ASTA 2008 Annual Report

2008 Annual Report A S TA’ S VA L U E T O T H E I N D U S T RY

ASTA’s Value to the Industry

I

t could be said that 2008 was a year in which if it wasn’t one thing, it was another. ASTA started the year fighting on behalf of the industry and finished it making certain the travel industry’s message was heard loud and clear by the incoming Administration. Whereas January found ASTA embroiled in a legal battle with the Airlines Reporting Corp. regarding its proposed annual fees, December would find the association actively lobbying the sitting and incoming Administrations for pro-industry legislation and loans to help travel agents weather economic turmoil.

Airlines and industry issues dominated the landscape in the early months. During the first half of the year, the Society scored several victories both legislative and regulatory in its ongoing efforts to see the travel agents have a level playing field in which to do business. In fact, ASTA’s victory in the ARC case in the summer seemed to be part of a larger and positive, industry-wide momentum–one that ended with sky-rocketing fuel prices and a crashing economy. From that point forward, ASTA’s sole goal was to help its members cope with the economic crisis. From Webinars and virtual seminars to white papers and interactive financial resources, ASTA mobilized its resources to ensure that its members were equipped with the knowledge and resources they would need to not just survive, but thrive when the markets stabilized.

In its second full year under the new business plan, ASTA made great strides in all areas from meetings to membership. Premium Member-

ship, for example, continued to grow at a steady pace. Other membership categories, too, such as International Membership, saw marked growth as ASTA stepped up its push to provide value to travel professionals across the globe, including the creation of an International Premium Membership category.

As the association rolled out new online benefits such as the interactive salary tool and the three-part financial assessment tool, the Society continued to find new ways to provide value to its members. ASTA would continue to be an industry leader in the field of “green” travel and find ways to assist its membership in promoting themselves and their value to the traveling public.

Throughout the year ASTA continued to live up to its mission: facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism.

Mission Statement ASTA’s (the American Society of Travel Agents’) mission is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism.

Vision Statement ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable, growing and a rewarding place to work, invest and do business.

A Statement From Chris Russo As ASTA’s president, the number one question I am asked is,“What is your vision for the organization?” followed immediately by a comment regarding my poor timing in becoming the association’s leader at a time when we are facing serious threats to our industry and livelihoods. In truth, I wouldn’t want it any other way. There is a saying, “Do not judge a man by how he acts on top, but how he bounces back when things are bad.” I, like many of you, entered this business for the long-haul. I hope to make my agency a family business and as such, I don’t look simply at our immediate future as an industry, rather I am concerned about our viability for next 20 years. I need a strong organization that will represent all our interests so all of us can survive and thrive in the coming 20 years.

Events such as ASTA’s International Destination Expos remind me of the reason I became a travel agent. The opportunity to travel to far-flung destinations I could otherwise only dream of. The chance to meet and interact with new people and explore new cultures. In the time I have been a travel agent, my excitement for travel hasn’t waned. And in the time I have been active in ASTA, my enthusiasm for the Society and what it continues to accomplish hasn’t faded.

Tough times don’t last but tough people do. An expression we hear all the time but one that holds much more meaning today than in the past. As travel professionals, we always have heard about how “this is going to be a tough time” and “those that come out of this will be that much stronger.” Given everything we as an industry have been through, we should be the strongest business people in the world. The good news is that many of us have survived times that were rumored to be the end of the travel agency business. Just as we have weathered tough times before, I know the economy will bounce back and we will be off to face the next challenge.

We are fortunate that ASTA has been at the forefront of ensuring its members’ survival. I am confident that ASTA will continue to provide the products and services we need to weather the current economic downturn. I say we, because as a travel agency owner myself I am constantly looking at all the angles ASTA can cover to ensure our longevity. I am proud of the tools we have supplied to our membership such as the Webinar on weathering tough economic times, our financial benchmarking tools, upgrades to our consumer Web site, TravelSense.org, and, of course, all of the government affairs issues we continue to monitor on a daily basis. It still amazes me that so much is available to travel professionals for such little. Times might be hard, but it is still a great time to be an ASTA member.

Regards, Chris Russo ASTA President and Chair

2008/2009

Executive Committee and Board of Directors ASTA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President & Chair Chris Russo Travel Partners Broomfield, CO Vice President & Secretary K. Hope Wallace ADA Travel Casa Grande, AZ

Treasurer George Delanoy Brea Travel/American Express Brea, CA Executive Committee Member Roger Block Carlson Leisure Group Minneapolis, MN

CEO William A. Maloney, CTC ASTA Executive Offices Alexandria, VA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ellen Bettridge American Express Travel Representative Network New York, NY Patrick R. Byrne, CLU M.P.B. Travel Service, Inc. Buffalo, NY Robert Durant WD World Travel Vancouver, BC CANADA Lila A. Ford, CTC, DS, ACC Gallery of Travel, Inc. Rochester, NY John I. Lovell, CTC Breton Village Travel Services, Inc. Grand Rapids, MI Lynda P. Maxwell, CTC Destinations, Inc. Ellicott City, MD Michael L. McCulloh McCulloh Travel Service, Inc. Lake Oswego, OR Scott Pinheiro Santa Cruz Travel, Inc. Santa Cruz, CA Irene C. Ross, CTC Ross Travel Consultants, Inc. Boston, MA Kari C. Thomas, CTC, CNS Will Travel, Inc.

2008/2009

Chapter Presidents Council ALLEGHENY Victoria L. Abel, CTC Odyssey Travel, Inc. Murrysville, PA

MID-AMERICA Dan Lanser, CTC A Plus Travel Adventures Uniontown, OH

PUERTO RICO/VIRGIN ISLANDS Luis O. Soto Gala Travel Agency Arecibo, PR

ARIZONA Laura Rodriguez-Verbera Marina Tours And Travel Arizona LLC Phoenix, AZ

MIDWEST Joanne Gardner, CTC The Travel Specialist Naperville, IL

ROCKY MOUNTAIN Joann L. Thompson Cooking Up Travel Aurora, CO

CAROLINAS Joseph W. Bouknight Forest Lake Travel Columbia, SC

MISSOURI VALLEY Nora Faifer, CTC Heritage Travel, Inc. Saint Louis, MO

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Daniel Genung Harr Enterprises Travel Redlands, CA

CONNECTICUT Lokesh Sharma Universal Travels New Haven, CT

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA Scott Pinheiro Santa Cruz Travel, Inc. Santa Cruz, CA

SAN DIEGO Merris Gold-Drew First Class Travel San Diego, CA

CENTRAL & NORTH FLORIDA Robert C. Robar Travel Centre of Gainesville, Inc. Gainesville, FL

