World Travel Market invites senior travel industry leaders to the WTM Global Economic Forum

Click on the video link below for a taste of the hard-hitting truths that will be discussed at the WTM Global Economic Forum on Thursday, November 13. Forum chair Peter Hobday (right), former BBC broadcaster and economics journalist and panel speaker John Strickland (left), Senior Airline Industry consultant preview the effects of the global economy as the credit crunch puts increasing pressure on the future of the travel industry.
Link to Vodcast

On the day, Peter and John will be joined by other leading industry experts including keynote speaker Norbert Walter, chief economist for Deutsche Bank, Jean-Claude Baumgarten, president and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Organization, and John Walker, leading tourism economist and chairman of Oxford and Tourism Economics.

Arleigh Galant Vasconcellos Phone: +44 (0)20 8910 7038 Email: arleigh.galantvasconcellos@reedexpo.co.uk
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ASTA releases Travel Agent’s Management Toolkit

ALEXANDRIA, VA - Today, ASTA announced its newest member benefit — the Travel Agent’s Management Toolkit. Sponsored by Best Western, this interactive toolkit combines the best of the Model Agency I and II programs and is designed to provide ASTA members with the essential tools to assist them in running their businesses in a more efficient and profitable way.

“Whether you’re an agency owner, a manager or run your own home-based business, by the time you’ve finished this course you will find that you not only have explored new information and approaches to running your business but rediscovered old skills and practices,” said Chris Russo, ASTA president and CEO. “To maximize their potential, it is imperative that travel agents have a solid understanding of the relationship between revenue sources and cost structures, service and sales goals, focused marketing and business strategies. Now, thanks to the generosity of Best Western, we are able to offer this course at no cost so there really is nothing to stop ASTA members from reaching their highest potential.”

This course is interactive in that, where appropriate, it links to tools found on ASTA.org — such as the Financial Benchmarking and Salary tools — and encourages agents to input the data requested as they work through the course so that when complete they will have actionable data.

Once completed, travel agents will be able to:

· Chart their agency’s progress against industry benchmarks;

· Develop an income statement, balance sheet and key financial ratios;

· Forecast profitability by using financial forecasting tools;

· Assess their agency’s staffing needs;

· Develop a simple marketing plan; and

· Write a successful business plan.

For more information, go to www.ASTA.org/education

The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to work, invest and do business.

Ms. Kristina Rundquist VP, Communications American Society of Travel Agents Phone: (703) 739-8710 E-Mail: pr@asta.org
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Reed Travel Exhibitions launches Americas Meetings Trade Show for 2010

Reed Travel Exhibitions has announced today that it is to launch a new international trade show for the global meetings and incentive industry – the Americas Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (AIBTM) to be held in Baltimore, Maryland from June 29 - July 1, 2010.

This new major event completes the company’s established portfolio of ‘IBTM’ exhibitions specifically serving the global meetings industry marketplace. AIBTM joins EIBTM in Barcelona, GIBTM in Abu Dhabi and CIBTM in Beijing. The portfolio also includes AIME, Melbourne and the ICCA Congress Exhibition held in a different destination each year.

Paul Kennedy MBE, Group Exhibition director of Reed Travel Exhibitions Meetings and Incentive Events commented, “Following a two-year research and business development plan for AIBTM, it was clear that there was a real need and demand for an Americas event that delivered domestic and international exhibitors and buyers.

AIBTM will be based on the hugely successful EIBTM model and with our considerable expertise and reputation in the meetings sector in providing best business, best education and best networking – is highly targeted, matching exhibitors with quality Hosted Buyers and visitors with the power to do business.”

In choosing Baltimore to host an event that is set to become the Americas leading meetings event, Paul Kennedy added, “It was essential to find a city that had a first-class venue with excellent on-site facilities, a variety of quality hotel stock and a transport infrastructure which included airports that had extensive air routes to cater for the international audience arriving from all over Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Far East and of course North America.

“What impressed us most was the enthusiasm, desire and ability shown by the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association, The Convention Center, DMCs and hotels. We have made a terrific choice in Baltimore, which will host what must be considered the biggest fam trip the city will ever see. AIBTM is well and truly in good hands.”

Speaking at the launch, Tom Noonan, president and CEO of the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association said, “This is a major coup for our city. We are delighted to have been chosen as the host city for AIBTM for at least the next five years and look forward to working with Reed Travel Exhibitions Meetings and Incentive Events team led by Paul Kennedy. They are widely respected and have an international reputation in organizing and running events for the meetings industry.”

AIBTM will witness the first truly large-scale international Hosted Buyer program in the Americas enhanced by a substantial domestic Hosted Buyer and trade visitor population. Baltimore is superbly located to draw upon the world’s largest concentration of meetings planners situated in the North East USA.

Leading industry figures have welcomed the launch:

Christian Mutschlechner, CEO Vienna Convention Bureau stated, “I am delighted that Reed Travel Exhibitions have launched AIBTM. Vienna will be exhibiting, and I am sure we will be joined by all the major destinations around the globe.”

Bruce M. MacMillan, president and CEO of Meeting Professionals International remarked, “Through events like EIBTM in Europe, GIBTM in the Gulf Region and CIBTM in China, Reed Travel Exhibitions has positioned itself as the global meeting and event industry marketplace leader, and we look forward to extending our global partnership with them at AIBTM.”

Martin Sirk, CEO, ICCA commented, “We’re delighted to welcome the launch of AIBTM as a genuinely international meetings industry trade show in the USA and feel certain that the ‘hosted buyer’ business model which RTE uses for EIBTM and the rest of the portfolio will prove to be a big winner with this new event. I am certain there will be enthusiastic support for AIBTM by ICCA members from all regions of the world.”

Dates for AIBTM from 2011 – 2014 are as follows:

June 21 - 23, 2011

June 19 – 21, 2012

June 18 – 20, 2013

June 17 – 19, 2014

Simon Greenbury Tel: +44 (0) 207 096 2960 Mobile +44 (0) 7798 650 220 Email: simon.greenbury@cut-coms.co.uk Imogen Allen Tel: +44 (0) 207 096 2959 Email: imogen.allen@cut-coms.co.uk AIBTM Website: www.aibtm.com Reed Travel Exhibitions website: www.reedtravelexhibitions.com
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TRAVEL GO TO HEAVEN

Borobudur Temple, Java-INDONESIA

The Great Pyramids of Giza-EGYPT

Tower of Pisa - ITALY

Paris

Ka'ba and Black Stone, Mecca - SAUDI ARABIA

Golden Temple of Amritsar- INDIA

Temple of Heaven (Tiantan), Beijing - CHINA

Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City - USA

Jewish Historical Museum, Amsterdam - NETHERLANDS

Mt. Fuji - JAPAN

Jokhang Temple, Lhasa - TIBET

Blue Mosque with Park - TURKEY

Uluru/Ayers Rock - AUSTRALIA

Bangkok - THAILAND

Lake Titicaca - BOLIVIA

Barcelona Cathedral (La Seu), Barcelona - SPAIN

Gamla Uppsala - SWEDEN

Tintern Abbey - Wales - UK

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Berlin - GERMANY

Mosteiro de Santa Maria, Alcobaca - PORTUGAL

African Travel Association to host 2nd annual US-Africa Seminar

New York, NY — As part of its effort to build the premier Africa tourism seminar in the United States, the Africa Travel Association (ATA) announced today that it will host the second edition of its newest program, the US-Africa Seminar, in Washington, DC from February 19-20, 2009. This year’s seminar will highlight sport and adventure tourism, Africa’s fastest-growing travel and tourism sectors, as opportunities for growth and investment. The seminar will also highlight the role of the African Diaspora in the development of Africa’s tourism industry.

“With 53 countries on the continent, Africa’s travel and tourism sector opportunities are boundless,” said ATA executive director Edward Bergman. “It is our mission to make these opportunities known to the US travel industry trade community, as well as to tourists looking for unique travel opportunities.”

Co-sponsored by Adventures in Travel Expo (ATE), the seminar will bring leaders in the tourism industry together to explore the continent’s emerging sport and adventure tourism opportunities and Diaspora tourism. The event will be a two-day kickoff to the ATE travel show to be held from February 21-22, 2009 at the Washington Convention Center.

