Flight Safaris joins ASTA (Ameriacan Society of Travel Agents)
In our pursuit to serve you even more, we have joined ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) . ASTA is the most reputed travel association...
http://flightsafaris.blogspot.com/2014/03/flight-safaris-joins-asta-ameriacan.html
In our pursuit to serve you even more, we have joined ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents). ASTA is the most reputed travel association in the world. View our membership certificate below:
ASTAcert
Adavantages of Using An ASTA member company:
These are the thousands of international members within ASTA. These members, when properly connected with your business, are the equivalent of having a branch office in 135 countries around the world. Having this expertise will greatly add to your ability to offer your clients more choices, which should enhance your profitability.
This does not mean that you should use an international receptive operator for every international client. Depending on your clientele, you may only rarely use an ASTA International member and instead use U.S. tour operators. Knowing when and how to use international receptive operators, however, will set you apart from your competition.
More Choices
ASTA international members can provide a wide array of choices for you and your clients, from a single service, like a private car with guide or hotel reservation, to complex multi-country itineraries. By having a local contact, ASTA members in the United States can get the benefit of using someone intimately familiar with the product. For example, a local receptive operator may know whether the hotel in which your client is interested is really a five star, or perhaps whether, regardless of its rating, it is undergoing renovation.
Inside Advantage
International receptive operators can also open doors that appear to be closed. Sometimes you find yourself unable to book your client's preferred property because it's sold out. ASTA's international members may be able to help you, because many maintain blocks of rooms year-round at a variety of price levels. This could mean you get a desired room at a lower price, instead of switching your client to a less appealing property. Or maybe you need help with a special service, like home stays. Our international members can recommend other companies who may be able to help if they can't.
Local Perspective
ASTA's international members really stand out in preparing specialized itineraries. An international receptive operator in London might arrange a package for clients who want to go to the Chelsea flower show. The receptive operator organizes the transfers, hotels and entrance fees to the show, then also adds visits to Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace. Those wanting to stay longer could visit stately homes in England and Scotland. Local knowledge and expertise is invaluable when arranging such tours.
International Connections
Our international members network among themselves, which allows them to assist American travel agents wanting multiple city or country itineraries. A receptive operator in London might contact ASTA International members in Paris and Amsterdam to provide assistance. The travel agent and clients benefit from each operator's understanding of special events, restaurants, unique sights and a host of other opportunities. Having one operator coordinate the package ensures the same standard for hotels and other components throughout the trip.
Getting Down to Business
Given that ASTA International members can help your business, how do you meet them and how do you choose which ones with which to do business? The ASTA World Congress and various trade shows are great opportunities to meet and get to know international receptive operators. With a little effort, you can meet operators from every country in the world.
American agents should not be apprehensive about going into an elaborate booth set up by international countries and companies if they don't have orders to write up on the spot. ASTA's international members have informed us that networking with American agents is one of the prime reasons they belong to ASTA; they will welcome you.
ASTA's World Membership Directory is also an excellent resource. ASTA international members' listings are coded to identify which ones are receptive operators, plus many have advertisements offering additional company information.
What is the best way to contact an international member for assistance, and how can I insure a quick response?
The most efficient ways to request information is by e-mail or fax. E-mail addresses and/or fax numbers are usually listed in the World Membership Directory.
Be specific. The more specific your request, the better the chance of having it fulfilled correctly and within a reasonable time frame. The request should also be very specific regarding the price range of the client as well as where the client wants to go. The international member can then provide the details that are needed.
Should I work with just one member, or should I compare price quotes from three or four different members?
Unless you've worked with the operator before and you know you've got a good rate, you may want to contact additional ASTA international members. Once you make your choice, it's a good idea to let the others know why you didn't select them.
What about transferring funds to an international receptive operator?
Credit cards are the easiest, and most ASTA international receptive operators will take them. Make sure you discuss this with the operator during your first communication.
Should a U.S. agency be concerned about maintaining its identity and reputation when using an international receptive operator company?
Not if the company is a good ASTA member and has a good reputation. Your clients recognize that you don't have an office in Istanbul or Athens or other international locations. They expect you to work with a tour operator or agent who has integrity.
