| November 6, 2009 | News for travel agents |
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| Business and Industry Watch |  | |
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- Airlines push for direct links with distributors
Several airlines are moving ahead with plans to develop direct ties with corporate travel agencies and other distributors, bypassing global distribution systems. The timeline for such efforts is unclear, but American Airlines, Air Canada, Southwest Airlines and other carriers are interested in enhancing their control of product and inventory. Management.travel
(11/5)
     
- U.S., Canada, Australia lead Country Brand Index
President Barack Obama's star power has helped make the U.S. the top destination for people to visit and do business in, according to the Country Brand Index. The index, compiled by FutureBrand, rates nations like brands. Australia has held the leading position for the past three years but dropped to third place this year behind Canada. "The Obama effect has seen the United States earn the coveted top spot for the first time in the fifth annual index," FutureBrand said. New Zealand and France were also in the top five. Reuters
(11/6)
- AAA awards Five Diamond status to 113 hotels
AAA's list of Five Diamond hotels grew by 10 properties this year to 113. "To achieve and maintain the highest level of hospitality during these difficult economic times is a significant accomplishment," said Michael Petrone, tourism information development director at AAA. Sixteen hotels were added to the list, and six were dropped from it. USA TODAY/Hotel Check-in blog
(11/5)
- American Airlines flight attendants plan "dress rehearsal" strike
Flight attendants at American Airlines plan to stage a "simulated strike" at airports around the country Nov. 18 to show how travel could be disrupted by a real work stoppage. "This is only a symbolic demonstration to show management that flight attendants are willing and able to do whatever is necessary to get a fair contract," said Laura Glading, president of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. The union plans to ask the National Mediation Board to clear the way for a strike by declaring a 30-day cooling-off period if mediation fails to produce a contract by January. Chicago Tribune/The Associated Press
(11/5)
, Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Texas)
(11/5)
| Trends and Technology | | |
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- River cruising evolves to include more families
River cruises continue to cater to adults, but they are increasingly becoming more of a family trip. "More and more families are going -- like the mother and father who are retired and have sons and daughters in their early 40s," said Sabine Harris, MCC, owner of Cruise Planners. Luelle Robinson, an independent affiliate of America's Vacation Center, agreed. "I am also seeing a lot of families that want to go together -- not the parents with their teenage/young children, but [instead] grown children that want to take their parents to see where their roots are." Travel Agent
(11/5)
- Sabre's Fitzgerald discusses rich media content on GDSs
 Hoteliers and travel buyers have urged global distribution systems to introduce rich media content similar to that available on some hotel Web sites. Sabre Holdings says that travel agents' demand for the content is low. Stephen Fitzgerald, chief operating officer for Sabre Hospitality Solutions, discusses the topic as well as new initiatives from the GDS. Management.travel
(11/5)
- CWT develops virtual-meetings service
Carlson Wagonlit Travel has teamed up with Tata Communications, a telepresence provider, to offer CWT clients a virtual-meetings facility. CWT Telepresence also helps companies determine whether virtual meetings will meet their needs. A CWT executive said the service was added to complement the travel-management firm's products and services as companies are under extreme pressure to reduce costs. Meeting News
(11/5)
| Consumer Travel News | | |
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- Portugal's Alto Alentejo evolves into European playground
Alto Alentejo is a province in Portugal that features olive trees, cork oaks and whitewashed towns. Just a few years ago, the area was fairly unknown outside of the country, but it is slowly becoming increasingly popular as a playground for Europeans and others interested in a more relaxed atmosphere. Wineries, restaurants and hotels have been added to cater to the increase in visitors, but Alto Alentejo has managed to retain its charm. The New York Times
(11/8)
| Regulatory and Legislative | | |
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- Lawmakers consider independent contractor vs. employee
Lawmakers have been grappling with the question of how to differentiate between independent contractors and employees. Employee misclassification appears to be a concern in Washington, although new regulations have yet to make their way through Congress. The travel industry is primarily focused on ensuring that "whatever legislative or regulatory remedy is put in place to address the tax gap and the legitimate problem of deliberate misclassification will not impose an undue burden on travel agencies," said Colin Tooze, vice president for government affairs at ASTA. Travel Weekly
(11/3)
| Best Practices | | |
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- Online marketing helps businesses grow faster
A recent survey indicates that high-growth small businesses invest more in marketing and are making a bigger effort to market online. "E-mail marketing is one of the best ways for small businesses to attract and retain customers while also growing revenue, which were two of the top business challenges identified by small businesses in the survey," said Steve Adams, vice president of marketing for Protus. Small Business Trends
(11/3)
| ASTA Spotlight | | |
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ASTA travel tips on Weather.com
ASTA is working with the Weather Channel to spread travel tips to consumers through its Web site, Weather.com, and ASTA's consumer site, TravelSense.org. With articles on road trips and traveling with kids that link to TravelSense.org, consumers can now find an ASTA travel agent more easily. When they read the travel tips articles on Weather.com, they are led to TravelSense, where at the top right corner of each page is the "Find a Travel Agent" directory. There are now more consumers linked to you on TravelSense than ever before.
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ASTA members save up to 30% on UPS shipping
Sign up today to take advantage of special savings on UPS shipping offered to you as a member of ASTA. You can now save up to 30% on an expanded portfolio of air and international express shipping services -- all with the peace of mind that comes from using the carrier that delivers more packages on time than anyone. For complete details or to sign up, simply click here.
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