“Our support demonstrates ATE’s commitment to not only developing tourism in Africa, but also to promoting experiential travel with heavy emphasis on outdoor sports and activities,” said Jim Forberg, COO Unicomm LLC. “ATE events were designed to educate the consumer on the opportunity of having a more enriched and engaging vacation through experiences and Africa is a continent known to provide this.”

Seminar participants will have an opportunity to join the ATE African Pavilion and will receive concessions for participating in the event.

The seminar builds on the momentum created at the first US-Africa Seminar, which focused on sport tourism in February 2008, when mega sporting events, such as the African Cup of Nations, FIFA 2010 World Cup, as well as team and individual sports such as basketball, baseball, tennis, athletics, golf, diving, biking, canoeing, trekking and boating, were presented as opportunities for growth and investment.

In addition to sport and adventure tourism, the 2009 seminar will focus on the potential role of the African Diaspora in promoting tourism to and investment in Africa.

“There is growing evidence that African immigrant communities contribute to the development of their home countries through investment, entrepreneurism, public relations and knowledge exchange,” said Ogo Sow, ATA board member and advisor on Africa Diaspora Affairs. The seminar will present a number of case studies on African Diaspora investment in the industry and include a roundtable discussion on the role of the Diaspora media in travel promotion.

Participants in the 2008 seminar included ministers from Angola, Ghana, Togo and South Africa, senior representatives of the diplomatic community, hotel and airline executives, travel industry experts, tourism board heads, tour operators, travel agents and representatives from sports organizations, including the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the African Baseball Network. WNBA Legend Teresa Weatherspoon and WNBA Washington Mystics Mactabene Amachree made special appearances. The South African consulate general hosted a reception on the 2010 World Cup with special guest, Hon. deputy minister, Department of Sport and Recreation of South Africa.
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International Travel Agent Summit attracts agents from 18 countries

ALEXANDRIA, VA - Nearly 40 travel sellers representing 18 countries attended ASTA's International Travel Agent Summit in Orlando on September 9, 2008. The meeting, which kicked off Global Business Day at THETRADESHOW, was created to bring international travel professionals together to meet and develop global business contacts.

“The International Travel Agent Summit is exactly what our international members have been asking for, and THETRADESHOW was the perfect time to gather everyone together,” said Robert Durant, president of the International Chapter Presidents Counsel. “Our members have asked for more networking, more opportunities and a growing marketplace that they can easily conduct business in across the globe. The Global Business Day was the perfect forum to meet their needs and furnish business opportunities for our international members.”

In addition to giving each participant the opportunity to introduce their company, the Summit featured a presentation highlighting ASTA's unique package of online business tools, including the WebExchange, ASTA's business-to-business online marketplace, access to consumer leads generated from ASTA's consumer Web site, and the International Bulletin Board, ASTA's online forum for member discussion and networking.

To see a summary of the meeting, a copy of the presentation of ASTA's online business tools and the Summit Directory, which lists all travel agents who registered for the International Travel Agent Summit, please go to ASTA's Global Business Day page on ASTA.org .

The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to work, invest and do business.
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South Africa's Glorious Night of Travel Triumph

It was ‘Win Win Win’ all the way for South Africa on Monday evening’s (12 May) first World Travel Awards Africa Ceremony, held in partnership with the International Convention Centre, Durban.
The country was in sparkling form, winning a range of the coveted top awards for the whole of Africa.
Reigning King of the Zulu nation, His Majesty King Zwelithini Goodwill kaBhekuzulu opened the first World Travel Awards Africa Ceremony,watched by some 400 VIPs and leading figures. This included The Mayor of Durban, Cllr. Obed Mlaba, James Wilson, CEO of Dubai World Africa and Miller Motola, CEO of ICC Durban, who both made some of the presentations to top award winners.
Todd Neuman, Vice President of South African Airways, was presented with Africa’s Leading Airline award; Heinz Grub, Chief Operating Officer and Area Manager, Arabella Starwood Hotels&Resorts, received the Africa Leading Family Resort award on behalf of Arabella Western Cape Hotel&Spa; Cllr. Grant Haskin, Cape Town’s Deputy Mayor, received Africa’s Leading Destination and Wally Gaynor, Managing Director of Club Travel, scooped the Africa’s Leading Travel Agency Award.
Other South African overall continent winners included: Tambo International Airport, Africa’s Leading Airport; International Convention Centre, Durban, Africa’s Leading Conference Centre; Shamwari Game Reserve, Africa’s Leading Safari; Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Africa’s Leading Safari Lodge; Mount Nelson Hotel&Spa, Africa’s Leading Hotel; Sun City Resort scooped Africa’s Leading Resort award; Sun International also picked up the award for Africa’s Leading Hotel Brand.
Country-specific awards for South Africa were presented to: Saxon Boutique Hotel&Spa, South Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel; The Westin Grand Cape Town Arabella Quays, South Africa’s Leading Business Hotel; Fancourt Hotel&Country Club, South Africa’s Leading Golf Resort; Cape Grace Hotel, South Africa’s Leading Hotel; Sun City Resort, South Africa’s Leading Resort; Thanda Private Game Reserve, South Africa’s Leading Safari Lodge.
Winners of all 75 categories for Africa and African countries are listed on the World Travel Awards website www.worldtravelawards.com
“It was a wonderful evening for African tourism and hopefully an inspiration for all those nominated but who were unlucky enough not to win,” said Graham Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards. “We hope that the winners have set a supreme standard of professionalism in Africa with excellent examples of creativity and business acumen that can stimulate others to also raise their performance and their profile, not only within the African industry but worldwide.”
The winners were chosen by votes from executives working within travel and tourism.
Miller Matola, CEO of ICC Durban commented: “The ICC Durban feels honoured to be hosting such a prestigious awards ceremony and equally honoured that the first leg of the Grand Tour is happening in the sunny city of Durban. Coupled with the excitement of Indaba, there is a contagious spirit that has enveloped most delegates.
“This is undoubtedly the most talked about event within the Indaba calendar and the ICC Durban feels privileged to be associated with the illustrious World Travel Awards.”
Speaking after the ceremony, he added, “This is indeed an eventful day. The ICC Durban has regained the celebrated title of Africa’s Leading Convention Centre. “It is an accolade we will carry proudly when hosting the many major international and local events at this centre.”
Durban Wins WTA for 2009

Durban’s International Conference Centre is to host the World Travel Awards Africa Ceremony in 2009. The deal was signed just hours before the event by Miller Matola, CEO of ICC Durban and Graham Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards.
“The ICC is a state-of-the-art world class conference centre”, said Mr Cooke, “and perfect for such a prestigious ceremony for African travel and tourism. We have been delighted with not only the facilities, but also the wonderful support from the ICC staff.”
The Africa event forms part of a World Travel Awards Grand Tour with regional awards staged throughout the world, ending with a Winners Dinner in London on 9 November and a Grand Final at Turks&Caicos in the Caribbean on 12 December 2008. The next regional event is the World Travel Awards Australasia Ceremony in Sydney on 10 June and the World Travel Awards Asia and Indian Ocean Ceremony on 19 June in Shanghai.

About World Travel Awards

The World Travel Awards were launched in 1993 to acknowledge and recognize excellence in the world's travel and tourism industry.
• Now celebrating its 15th Anniversary, the awards are regarded as the very highest achievement that a travel product could ever hope to receive.
• Thousands of votes are cast by travel professionals from 167,000 travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organizations in over 160 countries across the globe.
• Votes are cast globally by fellow industry professionals in 919 categories.
• Attended by senior executives from major travel companies, operators and destinations, WTA events are universally respected as providing established, top-level networking opportunities, regionally and globally.
Log on to www.worldtravelawards.com for regular updated information
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WTM turns the spotlight on technology and online travel

With the frantic pace of change that is happening in online travel, businesses face an uphill struggle to keep pace with so many new digital developments appearing on the scene. This year World Travel Market has attracted more travel technology exhibitors than ever and is producing the most comprehensive program of conferences and seminars to help businesses get to grips with the latest from the digital world.One of the key areas of rapid change is mobile technology, which World Travel Market has identified as potentially the most important new platform for the future of the travel industry. The mobile has taken on far more significance for business travelers than just personal communications, it is a business tool. For instance, mobiles are being used to develop paperless travel by airlines like Lufthansa and British Airways. With 3 billion mobile users compared to 1.3 billion PC users in the world today, the age of the mobile has arrived. This is largely due to the availability of mobile broadband which speeds up internet access. Google has paved the way by introducing Google Mobile which accelerates internet search speeds and has made the mobile a viable alternative to the PC for Internet browsing and email. The Google Travel Team will be presenting the latest from the Internet giant in their Travel Technology@WTM seminar.

