RAMSEY, N.J. -- Gogo Worldwide Vacations installed a toll-free
telephone service that forwards client calls to travel agents who
participate in a new program called Gogo Agent Direct.
Customers responding to the 888-GOGO-YES number in the company's
cable TV, radio, newspaper advertising and other promotions are
instantaneously transferred to the nearest participating travel
agent.
A recorded message advises agencies that clients are being
forwarded.
"Gogo Agent Direct is further proof of our commitment to working
as a partner with travel agencies," said Thomas Ludington, Gogo's
director of direct marketing.
"We don't have our own consumer reservations center. Instead,
all inquiries regarding our vacation products are channeled to the
nearest travel agency."
Ludington said certain destinations, such as the Bahamas,
Curacao and Busch Gardens-Williamsburg, will benefit from the
program "because callers are instantly connected to travel agents
ready to sell their product rather than being referred to a
fulfillment house, which, in most cases, cannot provide an
immediate response."
Each participating agency receives its own five-digit extension,
which it can provide to customers.
By calling the toll-free number and the extension, callers are
directed to the desired agency, no matter where the call
originates.
Participating agencies pay a set-up fee of $29.95 and a "very
competitive" price per minute, according to Gogo. An average
five-minute call would cost about 20 cents per minute.
To join, agencies should request an application by faxing
TotalTel, the digital call routing service provider, at (800)
464-6227.
In other news from Gogo, the tour operator scheduled its fall
conference for travel agents for Sept. 18 to 23 in Ocho Rios,
Jamaica.
An expected 800 to 1,000 agents and 125 suppliers are expected
to attend.
Agents can choose from two conference sessions: Sept. 18 to
Sept. 22 or Sept. 19 to Sept. 23.
Rates, starting at $299 per person, double, plus $69 tax and
service, include roundtrip air from major American and Air Jamaica
gateways, four nights' accommodations, most meals, hotel
inspections, sightseeing, seminars and trade show.
Also, there are pre- or post-conference tours available to
Montego Bay, Negril or Ocho Rios.
Agents can call the sales department for more information at
(201) 934-3757.