ASTA Association News
2012 election news
ASTA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Four National At-Large Directors will be elected in the 2012 ASTA elections. Qualified members interested in becoming a national director candidate must send a letter of intent to ASTA Headquarters by 5 p.m. ET June 7. Numerous chapters will be holding elections this year. The chapter officer petitioning began May 25 and closes June 27. Interested candidates should submit a letter of intent to elections@asta.org to receive more information regarding the petitioning period. More information: national elections; chapter elections.
Sail and sell with NACTA
ASTA SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Now is the time to experience an amazing cruise while learning marketing, sales and business skills to be successful in this environment. Space is limited and seminars fill up fast, so make your reservation today. See more information.
ASTA lauds president's call to action on job creation
ASTA SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
ASTA is praising President Barack Obama's recent call to action for Congress to move swiftly on job creation measures, including small-business hiring incentives and veterans employment measures. In 2009, ASTA joined a group of allies in the small-business community to call for an expansion of existing Recovery Act tax incentives. ASTA also lent its support to H.R. 4032, the Help Entrepreneurs Create American Jobs Act of 2012. ASTA has repeatedly called for federal action to reduce the tax and regulatory burden on small businesses and to promote access to capital through the Small Business Administration and other avenues. In February, ASTA announced the creation of the Joining Forces Travel Industry Coalition. Read more.
Reach millions of potential TV viewers with ASTA, "The Balancing Act"
ASTA SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
ASTA is pleased to bring members an exclusive opportunity to put their brand message in front of millions of today's key travel buyers -- women between the ages of 25 and 54 -- on Lifetime Television's "The Balancing Act" at a special discounted rate. ASTA is working with "The Balancing Act," one of television's premier morning programs, to showcase various aspects of travel and the value of working with a professional travel agent to millions of viewers across the country. For more information, please contact Kristina Rundquist.
Washington's Channel 4 airs pro travel agent segment
ASTA SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
A recent consumer interest piece that aired on Washington's NBC affiliate station featured ASTA member Heather Dolstra speaking to the value that comes with working with a professional travel agent. View this clip.
Sell more travel, starting with L.A.
ASTA SmartBrief | May 24, 2012
Discover the Los Angeles that will meet your clients' needs, while expanding your global product portfolio at ASTA's Travel Retailing & Destination Expo. Learn all there is to know about one of America's most popular tourism destinations through exclusive specialized education, courtesy of the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board. There has never been a better time to experience the fresh, contemporary and new L.A. Stay tuned for details on our complimentary sightseeing tours. Register now to be sure you get a spot. Don't forget to "like" ASTA on Facebook and connect with ASTA L.A. on LinkedIn to get the latest news and updates.
Why the fight over independent contractors matters
ASTA SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
Travel agencies, like many other businesses large and small, rely on the services of so-called independent contractors. Moves are "afoot at both the federal and state levels that would make it prohibitively difficult for travel agencies" to utilize independent contractors. Learn about what these proposals would mean to your bottom line, and what ASTA is doing to fight them in this recent article in Travel Weekly.
Death of airline competition by thousands of fees
ASTA SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
Open Allies for Airfare Transparency, of which ASTA is a founding member, recently ran a thought-provoking article from Charlie Leocha, director of the Consumer Travel Alliance, on why full access to and disclosure of ancillary fees matter. One of the key issues, of course, and one for which ASTA continues to fight, is to ensure that airlines make their complete fare and ancillary fee information readily available and transactable to travel agents and the public through all the distribution channels in which the airlines participate.
Still time to make your voice heard
ASTA SmartBrief | May 22, 2012
While ASTA's Join and Be Counted membership drive has come to an end, it's never too late to join. ASTA is the only trade organization that supports and protects the entire travel industry from excessive taxation, burdensome regulation and unnecessary legislation, saving you thousands of dollars in the process. If you don't support ASTA, who will support you? Join today and be counted.
Make NACTA's calendar your calendar
ASTA SmartBrief | May 22, 2012
The National Association of Career Travel Agents' website features a comprehensive calendar that allows agents to register for webinars, regional meetings, Seminars @ Sea and more. It is the best place to plan your educational opportunities.
