ASTA Association News
ASTA travel tips on Weather.com
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2009
ASTA is working with the Weather Channel to spread travel tips to consumers through its Web site, Weather.com, and ASTA's consumer site, TravelSense.org. With articles on road trips and traveling with kids that link to TravelSense.org, consumers can now find an ASTA travel agent more easily. When they read the travel tips articles on Weather.com, they are led to TravelSense, where at the top right corner of each page is the "Find a Travel Agent" directory. There are now more consumers linked to you on TravelSense than ever before.
ASTA members save up to 30% on UPS shipping
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2009
Sign up today to take advantage of special savings on UPS shipping offered to you as a member of ASTA. You can now save up to 30% on an expanded portfolio of air and international express shipping services -- all with the peace of mind that comes from using the carrier that delivers more packages on time than anyone. For complete details or to sign up, simply click here.
ASTA member discount to attend WTM expires Nov. 6
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 05, 2009
Through ASTA's partnership with World Travel Market (WTM), ASTA members receive exclusive discounts on two international conferences. WTM Vision -- The Global Economic Forum: This is a crucial opportunity for industry executives to plan recovery out of recession and prepare for 2010. The Business Case for Responsible Tourism Conference: This conference pioneers new thought leadership with leading international experts demonstrating how to aggressively expand revenue streams, using a sound responsible tourism strategy. Register before Nov. 6 to receive the discount. Find more details here on ASTA member discounts for WTM.
ASTA's young professionals expand industry
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 05, 2009
Connect with Travel Agents under 40 on a more personal level by becoming a fan of The New Breed of Travel Agents -- ASTA's YPS fan page on Facebook. With 20 new fans in the last month, this group is active and excited about travel. Young agents are discussing National Cruise Vacation Month and how to best communicate with clients. To bounce ideas, post information and start connecting with those interested in the industry as well as your fellow young travel agents, click here or search The New Breed of Travel Agents to become a fan today.
A vital look at ASTA's government and industry affairs activities
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2009
ASTA monitors and tracks legislative, regulatory, trade and public-affairs issues affecting the travel agent industry. This keeps the industry and its players in a strong position to capitalize on political connections and resulting legislation and capitalize on other opportunities that reinforce agents' economic and business development. This can only be accomplished through the actions of savvy government and industry affairs efforts. Join Paul Ruden, ASTA's senior vice president of Legal and Industry Affairs, and Colin Tooze, vice president of Government Affairs, and John Pittman, vice president of Industry Affairs and Market Research, on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m. EST as they cover the range of activities that have been taking place in your association. Register here on ASTA.org.
Keep in touch while abroad or in the U.S.
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2009
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 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.
Getting your voice heard on the hill
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2009
Your congressman works for you -- well, sort of. They're your representatives in Congress; you elect them and pay their salary, and in return they work on behalf of their districts and -- ideally -- for the common good. If your congressman doesn't know something is a problem, you cannot expect him to address it. Join Colin Tooze, ASTA's vice president of government affairs, for Grassroots 101: How to take ASTA's message directly to Congress, where he will provide a fresh look on how to meet with your congressman and get your voice heard.
Supplier webinars from NACTA
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2009
If you want to hear about the latest offerings from the top cruise lines and tour operators, then check out the extensive calendar of events on NACTA's Web site. Open to all agents, these webinars will give you a competitive edge. Click here.
Free shipping from ASTA
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009
Check out the ASTA Store on ASTA.org for some great deals for your business. Are you ready to join the cutting edge of travel and advance your career? Find all of the highly specialized education and invaluable business resources to excel in today's market. The ASTA Store sells items such as accessories, books, CD-ROM publications, PDF publications and more. Shipping is free.
Suppliers: Open doors, increase U.S. business for 2010
ASTA SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009
Did you know that one of the best ways to gain exposure and reach your targets is by exhibiting at a trade show? Where else can you reach an audience with both buying power and interest in your product? Exhibiting at the fifth annual International Destination Expo (IDE) in Istanbul, April 19 through 22, will allow you to build relationships with top U.S. travel sellers so you can capture more outbound business to Turkey and the surrounding region. More information and reservation information is available at www.asta.org/exhibit or via e-mail at kstake@asta.org.
