This week, Vacation.com appointed Ron Cole as general manager of EZGuider implementation, a booking portal Vacation.com launched in conjunction with Passport Online at its annual conference in New Orleans this past June. In his role, Cole will lead the implementation team that will help Vacation.com members prep for the tool's launch this November. Prior to joining Vacation.com, Cole worked as vice president of in-flight services and training for America West, which is now part of US Airways. He also has held various senior-level management positions with Reno Air, a code share partner of American Airlines.

EZGuider is accessible on AgentNet, Vacation.com's desktop portal. Agents who use it can research, plan, quote and book cruise, tour and other ancillary products; the ability to book air, hotel and car is expected in the first quarter of 2008. Currently, the tool houses all cruise lines (through E-Cruise, a product of Amadeus, Vacation.com's parent company) as well as tour operators Globus and Travel Impressions. At the conference in June, Tracas said he expects to have between 10 and 12 more suppliers signed up by the tool's full launch in November.