Business and Industry Watch

Noncommissionable fees continue to frustrate travel agents
During the past decade, the noncommissionable portion of a cruise fare has crept up percentage-wise, creating an increasingly adversarial relationship between cruise lines and agents. "If cruise fares had continued to go up the same percentage that NCFs did, we wouldn't have an issue," said Brad Anderson, co-president of America's Vacation Center. "We are in a deflationary period right now. And as the prices of cruise products have ratcheted down and NCFs have stayed level, that is a real dilemma for the majority of the distribution system." Travel Weekly (2/11)

Critics say airline fees make it difficult to know full price
Airlines are making it difficult for passengers to know the full price of their fare as well as what additional fees they will encounter during and after booking their flights, according to critics. The issues pertain to those booking through traditional and online travel agencies. "There is some information available depending on how you buy the ticket, but sorting out how it applies to you as the individual is the key. And it is not all that easy to do," said Paul Ruden, senior vice president for legal and industry affairs at ASTA. CNNMoney.com/Reuters (2/11)

Delta responds to ASTA comments about frustrations with billing
In response to a recent statement from ASTA regarding booking and billing policies, Delta Airlines said it appreciates the association's concerns. "Most importantly, we value and protect our long-standing relationship with our travel agency partners," the carrier said. "Delta has responded to all billing inquiries, and encourages our business partners to continue contacting us directly." TravelPulse (2/12)

Trends and Technology

Travelers pick Australia as most desired place to visit
A survey of more than 5,500 people around the world found that nearly half picked Australia as the most coveted destination. The survey, commissioned by Visa and an industry group, also showed that the economic downturn had a majority of the people reconsidering their vacation plans. "While the global economic situation will impact tourism, it is unlikely to bring travel to a standstill. What our survey has shown is that travelers will be more creative in their selection of destinations," said Meranda Chan, a Visa country manager. Reuters (2/11)

Other News

• Column: Doing one's homework pays off for travel agents
  Travel Agent (2/10)

Home-Based Agent Update

Court gives Joystar chance to reorganize under Chapter 11
Joystar's request to convert an involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing into a Chapter 11 proceeding has been granted by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The change gives Joystar an opportunity to reorganize as 15 travel agents claim the host agency owes them tens of thousands of dollars in commissions. The court also allowed Carnival, NCL, Princess and Holland America to permit agents to move bookings to other host agencies. Travel Weekly (2/10),  TravelPulse (2/12)

MLM scams, card mills plague travel agent industry
While the travel agent industry has been focused on issues regarding YTB Inc. and Joystar/Travelstar, multilevel marketing scams and card mills continue operating. This Travel Agent article explores the TraVerus Travel Network, which is led by CEO and founder David Manning. To some, TraVerus' offer may appear to be a legitimate opportunity, but travel professionals quickly see it as a multilevel network-marketing scam, according to this article. Travel Agent (2/10)

Consumer Travel News

St. Kitts, Nevis are little known but worth the trip
Located roughly 200 miles southeast of Puerto Rico, the sister islands of St. Kitts and Nevis are joined by a 45-minute ferry ride. The Caribbean islands are not as well known as many others in the area, but offer plenty to recommend them, including volcanic mountains, rain forests and empty beaches. While they have much in common, the islands also have their distinct differences. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette/St. Louis Post-Dispatch (2/12)

Regulatory and Legislative

Bill would lift restrictions on travel to Cuba
Rep. William Delahunt, D-Mass., has introduced a bill that would allow Americans unrestricted travel from the U.S. to Cuba. The legislation would also prohibit the president from putting restrictions on travel to the island nation unless a serious threat arose. President Barack Obama favored easing the travel ban during his campaign. Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) (2/10)

TSA to test encrypted boarding pass technology
The FAA could require airlines to issue boarding passes with encrypted bar codes if a nationwide test proves the technology is efficient and effective. Security critics have long complained that "any moron with a printer" can forge current travel documents, while encrypted bar codes are much more resistant to tampering. TSA may buy as many as 2,300 hand-held scanners, enabling screeners across the country to verify passengers with either a traditional paper boarding pass or an electronic version. USA TODAY (2/10)

Best Practices

Opportunities to say "thank you" to customers abound
Few things are as important in sales as saying "thank you" to customers. A list of eight opportunities for thanking customers -- each time with a short, personalized thank-you note -- includes thanking them when they do business with you, when they compliment you, when they offer comments or suggestions, when they try something you recommended, when they recommend you and when they are patient. Manage Smarter (2/6)

ASTA Spotlight

Webinar Wednesday: Search engine optimization 101 for travel agents
What is search engine optimization, and why should you care? Take a practical look at SEO (Search Engine Optimization for those unfamiliar with the subject) and join Anne Parnell, ASTA's webmaster, as she covers dozens of areas that will help consumers find your Web site online. Anne will be addressing the basic items that are free as well as touching on where, when and how to expand your effectiveness. This presentation is designed for beginners so everyone can learn something new! Sign up now to attend this webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at noon EST. Find out more here, on ASTA's industry calendar. You CAN'T MISS this webinar!

Tutorials: How consumers find you for their travel needs
ASTA has produced multiple tutorials to better acquaint you with the many tools and services you have access to as an ASTA member. One of the topics discussed is helping you understand how the "Find a Travel Agent Directory" works. All ASTA travel agent members automatically have a Travel Agent Profile. You can enhance this profile to help you reach out to consumers and attract more business. Check out the next video, "The Many Ways Consumers Contact Travel Agents" and learn how consumers can find you more easily. Go to ASTA's video/audio library right now to find these and more!

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