Delaware Valley ASTA

Hi Delaware Valley ASTA members! If you have a few minutes would you please take a few minutes to fill out this survey? It takes less than 5 mins to complete! We appreciate you taking the time to fill it out!

https://forms.gle/zpt1HDf2iQeb7smNA

Delaware Valley Chapter Member Survey

is tomorrow, Tuesday October 19th from 10AM-7PM(EDT) via Facebook Live.

Click here to get a Facebook Live reminder and join us:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=4641641619208822&id=184943371545358

Your friends here at the ASTA - American Society of Travel Advisors Delaware Valley Chapter are extremely proud to announce we've been awarded the Robert Duglin Chapter Excellence Award which is given to recognize the chapter whose activities were deemed most impressive to the organization.

IMPORTANT - Whether you are a small business owner or an employee, we need your help there in a big way with little effort. We are still fighting to add Travel Agencies to the SAVE act to provide relief to businesses impacted by COVID.

We have all been cancelling trips every month and sadly seeing revenues disappear far longer than ever expecting. Help is available if we stand up now and be acknowledged. So much help has been provided to other industries without even asking. Please follow the instructions below to help us all.

Please sign and send on to anyone you know as well sending a message to your Congressperson through the links below.

It is truly incomprehensible that Travel Agencies were not included in this legislation. We make the reservations for many of the industries already included in the Shuttered Venue Government Relief Program (SAVE). Adding Agencies to this program would be logical and complement the Congressional intent of this relief program.
Sign the Change.Org petition:
https://www.change.org/p/nydia-m-velazquez-pass-the-save-act-h-r-2120-to-help-travel-agencies?fbclid=IwAR3OejM480eoxS9o7huNzfoMYxP3135Tf60iPz9KSGkfzEmwgoJuzHhPr3I
Tell your Congressperson:
https://www.votervoice.net/mobile/ASTA/Campaigns/83239/Respond

The world’s platform for change Change.org is the world’s largest petition platform, using technology to empower more than 200 million users to create the change they want to see.

Delaware Valley ASTA members monthly meeting is next week! April 20th at 4 PM. We will be getting an update from CLIA's own VP of Industry & Trade Relations, Charles A B Sylvia ECC. Please use the following link now to register: Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0qfu-vqjsvHN0dWLXrrdsefZUspX6FKWMs

As a reminder - May 18th is ASTA's Leg Day. For those not registered to join us in DC, please take the day to reach out to your state representatives. They need to hear your voice and read your own business story about how Covid-19 has impacted your bottom line. Follow your ASTA.org emails to learn more about the 'asks'.

May 25th will be the May meeting for a discussion about the professional certification you can receive through ASTA. The VTA is not a lead service, it is one of the best acknowledgements of your professionalism. Please consider taking advantage of the VTA discount in 2021 and market yourself as a Verified Travel Advisor through ASTA.

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Delaware Valley Chapter - April Meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. We will be having; Mr.Charles A. B. Sylvia, ECC, VP, Industry, and Trade Relations of CLIA

Reminder email - Join fellow ASTA members on March 16th when the Del Val Chapter hosts the Airline Reporting Corporation (we know them as ARC). John Pittman, the Managing Director of Customer Success, who overseas ARC’s relationship with key travel agencies, airlines, and corporate travel departments brings us news. John served as Senior Vice President at The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) so he has the unique view from both sides of the aisle!

You are invited to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Delaware Valley March Meeting
Time: Mar 16, 2021 04:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91066190883?pwd=cWpRUDF6S2Z5VzFVUXhtNXVNZFFaZz09

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...

Mark your calendar - DelVal meeting for March - John Pittman from ARC will be joining us - 4 PM, March 16th.

April's guest will be Charles Sylvia from CLIA.

May's guest speaker will be an ASTA representative.

We hope you will mark your calendars and join us! These industry executives will be sharing the latest updates.

Royal Caribbean just released RCL Cares loan program for travel agencies. You can find the details under Cruisingpower.com using your log in information. Loan amounts available are already loaded under your specific agency information. Eligibility is determined by their review board.

