| July 18, 2008 | News for travel agents |
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| Business and Industry Watch |  |  |
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- Panel rules against ARC's proposed fee structure
The Independent Arbitration Panel ruled in favor of ASTA, Uniglobe USA and Carlson Travel Network Associates, saying the proposal by ARC to boost fees for travel agents is unfair. "Today's ruling shows that David can bring down Goliath when you have right on your side," said Cheryl Hudak, CTC, ASTA president. "This is a tremendous victory, not just for ASTA but for travel agents across the country." Travel Weekly
(7/17), Travel Trade
(7/17), Travel Agent Central
(7/17)      
- CLIA: Industry committed to being environmentally friendly
Mats Abrahamsson of the World Wildlife Fund Baltic Ecoregion Program voiced concern about cruise ships in the Baltic Sea and their responsibility to the environment. In response, Cruise Lines International Association President and CEO Terry Dale reiterated the industry's commitment to the environment. "CLIA-member companies adopted stringent wastewater-treatment practices nearly a decade ago and have operated in accordance with these practices since that time," Dale said. TravelPulse
(7/17)
- New Atlantic City hotels bet on luxury rather than gambling
A couple of new hotels in Atlantic City, N.J., are planning to lure visitors to the seaside resort -- known for gambling -- with swimming pools, celebrity chefs and other high-end amenities instead. "Atlantic City was a resort for 100 years before it was a gambling destination," said Curtis Bashaw, one of the developers of the new Chelsea property. "We're firm believers in returning to those roots and providing a really fun hotel in the center of America's playground." NYTimes.com/Associated Press
(7/17)
| Energy Observer | | |
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- Rising cost of fuel prompts more travelers to take train, bus
An increase in fuel costs, which is leading to fewer airplane seats and other travel developments, is boosting ridership on trains and buses in the U.S. "We believe the largest single reason is that people want to avoid the higher cost of driving their own vehicle," said Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari. "People are looking for options." TravelMole (free registration)
(7/17)
- Bill to stop speculation stirs energy-industry anxiety
Financial-industry opposition to congressional efforts to curb speculation in the energy markets has focused on a bill introduced this week called Stop Excessive Energy Speculation Act of 2008. The bill would empower regulators to govern swaps and limit hedges. NYTimes.com
(7/18)
| Trends and Technology | | |
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- Column: Education helps agents measure their success
Travel agents can learn how to set goals in order to measure their success through continuing education, writes Scott Ahlsmith, CTC, chairman of The Travel Institute. At THETRADESHOW, seminars will be available to offer a guide for agents, especially home-based agents, who want to benchmark their success. TravelPulse
(7/18)
- TSA plan to add portals at 21 airports creates privacy concerns
The TSA's plan to add new technology that reveals detailed photos of travelers' bodies at 21 busy airports is raising concerns about privacy. A TSA spokeswoman described the machines as a "huge advancement" over metal detectors. The TSA is taking steps to safeguard privacy, she said. ABC News
(7/17)
| Consumer Travel News | | |
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- Boston Harbor Islands park features striking juxtapositions
The Boston Harbor Islands National Park is made up of dozens of peninsulas and islands and offers visitors an opportunity to view the area as it was a couple of hundred years ago. At other vantage points, however, a view of Boston's skyline exemplifies just how much the landscape has changed. NYTimes.com
(7/18)
| Regulatory and Legislative | | |
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| Best Practices | | |
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- Getting the most out of employees
Bosses need to give their employees resources, support and decision-making authority if they expect them to accomplish company goals, this article says. Leaders can take a number of steps to get the most out of their employees, including eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy, creating a safe culture, supporting employees' decisions and keeping an eye on the big picture. SeattlePI.com
(7/13)
| ASTA Spotlight | | |
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Join Travel Channel host Samantha Brown at THETRADESHOW
Let Samantha Brown, popular host of the Passport series, show you the way to the world's most surprising and inspiring spots. Drawing from her experience and zest for travel beyond the ordinary, she'll reveal ways to inspire your client's next dream vacation. Enrich your business with advanced market knowledge and skills by choosing from more than 60 educational events for all specialties. THETRADESHOW offers the right tools to make your success a reality. Register before Aug. 24 for only $35!
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Register now for the first ASTA Retail Travel Leadership Summit
Hear Joe Scarborough of "Morning Joe" (courtesy of Auto Europe/Destination Europe) as he talks about Election 2008, and listen to debates on hot industry issues such as The Financial Future of the Cruise Lines; the Economics of Going Green; and The Future of GDS Systems -- Who Will Pay. Join this high-powered event for top executives, held on Monday, Sept. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Orlando, Fla., in conjunction with THETRADESHOW. Included is a lunch courtesy of Auto Europe/Destination Europe. To register for the Retail Travel Leadership Summit and hear Joe Scarborough, as well as many other high level travel industry executives, please visit the Retail Travel Leadership Summit.
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