Local school groups Houck Middle School (Salem, Ore.) and New Vision Dance Center (Hillsboro, Ore.) has been aided by ASTA`s Oregon Chapter in recovering lost trip itineraries and fund-raising after their…
Local school groups Houck Middle School (Salem, Ore.) and New Vision Dance Center (Hillsboro, Ore.) has been aided by ASTA`s Oregon Chapter in recovering lost trip itineraries and fund-raising after their booking company (not a member of ASTA) reportedly went out of business.
ASTA member, Helen Pfingsten of Special Memories Travel (Keizer, Ore.) heard about the students’ trips to New York City being canceled and got to work immediately. ASTA’s Oregon Chapter is assisting Pfingsten with trying to update other travelers on the value of using a trusted travel agent.
“I realized how hard these kids had worked to raise the money for this trip and I wanted to help in any way I could,” said Helen Pfingsten. “As a travel agent, I strive to provide my clients the highest quality of service and felt it was my civic duty to lend my expertise to these students.”
Pfingsten was able to reconfirm the original flight arrangements for Houck Middle School, arrange a discounted rate at a New York City hotel and make replacement theater arrangements. Oregon chapter members were able to raise more than $700 for New Vision Dance Center; Pfingsten has vowed to continue providing assistance with the help of ASTA’s Oregon Chapter.
“ASTA’s Oregon Chapter was very concerned when they heard what happened to the students,” said chapter president, Paula Hobble. “When planning a trip it is always wise to know who you are booking the trip with, so that you are not being taken advantage of. The best advice I can give as a travel agent is to always use a professional ASTA member travel agent and be sure to buy travel insurance.”
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