The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) announced the launch of `ASTA Salutes the Great American Family` -a multi-year,…
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) announced the launch of `ASTA Salutes the Great American Family` -a multi-year, national public relations campaign designed to reach families and encourage them to use travel agents when planning their travel.
People`s lives are much busier today than they used to be, said ASTA President and CEO Richard M. Copland, CTC. In today`s world, finding time to spend with extended family can be difficult and often requires extra planning. Family reunions and getaways are a great way to combine vacation and time with all family members.
ASTA`s campaign includes: a video news release (VNR) with industry experts discussing family reunion planning, trends and locales; press releases; online resources for consumers including reunion planning and family travel tips; and online resources for ASTA member travel agencies including a customizable media kit for use in local markets.
In partnership with Vacation.com, a travel services marketing company, ASTA researched trends in family travel and conducted a survey of ASTA and Vacation.com member travel agents. The survey data indicates a considerable increase in the popularity of family reunions along with other family travel trends.
ASTA Vice President Kathy Sudeikis, CTC, a travel agent specializing in intergenerational family travel, is featured in the VNR and comments on many of the travel trends uncovered by the ASTA/Vacation.com survey. People are becoming more aware of the importance of spending time with family. Traveling is a wonderful way take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and truly enjoy time with family and friends, said Sudeikis.
Reunions Magazine Editor Edith Wagner also appears in the VNR and offers valuable advice on planning family reunions. When planning a family reunion it is important to make sure you plan activities in which everyone will be able to participate, she said. The senior members of your family are likely going to have different interests than adolescents.
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