VACATION.COM partnered with The Travel
Zone, a technology solutions company, to offer its members a
special rate for access to the Agent RC platform. Agent RC is a Web
portal developed by The Travel Zone that gives host agencies the
ability to support and communicate with their agents. "With the
growing number of members getting into the host agency business
within our Vacation.com network, we searched for a platform to
facilitate communication and booking transactions between host
agencies and their outside agent networks or independent
contractors," said Steve Tracas, president and CEO of Vacation.com.
The platform is customizable, enabling host agencies to integrate
any content, document, hyperlink, GDS or third-party booking tool
into their portal. Vacation.com members can get more information or
register for the Agent RC platform at exclusive member rates by
calling Bill Almonte at (561) 649-0240, Ext. 703 or visiting www.thetravelzone.com.
AN OHIO
COMPANY is marketing vacation keepsake DVDs and videos
that agents can obtain at net rates and then sell to their clients.
Adam Lapsevich, president of Digital Design Video Productions in
Chagrin Falls, Ohio, said his company offers two products: the
Vacation DVD Photo Album, which is based solely on still photos,
and the Hollywood Movie, which includes some camcorder footage
along with still shots. Agents can obtain their client's vacation
pictures and send them for processing to Digital Design. The
company has preferred-supplier deals with Cruise Planners,
Ensemble, MAST and Virtuoso. Lapsevich said agents most often used
the service for groups. Details are at www.digitaldesignvideo.com.
THROUGH THE
PORT HOLE: American Safari Cruises next year will add two
vessels to its fleet and base them in Alaska. The small-ship line
currently has three vessels in operation. New ships will include a
150-foot, 39-passenger yacht, the Safari Explorer, and a 108-foot,
six-passenger, charter-only boat, the Safari Legend.
DATEBOOK: The OSSN's Phoenix chapter will
feature Insight Vacations at its Sept. 6 meeting in Mesa, Ariz.
Agents can learn about Insight's home-based program during the
event, which is set for 5 to 7 p.m. at Sunland Village Restaurant.
Contact chapter director Paula Goldsmith for details, [email protected]
.
FAM OF THE
WEEK
Fiji
Trip: Sails around the Fiji Islands
visiting various destinations, depending on the cruise itinerary
selected.
Departures: Weekly through March 31,
ranging in length from three to seven days, on the Fiji Princess,
Yasawa Princess, Mystique Princess or Nanuya Princess, depending on
length of cruise and itinerary selected.
Sponsor: Blue Lagoon Cruises, Lautoka, Fiji
Islands.
Cost: Five itineraries are offered, priced
from about $80 to $216 per person, double.
Noteworthy: Rates are for lowest-deck
accommodations with upgrades at $99 additional per person, per
deck, subject to availability. Companions are eligible.
Contact: E-mail: [email protected]; Web: www.bluelagooncruises.com for itineraries.
Home-Based
Agent Editor: Donna Tunney
Phone: (508) 221-3674
[email protected]
For promotional
opportunities in the E-letters, contact [email protected].