Latest news with #ZaneKerby
Travel Weekly
a day ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Advocacy efforts by ASTA, ACTA take the stage at AMG's confab
ORLANDO -- "How many of you have had trouble collecting hotel commissions?" ASTA president and CEO Zane Kerby asked a room full of advisors at American Marketing Group's Travel Market 2025 here -- and throughout the room, advisors vocalized their agreement. "It's a big problem," Kerby said, "and it's something ASTA has taken very, very seriously." ASTA two years ago published a list of suppliers who pay commissions within 30 days of an advisor remitting payment. While he didn't provide further details, Kerby said ASTA is gearing up to take on the suppliers who aren't on that list. "We're going to really start calling out those people who do not pay commissions on time, because that's a problem for the industry," he said to applause. "It's a problem for you; it's a problem for us." Kerby was part of an on-stage discussion about advocacy alongside Wendy Paradis, president of the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA). Kerby highlighted some of ASTA's other advocacy efforts of late, including its battle to repeal the rule requiring the merchant of record, in some cases agents, to refund airline passengers even if they don't possess the funds; a recently won tax battle in Nebraska; and a fight against a new 11% tax on bookings for cruises in Hawaiian waters. For Canadian agencies, a focus on tariffs In Canada, the No. 1 issue for travel agencies is the potential impact of tariffs implemented by the U.S., Paradis said. Right now, agencies are mostly in wait-and-see mode, but the implications of tariffs could be great. ACTA has done forecasting regarding tariffs and what would happen if they stayed in place, as is, for any length of time. For people to travel, they need to have jobs and disposable income, and if the tariffs sap jobs and income of Canadian advisors' clients, advisor business would be affected. "Should they stay in place, the impact on Ontario and Quebec, which are the largest travel industry provinces in Canada, is much worse than the pandemic," she said. But the effects would take "months and months to unfold," Paradis said. In the meantime, ACTA continues to advocate on behalf of Canada and the travel industry. Travel advisors working with an older clientele will likely fare better, she said: Baby Boomers are the largest group of travelers in Canada right now, and for the most part they are empty-nesters with paid-off mortgages. Millennials and Gen X travelers, by contrast, are likely less resilient.
Travel Weekly
6 days ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
ASTA's Zane Kerby addresses key issues for travel advisors
ASTA CEO Zane Kerby sat down with tours and river cruise editor Brinley Hineman at the Society's Salt Lake City conference last month, where they discussed AI and the impact it will have on travel advisors, the organization's key priorities for advocacy efforts and how members' businesses are faring amid an uncertain economy. Zane Kerby Q: What are some key advocacy efforts underway? A: We have really important touchpoints with the Department of Transportation and with Congress to try to get our members from under this onerous provision [about merchant of record refunds] that was written into the FAA [reauthorization bill]. It doesn't affect a whole lot of our members, but for the ones that it affects, it is extraordinarily dangerous, so we want that fixed immediately. We also have written to DOT secretary [Sean] Duffy, who reached out to groups like ASTA to ask them which regulations were no longer in the public's interest. Q: How is AI impacting things for members? A: I talked to the ASTA board about this the other day, and I feel like I'm the most concerned about it of any of the 15 advisors that sit on our board. They're still looking at it as a really good research assistant. The reason that our profession is sturdy is because of the trust that exists between consumers and travel advisors. I'm not sure that AI is going to supplant that trust with a bunch of haphazard recommendations. It doesn't feel to me like it's replacing the trust at all that exists between consumers and travel advisors. Q: There's a lot going on, with economic uncertainty and with the U.S. projected to lose $12.5 billion in inbound travel. What's on your mind? A: I'm really thankful that my job is not inbound tourism to the United States. The vast majority of our members are executing and planning trips that are outbound from the United States, and that business is very, very good. We certainly understand that public policy decisions that affect Americans' willingness to travel abroad is important to keep our eye on. As we have talked to our members, both here and in surveys beforehand and anecdotally over the last several months, so far -- touch wood -- business is going very, very well for members. Obviously, it's something we want to keep an eye on, and we try to be proactive. But it's certainly not helpful to opine on every public policy decision that's made. When public policy decisions that are made affect our members' businesses, we will react and act appropriately at the time. Q: So it's not affecting advisors planning outbound travel? A: That's largely the case. Now, there are pockets: We're in the D.C. area, and so when I talk to advisors in the D.C. area, on the luxury side, everything is going gangbusters. But for those who are affected -- there's a large federal workforce in the D.C. area, and so some of that uncertainty [that comes] with layoffs and proposed layoffs has affected some travel in that sort of midtier range. Q: What about members planning domestic travel? A: Members are getting a lot of questions around the national parks this year, for obvious reasons. I think that it is having some effect, but it's not [having a big impact]. Even the domestic business is good -- pockets of stress, but nothing I'm worried about.
