Dennis Schaal, Skift
There have been several new technologies, from the New Distribution Capability to direct-connect, and blockchain, that have at times shown promise in easing the grip of the global distribution systems. For the last 20 years, the incumbent distributors have always managed to exert or shore up their roles.
6 days ago
Maria Lenhart, Skift
The closer relationship between the American Society of Travel Advisors and its subsidiary, the renamed ASTA Small Business Network, promises greater visibility for independents with consumers. However, the real winner may be the parent organization, given the growing importance of the independent sector.
2 months ago
Dennis Schaal, Skift
These travel advisors have a certain swagger about them these days. Their U.S. trade association, the newly named American Society of Travel Advisors, is now back among the living, and has the challenge of keeping things moving in the right direction.
3 months ago
Dennis Schaal, Skift
There is something happening at the newly named American Society of Travel Advisors. It not only has a new name, but has a new energy and confidence about where it is headed as it reaches out directly to a new generation of travelers.
5 months ago
Dennis Schaal, Skift
In its rebrand to the American Society of Travel Advisors, ASTA wanted to keep the acronym as is. But is "Society" really a gateway to the future? The success or failure of the move may hinge on the effectiveness of the organization's new marketing campaign. We can't wait to give it a look.
5 months ago
Dennis Schaal, Skift
Responsible travel brands are taking steps to ban bookings of tourist attractions involving direct human interactions with animals. Given all the SeaWorld controversies that the film "Blackfish" uncovered, coupled with ongoing federal probes, couldn't ASTA have picked an alternative venue for its opening reception?
1 year ago
Austin Weinstein and Randy Woods, Bloomberg
The problem with the U.S. travel ban isn't just about the seven Muslim-majority countries. Travel agents and business travel entities fear it is having a broader impact with clients from abroad reluctant to visit the United States given all the uncertainty and unrest.
2 years ago
Andrew Sheivachman, Skift
When it comes to reaching consumers, travel agencies don't have the resources to fight against travel providers and online booking titans. They need to be more creative with the tools they do have, and many are experimenting on social media and other digital channels.
2 years ago
Dennis Schaal, Skift
Only a small percentage of Americans generally travel to Europe anyway and many will undoubtedly opt for vacations closer to home. Still, travel usually recovers a few months after a major incident unless disruptions become persistent, which is the fear.
3 years ago
Andrew Sheivachman, Skift
Travel agencies need to get younger, and more creative, if they're going to survive. For what it's worth, some agencies are doing what it takes protect themselves from the travel companies that want agents sliced out of the industry.
3 years ago
Andrew Sheivachman, Skift
As storefront agencies have disappeared, home-based agents have picked up the slack in the travel agency community. One can't help but wonder, however, if this trend has contributed to the relative invisibility of travel agents to most Americans.
3 years ago
Andrew Sheivachman, Skift
Who's more important to the airlines: shareholders or passengers? Take one guess.
3 years ago