|
|
|
|
|
Dubai to Host ASTA’s 2013 International Destination Expo
ASTA’s global IDE expands agents’ destination knowledge
Contact: Kristina Rundquist
pr@asta.org
Alexandria, Va., March 5, 2012—Travel
agents interested in expanding their knowledge of the Middle
East as a destination for their clients should make plans to
attend ASTA’s eighth annual International Destination Expo
(IDE) in Dubai, April 3-7, 2013. Through its International
Destination Expo, ASTA continues its global push to provide
certified destination training and provides agents with the
vital skills to market their business and increase sales.
Said ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar: “Dubai is an amazing, growing
destination that is expected to host more than 15 million
international tourists annually by 2015. We want to ensure
our global travel agent members are fully equipped to
fulfill their customer’s expectations on Dubai with hands-on
and on-the -ground experience.”
At ASTA's 2013 International Destination Expo, attendees
will discover why the key to increasing sales to Arabia is
“Definitely Dubai.” With a destination training program like
no other, travel agents not only learn how to sell the
destination but make personal connections with local
suppliers they won’t meet at any other tradeshow. Agents
return home with ASTA’s industry-recognized Destination
Specialist certification, giving them an edge over their
competition. As part of the event, attendees will
participate in exclusive training seminars that go beyond
the ordinary and provide real-life experiences to share with
their clients.
In addition to classroom training, attendees can take part
in an exciting line-up of pre- and post-tours that include
Dubai’s most iconic attractions, such as the Dubai
Gold/Spice Souk, downtown Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab
Hotel--designed to resemble a billowing sail--and Jumeirah
Beach. Other tours take in Dubai’s premier golfing and
shopping opportunities, while history and culture lovers
will have the chance to explore the Dubai Museum - Al Fahidi
Fort, Dubai Jumeirah Mosque and the traditional courtyard
district of Bastakiya.
Thanks to select partnerships, ASTA is able to offer
conference delegates special negotiated rates throughout
Dubai. Emirates, the official airline of ASTA’s
International Destination Expo, is making an exclusive offer
of 30 percent off published market fares in Business and
Economy class to registered attendees.
And when it comes to accommodations, from renowned luxury
properties to cheerful hotels for those on a budget, ASTA’s
IDE offers hotels to meet agents’ specific needs. IDE
delegates can choose from select properties in such
well-known areas as Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Beach, the
Palm, Dubai International Financial Center, Business Bay or
Deira. All official functions will take place at the Madinat
Jumeirah but delegates may also choose from these specially
selected IDE hotels: Jumeirah Group, JW Marriott Marquis,
Intercontinental Dubai Festival, Pullman Hotels and Crown
Plaza.
Registration includes:
-
Focused, destination education sessions not found
anywhere else;
-
Personal connections with local suppliers on the
exhibition floor and throughout the event;
-
Admission to three lavish evening networking events;
-
Complimentary sightseeing and specially priced pre- and
post-tour options; and
-
Reduced airfare on the incomparable Emirates, the
Official Airline of IDE Dubai.
ASTA would like to thank the following sponsors for their
support: Dubai, Jumeirah Group, InterContinental Hotels
Group and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
ABOUT ASTA
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.
ASTA, short for the American Society of Travel Agents,
is the world's largest association of travel
professionals. Our members include travel agents and the
companies whose products they sell such as tours,
cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc. We are the leading
advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the
traveling public.
ASTA offers many benefits to its members and the
traveling public. The majority of ASTA's members are
travel agencies. However, travel suppliers, such as
airlines, hotels, car rental firms, cruise lines, and
tour operators join ASTA. We also have membership
categories for students, travel schools, retail travel
sellers, and others. ASTA is the organization for anyone
related to the travel.
Travel Awards - Recognizing Top Travel Professionals
 As
one of the travel industry's premier organizations, ASTA
strives to promote excellence within the trade. To that
end, ASTA presents several top-level awards to recognize
those professionals who make lasting contributions to
the travel industry.
Travel Agent of the Year recognizes an active travel
agent member who has made a great contribution to the
travel industry and whose outstanding influence and
professional activity have advanced the status of travel
agents.
The Allied
Member Award recognizes a person or company whose
contributions to travel have positively impacted the
travel agency community.
The Travel
Hall of Fame Award recognizes and honors individuals
whose careers have made an enduring impact on the
development and expansion of the travel and tourism
industry.
The Young
Professional Award is a brand new award intended to
recognize the efforts of an outstanding young travel
professional.
The Lifetime
Achievement Award presented periodically to honor a
travel industry luminary whose creativity, dedication
and inspiration have advanced the travel and tourism
industry. |
|
|
