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 President’s Letter
Joining the Inc. 5000!
By Mark Murphy
When Performance Media Group (PMG) set out to build a new paradigm in travel trade publishing, we weren’t thinking about awards or rankings. We were only thinking about the growing and diverse information needs of today’s travel agents -- needs that were going unmet by the traditional trade press. Read more »
 Top Stories & Trends
Caribbean Tourism Organization Names Riley Interim Secretary General
Allen Chastanet, chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), named Hugh Riley (pictured), director of marketing for the Americas, as Interim Secretary General of the organization. Riley will act in the position while the CTO’s Executive Committee completes the search for a new Secretary General. Read more »
ASTA to File Brief Against Florida Travel Sellers Law
In response to several new amendments to Florida’s Seller of Travel law, ASTA will file 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. ASTA, like the plaintiffs, said it 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. Read more »
Gustav Weakens as it Passes Haiti; on Track for Gulf
Gustav weakened to a tropical storm and a warning remained in effect for Haiti from the Dominican Republic-Haiti border westward to Le Mole St. Nicholas. A hurricane watch and a tropical storm warning are in effect for Jamaica. A hurricane warning remained in effect for Cuba for the provinces of Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba and Granma. A hurricane warning remains in effect for the Cuban provinces of Las Tunas and Holguin and all of the Cayman Islands. Read more »
Silversea’s Prince Albert II Makes Inaugural NYC Visit
Silversea Cruises’ new luxury expedition ship Prince Albert II arrived in New York City on Aug. 25 after a summer of explorations in the Arctic. While docked at the New York Cruise Terminal, the ship is hosting three days of gala receptions for members of Silversea’s Venetian Society loyalty club, travel agents, media, New York dignitaries and other special guests. Read more »
Orient Lines Debuts 2009 Europe Cruises by Marco Polo II
The resurrected Orient Lines in 2009 will operate a Europe program that includes cruises to the Baltic, Black Sea, British Lake District, Croatia, North Cape and Northern Europe. The cruises of 11 to 37 days are priced from $2,399 per person, double occupancy, including free air from selected North American gateway cities. New for 2009, the line will enhance each itinerary with a free shore excursion in selected ports. Read more »
U.S. State Department Begins Producing Passport Cards
The U.S. Department of State has begun production of the new U.S. Passport Card, a convenient, wallet-sized document to be used for re-entry into the U.S. at land border crossings and sea ports of entry when arriving from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Read more »
Spa Travel Remains Resilient in Tough Economy
Despite the pressures of a slow economy, travel agents enjoyed a strong year for spa travel bookings in 2007 and remain upbeat about the prospects for spa travel for the remainder of 2008, according to SpaFinder's 2008 State of Spa Travel survey. Read more »
- Aug 28, 2008 ASTA to File Brief Against State of Florida
- Aug 28, 2008 Caribbean Tourism Organization Names Riley Interim Secretary General
- Aug 27, 2008 GrandLuxe Rail Shutting Down Operations Aug. 29
- Aug 27, 2008 Royal Caribbean Debuts Oasis of the Seas Pool & Spa Areas
- Aug 27, 2008 Hurricane Gustav Alters Some Caribbean Cruise Itineraries
- Aug 27, 2008 FAA Communications Breakdown Delays Flights Nationwide
- Aug 27, 2008 Sabre Enables Midwest Airlines to Sell Premium Seats
- Aug 27, 2008 Study Sees Number of Online Travelers Shrinking
- Aug 27, 2008 FAA Says Port Authority Auction Suit Could Threaten Funding
- Aug 27, 2008 Sandals Extends Major Fly Free Promotion
- Aug 26, 2008 American Express Reports Airfares Hit Record Levels
- Aug 26, 2008 United Vacations Introduces FuelSafe Program
- Aug 26, 2008 Holiday Inn Brand Increases Pipeline in 2008
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