ASTA Dateline: Develop Global Contacts

 

Issue: March 24, 2010 ASTA.org Home Get to Know an International Member Eemaan Rameez, Managing Director unwind, Maldives unwind is an inbound travel agency in the Maldives that was established in 2009 and which specializes in luxury travel for leisure and group travelers. The agency currently specializes in destination management services for inbound travelers and will provide custom MICE services soon. The company strives to be a socially and environmentally responsible company and is currently seeking business partners with similar values from the United States, China, Russia and Mediterranean regions. Eemaan Rameez, managing director, has been working in the travel industry since 2002 where he started as a conference services intern at Southern New Hampshire University. Since then he has worked at the Four Seasons Resort in the Maldives where he served as a restaurant host, resort reservation agent and lived aboard their cruise boat to manage services. Rameez worked for the W Retreat & Spa as part of the pre-open sales and marketing team. He also has experience as an innkeeper at the Granite State Guesthouse in New Hampshire. Rameez is certified in business administration from the Sepang Institute of Technology and holds a Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree in Hotel & Resorts Management from the Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). He also has six Sigma Green Belt certifications. Rameez gives back to his community and has volunteered with the Service and Citizenship Program at SNHU, Heritage United Way Manchester Chapter and Global Citizens Circle in the United States. He participated in the Outstanding Student Operations and Project Management program and was also the project and public relations manager for the International Students Association at SNHU where he organized successful cultural events with more than 80 participants and an attendance of 500 people. Rameez joined ASTA in January because he says "ASTA facilitates a wonderful venue for companies, especially start-up businesses, to network with well-established ASTA members and hospitality industry veterans. It also provides an immense wealth of resources and up-to-date travel industry news valuable for companies like unwind." He recommends the Maldives for your clients who want warm weather, underwater flora and fauna and alabaster beaches. Based on an one-island-one-resort concept, Rameez says the Maldives makes the perfect private getaway for dive enthusiasts, spa aficionados, cruising and eco-conscious travelers. This Week's Sponsor: Hyatt Welcome to taking home more memories than souvenirs Welcome to a spontaneous getaway. Welcome to playing 18 holes on a weekday. Welcome to feeling the warm sand under your bare feet. Whatever your reason, create your very own getaway and save up to 30% on the Hyatt Daily Rate. Make your reservation by April 1, 2010 for stays through June 30, 2010. Click here for more information. iTrek Campaign Withdrawal Announcement Far from Accurate- Last week, ASTA applauded the cancellation of Australian travel insurance provider iTrek's 'Travel Agents Are Dead' film contest as "a sound decision." This action was based on information provided to ASTA in the good faith belief that iTrek would cancel the promotion but that information, it turned out, was mistaken. iTrek had no such intention. iTrek has continued its negative campaign against travel agents through a press release and additional postings on its Web site. Read more on ASTA.org   Webinar Update Develop Global Contacts Through ASTA Wed., March 31, 2 pm EST Join Dannette Hose, director, Partner Marketing & Member Retention, for this informative Webinar and discover why becoming an ASTA International Travel Agent member is an investment in your future. Let your friends know how joining ASTA can increase their global exposure and strengthen their business by arming them with the powerful tools needed to be successful. Register your international colleagues today. Today's GDS – It's Not Your Grandma's CRS Wed. April 7, 2 pm EST Join ASTA's Young Professional Society (YPS) Chair, Jason Coleman, as he moderates a discussion with fellow YPS member panelists, Kari Thomas of Will Travel, Inc. and Alex Trettin of TravelLeaders/Travel Center, on how their use of the GDS has changed with today's constant technological evolution. ASTA's YPS is sponsored by Best Western, Las Vegas Visitors & Convention Authority, Sabre Travel Network, and TravelAge West. For more information on GDSs, the ASTA GDS report is the only one of its kind that specifically examines GDS usage, contracts and distribution trends from the agencies' point of view and takes a close look at the reasons agencies use GDSs. Register for this Webinar today.   