Travel Weekly
22-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
At its annual conference, ASTA continues to highlight advocacy efforts
SALT LAKE CITY -- A key message of the 2025 ASTA Travel Advisor Conference was the importance of advocacy, with travel agencies facing hurdles from federal regulations and a changing tech landscape. ASTA president and CEO Zane Kerby said this year's conference "doubled down" on education and strengthening advocacy efforts. He referenced challenges the industry is facing, with the rise of AI and direct bookings, and applauded advisor efforts to adapt. "There are lots of forces pushing on our profession," he said. "New battles are already forming. More regulation is coming. More book-direct schemes are being tested. More AI chatbots are sending your potential clients to a two-star hotel and telling them it's the Ritz. More scam artists are dragging down our collective reputation. So we must continue to stand shoulder to shoulder together." Though Kerby said that AI is no replacement for the human touch of a travel advisor, he said that advisors who harness the technology are likely to outpace those that resist it. He said advisors that use it to lighten their workload are "energized by their ability to have something like this that does take away a lot of the grunt work." Vice president of advocacy Jessica Klement outlined the organization's advocacy goals, including pushing for the repeal of the "merchant of record" rule for refunding airline passengers, which requires the merchant of record to refund customers if their flights are canceled. Most agencies are not the merchant of record for air sales, but they might be if they specialize in group travel, buying blocks of airline seats at wholesale prices and reselling them with a mark-up. The federal rule does not stipulate a time frame for airlines to refund travel agencies, which are often small businesses that don't have a lot of cash on hand. ASTA took the issue to Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, a Republican representing Florida's 27th district, who introduced the Flight Refund Fairness Act in September, which would exempt small travel agencies from the rule. Klement also discussed ASTA's support of extending the Section 199A tax deduction, which lessens the tax liability for independent contractors. Around half of all advisors qualify for the deduction. The organization is also ramping up its focus on connecting consumers with advisors. ASTA is renewing its focus on promoting VeriVacation, an online platform for consumers to connect with verified travel advisors. In coming weeks, ASTA will strengthen its promotion of the site, with consumer-awareness campaigns earmarked in the organization's budget, Kerby said. The platform highlights ASTA Verified Travel Advisors and aims to fight against travel scams and give consumers peace of mind about who they are working with. ASTA welcomed nearly 1,300 travel advisors to the conference, where advisors on Wednesday heard from travel industry leaders and a powerful message from motivational speaker Aron Ralston, a mountaineer and best-selling author whose survival story inspired the movie "127 Hours."
