| November 1, 2012 | News for travel agents |
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| Business and Industry Watch |  |  |
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- American Airlines, Sabre reach settlement
American Airlines has reached a settlement with Sabre Holdings. In its lawsuit, American claimed that one unit of Sabre doubled the fees it charged the airline to display flight data. American is expected to receive an undisclosed sum of money from Sabre. The companies renewed their business agreement, according to a jointly issued statement. Bloomberg Businessweek
(10/31)      
- Cruise ships divert to Boston after storm ravages NYC
Cruise ships that were to dock in New York are making alternate plans to dock in Boston and Charleston, S.C., while the cruise port remains closed following superstorm Sandy. Princess Cruises said it was "hopeful" that the Caribbean Princess would be able to dock in Manhattan by Friday. Travel Weekly
(10/30)
| Trends and Technology | | |
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- MGM, Royal Caribbean team up to offer customer rewards
MGM Resorts International has entered into a deal with Royal Caribbean that would allow customers to use reward points for amenities provided by the two companies starting in January. Under the agreement, members of MGM's M life programs will be allowed to earn points for free cruises with Royal Caribbean, while Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society members can use their rewards at MGM properties in Detroit, Las Vegas and Mississippi. VegasInc.com (Las Vegas)
(10/30)
| Destination of the Week | | |
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- Hawaii spa resorts provide peace of mind
Hawaii's environment exudes natural healing energy, creating the perfect setting for exceptional spas. Clients looking to relax on the islands will love staying at one of these five spa resorts.
| Home-Based Agent Update | | |
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- Column: Display passion, expertise to capture customer loyalty
Travel agents can establish their value to clients by investing in regular training and ensuring top-notch customer service, writes Jack Mannix, president of Jack E. Mannix & Associates. "Not only will you strengthen your relationship with the client, you'll create a real differentiator for you and your business," Mannix writes. TravelPulse
(10/30)
| Consumer Travel News | | |
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- Yunnan, China, offers a taste of Tibetan culture
Splashes of Tibetan culture beckon tourists to Yunnan, China, although the province also offers several interesting experiences all its own, this feature says. A few villagers are willing to show tourists the fading art of cormorant fishing. Travelers may also take the strenuous climb up Thousand Lion Mountain with its carved lions and Buddhist monastery. Los Angeles Times (tiered subscription model)
(10/28)
| Regulatory and Legislative | | |
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- Opinion: Outdated visa policies slow growth
Outdated federal aviation policy is hampering economic growth with inadequate visa policies and capital programs, write researcher Adie Tomer and Brookings Institution senior fellow Robert Puentes. More funding should be sent to airports in critical metropolitan areas that serve as gateways for international passengers, and visa rules should be re-evaluated. "Why does it take so long to get a tourist visa for citizens in Brazil, India and other allies, especially considering they want to spend money on our shores?" they write. The Hill/Congress Blog
(10/30)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Column: How to avoid negative thoughts at work
Travel agents occasionally go through a period of "slight depression" in their agency business, but they can escape this through positive activities such as writing thank you notes to valued clients, Mike Marchev writes. "Pick up a sales related book and read a single chapter. Highlight a single point that catches your imagination," Marchev writes. Travel Research Online
(10/31)
| Small-Business Strategies | | |
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- How to use Instagram as a marketing tool
You can market your company on Instagram by posting pictures of your products and running photo contests to get your customer excited about your brand, Kim Lachance Shandrow writes. "Ask your Instagram followers to submit personal photos of your products and then post the best ones on your online store," she advises. Also, give your followers a behind-the-scenes look at your business by taking candid shots of your employees. Entrepreneur online
(10/29)
- A Sandy recovery FAQ
If your business is reeling from the superstorm Sandy, you can start to get back on track by finding out if your employees need any assistance, Emily Maltby writes. "The quicker they can get their affairs settled, the quicker they can get back to work." It's a good idea to document your cleanup efforts for insurance purposes and to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, she advises. The Wall Street Journal
(10/30)
| ASTA Spotlight | | |
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GSTC developing standards for sustainable destinations
ASTA is a charter member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. GSTC has recently developed specific sustainable criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators and is working on Destinations. The criteria for Destinations represent the minimum that any tourism management organization should aspire to reach if they wish to be sustainable. The draft Destination criteria are available on the site for review. These new Destination standards could be very powerful for travel agencies that have clients who want to travel sustainably. Destinations that meet the criteria and are certified would guarantee a sustainable vacation and/or meeting within that destination.
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Make important connections at ASTA's International Destination Expo (IDE) Dubai 2013
Discover this modern city steeped in ancient culture while attending ASTA's IDE and experience the tours, attractions, shopping, dining, desert activities, history and sites that will beckon clients to this magical land. Participate in two complimentary sightseeing tours by visiting both the old and modern Dubai. Extend your stay and explore the surrounding countries. Choose from a selection of pre- and post-tours including Abu Dhabi, Oman, Jordan and the Nile River. Plan your trip today and register for ASTA's IDE.
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Nature does not equally distribute energy. Some people are born old and tired while others are going strong at 70."
--Dorothy Thompson,
American journalist and radio broadcaster
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- Tuesday, October 30, 2012
- Monday, October 29, 2012
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- Thursday, October 25, 2012
| | | Lead Editor: Katie Parks
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