JOYSTAR launched VacationCompare.com, a comparison-shopping Web site
for consumers that matches travel requests with Joystar agencies.
The host agency said it would roll out an affiliate program to help
drive qualified traffic to its marketplace of agent members.
Additionally, VacationCompare.com will offer both private-label and
co-branded versions of the tool to the firm's "super affiliates"
and to other high-traffic sites. Jorge Romero, Joystar's director
of online marketing, said the agency is negotiating partnerships
for VacationCompare.com's affiliate network.
HOTEL
DESK: The 310-room Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach unveiled its
$60 million refit. Among the upgrades at the Florida hotel are a
3,000-square-foot oceanfront terrace, three new restaurants, a
resort-wide wireless network, a new luxury room category
(oceanfront suites), the installation of flat screen TVs and a new
pool. A revamped spa will open in June.
DATEBOOK: The Missouri Chapter of OSSN will
host Cayman Islands Tourism at its meeting on Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
at the Maryland Heights Centre, Maryland Heights, Mo. E-mail [email protected] to sign up. The cost is $5 for
members and $10 for non-members.
TOUR
DESK: In honor of its 60th anniversary, General Tours
launched a promotion of complimentary upgrades, savings and
incentives, providing one bonus offer every day through March.
Check out the promotion on www.generaltours.com.
FAM OF THE
WEEK
China
Trip: Spends three nights in Beijing and two
nights each in Shanghai and Xian, with sightseeing by private car
in each city.
Departure: Daily through March from Los
Angeles or San Francisco to Beijing via United Airlines.
Length: Seven nights.
Sponsor: Orient Flexi-Pax Tours, New
York.
Cost: $1,299 per person, double. Includes
roundtrip air, hotel accommodations, sightseeing, some meals and
transfers.
Noteworthy: Companions are eligible. Taxes
totaling about $255 are additional.
Contact: (800) 545-5540; 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].