NEW ENGLAND Mike Spinelli, Jr. Vacation.com Windham, NH

SOUTH FLORIDA David Gedansky, CHA Travel Leaders Aventura, FL

CENTRAL ATLANTIC Jay M. Ellenby Safe Harbors Business Travel Group Baltimore, MD

NEW JERSEY Ricky J. Ardis, ACC, CTA Ardis Travel East Rutherford, NJ

SOUTHEAST Susan H. Aft, ACC Discount Travel and Cruise Atlanta, GA

DELAWARE VALLEY Kate Murphy, CTA Uniglobe Wings Travel Blue Bell, PA

NEW YORK CITY Barbara Jathas, DS Skyway Travel Service, Inc. Ossining, NY

SOUTHWEST Frances A. Lindsey, CTC, ACC Oasis Travel Palestine, TX

HAWAII Raymond Miyashiro Regal Travel Honolulu, HI

ORANGE COUNTY Karl E. Rosen Towne Centre Travel & Cruises Diamond Bar

UPPER MIDWEST Wendy Weigel, AAA Travel Agency AAA Minneapolis Minneapolis, MN

LONG ISLAND Lois M. Howes Sterling Travel Freeport, NY

PACIFIC NW Alex Trettin, CTA Carlson Wagonlit Travel Tacoma, WA

UPSTATE NEW YORK Patrick R. Byrne, CLU M.P.B. Travel Service, Inc. Buffalo, NY

MICHIGAN John I. Lovell, CTC Breton Village Travel Services, Inc. Grand Rapids, MI

2008/2009

International Chapter Presidents Council ARGENTINA Cintia Stella WOW! Argentina Buenos Aires

CROATIA Andrea Blazekovic Speranza Travel Agency Zagreb

IRELAND Michael Doorley Shandon Travel Ltd. Cork,

AUSTRALIA Bruce West Sydney Express/BCD Sydney

CZECH REPUBLIC Jiri Muhr 4seasoneurope Prague

ISRAEL Waleed Afifi Nazarene Tours Nazareth

BRAZIL Robert Phillips DiscoverBrazil/Intelligent Leisure Solutions Salvador, Bahia

ECUADOR Fernando Calderon Maxiviajes Ecuador Tours S.A. Quito

ITALY Fabio Beninca Cima Travel Fasigest/Fasi Gestur Rome

EGYPT Mamdouh El Sebai Egitalloyd Travel Cairo

JAPAN Yoshihiro Harada Nippon Travel Agency Co., Ltd. Tokyo

CAMBODIA Tui Pakarate Rutten First Travel Penh Phnom Penh

GERMANY Hans-Joerg Schulze BBS Berliner Baeren Stadtrundfahrt GmbH Berlin

JORDAN Naser A. Zatarah Zatarah & Co. Tourist & Travel Amman

W CANADA Robert Durant WD World Travel Vancouver, BC

GHANA Teye Doku Rylax Travel and Tours Ltd Accra

CHILE Adrian R. Turner Travellers Puerto Montt

GREECE Paul J. Holevas Cruiseclub Holidays Ltd. Athens

CHINA Xiong Yue, China Destination Travel International Corp Ltd Beijing

INDIA Rajeev Kohli Creative Travel Private, Ltd. New Delhi

BULGARIA Evgeniya Doneva Alexander Tour Sofia

COSTA RICA Mario A. Leon, MCC Greenway Nature Tours San Jose

IRAN Massoud Nematollahi Pars Tourist Agency Shiraz

KENYA Joshua Nyiera Acacia Holidays Limited Nairobi KUWAIT Naser Rezqalla The One and Only Aviation Co. Hawally LEBANON Lina Ghazi Ghazi Travel Agency Beirut, MALAYSIA Dato Nelson Pung Remix Travel SDN BHD Kuala Lumpur

MALDIVES Yoosuf Riffath, Managing Director Capital Travel & Tours Pvt. Ltd. Male

PHILIPPINES Victor S. Limlingan Cristina Travel Corporation Manila

SYRIA Ghassan Aidi Chamtour Damascus

MALTA Joseph A. Bugeja Globalair Travel Ltd Saint Julians

PORTUGAL Eduardo Nevoa Palme-Viagens E Turismo, Sa. Lisbon

TANZANIA Faiza Punja Winglink Travel Limited Dares Salaam

MEXICO Gines Martinez Jumbo Tours Group Cancun

ROMANIA Petre Balas Peter Express Bucharest

THAILAND Pitsanu Gary Kongkunpai 24 Jan. Travel Bangkok

NEPAL Harish Mabohang Orion Travel P Ltd

SAUDI ARABIA Fayyaz H. Siddiqui, CTA Hajeej Travel Tours & Umrah Services Jeddah

TURKEY Ceylan Pirinccioglu VIP Tourism Turkey Istanbul

SINGAPORE Cathy Thang Green Island Tours (S) Pte Ltd Singapore

UNITED ARAB EMI Raed M. Al Kiswani Mouta International Travels Abu Dhabi

SOUTH AFRICA Johanna Schutten Uni Travel (PTY) Ltd Cape Town

UNITED KINGDOM Andrew F. Gilmour Montrave International Fife

SPAIN Alexander Maximillian Gray Y Si Viajas S.L. Las Rozas

VIETNAM Truong Quang Le DirecTravelAsia Co, Ltd Ho Chi Minh City

NETHERLANDS Perry van de Wiel Travelhome BV Waalre NIGERIA Edmund Yomi Jones Six Continents Travels & Tours Lagos PAKISTAN Mahmud Ahmad Bonds Travel Bureau Karachi PERU Veronica N. de Wicks Tucano Reps. Peru Latin Trails SAC Lima

SRI LANKA Raju Arasaratnam Jetwing Travels (Pvt.) Limited Colombo

2008 dawned with airlines dominating the horizon. The year had barely be1ST QTR

Airlines and Airwaves

gun when ASTA submitted comments to the Department of Transportation (DOT) on the subject of oversales and denied boarding compensation. In its

comments, ASTA provided numerous recom-

Act. Were it to pass, this interpretation would

mendations for updating the more than 20-year

cause severe economic hardship to travel agents,

old rules that govern the process with an eye

as well as the entire industry.

to reducing the number of instances in which a person is bumped from a flight. That same

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts jump

month, ASTA again filed comments with the

started its year with the inclusion of a pro-

DOT, the first set on enhancing passenger pro-

posed hotel merchant occupancy tax on services

tections and a second regarding the quality of air

provided by travel intermediaries. ASTA quickly

service. January concluded with the appointment

moved into action, and ASTA Premium Member

of Paul Ruden, senior vice president for ASTA’s

Robert Malmberg, president of Malmberg Travel

Legal and Industry Affairs, by U.S. Secretary of

(Boston), would go on to submit testimony

Transportation Mary Peters to the National Task

before the Commonwealth’s Joint Committee

Force to Develop Model Contingency Plans to

on Revenue speaking out in opposition of the

Deal with Lengthy Airline On-Board Ground

proposed tax.

