Travel Agent - April 28, 2008 - (Page 93)

Koepf Takes Helm at NACTA; Plans to Expand Membership DESPITE THE DEBATE OVER THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HOME-BASED AGENTS and the struggles to define what exactly a home-based travel agent is, it’s clear that the travel agency distribution channel has been changed by the emergence of the self-employed, entrepreneurial agent working from home. Home-based travel agents— many stress independent agents— are transforming how travel is sold (i.e., the interaction between the traveler, agent and supplier). They are bringing new vitality to the industry, especially leisure travel sales. At the core of this new reality is Scott Koepf, newly named president of the National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents (NACTA) and a leader who is not afraid to confront the challenges that independent home-based agents face. Koepf, former vice president of strategic business for Sabre Holdings, was named the new president of NACTA effective April 1. He replaces Joanie Ogg, NACTA’s respected founder, who has joined Travel Counsellors, a major host agency. “Scott was the ideal candidate to take over NACTA’s operations. His experience in all aspects of the industry and his commitment to travel agents will be an asset to NACTA as it moves forward,” said Bill Maloney, ASTA’s executive vice president and COO, when announcing Koepf’s appointment. Noting that NACTA is an affiliate of ASTA, representing independent contractors, outside agents and supporting groups, Maloney said that ASTA is committed to expanding NACTA and the many benefits members receive. “In hiring Scott, we are hiring a strong leader who can take the association to the next level of growth and profitability,” Maloney said. Koepf has a long association with travel agents. Prior to joining Sabre Holdings, Koepf served as general manager for both Nexion, a host travel agency with more than $200 million in annual sales, and Jurni, a travel agency consortium. Koepf was president and owner of Ultimate Seminars and was earlier affiliated with Cruise Holidays, a major franchise group. “I see my new role as NACTA president to defend and support the home-based agent’s position and needs within the industry,” he says. “NACTA is the industry leader because of commitment. I plan to continue where Joanie Ogg left off, and make sure NACTA is not only the best association for home-based agents, but one that helps agents in multiple ways to become more successful in this business.” Koepf also sees opportunities to expand NACTA’s membership base and to increase NACTA’s value to member agents. He expects more chapters to be formed and wants to ensure high-quality programs for Contributing editor George Dooley Scott Koepf, new president of the National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents ASTA Approves International Category ASTA moved to increase its international clout with its board of directors deciding to open its premium membership category to international travel agency members and ASTA’s membership in the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA). ASTA’s board met at the third annual International Destination Expo in Lyon, France. ASTA’s premium members were required to be in the U.S. prior to the new categories’ approval. WTAAA represents agent associations in Canada, Australia, Europe, New Zealand, India and South Africa. The board also reviewed key issues facing the retail travel market and ASTA’s current arbitration with the Airlines Reporting Corp. (ARC). The Board also previewed the results of a collaborative study with PhoCusWright that examines changes to travel agency size, composition and trends. The results will enable the board to position ASTA in an ever-changing marketplace, ASTA said. — GEORGE DOOLEY them. He also expects to reach out to other associations, such as the Professional Association of Travel Hosts (PATH), and to partner with suppliers and agency groups. He invites agents to explore all the resources that NACTA offers—including bringing professional education and training to the agent. A new Power Up program sponsored by Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Cruises and the Globus Family of Brands, is noteworthy. NACTA’s homepage (www.nacta.org) provides a huge list of NACTA’s resources, including business-building programs. While early in his tenure, Koepf wants to increase the sense of community among NACTA member agents and encourage networking, communications and interaction among agents. “Our focus will be on agents’ needs—whether full or part time, hosted or not, independent or not, experienced or beginners. NACTA will deliver value with high integrity and affordable programs,” he says. — GEORGE DOOLEY CONNECTING YOU For more industry profiles and stories on industry leadership, visit www.travelagentcentral. com/industry-profiles April 28, 2008 TravelAgent | 93 http://www.nacta.org http://www.travelagentcentral.com/industry-profiles http://www.travelagentcentral.com/industry-profiles http://www.travelagentcentral.com/industry-profiles

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - April 28, 2008

Travel Agent - April 28, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor Africa: Where to Stay in the Gateway to Southern Africa South Pacific/Australia: Luxury Lodges in Queensland and Tasmania Pacific/Asia: Shanghai, China’s Cosmopolitan Powerhouse, Sees New Hotel and Cruise Development Canada: Downtown Calgary is Easy to Get Around and Filled with Historic and Cultural Attractions California: Laguna Beach Blends Culture with Coastal Beauty Florida: Golf, History, Food and Fun Defined Our Stay at the Renaissance Resort in St. Augustine Las Vegas: Vegas Hotels Gamble on the Allure of Men’s Grooming Pacific Northwest: Washington Inns Emphasize Local Charm Mexico: Tulum Comes Into its Own as a Luxury Destination Europe: Cruising the Mosel and Rhine Rivers with Amadeus Waterways Rudi Schreiner, President of Amadeus Waterways, Talks about River Cruises Caribbean: Travel Agent Reports From the Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange The Slot Spot: Gaming at the Casino Dominicus Cruise: Suppliers and Businesses Use Ships as Springboards to Satisfy Enthusiasts’ Hobbies and Passions Key Legal Decisions Will Affect the Future of Alaska’s Cruise Industry Cover Story: Exclusive Beach Destinations Hotels: The Girlfriend Getaway is an Exploding Market Agent Profile: Sabine Harris’ Personal Touch Provides a Memorable Experience Virtual Tourism: New Websites Give a New View of Tourist Destinations Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Anguilla’s Cap Juluca Sold Aloha Airlines is Grounded Exorbitant Hotel Rates Make Alternatives More Appealing Koepf takes Helm at NACTA, Plans to Expand Membership In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - April 28, 2008

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