| December 7, 2012 | News for travel agents |
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| Business and Industry Watch |  |  |
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- Alaskan Dream Cruises unveils itineraries for new vessel
Alaskan Dream Cruises has announced that it will launch a third ship next year that will operate a new 11-day itinerary. The 62-passenger Baranof Dream will sail from Sitka, Alaska, on three voyages that feature extended coastal exploration and wildlife viewing expeditions. The ship will also offer six eight-day cruises starting in June. TravelPulse
(12/5)      
- WestJet to launch online booking to attract corporate fliers
WestJet will begin using a new online booking system in January to sell economy, midtier and premium tickets. The airline will also switch to an Internet-based phone system so ticketing agents can work from home and staff members from its new regional carrier, Encore, can work at its offices in Calgary, Alberta. Reuters
(12/4)
| Trends and Technology | | |
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- World Travel: 1 billion people will travel internationally in 2012
The World Travel & Tourism Council predicts that 1 billion travelers will cross an international boundary while on a leisure trip in 2012. The group attributes the increase in part to an increasing desire for travel to emerging countries such as China. "There is an inexorable growth in the number of people who want to travel around the world," said David Scowsill, the council's president and CEO. Reuters
(12/6)
- Priceline survey tracks mobile booking trends
According to a Priceline survey, about half of people booking rooms on mobile devices were on the road when they secured reservations. Mobile travelers cited free Wi-Fi as the most important aspect of their stay, according to the report. 4Hoteliers
(12/5)
| Consumer Travel News | | |
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- Blog: Kansas City offers a satisfying weekend of culture
Travelers looking for a weekend of leisure in a more urban setting can visit the various landmarks and cultural attractions of Kansas City, which reaches into Missouri and Kansas. American regional cuisine is a strong draw, with a number of eateries offering high-quality barbecues in various authentic American styles. Forbes/Larry Olmsted blog
(12/6)
| Regulatory and Legislative | | |
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| Best Practices | | |
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| Small-Business Strategies | | |
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- Tax-planning strategies to employ as the year comes to an end
As the end of the year rapidly approaches, now is the time to be thinking about your tax bill. It might be a good idea to offer dividends before the end of the year and to think about accelerating expenses, according to Samuel DiSalvo of Freed Maxick CPAs. Businesses should also review the potential financial impact of the health care law, he noted. Forbes/Sageworks Stats blog
(12/5)
| ASTA Spotlight | | |
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Alert: Protect your customers against counterfeit currency
Recent reports indicate that the circulation of counterfeit foreign currencies may be on the increase. Travel agents should advise international travelers to be on the lookout when purchasing or accepting funds in foreign currency. Counterfeit bills and coins surface in many different currencies, but among the foreign currencies commonly targeted are the euro and British Pound. Experts recommend purchasing currency only from legitimate banks or exchange companies.
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ASTA's 2012/13 Worldwide Destination Guides makes a perfect holiday gift
ASTA's comprehensive resource for travel agents and suppliers alike 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. Within each country guide there is company information and contact details of 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 additional copies, go to ASTA's Bookstore on ASTA.org.
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 | You will never find time for anything. If you want time you must make it."
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British brewer, philanthropist, writer and legislator
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- Thursday, December 06, 2012
- Wednesday, December 05, 2012
- Tuesday, December 04, 2012
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- Friday, November 30, 2012
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