ASTA Association News
ASTA in the news
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 21, 2008
ASTA's senior vice president of legal and industry affairs, Paul Ruden, appeared in an article on CNN.com titled "Stuck on tarmac? Airlines not required to help passengers." Ruden serves on the Tarmac Delay Task Force, where he advocates for passenger rights and encourages airports and airlines develop contingency plans when delays occur.
Suppliers: Space is limited for International Destination Expo
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 21, 2008
Space is limited for International Destination Expo, March 8 to 11 in Sun City, South Africa. Reserve now to exhibit at the only show dedicated to training outbound U.S. travel agents to become destination specialists in South Africa. IDE provides exhibitors with the opportunity to meet with hundreds of qualified agents, all in one place. Reserve online or via e-mail today!
Webinar: Debit memos
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2008
A topic that affects every agent: debit memos. They can not only have a short-term financial impact on your business, but can also affect your long-term relationship with individual airlines as well as ARC. ASTA has years of experience in consulting on debit memos, so join Wayne Nelson, ASTA senior manager of industry affairs, Thursday, Dec. 11, from noon to 1 p.m. PST for this webinar and learn the most common types of debit memos, the role that ARC plays in the collection process, steps for efficiently managing debits memos and tips for preventing them as well as the most frequently asked debit memo questions. Register here now; space is limited.
ASTA gives you more ...
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 20, 2008
More than it did two years ago such as the ASTA Green Program. Now is a great time to become an ASTA Green Member, so take the first step and get the Green Guide so you can assess your operations and help your customers. The current economic slowdown makes it the perfect time to assess your internal operations and make environmentally friendly changes that can translate into operational savings. Go to www.asta.org/green to learn more.
New Orleans fam trip for ASTA members only
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2008
Take advantage of this incredible offer to explore New Orleans any three days between Dec. 8 and 23 for only $40! Check out this incredible offer from the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau here -- only available to ASTA members. You will be able to visit a Creole plantation, see a World War II memorial, take a cooking class and much more!
Webinar: The advantages of green -- from savings to marketing
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 19, 2008
As green goes mainstream, finding a smart green strategy is more urgent than ever. Join Melissa Teates, ASTA's Green Expert, as she explains how to assess your business operations to take advantage of the savings related to operating green and how to market your business to the growing segment of environmentally conscious travelers. Be sure to reserve your seat for Dec. 18 from noon to 1:p.m. EST for this webinar here.
An alternative to layoffs: Work Share Programs
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 18, 2008
ASTA's legal department has put together yet another resource for you during these hard economic times on how to better run your business. Be sure to check out the newest white paper, Work Share Programs, which offers you as an employer an alternative to laying off your employees (available in 19 states). So before you panic about "restructuring" your business model, make sure you know all the options!
RSS feeds keep you up to date with ASTA
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 18, 2008
You can now subscribe to RSS feeds on ASTA.org. RSS, which stands for Really Simple Syndication, is an easy way to keep up with your favorite news and information. An RSS feed contains headlines, summaries and links to full news releases, member alerts and other content on ASTA.org. Although most people do not use a browser to view RSS feeds, you should download an RSS reader. An RSS reader will keep you updated, as long as the reader is running on your computer, with any updates that occur. You can even get an RSS feed to the WebExchange.
Corporate travel: Marketing tips to enrich your niche value
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2008
According to an industry study conducted by Business Travel News, the corporate travel market is steadily growing. Business travel spending reached more than $11.2 billion in the United States. With the frustrations that businesses and their employees face while trying to book their own travel, there is a growing need for travel experts who can meet the special needs of this niche. Check out this new resource on how to explore the corporate travel market.
Suppliers: Connect with destination specialists
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 17, 2008
ASTA's International Destination Expo (IDE) from March 8 to 11 in Sun City, South Africa, will provide exhibitors with the opportunity to meet with hundreds of qualified agents -- all in one place. Reserve now to exhibit at the only show dedicated to training outbound U.S. travel agents to become destination specialists in South Africa. More information and reservation information is available online or via e-mail -- reserve today!
