ARC has announced the shutdown of its ARC Helix program for home-based travel agents.
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The program will officially end December 31, 2013, ARC said in an announcement on its website.
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Here are the Frequently Asked Questions regarding the shutdown, from ARC's website:
"Frequently Asked Questions
General
Why did ARC decide to discontinue the program?
When Helix launched in February of 2011, it was our goal to provide a program that would add value to your businesses and ARC participation. The program saw immediate success with numerous agencies joining, eager to establish direct relationships with the best industry suppliers. Although both members and preferred suppliers maintained their commitment to each other through Helix, the market and subsequent economics for all parties involved have led management to revaluate the program as a whole.
When is the official end date?
Helix will be officially discontinued on December 31, 2013.
When is the cutoff date for bookings as a Helix member?
The last day for bookings is December 31, 2013.
Will I be able to participate in any other ARC events?
Yes, we value our Helix members and would love for you to join us for future events and training opportunities.
Will ARC be offering more training and education sessions in the future?
When ARC started Helix, one of our goals was to provide educational opportunities to travel professionals to help them boost their profits. We plan to revamp our education program and to offer similar types of symposium events to ARC participating agents. We will communicate the details of these training opportunities when they become available.
Will I need to contact each supplier I registered with to remove Helix from my profile?
If you join another consortium, you will need to contact suppliers to make necessary updates.
Am I eligible to join other consortia while the Helix discontinuation plans are finalized?
Yes.
Can I still access the Helix portal for supplier content?
Yes, you can access the portal until December 31, 2013.
Is my Helix ID card still valid?
Yes, it is valid through December 31, 2013.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
For sales inquiries, contact:
Sales
(703) 816-8580
[email protected]
For operational questions, contact:
Zdenka Bojanic
(703) 816-8103
[email protected]
Jennifer Briede
(703) 816-5140
[email protected]
For product technical support, contact:
Customer Care Center
(855) 816-8003
[email protected]
Bookings and Commissions
Can I continue to book with Helix suppliers through the end of 2013? Will those bookings be honored at the current commission levels?
Yes, our contracted commission rates with suppliers are valid until December 2013. We are working with suppliers to ensure they will honor bookings made in 2013 for 2014.
How else can I earn commissions through ARC?
One of our products offering commission to travel professionals is ARCMarketPlace.com. It has almost 10,000 products in nearly 170 countries around the globe. You'll find destination activities, tours, shore excursions, car rentals, passport and visa services, hotels... basically anything and everything you need to complete your clients' travel plans. Anything and everything you book on ARCMarketPlace.com earns you money, and your payments are sent directly to your designated account, fast! Head to ARCMarketPlace.com and sign up today!
Next Steps and Alternatives
Are there steps I need to take now?
Please attend our Town Hall meetings. During these interactive sessions we will provide updates and answer any of your questions.
Town Hall Meeting Schedule
Conference bridge: 8774119748, access code: 6999798
Date
Event
Wed, November 13
10 a.m.
Town Hall Conference Call
Wed, November 13
2 p.m.
Town Hall Conference Call
Fri, November 15
2 p.m.
Town Hall Conference Call
Tue, November 19
2 p.m.
Town Hall Conference Call
Mon, November 25
2 p.m.
Town Hall Conference Call
Wed, December 4
10 a.m.
Town Hall Conference Call
Tue, December 17
2 p.m.
Town Hall Conference Call
If I move to another consortium and have bookings already under deposit while I was with Helix, will I get the higher of the commission levels?
This will be considered by each individual supplier.
Will another consortium get my information from ARC in order to offer their services?
No, ARC will not provide outside consortia with your information.
Will ARC be offering a program like Helix in the future?
This decision will not prevent ARC from continuing to explore future value-added products, services, and programs for our participating agency partners. One such value-added component that generated overwhelming and positive results is education and training. Helix members responded to Helix Symposiums and the Seminar at Sea, and with that we remain committed to build on those offerings in the future. So, we urge you to stay tuned to future opportunities on the education and training front."
Visit www.arccorp.com/helix