TRAVEL AGENCY WILL OFFER UNIQUE SERVICE

Travelers planning a vacation will have an opportunity to picture themselves "on location" with a new travel service being offered by Gulliver's Travel Agency of Cape Girardeau.

"With the use of World IRIS (Integrated Reservations Imaging System), people can see full-color video images of cruise ships, hotels, cars, tours and destinations on a computer screen," said Ann Swanson, manager of Gulliver's.

The IRIS will be demonstrated during a special four-hour open house today from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the travel agency, 101 N. Kingshighway.

"IRIS provides us with the latest technology in the travel business," said Swanson. "It gives clients a chance to picture themselves at their travel destination."

Each of the 12-inch video discs has the capacity to store 54,000 images. "That's enough room to accommodate a 24-volume encyclopedia," said Swanson. "These discs will be updated every six months."

The new system offers information in several areas.

"If a person is looking at a cruise, we can show what types of cabins are available and at what cost," said Swanson. "The ship, the ports of call, and entertainment can be viewed in minutes."

The "Hotelsearch" discs will provide scenes of rooms, suites and location of hotel, said Swanson. "We also have a `Toursearch' disc which provides specific details on selected tours."

Another feature of the system is its mapping capabilities, she add.

"We can offer maps of 250 cities, which will pinpoint selected hotels and, or, landmarks," said Swanson.

"IRIS is a valuable asset for corporate planning," said Swanson. "It allows planners to inspect hotel meeting rooms, hospitality suites, and conference and banquet facilities without leaving town."

The system also provides availability, costs and immediate reservations, said Swanson.

Gulliver's is the only travel agency between St. Louis and Memphis offering the new service, she said.