In keeping with its promise to create an innovative forum for high-level debate and discussion on pressing travel industry issues, ASTA is pleased to announce the line-up for its third annual Retail Travel Leadership Summit (RTLS).
The event, which will be held during the THETRADESHOW in Orlando on Sept. 13 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., will examine the growing debate over what impact airline unbundling will have on the industry, the pros and cons of cross-selling and whether agencies are best served by hiring employees or independent contractors.
'Everyone in the travel industry is looking to boost revenue while limiting expenses, and the topics covered in this year's Retail Travel Leadership Summit were developed with that in mind,' said Chris Russo, ASTA president and chair. 'Attendees not only will hear from some of the industry's leading experts on these controversial topics but will come away armed with the knowledge they need to leverage opportunities into success.'
The panel discussions and topics addressed will be as follows:
SuperSizing: Does Cross Selling Enrich Your Business or Cost You? 'One-stop shopping' is often how many travel agents position their businesses, yet car rental companies, hotels and insurance vendors say that their services are often overlooked and forgotten as these products are rarely sold in conjunction with air. Why are agents forgoing this revenue? Is it not worth their effort? Or, are agents just unaware of the opportunities? Suppliers and agents will debate the issues in this panel. What's the Best Model: Employees or Independent Contractors (IC)? Adding to your human resources can help grow your business. Yet, is hiring a new employee with its added liability and responsibilities the right choice, or should you increase your use of independent contractors? Both strategies have their own drawbacks and rewards. Host Agencies or anyone thinking of expanding their business to include ICs cannot miss this debate.
The Great Debate: Airline Unbundling's Impact on the Future of Travel Distribution - Where is it all heading? Airlines are turning distribution upside down with their unbundling strategies, from baggage and seat fees to drinks and snacks. Even GDS distribution may be unbundled. American has asked some agents to 'go direct' and bypass the GDSs in the name of providing 'robust functionality' so that unbundled products can be 'merchandized.' Will this 'unbundling' frenzy expand to other sectors? Experts will debate the pitfalls and opportunities of selling ancillary services, and also prognosticate about where this is all heading.
For additional information on ASTA's Retail Travel Leadership Summit, please visit ASTA.org or contact Brooke Daniels at bdaniels@asta.org.
The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to work, invest and do business
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