Delays (Tarmac Delay Task Force). He was the only member of the travel agency industry to be

Premium members were also on the receiving

appointed to the 35-member group, which was

end of a white paper, Analysis of 2007 ARC Sales

otherwise composed of representatives from

Statistics, which took a look at current sales

airlines, airport and consumer groups.

trends, predictions and estimated demands. All ASTA members benefited from the efforts of

January was also the month in which ASTA

ASTA’s Research department with first-quarter

continued its fight against the Airlines Report-

reports, such as the 2007 ASTA GDS Report,

ing Corp.’s (ARC) proposed annual fee increases.

which provided recipients with a deeper un-

ASTA, along with Carlson Travel Network As-

derstanding of travel agency distribution trends

sociates and UNIGLOBE Travel USA LLC, filed

related to GDS usage and contract terms. The re-

their opening arguments and exhibits with the

port includes benchmarking data and trends on

Independent Arbitration Panel (IAP). Before the

GDS usage, contract lengths and negotiations,

month was through, ASTA announced it would

incentives, penalties and an evaluation of GDS

file a complaint on behalf of an ASTA member

systems. The study is the only industry report

against ARC over the unauthorized drafting of

of its kind to specifically examine travel agency

travel agents’ accounts and joined forces with

financial benchmarks, including revenue sources

other industry groups in opposition to a new

and annual travel agent revenue.

interpretation of the Passenger Vessel Services

February brought with it the 2008 ASTA Mem-

members, and the WebExchange, an online

ber Profile, and the following month saw the

business-to-business tool that connects travel

publication of ASTA’s second annual financial

agents and suppliers. Thanks to the WebEx-

study, the 2007 Financial Benchmarking Report.

change, ASTA members can now exchange

The results of this survey provide ASTA mem-

information about business opportunities, post

bers with benchmarking data to assist them in

special requests and find specific industry infor-

pinpointing areas of excellence and those in

mation in an instant. Around this time, ASTA

which they need to improve. ASTA also part-

also significantly enhanced its consumer Web

nered with Community Marketing Inc. (CMI) in

site, TravelSense.org, making it more interac-

producing the 12th Annual Gay & Lesbian Tour-

tive for site visitors and allowing them to search

ism Study, through which ASTA members would

for travel tips and destination articles, purchase

gain a better understanding of opportunities in

travel books and guides and provide feedback to

the gay and lesbian travel market.

the Society with greater ease.

Even with spring still a few weeks off, ASTA as

In order to better communicate to the industry

an organization publicly went green. ASTA staff

the importance of ASTA membership and the

took the lead in making key changes within

many initiatives it undertakes on behalf of its

the office to not only help the environment but

members on a daily business, ASTA officials met

reduce ASTA’s bottom line expenses. Among the

with members of the key travel trade publica-

initiatives, the Society announced it would now

tions during the first quarter. As ever, showcas-

print marketing and other materials on recycled

ing the value of using an ASTA travel agent to

paper, use non-disposable silverware and cups,

consumers also was top of mind in 2008. To that

electronic timesheets and leave request forms,

end, ASTA renewed its agreement with the XM

and encourage staff to recycle further with the

Satellite Radio program “Traveling with Paul Las-

placement of numerous recycling bins through-

ley and Elizabeth Harryman” show in a 26-week

out the office. Coinciding with this announce-

series of travel tips featuring ASTA travel agents.

ment was ASTA’s plan to create a Green Mem-

And, thanks to a year-long partnership with

ber program.

the North American Precis Syndicate (NAPS), ASTA embarked on series of 2-column newspa-

Just as ASTA was making changes to its opera-

per articles and radio spots promoting ASTA’s

tions, the association provided members with

consumer Web site, TravelSense.org, and the use

new online tools, namely a Learning Commu-

of an ASTA travel agent. These spots, distributed

nity/Bulletin Board exclusively for international

to newspapers and radio stations nationwide,

debuted in 2008 with a piece on student and

the Africa Tourism Symposium, the Platinum

spring break travel that ran in more than 240

Cruise seminar and the Boston Globe and New

media outlets in 22 states.

York Times Travel Shows. Also, ASTA’s Corporate Advisory Council (CAC) held its first meeting of

ASTA also was featured prominently in a sup-

the year in New Orleans in March, launching a

plement on international get-aways that ran in

year-long ASTA initiative to hold its meetings in

the Wall Street Journal in March and reached

the Crescent City.

more than 2 million readers, as well as in the program guide for the Adventures in Travel Expo,

March was a month of change as Joanie Ogg,

which saw tens of thousands of Americans at-

founder and president of the National Associa-

tend. Additionally, the Society reached out to

tion of Commissioned Travel Agents, left the or-

consumers with physical challenges through a

ganization to take on new challenges within the

partnership with Accessible Travel magazine in

industry; Scott Koepf, CTC, MCC, an industry

which ASTA ran a full-page ad and an article

veteran and vice president of strategic business

from ASTA President and CEO Cheryl Hudak,

units for Sabre Holdings, Inc., was tapped to fill

CTC, talking about the importance of working

the newly vacant position.

with a professional ASTA travel agent when making travel plans. Thanks in part to a series

The first quarter closed on a high note as ASTA

of press releases providing tips for purchasing

announced that the third ASTAPAC Chari-

Super Bowl and Spring Break packages, as well

table Match Program benefited 19 charitable

as the hottest destinations for summer travel,

organizations across the United States in 2007.

trips with teens and those taking a second hon-

Each year, ASTA’s Corporate Advisory Council

eymoon, ASTA received mention in such publi-

(CAC) provides funds for the program. Through

cations the Washington Post, CNN Interactive,

the program, ASTA challenges its chapters to

USA Today, Honolulu Advertiser, Miami Herald

meet certain political action fundraising criteria.

and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Thirteen chapters qualified for the CAC funds, disbursed on a first-come, first-serve basis with

Within the industry, ASTA expanded its reach

the Midwest chapter coming in with a record-

through speaking engagements at various

breaking fundraising effort of almost $16,000.

chapter meetings and such industry events as

April kicked off what was to be a busy 2ND QTR

The Taxman Cometh?

time for the Society. As the second quarter began, ASTA announced that it would continue to contribute to

New Orleans’ recovery efforts by holding its key

The event also held its first global business day,

internal meetings in the Crescent City over the

created with a goal of helping members increase

next 18 months. Additionally, ASTA turned the

global contacts and networking opportunities.

administration of its ASTA Foundation scholar-

The day featured a summit and international

ships over to Tourism Cares, a non-profit charity

travel agent networking forum which allowed

that encourages the travel and tourism industry

attendees the chance to participate in roundtable

to give back to society through grants to natu-

discussions on important topics such as how in-

ral, cultural and historic sites worldwide among

ternational agents are dealing with airline com-

other initiatives.

mission cuts, how to do business in the United States and how to improve marketing reach.

April also saw the publication of two white papers, the first providing members with the

While in Lyon, ASTA’s Board of Directors met

necessary information to help them in managing

and approved a new membership category–that

their inactive airline segments, while the public

of International Premium Membership. The

relations guide, Hiring a PR Firm, walked mem-

Board also approved ASTA’s membership in the

bers through the process of selecting and hiring

World Travel Agents Associations Alliance, an or-

a PR agency.

ganization whose aim it is to facilitate exchanges of information and advice on matters of mutual

Travel agents from across the globe headed to

interest to its members around the globe.