Travel Weekly
16-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
ASTA supports legislation to expand 529 plans and preserve tax deduction
ASTA is voicing support for the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act, which would make permanent a tax deduction that many advisors use, plus widen the qualified expenses for 529 savings plans. The legislation advanced through the House Ways and Means Committee on May 14, ASTA said. If the bill becomes law, 529 funds -- primarily used to pay for college tuition -- could be used to cover travel agent training and credentialing. That includes licenses and certifications, ASTA said, including its own Verified Travel Advisor program. It would also make permanent the Section 199A tax deduction at 23%. According to ASTA, under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Section 199A enables eligible businesses to deduct 20% of their qualified business income. That lessens their tax liability. Right now, the deduction is set to expire at the end of the year. Many ASTA members use the deduction. Based on a recent survey, the Society found that 87% of respondents said it was "moderately significant" (21%) or "very significant" (66%) to reduce their tax liability. Close to 80% said without the deduction, they would have to change their business in some way, whether in the form of staff reductions, fee increases, reduced spending or retirement. In a recent letter to the Ways and Means Committee, ASTA president and CEO Zane Kerby said around half of all advisors qualify for the deduction. "It has allowed for substantial tax savings for these members, many of whom are small business owners that count every penny," Kerby wrote. "These tax savings have allowed them to further invest in their business and in the communities in which they live and work."
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
YOUR PASSION, OUR GRATITUDE: SANDALS® RESORTS CELEBRATES GLOBAL TRAVEL ADVISOR DAY
"Sandals Resorts has consistently been one of the most dedicated and impactful allies in our industry, and their ongoing commitment to supporting the travel advisor community is truly invaluable," said Zane Kerby, President and CEO of ASTA. "This year's Global Travel Advisor Day celebration went beyond expressing gratitude—it was about empowerment, progress, and a shared vision for the future we are shaping together." Streaming on ASTA's Facebook page at 2:00 PM EST, a Facebook Live event will feature ASTA President Zane Kerby and Gary C. Sadler who will come together to share industry updates, giveaways and reveal new initiatives designed to drive advisor success, such as the redesigned Travel Advisor Portal , now featuring a refreshed dashboard with tools for revenue tracking, booking management, customizable invoices, and more. Sadler will also dive into the recently launched Sandals Elite Advisor (S.E.A.) Program , a tiered recognition platform designed to reward top-performing advisors with exclusive benefits—including productivity bonuses, booking incentives, enhanced resort experiences, and dedicated sales support–and WAVE by Sandals, a new digital marketing platform offering content management, AI-driven customization, and performance tracking to help advisors grow their online presence. "Sandals Resorts celebrates travel advisors every day, but Global Travel Advisor Day provides an opportunity to reflect with even greater gratitude," said Gary C. Sadler, Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations, Inc., an affiliate of the worldwide representatives for Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts . "Travel Advisors are the backbone of the travel industry, driving economies and connecting travelers to unforgettable vacation experiences. This is a special occasion, and we're truly committed to making this year even more meaningful—bringing more opportunities, exciting giveaways, and heartfelt recognition to the incredible professionals who make the world of travel so extraordinary." MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of the passion, dedication and meaningful impact of the travel advisor community, Sandals Resorts–the Caribbean's leading all-inclusive brand–proudly partners with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) as the global sponsor of Global Travel Advisor Day 2025. This year's celebration features a lineup of dynamic events, exclusive programming, and unmissable incentives to honor the true champions of Caribbean travel. Story Continues Five Islands, Twelve Resorts, 450+ Travel Advisors: It's Back to the Beach From the digital waves to the Caribbean shores, Unique Vacations, Inc. executives and Business Development Managers (BDMs) came together to host the highly anticipated annual 'Back to the Beach' event through May 8th. With over 450 travel advisors in attendance across 12 Sandals and Beaches Resorts, the five-day experience invited advisors to engage in hands-on sessions focused on travel trends, destination weddings, dive programs, and the latest in social media marketing strategies—all while soaking in the beauty and warm hospitality of the islands. To commemorate Global Travel Advisor Day, each participating resort is hosting a special luncheon where local officials and Sandals team members will pay tribute to the advisors' invaluable contributions to tourism across the region. Advisors staying at resorts in Jamaica, Nassau, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Turks & Caicos are setting sail on celebratory catamaran cruises—blending appreciation with a dose of island adventure. Recognizing the vital role advisors play