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| ASTA SmartBrief |
| December 10, 2008 |
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Signature execs offer tips for front-line agents
At Signature's national sales meeting, President Michelle Morgan, CTC, and Chairman Tim Smith, CTC, stressed that front-line agents must do well at both sales and customer service in order to succeed. "You are the most potent weapon we have," Smith said. "You interact with the customer. You understand what they're thinking, what makes them get up and walk away. ... Use your persuasive skills to move travel up the ladder of their priorities." Travel Trade (12/9)
NCL to continue sailing Pride of America around Hawaii
NCL Corp. said it is extending the seven-day interisland cruises in Hawaii through 2012. The announcement comes after the cruise line pulled two other ships out of the islands and slashed its Honolulu staff. Tourism officials had been concerned that NCL might remove its final ship from the area. American City Business Journals/Honolulu (12/9)
Companies not expected to reverse year-end travel cutbacks
Many companies are not expecting business to rebound in the first quarter of next year and therefore are not likely to reverse travel budget reductions. "In the United States, there is no question it's going to take a little while. People aren't resetting their budgets in the first quarter to normal levels," said Louise Miller, an executive with BCD Travel. "The days of having an annual budget and quarterly forecasts were pretty important, but I think we're down to monthly forecasts." BusinessTravelNews.com (12/8)
TSA reduces pilferage by baggage inspectors
The TSA is cracking down on employees who steal from suitcases they are screening, and the initiative appears to be working. The agency has installed closed-circuit cameras in screening areas, and in-line baggage systems at major airports make it possible to know exactly which employee handled a specific bag. Thanks to such efforts, TSA has paid out just $1 million in settlements this year, compared with $3 million in 2005. NYTimes.com (12/8)
Other News
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Faith tourism continues to be lucrative niche for agents
People have been traveling for their faith for decades, even centuries, and today's agents are finding a renewed interest in the niche. "Faith tourism is now enjoyed by, taken by, purchased by all age groups -- from youth to baby boomers to retired folks -- all on equal levels," said Kevin Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association. The "new era" of religious travel "is not driven by pilgrimages, but by missionary travel, faith-based cruising, faith-based attractions, leisure vacations, adventure trips, conferences and so on." Travel Agent Central (12/8)
Loyalty programs generate less loyalty, study finds
A new study by Forrester Research finds that only 25% of online buyers say they are loyal to specific travel companies -- and airlines rank below both hotels and cruise lines among those few customers who still profess loyalty. "Airlines are shooting themselves in the foot," said Henry Harteveldt, Forrester's principal analyst for airlines and travel. "Their loyalty programs are just not worth what they once were to consumers." The Wall Street Journal (12/9) NYTimes.com (12/8)
Column: ASTA strives to help agents through downturn
Chris Russo, president and chairman of ASTA, says that the organization is providing its members with a variety of tools to help them get through the current economic downturn. "These are tools that will not only help keep them afloat in today's stormy waters but will put them ahead of the competition when the sun shines again," Russo writes. TravelPulse (12/10)
River cruise through France offers ideal introduction
Starting in Nice, France, Avalon Waterways' 10-day river cruise offers travelers a taste of Provence, Burgundy and beyond and, as one American put it, "is the perfect way to start a love affair with France." Avalon recently started offering the river cruise and is planning to expand its offerings during the next couple of years. TravelAge West (12/6)
Europe, Canada have high hopes for liberalized air rules
Officials in the European Union and Canada are hoping that by easing aviation rules airlines will add flights and competition will increase. Analysts agree that the agreement appears to be a good one but say that it is unlikely airlines will add routes because of weakening demand. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (12/10)
Regulator bans ad that gives odds on airlines going bankrupt
The Guardian (London) (12/10)
5 key actions to stay afloat during the recession
Suggestions from The Hackett Group on how to weather the recession include speeding up activities that will bring the greatest return in six months; aggressively managing your working capital; leveraging your best suppliers; and re-examining IT investments. Business Finance (12/5)
New Orleans fam trip for ASTA members only
Take advantage of this incredible offer to explore New Orleans any three days between now and Dec. 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!
ASTA's upcoming webinars
ASTA is working to provide you with the tools you need to become a better travel agent and business owner. Check out the upcoming webinars hosted by ASTA on topics ranging from debit memos to government regulations and stay up to date with the latest industry advice and information.
Dec. 11, noon EST: Managing Debit Memos
Dec. 16, 4 p.m. EST: Tips for Weathering an Economic Downturn
Dec. 18, noon EST: 2009 Government Regulations That Travel Agents MUST know
Jan. 14, noon EST: The Advantages of Green: From Savings to Marketing
Jan. 21, noon EST: Using the Travel Agent's Management Toolkit in Today's Economy
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Too often travel, instead of broadening the mind, merely lengthens the conversation."