Lyon, France, for ASTA’s third International Destination Expo (IDE) (April 12-16), where nearly

No sooner had the IDE ended, than ASTA went

1,000 travel professionals from 47 countries,

public with its new Green Member Program at a

gathered to learn about the culture, attractions

media event in New York City, attended by press

and travel business of the city often referred to

from the Wall Street Journal, Business Travel

as “the gateway to Europe.”Agents who took ad-

News and all the major travel trade publica-

vantage of these educational seminars returned

tions. The program consists of educational and

home as France Destination Specialists in such

promotional resources that enable travel agents

niches as European honeymoons, culinary tours,

and suppliers to increase their knowledge of

river barges and cruises, soft adventure and the

travel’s impact on the environment and high-

Beaujolais and Rhône-Alps region. The 2008 IDE

light to consumers their commitment to keeping

closed with the announcement that Sun City,

travel an environmentally friendly business. The

South Africa, would be host to the 2009 Interna-

event was also the opportunity to introduce the

tional Destination Expo, March 8-12.

program’s founding sponsors: Travelport, the founding global partner, and Avis/Budget Group, an Industry Green Leader sponsor.

The early part of the second quarter was also

designed to explain to the public the role of vari-

an extremely busy time on the legislative front.

ous industry segments in such areas as tarmac

ASTA rallied its members in Florida behind leg-

delay, flight irregularities, baggage and notifying

islation by Senator Mike Haridopolos that called

consumers of departures and delays.

excluding travel intermediary fees from occupancy taxes. On April 18, the Orlando Sentinel

The Travel Agent Arbiter also came out with a

featured a letter to the editor from ASTA Pre-

response to the claim ASTA had filed earlier in

mium Member William Jacob, president of Reid

the year on behalf of a member travel agent and

Travel (Boca Raton, Fla.), outlining the negative

ARC regarding the unauthorized withdrawal

impact the hotel occupancy tax would have on

of funds through Payment Express. The arbiter

Florida tourism and travel agency industries

dismissed the case without prejudice, claiming

were the legislation to pass. A few weeks later,

that he lacked the authority to hear the dispute.

trouble was narrowly averted when Senator Ha-

Not surprisingly, ASTA “respectfully and fun-

ridopolos’ language was defeated by a three vote

damentally” disagreed with the analysis of the

margin at the eleventh hour.

dispute and the reasoning behind this judgment.

In response, ASTA defended the travel agency

Not to be outdone, Maine also moved to in-

community by stating that “the outcome places

crease its tax revenue base in April when LD

all travel agents in the position of having no

1833, an Act to Provide Property Tax and Income

expert remedy available for what we believe to

Tax Relief, was put forth. If successful the bill

be an abuse of the relationship between travel

would levy a 5-percent tax on numerous ser-

agents and ARC.”ASTA indicated that it would

vice industries, possibly including travel agen-

pursue other venues in which to have the case

cies. ASTA called upon Maine members to use

resolved.

ASTA’s State Legislative Program and send their state representatives a customizable letter

The subject of airlines dominated the spring,

opposing the tax to state legislators. When the

with ASTA filing a request with the Department

Maine Legislature adjourned on April 16, it did

of Transportation to defer a decision regarding

so without passage of the 5-percent service tax,

a request to grant sweeping antitrust immunity

thanks in no small part to the work of ASTA and

to a major international joint venture, including

its Maine members.

requests by the SkyTeam and Northwest/KLM alliances. Just a month earlier, several airlines

ASTA Senior Vice President of Legal and In-

had announced they were declaring bankruptcy.

dustry Affairs Paul Ruden was a panelist at two

Following these announcements, ASTA issued a

sessions hosted by the DOT as part of the Miami

series of tips, as well as resources for both travel

Aviation Consumer Forum. These sessions were

agent members and consumers on how to best

deal with the issues arising from these filings.

In an ongoing effort to promote the associa-

Shortly after, Premium Members received a

tion’s hard work on behalf of the industry, ASTA

white paper detailing the outcome of an Airline

President and CEO Cheryl Hudak, CTC, spoke

Payment Summit, where key players from the

at Cruise-a-thon in May. Meanwhile, the asso-

nation’s major airlines discussed and debated

ciation provided the traveling public with tips on

alternate payment products and the question

creating a stress-free summer travel experience.

of whether airlines should move to payment

In early summer, Hudak would assume the role

surcharges.

of spokesperson for a satellite media tour (SMT) providing Americans with money-saving tips for

When the DOT issued guidance requiring

summer travel. Among the sponsors were Gre-

airlines to provide advance notice of additional

nada, Embassy Suites Hotels and Travel Guard.

fees, such as those associated with checked bag-

All told, the SMT would reach more than 6.7

gage, it included language that left travel agents

million Americans and be aired 567 times, either

vulnerable should they fail to disclose these fees.

on TV or radio.

ASTA stepped in and met with top DOT officials to ask that the department create a policy that

ASTA also announced its line-up of featured

would not unfairly hold travel agents liable in

debaters for its first ever Retail Travel Leadership

the event that the airlines themselves failed to

Summit. The event would be held in conjunction

provide timely information regarding these fees.

with THETRADESHOW and was designed to bring together industry leaders and executives

Massachusetts became the focus of ASTA’s leg-

from top-tier travel companies while fostering

islative muscle following a move by the Massa-

open discussions and debates on pressing travel

chusetts Senate to adopt language taxing travel

industry issues. On tap to debate were: Marc

agents’ service fees when booking hotel rooms in

Rosenberg with Air Canada; Noreen Courtney-

the Commonwealth. Were this to pass, Massa-

Wilds with Jetblue Airways; Chris Kroeger with

chusetts would be the first state in the nation to

Sabre Travel Network North American and Get

pass this harmful tax and subject agents’ income

There; and Flo Lugli with Travelport GDS on the

stream to double taxation. ASTA members in

topic of the Future of GDS-Who Will Pay? Mark

the Commonwealth were urged to contact their

Pestronk with the Law Office of Mark Pestronk,

State Senator and Representative via ASTA’s e-

P.C., was selected to serve as the discussion

mail alert system and ask that they oppose this

leader. Debating the issue of the financial future

hotel occupancy tax language.

of the cruise industry would be Adam Aron, chairman and CEO of personal consulting firm

World Leisure Partners, Inc., and Robert Si-

tool, ASTA travel agency owners and managers

monson, an analyst with William Blair & Co., a

can benchmark their employee’s salaries against

Chicago-based investment firm. Later, thanks

others in their region, while employees and

to the sponsorship of Auto Europe/Destination

those looking for jobs can see how their pay or

Europe, Joe Scarborough, former congressman

a proposed salary compares against their peers.

and host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” was named

Other financial tools released in June were a bal-

as the keynote speaker.

ance sheet, an operating expenses benchmarking tool and the agent productivity/expectation

Around this time, ASTA issued its 2007 Labor &

profitability tool.

Compensation Report, designed to assist travel agencies in benchmarking their compensation,

The start of summer brought with it accolades

benefits and hiring practices. The following

for ASTA Vice President of Government Affairs

month, on the heels of a successful retention

Barbara O’Hara, who, upon her retirement after

campaign, in which 91 percent of Premium

nearly 30 years of service to ASTA, became the

Members renewed, ASTA would issue an exclu-

first recipient and namesake of the Interactive

sive Premium Member report: the 2008 Suppli-

Travel Services Association (ITSA) Advocacy

er-Travel Agent Relationship Marketing Report.

