| January 10, 2012 | News for travel agents |
 |  |
| Business and Industry Watch |  |  |
|
- New campaigns by Carnival, Royal Caribbean take different paths
Brand campaigns launched in December by Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Lines have veered in different directions, enticing passengers with two views of what an ocean-cruise experience is. Royal Caribbean's "The Sea Is Calling" campaign makes use of regular people speaking into a "shellphone" and talking about the universal appeal of the open seas. Carnival's "Land vs. Sea" initiative stresses the superior enjoyment and convenience that the company says is offered by cruises compared with land vacations. TravelAge West
(1/9)      
- Stoneleigh Capital bolsters Capella's expansion drive
Capella Hotel Group aims to ramp up its expansion efforts after obtaining a $60 million equity fund from Stoneleigh Capital. The new partnership, which includes the appointment of a number of Stoneleigh executives to Capella's board, will allow the brand to push through with plans to open six properties by the end of the year and about 25 in two or three years. Capella seeks to take advantage of a rebounding luxury-travel segment and is planning hotels for Mexico, Russian and Japan and eying San Francisco, Rome and London, among other markets. Travel Weekly
(1/7)
| Trends and Technology | | |
|
- Europe crisis, U.S. elections may affect travel, exec says
Travel in Europe may dip if the economic situation in the European Union causes civil unrest or a ballooning of the exchange rate to unaffordable proportions, says Frederic Langlois, CEO of Rail Europe. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the so-called "election-year curse" lends itself to the overwhelming media focus on politics and can be solved by boosting promotions to destinations. Despite the challenges, the generally positive trends shown in the beginning of 2012 promise growth for the travel industry, Langlois says. Travel Weekly
(1/9)
- Orlando, Fla., hotel industry readies for supply surge
Several new hotels are lining up for openings in Orlando, Fla., bringing with them more than 2,650 rooms to add to the area's supply. Data by STR show that this increase will likely lead to a 0.2% drop in occupancy this year despite a 1% demand increase forecast for the same period. Some travel experts predict that the resulting rates competition among hotels will mark Orlando as a prime destination for budget travelers. Orlando Sentinel (Fla.)
(1/8)
- Celebrity-chef cruises offer lucrative group bookings for agents
Travel agents looking for new ways to increase revenue can try arranging a culinary group cruise under Holland America Line's culinary program. Under the program, agents can organize a group cruise with a celebrated local chef, who would offer onboard culinary activities such as cooking lessons and wine tastings. Travel Weekly
(1/8)
| Travel Weekly Spotlight | | |
|
- Dispatch, Wind Surf: The yacht experience
Travel Weekly cruise editor Donna Tunney is onboard the Wind Surf this week for her first cruise on the 312-passenger ship since Windstar Cruises was acquired by Xanterra Parks & Resorts, and she is sending back dispatches on her observations and experiences. In her first dispatch she writes: "It seems to me that the management change has not in any way diluted or altered the line's high standards of service and amenities."
|
| Home-Based Agent Update | | |
|
- Column: Referrals expand an agent's customer base at minimal cost
Travel agents should supplement their regular marketing efforts with referrals, which provide a cost-effective means to gain potential new clients, writes Jack E. Mannix, president of Jack E. Mannix & Associates. When initiating contact with referred customers, agents should immediately identify their mutual friend, to set their minds at ease and stick to introductions and light questions, Mannix advises. TravelPulse
(1/8)
| Consumer Travel News | | |
|
- Co-op vineyards in Argentina offer the thrill of winemaking
Wine enthusiasts can experience the wonders of the winemaking process for themselves by investing in one of the parcels of land in the Vines of Mendoza, a co-op vineyard in western Argentina. The possibly meager profits from such a venture pale in comparison to the joy of the process, from planting to bottling the finished wines, as well as the breathtaking views of the rolling Argentine plains, this feature says. The Wall Street Journal
(1/7)
| Regulatory and Legislative | | |
|
- U.S. could take action against EU emissions-trading scheme
The Obama administration is considering proposals to retaliate against the European Union for its emissions-trading scheme. "We take the White House at their word that they are prepared to take action, which could include a country-to-country legal action, retaliatory measures or any number of steps to urge the withdrawal of the EU's unilateral scheme in favor of a global approach," said Steve Lott, a spokesman for Airlines for America. Reuters
(1/6), Air Transport World
(1/9)
| Best Practices | | |
|
- Experts stress the value of deeper agent-client relationships
Maintaining a personal touch in communications and cultivating a long-term relationship with clients will convince clients of the value of an agent's service, several leaders in the travel industry say. Agents should make sure to gear their service to providing exceptional value for clients based on their lifestyles. "Stay focused on the customer and their needs, the kind of experience they want -- in the way you reach out to them, the way you communicate, your marketing strategies, and how you touch the customer," said John Werner of MAST Vacation Partners. TravelMarketReport.com
(1/9)
| Small-Business Strategies | | |
|
- Encourage change to revive your business in 2012
Embracing change is essential to make sure your business is as competitive as possible, Jeffrey Hayzlett writes. Focus on improving the mood of your company, and avoid getting mired in everyday business processes. Stick to your principles, and point out problems when you see them, he writes. CNBC
(1/3)
- Surround yourself with the right people to boost your business
No entrepreneur can succeed without help from others, so it's important to make sure you find the right sort of customers and business partners, Joey Faucette writes. "Just as 'birds of a feather flock together,' you literally attract people with whom you share core values and life priorities," he writes. Entrepreneur.com
(1/6)
| ASTA Spotlight | | |
|
-
Webinar update: Charging for your services
Eighty-eight percent of agencies charge service fees. And while the fees have generally been increasing over time, there is great pressure on suppliers to cut costs, an act that would directly affect your business. Agencies need to review their income sources with an eye toward differentiating their revenue sources, such as assisting with visa applications, which can add to the bottom line. In this presentation, Melissa Teates, ASTA's director of research, will examine agencies' revenue from service fees as a percentage of total revenue, consumer attitudes toward fees and the percentage of agencies that also have consultation fees. Join ASTA at 2 pm ET Feb. 1. Space is limited. Reserve your webinar seat now.
-
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.
| SmartQuote | | |
|
 | The river flows at its own sweet will, but the flood is bound in the two banks. If it were not thus bound, its freedom would be wasted."
--Vinoba Bhave,
Indian leader
|
| |
| |
|
Read more at SmartBrief.com |
|
A powerful website for SmartBrief readers including:
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| | Recent ASTA SmartBrief Issues:
- Monday, January 09, 2012
- Friday, January 06, 2012
- Thursday, January 05, 2012
- Wednesday, January 04, 2012
- Tuesday, January 03, 2012
| | | Lead Editor: Angela Giroux-Scheide
Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004 | |
| |
|
| © 1999-2012 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information |
|
