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| www.azasta.org | |
October 2006
Your AZASTA Board
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AZASTA Chapter NewsIn This Edition
From the PresidentDear Chapter Members: Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to lead the Arizona ASTA Chapter. I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude for those whose votes elected me to this honorable position. A list of the AZ ASTA Board Members that will be assisting me can be found to the left. We are thrilled to start working for you. At our first meeting last week, we invited several individuals from the travel community who have expressed interest in assisting our chapter. We agreed on two very important areas on which we’ll be focusing — communication and membership. We invite your help and would also like to hear from you! Please feel free to contact any of us with you’re your ideas, suggestions, and your concerns too! We have several events planned for the coming year, please check our website for more information www.azasta.org. As the summer winds down and we gear up for the holiday travel season, I’d like to take some time to reflect on the past few months: our accomplishments and successes as well as our obstacles and shortfalls. From the Transportation Security Administration/Homeland Security travel requirements, to the implementation of segment fees by many airlines, to the proposed new passport requirements; this has definitely been a summer of change. It can be a bit overwhelming to process all of this new information we are constantly faced with, but look at is as an opportunity to demonstrate your value as a travel professional. Many of these new rules and regulations are confusing even to veteran travel professionals, so imagine how the consumer must feel! Take this time to learn as much as you can so that you can answer questions both knowledgeably and articulately. As a travel professional, adaptability is key and you should be a source of information to consumers. Some of you had the opportunity to attend the first annual THETRADESHOW in Orlando, which was a huge success. Though not officially an ASTA event, THETRADESHOW was an excellent opportunity to learn about exciting destinations, products, and selling techniques as well as network with fellow ASTA members and travel industry professionals. This interaction and exchange of ideas is essential as our industry is constantly changing. I look forward to seeing you all at the next chapter meeting! Best, Calendar of EventsNational Events
Local Events
January SpotlightgreatBIGnews.comReach your customers! Everything you need for direct E-mail marketing to your clients is included with greatBIGnews.com™. You can send full-color E-mails, manage your mailing lists, and track the results of your marketing, all with one easy-to-use system. For more information about this valuable AMSI vendor, please click here, or access the company Web-site at www.greatbignews.com. From the Top: News from HeadquartersCheryl Hudak Sworn in as ASTA President, CEOCheryl Hudak, CTC, owner of Travel Dimensions, Inc. in Boardman, Ohio was elected as the president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Sept. 10, 2006, at THETRADESHOW in Orlando. Hudak will now begin her year-long term as ASTA’s national president. Previously, Hudak served as national vice president. Read full release. Chapter Presidents Council Representatives Elected to ASTA’s Board of DirectorsASTA announced that its Chapter Presidents Council (CPC) elected Nina Meyer, CTC, South Florida chapter president; Chris Russo, Rocky Mountain chapter president; and Carol Wagner, Michigan chapter president as the three chapter president representatives to the 2006-2007 ASTA Board of Directors. Read full release. One-stop Shopping for IDE in Jeju, Republic of KoreaTake advantage of one-stop shopping for your air, hotel and tours at the International Destination Expo March 25-29, 2007, in Jeju, Republic of Korea. ASTA has simplified the process of booking your travel for the International Destination Expo. Just use Yoo Travel to book your air, hotel and pre/post tour experiences in one convenient place. Simply click here to complete the booking form. ASTA and Ya’lla Tours USA Turkish Delight ExtravaganzaExperience Turkey for less than $130 a day, including air, great hotels, most meals, site visits and education! This FAM trip, Nov.29-Dec. 10, 2006, is available for the low price of $1,295, so be sure to let your membership know. Turkey has a magnificent past, an extraordinary present and a promising future. It is a land full of historic treasures from 13 successive civilizations spanning 10,000 years, which have left vast amounts of art and architecture. It is also a paradise of sun, sea, mountains and lakes. You will experience it all, in hip, stylish and luxurious accommodation and atmosphere, while learning how to sell Turkey to your clients. Possibly the most extraordinary experience you will have is getting to know the friendly and hospitable people of this unique country~ the unknown corner of Europe. Go to www.astanet.com/education/fam06/turkey06.asp for details. Close to 5,000 People Attend THETRADESHOWTHETRADESHOW (Travel Retailing and Destination Expo) partners are pleased to announce the success of show's debut in Orlando Sept. 10-12. More than 3,000 travel industry professionals gathered at the Orange County Convention Center for one-on-one business appointments, travel seminars, exhibits and to meet client prospects at Consumer Day, when close to 2,000 consumers turned out to learn about destinations and the value of using a travel agent. What's Going on in Government?Consumer ProtectionLegislative language calling for a one-year extension of the right to alternate carriage for passengers holding airline tickets on a bankrupt carrier that ceases operation has recently been added as an amendment to H.R. 4594, the Port Security Improvement Act. At present, the Port Security bill is one of very few bills currently on a fast track that may see final votes before Congress recesses for the mid-year election on Sept. 29. Government Affairs has been working closely with Senators Conrad Burns and Jay Rockefeller on this measure. ASTA Press Releases
Consumer Awareness Tip of the Month: Travel Insurance-The Importance of Being Insured from www.travelsense.orgTravel insurance protects consumers from substantial losses that may result from a variety of situations, including canceled trips, lost baggage, medical emergencies, supplier defaults, as well as other unforeseen circumstances. Types of CoverageThere are several general types of consumer travel insurance available. The coverage and limitations of each will vary depending on the insurance company issuing the policy. The following is a brief description of some of the general types of travel insurance.
Supplier Provided Coverage vs. Third Party Insurance CompaniesMany travel vendors (tour companies and cruise lines) offer their own protection plans and these plans may provide very different coverage than offered through third-party insurance companies. In most cases, supplier-provided coverage won’t cover you in the event they go bankrupt. When considering a supplier protection plan, you should carefully compare the coverage with third-party travel insurance products. Who should buy travel insurance?Travelers who want to protect their travel investment should consider purchasing travel insurance. If an illness, accident or sudden change in plans forces you to cancel or interrupt travel plans, you face two major financial losses — money you've invested in nonrefundable prepayments, and medical expenses that aren't covered by your health insurance. How does your trip cancellation coverage work?It is designed to reimburse you for forfeited, nonrefundable, unused payments or deposits if you have to cancel your interrupt your trip due to a variety of situations, including but not limited to inclement weather, illness or another unforeseen event. Depending on your policy, it may also cover:
How much does travel insurance cost?The cost of travel insurance varies by company and policy. The more you have invested in your trip, the more you need to protect it. Where do you buy it?Most travel agents offer travel insurance and many may even require customers who decline insurance to sign a waiver form. |
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