THE FIRST
NINE home-based members of Travel Counsellors' U.S.
division completed their certified travel associate tests.
Curriculum, training and testing was funded by the host agency as
part of its commitment to recruit and maintain the "most
professional team of travel agents in the marketplace." The group
participated in a 12-session online study group, facilitated by
travel industry trainer Dawn Comito, using curriculum from the
Travel Institute. The course would have cost the at-home members
$375 each. Travel Counsellors, the largest operator of systems for
home-based agents in the U.K., rolled out its U.S. unit in August.
For more information, visit www.travelcounsellors.com/careers/index.htm.
PRO TRAVEL
NETWORK, a host agency based in Fresno, Calif., went
public. President and CEO Paul Henderson said the company, which
counts approximately 6,000 affiliated home-based agencies, is
looking to make acquisitions. Pro Travel will trade under the
symbol PTVL.PK on Pink Sheets, a private company that operates an
over-the counter market handled primarily by discount brokers. The
move coincided with the firm's withdrawal as an ASTA member,
but ASTA declined to reveal why the host agency
departed.
IN YOUR
POCKET: Travel Impressions and the Hawaii Visitors &
Convention Bureau unveiled a Lei Low in Hawaii promotion offering
agents a $50 American Express Gift Cheque for each Hawaii booking
(minimum of five nights) that includes "Cancel for Any Reason"
Travel Protection Insurance. The offer is good on all qualifying
reservations made through Dec. 31 for travel April 15 to June 15.
Web site bookings earn an additional 1% commission. Details are at
www.travelimpressions.com.
FAM OF THE
WEEK
Portugal/Spain
Trip: Visits Fatima and Lisbon, Portugal;
and Barcelona, Cordoba, Costa del Sol, Granada, Madrid, Merida,
Seville, Toledo and Valencia, Spain.
Departures: Sundays from New York or Los
Angeles to Madrid via British Airways.
Length: 12 nights.
Sponsor: Tours Specialists, Palm Harbor,
Fla.
Cost: $2,200 from New York or $2,400 from
Los Angeles, per person, double. Includes roundtrip air, hotel,
some meals, sightseeing and transfers.
Noteworthy: Single supplements can be
arranged. Companions are eligible for $100 additional. Air from
other gateways is available. Taxes are not included.
Contact: (800) 223-7552; fax: (727)
784-7520; e-mail: [email protected].
Home-Based
Agent Editor:
Donna
Tunney
Phone: (508) 221-3674
[email protected]
For promotional
opportunities in the E-letters, contact [email protected].