| December 7, 2007 | News for travel agents |
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| Business and Industry Watch |  |  |
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- Airlines, Port Authority make recommendations on easing delays
Airlines, airport officials and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Thursday revealed 100 recommendations to solve congestion problems. Carriers and the Port Authority oppose proposals that would limit flights during peak hours. The propositions include improving flight routes and adopting updated technology, among others. NYTimes.com
(12/7)      
- Colombia ditches turbulent past to emerge as tourism hot spot
Crime, war and drugs have plagued Colombia for decades, but the South American country is emerging from its lawlessness to become a chosen destination for travelers. Cartegena is bustling, cruise ships have returned to the colonial port and traveling has become much safer. "The number of tourists has clearly grown over the last couple of years and that's all to do with improved security," said local businessman Luis Caballero. BBC
(12/7)
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Continental applies with DOT for Colombia route: Continental Airlines is seeking approval from the Department of Transportation to provide service between Houston and Bogota, Colombia. American City Business Journals/Houston
(12/6)
- Amtrak strives to revive Pittsburgh's train station
Amtrak officials are encouraging developers and leaders in Pittsburgh to spruce up the Liberty Avenue station into a civic or retail center. "We want people to get interested in fixing up their train stations," said Joe McHugh of Amtrak. "The station is the first thing that our passengers see when they get off the train and the last thing when they get on. It creates a first impression of the city." Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
(12/6)
| Trends and Technology | | |
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- Q-and-A: Carnival's new president discusses job, future
As the new president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines, Gerry Cahill is starting to get a feel for his new position while developing a plan for the company's future. Cahill discusses his role, specifically how it pertains to travel agents, the company's culture and his goals for the cruise line. TravelPulse
(12/7)
- Travelport launches Web-based cruise, tour booking system
Travelport GDS, owner of the Worldspan and Galileo GDS systems, is offering a new tool that allows travel agents to compare cruise itineraries and tour offerings. Travelport Cruise and Tour also offers ship maps, destination photos, tools for managing customer relations and more. Travel Trade
(12/6)
| Consumer Travel News | | |
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- Enjoy New York City's museums, zoo, restaurants
From the Central Park Zoo to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, three days in New York may not be enough to see everything, but it gives a visitor the opportunity to at least sample the city. This Hemispheres magazine feature offers suggestions for places to eat, sleep, tour and experience. Hemispheres
(12/2007)
| Regulatory and Legislative | | |
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- Column: Agencies should support DOT's proposals
Writing for Travel Weekly, lawyer Mark Pestronk says the the Department of Transportation's proposals concerning airlines' treatment of consumers could really be helpful to travelers. "If the DOT adopts the proposals, there will be no need for Congress to enact any airline passenger bill of rights, as passengers will have all the rights they need," Pestronk writes. Travel Weekly
(12/3)
- U.S. scrutinizes foreign cruise lines
Government agencies are reportedly looking into violations of the a U.S. law that requires foreign-flagged cruise ships to make a legitimate call at a foreign port while running an itinerary that focuses on the U.S. The crackdown targets cruise lines that run itineraries between the West Coast and Hawaii and make a brief stop at a foreign port such as Ensenada, Mexico. TravelPulse
(12/7), Travel Weekly
(12/7)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Ten important considerations in planning for 2008
As companies plan for the upcoming year, an expert offers a list of 10 important business and marketing ideas. They include analyzing and updating Web sites; considering new media possibilities; creating a company newsletter; and enhancing your team's client communications and relationships. Manage Smarter
(12/5)
| 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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Manager's Essential Guide for Dealing with Negative Employees
The world is full of cynics, whiners and downers, and in the workplace, those people can decrease productivity and affect your bottom line. As an employer, it is crucial that you monitor these types of behaviors in the work environment so that you may find a solution before it starts to dampen office morale. This comprehensive article provides you with essential tips for diplomatically dealing with negative employees for the good of your employee culture. Check out the Manager's Guide for Dealing with Negative Employees on ASTA.org.
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