| ASTA SmartBrief |
| February 27, 2009 |
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Business and Industry Watch
Hoteliers launch lobbying effort for business trips
Senior executives at Starwood, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, InterContinental Hotels Group and several other leading hotels have started a coordinated effort to make their case to members of Congress. The hoteliers say that even companies that have not received government aid have started canceling corporate meetings because of fears of being criticized. Financial Times (2/26)
Norwegian Cruise Line offers trip insurance for job loss
Norwegian Cruise Line announced a new travel protection plan that offers a full refund to passengers who lose their job and cancel their vacation. "In this challenging economic environment, we are offering a safety net for guests who want to book a cruise, but are uncertain about what the future holds in terms of their employment," said Andy Stuart, an executive at NCL. Orlando Sentinel (Fla.)/South Florida Sun-Sentinel (2/26)
Global-distribution-system providers announce executive changes
Sabre has unveiled a new combined Americas division to be led by Senior Vice President Jay Jones. Meanwhile, Amadeus announced that Vic Pynn, former chief operating officer of TRX, will be its senior vice president for the multinational customer group for the Americas. In October, Travelport GDS named Travis Christ, a former US Airways executive, as president and managing director for the Americas. BTNonline.com (2/26)
Other News
Trends and Technology
Napolitano endorses use of air-passenger body scanners
Janet Napolitano, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, said the body scanners are "less intrusive and easier" than being patted down by an airport screener as she supported the use of the technology at the nation's airports. The official's endorsement comes despite concerns that the body scanners create vivid images of passengers that are then viewed by Transportation Security Administration screeners. USA TODAY (2/26)
Column: Caribbean's tourism industry must stay positive
Richard Skerritt, minister of state for tourism, sports and culture for St. Kitts and Nevis, explains that many factors have resulted in a downturn in the Caribbean's tourism industry. Skerritt says that pessimism about the future is not an option and that the economic crisis offers an opportunity to improve. TravelPulse (2/27)
Consumer Travel News
Brazil's Salvador maintains African ties
During Carnaval week each year, Salvador is all about the present, but the coastal city keeps its historical ties to Africa alive through its cuisine, religious traditions and music. The city's Rio Vermelho neighborhood features some of the hottest nightlife around, but many of the hippest residents opt to drink beer and eat traditional black-eyed-pea fritters in the public plazas. The New York Times (3/1)
Budget travelers have plenty of options for Mexican vacation
From Isla Holbox to Rincon de Guayabitos, Mexico offers numerous destinations for travelers who may want to keep their spending down. Mexico's Copper Canyon, for example, doesn't receive near the visitors that the Grand Canyon gets, despite being four times its size. Six separate canyons feature unique ecological, geological and cultural assets and are paradise for adventure travelers. USA TODAY/SmarterTravel.com (2/26)
Regulatory and Legislative
House approves legislation easing travel ban for Cuban Americans
As part of a larger spending bill, the House of Representatives has passed legislation that would ease travel restrictions for Cuban Americans wanting to visit the island nation. The new rules would lift the time limit for a visit and increase the spending limit from $50 per day to $170 per day. Travel Agent (2/26)
SmartQuote
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 Happiness is a warm puppy."
--Charles M. Schulz,
from his "Peanuts" comic strip
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