ASTA said it is evaluating legal options to
prevent ARC from increasing fees charged to accredited agencies,
which could see their annual, per-location administrative fee jump
as high as 200% starting on Jan. 1. Under the proposal, ARC's
annual administrative fee of $125 to $145, depending on the size of
the agency, would increase to $395 for independent or home-based
locations. Most agencies, including home-based ones, currently pay
$145 per location. The quarterly transaction fee paid by agencies
would increase, as well, but that would particularly impact larger
agencies. ARC said it decided that with several new products, such
as Interactive Agent Reporting, the Document Retrieval Service and
ARC Memo Manager up and running, the timing was right to alter its
fee structure. ARC said higher fees would help fund the development
of new services and other enhancements.
THE TRAVEL
INSTITUTE launched an online training program on St. Barth
in its e-learning Center. It's a free, two-module course. The first
module, St. Barth Overview, provides comprehensive information on
St. Barth, including sightseeing, beaches and selling tips. The
second module, Selling St. Barth Properties, provides more detailed
information about the villas and hotels of St. Barth and how to
match customers with the right property. After successfully
completing the modules, agents will receive a course completion
certificate and a $50 bonus commission, redeemable with their first
booking. The modules also count toward continuing education units
at the Travel Institute. Learn more at www.thetravelinstitute.com.
VACATION.COM named Ron Cole general manager
of EZGuider implementation. The former airline executive will head
up the new EZGuider implementation team that in November will
launch the new booking platform for Vacation.com members. "Ron
brings with him established relationships and a vast amount of
knowledge of the travel industry, combining expertise in training,
technology, sales and marketing," said Steve Tracas, president and
CEO of Vacation.com. "Ron and his new team will help the members
launch this exclusive product that will provide Vacation.com
agencies with a competitive advantage in the marketplace." Cole's
sole responsibility will be rolling out the EZGuider
platform.
THROUGH THE
PORT HOLE: Carnival Cruise Lines in October will begin
offering an adults-only area called Serenity aboard the
Inspiration. It will be the first Carnival ship to have the new
area, which will feature plush chaise lounges and chairs, umbrellas
and two whirlpools. Carnival's sister cruise line, Princess
Cruises, unveiled the Sanctuary, an adults-only retreat, on the
Crown Princess in June 2006.
FAM OF THE
WEEK
Brazil
Trip: Three nights in Rio de Janeiro and
two nights in Buzios.
Departure: Sept. 20 from Miami or New York
to Rio de Janeiro via TAM Airlines.
Length: Five nights.
Sponsor: Air Projects Travel,
Miami.
Cost: $895 per person, double. Includes
roundtrip air from Miami or New York, transfers, accommodations,
daily breakfast and sightseeing as specified.
Noteworthy: When booking, use reference
code Fam/Miami or Fam/NYC. The companion rate is $100 additional.
The single supplement is $250.
Contact: (888) 298-6203.
Home-Based
Agent Editor: Donna Tunney
Phone: (508) 221-3674
[email protected]
For promotional
opportunities in the E-letters, contact [email protected].