OCEANIA
CRUISES rolled out its Web-based booking engine. James
Rodriguez, director of Internet and database marketing for the
line, said the system enables agents to embed the engine in their
own Web sites, giving consumers real-time availability and the
ability to book Oceania Cruises. The system also produces a
detailed cruise invoice and itinerary. Shore excursion packages and
pre- and post-cruise stays can be booked through the system,
Rodriguez said. Oceania Cruises operates three ships, each
accommodating 684 guests: the Regatta, the Insignia and the
Nautica. More details are online at www.oceaniacruises.com.
THE
NETWORK of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel (NEST) is growing
at a good clip, with 140 members now onboard with the Oyster Bay,
N.Y. group, said senior vp Stuart Cohen. NEST is a marketing
organization for agencies that are home-based, independently owned
and operated and registered to book directly with suppliers. Cohen
said members also must be full-time travel sellers with gross
annual sales of at least $500,000. The criteria, he said, enables
just one in 25 applicants to gain membership. When the organization
launched last March, Cohen said he hoped to have 200 members by the
end of this year.
COHEN
SAID that the networks members-only incentive plan
launched last summer, called NESTRewards, has been well received by
the groups agents, with 80% enrolling. Under the plan, cash rewards
are applied to a no-fee MasterCard debit card each time agents book
participating preferred suppliers. Members can use the debit cards
anywhere MasterCard is accepted. Additionally, Cohen said three
regional meetings are planned for NEST members in 2005: one in Las
Vegas; one in the New York area, and one on the West Coast. Agents
can learn more about the network at www.jointhenest.com.
HOST AGENCY
SPOTLIGHT
Travel Management Consultants, Inc.
Address: 199 S. Addison Road/Suite 107C, Woodale,
Ill 60191
Phone: (630) 238-2250
In business since: 1993
Web address:www.travelmanage.com
Annual sales: $3.5 Million
Cost to join: $195; monthly fee of $50.
Industry Affiliations: OSSN, NACTA
Commission split to agents: 70%
DATEBOOK: Trafalgar Tours will be the
featured subject at OSSNs South New Jersey Chapter meeting Oct. 25.
Trafalgar rep Anna Lorang will speak at the event, scheduled for
6:30 p.m. at Bennigans Restaurant, Route 73 South, Mount Laurel,
N.J. A $12 admission includes dinner and a beverage. RSVP to [email protected].
FAM OF THE
WEEK
Caribbean
Dates valid: Through Dec. 23 for overnight
stays.
Sponsor: Hyatt Resorts Caribbean.
Cost: From $99 at the Hyatt Dorado Beach Resort
and Country Club in Puerto Rico and the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman
Resort in the Cayman Islands, from $108 at the Hyatt Key West
Resort & Marina in Florida and from $120 at the Hyatt Regency
Aruba Resort & Casino.
Contact: (800) 55-HYATT.