Chairman of World Travel Market, Fiona Jeffery said, “This November, World Travel Market is offering one of the largest technology programs ever seen in the industry, as well as more technology and online travel exhibitors with a wide range of products and services. Having identified the mobile as the new hub for the future, we are staging an industry first with our EyeforTravel@WTM Conference on mobile technology and two additional conferences about future trends and online content and conversion. On top of these, we will be staging the two-day Travel Technology@WTM seminar program from Genesys."

The three major conferences created by EyeforTravel@WTM will address the most pressing issues facing the industry today to provide the best strategy for the future.

Mobile Technology in Travel takes place on Tuesday, November 11 and is the first event of its kind for the travel industry. Leading travel and mobile brands will come together to outline how mobiles can make money with essential insights into the mobile space. Among these will be speakers from Vodafone, Google, British Airways, Lufthansa, Sabre, Amadeus, Mobile Commerce and Mobile Travel Technologies. With over 3 billion mobile users worldwide compared to just PC 1.3 billion users, the mobile has come of age.

The Travel Leadership Forum: Evolution of Online Travel on Wednesday, November 12 will discuss how to boost profits in a time of economic uncertainty; how to ensure business strategy guarantees a prosperous future and what the world's top travel executives are focusing on today. This must-attend think-tank will provide online travel executives with a privileged insight into the top issues in travel and offer a rare opportunity to join the travel elite to debate the future evolution of the industry. Speakers include TripAdvisor, Sabre, lastminute.com, Travelodge and SkyEurope Airlines.

Online Content and Conversion Strategies, held on Thursday, November 13 aims to provide a roadmap to online success from upgrading business websites to the rich web environment that customers crave. The conference will be addressing each and every aspect of web success: from search to stickiness, usability to user-generated content and every web technology to foster loyalty, attract new customers and increase sales. Speakers are from Lonely Planet, P&O Cruises, TUI, Walt Disney Parks&Resorts, EasyJet (panel), Microsoft, Cathay Pacific, SAS and VisitBritain.

Make the Most of the Web is one of the key themes for the Travel Technology@WTM Seminar Program this year in association with Genesys held on Tuesday, November 11 and Thursday, November 13. Generally standing room only, these sessions will include seminars on multilingual global content sponsored by Oban Multilingual; on travel comparison sites sponsored by ASAP Ventures; the very latest from the Google Travel Team and recent developments in search engine marketing to maximize internet presence.

Fiona Jeffery concluded," Technology and Online Travel @ WTM has become the fastest-growing and fastest-selling area. This is why we are putting on an unrivaled program of technology events this year featuring many of the world's best known brands. Receiving some of the very best expert advice available, delegates will find out how to use the most recent technology to achieve that all-important business edge."
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Travel Rewards From Using Your Credit Card

Responsible use of your credit card allows flexibility and leverage as it helps people manage their money. By using the principle of interest rates in credit, it allows large and expensive purchases like buying furniture and appliances. Payment for these large purchases can be extended over a specific period to make it more flexible for the credit user. The credit card company on the other hand is able to earn income charging interest rates for credit used over a specific period of time.

Credit card companies use as promotional or marketing strategies the giving of rewards to their card customers by giving points for every time they use their credit cards when making transactions. These reward points can be in a form of free gifts, appliances, electronic gadgets, cash rewards or travel miles. The number of points per card transaction may depend on the amount purchased. For travel point rewards for example, a 1 dollar purchase transaction sometimes equals 1 travel reward mile. The number of travel miles will usually depend on the travel destinations, the credit card company's rewards program and the airline companies they have tied up with in their air miles points program.

Travel rewards from using credit cards in making purchases are quantified in air miles. Heavy credit card users are able to benefit from these programs the most as the huge accumulated points that they may make may already equal the points equivalent to one plane ticket. The more purchases a person does on his credit card, the more points his credit card rewards him and the person has the options to convert these to travel air miles.

To determine if the accumulated air miles rewards points a person has is enough to avail of a plane ticket, lets say flying domestic within the US, they can do this by checking with their credit card companies how much air miles they need to accumulate in order to avail of a plane ticket to their desired destination. The number of accumulated air miles points on their card doesn't necessarily equal the actual miles required to make the trip. In order to determine the actual equivalent of miles their accumulated miles rewards points from their credit card purchases, they'll need to check with their credit card hotline numbers or from their credit card's consumer websites to receive more detailed information in determining how much actual miles their accumulated air miles reward points has made, how to claim them and how to work out the travel arrangements with the airline company the credit card company has tied up with regards to the travel rewards promotions.
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Budget Travel Tips

Do you love to take vacations but don't have a lot of money? Then learning how to budget your traveling can get you more vacations every year!

Today with the economy the way it is, budget travel is becoming more and more of a necessity and more merchants are offering great deals to those that can accommodate the restrictions. Aside from travel deals, you can also do some things to keep your costs low and save on the overall trip.

First off, you need to prepare a travel budget. This means deciding what is important to you and where you can cut back a bit. For instance, some travelers are comfortable spending a bit more for a better class of hotel, while others prefer to save money by using budget accommodations and spend the money they saved on sightseeing or a special meal for the family.

Next, figure out a budget for the various aspects of your vacation, such as hotel, airfare, rental cars, sightseeing, gasoline, etc. Once you have a good idea of what each element of the vacation should cost, it is time to start shopping around for the best deals.

Once you have figured out what is most important to you, it is time to start finding out how to get the best deals. Often, admission deals on area attractions are the easiest to come by, since many theme parks, museums and other destinations run specials to attract out of town guests.

To get big discounts on area attractions, the best place to start is the web site of the attraction itself. Be sure to check the web site for any specials, such as two for one deals, free admission for children, special reduced admission days, etc.

Certain orgainzations such as the military, AAA and senior citizens groups offer discounts on lodging, attractions and travel. Most AAA offices sell discount admission tickets to theme parks, museums and other popular attractions within driving distance, and most AAA offices sell discounted admissions to popular attractions like Walt Disney World as well. The key to making your travel budget stretch farther is to ask about, and take advantage of, all discounts that may be available.

If you are driving on your vacation, make sure you get your car serviced and that it is in peak condition. This can really save you some money as things like under inflated tires and worn spark plugs can cause your gas mileage to go down thus costing you more in gas money.

A good map can also be a money saver, since it will keep you from driving around in circles and wasting gas. Finding your way easily to and from the hotel and the surrounding area will make your vacation more pleasant and less costly.

Finding good deals on your vacation travel and destinations can be a bit of work but it will be worth it in the long run with more enjoyable and more frequent vacations.
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Herbal Remedies To Prevent Travelers Diarrhea

Travelers visiting many tropical, sub-tropical and developing countries run an increased risk of suffering a gastrointestinal illness. These are usually caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses. The microscopic bugs at the top of these rather gut wrenching (for all the wrong reasons...) charts are E Coli, the staphylococci, shigella and salmonella species, campylobacter jejuni, cryptosporidiosis, and hepatitis A.

Infected food is the biggest culprit, with water coming in second. Ice cream, cocktails served in re-used coconut shells, raw seafood, ice, and food from street vendors are potential risks that can interrupt your adventure with less salacious memories to pass on to family and friends.

The nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea from such acute infections usually sorts itself out after a few days (unless of course you have contracted hepatitis A, or something like giardia). Certainly, if you are unlucky enough to be sick after a few days, you should see a doctor.

Fortunately, there are remedies you can take that will strengthen your immune and digestive system and hopefully give your body a better chance at dealing with its new environment. The herbs I describe below would make an excellent travelers mix. The best form to take them in would be as a tincture, which can be made up by going to a local herbal dispensary if you have one in your area, or alternatively, a local herbalist.


Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Astragalus is a good anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial. The polysaccharides in it support the immune system. Astragalus increases the activity of phagocytes, natural killer cells, and the levels of antibodies in the blood.