beyond bookings, the event also highlights the deep ties between the travel advisor community and the Caribbean. Through the Sandals Foundation, attendees are participating in the Pack for a Purpose program, donating school supplies and clothing to support local families. In Jamaica, advisors are also taking part in Reading Road Trips—visiting area schools to help students strengthen literacy skills and build confidence in the classroom. "Travel Advisors play a critical role in helping our guests connect with Caribbean communities, in more ways than one," said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals and Beaches Resorts. "Through various community routes, tours, volunteer opportunities and key experiences, a vacation now becomes an opportunity to improve and invest in the livelihood of the community. We are eternally grateful to the TA community for always sharing the multiple avenues for guests to give back to the islands in which they visit, together we are sharing the best of the Caribbean and positively changing lives." Trevello Joins the Caribbean Celebrations Canada's largest host agency, Trevello, is also making waves in Jamaica, hosting its annual conference through May 9th. To commemorate Global Travel Advisor Day, Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts, opened the event with a heartfelt speech recognizing the invaluable contributions of travel advisors. He highlighted the exciting expansions underway at Beaches Resorts, including the new Treasure Beach Village in Turks & Caicos, and new resorts coming to Jamaica, Barbados, and the Exumas. "Today we celebrate the incredible partners who help bring our Caribbean vision to life," said Stewart. "We're reimagining what all-inclusive luxury can be to bring the soul of the islands to every guest experience. For travel advisors, it means more opportunities to sell up, earn higher commissions, and build lasting client relationships. It means aligning with the strength, trust, and vision of the Sandals brand—and becoming part of the most rewarding partnership in travel. It's about innovation and evolution. This is what we call Sandals 2.0." Amplifying Advisor Voices On the Sandals Palmcast: Tune in to hear Kristi Upton, owner of AdventurUS Travel, as she shares her expert insights on the role of travel advisors, how they elevate your vacation experience, and why working with an advisor can lead to a smoother, more personalized and enriching getaway. Listen here: How a Travel Advisor Elevates Your Luxury Vacation On the Sandals Blog: Four seasoned travel advisors reveal why booking with an expert makes all the difference in crafting unforgettable Caribbean escapes—true matchmakers who tailor every detail to your dream vacation. Read here: "On Global Travel Advisor Day, This is Why We Need the Matchmakers" About Sandals Resorts: Family-owned Sandals® Resorts offers adults-only getaways that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Pioneers of the all-inclusive vacation experience in the region, Sandals has 17 beachfront resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, each reflecting the genuine vibe of its island home. From local food favorites and global flavors to butler service and signature suites, including the Caribbean's first Overwater Villas, Sandals makes it easy for guests to go all in on vacation mode. Beyond the resort gates, immersive destination experiences, like a newly piloted Island Inclusive dining program and MINI Coopers for island exploration, raise the bar on the all-inclusive vacation. Championing the region it calls home, Sandals demonstrates the transformative power of tourism and its impact on lives through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation. For more information, visit . About Beaches Resorts: Family-owned Beaches Resorts is the Caribbean playground where families can live their best island life. With all-inclusive family resorts in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, and soon-to-come locations in Barbados and The Bahamas, Beaches offers fun-forward family all-inclusive vacations - from a dynamic selection of restaurants and vibrant food trucks to all-you-can-enjoy water sports, live shows and epic water parks. Kids discover magic with Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street®, Kids Camps, and hangouts for teens, while parents enjoy peace of mind with certified nannies, sensory-friendly programming and multi-bedroom villas perfect for bringing generations together. At Beaches, every member of the family finds joy, connection and memories made to last a lifetime. For more information about Beaches Resorts, visit . About the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA): ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry and the traveling public. Its members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel. Together with hundreds of internationally based members, ASTA's history of industry advocacy traces back to its founding in 1931 when it launched with the mission to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. For more information about the Society, visit our mission statement . Media Contact: mediarelations@ Sandals South Coast in Jamaica, where Global Travel Advisor Day will be marked with a special luncheon featuring local officials and Sandals team members honoring travel advisors for their invaluable contributions to tourism in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Sandals Resorts logo (PRNewsfoto/Sandals Resorts International) Cision View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Sandals Resorts International
