| December 12, 2007 | News for travel agents |
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| Business and Industry Watch |  |  |
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- Costa Cruises to position second ship in Asia in 2009
Costa Cruises plans to deploy the 1,680-passenger Costa Classica in Asia from March to November in 2009. The move bolsters Costa's 2009 presence in the area to nearly 85,000 berths. The Classica will depart from Shanghai, Singapore, Tianjin and Hong Kong. Travel Weekly
(12/11)      
- Wyndham strives to help agents sell, receive commissions
In an effort to make it easier for travel agents to sell its 10 brands, Wyndham Hotel Group is working to launch a Web-based initiative that brings the brands together. The program will also help agents receive commissions on those hotel bookings. In this Travel Agent article, Wyndham executives discuss the company's relationship with travel agents and how they plan to improve it. Travel Agent Central
(12/10)
- Official says affordable Beijing hotel rooms available
Penny Xiang, deputy director of Games Services for Beijing Organizing Committee, said reports that hotels in Beijing have increased prices during the Olympic Games in 2008 are a simple misunderstanding. In China, Xiang said, buyers haggle to get the best price on hotel rooms, and affordable rooms are available through negotiations. The Washington Post/Reuters
(12/11)
| Trends and Technology | | |
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- Q-and-A: Regent Seven Seas president discusses line's future
Earlier this week, Apollo Management agreed to buy Regent Seven Seas Cruises from Carlson. RSSC President Mark Conroy explains how he expects the takeover to affect the cruise line and its relationship with travel agents. "Hopefully we'll be expanding the fleet and agents will have more to sell," Conroy said. TravelPulse
(12/12)
| Consumer Travel News | | |
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- Column: Southeast Asia even more attractive now
With the dollar continuing its decline against the euro, pound and Canadian dollar, Southeast Asia, which has long been an affordable travel destination for Americans, is even more alluring. Writing for The Seattle Times, columnist Carol Pucci explains that although the area is high on many lists because it's less expensive than other destinations, there are plenty of other reasons to check it out. The Seattle Times
(12/9)
| Regulatory and Legislative | | |
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- Pact aims to boost numbers of Chinese visitors to U.S.
The deal between the U.S. and China is expected to increase the number of Chinese tourists to America by about 78% by 2011. China currently restricts visitors to the U.S. to businessmen, students and government officials. "Today's agreement will open a large and growing market for the U.S. tourism industry," said Carlos Gutierrez, U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary. USA TODAY
(12/11)
- Column: Airport security is more show than substance
The TSA's decision to yield to public outcry and relax a ban on liquids and gels demonstrates that airport security is often more about show than substance, writes Clark Kent Ervin in The New York Times. He also notes the TSA screens all passengers for weapons, but investigators are consistently able to smuggle weapons in through security checkpoints. NYTimes.com
(12/10)
| Best Practices | | |
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| ASTA Spotlight | | |
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ASTA's WebExchange works for you
If you have service for hire or a travel product to sell, you can get your message out to fellow ASTA members on ASTA's WebExchange. On this discussion board you can post your selling needs or requests and get connected with ASTA members all over the world to start a business relationship. Work with an agent in another city, state or country, and you will be surprised at how much you have in common. Check out the WebExchange, and start using this ASTA member perk to your advantage!
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What can ASTA's Young Professionals Society do for you?
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 who 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 www.astanet.com/join to join today.
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