ITASN, THE INDEPENDENT TRAVEL AGENT SUPPORT
NETWORK, revised its membership levels, moving from a "one
size fits all" program to tiered membership levels. The group
counts many home-based agents among its affiliates. A spokesman
said the tiered program "addresses the economic needs of smaller
and larger organizations that were not the initial membership
target of the organization." iTASN is an aggregation of more than
200 travel agents and agencies that, after 9/11, pooled their
volume under one ARC number to earn higher commissions and
overrides.
THE LEVEL for home-based agents includes a
start-up fee of $195 and a monthly Sabre charge of $20. Retailers
earn 100% of tour and cruise commission, less 1% of the gross sale
amount, Itasn said. Additionally, agents keep 70% of any airline
commissions. More details about membership are available at www.itasn.com. In
other iTASN news, the group renewed its preferred-supplier
agreement with American Airlines.
IN YOUR POCKET
• Palace Resorts, which operates the Grand Beach Palace in St.
Thomas and five resorts in Mexico, extended its bonus commission
program through 2004. For stays of three or more nights, agents
receive a $50 bonus per room; for every 10th room booked, they
receive an additional $250 bonus commission. Reservations can be
made through wholesalers, through the GDSs (use code VE) or by
calling (800) 635-1836. Palace Resorts' Web site is at www.palaceresorts.com.
• Northwest Airlines will pay a $5 cash bonus to agents who book a
ticket through its Web site at www.worldagentdirect.com. The promotion, which is
geared to ARC- accredited agents who register for the site, is
valid until June 30.
• Alamo Rent A Car is rewarding travel agents with $15 worth of
Cash-In Club points when they book a car in Africa, Canada, Europe,
Latin America and the Caribbean through March 31. The points can be
redeemed for gift certificates at a variety of stores, restaurants
and destinations. The offer is valid for rentals of three days or
longer completed by June 30. Get more details at http://ta.alamo.com.
DATEBOOK: Agents can learn about becoming
home-based retailers by attending a seminar during The New York
Times Travel Show Feb. 27 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
The seminar, "There's No Place Like Home: How to Make the Move to
Being a Home-based Travel Professional," will be led by Nacta
president Joanie Ogg. Other seminars also are offered. A discount
fee of $55 is available for agents. Registration includes
breakfast, lunch, sessions and conference materials and entrance to
the exhibition. Get more information at www.nytimes.com/travelshow.
FAM OF THE WEEK
The Caribbean
Dates valid: April 19 to Dec. 20 for overnight
stays.
Sponsor: Divi Resorts.
Cost: $59 per night, per room. Available at Divi
Resorts in Aruba; Barbados; Bonaire; Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands;
St. Maarten; and St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Requirements: Iatan card.
Contact: (800) 367-3483 or via the GDSs through
code WV.
For a full listing of available fams, visit TravelWeekly.com at www.travelweekly.com.