FAQ: GroupConnect Webinars February 2009

GroupConnect Webinar February 2009

Q: Does the travel member submit their own information into the system?
A: Existing basic membership data will be grandfathered into GroupConnect from the OMCA and ABA membership lists but there will be additional information that the supplier will want to enter, including specific rates, photos, etc.

Q: Will CVBs be copied via email on Request for Quotes (RFQs) to suppliers?
A: CVBs will be provided with information about which operators are bringing groups to the area or looking for information on a specific area, but will not be provided specific RFQs and to which suppliers.

Q: How will DMO's get their members' info into the system (nonOMCA and nonABA members)?
A: The DMO will inform their members about GroupConnect and each member will have the ability to apply for membership in either association in order to have a full listing. In lieu of a full listing, the listing of their members will be available for a reduced fee.

Q: Can we get a copy of the GroupConnect Powerpoint presentation? 
A. Yes, a copy can be sent to any interested member via email.

Q: Reporting number of operators searching or requesting quotes is great will the report provide "who" so direct marketing back to them can be done?
A. The information will be sent back to the email address that the operator designates. In some cases it may be an individual, in others it may be a department.

Q: Will login be a trackable data point for targeted messaging?
A. Login will not be tracked but interest in a destination will be tracked and information forwarded to the CVB/DMO.

Q: How do you stop the DMO from adding you as a lead and sending to all their contacts as an additional lead?
A. An operator can be added as a lead now from any member of the association. All members contact information appears on the respective websites of both ABA and OMCA as reference for customers who are searching for those locations, properties or services.

Q: How will GroupConnect provide tracking for CVB's?
A: The system will relate suppliers to their CVB/DMO and the CVB/DMO will receive weekly or monthly reports on how many operators requested information on suppliers in their area and a report on bookings. It is yet to be determined if the operators will be identified because operators have a concern on being inundated with direct marketing from all the entities served by the CVB/DMO. This issue needs member input and input from our advisory groups. We realize that CVB’s/DMO’s want to direct market to tour operators, especially if they are ‘hot leads’. We also realize that CVB’s/DMO’s want to pass these ‘leads’ onto all of their members. However, if a tour operator is inundated with direct marketing emails they may well refuse to use the system.

Q: Will a supplier member of a CVB that is not a member of OMCA/ABA need to pay a flat fee if the CVB is representing them?
A: Yes

Q: Will users be able to post reviews of products they have used?
A: Yes. Our system will provide an opportunity for that supplier to respond and we will be encouraging buyer and seller to discuss all positive and negative comment before posting to ensure that comment is fair and accurate. We envision a model of what is done on Amazon.com. This will be in a future phase.

Q: Will you be planning to take this to a mobile access format?
A: Yes. Any device that allows a member to access the internet will be able to access this service.

Q: Will you accept suppliers from out of Canada and USA?
A: Yes, if they are members of either OMCA or ABA and at this time that number is less than a dozen and we are not soliciting new members.

Q: Will payment for services (hotel, attractions) going through Project 2010 be paid directly from the tour operator to the supplier, or will it go through a third party?
A: Rates, payments and terms are between the buyer and the seller and not through the associations or GroupConnect. Payments can be done through credit cards online or other methods pr payment acceptable to both parties. Right now, GroupConnect is a quoting system. We are looking at the payment process for a future phase.

Q: Success will likely be based on accuracy, deep level of content and breadth of suppliers and services what will be the 'rules' of participation when suppliers do not respond in 24 hrs?
A: All participants will have to ensure that they update/confirm their profiles regularly. Suppliers that routinely do not respond to RFQ’s will be automatically reminded to update them by an automated system.

Q: Are you going to update us on this periodically?
A: Yes, through our newsletters, our websites and even additional webinars if demand warrants such.

Q: Will there be a discount for nonprofit attractions?
A: No. While we appreciate that every member has limited resources, all members should be treated equally and it is a very fine line over the different types of nonprofits that exist and do business in the travel industry.

