| December 10, 2008 | News for travel agents |
 |  |
 | |
| Business and Industry Watch |  |  |
| |
 |
- Signature execs offer tips for front-line agents
At Signature's national sales meeting, President Michelle Morgan, CTC, and Chairman Tim Smith, CTC, stressed that front-line agents must do well at both sales and customer service in order to succeed. "You are the most potent weapon we have," Smith said. "You interact with the customer. You understand what they're thinking, what makes them get up and walk away. ... Use your persuasive skills to move travel up the ladder of their priorities." Travel Trade
(12/9)
     
- Companies not expected to reverse year-end travel cutbacks
Many companies are not expecting business to rebound in the first quarter of next year and therefore are not likely to reverse travel budget reductions. "In the United States, there is no question it's going to take a little while. People aren't resetting their budgets in the first quarter to normal levels," said Louise Miller, an executive with BCD Travel. "The days of having an annual budget and quarterly forecasts were pretty important, but I think we're down to monthly forecasts." BTNOnline.com
(12/8)
- TSA reduces pilferage by baggage inspectors
The TSA is cracking down on employees who steal from suitcases they are screening, and the initiative appears to be working. The agency has installed closed-circuit cameras in screening areas, and in-line baggage systems at major airports make it possible to know exactly which employee handled a specific bag. Thanks to such efforts, TSA has paid out just $1 million in settlements this year, compared with $3 million in 2005. The New York Times
(12/8)
 | Our special thanks to you
Fairmont Raffles Hotels International would like to thank our travel agent partners for supporting our three brands: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts. And we are pleased to offer these exclusive rates to help you enjoy our locations. |
| Trends and Technology | | |
|
- Faith tourism continues to be lucrative niche for agents
People have been traveling for their faith for decades, even centuries, and today's agents are finding a renewed interest in the niche. "Faith tourism is now enjoyed by, taken by, purchased by all age groups -- from youth to baby boomers to retired folks -- all on equal levels," said Kevin Wright, president of the World Religious Travel Association. The "new era" of religious travel "is not driven by pilgrimages, but by missionary travel, faith-based cruising, faith-based attractions, leisure vacations, adventure trips, conferences and so on." Travel Agent
(12/8)
- Loyalty programs generate less loyalty, study finds
A new study by Forrester Research finds that only 25% of online buyers say they are loyal to specific travel companies -- and airlines rank below both hotels and cruise lines among those few customers who still profess loyalty. "Airlines are shooting themselves in the foot," said Henry Harteveldt, Forrester's principal analyst for airlines and travel. "Their loyalty programs are just not worth what they once were to consumers." The Wall Street Journal
(12/9)
, The New York Times
(12/8)
- Column: ASTA strives to help agents through downturn
Chris Russo, president and chairman of ASTA, says that the organization is providing its members with a variety of tools to help them get through the current economic downturn. "These are tools that will not only help keep them afloat in today's stormy waters but will put them ahead of the competition when the sun shines again," Russo writes. TravelPulse
(12/10)
| Consumer Travel News | | |
|
- River cruise through France offers ideal introduction
Starting in Nice, France, Avalon Waterways' 10-day river cruise offers travelers a taste of Provence, Burgundy and beyond and, as one American put it, "is the perfect way to start a love affair with France." Avalon recently started offering the river cruise and is planning to expand its offerings during the next couple of years. TravelAge West
(12/6)
| Regulatory and Legislative | | |
|
| Best Practices | | |
|
- 5 key actions to stay afloat during the recession
Suggestions from The Hackett Group on how to weather the recession include speeding up activities that will bring the greatest return in six months; aggressively managing your working capital; leveraging your best suppliers; and re-examining IT investments. Business Finance
(12/5)
| ASTA Spotlight | | |
|
-
New Orleans fam trip for ASTA members only
Take advantage of this incredible offer to explore New Orleans any three days between now and Dec. 23 for only $40! Check out this incredible offer from the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau here -- only available to ASTA members. You will be able to visit a Creole plantation, see a World War II memorial, take a cooking class and much more!
| SmartQuote | | |
|
 | Too often travel, instead of broadening the mind, merely lengthens the conversation."
--Elizabeth Drew,
journalist and author
|
| |
| Advertise |
|
Account Executive:
Sam Fuchs 202.737.5500 x227
|
|
|
| |
|
Read more at SmartBrief.com |
|
A powerful Web site for SmartBrief readers including:
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| | Recent ASTA SmartBrief Issues:
- Tuesday, December 09, 2008
- Monday, December 08, 2008
- Friday, December 05, 2008
- Thursday, December 04, 2008
- Wednesday, December 03, 2008
| | | Lead Editor: Angela Giroux-Scheide
Contributing Editor: Bridget Lux | Nancy Fonti
Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005 | |
| |
|
| © 1999-2010 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information |
|