Webinar: Bulletproofing your business
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2009
Join Daniel R. Zim, Esq., ASTA's assistant general counsel, Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 2 p.m. EST to discuss the pitfalls that small-business owners can run into and the things you can do to reduce your agency's exposure to lawsuits. You will get an overview of the choices and legal dilemmas that travel agencies face on a daily basis and the way in which your agency can effectively manage them. You will also learn about incorporating a business, forming agreements, avoiding liability for a defaulting supplier, methods of selecting reliable vendors and suppliers, and responding to client complaints. We'll cover the steps needed to protect and safeguard your business, plus provide real-life examples of what has happened to other travel agencies and how the outcome could have been different. Register today here on ASTA.org.
Enrich any sale with customizable, print-ready itineraries
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 30, 2009
Clients are always asking for your advice on where to vacation, when to go and what to see. Now save time and money with the best itineraries, which you can customize, print and send in a few minutes. TripItineraries has the world's top itineraries for your clients. Buy them individually for $5 each, or as an ASTA member, you can get an annual membership for $49.49. Try before you buy with a FREE sample itinerary.
Put your credit card to work for you
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 29, 2009
From breakfast on the run to a night at the movies, use your American Society of Travel Agents Platinum Plus® MasterCard® credit card with WorldPoints® rewards. You'll earn points you can redeem for cash, travel, merchandise, even unique adventures. Rewards for the things you buy anyway. You also have the chance to show your support for American Society of Travel Agents every time you present your card.
Unparalleled education awaits travel agents at ASTA's IDE 2010
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 29, 2009
Travel agents attending ASTA's fifth annual International Destination Expo (IDE) in Istanbul, April 19 to 22, 2010, will have numerous education sessions from which to choose, all focusing on the many aspects of tourism in Turkey and its neighboring countries, and providing much-needed knowledge and strategies agents can use to positively affect their bottom lines. Find out more on ASTA.org.
ASTA releases annual Supplier-Travel Agent Marketing Report
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 28, 2009
ASTA announced that it has released its annual Supplier-Travel Agent Marketing Report. Among the findings was the fact that the majority of agencies (69.4%) do not provide incentives to front-line agents for booking with preferred suppliers, the expectation being that travel agents will do what is best for the client and use preferred vendors when appropriate. Those agencies that do provide incentives either give a percentage of the commission (57.7%) to the agent, a FAM trip (27.9%) or some combination of other bonus types. Read more on ASTA.org.
Experience Istanbul with the International Destination Expo
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 28, 2009
Join ASTA for the fifth annual International Destination Expo (IDE) in Istanbul, April 19 through 22, 2010. Featuring four days of concentrated destination specific education to enable you to become a Turkey destination specialist, IDE provides the unique opportunity to earn certifications you can add to your professional profile to attract clients. While at IDE, network with local companies that offer dream itineraries your clients will enjoy, and take advantage of complimentary Istanbul sightseeing so that you gain in-depth knowledge of exactly what your clients will experience. Register NOW, and don't miss your chance!
ASTA's IBC increases your international sales
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 27, 2009
ASTA's International Buyers Club (IBC) is a free exclusive club for ASTA travel agent members who want to boost their international travel sales. The next IBC event is World Travel Market 2009 (WTM), the global event for the travel industry, held Nov. 9 through 12 in London. IBC members will receive VIP treatment, which includes networking reception on Tuesday, Nov. 10, all day pre-tour on Sunday, Nov. 8, membership in the Meridian Club (for buyers) and more. Membership in IBC is free for ASTA agent members. To join IBC or register for WTM, please contact Jennifer Rooney at (703) 739-6876.
Make NACTA's calendar your calendar
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 27, 2009
NACTA's new Web site features a comprehensive calendar where agents can register for webinars, regional meetings, seminars@sea and more. It is the best place to plan for your educational opportunities! Click here.
ASTA's Twitter update
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 26, 2009
Did you know that you can follow ASTA on Twitter? Be sure to follow twitter.com/AmSocTrvlAgents for general ASTA and travel industry updates. This week you will see updates on holiday travel fares, Twitter on Lufthansa and flight delays.
