ASTA launched a series of "virtual"
educational seminars designed to help agencies improve customer
service skills and implement innovative management procedures. The
Internet-based, interactive seminar series is produced in
cooperation with KRM Virtual Seminars and draws on "experienced
business strategists and entrepreneurs who will draw on their own
experiences and share sure-fire tips for success," ASTA said. An
upcoming seminar, called Authenticity: What Customers Really Want,
is slated for Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. (EST). "Travel agents and suppliers
who participate in these types of seminars will see both immediate
and long-term results," said Cheryl Hudak, ASTA president and CEO.
The cost of registration varies for each seminar, although there is
no limit to how many individuals can participate. Additional
information is available by calling (703) 739-6872.
NINE
HOME-BASED RETAILERS affiliated with Travel Counsellors
LLC completed their certified travel counselor tests. Travel
Counsellors is based in the U.K. and has agents in several
countries. The firm paid for the training, a 12-session, online
study group facilitated by travel industry trainer Dawn Comito.
Agents who completed the certification are Lisa Williams, Diane
Hutchins, Rhonda Roberts, Jeanie Leonard, Evette Dorham, Maria
Coesens, Jean Small, Lenore Small and Colette Manauis. "Today's
home-based agent marketplace is in need of professionalism now more
than ever. Consumers are putting their trust in us and we need to
be sure that our agents have all the best business tools and
strategies at their fingertips," said Peter Rasmussen, general
manager of Travel Counsellors.
AGENTS who register by Dec. 31 for the
Vacation.com 10th International Conference & Trade Show at
Caesars Palace in Las Vegas will be eligible to win a three-night,
air-inclusive Las Vegas getaway for two. The agent must be a
certified Las Vegas specialist by the time of the conference in
order to qualify to win. The prize is valid for travel through Dec.
31, 2008, based on availability. Learn more and register online at
www.AgentNet.com.
DATEBOOK: The OSSN Arkansas Chapter will
meet on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. for a dinner seminar with Funjet
Vacations. The chapter will welcome OSSN agents, as well as
non-members, at the Western Sizzlin' Steakhouse in Benton. The
meeting fee is $5 for non-members (waived if the agents join OSSN
at the meeting) plus the cost of the meal. Agents must RSVP via
e-mail to [email protected] or by phone at (870)
941-6416).
FAM OF THE
WEEK
Italy
Trip: Visits Como, Florence, Rome and
Venice via train travel.
Departures: Saturdays from Los Angeles or
New York to Rome via British Airways.
Length: Seven nights.
Sponsor: Tours Specialists, Palm Harbor,
Fla.
Cost: $1,700 per person, double, from New
York or $1,950 from Los Angeles. Includes air, hotel, daily
breakfast, transfers and sightseeing.
Noteworthy: Single supplements can be
arranged. Companions are eligible for $100 additional. Air from
other gateways is available. Taxes are not included.
Contact: (800) 223-7552 or (727) 784-8588;
fax: (727) 784-7520; e-mail: [email protected].
Home-Based
Agent Editor: Donna Tunney
Phone: (508) 221-3674
[email protected]
For promotional
opportunities in the E-letters, contact [email protected].