Tuesday, February 16 - 4 PM.

Please join your Delaware Valley Chapter of ASTA for our first meeting of 2021.

Meet fellow Chapter members virtually!

Our Presenter will be Ashley Kooker of Sandals. You will also have the opportunity to meet the BDMs from Central PA, Delaware, and the New Jersey regions.

There is much going on with Sandals and Ashley along with her counterparts will be there to navigate you through.

You will also have the opportunity to meet our Social Media team.

We hope to see you on Tuesday! Please copy and paste the below in your calendar now and join us this coming Tuesday st 4 PM.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97346887254?pwd=SVVKZjYzZ28zNUVGcWJZSmRQd0UvZz09

Meeting ID: 973 4688 7254

Passcode: 429351
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,97346887254 #,,,,*429351 # US (Washington DC)

Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, confer...

Act now! Congress considering relief bill starting this week
With Congress expected to write and pass another round of COVID-19 relief legislation by mid-March, ASTA staff and outside lobbyist are working around the clock to push for our COVID relief priorities. These include creation of a grant program for travel agencies, making agencies eligible for the 3.5 times monthly payroll bonus payments under the 2nd round of the Paycheck Protection Program and actions to mitigate the consequences of the Canadian government’s decision to close its ports to cruise ships through February 2022.

But your Members of Congress need to hear from YOU as well in the short window we have to affect the legislative process. Please take two minutes out of your day to call or email Congress through our grassroots portal below. Thank you! Visit www.ASTA.ORG for easy access to your specific Congressional representatives and the prewritten letter!

In response to the CDC's recent requirement for a negative Covid-19 test to all air passengers entering the US effective January 26, 2021, the AIC Hotel Group along with other premium and luxury hoteliers are offering convenient and affordable onsite testing options and medical assistance. AIC (Hard Rock, UNICO, and Nobu Los Cabos is offering 2 complimentary antigen tests per bedroom through December 31, 2021 travel. Please check with your hotel rep or cooperative for a list of those properties quickly moving to accommodate your traveler's needs.

Fluid is the word for 2021. The CDC's latest requirement for testing 72 hours prior to entering the US for all travelers has created another challenge for travel retailers. Hoteliers, Tourism Boards, and Air responding as quickly as possible. Hopefully, we can get the CDC to waive this requirement for travelers who have been vaccinated.

Happy New Year fellow Travel Advisors! 2021's much anticipated arrival is here and we are all optimistic that the desire to travel will be fulfilled soon!

FYI - ASTA has had a tough fight this past year as our advocate including at the State of Delaware level to get additional DE Relief Funds to our business owners who applied. ASTA Memberships expired Dec 31. Please support them in their hard work on our behalf by renewing your membership! Please check with your cooperative/consortia/ or host for any annual membership discounts.

To bring your membership up to date you can:

1. Renew online* by logging in online to your asta.org account
2. Email them at [email protected] to request your renewal invoice
3. Call them at 800-275-2782 to renew over the phone

Delaware Valley ASTA updated their address.

Part 2 of our Virtual Trade show is tonight starting at 6 PM EST. Tuesday's was awesome, please join tonight if you are available. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7907017332066689804

Delaware Valley ASTA Chapter Trade Show- Day Two Join my upcoming webinar! Sign up today!

Part one of our virtual trade show is starting now. Here is the link for Tuesday, June 23rd 1: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1137648595780017164

Delaware Valley ASTA Chapter Trade Show- Day One Join my upcoming webinar! Sign up today!

Delaware Valley ASTA is sponsoring along with the other Northeast ASTA Chapters, a blood drive June 1 - August 31. In this time of covid-19, please encourage your friends to also give. Sign up anytime by going to https://sleevesup.redcrossblood.org/…/asta-delaware-valley…/ then post a pic with the hashtag

The Red Cross urgently needs blood donations to prevent another blood shortage as hospitals resume surgical procedures & patient treatments that were paused this spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re healthy and feeling well, please schedule your appointment to help save lives

Keep informed, be ready. Here’s some helpful information on the CARES Act. If you are not a member of our industry’s largest organization, please think about joining, now OSs the perfect time.