Award. That same month would find ASTA’s

This paper provided readers with in-depth in-

senior vice president of legal and industry af-

sight and analysis into how suppliers and travel

fairs Paul Ruden, testifying before the House

agents work, covering preferred supplier rela-

Committee on Small Business on How the Air

tionships, booking channels used, incentives and

Transportation Crisis is Hurting Travelers, En-

the usefulness of supplier education programs.

trepreneurs and the Economy. In his testimony, Ruden addressed the negative effect the airline

June was a busy month for the association as it

crisis had on leisure and business travel, as well

unveiled a series of benefits for its membership,

on the travel agency industry, specifically. Ruden

among them 50 online tools. Thanks to an online

highlighted two worrisome developments–ad-

interactive salary tool, ASTA’s agency owners

ditional ticket restrictions and checked baggage

and managers, as well as current and prospective

fees–that illustrated the troubling direction of

employees, would now be able to see where they

the airline industry.

rank in terms of salary and benefits. Utilizing the

July brought with it grim news as the nation turned its attention to soaring 3RD QTR

Soaring Fuel Prices, Sinking Economy

gas prices and an escalating mortgage crisis. Closer to home, the news for travel agents was considerably brighter as ASTA declared victory in its case

against the Airlines Reporting Corp.’s (ARC)

booking of hotel rooms in the Commonwealth.

proposed annual fee increase. The Independent

Had the original provision passed, it would have

Arbitration Panel (IAP) found that ARC failed to

meant an unprecedented double tax on travel

meet its burden of proof to show that the new

agencies’ income stream, posing a serious threat

annual administrative fees it adopted on Dec.

to hundreds of traditional agencies in Massachu-

6, 2007, represented a fair allocation of costs

setts, 98 percent of which are small businesses.

between carriers and agents.

Several months later, Florida would move into In a statement issued by ASTA, Cheryl Hudak,

the forefront again when ASTA filed a brief

CTC, ASTA president and CEO, said: “Today’s

against the state, in ABC Charters v. Bronson, a

ruling shows that David can bring down Goliath

case brought against the state of Florida by 16

when you have right on your side. This is a tre-

travel agencies specializing in travel to Cuba. In

mendous victory, not just for ASTA but for travel

its brief, ASTA laid out its opinion that proposed

agents across the country who now will not be

amendments to the state’s seller of travel law

subject to unconscionable annual fee increases

violated multiple provisions of the Constitution.

that could have risen by as much as 500 percent

The amendments in question would significantly

in coming years.”The victory, ASTA was quick

increase registration fees, security bonds and

to point out came as a result of the hard work

potential fines for firms selling trips directly to

of many groups including ASTA’s Corporate

any nation designated by the State Department

Advisory Council. Among those instrumental in

as state sponsor of terrorism. At the federal level,

the win were Carlson Wagonlit Travel Network

ASTA held a week of grassroots political ac-

Associates and Uniglobe Travel USA LLC, and

tion, during which time it encouraged members

in particular Andrew Henry (Uniglobe), Don

to meet with their state representatives at their

Kennedy (Carlson), Priscilla Alexander (Protravel

district offices while Congress was on break.

International) and Allan Huntley (Abacus Travel) who served as agency witnesses in the appeal.

With summer in full swing, ASTA members elected to the Board of Directors Lila Ford, CTC,

ASTA continued its unbroken record in its fight

Mike McCulloh, Chris Russo, Kari Thomas and

against anti-travel agent tax provisions at the

Carol Wagner. George Delanoy, Lynda Maxwell,

state level in July when Massachusetts Governor

CTC, Irene C. Ross, CTC, and K. Hope Wallace,

Deval Patrick signed the Massachusetts corpo-

CTC, would finish out the final year of their

rate tax bill, minus a provision that would have

terms.

taxed travel agents’ service fees for the online

As the summer progressed and temperatures

MLMs and card mills. In a statement released to

continued to soar in Washington, so did the cost

the industry, ASTA President and CEO Cheryl

of gasoline across the country. Among those

Hudak, CTC, said: “While it may be possible for

industries hardest hit was, again, the travel

an MLM to operate within the law, when the

industry. Accordingly, ASTA joined forces with

rewards for participating individuals are based

several industry allies to hold a series of meet-

primarily on recruiting additional participants

ings on Capitol Hill to explain to key members

and not on selling the underlying product, it is

of Congress the effect of the aviation fuel crisis

appropriate for governments at both the fed-

on the travel and tourism industry. ASTA also

eral and state level to investigate and act where

united with six industry associations to create

deception and abuse are occurring. … Card mills

the Packaged Travel Industry Coalition with a

are a different type of operation … ASTA has

goal of working on issues of shared importance,

actively opposed card mills for decades. We filed

especially those areas pertaining to government

suit in California and the case was settled by

relations, airline issues and sustainable travel.

our collecting and destroying the cards that had been issued. We also complained to the Federal

Talk of an economic slowdown soon dominated

Trade Commission, but our request for a trade

the headlines, and in response ASTA presented

regulation rule was denied in large part due to

its members with a virtual seminar on Surviv-

lack of support from the supplier community.”

ing and Thriving in the Economic Slow-Down; a month later, ASTA held a seminar designed to

With limited resources, ASTA made its dol-

give members marketing tips and methodolo-

lars stretch far through its partnership with

gies designed especially for the current econom-

the North American Precis Syndicate, which

ic environment. Later that summer, ASTA would

continued to distribute 2-column articles and

release additional online tools, allowing mem-

60-second radio spots to media outlets across

bers the opportunity to provide their clients with

the country. By late summer, ASTA had pub-

customizable packing lists and download their

lished stories on how and why to select a travel

membership certificates, among other things.

agent, student travel tips, green travel, planning a family-friendly trip, packing, selecting a cruise

In August, as several states including California

and tips for saving money on summer travel.

took legal action against multi-level marketing

Additionally, chapter officials were also provided

(MLM) firms, ASTA reiterated its opposition to

with a guide to securing publicity for their chap-

ter and members, thanks to a guide published

All members, meanwhile, received the 2008

by ASTA’s Communications department, which

Travel Agent Usage and Fee Sensitivity Study, a

also provided incoming officials with media

report commissioned by ASTA with the travel

training.

industry’s leading consumer research firm, D.K. Shifflet & Associates (DKS&A). The report pro-

The summer also saw consumers disenchanted

vided the industry’s first look at how consumers

with do-it-yourself sites returning to travel

perceive and value travel agency service fees.

agents. ASTA continued to reach out to con-

Thanks to other new white papers, members

sumers through its Web site, TravelSense.org,

were given information to guide them through

and over the summer added destination video

the process of Buying or Selling a Travel Agency

content for use by both consumers and members

as well as advice on Avoiding Legal Pitfalls in

selling a given destination. ASTA released its

Overseas Weddings.

