TRIPOLOGY.COM, the agent referral site that
enables retailers to bid on customer leads, haslaunched. After
registering and indicating the type of travel or destination they
specialize in, travel agents are informed via e-mail about
potential clients seeking itineraries that fit the agent's
specialization. Agents can purchase a lead for a trip they'd like
to pitch, and if they are among the first three agents to do so,
they will obtain the client's contact information. Leads range from
$1 to $15, depending on the trip's complexity.
THE NICHE
CRUISE MARKETING ALLIANCE and the National Association of
Commissioned Travel Agents forged a partnership that will bring new
training programs and marketing and educational initiatives to
NACTA members. The alliance, which has 12 small-ship cruise line
members, will become "active allied members of NACTA," which
represents independent and home-based travel agents and their host
agency partners. "Home-based travel agents have tremendous
potential for the proactive selling of niche cruising and other
specialty travel products," said Larry Dessler, the alliance's
executive director.
TRAVEL
IMPRESSIONS rolled out Cayman Summer Splash 2007, a
promotion that offers savings such as a free night with a minimum
purchase of a five-night package, discounted car rentals,
half-price air fares for children, dive and watersports discounts,
and reduced rates at participating restaurants. The promotion is
valid on all new bookings for travel through Sept. 3. Participating
properties include Beach Club Colony, Cobalt Coast, Comfort Suites,
Courtyard by Marriott, Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort, Hyatt
Beach Suites, Reef Resort, Spanish Bay Reef Resort, the
Ritz-Carlton and Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa. For
reservations and details, call (800) 284-0044 or visit www.travelimpressions.com.
THE OUSIDE
SALES SUPPORT NETWORK'S chapter members in Walnut Creek,
Calif., can meet Sam Swronski, the director of sales for Auto
Europe and Destination Europe, at the group's June 19 meeting. The
gathering starts at 7 p.m. in Walnut Creek. E-mail chapter director
Chris McGill for details, [email protected].
FAM OF THE
WEEK
Europe
Trip: Cruise calls at Copenhagen, Denmark;
Hamburg, Germany; Helsinki, Finland; London (Tilbury); St.
Petersburg, Russia; Stockholm, Sweden; and Tallinn,
Estonia.
Departures: Sept. 5 from London, cruise
only.
Length: 13 days on Transocean Cruises'
Arielle.
Sponsor: Sterling Vacations, Austin,
Texas.
Cost: $1,099 per person, double.
Noteworthy: An oceanview cabin is $200
additional. The companion rate is $1,199. Port taxes are not
included.
Contact: (866) 345-7755; fax: (512)
345-7722; 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].