Travel Business News - North America

AirGuide Business, April 14, 2008

The Travel Offer Network offers a web portal where suppliers' offers can quickly be uploaded or created and published. Once published, the supplier's offer is immediately placed into the agent's CRM and marketing desktop. The offers can then be searched by the agent using OTC and also linked with customer profiles and preferences that are stored within the agent's customer database. Agents can also generate email campaigns using the supplier offer directly to their customers under their own name and branding. Travel Offer Network rates start at $45 for a single promotion for with greater discounts available in packages of 5, 12, and 25 offers. As part of a limited-time launch campaign, new suppliers that register will receive one free offer added to whichever program they choose. For more information, visit www.traveloffernetwork.com or contact Gestation at opentravelcrm@gestation.travel Apr 8, 2008

In the wake of announcements by Aloha Airlines and ATA Airlines suspending flight operations and declaring bankruptcy, ASTA is urging consumers to check with their travel agent to examine their travel options. As a last resort, consumers may have to deny the credit card charge. All affected passengers, especially those in transit who need to return to their original destination, should review all options for traveling on other airlines. Following the cessation of a major airline, some airlines may make special concessions to affected ticket holders by offering special rates or waiving advance purchase restrictions, yet there is currently no federally mandated protection that requires any airline to provide alternate transportation. If all else fails travelers who paid by credit card can deny the charge. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, ticketed passengers have certain rights to refuse to pay credit card charges related to services that were not provided. As a result, ticketed passengers who made payment by credit card for travel on a bankrupt airline should contact their credit card company immediately to dispute the charge. Cardholders have 60 days from the time they receive the billing statement on which a charge first appears to refuse payment for services not rendered. Consumers can also file a claim, ASTA says. If no refund options are provided by the bankruptcy trustee, ticketed passengers who paid by cash/check or whose credit card dispute was denied by their credit card bank should file a Proof of Claim with the Bankruptcy Court, which will provide details regarding claim procedures. ASTA advises consumers to find a member travel agent at www.TravelSense.org Apr 7, 2008

Not all Las Vegas nightlife is created equal. And, yes, that is a good thing. After all, there is no prototypical Sin City consumer looking to do exactly the same thing when the sun drops. So understanding the different offerings is critical to providing the right recommendations. Aside from shows and concerts, there are three main categories to pay attention to when suggesting a nightlife experience: Mega Clubs, Ultra Lounges and Casino Bars. The Mega Clubs are typically reserved for the under-40 set looking to mix it up in a packed nightclub where a DJ spins the latest hits. Admission can run up to as much as $50 per person. A reserved table with two bottles of booze (the typical minimum) can be $1,000 or more. This is for those looking for a serious party. Ultra Lounges are usually scaled-down versions of Mega Clubs, which appeal to people looking for a similar experience without the crowds. Theyire also not as loud and people who go here are usually looking to sip martinis rather than do shots and drink vodkas mixed with Red Bulls. A small admission may be applied a weekend evening. Apr 7, 2008