| News for travel agents | January 22, 2013 |
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| Special Report, Part 1: Leisure travel trends |
Leisure travel will be better for the heart and for the soul in 2013 with better Wi-Fi in the air and less time spent at baggage claim. Additionally, the U.S. travel industry is promoting a new campaign called "Travel Effect," to show that an annual vacation can lower one's risk of heart attack and improve marriages. Read more here from United Press International.
Part 2 of this special report will appear in your inbox on Thursday, Jan. 24.
If you don't receive the ASTA SmartBrief on a daily basis, we urge you to sign up for our timely e-newsletter. ASTA delivers the industry news you need to know directly to your inbox -- for FREE. |
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| Travel Trends |  |  |
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- Childless single women a potentially lucrative niche market
Travel agents could seize on a largely untapped but high-spending market consisting of PANKS -- professional aunts, no kids -- who like to bring their nieces and nephews along on their travels, this feature says. A recent study found that 23 million women make up this segment in the U.S.; they spend about $9 billion per year on trips with younger relatives. Travel Weekly
(1/8)      
- Tour operators: Experiential trend may boost leisure travel
A growing desire among travelers for an authentic and immersive travel experience could provide an avenue for tour operators and travel agents to boost their business in 2013, industry leaders say. The continued growth of the baby boomer market and somewhat lower airfares to Europe could also help drive travel demand this year. TravelMarketReport.com
(1/7)
- 2013's expected cruising trends have arrived
River cruising may finally have its day, or year, in 2013, this feature says. Excursions on Europe's Rhine, Danube and Rhone rivers are already popular -- and exotic destinations such as Andaman and Nicobar islands are expected to flourish, too. Another cruising trend in 2013 will be ships that let guests stay overnight at hotels in port cities. AOL Travel
(1/8)
 | The Power of Global Connections
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| Hotel Trends | | |
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- New year, new luxury hotels on the way
In February, the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, in the United Arab Emirates, is set to open with 447 rooms, 85 villas and 11 restaurants. Other notable hotel launches include the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg, which is in a former Russian palace; and the Shangri-La Hotel in London's Shard skyscraper, which both open in May. USA Today/Hotel Check-in blog
(1/9)
- Uncertainties cloud hotels' future in 2013, analysts say
Whether the hotel industry will see a full recovery or another year of slow growth in 2013 is still up in the air, lodging analysts say. However, business and leisure travel are showing signs of improvement despite economic uncertainty and increased government attention to travel spending. Travel Weekly
(12/31)
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| Technology | | |
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| Best Practices | | |
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- How to ensure top value for clients when booking hotels
When booking hotels, travel agents can maximize value for their clients by hunting for complimentary perks and benefits, collaborating with hotel service providers and keeping their clients updated on destination and weather information that could affect their trip, ABC Global Services says. Agents should also strive to compare rates among hotels to find the best booking option. TravelPulse
(12/17)
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| | Recent ASTA SmartBrief Issues:
- Monday, January 21, 2013
- Friday, January 18, 2013
- Thursday, January 17, 2013
- Wednesday, January 16, 2013
- Tuesday, January 15, 2013
| | | Lead Editor: Katie Parks
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