Get more clients, TODAY
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 14, 2008
No one wants to say it, but there are times when getting a few new clients can make a huge difference. Did you know there are consumer leads available to travel agent members on ASTA.org? That's right, consumers are reaching out and asking to be helped. Not sure how to get started? We have a Consumer Leads Users Guide to help you use the service.
Employee feedback -- steps to improving your company
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 14, 2008
Read this how-to guide on ASTA.org's eLibrary to conducting constructive evaluations and learn vital tips and strategies you can utilize to improve both individual performance and overall production for the company. Sample reviews are available.
Travel Agents: Limited time to save $50 on International Destination Expo
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 13, 2008
Register by Dec. 21 to immediately save $50 and join your peers at the International Destination Expo March 8 to 11 in Sun City, South Africa! Gain cutting-edge skills and tools through four days of education, networking with local suppliers, evening events, complimentary sightseeing and provincial packages. Register online today to receive our early-bird discount and your choice of provincial packages!
ASTA MEMBERS: Register now to ALWAYS SAVE 10% with Office Depot
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 12, 2008
Registered ASTA members save 10% on delivery orders (excluding technology). Call (800) 274-2753 to register. Tell the representative you're a member of the Office Depot ASTA Association Program, which is endorsed by AMSI. ASTA members also save by enrolling in Worklife Rewards. Get 10% back in rewards on ink, toner, paper, and our design, print and ship services, PLUS 1% back on nearly everything else. Call (800) 274-2753 today!
Exhibitors: THETRADESHOW 2009 -- save the date!
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 12, 2008
This Sept. 13 through 15, 2009, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, THETRADESHOW (Travel Retailing And Destination Expo) is your chance to make valuable business contacts! Mark your calendar and reserve a booth now at the top travel event in North America! Plan now to exhibit; call (866) 870-9333 or e-mail THETRADESHOW for more information.
Keep in touch while abroad or in the United States!
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 11, 2008
Give your clients peace of mind while traveling abroad or throughout the United States, with Cellhire's wireless voice and data rentals. Each of Cellhire's solutions is tailored to meet the needs of your clients while being convenient and affordable. Your clients can stay in touch via phone, e-mail or the Internet and take advantage of discounted rental rates. To learn how to sign up and earn commission, please call (877) ASTA-447 or e-mail mktg@cellhire.com.
NEW Travel Agent's Management Toolkit
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 10, 2008
The Travel Agent's Management Toolkit (free to all members through the generous financial support of Best Western, an ASTA Proud Partner) is designed to provide professional agency owners, managers and home-based business owners with the essential business tools to run their business in a more efficient and profitable way. The course and tools give a solid understanding of the relationship between revenue sources and cost structures, service and sales goals, focused marketing, and business strategies necessary to maximize potential revenue. Check out the toolkit now on www.ASTA.org.
Suppliers: Meet hundreds of qualified agents at the International Destination Expo 2009!
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 10, 2008
Reserve now to exhibit at the only show dedicated to training outbound U.S. travel agents to become destination specialists in South Africa: the 2009 International Destination Expo, March 8 to 11. This show provides exhibitors with the opportunity to meet with hundreds of qualified agents -- all in one place. Reserve online or via e-mail to reserve today!
ASTA's worldwide destination guide for sale
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 07, 2008
Want to know more about the next up-and-coming destination? Need a handy reference guide for your office? ASTA's Worldwide Destination Guide, an invaluable resource for travel agents and suppliers alike, is now available for sale for just $79 on ASTA's online store. Contained in these pages is a wealth of information providing guides on countries across the globe, both tried and true favorites and up-and-coming destinations that are the next must-see places for your clients. Organized by global sector, each country guide offers information on everything from getting there and climate to what to eat, drink and buy to frequently asked questions, as well as a list of ASTA international members. To learn more or to purchase, go to ASTA.org.
