every itinerary is created around a core of diverse, high-quality product.” Both Goeller and France Legends President Alain Bernard see the 56-page brochure as much more than a sales tool. Says Bernard, “In addition to describing the itineraries, every page of the brochure teaches the reader something about France. There is even a recipe for tarte tatin inside.” If the travel agent response to the brochure is any indication, the Legends brochure formula is a successful one. Bernard reports an overwhelming number of requests from agents who received an introductory copy of the brochure in January. Goeller’s elevation to Rising Star was a result of more than the brochure release, however. In early April the France Legends Web site was re-launched. According to Goeller, the site is an on-line extension of France Legends’ philosophy of value. “The Web site is continually being updated with special offers and newsworthy items. We want travel agents and consumers to become accustomed to the idea that France Legends is where they can go for relevant information. When they begin planning their France vacation, France Legends will be their natural choice.” Bernard spoke candidly about Travel Agent’s choice of Goeller for recognition as a future leader of the travel industry. “Travel Agent is one of the most widely-read travel industry magazines in the U.S., and their endorsement is great for brand recognition. So I am delighted, but not surprised. Alexis is committed to making France Legends the premier tour operator to all of France. I think this recognition from Travel Agent just shows that he is on track.” For Goeller, the recognition is a bit of encouragement to help meet the challenges ahead. He plans to expand the product range, develop niche product and dramatically increase marketing efforts to the travel agent community. Contact: Legends Anna Vo, 714-374-5656