Picrorrhiza (Picrorrhiza kurroa)

This is an Ayurvedic herb that is best given in low doses, as higher doses can cause diarrhea and flatulence in more sensitive people. Its a bitter herb, so it stimulates the digestive system. It is also anti-malarial, supports the immune system, and protects the liver. Picrorrhiza encourages all aspects of the immune system, such as B and T cell activity, and the activity of phagocytes. This herb is used in Ayurvedic medicine for liver related problems and immune problems.


Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis)

Goldenseal is a gut antibiotic, which for example helps reduce adhesive e coli, and encourages some immune functions of the body. For example, berberine, which is one of its active constituents, has been shown to increase the activity of macrophages, which digest bacteria and viruses. Barberry also contains berberine, so more information on this very valuable constituent is below. Goldenseal, being a bitter herb, it is also good for the digestive system. If you are pregnant or suffer from hypertension, however, you should not take goldenseal.


Barberry (Berberis Vulgaris)

Berberine, one of the active constituents in this herb is an anti protozoic, which helps protect travelers against giardia, leishmania, and treponema pallidum. Other notable effects of berberine are its activity against giardia, dysentery, and candida, as well as the cholera vibrio. The active constituents berberine and palmatine are also anti-bacterial. And berbamine, which like berberine is an alkaloid, is a strong anti-bacterial which seems to work by increasing white blood cells and platelets. The constituent palamtine is a uterine stimulant, however, and as such pregnant women shouldn't take this herb. Barberry is another gut antibiotic, but it is also anti-malarial (though no self-respecting herbalist would recommend anything other than doctor's treatment if you do contract malaria).


Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea or augustifolia)

Echinacea is an immune stimulant. Its main active constituents are the polysaccharides and the alkamides (especially the isobutylamides), which are both immune stimulating, and the polyaceytlenes, which are antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. Echinacea supports the activity of phagocytes, which are part of the immune system, and is also considered anti-viral and anti-microbial. One of the ways echinacea appears to work is by inhibiting the action of the enzyme hyaluronidase. This enzyme is used by micro-organisms to break down the connective tissue that prevents them from entering and spreading through the body. For these reasons, it is excellent as part of a travelers remedy mix.



These remedies are not designed as a prophylactic, like a vaccine. They work on the principle of giving your body an increased chance at staying healthy. But nothing replaces common sense. Wash your hands before eating. Don't drink ice or from water bottles where the seal has been broken. Drink cocktails in glasses, not cute but probably old coconut shells. Don't eat anything fresh that you can't peel. Don't eat ice cream or drink unpasteurized milk. Be wary of eating from street vendors. Some people do, and are fine. But they are a risk factor with gastrointestinal upsets. Its a good idea to pack some oral hydration salts as a precaution.

But above all, enjoy your holiday!

Refrences: C Fisher & G Painter, Materia Medica of Western Herbs for the Southern Hemisphere
Class notes from Ses Salmond, certified Natural Therapist and Herbal Medicine teacher .
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Travel Planning: Do You Have All That You Need?

Travel planning can be quite complex. There are many areas in which you will need to insure that you have what you need. It can be business travel or recreational. The point is that you'll need to pull together everything that you need and keep it with you. This can be quite difficult especially in those last minutes before you leave. There is just too much to do and who knows what you'll forget.

To help you with your travel plans, here are some key elements that you should consider.

• Make sure to first plan for your transportation. Gather your information for air line tickets, for transportation to the airport, and then transportation once you arrive at your destination. You'll need easy assess to your flight numbers, your reservation numbers and your credit cards so that these elements can go easily.
• Next, consider your hotel stay. What elements do you need here? You'll need to keep track of your hotel's location, the reservation numbers and your credit card information for them. This will help you to get in quickly.
• You should also plan to keep identification close by at all times.
• Planning to assess your email while away? Need to check your bank information while you are out of town? You should also consider traveling with your user identification and password information for all of the accounts you are likely to tap into.
• Don't forget to take with you a list of important people and their phone numbers. You never know when you'll need to call on your neighbor to check out the house or the phone number to your pediatrician in case a child gets sick.

When you take the time to organize these elements, your traveling planning is easier to keep track of. You can rest easier when you know that everything that you need is carefully organized just in case you need to access it.
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TRAVEL WITH FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY

Car rental packages are becoming an increasingly popular option among travellers in Iceland, and for a good reason. They allow far greater individual freedom and flexibility than scheduled group tours can, and as Self-Drive customers are effectively their own tour guides, these tours also offer a more intimate experience. Iceland Visitor’s pre-made itineraries take you through dramatic and varied scenery to places of great historical importance as well as some of Europe’s most stunning natural wonders.
Our Self-Drive tours are an excellent option for individuals, couples, small groups and families who want to travel the country at their own pace and leisure. Due to limited availability of accommodation in the more remote areas of Iceland, we recommend booking with ample advance.
Please also see self-drive tours available in other categories
Honeymoon and Romance: View all
Family Travel: View all
Golf Vacation: View all

Express Iceland
This express package around Iceland takes you to many of the country’s biggest attractions, including Þingvellir National Park, the great Geysir area, Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Ásbyrgi Canyon and more. The tour includes accommodation in Reykjavik, Vík, Höfn, Lake Mývatn and Akureyri.

Season:

All year

Price from:

58300

Duration:

6nights/7days

Golden Circle and South Coast
Enjoy a short stopover, visiting the sights of the world-famous Geysir, magnificent waterfalls, National Park Þingvellir, Blue Lagoon, the city of Reykjavík and more. This package includes accommodation in Reykjavík and Selfoss with daily drives to attractions in the southwest.

Season:

All year

Price from:

34800

Duration:

3nights/4days

Iceland Complete
This package is suitable for those who want to explore the greater ring-road, including the beautiful West Fjords. The drive takes you to most of the biggest attractions in Iceland including Þingvellir National Park, Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Dettifoss waterfall, the West Fjords and more. This package includes accommodation in Reykjavík and all over Iceland.

Season:

All year

Price from:

113000

Duration:

13nights/14days

Iceland Full Circle

The drive takes you to many of the biggest attractions around Iceland including Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Goðafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn and surroundings, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Vatnajökull glacier and more.

Season:

All year

Price from:

79600

Duration:

9nights/10days

Iceland Full Circle - Luxury Self Drive
This is a luxury self-drive tour that takes you to many of the biggest attractions around Iceland including Þingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, Goðafoss waterfall, Lake Mývatn and surroundings, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Vatnajökull glacier and more. This package includes accommodation in Reykjavík, Hvolsvöllur, Skaftafell National Park, Höfn, Lake Mývatn, Akureyri and Búðir.

Season:

All year

Price from:

203134

Duration:

9nights/10days

Iceland Grand Tour
This is the ultimate Grand Tour of Iceland. Visit some of the world’s finest waterfalls, erupting geysers, stunning fjords, magical lagoons and active volcanoes, while experiencing Iceland’s flourishing culture. The package includes accommodation in Reykjavík and all over Iceland.

Season:

All year

Price from:

132800

Duration:

16nights/17days

Northern Comfort in Holiday Cottage
This self-guided, self-catered 4X4 winter package offers a relaxing week in a cozy cottage in the scenic south of Iceland. The tour does not involve a great amount of driving and therefore gives you a chance to explore many of Iceland’s biggest attractions at your own pace. In the darker winter months, the Aurora Borealis are not an uncommon sight outside of Reykjavík; the swirling, colourful displays, ranging from white to green, pink and blue or even in rare cases red, are truly an unforgettable sight to behold.

Season:

1 Okt - 31 Apr

Price from:

69400

Duration:

6nights/7days

Pearls of North Iceland
Explore the stunning and varied north region of Iceland. The drive takes you to the voluminous Deildartunguhver hot spring, the magnificent Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, Lake Mývatn, Dettifoss Waterfall (sometimes referred to as ‘Europe’s Niagara’) and more. This package includes accommodation in Reykjavík, Varmahlíð, Lake Mývatn and Akureyri.

Season:

All year

Price from:

59300

Duration:

6 Nights/7 days

Reykjavík – Next Door to Nature
Reykjavík is a remarkable getaway - its charming old town, legendary nightlife, bustling culture and music scene await you. Stay in a comfortable city centre hotel, allow yourself the luxury offered by the numerous spas and thermal pools, and explore Reykjavík and its stunning hinterland at your own leisure.

