| December 9, 2008 | News for travel agents |
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| Business and Industry Watch |  |  |
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- Advantage Rent-A-Car closes locations, files for bankruptcy
Advantage Rent-A-Car cited a drop in travel demand as it filed for bankruptcy protection. The car rental chain closed roughly 40% of its retail locations in the U.S. and laid off about half of its workforce. The company is considering strategic alternatives, including a possible merger or sale, and will continue to run its remaining locations until further notice. Reuters
(12/8)      
- Travel buyers hope Southwest's presence in NYC will push down fares
Corporate travel buyers' hopes have been raised that Southwest Airlines' likely debut at LaGuardia Airport will drive down fares in the New York City market. Southwest intends to purchase 14 slots at the airport through a multimillion-dollar acquisition of ATA Airlines, a former code-share partner. Coined by the Transportation Department in a report 15 years ago, the "Southwest Effect" describes the stimulation of demand and decline in fares that generally happens after the discount airline enters a market. BusinessTravelNews.com
(12/8)
- Airlines seek to differentiate coach-class experience
The introduction of a la carte pricing has given airlines the chance to address a persistent problem: how to differentiate between full-fare and sale-fare customers seated side-by-side in coach class. Though fliers with expensive tickets can't always snag a first-class seat, airlines can now waive a host of fees to help differentiate the travel experience. From reservations to boarding to onboard service, American Airlines VP Dan Garton says his company is trying to make travel easier for high-revenue customers. The Dallas Morning News (free registration)
(12/7)
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| Trends and Technology | | |
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- Oceania Cruises president discusses piracy
 Just over a week ago, pirates fired on an Oceania Cruises ship while it was traveling through the Gulf of Aden. Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises, discusses how cruise lines deal with pirates, what passengers are told during an attack, and what more can be done. Travel Weekly
(12/8)
- Column: Require excellent customer service from staff
Columnist Ruthanne Terrero says that a client's perception of his or her trip can hinge on any number of contacts -- from the travel agency receptionist to a bill collector from the accounting department. As travel agents are working harder and harder these days, they must ensure that everyone who deals with clients provide stellar customer service. Travel Agent Central
(12/8)
| Home-Based Agent Update | | |
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- NEST launches new services for home-based agency members
The Network of Entrepreneurs Selling Travel has hit the 500-member mark and rolled out a host of new services for its agency members, including online access to marketing tools and meeting planning help. The improved services were announced at the group's annual NEST FEST. "Over the past five years, NEST has built a solid network of top-producing, home-based entrepreneurs," said NEST President Kathryn Mazza-Burney. "We've set the bar high and require certain levels of sales and a commitment to continued growth and profitability. Every member is home-based and proud and is committed to building their business." Travel Trade
(12/5)
| Consumer Travel News | | |
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- Miami has changed a lot since Don Johnson's heyday
Miami still features expansive sandy beaches, plenty of sunshine and a touch of the exotic, but the holiday hot spot has evolved beyond simply a resort town with a dark side. During the mid-1980s "Miami Vice" era, the city's hedonism included cocaine and with that came gangland shootings and carjackings. A decade later, the city had generally cleansed itself of most of its cocaine cowboys and cutting-edge hoteliers introduced upscale boutique hotels. CNN
(12/4)
| Regulatory and Legislative | | |
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- U.S. relations with Cuba could change under Obama
For the first time in decades, the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba could change as President-elect Barack Obama has said he is interested in revisiting policies between the nations. The changes could include a lifting of restrictions on travel to the island nation. USA TODAY
(12/7)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Study examines gender roles in global workforce
A study that examined how men and women around the world respond to workforce challenges found big differences in how the genders feel about their place in the global business world. The study found that 68% of businesswomen in India, 63% in South Africa, 61% in China and 52% in Brazil felt confident about their ability to succeed in the global business world. Only 48% of U.S. women and men felt the same. Bloomberg Businessweek
(11/25)
| ASTA Spotlight | | |
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Getting there greener: The guide to your lower carbon vacation
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) recently launched its new publication, Getting There Greener: The Guide to Your Lower Carbon Vacation. UCS researchers examined travel by motor coaches, trains, cars and SUVs, and airplanes to determine the carbon dioxide generated for trips of 100, 500 and more than 1,000 miles taken by solo travelers, couples and families of four. ASTA believes this report is a useful tool for agents who have clients who want to improve the carbon footprint of their vacations. More details on the report can be found on the UCS site.
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Are you ready to go to the International Destination Expo?
Did you know that you need two full blank pages in your passport in order to travel to South Africa? As you are preparing to head to ASTA's fourth annual International Destination Expo, March 8 to 11, 2009, in Sun City, South Africa, check out www.ASTA.org/expo for updates and travel ideas. Register before Dec. 21 and receive our early-bird discount for the International Destination Expo -- plus your choice of packages.
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