| June 5, 2012 | News for travel agents |
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| Business and Industry Watch |  |  |
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- Top 4 agencies dominate the travel-agent market, study shows
Research group IBISWorld has reported that more than 75% of the global travel-agency market belongs to the four largest industry groups: American Express, Carlson Cos., Expedia and Priceline.com. "However, there are still opportunities for smaller and niche operators at the regional and local city/town level," IBISWorld said. The group also predict that rising consumer spending will boost travel-agency revenue by 3.1% at an annualized rate over the next five years. Travel Weekly
(6/4)      
- Las Vegas hotel casinos upgrade properties, entertainment options
A number of hotel casinos in Las Vegas, including the Bellagio and the MGM Grand, are counting on upgrades to their properties and entertainment offerings to increase visitation, this feature says. "(The hotels are) going to have to keep bringing new things. Stuff like that is what's going to keep people attracted and keep Vegas fresh and new," said Shannon Okada, a vice president with HVS. Already, the Las Vegas market is showing some improved tourism numbers, and new projects such as the upcoming SLS Las Vegas suggest the city is ripe for a comeback, this feature says. HotelNewsNow.com
(6/4)
- AmaWaterways, Crystal Cruises sign cross-marketing deal
Ocean cruise line Crystal Cruises and river cruise line AmaWaterways are partnering in a cross-marketing campaign. Through the program, past passengers of each cruise line will receive an e-mail from the other line with exclusive offers and added amenities. Executives from both cruise lines are expressing confidence that no competition exists between the two lines, making such a deal a viable marketing opportunity, this feature says. Travel Weekly
(6/4)
| Trends and Technology | | |
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- Travel group aims to promote "green" travel
Canada-based travel firm Green Motion Travel was started in 2010 with the mission of promoting sustainable practices in travel. Now, the group is enjoying strong growth as well as success in spreading the "green" travel message among its clients, this feature says. TravelMarketReport.com
(6/4)
- Most travelers set airfare limit at $200 to $500, survey shows
A survey by Travel Leaders Group has found that 81.5% of consumers would refuse to travel by air if domestic ticket prices reach $200 to $500. However, the survey also found that 83.1% of respondents plan to maintain or increase their leisure-travel spending this year against spending in 2011. "Consumers will readily pay if their needs are exceeded and they see great value in what they are purchasing. However, most will not indiscriminately spend," said Barry Liben, CEO of Travel Leaders Group. TravelPulse
(6/4)
- Technology is seen as driving next phase of travel's evolution
Industry experts are investigating the best ways to improve the passenger experience in airports. Seeking to solve problems such as long lines, congestion and missed flights, some report that "big data," or access to travelers' data via their personal devices, may be the key to streamlining the passenger experience. This feature details how access to real-time traveler data can enhance the traveler experience. TNooz.com
(6/1)
| Travel Weekly Spotlight | | |
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- In the Hot Seat: Trafalgar CEO Gavin Tollman
Gavin Tollman was named Global CEO of Trafalgar in May 2010 after stepping away from the brand for a few years. In the past two years, he has worked to put the escorted-tour company on a sustainable growth path, and part of that strategy has meant emphasizing the U.S. as a growing destination market. In this week's "In the Hot Seat" column, Tollman talked with Senior Editor Michelle Baran about his vision for the guided-vacation business.
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| Home-Based Agent Update | | |
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- Column: "Home-based" label should be retired
Travel agents should consider dropping the term "home-based agent" when describing themselves to clients, as the label has lost most of its significance outside of industry usage, writes Stephanie Lee, head of Host Agency Reviews. Home-based agents should also beware of lingering negative connotations regarding the label, Lee writes. "Whether an agent is home-based or works in a storefront location, their job is to be a resource for their client. If you're doing your job and doing it well, your client doesn't need to know your location," Lee writes. TravelMarketReport.com
(6/4)
| Consumer Travel News | | |
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| Regulatory and Legislative | | |
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| Best Practices | | |
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| Small-Business Strategies | | |
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- How marketers can use Facebook's new post-promotion feature
Facebook has introduced a feature that allows companies to pay to promote certain posts so their followers are more likely to see them, John Jantsch writes. It's important for marketers to create posts that contain an emotional element and that ask their followers to take an action away from Facebook, he writes. Duct Tape Marketing
(5/31)
- Money-management tips for keeping your company in the black
Even though you probably didn't go into business because you love accounting, taking care of your company's finances is crucial for survival, writes John Sciacca. It's important for small businesses to limit the amount of risk they deal with and to choose their clients carefully. "Nothing says you have to work with every client that comes through your door," he writes. Residential Systems online
(5/30)
| 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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Check out these updated, customizable consumer ads
ASTA offers its members the chance to customize a variety of consumer-oriented ads, all promoting the value of using a travel agent when making their next travel plans. You can check out the latest batch of ads ready for customization here. Let consumers know that gone are the days when travel agents were just order-takers. Today, you are one-on-one consultants for your clients, skilled not only at providing clients with their dream vacations, but also giving them great value for their money.
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