Season:

All year

Price from:

39225

Duration:

3nights/4days

South Iceland at Leisure

Enjoy some of the stunning landscapes of south Iceland, including Þingvellir National Park, the great Geysir area, Skaftafell National Park, Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and more. This package includes accommodation in Reykjavík, Selfoss, Vík and Skaftafell National Park.

This tour is suitable and recommended for families with children. You have the option of staying in cottages, driving distances per day are limited and child-friendly activities can be found all along the way.

Season:

All year

Price from:

57300

Duration:

6nights/7days

Iceland 4x4 Highland Adventure
This highland adventure takes you to some of the less visited but starkly beautiful sights of the dramatic Icelandic interior, one of Europe’s last wildernesses. Visit places such as Landmannalaugar, Þingvellir National Park, the great Geysir area, Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon, Ásbyrgi canyon, and more. This package includes accommodation in Reykjavík, Varmahlíð, Lake Mývatn, Möðrudalur valley and Hrauneyjar.

Season:

1 Jul - 1 Sep

Price from:

119900

Duration:

9nights/10days

South Coast 4x4 Safari
This 4X4 tour includes the most beautiful sights of south Iceland, taking you off the beaten track to the exotic highland interior. Experience the vast wilderness, glaciers, waterfalls, colourful mountains, volcanoes and other stunning phenomena that south Iceland has to offer. The sights include Þingvellir National Park, Landmannalaugar, Skaftafell National Park, Jökulsárlón Glacial Lagoon and more. This package includes accommodation in Reykjavík, Hrauneyjar, Kirkjubæjarklaustur, Skaftafell National Park and Vík.

Season:

1 Jul - 1 Sep

Price from:

85875

Duration:

6nights/7days

Iceland Activity Tour
This adventurous activity tour around Iceland includes not only many of the country’s biggest attractions, but also action-packed excursions under professional supervision in Iceland’s pristine nature. The tour includes accommodation in Reykjavík, Hvolsvöllur, Skaftafell National Park, Egilsstaðir, Lake Mývatn and Akureyri.

Season:

1 Jun - 1 Sep

Price from:

155800

Duration:

10nights/11days

www.icelandvisitor.com

TRAVEL:Vacation Packages

This package is perfect for a short getaway to visit Santa’s World by the enchanting Lake Mývatn in northern Iceland. The Icelandic Santas, or Yule Lads, are actually 13 brothers who live in a cave in “Dimmuborgir” lava field. They are cheeky, funny fellows and deliver small gifts to good children over the 13 nights before Christmas. Visiting the Yule Lads in their natural winter surroundings and taking in some of the winter activities is truly an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Season:December
Price from:81375
Duration:3nights/4days


New Year’s Weekend

Enjoy a thrilling long New Year’s weekend in Reykjavik. The city is dotted with public bonfires and, at midnight, amazing firework shows across the Arctic sky. This package includes accommodation in the city center, the Golden Circle tour, the Bonfire tour, a New Year’s Eve celebration dinner party with a panoramic view of the city, a visit to the healing waters at the Blue Lagoon Spa, and a hunt for some of nature’s greatest displays the dancing Northern Lights. Season: New Year’s
Price from:79905
Duration:4nights/5days

New Year’s Weekend in Reykjavik

Enjoy a thrilling New Year’s weekend in Reykjavik. The city is dotted with public bonfires and, at midnight, amazing firework shows across the Arctic sky. This package includes accommodation in the city center, the Golden Circle tour, the Bonfire tour, New Year’s Eve celebration dinner party with a panoramic view of the city, and a perfect ending to the weekend: rejuvenate after the festivities by soaking in the healing waters at the Blue Lagoon Spa.

Season:

New Year’s

Price from:

54915

Duration:

2nights/3days

New Year’s in Luxury: Gourmet Dining & Northern Lights

Indulge yourself with a luxury New Year’s weekend in Reykjavik. Enjoy New Year’s Eve at the best panorama restaurant in the city, overlooking the fireworks at midnight. You will be transported by luxury vehicle: our experienced professional guide will take you to the area’s most beautiful gems and introduce you to the nation’s history, culture and way of life. Enjoy dining at the city’s most exciting and highly praised restaurants, where you will indulge yourself in Icelandic cuisine. Enjoy Reykjavik’s finest on this unforgettable tour.
Season: Dec - Jan
Price from:228585
Duration:4nights/5days

www.icelandvisitor.com

Travel Marketing - Working With Small Budgets

Travel Marketing - Madison Avenue versus Main Street

The Association of Travel Marketing Executives (ATME) presented "ATME's Marketing Issue Forum - Madison Avenue versus Main Street" at a luncheon on April 20, 2006 at The Yale Club in New York. A panel of respected industry travel marketing professionals provided their individual insight into - What are the best travel market strategies to utilize when working with a small budget?

Moderator Gary Sain, CMO & Partner, YPB&R, read the 8 different ways that people find out information about a travel destination such as #1- recommendations from family and friends, #3 - Travel Guide books, #6 - TV, Radio, Newspapers, #7 - Web Blogs, and lastly #8 - Travel Advertisements, thus pointing out the positioning of Travel Advertising in the decision process. Gary continued with the statistics that 64% of people go on-line to find information about travel, and that 50% book on-line. An interesting set of statistics was that 76% of people read direct mail that is sent to their home, 43% of people find banner advertisements useful in their decision process, and 13% actually click on the banner advertisement.

There seemed to be a mixed message conveyed by the statistics, especially with Travel Advertisements coming in last on the list of 8 ways that people find out about destinations, but that 43% found banner advertisements useful, with 13% actually clicking on them. In addition, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of people who are buying anti-spam and pop-up blocking software, as well as signing up for the ‘do not call' and ‘do not spam' lists. So, Gary turned it over to the panel of experts to find out what works, and what does not work for them.

The 5 panel members discussed their specific marketing projects starting off with what works for them in reaching their customers. Well, it was no surprise that the synopsis for what worked was: from one panelist - heavy direct mail with outstanding results, as well as word-of-mouth; another panelist - a 350,000 opt-in email list that was growing at an exponential daily rate with a 7% conversion on products sold via email; a third panelist - heavy partnership marketing to expand the message, conservation of budgets while opening access to new markets; a fourth panelist - a move of marketing spend to the brick and mortar world and print advertisements; and the final panelist - traditional advertising for niche markets.

So, what did not work, well that may have been the biggest surprise as it ended up that the marketing success of one panelist was what did not work for another panelist. The key to each person's success was knowledge of their audience and targeting their message and the medium they used to maximize a return.

As much as things change, things stay the same; you still need to know your customer and create a message in a format that not only reaches them, but speaks to them. It was a very enlightening discussion as the audience heard firsthand on what worked and what did not work for different business structures; the secret was to be careful and not react and copy what the ‘other guy' is doing, and to make sure that you are listening to what your customer is saying.
luxuryexperience.com

Asia Pacific Business Travellers Vote for Emirates

DUBAI, U.A.E., 16th September 2007 – Emirates’ leadership in the industry is not lost on its Asia-Pacific travellers, who have voted the airline the “Best Middle East/African Airline” for the fourth time in a row.

The airline received the accolade from Business Traveller Asia-Pacific at its Annual Travel Awards 2007 held in Hong Kong recently. Over 300 leaders from the travel trade industry attended the glittering gala dinner in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of the publication. The awards were presented by Guest of honour Ms Marina Mahathir, ICAAP (International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific) Liaison of The AIDS Society Asia Pacific.

Mike Simon, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President Corporate Communications said: “We are delighted to receive this award, which is a vote of confidence from business travellers and our customers in the Asia-Pacific region. It’s timely, as we have recently unveiled our enhanced inflight products that maximise personal space onboard and provide an incredible choice of inflight entertainment. These innovations not only demonstrate our commitment to provide the best air travel experiences, but also sharpen our competitive edge in long-haul travel.”

In June this year, Emirates introduced an enhanced version of its First Class private suites; lie-flat massage seats in Business Class; and Economy Class seats with extra legroom; across its new Boeing 777 fleet. The airline’s cutting-edge ice [information, communication and entertainment] Digital Widescreen system, features many more firsts in the airline industry – including unique wireless handset controllers in premium classes that allow passengers to select entertainment, seat positions, lighting and massage functions. The personal digital widescreen LCD touch screens are amongst the largest in the skies at 23” in First Class; 17” in Business Class; and 10.6” in Economy.

