SoCalASTA - American Society of Travel Agents Southern California Chapter

Consumer Awareness Tip of the Month: Tipping Etiquette

socalasta — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:00:21 +0000

Tipping etiquette can be very confusing while on vacation. Whom should you tip? How much? Do you need to tip at all? Never fear! Consumers can take the guesswork out of tipping at airports, train stations, hotels as well as tipping tour guides, cruising and more. Take a look at this tip guide for more information.

AMSI Vendor Spotlight: Excel

socalasta — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:00:34 +0000

Excel’s ASTA Gold Plan Offers High Quality Phone Service Savings. Cost conscious? Excel’s ASTA Gold Plan is worth checking out with extremely low long-distance rates within the United States and to more than 235 countries. There are no day or time restrictions and no minimum usage requirements. Excel’s next generation network delivers the business-grade quality and reliability you need. In other words, Excel’s services are the perfect fit for the travel industry with cost savings opportunities that are perfect for business. Click here to learn more or call 1-866-295-ASTA.

New website unveiled for ASTA’s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo

socalasta — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:00:09 +0000

Visit our new website–thetradeshow.org –to see this year’s exciting program and all-star lineup of speakers and register today before rates increase. Want to increase your connections, knowledge and product portfolio to grow profits and run a more effective business? ASTA’s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo (Los Angeles, Sept. 7-9) is designed exclusively for top domestic and international travel professionals to come together, exchange ideas, learn best practices, build industry relationships, and develop the essential tools to sustain lasting success.

ASTA Smartphone App

socalasta — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:33 +0000

ASTA membership? We have an app for that. ASTA recently launched its latest benefit–an app for iPhones, Androids, and Blackberries, providing members with access to top-rated member services no matter where they are. You get real-time access to association news, member directories, ASTA event info, critical industry alerts, and more.

ASTA guide helps agents choose a new supplier

socalasta — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:00:05 +0000

One of the most challenging tasks an agency has is determining what products and services to sell. In a business in which travel agents often have little control over the end product, choosing a reliable travel supplier is crucial for ensuring the satisfaction of your clients and the success of your travel agency. To assist our members, ASTA provides a guide that includes recommendations for qualifying travel suppliers as well as Frequently Asked Questions for choosing a tour operator. See ‘How to Qualify a New Supplier’ in ASTA’s E-Library.

Travel agents build long-term relationships, says USA Today article

socalasta — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:00:26 +0000

A recent article–Travel Concierge Services Are on the Rise–that appeared in USA Today on the increase in travel concierge services being offered by airline and credit card companies quotes ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar as saying: “When you work with a travel agent you know upfront who is making the arrangements,” he says. “A travel agent can be both a concierge and a travel agent. A concierge cannot be a travel agent as well.” Read more here.

Consumer Awareness Tip of the Month: Women Traveling Alone

socalasta — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:00:54 +0000

Now more than ever, women are traveling by themselves for business or pleasure. And 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. To learn how you can travel safer, read these tips from ASTA.

AMSI Vendor Spotlight: Save up to 30% on UPS shipping

socalasta — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:00:25 +0000

Logistics saves money. Take advantage of special savings on UPS shipping offered to you as a member of ASTA. You can now save up to 30% on air and international shipping services. For complete details or to sign up, click here or call 1.800.325.7000.

Win for Agents: Minnesota Legislature Passes Insurance Licensing Legislation

socalasta — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:00:03 +0000

“Passage of this bill is a win-win-win for travel agents, travel insurance providers and consumers alike,” said ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar. “It provides a workable solution to unnecessary licensing problems and inconsistencies that make it difficult for travel agencies, especially those that are small businesses, to conduct business. Now, thanks to efforts of ASTA’s Minnesota members, consumers will be given the protection they deserve and travel agents will be able to go back to doing what they do best—selling travel. Read more.

New DOT Guidance on Full Price Advertising-What You Need to Know Now

socalasta — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:00:14 +0000

The Department of Transportation (DOT) recently issued an industry guidance letter regarding DOT’s Consumer Rules II that includes new guidance. Since that time, the DOT has found that some carriers that breakout taxes and fees have misclassified these charges. Given the critical nature of these rules –which could result in significant fines for non-compliance—it is critical that you understand your responsibilities in listing fees and charges. To help ensure that you do not run afoul of these new regulations, ASTA has provided further clarification that can be found on ASTA.org. Read the DOT’s guidance letters here.