Worldwide Destination Guide, showcasing international members to U.S. travel agents, while

September proved to be a busy month for the

ASTA’s daily news roundup, ASTA SmartBrief,

association. Kicking off the month was THET-

continued to grow, reaching readership numbers

RADESHOW, North America’s number one

of more than 21,200 travel professionals by sum-

travel show, Sponsored by 16 industry associa-

mer’s end. Editorials promoting the association

tions including ASTA, the event was one of

and its meetings also appeared in such publica-

“firsts”–THETRADESHOW went “green” for

tions as Destination UK, Travel Trade and Travel

the first time in keeping with industry trends

Pulse throughout the summer.

and debuted ASTA’s first Retail Travel Leadership Summit. The successful event, which was

ASTA’s Green Member programs continued

to draw more than 3,000 industry professionals

to gain popularity and in the summer of 2008

to Orlando, Sept. 7-9, was also host to ASTA’s

picked up two additional sponsors: American

International Travel Agent Summit. Held in

Cruise Lines signed on as a Green Supporter,

conjunction with the Global Business Day, the

while Amtrak came in at the Industry Leader

summit brought together nearly 40 international

level.

travel sellers from 18 countries to meet one-onone and discuss global travel industry issues.

In late summer and early fall, ASTA members re-

The event would be followed later in the month

ceived two research reports. Premium Members

with an international membership week, during

received the 2007 Service Fees Report, outlin-

which time ASTA spotlighted the many benefits

ing the consulting business model that is now

available to its international members.

shaping the travel agency industry landscape.

During its annual meeting at THETRADE-

At THETRADESHOW, ASTA’s Board of Direc-

SHOW, ASTA presented its 2008 Travel Industry

tors convened to elect its new Executive Com-

Awards:

mittee: Chris Russo was elected to serve as

•

President and CEO with Hope Wallace as Vice

Allied Member of the Year Award: Chris Austin, vice president of global customer partnerships/leisure and luxury sales, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.;

•

Lifetime Achievement Award: Tom Conlin, founder, Conlin Travel (Ann Arbor, Mich.); Fred Miller, CTC, former vice president of travel industry relations, Marriott International;

•

• •

Treasurer. While in Orlando, the International Chapter Presidents Council would select Robert Durant (Canada Chapter) to serve as chair and Andrew Gilmour of Montrave International (U.K. Chapter) and Paul Holevas with Cruiseclub Holidays Ltd. (Greece Chapter) as co-vice chairs. The 2008-2009 ASTA Board of Directors would consist of the domestic national directors-

Travel Agent of the Year: Kathy Sudeikis,

at-large, along with CAC representatives Roger

CTC, vice president of corporate relations,

Block, CTC, (Carlson Leisure Group) and Ellen

All About Travel (Mission, Kansas);

Bettridge (American Express Travel Representa-

Travel Hall of Fame: Al Minkoff, CTC,

tive Network); ASTA Executive Vice President

founder, GEM and Cruiselink;

and COO Bill Maloney, CTC (ex officio); Inter-

Travel Journalist: Cliff Cooke, founding publisher, JAX FAX Travel Marketing Magazine; and

•

President/Secretary and George Delanoy as

Young Professional: Stephanie Lee, marketing director, TravelQuest (Albertville, Minn.).

national Chapter Presidents Council Chair Robert Durant; and chapter presidents Scott Pinheiro (Northern California Chapter), John Lovell (Michigan Chapter) and Pat Byrne (Upstate New York Chapter).

With increasing competition for consumers’

ASTA also held its annual Advocacy Dinner,

disposable income, ASTA held its first Search

an evening during which speakers and spe-

Engine Optimization week, during which time

cial guests celebrated ASTA’s value in shaping

ASTA instructed its members through live Q&A

political policies affecting the business of sell-

sessions on how to increase traffic to their Web

ing travel. Orlando was also the location for the

sites and overcome challenges in a competitive

third Premium Member Business Summit, in

online travel market. The Society also held a

which ASTA’s Premium Members again gath-

Webinar providing members with an overview

ered to share their business insights and hear

of the many benefits available to them through

from industry leaders on the state-of-play within

ASTA.org.

the travel sector.

With Fall in full swing, the nation’s attention was drawn to the upcom4TH QTR

A Time of Hope

ing presidential election, even as the economy continued to worsen and markets were sent into a downward spiral.

ASTA was active on the Hill, praising the Senate

Sponsored by Best Western, this interactive tool-

for passage of a financial markets rescue bill and

kit was designed to provide ASTA members with

calling on the Small Business Administration to

the essential tools to assist them in running their

provide direct loans to small businesses. And,

businesses in a more efficient and profitable way.

with the announcement by the Department of

Once the program was completed, travel agents

Homeland Security (DHS) of new final Secure

would be able to: develop an income statement,

Flight regulations, ASTA was pleased to note

balance sheet and key financial ratios; forecast

that many of the extensive comments it had filed

profitability by using financial forecasting tools;

regarding the proposed rule were acted upon

assess their agency’s staffing needs; and develop

favorably in the final rule. ASTA would again

and write marketing and business plans.

play an integral role in another final report, this one issued from the Tarmac Delay Task Force on

That same month, ASTA released a white paper

which ASTA held a seat.

covering the Importance of Investing in a Recession, as well as a paper reviewing the Agent Re-

At the state level, ASTA played an active role in

porting Agreement, which summarized changes

successfully blocking amendments to the Florida

to the agreement that were to become effective

Sellers of Travel Law. In October, a federal judge

Nov. 10. Other white papers released that month

in Miami ruled that the new restrictions would

were geared to home-based and host agencies.

likely be declared unconstitutional and barred

The Home-Based Agent Guide: Must-have Mar-

the state from enforcing them. In a statement,

keting Tools and Tactics provided both seasoned

ASTA President and CEO Chris Russo noted

and novice home-based agents with essential

that were it not for ASTA’s efforts “this law

marketing strategies and an overview of the

would have impeded Florida agents’ ability to

technology they would need to maximize their

freely sell travel and could have placed an un-

business. Premium Members were on the receiv-

precedented financial and disciplinary burden on

ing end of Host Agency Management, a guide to

them.” Elsewhere, in Massachusetts, the pro-

assist them in reducing their chance of dealing

posed hotel occupancy tax would fail to advance

with unscrupulous independent contractors.

out of committee.