Emirates offers passenger services to 10 countries in the Asia Pacific region – Greater China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia and New Zealand – with a total of 208 flights every week.

The Business Traveller Asia-Pacific survey was conducted between May and July 2007 with poll forms distributed to magazine subscribers, who travel frequently not just within the region but around the world. Readers voted for the best travel industry service providers in over 40 categories.

Photocaption:
Edwin Lau, Emirates' Vice President Hong Kong receives the Best Middle East/African Airline" at the Business Traveller Asia-Pacific 2007 Annual Travel Awards presentation from Ms Marina Mahathir, ICAAP (International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific) Liaison of The AIDS Society Asia Pacific.



About Business Traveller Asia-Pacific
Business Traveller Asia-Pacific is the only subscription-based frequent-travel magazine in the region. Independent, authoritative and opinionated, it keeps readers abreast of all that is new in travel.

Contact:
Sheba Koonan, Corporate Communications,
Tel: (+9714) 203.2287, Mob: (+97150) 658.7912;
email: sheba.koonan@emirates.com, visit: www.ekgroup.com/mediacentre
Forimmediaterelease.net

Report: Hispanic Market Growth Continues for Travel Industry

Latin business traveler, “high-affluent" Hispanics now in marketers' sights
Southwest Airlines leads industry in media buys
According to a special report on the travel industry published this week by Hispanic Market Weekly, the leading authority on U.S. Hispanic marketing and media, marketers continue to aggressively pursue the fast-growing Latino consumer while now developing plans to reach an emerging subgroup — the business and affluent Latino leisure traveler.
The report shows airlines leading the travel industry in spending. Through the first three quarters of 2007, the top 10 airlines invested just over $19 million in Spanish-language advertising, with the majority ($12.5 million) going to Spanish-language network television. The top investor over the same period was Southwest Airlines at $11.8 million, as tracked by Nielson Monitor-Plus.
The data, as well as insiders, seem to agree that Hispanic travel is poised for dramatic growth. “What the industry seems most keyed on is the fact that Latino entrepreneurs and those who can afford to take luxury vacations are now gaining in importance, as the 'visiting friends and relatives' crowd ponders whether or not to travel in the midst of a sluggish U.S. economy," says Adam Jacobson, Associate Editor and the report's author.
The report also points to the fact that many Latinos use online travel sites such as Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity although they do not have Spanish-language options — a sign that the popular way in which non-Latinos book flights could benefit from a great leap into the U.S. Hispanic market.
The entire Special Report can be found at: tcaton@jtscom.com
Forimmediaterelease.net

Travelport GDS announces new agreement with TravelSky

Providing travel agents in China with greater access to global airline content

Hong Kong, 24 July 2008 — Travelport GDS, one of the world’s leading global distribution system (GDS) providers, today announced the signing of a new agreement with TravelSky, the only GDS licensed in China to make reservations for Chinese domiciled airlines, to provide its 6,500 travel agents in China with greater global connectivity. Under the terms of the agreement, TravelSky will implement Travelport’s Reservation Sales Solution (RSS) allowing its travel agents to seamlessly access, make reservations and issue e-tickets on a wide range of global airlines in real-time via Travelport’s Galileo GDS.

The first phase of the implementation took place successfully in May enabling more than 200 Galileo-linked airlines to issue interline e-tickets with the leading Chinese airlines for which TravelSky provides reservations systems. This was in line with IATA’s mandate to achieve 100% e-ticketing by June 1, 2008. Phase two of the project is scheduled for completion by the end of this year and will provide enhanced functionality such as interactive seat maps and reservations to TravelSky travel agents.

“We are extremely pleased to have signed this new agreement with TravelSky, further strengthening our relationship with this important player in the Chinese travel industry,” said Brad Holman, President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Travelport GDS. “The provision of Travelport technology and innovative solutions are enabling us to assist TravelSky in the delivery of a world class distribution platform. This in turn enables TravelSky to deliver significant service enhancements to both Chinese travel agencies and to international airlines seeking to sell their products in the rapidly growing Chinese outbound market.”

“We look forward to the full implementation of the Travelport RSS which will not only offer enriched content and greater connectivity to our travel agents, but will also allow us to perform interline e-ticketing functions for non-BSP carriers, significantly enhancing overall operational efficiencies for TravelSky travel agents,” said Huang Peng, Chief Marketing Officer of TravelSky.

Travelport’s Galileo RSS is a practical solution for airlines requiring extended connectivity with other carriers, and is particularly useful for setting up and executing interline agreements between carriers using electronic ticketing. With Galileo RSS, such connections can be done rapidly and at a fraction of the cost of the airline having to set up individual links with each carrier it wishes to exchange passengers with. Galileo RSS enables airline customers to access, book and ticket the services of any of the 500 airlines available in real-time through Travelport’s Galileo GDS with whom they do business using just one interface and connection.

About Travelport GDS
Travelport GDS is one of the world’s largest global distribution system (GDS) providers operating both the Galileo and the Worldspan brands, providing real-time travel information and booking capabilities to online and offline travel agencies in over 145 countries. It also operates Business Intelligence which provides marketing and other critical data to the industry, and includes its Shepherd Systems subsidiary; and IT Services&Software, which offers mission critical reservations, related software and services management to the world’s leading airlines. Travelport GDS is a convergence of traditional and online travel distribution services that empower airlines, travel suppliers, travel agencies, Web sites and corporations to provide informed choice to travelers on a global platform. Travelport GDS is a division of Travelport, one of the world’s largest service providers to the travel industry. More information is available at www.travelportgds.com.

About TravelSky
TravelSky Technology Limited (the “Company" or, including its subsidiaries, the “Group") as a member enterprise of China TravelSky Holding Company (the “Holding Company") is the leading provider of information technology solutions for China's air travel and tourism industries. The Company has been devoted to developing leading edge applications and services that address the needs of a wide range of industry participants - ranging from airlines, airports and air travel suppliers to travel agencies, corporate travel consumers, air travel consumers and cargo shippers - to conduct electronic transactions and manage travel-related information.

Michelle Larmer Double Edge PR +61 2 9957 1352 michelle@doubleedge.com.au Fiona Ross Regional Marketing Manager, Travelport GDS +61 2 9391 4034 fiona.ross@travelport.com
Forimmediaterelease.net

ASTA files brief against state of Florida Statute restricting travel

ALEXANDRIA, VA - On Wednesday, in response to several new amendments to Florida’s Seller of Travel law, ASTA filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in ABC Charters v. Bronson, a case brought against the state of Florida by 16 travel agencies specializing in travel to Cuba. The law, which went into effect on July 1 but remains blocked under a temporary restraining order, significantly increases registration fees, security bonds and potential fines for firms selling trips directly to any nation that has been designated by the State Department as state sponsor of terrorism, namely, Iran, Syria, Cuba, Sudan and North Korea.

ASTA, like the plaintiffs, believes the new law violates multiple provisions of the Constitution, including freedom to travel, the right of the federal government to conduct foreign relations and regulate commerce free of state interference.

In its brief, ASTA wrote:

No greater interest has motivated ASTA to involve itself in this case than to preserve and defend the liberty we hold dearest – the right to travel. It is impossible to separate the economic loss from lost business opportunities and the loss of choice in individual consumption, which is the end product of production, from the intrusion upon personal liberty interests occasioned by travel restrictions. Perhaps, among all human rights, the most precious in and of itself, is the right to go somewhere else, which is why ASTA refers to travel as the “perfect freedom.” …

The Travel Act imposes severe restrictions, which are designed to restrain Floridians and other persons in the United States from moving freely from Florida to the destinations regulated under the Act. For some individuals the expected heightened cost of travel to the designated countries will make such trips seem less attractive. For others it will serve as an insurmountable financial impediment. Either way, the Travel Act deprives citizens of the right to travel without due process of law under the Fifth Amendment.

Under the new law, US travel agents who sell a trip originating in Florida to a Florida consumer to any of these five countries will need to pay an annual registration fee of between $1,000 and $2,500 and post a performance bond, ranging from $100,000 and $250,000. Additionally, violators will now face a $10,000 fine for not disclosing travel activities to a designated nation and would face a third-degree felony conviction.