Making Headlines: Getting Your Agency's Name in Print
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 26, 2009
Ever wonder why it is that some pieces of news make it onto the front page, while others are buried deep or don't run at all? What is the intangible quality that catches the media's attention and propels a story into the forefront? There is a method to what appears to be media madness. Join Kristina Rundquist, ASTA's vice president of communications, for Making Headlines: Getting Your Agency's Name in Print and learn how to take your agency's story and translate it into media attention.
New Safe Traveler/ASTA program lets agents expand service, boost revenue
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 23, 2009
The Safe Traveler and ASTA now make it simple for you to provide your clients the advanced service and support they want during and even after their journey. Agents can now provide clients with country Trip Briefs, which are real-time publications that cover current conditions plus extensive information written by destination specialists. ASTA members also have access to the Travel Monitoring Service notifying the client if anything is identified that might affect the trip. Members receive a 15% commission plus access to resources through a dedicated Web site. Visit www.astasafetraveler.com for more information.
ASTA's TOP members new to Twitter
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 23, 2009
New to Twitter is ASTA's Tour Operator Program (TOP). Check out twitter.com/astatop to find out what ASTA TOP members are doing. You will find TOP members in the news and the packaged travel deals for ASTA members. This week you will learn about a travel agent incentive Collette Vacations is launching, the expansion of Globus and much more. There is no easier and faster way to stay in touch with ASTA.
ASTA's government affairs VP on Twitter
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 22, 2009
Did you know that you can follow ASTA government affairs on Twitter? ASTA's vice president of government affairs, Colin Tooze, can be found at twitter.com/ASTAgovtaffairs. Tooze is asking about health care: Can more of the benefits be front-loaded without losing deficit neutrality?
ASTA's Tour Operators Give You P.O.W.E.R.
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 22, 2009
Learn more about ASTA's Tour Operator Program (TOP) and discover special TOP promotions for ASTA members. TOP members also adhere to a strong code of ethics in addition to ASTA's bylaws. Ensure that you receive your commissions by using a reputable tour operator. Join ASTA's Membership Director Dannette Hose for this webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. EST, and discover the many benefits of using a TOP member.
2009 ASTA member window decal
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 21, 2009
Show your ASTA pride. Display the 2009 ASTA Member Window Decal. Decals are for the exclusive use of ASTA members, and they show your clients that you are dedicated to the business of selling travel. The opaque, static-cling decal, which adheres to the inside of window glass, measures 4.25 inches by 4 inches. There is no limit on the number of decals that may be ordered by an ASTA member. Check out the ASTA store for this item and many more resources. Make sure to log in to the store to get the member price.
ASTA member discount to attend WTM
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 20, 2009
Through ASTA's partnership with World Travel Market (WTM), ASTA members receive exclusive discounts on two international conferences: WTM Vision -- The Global Economic Forum: This is a crucial opportunity for industry executives to plan recovery out of recession and prepare for 2010. The Business Case for Responsible Tourism Conference: This conference pioneers new thought leadership with leading international experts demonstrating how to aggressively expand revenue streams, using a sound responsible tourism strategy. Register before Nov. 6 to receive the discount. Find more details here on ASTA member discounts for WTM.
Learn and earn! Seminars @ Sea
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 20, 2009
The National Association of Career Travel Agents offers all travel agents an amazing opportunity to sail on the best ships at special agent rates. In addition, unique educational seminars are provided onboard and led by industry experts. Click here for dates and details.
Tips for weathering an economic downturn
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 19, 2009
Check out ASTA's audiovisual library for the video "Tips for Weathering an Economic Downturn." Join ASTA President Chris Russo as he gives you tips and resources you can implement immediately to help your business weather the economic downturn, along with case studies from travel agents like you, who have already taken creative approaches to shoring up their businesses.
Suppliers: Connect with destination specialists at IDE 2010!
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 19, 2009
Does your company offer travel agents a product or tour package in Turkey and the surrounding countries? If so, you should be at the International Destination Expo taking place April 19 to 22 in Istanbul. IDE provides 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 Turkey and the surrounding region. Reservation information is available at www.asta.org/exhibit, or you may e-mail Kristen Stake at kstake@asta.org.
Exhibitors: Secure your booth for THETRADESHOW 2010
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 16, 2009
Plan now to boost your business for 2010 and beyond by exhibiting at THETRADESHOW! Reserve now to secure the best locations at a discounted rate for THETRADESHOW, Sept. 12 to 14, 2010, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Call (866) 870-9333 or e-mail exhibit@thetradeshow.org to reserve today.