Soon after, with the economy showing no signs Cognizant of its members’ need for up-to-date

of improvement, ASTA offered a white paper

business information in the face of increas-

targeted at those travel agency managers and

ing economic woes, ASTA quickly distributed a

owners who were already looking for creative

series of education and informational resources

business practices they could use to keep their

over the final months of 2008. In October, ASTA

agency afloat during tough economic times. The

released its Travel Agent’s Management Toolkit.

guide, State Work Share Programs: Are They a

Viable Alternative to Lay-offs?, examined pro-

ASTA’s “green initiatives” continued to expand

grams across the country that allow employers

in the final quarter of 2008 with the release of an

to avoid lay-offs by reducing the work week and

enhanced Green Member program. The ex-

using unemployment insurance funds to pay

panded program now offered members updated

workers short-time compensation. And, as the

sections on ground transportation, accommo-

implementation date for the Electronic System

dations, green resources and marketing. And

for Travel Authorization (ESTA) loomed, ASTA

for those who complete the Green Member

released a reference guide for travel agents wish-

program and have their Green Member appli-

ing to assist customers interested in traveling to

cations approved, a customizable press release

the United States and updated its white paper,

they can use in promoting their new designation

Travel Agents’ Guide to Debit Memos.

to their local media and community. ASTA also joined forces with the United Nations Founda-

Webinars were also a top means of educating

tion when it joined the Foundation’s steering

association members in 2008. To that end, ASTA

committee to set and promote its global sustain-

held Webinars on such subjects as ARC and state

able tourism criteria. Closer to home, ASTA staff

issues; Secure Flight and the Visa Waiver Pro-

took part in World Responsible Tourism Day, by

gram; opportunities for revenue growth using

volunteering at Mount Vernon–George Washing-

new ASTA research;, ASTA’s upcoming Interna-

ton’s home–to clear brush and debris from the

tional Destination Expo; tips on weathering the

property’s forested areas. Before year-end, ASTA

economic downturn; and debit memos. Through

would be called on by the Union of Concerned

a partnership with KRM Information Services,

Scientists to assist them in promoting their

ASTA also brought its members a virtual semi-

green travel guide.

nar entitled Understanding the Financial Crisis of 2008 and What It Means to You.

Continuing in its efforts to promote the value of ASTA travel agents to the traveling public, ASTA

Online tutorials were added to ASTA.org, allow-

disseminated to newspapers across the country

ing members to learn more about their online

an article providing tips for stress-free holiday

benefits at a time convenient to them. Housed in

travel. All told, thanks in part to its partner-

the Video/Audio Library, these tutorials covered

ship with NAPS, by year-end, ASTA’s message

a range of subjects from updating or adding a

would reach more than 151 million Americans.

photo to one’s profile on TravelSense.org’s “Find

Additional articles running in papers across

a Travel Agent” directory to using the online me-

the country would be read by an estimated 235

dia guide to promote one’s agency.

million Americans. However, it wasn’t solely through the consumer press that ASTA saw its

reach grow: ASTA’s daily news roundup, ASTA

now counted 167 members. Among the initia-

SmartBrief, saw subscriber numbers reach more

tives and decisions made at this session was that

than 23,600 readers by the end of 2008.

the title of ASTA President and CEO would be changed to ASTA President and Chair, while the

ASTA’s president and CEO, Chris Russo, spoke

staff position would now hold the title of Chief

out on behalf of ASTA and the value of member-

Executive Officer.

ship at Travel Trade’s Leisure Travel Conference in November, while Bill Maloney, ASTA Execu-

ASTAPAC had a successful year in which 84

tive Vice President and COO would speak to an

percent of the candidates it supported for elec-

international audience at World Travel Market,

tion or re-election were successful in their bid

addressing the issue of whether consumers are

for office.

still willing to pay for the services of a travel agent.

Despite the economy, the year ended full of promise as President Obama’s transition team

The National Association for Commissioned

moved into action. ASTA was at the forefront,

Travel Agents (NACTA), a subsidiary of ASTA,

making sure that the importance of the travel

would receive a makeover when it unveiled its

industry to the national economy, and specifi-

new logo and new name: the National Associa-

cally the role travel agents play in the equation,

tion of Career Travel Agents. It would also be the

was not overlooked. Shortly after the historic

subject of a research report issued in December.

elections, ASTA reached out to the transition

The 2008 NACTA Independent Agents Report

team, asking that they make expanded lend-

revealed several shifts within the independent

ing for small businesses a priority in early 2009.

agent population and found that selling travel

ASTA also called on the new administration to

was the primary source of income for only 34.3

lift the travel ban to Cuba, requesting that the

percent of respondents. Other research dis-

President-elect support American’s freedom to

seminated by ASTA to its members would be an

travel. Additionally, ASTA met with key officials

abstract, exclusive to members, from the 13th

from the Department of Commerce concerning

Annual Gay 7 Lesbian Tourism Study, the results

the involvement of local Chambers of Com-

of an earlier partnership with CMI and ASTA.

merce in marketing tours.

As 2008 drew to a close, ASTA held its joint-

ASTA kept up the pace through year-end, meet-

meeting of the Board of Directors and Chapter

ing with the incoming administration’s transpor-

Presidents Council, where among other things,

tation transition team to discuss priorities for the

the group was updated on ASTA’s fiscal status,

coming year, and participating in a travel indus-

approved the budget for the coming year and

try forum to prepare coordinated set of proposals

learned that the Premium Membership category

to submit to the Obama transition team.

A Message from the Executive Office With the start of 2008 came ASTA’s second full year under the new business plan and a validation by the marketplace that ASTA was headed in the right direction. Perhaps no other membership sector provided such confirmation as the Premium category, which saw not only new members joining the ranks, but the renewal rate for those who purchased the service untested the previous year would far exceed everyone’s expectations.

As an association we were proud of our continued growth in the international marketplace. Our third International Destination Expo in Lyon was a resounding success, but more than that, ASTA’s international membership and chapters continued to grow and take advantage of the many online tools.

In 2008, ASTA delivered more value to its core membership–the travel agent– than ever before. The year was marked by skyrocketing fuel prices in the first six months, followed by the start of a global economic crisis in the second half.

Throughout it all, ASTA, and ASTA alone, provided members with up-tothe-minute data, vital data which could be used to keep their agencies going.

Overnight ASTA provided tools which allowed travel agents to quickly assess airline and cruise fuel surcharges and new checked baggage fees as determined by class of service, destination, frequent flier status and other factors. In fact, in 2008 alone ASTA provided members with more than 50 online tools. During the year ASTA began a series of semi-weekly Webinars, which have proven to be the industry’s best source of travel business management information.

The year proved to be the year in which “Dedicated to the business of selling travel,” became more than a slogan; it became a meaningful promise, one that we intend to keep.