ASTA wrote:

The Travel Act - which includes prohibitively expensive registration and bonding requirements, exorbitant fines and a felony conviction for those who fail to comply with the law - attempts to indirectly impose economic sanctions on foreign governments. The effect of the Travel Act is that it will put travel agencies that sell to designated countries out of business and raise agency costs of doing business so that the price clients would have to pay to purchase airline tickets to designated countries would become so excessive that travel to those destinations would sharply diminish. The net impact of the Travel Act is to reduce or eliminate trade and commerce with designated countries. It performs the same function as a direct economic sanction. … [I]t is not a felonious act in the state of Florida to neglect to pay a parking meter. It is also not a felony to operate an automobile without a license or without registering the automobile. Yet, under the Travel Act, it is a felony of the third degree for a travel agency to fail to properly register with the correct certification prior to selling a trip to Cuba, Iran, Syria, North Korea or Sudan.

Agents must submit an annual certification to Florida in which they must fully disclose all travel-related details pertaining to nations on the terrorism list, including all suppliers and proprietary contacts. For years, travel agencies had been generally exempt from Florida's registration requirements provided they were accredited by the Airlines Reporting Corp. for three consecutive years prior. Under the new amendments to Florida's Seller of Travel Law, agents lose that exemption if they sell travel to at least one of the countries on the State Department's list. A single transaction involving travel to Iran, Syria, Cuba, Sudan or North Korea can constitute a violation.
A hearing to determine whether a preliminary injunction should be granted has been scheduled for Sept. 25 in Miami. View the ABC Charters Amicus Brief submitted by ASTA to the Court.

The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to work, invest and do business.

Ms. Kristina Rundquist VP, Communications American Society of Travel Agents Phone: (703) 739-8710 E-Mail: pr@asta.org
Forimmediaterelease.net

Georgia Department of Tourism implements OpenTravel CRM™

OpenTravel CRM™ is a web-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform designed specifically for the travel industry. The CVB Edition is designed to handle the requirements of convention and tourism bureaus. In addition to full visitor profile and contact management features, it has automated brochure fulfillment, workflow automation, and integrated intelligent marketing capabilities. Developed by Travel Sciences, Inc., Georgia’s new visitor destination marketing and fulfillment CRM provides a full-circle automation solution designed to enhance brochure fulfillment response and efficiency with integrated tracking and reporting.

Georgia’s new visitor CRM and fulfillment system was unveiled at Georgia’s 2008 Governor’s Tourism Conference which was held on September 10 through 12. The project management, installation and delivery of the system was handled by Enguage, an Atlanta-based, digital-marketing solutions firm which provides destination tourism-based marketing, consulting and advisory services to the GDEcD.

Joseph Mazzarella, president and CEO of Travel Sciences, Inc. said, “OpenTravel CRM™ is a powerful CRM platform for travel-centric enterprises and is being recognized as both an affordable and more capable alternative to more costly and less-effective generic CRM solutions. Our solution is based on the newest web technologies and offers best of class scalability and reliability, and it is designed to easily interface with other systems through XML based web services. Best of all, it is designed for travel, and this makes it a much more feature-rich and relevant solution. In the case of the Georgia Tourism Department, the ability to provide on-demand brochure and information fulfillment capability within a fully integrated visitor profile management system with follow-on and follow-up customer service and marketing outreach, is a distinct competitive advantage.”

OpenTravel CRM is designed to seamlessly handle the complex relationships associated with travel that extend beyond direct travelers to include groups, agencies, consortia, suppliers and other important channel entities that form a sophisticated web of interaction. According to Mazzarella, “We are unaware of any CRM solution that handles the level complexity that is truly needed for the travel space, and where generic CRM solutions have been deployed, it has been very costly and less than satisfactory. OpenTravel CRM is a great choice for convention and visitor bureaus working on limited budgets but that require a sophisticated solution that will meet the demands of destination and visitor related communication, service delivery and marketing.”

About Travel Sciences
Travel Sciences is a Hartford, CT-based leading developer of intelligent, web-based software solutions for the travel industry. It offers travel CRM, reservations, distribution and business automation solutions for cruise lines, tour operators, resorts and hotels, and retail travel business. For more information please visit www.TravelSciences.com . For additional information on travel CRM solutions, please visit www.OpenTravelCRM.com .

About the Georgia Department of Economic Development – Please visit www.georgia.org .

About Enguage Digital
Atlanta, Georgia-based Engauge Digital is part of Enguage, a marketing agency formed to unite the power of digital, traditional and direct marketing. At Engauge, brilliant minds from diverse disciplines come together in a uniquely-structured environment to encourage true collaboration and profitable results. Each entrepreneurial center of excellence at Engauge retains its core specialization and can access expertise throughout the enterprise when a holistic solution is required. Engauge’s proprietary, creative-thinking process develops transformational ideas that change minds, revitalize brands, and improve bottom lines. Engauge’s clients include Airborne, Best Buy for Business, The Coca-Cola Company, The Home Depot, InterContinental Hotels Group, International Delight, Land O’Lakes, Logitech, Perkins Restaurants, Pert Plus, Sony, the State of Georgia, Sure, TiVo, Turner Broadcasting, UPS and WellPoint. Its staff of 300 associates is located in Atlanta, Austin, Columbus, Orlando and Pittsburgh. For more information please visit www.enguage.com .

Joe Mazzarella President & CEO Phone: 860-543-6061 Email: jmazz@travelsciences.com
Forimmediaterelease.net

Exploring the effects of the global economy on the future of the travel industry

(Forimmediaterelease.net) The future of the global economy is a significant topic for debate and discussion at World Travel Market 2008 (WTM). Thursday, November 13 will play host to the WTM Global Economic Forum providing senior travel and tourism executives with an in-depth look at the state of the global economy moving forward into 2009-2010.

Deutsche Bank Group chief economist Professor Dr. Norbert Walter will give a keynote address, followed by a series of insightful presentations from leading travel industry economics experts including Jean Claude Baumgarten, president and COO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC); Senior Airline Industry consultant John Strickland and chairman of Oxford and Tourism Economics John Walker. The event will be chaired by former economics journalists and BBC broadcaster for Today and Newsnight Peter Hobday.

Examining several themes, the main question the forum will investigate and seek to answer - is the industry at a crossroads? As more and more countries around the world start to catch the recession cold, what does this signify for the travel industry; will it become a period where only the best equipped and prepared survive? The WTM Global Economic Forum panel will aim to answer these important questions.

Drawing on his experiences as the chief economist Deutsche Bank Group over the past 15 years, keynote speaker Professor Dr. Norbert Walter will provide participants with the general picture of the global economy in the near future. Professor Walter commented, “All major economies are facing downside risks to growth and upside risks to inflation, but dynamics differ widely. The US economy is growing well below its potential due to the sub-prime crisis and several European countries are on the brink of a recession due to necessary corrections in their construction and real estate sector. The emerging markets are holding up surprisingly well, but very high inflation necessitating higher interest rates is dampening growth. Rich commodity exporting countries will balance downward tendencies. Their economic weight, however, is too small to avoid a continued downswing in 2009."

Forum chair Peter Hobday will host the conference evoking debate and putting questions to the expert panel to discuss and deliberate providing valuable insight for participants. “As a global economy, we are currently facing a critical moment, looking at the headline news - energy prices are rising, there are fears of a global recession, stock markets continue to suffer - this all feeds on investor pessimism and the credit crunch has encouraged bankers to proceed with caution with investing in anything risky. Anyone in the travel industry - airlines, hotels, resorts, tour operators and the supplier interests that rely on them - is at some kind of tipping point. Now is the time when only the fittest survive… but what is it that you need to face these problems, to make sure you are fit enough not just to survive but maybe even to prosper? Those are the questions we will be debating with leading industry and financial personalities at the WTM Global Economic Forum. The aim is more than just discussion; we will be looking for practical advice and solutions." said Forum chairman, Peter Hobday.

