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| ASTA SmartBrief |
| February 24, 2009 |
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Business and Industry Watch
Travel agency groups expand air programs
Ensemble Travel Group, Vacation.com and other travel agency marketing groups are beefing up their air programs to expand the revenue mix for their members. "Because air is a very important part of any travel that our agents are putting together for their clients. ... Ensemble felt that there needed to be more preferred relationships and emphasis on air," said Brian R. Chapin, CTC, CTIE, senior director of airline relations at Ensemble. Travel Trade (2/23)
Travel industry responds to downturn with deals
The economic downturn is prompting many Americans to either give up or cut back their vacation plans. Hotels, airlines, theme parks and other travel suppliers are responding by offering deals and other promotions. The difficult economic landscape is expected to make big vacations a tough sell for a while. USA TODAY (2/23)
Japan's tourism agency strives to lure affluent travelers
In October, Japan formed its tourism agency as part of an effort to nurture the country's tourism industry. The agency is now striving to brand Japan as a premier destination while courting wealthy travelers from around the globe. "We felt we should target people whose plans aren't affected by the economic situation," said Daisuke Idesawa of the Japan Tourism Agency. "Up until now, we've been focusing on increasing the number." The Wall Street Journal (free content) (2/24)
Other News
Trends and Technology
CHI Hotels exec discusses expansion plans, economy
 Tony Potter, CEO and managing director of CHI Hotels & Resorts, discusses the challenges the company faces and its expansion plans. Potter says the economic downturn has resulted in mixed results for CHI. "One could talk good news, particularly in the Arab world. And I could talk very strong numbers in Libya, but there are not good numbers in Europe," he said. Travel Weekly (2/23)
Column: Hotels reluctant to install defibrillators
Columnist Scott McCartney says that hotels resist installing automated external defibrillators, which cost up to $2,000 apiece, because of liability issues. Executives are concerned that if they have the defibrillators, they could face lawsuits for failing to properly maintain them, have enough units or put them in the best locations. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (2/24)
Home-Based Agent Update
Column: Thank-yous appreciated throughout travel industry
Lisa Rapavi, a home-based corporate travel agent for The Leaders Group, explains that sometimes a simple "thank-you" from a client can make the work worthwhile. "Travel is inherently stressful and a simple thank you goes a long way," Rapavi writes. "Remember to thank a supplier when they've helped you out ... and show appreciation to those suppliers who appreciate you." Travel Research Online (2/20)
Consumer Travel News
Milford, Pa., becomes latest idyllic East Coast getaway
Milford, a village in Pennsylvania, continues to attract new tourists with its legendary hotel and network of waterfalls. One of the best ways to view Milford is to climb to the "top of the Knob," which is a 400-foot bluff overlooking the town. Those who make the steep hike can gaze over the town's Victorian buildings. Travel + Leisure (3/2009)
Other News
Regulatory and Legislative
ASTA seeks access to capital for travel agencies
While offering tepid praise to the latest stimulus program, ASTA has renewed its call for a direct lending program for small businesses such as travel agencies. "The inclusion of a direct lending program in the House-passed version of this bill raised hope among ASTA's small-business travel agents," said Chris Russo, president and chairman of ASTA. "Sadly, congressional negotiators, meeting behind closed doors, chose to remove the direct lending provision mere hours before the bill was complete. Whatever small cost savings they achieved came at the expense of the small-business community." Travel Trade (2/23)
Open Skies II hung up on foreign ownership of U.S. airlines
The negotiations regarding Open Skies II are set to resume in May, but the controversy around foreign ownership of American carriers may hinder the talks. Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., backs tightening restrictions on foreign ownership and put protectionist language in a bill to reauthorize funding for the Federal Aviation Administration. European officials, meanwhile, are advocating loosening such restrictions. Travel Weekly (2/23)
Best Practices
Engaged employees critical in boosting company's bottom line
As companies grapple with staying afloat during the tough economy, an engaged work force may not be one of the top priorities, but according to a recent survey, it should be. The survey of 23,600 directors, managers and employees found that employee engagement is one of the top three factors driving a company's success and building the bottom-line performance, and engaged employees in fact may be just the key to helping companies survive the downturn. tompeters.com (2/17)
ASTA Spotlight
Travel agents: Still time to register for South Africa -- International Destination Expo
Great air fares and tours are still available for you to attend the International Destination Expo (IDE), March 8 to 11, 2009, in South Africa. Expand your marketability and stand out as the expert your clients desire. The conference program includes four days of destination-focused education, complimentary sightseeing, provincial packages and networking with your peers and local suppliers. With airfare starting at $599 round trip on South African Airways, you can't afford to miss this memorable experience. Hurry -- time is running out. Register today at www.asta.org/IDE.
SmartQuote
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 Leadership involves finding a parade and getting in front of it."
--John Naisbitt,
American author and public speaker
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