ASTA Partners with CLIA's cruise3sixty - The hottest ticket in town is hotter than ever with almost 1,300 agents already registered for the 2010 cruise3sixty June 2-6! Join ASTA in Vancouver as CLIA celebrates Women in Business and Travel. Meet the women who broke the "glass ceiling" and make a significant impact on the industry. Attendees can earn up to 135 CLIA Certification Credits, and there will be an exclusive ACC, MCC, ECC, ECCS and LCS reception. Plus, hands-on technology workshops, destination and product seminars, cruise line presentations, world-class keynote speakers, networking with the top industry executives and your professional travel agent peers. Want more? Ship inspections and CLIA's Hall of Fame Gala Dinner with entertainment by 42Five, presented by Celebrity Cruise and the amazing BLUE MAN GROUP, presented by Norwegian Cruise Line. Visit www.cruise3sixty.com to register or reserve your hotel and make an investment in your future!   Hurry – the International Destination Expo is in One Month! - Register now to attend the International Destination Expo (IDE), this April 19-22, in Istanbul. IDE offers travel agents the unique opportunity to earn Destination Specialist certifications while gaining first hand experience of the destination. Agents will also be able to network with local companies from Turkey and the surrounding regions that they would not have the opportunity to meet at any U.S.-based shows. Exclusive evening events such as the Welcome Reception on Suada, the only island on the Bosphorus, will give you a unique perspective on this exciting city. Just added: a new pre/post tour of Van & Akdamar Island! Time is running out – register now at www.asta.org/ide. New Exhibitors - Limited Space - Join the comprehensive list of exhibitors, now featuring the newest additions: Saxony Tourism, Tura Tourism, Nese Tour Tourism & Travel Agency, Ekol Travel and Mapa Inst. All travel-related companies located in Turkey, as well as the neighboring countries, should reserve a stand now. As an exhibitor, you will benefit from a conference program that includes open-floor exhibition, business appointments, educational seminars and networking events that will increase your U.S. business contacts. Hurry – time and space are running out. Visit www.ASTA.org/exhibit or e-mail BDaniels@asta.org.   Take Advantage of New Resources at THETRADESHOW - Attend THETRADESHOW this Sept. 12-14 in Orlando as part of the popular new Best Value Package which includes access to all on-site events and the new e-Learning Center, registration for the Retail Travel Leadership Summit and a special Orlando VIP perks package for just $99. If the Best Value Package is not for you, there are two other registration levels available. The traditional $25 registration will allow you to attend THETRADESHOW but it doesn't include access to the e-Learning Center, registration to the Retail Travel Leadership Summit or the Orlando VIP Perks package. If you can't make it to Orlando this year, you can register for the e-Learning Center Only pass for $89, however this does not include live attendance and networking at the event, RTLS registration, or the Orlando VIP Perks package. Register NOW at www.THETRADESHOW.org. THETRADESHOW to Host Travel Blogger Show - THETRADESHOW is pleased to announce its newest product—THETRAVELBLOGGERSSHOW. This two-day event, held Sept. 11-12 in conjunction with THETRADESHOW (Orlando, Sept. 12-14), will bring together travel bloggers from across the world to network and learn from one another. Bloggers will attend seminars about the travel industry and grow thier knowledge through education. Read more on THETRADESHOW.org. Attend THETRADESHOW as a Starwood Pro Hosted Buyer - Register by March 31 as a StarwoodPro agent to receive complimentary registration* to attend THETRADESHOW. Enter code "starwoodpro" in the discount code box when you register online. Hurry! Limited quantity available. Register now at www.THETRADESHOW.org. *Complimentary registration for live registration only. To upgrade registration to the Best Value Package that includes unlimited access to all educational sessions as Webinars, live attendance, registration to the Retail Travel Leadership Summit and the Orlando VIP Perks, enter discount code and the discount will be applied at check-out.   ASTA's LinkedIn Update - ASTA is on LinkedIn. ASTA is always looking for ways for travel professionals to engage one another and so we created a group exclusively for ASTA members. It's a great way to network, share ideas and connect with one another. Join us! Recent Discussions IDE Arrangements Posted by Donna Zabel, 6 comments I am having such fun with this easy home business! Posted by Miles Willis, Managing Director at Sure Tours (Pty) Ltd. ASTAPAC/Premium Lunch at IDE Posted by Colin Tooze, Vice President, Government Affairs at ASTA I am organizing a "Ecuadorian Coffee Harvesting Tour" in June 2010. This tour is for all "Coffee Drinkers" who like to know more about this excellent drink. Write me a message if you have interest. Posted by Peter Lauffer, General Manager & Owner at TrueColors Travel Balanced Scorecard in Travel and Tourism Posted by Moses Mwangi, Owner, AfriChoice Tours & Travel Ltd., 2 comments Sharing a Business Opportunity Posted by Miles Willis, Managing Director at Sure Tours (Pty) Ltd. Travel agents! Regarding tours to Hungary and surrounding area Posted by Gabriella Hajdu, Tour operator offering deluxe tours to Hungary & Independent Meeting Planner, 3 comments Travel agent survey - need help ASAP! Posted by Maya Northen, Associate Content Editor at Travel Tribe, 4 comments New Members Monique Rodriguez, president at Cortez Travel & Expeditions; Jennifer Ilagan, CTC, Los Angeles, CA; Joseph Fienberg, president at Condominium Connection, Los Angeles, CA; Jim Wells, president at World Travel, Inc., Philadelphia, PA; Manon Van Der Veen, marketing director for Morukuru Family, Almere Stad Area, Netherlands; and Barbara Haunschild, manager at Brush Country Travel, Austin, TX have joined ASTA's LinkedIn group in the last week.   