AMERICAS
VACATION CENTER, a host agency based in San Diego, has
launched BizDev Central, a Web portal that its agents, several
hundred of whom are home-based, can use to obtain marketing
collateral, view vendor policies and promotions, and check out
supplier incentives. The portal was developed using AVCs Agent
Power software. AVC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Full Service
Travel and a member of the American Express Travel Service
Representative Network; it is accredited by CLIA, Iatan and ARC.
Retailers can learn more by calling (866) 520-2133 or visiting www.JoinAVC.com.
JOYSTAR, a host agency based in Aliso Viejo,
Calif., has introduced Agent Advantage XP, a no-fee membership plan
for experienced travel agents joining the companys network. Agents
receive 80% of their commissions for the first $10,000 in annual
gross commissions; they get 90% for everything over $10,000 in
gross commissions. The plan also includes a private-label Web
site.
THE TRAVEL
ZONE, a former host travel agency based in West Palm
Beach, Fla., has relaunched the company as a technology provider.
On July 30, the Travel Zone is set to introduce Agent RC, a
Web-based hosting solution that connects the host agency, outside
travel agents and vendors in a community-based environment, said
the company.
FARTHER
AFIELD: If the figures for 2005 are any indication, Europe
could receive more U.S. travelers this year than the record 13.12
million who visited in 2000. Theres been a steady increase since
2003. There were 12.6 million U.S. visitors in 2005, surpassing the
European Travel Commissions projected figure of 12.4
million.
FAM OF THE
WEEK
Greece/Turkey
Trip: Spends three nights in Athens and
three days cruising the Aegean Sea, visiting Mykonos, Piraeus,
Rhodes and Patmos, Greece; and Kusadasi, Turkey.
Departures: Oct. 5 and Nov. 2 from
Athens.
Length: Six nights, including a three-day
cruise on Louis Cruise Lines Perla or Royal Olympics Aegean
1.
Sponsor: Sterling Vacations, Austin,
Texas.
Cost: $599 per person, double. Includes
hotel, sightseeing, a tavern dinner in Athens and the
cruise.
Noteworthy: Guaranteed oceanview cabins are
$150 extra. The companion rate is $699. Taxes and fees are not
included. Optional excursions to Delphi or Argolis, Greece, can be
added for $79.
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].