| November 5, 2012 | News for travel agents |
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| Business and Industry Watch |  |  |
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- Airlines succeed with customers despite storm-related cancellations
Although the superstorm Sandy caused the cancellation of nearly 20,000 flights, one analyst says many customers were not upset. Because airlines began notifying customers of cancellations and relevant policies ahead of time, many customers were relieved of the anxiety that comes with "not knowing," said Mike Boyd, chairman of the aviation research firm Boyd Group International. CNNMoney
(11/1)      
- Norwegian will allow refunds for NYC cruise cancellations
Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan apologized to customers whose cruise from New York was to depart last week but didn't because of the superstorm Sandy. The Norwegian Gem was scheduled to launch from New York on Oct. 29, but was delayed repeatedly by the storm; it was rescheduled to depart four days later instead for a a shortened five-day cruise to Bermuda. Sheehan said that passengers who wanted to withdraw from the voyage would receive a pro-rated refund and credit for a future sailing. USA Today/Cruise Log blog
(11/2)
| Trends and Technology | | |
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- Travel industry works to bounce back after Sandy
The tourism and travel industry in the Northeast is busy calculating the economic effect of the superstorm Sandy as air and ground transportation services make progress returning to normal operations, this feature says. In New York, several tourist sites have already reopened, while hotels continue to see strong demand from displaced locals, media and emergency workers. Travel Weekly
(11/4)
| Consumer Travel News | | |
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- Amsterdam's Anne Frank House carries legacy of beloved diarist
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam welcomes people whose hearts were touched by the diary of a brave teenage Jewish girl who joined her family in hiding during World War II. The diary, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, details the tribulations and moments of levity that Frank and her loved ones experienced during that time. The restored building where they hid still stands with mementos that offer a glimpse into the group's ordeal. San Diego Union-Tribune
(11/2)
| Regulatory and Legislative | | |
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| Best Practices | | |
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- Column: How to control doubt through self-examination
Travel agents should turn doubt on itself and use it as a reason to examine their plans more closely, Richard Earls writes. "Growth, whether business or personal, is about taking calculated risks, not gambling with one's well being or rushing in where angels fear to tread. Your goals and ambitions for yourself deserve a solid analysis and a well-thought plan. Give them the attention they merit and you are more likely to banish your doubts and accomplish what you set out to do," Earls writes. Travel Research Online
(11/1)
| Small-Business Strategies | | |
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- How to build a website your customers will love to visit
If you want your website to stand out from the pack, it's important to include a blog, showcase your brand's unique personality and provide your contact information. "Your prospects have a huge array of websites to choose to visit -- and buy or learn from," Sonja Jobson writes. "You have to give them good reasons to choose yours." You should also provide valuable content and concentrate on making your site simple to use. MarketingProfs
(11/1)
- 5 essential habits for small-business owners
The American Express Global Customer Service Barometer recently found that small businesses are ahead of bigger competitors in the customer service arena, largely because they "can offer a more personalized experience and more immediate action." But small business owners have to invest time and planning in order to make that small-scale advantage become a reality, writes customer support expert Denise Parker. To maximize customer value and win word-of-mouth recommendations, Parker recommends turning five activities -- including pre-scheduling service time and recording data -- into regular habits. B2C Marketing Insider
(11/1)
| ASTA Spotlight | | |
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DOT Advisory Committee issues recommendations on ancillary fees, other issues
ASTA welcomes the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Advisory Committee on Aviation Consumer Protection's (ACACP) recently issued report to the Secretary of Transportation, but pledges to continue its efforts to ensure that an upcoming DOT rule-making provides consumers and travel agents full access to airline ancillary fees and services. Read the committee's full recommendations here.
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Webinar update
Register today for ASTA's Business Productivity Series webinars. They are all geared to enhancing your business skills and making you more efficient and profitable. Sign up today:
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