ASTA Professional Development Scholarships deadline is June 1
ASTA SmartBrief | May 21, 2012
A reminder that the deadline for the ASTA Professional Development Scholarships is June 1. These scholarships are managed by Tourism Cares and are available to all travel agents who meet the eligibility requirements. There are several scholarships open to all agents that have basic requirements of U.S. citizenship and career in the travel and tourism industry. There are also several chapter-specific scholarships that have a geographic requirement. Agents are advised to check the eligibility requirements to see which scholarships apply to their situation. These scholarships can be used to cover costs for certain events, such as the International Destination Expo, or the costs for training courses.
Support the industry association that supports you
ASTA SmartBrief | May 21, 2012
Did you know that thanks to ASTA's advocacy efforts at the state level, travel agents in Connecticut, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia were spared from being taxed twice and sometimes even a third time on their service fees? Support the industry organization that supports you. ASTA -- Join and Be Counted.
ASTA -- Join and Be Counted
ASTA SmartBrief | May 18, 2012
ASTA is the organization that protects the interests of the entire travel industry. The industry relies on ASTA to protect its interests through proactive, aggressive advocacy and comprehensive updates of industry news, saving travel agents thousands of dollars in the process. If you are already a member of ASTA, thank you. If you are not yet a member or have let your membership lapse, please make it a priority to join today. ASTA -- Join and Be Counted.
YPS members share industry perspective at Hawaii leadership forum
ASTA SmartBrief | May 18, 2012
Participants in next week's YPS members-only retreat (May 20-25) in Oahu, Hawaii, have been invited to attend Travel Weekly's Hawaii Leadership Forum (May 24), one of the main events for Hawaii tourism leadership. At the event, Douglas Quinby from PhoCusWright will present the results of the new Travel Agency Landscape Study and lead a panel discussion in which four YPS members will share their perspective on the survey results and on the state of the travel agency industry. In addition to taking part in several cultural education activities and a voluntourism work project, 24 YPS retreat participants will take part in Hawaii's Oahu Master Specialist Program.
ASTA coalition saves agents thousands
ASTA SmartBrief | May 17, 2012
Travel agents, did you know that if you sell travel insurance to customers in other states, you are, in most cases, required to maintain travel insurance licenses in those states? ASTA is part of a coalition that successfully convinced the nation's insurance commissioners to adopt a standard that will eventually eliminate burdensome travel insurance licensing requirements on travel agents. In the first half of 2012 ASTA, working with UStiA, successfully convinced the Florida, Kentucky and Minnesota to adopt this new standard, with more states to follow. The new standard, once implemented in all states, will save agents thousands of dollars. ASTA -- Join and Be Counted.
ASTA's CEO Tony Gonchar in the hot seat
ASTA SmartBrief | May 17, 2012
As part of the lead-up to ASTA's Join and Be Counted membership campaign, ASTA's CEO Tony Gonchar recently spoke with Travel Weekly's Johanna Jainchill. You can read the interview here, as well as read other recent coverage from Travel Pulse, Travel Agent Central, Travel Market Report and TravelAge West.
If you don't get SmartBrief, you're missing out
ASTA SmartBrief | May 16, 2012
You already know how useful SmartBrief is to your knowledge of the travel industry and how much you depend on seeing this news daily, so why not tell a friend or two about what they are missing? It's free to sign up. ASTA SmartBrief brings you the travel news that really matters from sources you can trust. Interested in advertising in ASTA's SmartBrief? This daily publication covers hundreds of media outlets with the most up-to-date news coverage in the travel industry and reaches more than 34,000 travel agents and executives. Seize the opportunity to reach thousands of travel industry professionals and contact Candace Donlin.
ASTA kicks off "Join and Be Counted" membership drive
ASTA SmartBrief | May 16, 2012
As the only trade organization that supports and protects travel agents, ASTA is dedicated to ensuring the retail travel industry has a healthy and prosperous future. This weeklong campaign highlights ASTA's value to the industry in the form of advocacy, expertise and valuable resources provided to travel agents. Learn more about our recent legislative victories and how ASTA's efforts affect you. If you are a member of ASTA, thank you. If not, make it a priority to "Join and Be Counted" during ASTA's membership drive from May 14-21. Invest in your future for as little as $.76/day.
