Asta News
CLIA credits available at ASTA’s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo
This year, ASTA’s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo (Los Angeles, Sept. 7-9) will offer attendees the opportunity to develop a sustainable profit line while earning CLIA credits during sessions that will not only teach them clever ways to close a sale, but also how to turn clients into repeat loyal customers.
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ASTA boss to step down
Tony Gonchar is stepping down from his post as CEO of ASTA to join American Express’ U.S. Consumer Travel Network, according to reports.
ASTA expo to enhance agent business productivity
ASTA’s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo (ASTA-LA) (Los Angeles, Sept. 7-9, 2012) will deliver a fresh approach to traditional travel trade shows, combining targeted, revenue-boosting sessions and the opportunity for high-level networking to provide travel agents a combination of new business contacts and enhanced sales skills to help them better run their businesses.
ASTA smartphone app delivers membership services on the go
ASTA’s first mobile app launched today, providing ASTA members with access to top-rated member services no matter where they are. As the first travel association membership app, ASTA continues to provide members with the tools they need to stay competitive, such as real-time access to association news, member directories, information on ASTA events and critical industry alerts all from their iPhone, Android or Blackberry smartphone.
Tourism marketing professional Pamela Bonin joins ASTA
ASTA has announced that Pamela Bonin has been hired to the position of director, Market Development, for the Society. As part of her new job, Bonin will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing ASTA’s membership marketing efforts, as well as working with key and prospective ASTA partners in order to develop stronger and more strategic relationships.
ASTA: Number of profitable agencies surpasses pre-recession levels
The number of agencies that made a profit in 2011 (55%) has surpassed 2007 levels, when 53 percent reported a profit, indicating continued—albeit slower than anticipated—economic growth, ASTA’s 2012 Agency Profile Study found.
ASTA Joins WTTC to oppose UK APD
ASTA joined the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today in opposition to a proposed increase in the UK Air Passenger Duty. The tax, while expected to add £2.8 billion ($4.4 billion) in additional taxes to UK government coffers, is also forecast to dampen the demand for travel and ultimately would harm not only the UK economy but also those countries to which the British travel most frequently, including the United States and Caribbean nations.
ASTA’s First IDE in Latin America is huge success
“ASTA really put together an amazing experience” was a phrase echoed by those who attended ASTA’s seventh International Destination Expo (IDE), in Lima, Peru. The event brought together travel professionals from around the world for in-depth training and education on the culture, unique tourist attractions and travel business of Lima and Peru. Through this one-of-a-kind event, travel agents returned home equipped with business tools, personal experiences and local connections that will enable them to grow their agencies.
ASTA forms ‘Joining Forces’ travel industry coalition
In coordination with the White House Office of the First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces Veterans Hiring Initiative, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is pleased to announce the creation of the Joining Forces Travel Industry Coalition.
ASTA: Proposed legislation would help small business, boost economy
ASTA today praised U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) for introducing H.R. 4032, the Help Entrepreneurs Create American Jobs Act of 2012, which would amend the Internal Revenue Service Code of 1986 and increase the tax cut for start-up businesses in their first year of operation.
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Eben Peck brings 12 years of hill experience to ASTA
ASTA today announced that Eben Peck has been hired to the position of vice president, Government Affairs, for the Society. As part of his new job, Peck will be responsible for all of ASTA’s state and federal and state lobbying efforts, as well as its political action committee, ASTAPAC.
ASTA report finds sustained economic recovery
Today, ASTA released the results of its 2011 Global Distribution System (GDS) Report, a 63-page study designed to assist agencies in evaluating their current GDS contracts and help industry suppliers gain insight into the travel agency distribution channel.