Q: Will this fee for this service be separate from our Marketplace fees?
A: Yes, it will be separate from all other fees. We are also looking at the possibility of bundling and packaging fees to make it more affordable to members.

Q: How will someone find accommodations along the way to their destination?
A: Using the search function they only need to select a city and accommodations in that area will be shown. They can narrow the type of accommodations they desire through additional search criteria.

Q: Would you please briefly explain if it is necessary for DMOs to be included & why?
A: They are included as they are members of our associations, they provide information on their area, and their members broaden the reach value to a tour operator to use the system.

Q: In terms of rates in the system, are you going to consider the distribution network which these rates are directed to travel agencies, receptives, Tour Operators?
A: The rates offered are set by the seller and the seller will decide on those rates including tiered pricing. At this time, GroupConnect only requires a rate range from suppliers.

Q: Will you offer parts of this as it's being developed or will it be offered only after it's all completed?
A: Since there are multiple parts of GroupConnect, from booking, to education and training to information management, when a component or “silo” is ready it will be launched. We do not expect all silos to be ready at the same time.

Q: Could you elaborate on how the local receptive operators are able to post itineraries online?
A: Local Receptives will have profile sheets as will all others. These profile sheets can link to the receptive’s website.

Q: When will you be requesting that we upload our information onto the site?
A: Initial member information will be uploaded early 2009. Once that has been completed, we will ask members to provide additional information about their communities, properties, attractions, etc.

Q: What are the specifics that are needed for the "real" time access to our systems, is it simply access to our website ordering or is some other application needed?
Q: Do you know what is required to be able to offer tickets/availability in realtime?
Q: What capabilities / links do ticketing systems need to be connected and accessed?
A: Our software developer is working the what ‘connection’ information/software is required. To offer tickets and rooms in real time, the suppliers will have to allow our system access to their inventory. This is being considered for a future phase.

Q: Where do we direct our partners (I'm a DMO) to get to know about this great project ?
A: We plan on doing an information webinar in the New Year that will be open to members/affiliates of DMO/CVB/Chains/Management Groups which will provide this information.

Q: Will additional software be required to be purchased for this?
A: No. It is accessible through the internet.

Q: So a hotel company would need to provide both rates and inventory electronically to the portal?
A: Not necessarily. You can provide detailed information about your property, or specific rate information through RFQ.

Q: We (DMO) can get you more members by letting them know about this project .
A: That would be great. We are looking to partner with DMOs and provide package pricing to get your members into the system at a basic level.

Q: Under which silo or category would it fall under if, as an attraction, I would like to send a News Flash to Tour Operators promoting a special event.?
A: The Information silo would post and hold that information but it would not be automatically sent to operators.

Q: Will there be a possibility to survey the Tour Operators, through mass email about our service, our products, etc.?
A: We have not considered this yet but if the need is there we will.

Q: If we provide receptive services for a region that includes several states, will our fee allow us to be linked to each state or will we be limited to one, when a tour operator does a search?
A: You will not be limited to one.

Q: What about suppliers finding out information on Tour Operators, for research?
A: Suppliers will be able to search operator profiles including their destination points.

Q: Will requests for quotes be programmed to automatically email alerts that a request is needed?
A: Yes.

Q: I'm assuming the 24 hour turn around time is for a first response, correct? A hotel quote can be turned around in 24 hours, but for those of us who create customized, elaborate quotes, we may require more than 24 hours to turn around the entire proposal?
A: Yes. If a hotel needs more time then it can respond saying so and indicating when it can fully respond. It is then the operator’s decision to wait.

Q: Will my competitor's be able to find out my rate structure and how I am marketing to the Tour Operators via GroupConnect?
A: Suppliers will not be able to access other suppliers’ information through this program.

Q: Is the "flat fee" a one time charge or a yearly fee?
A: It will be an annual fee.

Q: Will suppliers be able to have a trial before signing up?
A: Our schedule is that all members will be enrolled free for a start up period.