Hawaiispecialist Blue Sky Tours, a Mark Travel company, will launch an improved travel agent booking engine on its website in November. The booking engine is powered by VAX VacationAccess but with an application designed specifically for Blue Sky Tours. Blue Sky still encourages agents to book through its in-house Hawaii consultants, but provides the online booking engine as an alternative.

The booking engine will provide expanded product and content, and will incorporate functions designed to increase agent productivity. With the new system, agents will be able to modify reservations before and after booking; easily compare pricing and multiple itineraries; view commission amounts dynamically during the booking process; view enhanced hotel details pages with interactive images, video and expanded accommodation information; and access after-hours support. Travel agents will still be able to select options with the new booking engine.

“A great deal of time and effort has gone into integrating the unique needs of Blue Sky Tours’ 31-year history as a Hawaii-only vacation company with VAX VacationAccess’ robust booking capabilities,” said Rob Betz, vice president of Blue Sky Tours. More details will be shared soon with travel agents to make the transition to the new booking platform seamless, including log-in instructions and training opportunities.