Dream Vacations is recruiting military veterans to enlist in its 14th annual “Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General” contest, and is accepting entries from now through September 1, 2025. Three military veterans will be awarded a free travel agency franchise, continuing a tradition that has given away 64 franchises valued at more than $787,200 since the contest began in 2012.
For the first time, Dream Vacations franchise is partnering with Carnival Cruise Line to provide this year’s three recipients with a complimentary Carnival cruise that includes an ocean view stateroom for two on sailings up to eight days, as part of their grand prize package.
“At Carnival, honoring our military members and their families is a part of who we are. Our commitment goes beyond a single moment—it’s about creating a lasting tradition of gratitude,” said Janet Wygert, senior vice president of sales and trade marketing for Carnival Cruise Line. “From our Heroes Tribute Bar & Lounge, a popular venue on many of our ships that are dedicated to honoring our military heroes, to appreciation gatherings on every sailing and year-round community support for nonprofits and veterans, we strive to show our appreciation in meaningful ways. Through this partnership with Dream Vacations, we’re proud to give even more military members the chance to relax and recharge with the kind of fun only Carnival can deliver.”
The Dream Vacations franchise contest is open to former members of any of the six branches of the U.S. military (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard) who are retired, off active duty and/or honorably discharged prior to the contest start date and are residents of the United States. To participate, candidates must complete an online entry form and an introductory phone interview with a Franchise Development Manager. Candidates will be required to submit a candidate profile, business plan and video. Finalists will be invited to participate in follow-up phone interviews before the winners are selected.
Three winners will be notified in September 2025. Each grand prize is valued at $12,300 and includes the Carnival cruise and complimentary Dream Vacations franchise with a waived $10,500 initial start-up fee and monthly administrative service fees for the first year. After completing Dream Vacations’ New Franchisee Training, the winners will be armed with all the tools and knowledge they need to begin their next journey as small business owners creating dream vacations.
Military veterans and Gold Star families interested in starting a work-from-home business immediately can purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency business now at a 30 percent discount, receive an enlistment package valued no less than $5,000 and will have their administrative fees waived which is valued at $1,800. In addition to having access to the Command Center, an internal portal with veteran-specific training and veteran-themed marketing assets, all veterans and Gold Star families receive a waived training fee for a business partner and the ability to hire active-duty military spouses and veterans as associates at a discount. Additional veteran incentives include the ability to move residences and stay in business, travel discounts for military customers and access to veteran networking groups.
“At Dream Vacations, we’re proud to honor our military heroes—not just with words, but with real opportunities,” said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager of Dream Vacations. “With Carnival joining us as a partner for the 2025 ‘Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General’ contest, we’re more energized than ever to support veterans in building a successful future. This partnership strengthens our mission to give back to those who’ve served by helping them launch their own travel businesses and gain the freedom and flexibility they deserve.”
Military veterans with a passion for travel and entrepreneurship who are interested in opening a Dream Vacations travel franchise and want to be considered as a candidate for the contest can call 888-249-8235 or visit www.OperationVetrepreneur.com.
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