Member Benefit Spotlight -  Have you been putting-off taking advantage of ASTA's benefits simply because you don't know where to start? Are you ready to use ASTA's Agency Specialization Databases? Marketing your products and services to ASTA members is easy when you order travel agent lists by specialization. ASTA has developed a unique member database which contains information on travel agency specialties in type of travel and geographic destinations. These mailing lists allow you to target your marketing materials to the agents who are most likely to sell your product. With continuous updates, you are always ensured of receiving the latest agent information possible. ASTA can conduct a custom database search and provide you with mailing lists that include full contact information, e.g. company name, contact name, mailing address, e-mail, and phone. Click here for more information.   State Department Travel Warnings, Announcements - The Department of State has issued travel warnings and/or announcements regarding travel for American citizens to Kenya, Haiti, Mexico, Colombia, Eritrea, Central African Republic, Yemen, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Sudan, Somalia, Mauritania, Chad, Mali, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Algeria, Guinea, Lebanon, Cote d'Ivoire, Philippines, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Afghanistan, Burundi, Nigeria, Iran, Uzbekistan and Georgia. For more information, visit the State Department Web site.   AMSI Featured Product: Excel Excel's ASTA Gold Plan Offers High Quality Phone Service Savings Cost conscious? Excel's ASTA Gold Plan is worth checking out with extremely low long distance rates within the United States and to more than 235 countries. There are no day or time restrictions and no minimum usage requirements. Excel's next generation network delivers the business-grade quality and reliability you need. In other words, Excel's services are the perfect fit for the travel industry with cost savings opportunities that are perfect for business. Click here to learn more or call 1.866.295.ASTA.

Welcome New ASTA Members::: Domestic International Andy Some, Accelerated Performance Group, LLC, Randolph, NJ, www.acceleratedpg.com Derek Bergl, Pied Piper Travel, New York, NY, www.piedpipertravel.com Myisha Bratlien, Worldview Travel, Santa Ana, CA, www.worldviewtravel.com Marie Walker, Anguilla Tourist Board, White Plains, NY, www.anguilla-vacation.com Jennifer Merwarth, BMI - British Midland Airways, Scottsdale, AZ, www.flybmi-agent.com Lorene Flewellen, Blue Vista Travel, Wheaton, IL, www.bluevistatravel.com Melanie Mazeline, Attraction Travel, Oakland, CA Kathleen L. Curran, A Rush Passport & Visa Inc., Austin, TX, www.arushpassport.com George Laurie, Latika Adventure Travel Inc., Pasadena, CA, www.latikaperutravel.com Corinne Goodman, Down Under Endeavours Inc., Chicago, IL, DownUnderEndeavours.com Michele Miyasaki, Nexion, Southlake, TX, www.nexion.com Olga Canales, Agencia de Viajes Canales, Arecibo, PR Gabriella Latini, Plaza Travel, Encino, CA, www.plazatravel.com Liyuan Xue, Insight Tours, Los Angeles, CA, www.bestinsighttours.com Carolyn Viles, Tourism Cares, Canton, MA, www.tourismcares.org Lynne Kaplan, Superior Travel, Baldwin, NY, www.superiortravel.com Theresa Tortorello, Destination Vacation, Inc., Elmhurst, IL, www.destinationvacationinc.com Frank Roberts, The Vacation Center, Aurora, CO, Vacation1234.com Abdul Salam Zoud, Rabetat Ahel Al Sunnah Wal Jamaah, Lakemba, Australia Karim Ben Jemia,  FM Travel Services, Paris, France   Judith Isaacson, Drive-Israel.com, Rehovot, Israel, www.drive-israel.com Rafi Shelef, International Travel & Congresses, Tel Aviv, Israel Mary Muli, Kiangazi Tours and Travel Ltd., Mombasa, Kenya, www.kiangazi.net Mariyam Zahira, Alman Maldives Pvt Ltd., Male, Maldives, www.almanholidays.com Palmi Jonsson, Nordic Visitor, Oslo, Norway, www.norwayvisitor.com Ma. Cristina Cortez, TravelPeople Ltd., Inc., Ermita Manila, Philippines, www.travelpeople.com.ph Inga Drinevskaya, Ekaterina, Perm, Russia, www.english.tk-ekaterina.com Gisela Franca Oliveira, Mozambique Tourism, Rivonia, South Africa, www.mozambiquetourism.co.za Yakup Dinler, Royal Balloon, Nevsehir, Turkey, www.royalballoon.com B. Sinan Tunc, Bronz Turizm Yatirimlari A.S., Istanbul, Turkey, www.bronce.net Magoba Joseph, Bunyonyi Safaris Ltd., Kampala, Uganda, www.bunyonyi.com Ronnie Pook, The Scotland Tours Co. Ltd., Dunfermline, United Kingdom, www.scotland-tours.com

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