Interim Guidance re: Applying for Financial Relief Under the CARES Act

Really good webinar hosted by ASTA's Zane Kirby. They did record it. Attached find the letter from Zane with a note from the DelVal ASTA Chapter presiden below:

Dear Delaware Valley Chapter Members,

As you are aware, life as we are used to has changed. Our industry as we know it has been affected to an extreme. We your Delaware Valley Chapter Officers, would like for you to know if there is anything we can assist you with, we are here.

We are not sure if you heard Zane Kerby, President & CEO of ASTA, at three o’clock today, address how and what ASTA is doing in light of the virus. If you can, go on the ASTA website and take a listen. If you are unable to find it on the website, please see the below message from Zane Kerby
Dear ASTA Members,

As the severity of the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak continues to grow globally and with concerning impact to the health and well-being of the public, ASTA would like to commend the many travel suppliers and ASTA partners that have revised their travel agency commission payment practices by making commission’s payable upon booking rather than at the time of travel. This support to the ASTA agency community, in recognition of the value they bring to travel distribution, is greatly appreciated during this difficult time, and especially by those small business members whose livelihoods have been gravely impacted. To affirm the value of and trust suppliers place in the agency community in this manner is extraordinary. We thank you.

To increase the positive impact of these actions, ASTA encourages all travel suppliers to implement similar changes to their commission payment structures in recognition of the significance we know you place on the agency distribution channel and the key role it plays in your own success, both now and into the future.

In addition, during this trying time we encourage Global Distribution Systems to suspend, or waive altogether, any booking shortfall penalties that may be due to the GDS under an agency contract. Without question, the further financial hardship presented by these penalties to the loyal agency community - so valued in the distribution space - at a time when the impact to booking volumes is far beyond their normal control, warrants this consideration.

On behalf of our ASTA members, I thank our valued partners for their help, progress with and understanding of these specific items as well as any others they advance that will be of value and benefit to the agency community. Consideration given to your ASTA travel advisor partners will help everyone over the long-term.

Sincerely,


Zane Kerby
President & CEO
American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA)

We had several activities scheduled for this year with, which we were going to roll out as they drew near. For example, this past weekend event at the Travel Adventure Show at the Convention Center and this Wednesday’s Trade Show with North Jersey Chapter, to name a few.
At this time, the upcoming Delaware Valley Chapter Trade Show, at the Doubletree Hilton in Wilmington, DE, on Wednesday, June 24th, has not been cancelled. Nor, the Saturday, June 6th family day with the North Jersey Chapter, at Great Adventure.
If it appears by the end of April/first week in May, that this virus has not shown sign of slowing down, we will look to cancel Great Adventure and maybe reschedule our Trade Show until September.
We the Officers ask that you please follow the CDC as how to navigate your way through this health crisis. Please be safe, wash your hands, stay home as much as you can and most of all Pray for the healing of our country and the world.

Denise Coubarous-Payne, President
Steven Green, Vice President

Join Zane Kirby for a COVID-19 update on March 16 at 3 PM.
https://www.asta.org/Events/WebinarList.cfm?navItemNumber=11329

News - ASTA ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public. Expand your world. Go with the pros.

This is a very dangerous law that will greatly hinder IC travel advisors who reside in New Jersey.

ASTA is asking that all residents in New Jersey get involved and contact their representatives to amend this to protect travel advisors. Follow the link below
https://www.asta.org/Government/Advocacy.cfm?navItemNumber=11180

New Jersey Could Vote on Independent Contractor Bill in 'Next Few Weeks' After a successful campaign in California and an ongoing battle in New York, ASTA is now taking aim at ‘unfair’ independent contractor bill in New Jersey.

Here’s a slide of the states that ASTA fought for and won tax fights for travel advisors and California ICs

We will be having a webinar with the Jamaica Travel Network to look at the ways to make more commission booking Jamaica. Visit them at WWW.JAMAICATRAVELNETWORK.COM Join us on November 21 at 1 PM. More details to come later.