ASTA's CEO on Twitter
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 15, 2009
Did you know that you can follow your CEO on Twitter? Check out what Bill Maloney, CTC, is up to by following him at twitter.com/astaceo. This week he is traveling to Vietnam and experiencing Hanoi's motorcycles, hotels and more. Follow his trip as he tells you about the airports and avoids the recent typhoon.
Stay informed with ASTA
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 15, 2009
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 articles and other content on www.ASTA.org. Currently, ASTA provides RSS feeds for press releases, member alerts, consumer leads and postings on WebExchange. An RSS reader will keep you updated, as long as the reader is running on your computer, with any updates that occur. Click here for more information about RSS feeds or to sign up for this free service.
Connect with ASTA's young professionals on Facebook!
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 14, 2009
Connect with travel agents under 40 on a more personal level by becoming a fan of The New Breed of Travel Agents -- ASTA's Young Professionals Society fan page on Facebook. Bounce ideas, post information and start connecting with those interested in the industry as well as your fellow young travel agents. Click here or search The New Breed of Travel Agents to become a fan today.
FREE consumer leads on ASTA's Trip Assistance
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 14, 2009
You can build your business, broaden your client base and earn more money with Trip Assistance. ASTA members, simply log on to ASTA.org, where you can view and respond to travel booking requests consumers have made on ASTA's consumer Web site, TravelSense.org. Any trip with any budget can be requested, making it simple for you to arrange. You can work with a request in your area or find something out of your normal range and start to build a larger client base.
ASTA's job board
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 13, 2009
ASTA and the Travel Staffing Group (HotTravelJobs.com) power ASTA's job board on ASTA.org. The board offers ASTA members the chance to post job opportunities at a discounted rate and find the next generation of travel professionals. Employers can post jobs for 30 days on the site for the discounted ASTA member rate of $99. For $179, ASTA members can post a job opening for 30 days and also have access to the national resume database. Visit the job board now and start posting or looking for a new job!
ASTA's Tour Operator Program
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 12, 2009
ASTA membership gives you so much more, more than it did two years ago. Now there are 50 new online benefits such as special offers for travel agent members directly from the participants of ASTA's Tour Operator Program. Take advantage of exciting travel offers from the elite tour operators who participate in this exclusive program. Have peace of mind when working with a TOP member, since all participants pledge to conduct their business with integrity, treat travel agents in a courteous and professional manner, and strive to perform to the travel agent's expectations.
Using ESOPs for planning and sales
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 12, 2009
An employee stock ownership plan is a tool for owners of privately held companies to arrange either for a tax-free sale of their business or for a tax-free diversification of their wealth. ESOPs offer tax advantages to the owner and to the company that are not available for any other type of transaction structure. ASTA premium members can join presenters Kim Abello of Duff & Phelps LLC and Dave Ackerman and Brian Hector with Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET for a summary of the key aspects of an ESOP transaction from legal, tax and financial perspectives. They will also cover information to help a business owner decide whether an ESOP could be an effective strategy for implementing his or her business, estate or financial plan. ASTA premium members, register on ASTA.org today.
"Grow Your Business With ASTA"
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 09, 2009
The reality of it is, time spent bettering yourself or your company is time well spent, and membership dues are but a drop in the bucket for what you get out of association membership. Whether you are a mom-and-pop operation or a large enterprise, association membership benefits everyone. Join Dannette Hose, ASTA's membership director, for her video "Grow Your Business With ASTA," where she highlights 10 of the top benefits and reviews the importance of belonging to your professional trade association.
Free tours in Turkey
ASTA SmartBrief | Oct 09, 2009
Don't miss International Destination Expo 2010 (IDE) in Istanbul April 19 to 22, 2010. Reserve your spot on a Ya'lla Tours or Key Tours International pre- or post-IDE tour now! Complete tour information including dates, pricing and booking procedures is now available on ASTA.org. Take the next step in making the most out of your IDE experience. Tours may be booked directly through the company offering them and have been designed to work with the IDE program of events so you won't miss anything. Still need to sign up for IDE? Register NOW to be eligible to receive a free pre-tour of Cappadocia or the Turkish Aegean, courtesy of Key Tours International. Hurry -- space is limited!
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