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| ASTA SmartBrief |
| November 13, 2009 |
British Airways, Iberia agree to create massive airline
After more than 15 months of negotiations, British Airways is merging with Iberia to create a European airline with roughly $20 billion in annual revenue. Last year, the carriers transported 62 million passengers compared with 121 million for Delta Air Lines. Willie Walsh, CEO of British Airways, will head the new company. The Wall Street Journal (11/13)
Demand decline forces independent hotels to turn to chains
Independent hotel owners are struggling to cope with rising vacancies, which have forced many to rush to the arms of the large hotel chains. For frequent travelers, the shift gives them the opportunity to stay at boutique-style properties and still get their loyalty points. USA TODAY (11/12)
Zagat gives top marks to Cunard, Regent
Zagat Survey, known for its rankings of hotels, restaurants and other businesses, has started ranking cruise lines. Cunard tops Zagat's listing of lines that operate large ships, with Disney Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises as runners-up. Meanwhile, Regent Seven Seas Cruises was named the best of the lines with midsize cruise ships. Crystal Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn followed. USA TODAY/Cruise Log blog (11/12)
Other News
Agents, passengers deal with more airline ancillary fees
As airline ancillary charges continue to proliferate, travel agents and consumers are starting to ask more questions. They wonder whether and where the charges are clearly stated, and they question whether the new fees are fair. Many are also wondering where it will end. Will passengers who carry a child on their lap face a new fee? The ancillary charges are also attracting attention from regulators. Travel Agent Central (11/9)
Airlines open doors to very frequent fliers
More than 200 of the most-frequent fliers have completed a four-day, four-country junket designed to give them an inside view of the airlines on which they spend so much of their time. The trip, organized by FlyerTalk.com, included tours, training and interviews with airline executives. "One benefit of this trip is that I'll probably complain less when things are delayed," said Ivan Tasic, a Dallas-based tax consultant. "You see how many details there are that you never think about." The Wall Street Journal (11/11)
Column: World Travel Market offers barometer of industry
James Shillinglaw, editor in chief of TravelPulse.com, discusses the findings about trends and other factors affecting the travel industry as presented at the World Travel Market. Shillinglaw explains that he does not agree with all of the findings, such as the purported trend of laid-off employees striking out on vacation, but that the WTM continues to be a bellwether of the industry's health. TravelPulse (11/13)
Kingston, Jamaica, offers travelers stereotype-busting options
The Sky Bar in Kingston, Jamaica, features a mosaic-tiled infinity pool, sushi and a cosmopolitan crowd of cool 20- and 30-somethings. The bar is one of several new developments that are starting to change Kingston's vibe. The Jamaican government is helping spur changes in its capital with a 10-year revitalization plan. NYTimes.com (11/15)
Best hotel children's programs give parents something to smile about
Hotels are increasingly developing creative programs to keep children entertained while their parents take some time off. A list of the best hotel children's programs includes the Jean-Jacques Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, in Maui, Hawaii, and a weeklong ski school at the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort in Vancouver, British Columbia. MSNBC/Travel + Leisure (11/11)
Airlines say government should not intervene in industry
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood led a conference with the airline industry this week to discuss the competitiveness of the industry as it struggles with the economic downturn, volatile oil prices and other challenges. The airlines said the Obama administration should not intervene in their operations nor attempt to re-regulate the industry. LaHood said DOT would study the industry and its challenges and develop recommendations. Reuters (11/12)
5 ways to improve the customer experience
Stuart Kiefer, division manager for Loyalty Solutions at
First Data in Atlanta, offers five tips for improving the customer experience to make a small business more competitive. Among Kiefer's tips: Offer real-time incentives, track spending behavior and customize communications. BusinessWeek.com/Today's Tip blog (11/10)
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ASTA's Facebook update
ASTA is always looking for ways for travel professionals to engage one another, and so we created three Facebook pages to keep you and your clients informed and involved in the travel industry. It's a great way to network, share ideas and connect with one another. Check out the TravelSense page for consumers, based on ASTA's consumer Web site, Travelsense.org. The most recent update is about marking the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall along with some holiday travel tips. Everything from travel books, ideas and tips is being discussed here, so become a fan and let your friends know.
Unlimited free consumer leads
You can build your business, broaden your client base and earn more money with Trip Assistance. 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.
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