Asta News
ASTA says Obama plans will help travel play key economic role
Tony Gonchar, ASTA CEO, praised steps taken today by President Barak Obama to elevate travel and tourism to a fuller role in rebuilding the United States economy.
ASTA files comments on website accessibility
ASTA has filed comments with the Department Transportation (DOT) in response to its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) entitled “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel: Accessibility of Web Sites and Automated Kiosks at U.S. Airports,” which addresses the issue of making websites accessible for people with disabilities.
Web 2.0 Plays increasing role in agency marketing
ASTA released the results of its exclusive 2011 Technology and Web Usage Report, which found that a substantial number of travel agents are using elements of Web 2.0 to enhance their networking and marketing efforts.
ASTA issues statement following Travelport agility fees announcement
In the wake of a recent announcement from Travelport that it would rescind Agility Program mandatory fees for current Travelport subscribers, ASTA has issued the following statement:
ASTA webinar helps agents navigate accessible Travel Market
The accessible travel market is a $13.6 billion market and one of the fastest growing tourism niches today.
Extraordinary events await ASTA delegates
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience two of Lima’s most iconic venues during the course of ASTA’s one-of-a-kind International Destination Expo (IDE) (March 1-4, 2012), showcasing the cuisine and culture of this year’s host city, Lima, Peru.
ASTA Agencies forecast moderate Staffing Growth for 2012
Most ASTA members expect their employment levels to remain the same in 2012, according to an ASTA Labor & Compensation survey conducted this fall. Whereas a tenth of the agencies plan to add new employees and a further 20 percent expect to contract with more independent contractors (ICs).
ASTA studies provide essential benchmarking data for revenue, labor and compensation
With the travel industry showing halting signs of improvement even as the overall economy continues to struggle, two just-released studies from ASTA - the 2010 Service Fee Report and the 2010 Labor & Compensation Report - provide agents with essential data to benchmark two of a business’s most important components, salary and revenue.
Industry’s top firms unite to celebrate ASTA’s success at Annual Advocacy dinner
ASTA’s recent Travel Retailing & Destination Expo (THETRADESHOW) in Las Vegas saw the travel industry’s best and brightest come together at ASTA’s annual black-tie Advocacy Dinner, sponsored by Sabre Travel Network.
Kay Urban Inducted into ASTA Hall of Fame
Kay Urban, former president and CEO of Amadeus Americas at Amadeus Technology Group SA, was inducted into ASTA’s Hall of Fame today at ASTA’s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo.
ASTA study finds agencies optimistic for stronger profits in 2011/2012
ASTA members expect to see a stronger profit in 2011 and 2012 on par with 2008 profit levels—according to an ASTA survey conducted this summer, which asked travel agency members about their revenue and transaction volume, sales per travel segment, and their expected profits.
ASTA Board Elects Executive Committee
Nina Meyer named new ASTA president and chair.