ONBOARD THE OASIS OF THE SEAS — Vacation.com launched GoSiteSee, a mobile application that the consortium’s members can buy for their customers.
The app gives clients their itinerary and booking information, as well as destination information, a GPS tracking system and maps. V-com members can personalize the app with their own logo, agency description and contact information.
“After they buy the trip from you, do you want them going to a TripAdvisor app or do you want them to have your agency’s branded mobile app?” said Stephen McGillivray, chief marketing officer for V-com’s parent company, Travel Leaders Group, during V-com’s national conference on Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas.
V-com executives said most of the app’s features (including the map and navigation functions) are available to users without having to be online, so they can avoid hefty roaming charges while abroad. Trip-sharing features such as posting pictures and postcards will need online access.
The app will have recommended points of interest in 35 destinations in United States, Europe, Asia and South America, with more places to come. Destination content will include museums, restaurants, bars, cafes and shopping, along with pictures, reviews, maps, and navigation.
Agencies will have to purchase the destination guides for customers in packs of up to three, for $6 per pack.
GoSiteSee will be available on the Android Market for most Android smart phones and tablets and in the App Store for iPhones, iPads, and the iPod Touch.
The app adds value for V-com retailers, McGillivray said.
“This was developed by demand,” McGillivray said. “We’ve been hearing since early to mid-2011 that consumers are asking our agents for an app.”
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