Working with ASTA's international members gives American ASTA members a tremendous competitive advantage. Let your major customers know that you have these international contacts. When they travel overseas, you can offer them more choices, which will increase their satisfaction and your bottom line.
ASTAcert
Adavantages of Using An ASTA member company:
These are the thousands of international members within ASTA. These members, when properly connected with your business, are the equivalent of having a branch office in 135 countries around the world. Having this expertise will greatly add to your ability to offer your clients more choices, which should enhance your profitability.
This does not mean that you should use an international receptive operator for every international client. Depending on your clientele, you may only rarely use an ASTA International member and instead use U.S. tour operators. Knowing when and how to use international receptive operators, however, will set you apart from your competition.
More Choices
ASTA international members can provide a wide array of choices for you and your clients, from a single service, like a private car with guide or hotel reservation, to complex multi-country itineraries. By having a local contact, ASTA members in the United States can get the benefit of using someone intimately familiar with the product. For example, a local receptive operator may know whether the hotel in which your client is interested is really a five star, or perhaps whether, regardless of its rating, it is undergoing renovation.
Inside Advantage
International receptive operators can also open doors that appear to be closed. Sometimes you find yourself unable to book your client's preferred property because it's sold out. ASTA's international members may be able to help you, because many maintain blocks of rooms year-round at a variety of price levels. This could mean you get a desired room at a lower price, instead of switching your client to a less appealing property. Or maybe you need help with a special service, like home stays. Our international members can recommend other companies who may be able to help if they can't.
Local Perspective
ASTA's international members really stand out in preparing specialized itineraries. An international receptive operator in London might arrange a package for clients who want to go to the Chelsea flower show. The receptive operator organizes the transfers, hotels and entrance fees to the show, then also adds visits to Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace. Those wanting to stay longer could visit stately homes in England and Scotland. Local knowledge and expertise is invaluable when arranging such tours.
International Connections
Our international members network among themselves, which allows them to assist American travel agents wanting multiple city or country itineraries. A receptive operator in London might contact ASTA International members in Paris and Amsterdam to provide assistance. The travel agent and clients benefit from each operator's understanding of special events, restaurants, unique sights and a host of other opportunities. Having one operator coordinate the package ensures the same standard for hotels and other components throughout the trip.
Getting Down to Business
Given that ASTA International members can help your business, how do you meet them and how do you choose which ones with which to do business? The ASTA World Congress and various trade shows are great opportunities to meet and get to know international receptive operators. With a little effort, you can meet operators from every country in the world.
American agents should not be apprehensive about going into an elaborate booth set up by international countries and companies if they don't have orders to write up on the spot. ASTA's international members have informed us that networking with American agents is one of the prime reasons they belong to ASTA; they will welcome you.
ASTA's World Membership Directory is also an excellent resource. ASTA international members' listings are coded to identify which ones are receptive operators, plus many have advertisements offering additional company information.
What is the best way to contact an international member for assistance, and how can I insure a quick response?
The most efficient ways to request information is by e-mail or fax. E-mail addresses and/or fax numbers are usually listed in the World Membership Directory.
Be specific. The more specific your request, the better the chance of having it fulfilled correctly and within a reasonable time frame. The request should also be very specific regarding the price range of the client as well as where the client wants to go. The international member can then provide the details that are needed.
Should I work with just one member, or should I compare price quotes from three or four different members?
Unless you've worked with the operator before and you know you've got a good rate, you may want to contact additional ASTA international members. Once you make your choice, it's a good idea to let the others know why you didn't select them.
What about transferring funds to an international receptive operator?
Credit cards are the easiest, and most ASTA international receptive operators will take them. Make sure you discuss this with the operator during your first communication.
Should a U.S. agency be concerned about maintaining its identity and reputation when using an international receptive operator company?
Not if the company is a good ASTA member and has a good reputation. Your clients recognize that you don't have an office in Istanbul or Athens or other international locations. They expect you to work with a tour operator or agent who has integrity.
Working with ASTA's international members gives American ASTA members a tremendous competitive advantage. Let your major customers know that you have these international contacts. When they travel overseas, you can offer them more choices, which will increase their satisfaction and your bottom line.