BIG NEWS! Come out and join the Delaware Valley Chapter and the World Media Group for a Piedmont Italia Dinner, with giveaways: Tuesday, June 25 – Philadelphia / South Jersey / 6 to 9pm IL Villaggio Restaurant at 211 Haddonfield-Berlin Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. http://www.ilvillaggiocherryhill.com/ Requirements: Three (3) business cards (must have your name on the cards), must be in the Travel industry and $10. Message if interested

"ATL Langhe Monferrato Roero, one of the greatest areas of Piedmont, cordially invites you to an exclusive Italian dinner presentation with great Italian food and wine. Join us as we present this particular area of Piedmont, including where Passion Play will take place in 2020, in Sordevolo, Italia.

We’ll have a very special guest from Passion Play at our dinner and have trip giveaways, too. "

FUTURE-PROOFING YOUR YOUR TRAVEL BUSINESS: UNDERSTANDING CLIMATE CHANGE AND WHAT YOU CAN DO. ASTA's Board of Directors is offering a webinar on Climate Change and the impact on travel businesses. W hope you will join in this timely discussion on May 7 at 2pm ET

register.gotowebinar.com

Sorry for the late update, I trust that we've all been blessed with a busy season. It's a good time to be a travel professional. Please bring the attached form with you if you are attending our first meeting of the New Year on Monday, March 18 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Iron Hill Brewery & Resturant 8400 Germantown Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19118. Part of our meals will help fund our chapter. Hope to see you there.

Urgent request: I'm sure most of you have heard about this, but we do ask that our Pennsylvania members take action.

ASTA Urges Support Against Pennsylvania Tax Bill The bill is aimed at large, out-of-state online agencies, but its new hotel tax will detrimentally impact traditional brick-and-mortar travel advisors.

Great news! Just one more example of the importance of ASTAPAC support

ASTA Claims Victory for Travel Agents in FAA Bill Compromise The bill also excluded a proposed crack down on airline fees that would have required that airlines justify their ancillary charges.

Urgent Update, click on link below:

ASTA is doing everything it can to shape the final version of federal legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, which must be finalized by September 30.

While negotiations have moved behind closed doors and there remains a possibility that Congress will simply extend current law rather than pass a fully-formed bill, we believe that now might be the last chance for you to weigh in with your Members of Congress on these critical issues.

We are asking that you take two minutes out of your day to do so through our grassroots portal. ESPECIALLY OUR ADVISORS LIVING IN THE KEY STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.

Advocacy - ASTA ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public. Expand your world. Go with the pros.

We are so edited to see the new logo and new name demonstrating our new focus The American Society of Travel Advisors.

Thanks to everyone who made the day a success, especially Denise. By the way, nice banner.

Family Fun Day for the Delaware Valley Chapter of ASTA. Here we are with chapter president Denise Couba-Payne, who was having a bit of fun, and a snazzy banner designed by our Steve, the chapter VP. Johanna had to represent since he’s in Peru!

We've received a number of 'maybes' for the Del Val ASTA Day at Dorney Park. We do need to know by Thursday if there are enough 'yes' people registering for the event to move forward. Please respond to the info on the flyer.

Here is the updated Dorney Park Del Val ASTA Day flyer. You can now buy tix, feel free to invite friends and family. See you there.

We're planning Del-Val ASTA Dorney Park Day Saturday July 28. Admission includes park entrance, food, and parking. Price for ASTA/NACTA members is $55 per person, $50 for 4 or more. For non-ASTA/NACTA members, $60 per person, $55 4 or more. Bring your family and friends. Sale of tix will begin soon and must be purchased through DEL Val ASTA, more info to come.

We're all travel professionals. So where are you going next?

Looking forward to meeting some of you at the ASTA Greece Expo later this week and next week. My wife and 2 other agents are on the pre-fam cruise, and it looks beautiful.

Delaware Valley ASTA Dinner with Randy from Celtic Tours World Vacations and John from MSC Cruises. What a great night! Great job Denise

Something 'Just Because' for you

3 Reasons NOT to Use a Travel Agent After posting a video on why you SHOULD use a travel agent, this time Nolan Burris turns it all around. Here are three great reasons NOT to use one!