| November 5, 2009 | News for travel agents |
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| Business and Industry Watch |  | |
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- Recession-era travel deals about to evaporate
As the economy improves, steep discounts on airline tickets, hotels and tours are likely to disappear. "I think we may have hit bottom," said Jan Freitag, vice president at Smith Travel Research. "There will still be deals permeating the general environment" next year, he said, "but they are not here to stay." Mexico is currently offering some of the best deals as concerns about the H1N1 influenza outbreak are still hindering demand. The Wall Street Journal
(11/4)
     
- Worried travelers see theme parks as petri dishes for flu
Concerns about the H1N1 influenza virus are up, and many travelers are turning their attention to theme parks because of their crowds and large percentages of international visitors. "Any place where large masses of people accumulate over a relatively short or defined period of time could serve as a conduit to infection," said Philip M. Tierno Jr. of New York University Langone Medical Center. Theme parks are taking precautions to ward off the virus and encouraging visitors to do so as well. The New York Times
(11/8)
- Disney's project in Shanghai features hotels, stores
Chinese officials confirmed that they have approved a proposal from Walt Disney to build a theme park in Shanghai. The $3.6 billion development, which will be built in phases, includes hotels, retail shops and other businesses. The park could open, at the earliest, in 2012 as many hurdles remain. The Wall Street Journal
(11/5)
- Virgin Train CEO looks to transform U.K. travel
Virgin Train CEO Tony Collins envisions a future where rail service replaces air service for most travel in the U.K. "I could see a situation when you wouldn't need to fly between Edinburgh and London, or anywhere in the U.K," he says. "You would want to travel by train. You could introduce more frequent services, speed up the journey time and offer Virgin Atlantic-style comforts." Financial Times (tiered subscription model)
(11/4)
| Trends and Technology | | |
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- Experts predict upcoming travel trends, destinations
Travel industry insiders expect that more people from China and India will begin traveling, presenting a significant shift in the industry. "As people from China and India start to travel, it will be the Pacific Rim countries that benefit because they are close to the source markets," said Richard Carrick, CEO at Hoseasons, a U.K. self-catering specialist. The executives are also predicting upcoming travel hot spots. "Some places will emerge that are currently unimaginable as travel destinations, places such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran and Cuba," said Bill Maloney, CEO at ASTA. TravelWeekly.co.uk
(11/5)
- Study: Cruise ship bathrooms could be spreading norovirus
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, a medical journal, said that cruise lines may be able to reduce the incidence of norovirus by better cleaning their public restrooms. A team from universities and health groups visited cruise ship restrooms over a three-year period and found "widespread poor compliance" with the ships' cleaning protocols. Travel Weekly
(11/4)
| Home-Based Agent Update | | |
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- Column: Low-cost tips for acquiring more clients
Steve Nielsen, CEO at PartnerUp, offers a few low-cost suggestions for small-business owners interested in boosting their client numbers. For example, Nielsen advises business owners to ensure that they have created a solid, well-conceived brand. The brand should incorporate the company's Web site, logo and company name. He says the brand "will often be the single most important factor in determining whether a prospective customer believes that you are trustworthy, reputable, reliable, and established." BusinessWeek/Today's Tip
(11/5)
| Consumer Travel News | | |
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- Cappadocia features cave hotels, underground cities
Cappadocia, a region in central Turkey, has evolved from being a stop on the hippie trail to one of the hottest travel destinations in the world. From the volcanic landscape to the region's cultural history, the area offers interesting and unique attractions to a variety of travelers. The moonscape of fairy chimneys is a must-see, and wine tastings in the Turasan Vineyards are highly recommended. The cave hotels sound primitive, but they feature Wi-Fi and marble bathrooms. Travel Agent
(11/4)
| Regulatory and Legislative | | |
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- Bill would designate Sedona as National Scenic Area
Sedona, Ariz., which is already a tourist destination because of its art galleries, New Age healers and Red Rocks, could become a National Scenic Area if Congress approves legislation drafted by Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz. Supporters say the designation could give the area's tourism industry a lift. "It is not an easy issue," said Kirkpatrick. "But we want to have a real conversation about preserving this natural wonder at the same time being mindful that we're still talking about economic recovery and jobs. It's a process of balance." USA TODAY/The Associated Press
(11/4)
- Editorial: Time for Congress to step up TSA oversight
A Washington Times editorial blasts the TSA for spending nearly $800 million on screening technology without a comprehensive risk analysis or cost-benefit analysis. "TSA can't provide a timetable for beginning cost-benefit analyses or for creating performance measures for its new technologies," the paper complains, urging stepped-up pressure from Congress. The Washington Times
(11/4)
| Best Practices | | |
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- 5 tips for determining cybersecurity needs
Small-business owners need to determine which data need to be protected and how important cybersecurity is before undertaking development of a data-security strategy, says David Meizlik, director of Web and data security at Websense in San Diego. Meizlik suggests five questions firms need to answer to identify the importance of security concerns. BusinessWeek/Today's Tip
(11/2)
| ASTA Spotlight | | |
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ASTA's young professionals expand industry
Connect with Travel Agents under 40 on a more personal level by becoming a fan of The New Breed of Travel Agents -- ASTA's YPS fan page on Facebook. With 20 new fans in the last month, this group is active and excited about travel. Young agents are discussing National Cruise Vacation Month and how to best communicate with clients. To bounce ideas, post information and start connecting with those interested in the industry as well as your fellow young travel agents, click here or search The New Breed of Travel Agents to become a fan today.
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ASTA member discount to attend WTM expires Nov. 6
Through ASTA's partnership with World Travel Market (WTM), ASTA members receive exclusive discounts on two international conferences. WTM Vision -- The Global Economic Forum: This is a crucial opportunity for industry executives to plan recovery out of recession and prepare for 2010. The Business Case for Responsible Tourism Conference: This conference pioneers new thought leadership with leading international experts demonstrating how to aggressively expand revenue streams, using a sound responsible tourism strategy. Register before Nov. 6 to receive the discount. Find more details here on ASTA member discounts for WTM.
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