Bill Maloney, CTC CEO

ASTA Premium Membership Roster

as of May 2009

A & I Travel Service, Inc., Memphis, TN

Colwick Travel Corporation, Dallas, TX

AAA Allied Group, Inc., Cincinnati, OH

Condado Travel, Inc., Hato Rey, PR

AAA Hoosier Motor Club, Indianapolis, IN*

Conlin Travel, Inc., Ann Arbor, MI

AAA Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN*

CruiseOne/Cruises Inc., Fort Lauderdale, FL

ADA Travel, Casa Grande, AZ*

CWT All About Travel, Inc., Rowlett, TX

Admiral Travel Gallery, Sarasota, FL

Designs by Strawberry, Inc., Sauk Village, IL

ADTRAV Travel Management, Birmingham, AL

Distinct Destinations, LLC, Peoria, AZ

Advantage Performance Network, Savage, MN

Empire Travel and Cruise Center, Denver, CO

Alamo Travel,San Antonio, TX

Ensemble Travel, New York, NY*

All About Travel, Inc., Tucson, AZ

Esprit Rainbow Travel, Bethesda, MD

All About Travel, Inc., Mission, KS*

Expedia, Inc., Bellevue, WA*

All Direct Travel Services, Irvine, CA

First Coast Tours, Inc. DBA -The Travel Agency,

All Seasons Travel Agency, Inc./American Express, Birmingham, AL*

Fernandina Beach, FL First in Service Travel, New York, NY

Allied Tour & Travel, Norfolk, NE*

Flathead Travel Service, Inc., Kalispell, MT*

Altour, New York, NY

Forest Lake Travel, Columbia, SC*

American Express Retail Travel Network, New York, NY*

Four Seasons Travel, Norcross, GA

ATP International USA, New Haven, CT

Fox World Travel, Inc., Oshkosh, WI

Azumano Travel Service/American Express, Portland, OR*

Friendly Travel Inc./American Express, Alexandria, VA*

Best Travel, Inc., Chicago, IL*

Frosch International Travel, Houston, TX

Blue Ribbon Business Travel International, Edina, MN

Gant Travel Management, Itasca, IL

Bon Voyage Cruise & Vacations, Inc., Waterford, WI*

Geraci Travel, Fort Myers, FL*

Branson Tourism Center, Branson, MO

Goli’s Avenues of Travel, Ltd., La Crosse, WI

Brea Travel/American Express, Brea, CA*

Grueninger Cruises and Tours, Inc., Indianapolis, IN*

Brentwood Travel, Saint Louis, MO

Herff Travel, Inc., San Antonio, TX

Breton Village Travel Services, Inc., Grand Rapids, MI

Hess Travel, Bountiful, UT

Brownell Travel, Inc., Birmingham, AL

Hickory Travel Systems, Inc., Saddle Brook, NJ

Bursch Travel/American Express, Alexandria, MN*

HNL Travel Associates, Honolulu, HI

Campbell Travel, Inc., Dallas, TX

Hub Travel Center Inc., Bedford Park, IL

Canyon Creek Travel, Richardson, TX

Hurley Travel Experts, Inc., Portland, ME

Cardoza Travel Services, Inc., Palo Alto, CA

Leisure Travel Alliance, Inc., Austin, TX

Carrousel Travel, Minneapolis, MN*

Linden Travel, New York, NY*

Casto, San Jose, CA

MacNair Travel Management/American Express,

Centro De Viajes Terminal A S.L., Barcelona, Spain

Alexandria, VA*

Cerritos Travel, Inc., Cerritos, CA

Maghreb Voyages, Marseille France

Child Travel Services, Colchester, VT

Mann Travels/American Express, Charlotte, NC

Circles, Boston, MA

Mansour Travel Company, Beverly Hills, CA

CME Tours, Inc., Phoenix, AZ

Marathon Travel & Cruise Shops, Stevens Point, WI*

Cole Travel - American Express, Lexington Park, MD

MAST Vacation Partners, Inc., Oakbrook Terrace, IL

Colpitts World Travel, Dedham, MA*

Maupin Travel, Inc., Raleigh, NC

McCabe World Travel, Inc., Mc Lean, VA

Travel Group, Englewood Cliffs, NJ*

MD Travel, Glendale, CA

Travel Leaders, Fort Wayne, IN

Montrose Travel, Montrose, CA*

Travel Leaders, Houston, TX

Morris Murdock Travel, Salt Lake City, UT

Travel Leaders, Memphis, TN

MSP Travel Group, Inc., Saint Paul, MN*

Travel Leaders, Eden Prairie, MN*

MTS Travel, Ephrata, PA*

Travel Leaders Rowlett, Myrtle Beach, SC

Mundi Travel/American Express, San Jose, CA*

Travel Planners International, Inc., Maitland, FL

National Travel Service, Charleston, WV

Travel Plus/Travel Leaders, Commerce Township, MI*

Nexion, Southlake, TX

Travel Quest, Albertville, MN

Omega World Travel, Fairfax, VA*

Travel Resources, Inc., Palm Beach, FL

Orbitz Worldwide, Chicago, IL

Travel Solutions, Inc. (OH), Columbus, OH

Ovation Travel Group, New York, NY*

TraveLeaders, Miami, FL*

Passageways Travel/American Express, Traverse City, MI*

Travelink/American Express, Nashville, TN*

Paul L. Klein Travel Service, Inc., Chicago, IL

Travelocity, Washington, DC*

Phoenicia Viajes Travel Group, LLC, Orlando, FL

TravelStore, Los Angeles, CA

Plaza Tours/Vajes Plaza, San Juan, PR

Tzell Travel, New York, NY*

Plaza Travel, Encino, CA

Ultramar Travel Management International, New York, NY

Poe Travel, Little Rock, AR

Uni Travel (PTY) Ltd, Raggebaai, South Africa

Polk Majestic Travel Group, Denver, CO

Uniglobe Instant Travel, Inc., London, Ontario

priceline.com Incorporated, Norwalk, CT

Uniglobe Travel International, Irvine, CA*

Protravel International, New York, NY*

Uniglobe Wings Travel, Blue Bell, PA*

RADIUS, Bethesda, MD*

Universal/Accent Travel - American Express,

Rich Worldwide Travel, New York, NY

Ft. Lauderdale, FL

San Diego Travel Group, San Diego, CA*

USTravel, Anchorage, AK

Santa Barbara Travel Bureau, Santa Barbara, CA

Vacation.com, Alexandria, VA*

Signal Travel and Tours, Inc., Niles, MI*

Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc., New York, NY*

Signature Travel Network, Marina del Rey, CA

Vanguard Travel Unlimited, Golden Valley, MN*

Singer Travel, Wyomissing, PA

Viking Travel Service, Naperville, IL*

STA Travel, Lewisville, TX*

Virtuoso, Fort Worth, TX

Sterling Travel Agency, Inc., Huntsville, AL*

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Bentonville, AR

Strong Travel Services, Inc., Dallas, TX*

Wayland Travel, Inc., Wayland, MA

Sue Brown Travel, Boca Raton, FL

WD World Travel, Vancouver, BC

Tampa Bay Travel Group, Palm Harbor, FL

Wilcox Travel/American Express, Asheville, NC*

Tangerine Travel LTD, Bothell, WA

Will Travel, Inc., Langhorne, PA*

Tempo Travel Dba Bay Travel Center, Parma, OH*

Willett Travel, Studio City, CA

TerraMar Travel, Hemet, CA

Williamsburg Travel Management – AMEX, Atlanta, GA

The Travel Authority/TTA, Inc., Jeffersonville, IN*

World Travel Bureau, Inc., Santa Ana, CA*

The Travel Exchange, Ltd., Stamford, CT

World Travel Service, LLC, Tulsa, OK

The Travel Team, Inc/American Express, Buffalo, NY*

Worldview Travel, Santa Ana, CA

Tower Travel Management, Clarendon Hills, IL*

Wright Travel, Nashville, TN

Travel and Transport, Inc., Omaha, NE*

Your Travel Center, Inc., Santa Barbara, CA

Travel Counsellors LLC, USA, Saddle Brook, NJ Travel Dynamics Group, Inc., La Jolla, CA

*Charter Member

ASTA’s Proud Partners Thank you for your unwavering support of ASTA and the travel agency industy.

Our Proud Partners provide outstanding support to travel agents and ASTA throughout the year.

This support allows ASTA to represent our agent members effectively.

Travel Insured

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INTERNATIONAL