Every month, the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce highlights an exceptional Chamber member organization. This month, the Chamber is pleased to feature Smart Travel OC, an affiliate of Expedia Cruise Ship Centers, as its November Member of the Month!
To learn more about Smart Travel OC and their excellent work in the community, we interviewed co-owners Greg Lipford and Donna Hisey. Below is a roundup of our Q&A.
AVCC: What is the mission of Smart Travel OC?
STOC: Our mission is to provide complimentary concierge-level service to ensure that travel brings the exact experiences clients seek.
AVCC: When was Smart Travel OC founded, and why?
STOC: Smart Travel OC was founded in 2017. As we were experienced cruisers, Donna took her customer-service mindset and event-planning experience from decades in restaurant management and became affiliated with a new travel office in Tustin. She soon moved to Expedia Cruise Ship Centers in Laguna Hills.
AVCC: How does Smart Travel OC differ from other travel planning businesses in the Aliso Viejo area?
STOC: Our concierge-level service is complimentary! Our specialty has always been cruises and all-inclusive resorts, and our expertise is in group travel, especially businesses and organizations taking their conferences at sea. We also specialize in planning relaxing, rejuvenating escapes with memories that last a lifetime! We have excellent connections in the cruise industry that allows us to offer great small and large-group benefits on the ocean and especially on river cruises.
AVCC: What has been Smart Travel OC’s greatest success as a business thus far?
STOC: We have many group cruises scheduled for 2020, but two are unique: First, we have a cruise down the Rhine with legendary OC winemaker Bellante, and we are coordinating a convention and contest at sea for about 1,000 barbershop singers from throughout the Southwest.
AVCC: What does your organization value about the Aliso Viejo community?
STOC: We love that there is a strong sense of civic pride and community involvement, with a world view that values travel and new experiences. Residents identify with and enjoy the city, and they seem to enjoy doing things as a community.
AVCC: What do you like about being a member of the Chamber?
STOC: This Chamber has energy and is growth-oriented, but just as important, the members are about friendships first, then business, which is how Smart Travel likes to work as well.
AVCC: How has being a member of the Chamber helped your business?
STOC: The Chamber is a great way to learn about opportunities to serve the community, and it’s just a lot of fun
AVCC: Any other comments you’d like to share about Smart Travel OC or any upcoming promotions?
STOC: The Bellante Rhine tour is booking now, and (glad you asked), we have a special $1,500 per person discount available from the cruise line if clients book with us before the end of 2019. Aside from that, travel deals change every day, so we like to remind people that it’s always free to ask us for information and pricing.
To learn about Smart Travel OC or to book a vacation, click here.
Join the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce
The Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce is committed to cultivating a diverse group of member organizations that represent all industries present in the Aliso Viejo community, and we’re proud to have Smart Travel OC in the Chamber. If you’re considering becoming a member, we encourage you to read about the benefits that come with membership and to attend one of our upcoming events. We’d love to have you join us!