Australia: AFTA Updates Supplier Info Tool
The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has completed a complete redesign of webMAIL, a marketing tool that helps agents search for commissionable products.
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webMAIL is a supplier-paid system; the only products listed are from suppliers who have “sponsored” the site. First introduced ten years ago, it had never been updated since and e-mails were in the form of text-only tables. The new version merges the best features of the original version with up-to-date technology.
Under the new system, which remains free to both AFTA members and non-AFTA members, travel sellers will be able to quickly determine which products belong to which suppliers using a new logo and color coding system. Additionally, once sellers click through to the online portal, the revamped Web search function allows users to search for products by supplier, destination and dates available.
Products will be loaded by branded logos, which will be arranged on the page by sponsorship tiers, with “Tier Four” sponsors in the top position.
Future enhancements are planned including the ability for “syndication” of consumer facing product information to agency websites.
More News from Australia
In other Australia travel industry news, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is offering reduced room rates exclusively to travel agents (leisure, corporate and group) throughout the month of April for stays any night between Sundays and Thursdays.
Part of the “Fabulous Famous April Family” promotion, the offer is designed to enable travel agents to experience the hotel first hand.
The special rate is AU$140 per room, per night for two people and also includes breakfast for two people.
Reservations can be made by calling (02) 9230 0700 and quoting “magnifique.” Agent identification must be presented on check-in.