Webinar update: Microsoft tools series -- last chance to sign up for May 16th webinars
ASTA SmartBrief | May 15, 2012
Learn how to make the most of Microsoft tools already at your disposal and maximize your time and efficiency thanks to this series of webinars from Microsoft. Reserve your seat now.
* 9 am PT May 16 -- PowerPoint 2010: Distribute and Integrate Presentations
* 11 am PT May 16 -- Word 2010: Control Content and Layout for Your Documents
* 11 am PT June 13 -- Outlook 2010: Customize the Appearance of Your Email Messages, and Share Outlook Content with Others
Webinar update: Drive more traffic to your site with Bing
ASTA SmartBrief | May 14, 2012
Kick off 2012 with new online strategies to drive more business to your site. Join ASTA at 10 a.m. PT May 17 for this webinar to learn how you can take full advantage of all the online marketing solutions Bing has to offer. Plus, get the chance to have your questions answered live by Microsoft's Web marketing expert! Registered attendees who are new U.S. or Canadian customers will receive $75 free search advertising. Registered attendees who are new customers in the United Kingdom will receive £75 in free search advertising. Visit here for details. Space is limited. Reserve your seat today!
Smartphone app
ASTA SmartBrief | May 11, 2012
ASTA membership? We have an app for that. Announcing ASTA's app for iPhones, Androids and Blackberrys, providing members with access to top-rated member services no matter where they are. You get real-time access to association news, member directories, ASTA event info, critical industry alerts and more.
ASTA's 2011/12 Worldwide Destination Guide available
ASTA SmartBrief | May 11, 2012
ASTA's comprehensive resource for travel agents and suppliers is now available. 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. Each country section contains company information and contact details for each international ASTA member serving that destination. There are also 50 domestic state profiles, giving anyone selling a destination the information to do so confidently and accurately. To learn more or to purchase, go to ASTA's Bookstore. Domestic ASTA members pay only $57 for additional copies; international members pay $87 (S&H included). Prices are discounted during the checkout process after you log in as a member.
Experience Los Angeles like an insider
ASTA SmartBrief | May 10, 2012
Attend ASTA's Travel Retailing & Destination Expo and discover the Los Angeles that will meet your client's needs, whether it is spectacular outdoor adventures, sophisticated art galleries or premier shopping they're seeking. You will also learn about L.A. through exclusive specialized education, courtesy of Los Angeles Tourism, and see the city during complimentary sightseeing tours and from the opening event on the rooftop of ICON LA. Register today.
Important information regarding ASTA 2012 elections
ASTA SmartBrief | May 10, 2012
The 2012 national election period has begun and will run through August. This year, ASTA members will elect four national directors to serve on the Board of Directors. Travel agent members and the official representatives and selected voting managers of Premium Member companies in good standing are eligible to vote. The self-nomination period for national office will open May 28. National ballots will be sent on July 5. For more information, please visit the elections page on ASTA.org.
U.S. News & World Report: Why it pays to book with a travel agent
ASTA SmartBrief | May 09, 2012
A recent article in U.S. News & World Report shares some great insight into Why It Pays to Book With a Travel Agent. The article includes ASTA President and Chair Nina Meyer talking about how working with a professional travel agent can save clients not only time but money. Meyer goes on to speak to the value agents provide, thanks to their expertise and troubleshooting skills.
Get unlimited free consumer leads, thanks to ASTA
ASTA SmartBrief | May 09, 2012
You can build your business, broaden your client base and earn more money with Trip Assistance, a feature of ASTA's consumer website TravelSense.org that allows consumers to submit trip requests on which ASTA member agents can bid. To get started, simply log in to ASTA.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. Learn how to take advantage of these free leads.
