Home-Based Travel Agent - July 2008 - (Page 18)

Technology Sell the Cell Cell phone rental options for clients add commission for you and convenience for them Let’s face it: You’re measured by your clients’ entire overseas travel experience, and that covers everything from the plane trip to the hotel bedding. But it also includes their ability to stay in touch with home and the office—and that means a cell phone. Cell phone rentals can bring you not only repeat customers, but possible commissions. Get Dialed In Fifteen years ago, Josh Mehlman was trying to improve the world. Working on a humanitarian aid project sponsored by the State Department, he was attempting to be a part of a rebuilding process, which included Russia’s schools and hospitals. “I ran one of the programs and traveled through Europe and the Soviet Union,” he says, “and the frustrations I had were crazy for keeping in touch. Nothing seemed to work.” That’s when he decided to start TravelCell.com, which officially got off the ground in 1998. “It gives agents a flat rate or a commission and they choose the package that works for them,” he says. “Many agents prefer the percentage, and we give up to 15 percent of the total bill, which includes rental fees and everything except shipping. Plus, we can give free rentals to agents and discounts for related services.” Sebastian Harrison, president of CellularAbroad.com, got into the business because of his travel between the U.S. and Italy, where he was born. He was desperately trying to figure out why the SIM cards he used weren’t available to everyone. “Verizon rates are at around $5.99 a minute plus tax, so I worked on NEW TECH BRIEF Vacation.com member agencies will receive a $1,000 first-year booking incentive when they sign on for EZguider, a new and fully integrated, leisure-focused selling system and booking platform. Steve Tracas, president and CEO, announced the news to 1,400 attendees at last month’s opening session of Vacation.com’s 10th Annual Conference at Caesars Palace. Tracas said the EZguider platform being launched at the four-day conference was a significant advancement for Vacation.com’s 5,000-plus members. Agents will have the ability to research, plan, quote and book comprehensive cruise, tour, insurance and ancillary travel products in an all-inclusive, easyto-use Internet site. Developed for the exclusive use of Vacation.com members, EZguider will be provided at no additional cost to members. The booking-based incentive as high as $1,000 is being offered in the first 12 months after they begin using EZguider. The platform has a dedicated booking engine that connects preferred suppliers on one desktop platform. Air capabilities will be added later this year, Tracas said. EZguider will provide a diversity of suppliers and products previously unavailable in a single travel agent desktop anywhere in North America. “As our industry continues to grow both in complexity and volume, we are driven to develop new tools for our members to ensure they stay ahead of their competitors,” Tracas said. EZguider will bring more value to Vacation.com’s preferred suppliers, Tracas said. The state-of-the-art platform includes features such as side-by-side product comparisons; integration with software already in use by member agents, including TRAMS; client record management; and tracking of bookings. Agents will access EZguider via their AgentNet desktop. Tracas also said that more than 60 percent of Vacation. com membership revenue is now driven by the cruise segment. During the conference, Vacation.com members will be urged to register to use EZguider. Extensive training support will be offered to agents throughout the year, Tracas said. The conference includes more than 400 learning and networking opportunities, including nearly 200 hours of training in Vacation.com’s extensive marketing and technology programs. —George Dooley 18 Home-BasedTravelAgent JULY /AUG US T 2008 http://CellularAbroad.com http://TravelCell.com http://www.vacation.com http://www.vacation.com http://www.vacation.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Home-Based Travel Agent - July 2008

Home Based Travel Agent - July 2008 Contents Editor's Note Publisher's Note Your Lifeline Agent Spotlight New Technology Industry News Hot Deals Tips for a Smooth Trip Agent Symposium Hotels For the Traveler - Destinations - Mexico For the Agent - Destinations - Mexico For the Traveler - Destinations - Dubai For the Agent - Destinations - Dubai Thailand For the Traveler - Cruise For the Agent - Cruise For the Traveler - Tours For the Agent - Tours New Products

Home-Based Travel Agent - July 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.