Update your profile on TravelSense.org
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 07, 2008
TravelSense.org offers consumers two ways to reach travel agents like you! ASTA's "Find a Travel Agent" allows consumers to search for a travel agent who specializes in a particular niche or destination. This is effortless advertising for your business! This directory allows consumers from all over the world to find you, 24/7. Samira Platter's profile, Travel Partners, ASTA Travel Agent Member, led to a $30,000 five-cabin cruise sale -- a ROI that was eight times her annual dues!
ASTA at World Travel Market in London next week
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2008
World Travel Market (WTM) brings together members of the global tourism industry to offer the unique opportunity to gain connections, products and ideas to help them become major players in the international retail travel market. ASTA is offering travel professionals who sign up to become members at World Travel Market £50 toward a travel agency specialization list rental. Be sure to bring your friends to the ASTA booth and sign them up to spread the news and help them take advantage of this special membership offer by stopping by the ASTA booth stand NA 1905 and joining while attending World Travel Market, Nov. 10 to 13 in London.
Virtual educational seminar -- understanding the financial crisis of 2008
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2008
The world's financial turmoil has dominated the news for weeks. Markets have experienced unprecedented volatility, investors have watched trillions of dollars evaporate from their retirement savings and the United States has plummeted into recession. By attending this session on Tuesday, Nov. 11, you will learn the origins of the crisis -- housing and ratings and credit markets -- gain an understanding of the government responses, discover how some companies and organizations are responding and decide where you can go from here. For more information and to register, click here.
300 itineraries waiting for you
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 05, 2008
Give TripItineraries a try, and you'll wonder how you ever managed without this indispensable service! Sign up today for your free itinerary in PDF or Word format, which contains all of the essential travel details to enhance your client's next vacation. Show that you're the expert on the world's greatest destinations. Get a free trial of TripItineraries, and you'll discover why no travel agent should be without it!
5 powerful resources for capturing the wealth in Africa
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 05, 2008
Learn how you'll gain five major resources that will help you sell Africa, one of today's fastest-growing destinations, at the International Destination Expo, March 8 to 11 in Sun City, South Africa. Join Tiffany Ball from ASTA and Dean Jacobberger with South Africa Tourism Thursday, Nov. 6, as they share the infinite business possibilities in the African market. Space is limited so reserve your FREE webinar seat now by clicking here.
Fall YPS e-newsletter emphasizes planning ahead
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2008
ASTA's Young Professional Society's (YPS) quarterly e-newsletter focuses on the benefits of planning ahead in the travel industry. With the holiday season quickly approaching, start planning for your future by learning about ideas on how to plan ahead when renting a car, details on benchmarking reports that provide travel agencies with ways to plan for the future by understanding the present and past, and hints on how to "plan for green" by creating more sustainable business practices. The YPS e-newsletter is available for viewing here, or e-mail yps@asta.org for more information.
SUPPLIERS: Reserve now to exhibit at IDE 2009
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2008
The International Destination Expo, March 8 to 11 in Sun City, South Africa, provides exhibitors with the opportunity to meet with hundreds of qualified agents -- all in one place. Space is limited, so reserve now to exhibit at the only show dedicated to training outbound U.S. travel agents to become destination specialists in South Africa. More information is available at www.asta.org/exhibit, or contact Kristen Stake today!
Webinars on ASTA.org keep you informed
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2008
ASTA.org's eLibrary is an invaluable resource to your agency and career as a travel agent or tour operator. You can view past webinars that ASTA has hosted in case you missed them or would like to review them again, such as the most recent Government Affairs webinar. Another valuable webinar, at popular request, teaches you about the many tools right at your fingertips on ASTA.org and how to use them. Take a quick tour and see which ones you can start to use today.
EXHIBITORS: Save the date for THETRADESHOW 2009
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2008
Mark your calendar to exhibit at THETRADESHOW, the top travel trade show in North America, Sept. 13 to 15 in Las Vegas. With an expected 5-to-1 agent-to-exhibitor ratio, this is your chance to make valuable business contacts. Call 866-870-9333 or e-mail exhibit@thetradeshow.org to reserve today!
