Hotel news

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Hotel CEOs expect to take tougher stance in negotiations
The outlook for hotel-room demand has improved, putting hotels in a better position when negotiating corporate rate increases, according to a panel of hotel CEOs. "If you look at the cycles in history, the years after a recession have been spectacular," said Arne Sorenson, president and chief operating officer at Marriott International. "In some markets, we're already seeing positive rate growth." BTNOnline.com (6/7)
Qantas, Virgin Atlantic say they are open to merger proposals
Qantas Airways CEO Alan Joyce said the airline, the biggest in Australia, would be "a great asset for anyone," but he would prefer an intercontinental agreement. Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic Airways is looking into options as mergers among carriers in the U.S. and Europe put pressure on its position, according to CEO Steve Ridgway. Bloomberg (6/8)
Corporate travel channels to collect Massivegood donations
Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport, American Express, Carlson Wagonlit and BCD Travel have signed on to collect donations for the Massivegood charity, the Millennium Foundation recently announced. Initially, donations for Massivegood, a charity that strives to fight diseases and promote health, were limited to collections through retail-focused travel websites. Corporations can opt into the program now. BTNOnline.com (6/7)
Companies strive to revive expedited security lanes
Private companies have struggled to offer travelers speedier, alternative security lines, but a new wave of firms are aiming to take up the charge. Their chances of success still are uncertain, but increasing pressure from lawmakers, airports and business travel groups might help. Congress is considering a bill that would encourage the Transportation Security Administration to back a new registered traveler program. The New York Times (free registration) (6/7)
Other News
Delta offers nonstop flight between Seattle and Osaka
SeattlePI.com/Aerospace News blog (6/7)

Trends and Technology

Insiders debate a lack of younger travel agents
Josephine Kling, president of Landry & Kling, told participants at a recent industry conference that the image of travel agents is dated as fewer young people enter the industry. But Princess Cruises President Alan Buckelew said the situation is not necessarily bad. "Today, as the knowledge and expertise of travel agents is more important than ever, it's not a bad thing that our travel agent partners are longer in the tooth," he said. The industry insiders were responding to a question about how to best attract young people to become travel agents. TravelMarketReport.com (6/7)
Other News
Column: West Bank cities appear calm despite flotilla incident
Travel Weekly (6/7)
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Home-Based Agent Update

Column: Being choosier about business can be beneficial
Ann Petronio, a travel consultant and owner of Annie's Escapes in Cranston, R.I., explains how sometimes travel agents need to say "no" to new business. Petronio said it is often difficult to refuse new business, particularly with a good client, and that identifying those "time-sucking, headache-inducing, no-win pieces of business" can be difficult early in the process but doing so can be beneficial for all involved. Travel Research Online (6/4)
Other News
CruiseOne, Cruises Inc. offer agents deal on CLIA membership
Travel Weekly (6/4)
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Consumer Travel News

Salt Lake City invites visitors to the party
Utah long has been known for its tough liquor laws, but the state normalized those laws last year, allowing those willing and of the legal drinking age to walk into a bar and order a drink. Salt Lake City has a nascent film scene, new independent galleries and boutiques, giving the city a more avant-garde vibe. Additionally, the city has passed anti-discrimination laws and has become more welcoming to refugees and immigrants, allowing for a more cosmopolitan atmosphere. The New York Times (free registration) (6/3)
Social Media & Your Business
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Regulatory and Legislative
Alaska strives to be an attractive destination for cruises
Alaska Lieutenant Gov. Craig Campbell said the state is aiming to show it's committed to being an attractive destination for the cruise industry. Campbell said his appearance at CLIA's Cruise3sixty conference was meant to "visibly demonstrate that Gov. Parnell's commitment to the cruise industry was not a one-time stop at Seatrade," a reference to Gov. Sean Parnell's participation at the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Conference in Miami. "This is long-term relationship-building," Campbell said. "We started by reducing the taxes, and we are working to improve the regulatory process so that it's fair, equitable and achievable." Travel Weekly (6/7)
Column: Immigration law hits Arizona's hotel industry
Jeri Clausing explains how Arizona's lodging industry was hit hard by the economic downturn and is now facing a potentially longer-term, more devastating challenge in the form of the state's new immigration law. Many government entities and other organizations have joined travel boycotts of Arizona, resulting in a wave of meeting and convention cancellations. The law has prompted as much as $12 million in canceled meetings business as of last week. That figure does not include any new bookings that were lost. Travel Weekly (6/7)
Best Practices
3 tips for improving cultural sensitivity
Harvard Business Review and HBR.org offer three suggestions for bolstering cultural sensitivity at work. Employees often are having to collaborate with people from around the world because of increased globalization, but many people lack knowledge about working with those different from themselves. The tips include taking a vacation to gain insight into a different culture. Reuters (6/7)
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ASTA Spotlight
Making cruising work for you -- free webinar Wednesday
Cruising is often seen as the "holy grail" of travel sales. For years, industry consultants, cruise-line executives and CLIA have promoted cruise sales as the most profitable and efficient product on which retailers should focus. But recently, more agency owners have said they're moving away from cruise sales to focus on other products. Why? Is cruising getting a bad rap? What is the secret formula for achieving success with selling cruises? Join ASTA's Young Professional Society chair, Jason Coleman, as he moderates a discussion on how to make cruising work for you at 2 p.m. EDT Wednesday. Coleman will be joined by two young professional colleagues as they discuss a variety of ways they have achieved success in the cruise industry. Register here today.
Make NACTA's calendar your calendar
NACTA's new Web site features a comprehensive calendar where agents can register for webinars, regional meetings, seminars@sea and more. It is the best place to plan for your educational opportunities. Click here.
Learn more about ASTA -> Resources | Conferences | Consumer Travel Information | Join ASTA

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