Webinar update: Copper Canyon, Mexico -- Selling this majestic location and its world renowned train
ASTA SmartBrief | May 08, 2012
Join Dave Hensleigh, owner and guide of Authentic Copper Canyon, at 2 pm ET May 9 as he presents pointers on selling this re-emerging destination, which holds some of the most spectacular, rugged and beautiful land in all of Mexico. He will discuss the best seasons to travel, hotels, train arrangements, border considerations, food, culture and, of course, safety issues. Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now.
Media resources on ASTA.org
ASTA SmartBrief | May 07, 2012
Have you checked out the customizable press releases in the Media Resources section of ASTA.org? "What Every Consumer Should Know About Working with Travel Agents" allows you to promote the value of working with an ASTA travel agent, and specifically your agency, to your local media and consumers. Simply log on to ASTA.org, fill in the bracketed sections and save to your computer. Then send it off to the travel and lifestyle editors in your local media (check the outlet's websites for editors' contact information). Be sure to include a brief cover letter and follow up a week or so later with the reporter.
Threats to government travel from GSA scandal -- take action!
ASTA SmartBrief | May 07, 2012
As you've probably heard, the head of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) recently was forced to resign following reports of excessive spending for a meeting near Las Vegas, and the controversy has continued to receive ample attention on Capitol Hill and in the media. With this being an election year, and with the highly partisan political climate in Washington, this story has the potential to lead to further attempts to cut travel for meetings and conferences and could pose serious consequences for our industry. Help us educate policymakers about the value of meetings and events. ASTA members, visit here to contact your representative and senators and tell them you support responsible federal travel and to preserve the right for federal workers to travel responsibly while holding accountable anyone who breaks the rules or squanders taxpayer dollars.
ASTA's Gonchar at Home Based Forum's executive panel
ASTA SmartBrief | May 04, 2012
How to convert "lookers into bookers" and the fundamental shift of travel agents moving from brick-and-mortar locations into selling from their homes are among the timely topics ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar expects to raise for discussion at the Executive Roundtable on May 16 at the Home Based Forum in Las Vegas. Click for more information or to register for the event.
Webinar update: Microsoft tools series
ASTA SmartBrief | May 04, 2012
Learn how to make the most of Microsoft tools already at your disposal and maximize your time and efficiency thanks to this series of webinars from Microsoft. Reserve your seat now.
* 9 am PT May 16 -- PowerPoint 2010: Distribute and Integrate Presentations
* 11 am PT May 16 -- Word 2010: Control Content and Layout for Your Documents
* 11 am PT June 13 -- Outlook 2010: Customize the Appearance of Your Email Messages, and Share Outlook Content with Others
Florida becomes third state to enact travel insurance standard
ASTA SmartBrief | May 03, 2012
On April 24, Florida became the third state to pass into law the National Association of Insurance Commissioner's travel insurance standard that eliminates the travel insurance licensing burden on travel agents. The bill (HB 1101) goes into effect July 1. Earlier in April, Minnesota and Kentucky enacted similar bills. Enactment of HB 1101 is a win-win-win for travel agents, travel insurance providers and consumers alike. It provides a workable solution to unnecessary licensing problems and inconsistencies that make it difficult for travel agencies, especially those that are small businesses, to conduct business. The U.S. Travel Insurance Association was instrumental in seeing this bill through. Its passage is due in no small part to their efforts, and ASTA thanks them for their support and assistance.
The states and your bottom line
ASTA SmartBrief | May 02, 2012
Travel agents: In state after state, ASTA is actively engaged in tackling the very real threats that could negatively impact your bottom line. When it comes to protecting you from anti-competitive taxes, double- and triple-taxation and onerous regulations, ASTA is your voice, speaking out in state capitols across the country and continuously lobbying to protect your interests. Learn more about what ASTA has been doing on your behalf in this column that recently ran in Travel Weekly.
Webinar update: Key Elements to Corporate Travel Sales Success
ASTA SmartBrief | May 02, 2012
In this webinar, you will learn the essential things you need to have a successful corporate travel sales program that not only maintains, but also grows over time. The webinar, presented by Michael MacNair, president and CEO of MacNair Travel, will cover such topics as: defining your sweet spot, delivering your message and training your sales force. Space is limited. Join ASTA at 2 pm ET May 23. Reserve your webinar seat now.
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