| April 10, 2012 | News for travel agents |
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| Business and Industry Watch |  |  |
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- Studies: Customer satisfaction for OTAs, suppliers is dropping
Separate studies by IBM and Atmosphere Research Group show that more travelers are reporting dissatisfaction with supplier websites and online travel agencies, citing lack of innovation and misguided focus on price over value. An increasing shift toward automation in online booking and the growing complexity of the booking process are reminding travelers of the value of service-oriented travel professionals, an analyst says. Travel Weekly
(4/9)      
- Financial reports show "broad" improvement for Las Vegas
Recent financial reports for casino operators and other gaming-sector industries show that Las Vegas is on the rebound with profitability on the rise. Revenue for 41 casinos on the Strip increased by 9.3% in the past fiscal year -- and the ripple effect touches on all areas of the local economy. "In Las Vegas this year, we are forecast to break the all-time visitor volume record of 39-plus million visitors," said Mike Mixer, a hotel expert and commercial real estate broker. The positive news has Mixer expecting "to see a sustainable trend that can be a catalyst for growth in our local economy." VegasInc.com (Las Vegas)
(4/8)
 | Georgia: A New Destination. Participate in a cultural FAM tour of the country of Georgia. Eight days: Tbilisi, the Black Sea, wine country/vineyards, and Caucasus Mountains. May 19-26, 2012. Apply not later than April 16, 2012. American Georgian Travel Group is the only US based tour company specializing in tours to Georgia. 1-855-691-4992 www.agtg.us |
| Trends and Technology | |  |
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- Hoteliers note expanding lead times among travelers
Hoteliers say mounting demand is lengthening lead times for group travel as more planners book in advance to secure available rooms. This matches with the results of a study by Pegasus Solutions, which shows lead times for the leisure and business segments reaching and even surpassing prerecession levels. "It's an indicator that travelers are willing to commit time and money. More people are getting back to work; therefore more people are spending money on travel," said Julie Parodi, a senior director at Pegasus Solutions. HotelNewsNow.com
(4/9)
- More airlines expand Wi-Fi offerings
Several airlines have recently announced plans to expand their onboard Wi-Fi offerings. Some 1,800 main-line aircraft out of 3,500 offer Wi-Fi, said Amy Cravens, an analyst at market-research company In-Stat. Experts say that carriers with Wi-Fi may be more attractive to business travelers. "Wi-Fi can be the cherry on the icing on the cake," noted Henry Harteveldt, co-founder of Atmosphere Research Group. "That's especially true for people who are in sales or consulting, where time literally is money. These guys want -- and need -- to be online." Chicago Tribune
(4/7)
| Travel Weekly Spotlight | | |
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- A Q&A with British PM, tourism pitchman
Travel Weekly Editor in Chief Arnie Weissmann conducted a five-question interview with British Prime Minister David Cameron for his "From the Window Seat" column. Said Cameron: "Promoting tourism to the U.K., and offering visitors the best possible experience when they come here, is really important to me."
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| Home-Based Agent Update | | |
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- Travel group exec envisions rise of virtual-consultant model
 Home-based agents are giving way to a new breed of travel professionals: virtual consultants, who are able to conduct their business from anywhere, said Ann van Leeuwen, the new vice president of the National Association of Career Travel Agents. In this interview with Travel Market Report, van Leeuewen said the agent industry would likely see more veteran agents striking out on their own to set up virtual agencies. TravelMarketReport.com
(4/5)
| Consumer Travel News | | |
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- Travelers relish the serenity of St. Kitts
The island of St. Kitts has largely kept the frenetic club scenes of other Caribbean islands at bay, offering leisurely bars and restaurants where tourists can relax on the sand with a glass of "Ting with a sting." Travelers can also explore the rain forest at the base of Mount Liamuiga or visit the centuries-old Brimstone Hill Fortress. San Francisco Chronicle
(4/8)
| Regulatory and Legislative | | |
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- ASTA helps defeat Conn., Tenn., agent tax bills
ASTA announced the decision of the Connecticut and Tennessee general assemblies to drop bills that would have imposed an average 15% and 6% occupancy tax on agents' fees, respectively. "Thanks to the exceptional hard work of ASTA members and our allies at the grass-roots level, we have been able to convince legislators not to pursue these proposals, saving local travel agents thousands of dollars in onerous and harmful new taxes," ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar said. Travel Weekly
(4/9), Travel Agent Central
(4/9)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Experts: Documentation helps ensure successful insurance claim
Travel agents can ensure that clients are protected after an unforeseen incident during a trip by insisting that they purchase the correct travel insurance policy, familiarize themselves with its contents and document every expense, experts said. Agents should also make sure that clients recount the incident in their claim, in the right order and with every minor detail, experts say. Travel Agent Central
(4/6)
| Small-Business Strategies | | |
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- How to find new leads through referrals
Customer referrals are critical for your business, because they often lead to sales, writes Geoffrey James. Your friends, family and clients are all potential sources of referrals. After a referral has been made, reach out to the potential customer and thank your referrer, he advises. Inc. online/Sales Source
(4/4)
| ASTA Spotlight | | |
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Make NACTA's calendar your calendar
The National Association of Career Travel Agents' website features a comprehensive calendar that allows agents to register for webinars, regional meetings, Seminars @ Sea and more. It is the best place to plan your educational opportunities.
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Renew with ASTA today!
ASTA has made significant improvements to your membership in response to the changing needs of retail travel professionals. Staying connected to ASTA gives you a unique advantage in the travel industry. Renewing your membership means you will continue to benefit from the many important services ASTA has to offer. By renewing your membership, you can rest assured that your voice will be heard when it comes to making decisions that affect the travel industry as a whole. Renew online or via e-mail.
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