Travel agents: Attend the top industry event for destination training
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 31, 2008
Become an African expert in high demand at the International Destination Expo, March 8 to 11 in Sun City, South Africa. Learn how to sell this lucrative market through four days of specialized training, local supplier networking and complimentary sightseeing. Plus, journey through Africa's most inspiring places with your choice of provincial packages. Save $50 when you register by Dec. 21 for the conference! Get your pick of provincial packages and discounted airfare starting at $599 round-trip. Hurry -- space is limited!
Update: Creating a privacy policy for your agency
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2008
ASTA has updated the white paper on Creating a Privacy Policy for Your Agency, which now includes public health provisions. The updated white paper recommends that you include a public health waiver provision in your privacy policies that states that your agency will release client personal information to the CDC or any state or local public health agency in the event that an official requests it. Check out the updated white paper here on ASTA.org.
ASTA members: Increase your bottom line with CCRAtravel.com
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 29, 2008
It's important to take advantage of every opportunity to make more money. Hotel bookings can be an amazing source of revenue when you can mark up your commissions. CCRAtravel.com offers four rate types including CCRA Net Rates for easy comparison at more than 70,000 hotels worldwide. Maximize your commissions and provide the lowest rate to your client. Sign up today and find out what other ASTA members already know. Make more money on hotel bookings using CCRAtravel.com.
Reach out to your consumers with a free e-postcard
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 28, 2008
It takes only a few clicks to create and send a personalized e-postcard to your clients! Choose from a variety of postcard designs, which feature ASTA's most popular consumer ads. You can add your own message to promote your specialized travel services for their next vacation. ASTA is working to make it easier for you to manage your relationships with clients. This complimentary online service is available for all members on ASTA.org. Get started today.
ASTA's crisis contingency planning
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 28, 2008
From global political instability to natural disasters, creating an effective crisis contingency plan can mean the difference between having your business survive or having to close it. ASTA's eLibrary contains a thorough guide to preparing your business for worst-case scenarios so that your company is able to weather unforeseen events.
ASTA's Green Member program enhanced
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 27, 2008
ASTA's Green Guides for Travel Agents and Suppliers have undergone their first extensive update since the program's launch in April 2008 to keep up with the ever-evolving sustainable travel industry. Among the updated sections are those focusing on ground transportation, accommodations, green resources and marketing. As an added benefit, those who complete the Green Member program and have their Green Member applications approved now receive a customizable press release they can use in promoting their new designation to their local media and community. To learn more about ASTA's Green Member program, please contact Melissa Teates at mteates@asta.org or visit ASTA.org/green. Read the full release online.
Become a consumer magnet with ASTA's home-based marketing tips
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 27, 2008
What's the secret behind every successful home-based agency? ASTA provides members with the essential marketing guide, which offers eight strategies to help your business grow. You can attain more wealth with the right marketing tools. ASTA's Home-Based Marketing Guide provides you with fresh, new ways to promote your unique services to consumers and improve the way you do business.
Looking for your ASTA membership certificate?
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 24, 2008
ASTA members can now download their membership certificate when they log on to ASTA.org. Members, simply go into your profile, and it is there waiting for you to view and keep. This is a great resource for ASTA's international members and domestic members to post in their agencies and have ready for clients to see. Check out yours today!
ASTA gives you more
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 24, 2008
More than it did two years ago such, as the Agent Reporting Agreement. This document provides a summary of notable changes to the Agent Reporting Agreement effective Nov. 10, 2008. It also includes a link to the fully revised ARA, along with ARC's summary of changes. To access the agreement on ASTA.org, click here.
New safe traveler/ASTA program lets agents expand service and boost revenue
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 23, 2008
Members can offer clients travel publications and services previously reserved for VIPs. Agents can provide country Trip Briefs (SRP $7.50). These real-time publications cover current conditions plus extensive information written by destination specialists. The Travel Monitoring Service (SRP $25) monitors the entire trip. If anything is identified that might affect the trip, the client is notified and advised. Members receive a 15% commission plus access to resources through a dedicated Web site. Visit www.astasafetraveler.com for more information.
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