Most Clicked ASTA SmartBrief Stories
1. YTB considers changing to franchise system
ASTA SmartBrief | Jul 16, 2008
In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, YTB International said it would be able to more easily expand into new markets with a franchising model rather than its current referring travel agent business model. The company said details for converting to a franchise model are "under consideration, but the company anticipates that its existing RTA base would be treated favorably under its forthcoming proposal." Travel Weekly (free registration) (07/15)
2. Panel rules against ARC's proposed fee structure
ASTA SmartBrief | Jul 18, 2008
The Independent Arbitration Panel ruled in favor of ASTA, Uniglobe USA and Carlson Travel Network Associates, saying the proposal by ARC to boost fees for travel agents is unfair. "Today's ruling shows that David can bring down Goliath when you have right on your side," said Cheryl Hudak, CTC, ASTA president. "This is a tremendous victory, not just for ASTA but for travel agents across the country." Travel Weekly (free registration) (07/17) Travel Trade (07/17) Travel Agent (07/17)
3. Delta opts not to charge fees for first checked bag
ASTA SmartBrief | Jul 18, 2008
Wall Street Journal, The (subscription required) (07/16)
4. Government about to release new passport cards
ASTA SmartBrief | Jul 22, 2008
Roughly 350,000 Americans have applied for the new smaller, less expensive passport card as the U.S. continues its efforts to boost border security. The State Department is expecting 4 million people to apply for the passport cards by the beginning of June, which is when U.S. citizens will need such documentation to re-enter the country from Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. USA TODAY (07/21)
5. Travelers say tour operator knew of Norwalk outbreak
ASTA SmartBrief | Jul 21, 2008
National Post (Canada) (07/18)
6. Cell phone rentals can help agents build repeat clients
ASTA SmartBrief | Jul 17, 2008
Travel agents are judged by their clients on their overall travel experience, which includes everything from the flight to their meals to their ability to stay in touch with work and family back home. Cell phone rentals are one way agents can boost their profile, their repeat customer percentage and possibly even their commission. Home Based Travel Agent (07/01)
7. Insurer allows agents' clients to cancel, recover costs
ASTA SmartBrief | Jul 16, 2008
Access America's new plan, Cancel Anytime, allows travelers to cancel their trips for any reason and recoup most of their money in cash. An Access America executive said the company's research found that consumers want cash back rather than credit. Travel Weekly (free registration) (07/15) ModernAgent.com (07/16)
8. Column: Travel agents discover ways to remake themselves
ASTA SmartBrief | Jul 22, 2008
Travel agents have felt the pinch from a variety of causes including the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, end of airline commissions, mass use of the Internet and other challenges. They have been forced to adapt, but, as columnist Arnie Weissmann explains, there was an even greater change that took place helping agents stay viable. "Of all the ways that traditional agents have retooled their thinking over the past 10 years, their decision to become list-sellers as well as conversationalists might ultimately prove to be the most important factor in their continuing success," Weissmann writes. Travel Weekly (free registration) (07/21)
9. Coast Guard detains cruise ship in New York Harbor
ASTA SmartBrief | Jul 17, 2008
A Coast Guard inspection of the Clipper Pacific found damage to the hull and more than 60 other problems. The ship, which was bound for Venezuela with 1,200 passengers aboard, is based in the Bahamas. International Shipping Partners out of Miami operates the vessel. MSNBC (07/16)
10. Report: Royal Caribbean expected to downsize staff, cut expenses
ASTA SmartBrief | Jul 17, 2008
Industry sources say Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is planning to implement "broad-based, shoreside expense reductions of up to 25%" as fuel prices soar and other operational challenges mount. "We continuously look for ways to operate more efficiently without compromising the experience of our guests and travel agent partners," said Lynn Martenstein, RCCL's vice president of corporate communications. "Like most companies today, we are redoubling our efforts to find savings, but we have not announced any specific actions." Travel Weekly (free registration) (07/16)
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