VACATION.COM in October will release
AgentNet 5.0, an upgrade to its AgentNet selling platform for
leisure travel. The release will enhance the functionality and add
content to the groups signature desktop, said Bobby Heiser,
executive vice president of sales and marketing. The 5.0 version is
a precursor to more enhancements to be rolled out in 2006, with a
view toward ultimately providing the platform to a Vacation.com
consumer Web site. Dick Knodt, president and CEO, was reluctant to
put a date on a consumer site launch except to say that "if all
goes right," a preliminary version might be in sight by the end of
2006.
THE CONSORTIUM also has rolled out MarketEdge, a
program designed to gather sales transaction histories from member
agencies. Its purpose is to refine the groups direct marketing and
put Vacation.com in a stronger position when negotiating
with preferred suppliers. Vacation.coms Engagement CRM program
requires participating agencies to provide client names and contact
information. MarketEdge is the next step, a spokesman said, to more
effective and focused marketing.
DATEBOOK
OSSNs Houston Chapter meeting on July 21 will
focus on how to sell and market trip cancellation insurance, said
director Jeff Grieder. The event begins at 7 p.m. at the Golden
Corral on Northwest Freeway in Houston. RSVP is requested by phone,
(832) 875-4800 or e-mail, [email protected].
IN YOUR POCKET
Nordic Saga Tours, specializing in Scandinavia,
the Baltics and Russia, is marking its 10th anniversary with an
offer for travel agents: An extra 2% commission for bookings under
deposit by July 15. Check the Web site at www.nordicsaga.com
for the full product line. The firm is based in Edmonds, Wash.
FAM OF THE WEEK
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Dates valid: For overnight stays through Dec. 15.
Sponsor: Quinta Real Puerto Vallarta.
Cost: $125 per night, double, plus taxes.
Contact: Evelyn St. Germain via fax at (310)
937-7618); e-mail: [email protected].