Providing the statistics and hard numbers, Oxford Economics and Tourism Economics chairman John Walker will take audience members through the economic outlook of the industry, examining the forecasted future trends. “As the economies of Europe and America face continued headwinds in the forms of inflation and weak consumer demand, the travel industry faces renewed challenges. However, we believe there are some unique opportunities to increase market share within the current environment by focusing strategically on key markets. I am excited about the opportunity to share some of the latest research on the prospects for travel growth over the coming year. These will hopefully serve as guideposts to WTM attendees as they consider their market strategies for 2009 and 2010," said John Walker.

Looking at the current state of the airline industry, John Strickland will outline the links between the industry and its current challenges, with relation to the effects this infers on the global economy. “There has never been a more pertinent time to look at the airline industry in the wider global economic context. Airlines play a growing and essential role in the functioning of modern day economic activity worldwide. Not only do they facilitate face-to-face business contact, essential for breaking down cultural and communication barriers and building trust, but they bring an enormous tourism boost to many parts of the world, creating many thousands of jobs which would otherwise not exist. Yet against this background, airlines are struggling with rising fuel prices, slowing demand and increasingly vocal criticism of their environmental credentials. There has to be a rationale debate, which recognizes that airlines are not an 'optional extra' in today's world, while working constructively to ensure that they can make an increasing contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions," John Strickland recommended.

Rounding out the panel, representing the collective voice for business leaders in the travel and tourism industry on all matters related to travel and tourism, president and COO of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Jean Claude Baumgarten will challenge the figures and statistics presented providing insight into what they signify for the industry as a collective. Jean Claude Baumgarten remarked, “Despite the deterioration of the economic environment over the past twelve months and the inevitable impact this has had on short-term tourism demand, as reflected in our latest research, the long-term growth prospects for travel and tourism remain good. It is critical for governments to recognize this growth potential and, more importantly, travel and tourism's ability to generate employment and prosperity. It is certainly not the moment for governments to impose unfair taxes on the industry in an effort to alleviate their own financial difficulties."

Taking place in Platinum Suite 4, the forum will run over two hours beginning at 11:00 hrs. Professor Norbert Walter, chief economist at Deutsche Bank Group and head of Deutsche Bank Research, will give a keynote address followed by three detailed presentations from the expert panel - John Walker, chairman of Oxford and Tourism Economics; John Strickland, senior airline consultant and Jean Claude Baumgarten, president and COO, World Travel and Tourism Council. Chaired by Peter Hobday, a question and answer session will follow the presentations.

Early bird rates of £59 are available to book now at www.wtmlondon.com/gef . After September 30, the rate of £79 will apply and on the door admission will be charged at £99. For more information and details about the full WTM Seminar, conference and events program visit www.wtmlondon.com .

Arleigh Galant Vasconcellos
Phone: +44 (0)20 8910 7038
Email: arleigh.galantvasconcellos@reedexpo.co.uk.
www.forimmediaterelease.net

TRAVEL:LET THE REVS BEGIN

The inaugural Singtel Singapore Grand Prix (Sep 26-28) is all about firsts. Not only is it the first time that Singapore hosts a Grand Prix but it will be the first F1 street race in Asia. Perhaps most exciting of all, it will be the first time ever that a Grand Prix is held at night under a specially designed system featuring nearly 1,500 lighting projectors. Put all these factors together, throw in the razzmatazz of the Formula One circus and it’s shaping up to be a very special event.

And the Grand Prix will not be the only entertainment over the weekend. Petrol heads can also enjoy three other races: the adrenaline-filled Aston Martin Asia Cup, Formula BMW Pacific and the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia. Away from the track, you can visit the F1 Village selling anything and everything related to F1, a range of entertainment events featuring some of Singapore’s biggest names as well as bars, restaurants and numerous Hawker Villages serving up some of the city’s tastiest dishes. So even if the sight of a F1 car leaves you cold there are plenty of excuses to get involved in this weekend-long party.
Who to Watch

If the opportunity to see these speed machines hitting 300km/h down the usually slower paced Raffles Avenue is not enough incentive, this year’s Formula One season is gearing up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. Four different drivers are all vying for the title with just a few points separating Lewis Hamilton and his Mclaren-Mercedes in first and Robert Kubica in his BMW in fourth. In between lie the two Ferraris of Kimi Räikkönen and Felipe Massa.

When it comes to potential winners in Singapore, it’s hard to look outside these three teams whose cars have dominated the racing this season. However, with street circuits it’s often about who can qualify the best as the tight track can make overtaking difficult. For the uninitiated, qualifying is all about who can get round the course in the fastest time. It can be exciting as cars only have one session and a limited time to try and record the quickest lap. This will take place on Sep 27 and shouldn’t be missed as it will have a major bearing on the outcome.

The 5.067 km track is based around the Marina Bay area, which lies to the East of downtown Singapore. With the man-made harbor as a backdrop, the track takes in many of Singapore’s most famous landmarks from the newly completed Singapore Flyer to the established Singapore Cricket Club. The highly technical course will feature 23 turns raising the prospect for plenty of exciting wheel to wheel action.
Where to Watch

There is little fun watching a car flash by in the blink of an eye. So we recommend trying to get tickets for the following corners which are good spots to catch some overtaking maneuvers:

The Turns Grandstand has a view of Turn 1 at the end of the Pit Straight so you get to see the start (often the most action-packed part of the race) and keep an eye on who is stopping for more fuel.

Stamford Grandstand has a view of Turn 7 located at the end of the Raffles Boulevard. See cars dropping from 300km/h down to 80km/h in milli-seconds.

Raffles and Connaught Grandstands has a view of Turn 14 at Esplanade Drive. This tight right hander comes at the end of a long straight, offering the opportunity for drivers to under-brake their rivals.

Singapore Flyer Grandstand for a view of Turn 22 ­­­­­­—Singapore Flyer a great spot if you want to enjoy an unrivalled view of the bay and you fancy hopping on the Giant Observation Wheel during the race.

Alternatively, single day walkabout tickets are SGD38 for Friday (Sep 26), SGD58 for Saturday (Sep 27) and SGD108 for Sunday (Sep 28). These allow you to enjoy the action up-close from various location points around the circuit. You can get tickets from www.singaporegp.sg, www.bookf1.com and www.f1singapore.com.
Essentials

Exchange rate
SGD1 = B24

When to Watch
On Sep 26, the first practice session starts at 4pm, followed by the second practice session (8-9:30pm). Then on Sep 27, the final practice session lasts from 5-6pm, before the qualifying begins at 8pm. And finally, the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix revs up on Sep 28, 8pm.

HOW TO GET THERE
Singapore Airlines (02-353-6000, www.singaporeair.com) flies daily from Bangkok to Singapore. Inclusive of taxes and surcharges, a roundtrip ticket sets you back at around B11,000.
AirAsia (02-515-9999, www.airasia.com) offers Bangkok-Singapore flights for roughly B5,500 roundtrip, inclusive of taxes and surcharges.
You can also hop on board THAI Airways (02-356-1111, www.thaiairways.com), which will cost you around B7,500 roundtrip, exclusive of taxes.

WHERE TO STAY
If you have a budget to splurge, book a room at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore (7 Raffles Ave., (+65) 6338-0001, www.ritzcarlton.com). Rates start at SGD480 per night for a single and twin room.
Artsy travelers would fall for Gallery Hotel (1 Nanson Rd., Robertson Quay, (+65) 6849-8686, www.galleryhotel.com.sg), the post-modern boutique hotel where a night in a colorful twin room costs around SGD208.
Hangout @ Mt. Emily (10A Upper Wilkie Rd., (+65) 6438-5588, www.hangouthotels.com) appeals to the budget-conscious with more affordable beds. The “no-frills, just fun” hotel has a four-day, three-night package (Sep 26-29) at SGD900 in a double bed/twin room. A bed in a dorm room is even cheaper at SGD300. Guests can buy a three-day pass General Walkabout ticket at the reception desk for an additional SGD168.

GETTING TO THE TRACK
Shuttle Bus
Shuttle bus services are available from Clarke Quay, Kallang and Lavender Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations with drop-offs near the vicinity of the Circuit Park.
Taxi
There are only three taxi points you can be dropped off and picked up over the race weekend: Fullerton Road (in front of Fullerton Hotel bus-stop), Nicoll Highway towards Guillemard Road (in front of The Concourse) and North Bridge Road (in front of Funan Centre).
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
There are two MRT stations within walking distance to the Circuit Park: City Hall MRT and Raffles Place MRT.
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