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From the President:
There is no better time to be an
ASTA member. ASTA is constantly updating, upgrading and
improving our membership to help us do business. Have you
checked out ASTA’s consumer Web site, TravelSense.org lately?
There have been some enhancements! This site is a great
resource for consumers as well as ASTA members with features
that guide travelers to find an ASTA travel agent, travel tips
and even destination articles for the most seasoned agent.
TravelSense also offers travel books, videos of more than 30
destinations, trip quotes and the ability for guests to
provide feedback to ASTA. TravelSense.org is also mobile
accessible, thanks to upgrades from ASTA. That means an ASTA
travel agent is at the tip of any travelers finger!
The greatest benefit to ASTA travel agents is the “Find a
Travel Agent” on the top right-hand corner of every page.
Here, consumers simply type in their zip code and are
connected to the ASTA travel agent closest to them. Consumers
can also plug in their itinerary to the “Trip Quote” system,
and ASTA travel agents can then log on to ASTA.org and pick up
these requests under consumer leads in the Business Services
section of the site. This is an unlimited, FREE lead service!
Where else can you get that? To make the most of this, make
sure you log into TravelSense and update your profile, putting
in as much detail as possible so travelers can find you to
plan their next trip.
Now that you
have your new clients coming in, it’s time to add a new
destination to your library so you can send your clients on
their way! The
International Destination Expo
in Istanbul this
April is the perfect place to do just that.
From history buffs and shoppers to nightlife lovers and beach
seekers, Turkey has so much to offer even the most seasoned
travelers will be dazzled in this historical and cultural
mecca, which features an interesting blend of eastern and
western traditions. ASTA and
Key Tours or
Y’Alla Tours
are also offering free sightseeing when you register!
Register today, receive a free hotel stay and expand your
knowledge to grow your business!
Happy selling and I look forward to seeing you at our next
chapter meeting!
Best,
Steve Powers, Chapter President
Board Members
Steve
Powers, President, 516-670-9232,
Carol McParland, 1st Vice President, 516-623-8765,
Jerry Mack, 2nd Vice President, 516-561-2400
Laura Carroll, Secretary, 516-224-7880,
Nilda Pinales, Treasurer, 516-764-3805,
Lois Howes, Immediate Past President, 516-379-3100
Local Events
Dec 03, 2009
Holiday Party with ASTA, Bons Vivants,
CTO, LITAA, SKAL,
TANQ and TASC
The Woodlands
One Southwoods Road,
Woodbury,
NY
11797
(516)
921-5707 www.woodlandsatwoodbury.com
From the Top: News from Headquarters
Marketing
With SmartBrief
Have you signed up for ASTA's
daily newsletter,
SmartBrief? If not, make sure you go online and sign up
now to receive the most updated industry news every morning.
ASTA SmartBrief brings you the travel news that really
matters. Smart Brief is the most important industry news and
leads you to further reading for all topics if you want to
find out more. Key articles from hundreds of publications are
picked daily and then summarized briefly just to give you the
most important parts.
E-mail
marketing got smarter, just in the nick of time. This daily
publication covers hundreds of media outlets with the most up
to date news coverage in the travel industry and reaches
almost 28,000 travel agents and executives. SmartBrief
ensures that you reach your target audience and proves it with
measurable results. Optimize your online advertising spending
for a down economy.
Contact a SmartBrief expert today.
Enrich Any
Sale with Customizable, Print-ready Itineraries
Clients are
always asking for your advice on where to vacation, when to go
and what to see. Now save time and money with the best
itineraries, which you can customize, print and send in a few
minutes!
TripItineraries has the world’s top itineraries for your
clients. Buy them individually for $5 each, or as an ASTA
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Member
Benefit Spotlight
ASTA membership
gives you so much more, more than it did two years ago. Now
there are 50 new online benefits such as the
ASTA Green Program. This program can help you find new
revenue while saving money on your bottom line. Learn how to
cut operational costs by implementing internal green
processes, and broaden your target clientele by offering
eco-friendly travel services.
Consumer Awareness Tip of the Month: Women Traveling Alone
Now more than ever, women are traveling by themselves for
business or pleasure. Although their reasons for traveling
are similar to their male counterparts, women traveling
alone have very different concerns. From safety issues to
cultural variations, women travelers encounter a variety of
difficulties that can be avoided if the necessary
precautions are taken.
Learn as much about the destination as possible, especially
when traveling to a foreign country. An area's religious or
cultural beliefs can directly impact you, compelling you to
adapt your dress and demeanor to comply with local customs.
While at the front desk, grab a card or matchbook from the
front desk with the hotel's name, address and phone number
on it, and keep this card on you at all times. This is
especially helpful in foreign countries where you taxi
driver might not speak English or in case there are several
hotels with similar names in the area. There may be safety
in numbers, but there is also safety in knowledge. With some
advance planning and the advice of a professional travel
agent, your vacation or business trip can be safe,
hassle-free and memorable. Find
these tips and more at TravelSense.org.
"Without an
ASTA Travel Agent, You're on Your Own"
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