| December 4, 2007 | News for travel agents |
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| Business and Industry Watch |  |  |
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- Star Clippers joins other cruise lines with fuel surcharge
Star Clippers recently announced that it will levy an $8 per person, per day fuel surcharge, capped at $100 per person, for new bookings made Dec. 17 and later. "After discussing the situation of increased fuel costs with our tour operators and travel agent partners, we have concluded the fairest and least disruptive method of assessing the surcharge would be only on new reservations made on or after Dec. 17," said Jack Chatham, an executive with Star Clippers. Travel Weekly
(12/3)      
- Carriers scale back January capacity
Despite strong demand for travel, U.S. airlines continue to scale back their capacity. An analysis found that the six largest airlines have scheduled 4.4% fewer seats in January 2008 than they did in 2007. Some carriers are moving more capacity to international routes while others are scaling back as a reaction to higher fuel prices. USA TODAY
(12/4)
- ASTA board approves educational program, budget
At the annual meeting of the ASTA Board of Directors and Chapter Presidents Council last week, the board approved an operating budget for 2008, the host venues for the 2009 and 2010 International Destination Expos, as well as an educational program and other initiatives. ASTA's Green Program strives to educate travel agents and suppliers on green travel issues. TravelPulse
(12/4)
- Las Vegas Sands to soon open Palazzo addition to Venetian
Las Vegas Sands Corp. is gearing up to open the Palazzo, part of a $2.1 billion, 3,066-suite encore to the Venetian and Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. The 50-story Palazzo hotel-casino will be joined by a $580 million retail component due to open in January. The Palazzo, Venetian and Sands Expo Center combined will represent the largest hotel and convention center complex in the world. GlobeSt.com
(12/3)
| Trends and Technology | | |
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- Travel agencies that weathered downturn doing well
Although many travel agencies were unable to make it through the tough years, those that did say business is is good and, according to a recent survey, many expect revenue increases in the future. "The agencies that are here now sat through the storm, and are tried and proven," said Judy Petralia, owner of ABC Travel in Palm Bay, Fla. "We're back to normal, and then some." Florida Today (Melbourne)
(12/3)
- Amadeus unveils new distribution platform for hotels
Amadeus has moved 75,000 participating hotel properties from a transaction processing facility system to a Linux platform. "The reality is that we need to help agencies to be at the level of the expectations of end users and to offer hotels new ways to share information with agencies," an Amadeus executive said. The new system aims to provide both agents and hoteliers with "new means to distribute and sell and merchandise hotels online." Air Transport World/Travel Technology Update
(12/1)
| Home-Based Agent Update | | |
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- OSSN president says home-based agents deliver results
Gary Fee, president of the Outside Sales Support Network, says that because of the close relationship between home-based travel agents and their clients, the agents are able to deliver products that consumers want and results suppliers need. Also, Fee says, technologies have become affordable and have helped home-based agents grow their businesses. "Accessible, affordable, learnable technology has changed the business by lowering communications and booking costs," he said. Travel Trade
(11/30)
| Consumer Travel News | | |
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| Regulatory and Legislative | | |
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- Michigan repeals short-lived service tax
With strong opposition from ASTA and various other groups and businesses, Michigan has repealed its 6% service tax, which was in effect one day. The tax, which was levied to make up a projected deficit of $750 million, will be replaced by a surcharge on taxes businesses pay. Detroit Free Press
(12/1), Travel Trade
(12/3)
- Column: Stars are aligning for Amtrak
Syndicated columnist Neal Peirce speculates that with fuel costs soaring, delays at airports and other issues, the time may be right for Amtrak. However, states and Congress need to make sure they stay ahead of funding needs for the passenger railroad, or the whole operation could get derailed. The Seattle Times
(12/3)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Ask key questions when considering CRM system add-ons
CRM applications have evolved to include a wide variety of on-demand applications. Four key questions to ask when considering a system include whether you really understand the sales process as they relate to your industry; whether the add-on truly meets the sales team's needs; whether the add-on vendor will be an appropriate partner; and whether the add-on will be easy to install, train and support. Selling Power (free registration)
(11/29)
| ASTA Spotlight | | |
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Early bird rate expires Dec. 21 for International Destination Expo!
Register early for the International Destination Expo in Lyon, France, held April 12 to 16, and save $50! The complimentary sightseeing tours have been extended, giving you a total of five days to explore the top attractions of the region -- at no extra cost! Tours have limited space so don't delay, and register today! The International Destination Expo is the only event where you'll take home expert knowledge and intimately experience the region's extraordinary sights. Register at the discounted rate and save $50 -- offer expires on Dec. 21!
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Build industry relationships through ASTA's Young Professionals Society
ASTA's Young Professionals Society was created for the purposes of career development, education and networking among ASTA member travel agents under the age of 40. Join ASTA's YPS and become familiar with many others in the travel industry that could help build your career and business for years to come. Membership in ASTA or employment with a Premium member is required to participate in YPS. Not an ASTA member? Visit ASTA.org to join today.
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