| July 2, 2012 | News for travel agents |
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| Business and Industry Watch |  |  |
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- At DOT meeting, ASTA calls for airline price transparency
During his presentation before the Department of Transportation's Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protection, Eben Peck, ASTA's vice president of government affairs, stressed the need for airlines to provide transparency and "transactability" in their distribution channels to help travel agents do their job more efficiently. "ASTA's position is simple -- the airline industry must provide consumers, working through every channel in which the airlines have elected to distribute their fares, with full transparency of all mandatory and optional charges of consequence and with the ability to buy those optional services," Peck said. Travel Agent Central
(6/29)      
- STR: Solid hotel-rate growth points to continued recovery
STR reports that the 12-month moving average for average daily hotel rates in the U.S. has risen to nearly three-fifths of the peak performance numbers reached in 2008 and estimates that it would take 14 to 15 more months before the hotel industry returns to that peak. Data also show that the 12-month ADR percent change has exceeded the 12-month occupancy percent change two months in a row, while the group ADR for 2012 has exceeded all other recorded rates save for the peak year of 2008. HotelNewsNow.com
(6/29)
- Upcoming Norwegian Breakaway will feature "Rock of Ages" musical
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that the hit Broadway musical "Rock of Ages" will be performed on its upcoming ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, alongside another Broadway show, "Burn the Floor." The Breakaway, which is scheduled to debut May 2013, will also feature a circus show, "Cirque Dreams & Dinner -- Jungle Fantasy in the Spiegel Tent," as well as performances by comedy group Second City and a "Howl at the Moon" dueling piano show. USA TODAY/The Cruise Log blog
(6/29)
| Trends and Technology | | |
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- Small-business travel managers hold positive outlook for travel
An American Airlines survey of travel managers for small- and medium-size businesses in the American Airlines Business ExtrAA program has found that 71% are optimistic regarding their business's economic situation. About 86% said that their travel would either rise as much as 24% or remain the same over 2013. Face-to-face meetings represent a critical tool for 93% of the respondents, the survey found. TravelPulse
(7/1)
- San Pedro, Calif., officials seek to boost tourism with new projects
Officials at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, Calif., are banking on a flurry of new projects, including the recently opened arts destination Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles marketplace, to beef up the city's tourism business. One recent addition that lifted up hopes for larger crowds is the arrival of the USS Iowa, which has been remade into a floating museum. Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model)
(7/1)
- N. America hotel, air ticket prices climbed 6% in Q1
A study by Egencia shows that average daily rates in North American hotels rose 6% on average during the first quarter, while air ticket prices in the same region likewise climbed an average of 6% during the same period. "We have seen clients tighten their belts this year and shift more of their negotiated hotel volume into three stars and below," said Steve Peterman, hotels director at Egencia North America. Travel Weekly
(6/29)
| Consumer Travel News | | |
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- Valais, Switzerland, is perfect for a leisurely hike
Traveling along the Valais Wine Route in Switzerland offers plenty of opportunities to experience wine tasting in finely tended vineyards and culinary adventures tied to deep local traditions, this feature says. Visitors can also make the pilgrimage up Farinet's Trail to "the smallest vineyard in the world," owned by the Dalai Lama. San Francisco Chronicle
(6/29)
| Regulatory and Legislative | | |
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- Screening rules are eased for senior citizens
The Transportation Security Administration is phasing in a plan to make screening easier for passengers 75 and older. The new guidelines, which allow seniors to leave their shoes and light outerwear on, are in place at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport as well as airports in Denver; Orlando, Fla.; and Portland, Ore. However, TSA spokesman David Castelveter pointed out that older travelers will still be screened. "We will limit the amount of screening of those who pose the least risk," he said. The guidelines should be in place at all U.S. airports by the end of the summer, the TSA says. TheStreet.com
(6/28)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Column: How to optimize a website for search engines
A website seeking search engine optimization should include search-engine friendly features such as a sitemap and optimized page URLs, Richard Earls writes. However, its appeal and readability to humans should still be of prime importance. "First and foremost, your website should be designed for the human beings viewing it, getting information and making transactions. Search engine marketing is a secondary consideration," Earls writes. Travel Research Online
(6/28)
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| The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
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Interested in learning more about advertising in ASTA SmartBrief? Contact Candace Donlin at (202) 407-7861 or cdonlin@smartbrief.com.
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| Small-Business Strategies | | |
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- How to market your business on online forums
Online forums can provide a good platform for marketing products and services, but avoid talking about your company when it's not relevant to the current conversation topic, writes Mikal E. Belicove. It's a good idea to think about paying for advertising on these sites and to contribute to the discussion. "Use your account to talk to other members, reply to questions, or to ask your own questions," he recommends. Entrepreneur online/The Daily Dose blog
(6/28)
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| ASTA Spotlight | | |
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Early bird rate extended until July 7
Come to ASTA's Travel Retailing & Destination Expo and gain skills you need to:
- Set yourself apart from the competition -- participate in Travel Institute testing and earn CLIA credits onsite.
- Run a more productive business with knowledge gained through the diverse lineup of educational seminars.
- Acquire new customers with a more diverse portfolio of products by networking with suppliers on the tradeshow floor.
- Sell L.A. like a pro. L.A. is the second most visited city in the United States -- turn that existing demand into profits.
Register now!
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Media resources on ASTA.org
Have you checked out the customizable press releases in the Media Resources section of ASTA.org? "What Every Consumer Should Know About Working with Travel Agents" allows you to promote the value of working with an ASTA travel agent, and specifically your agency, to your local media and consumers. Simply log on to ASTA.org, fill in the bracketed sections and save to your computer. Then send it off to the travel and lifestyle editors in your local media (check the outlet's websites for editors' contact information). Be sure to include a brief cover letter and follow up a week or so later with the reporter.
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- Friday, June 29, 2012
- Thursday, June 28, 2012
- Wednesday, June 27, 2012
- Tuesday, June 26, 2012
- Monday, June 25, 2012
| | | Lead Editor: Katie Parks
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