Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - (Page 64)

BUSINESS OPER ATIONS AGENT PROFILE An Agent and a Leader Travel Partners’ Chris Russo becomes ASTA’s newest president BY GEORGE DOOLEY WHATEVER THE OUTCOME MIGHT BE OF THE 2008 ELECTION CYCLE, both travel agencies and agents will face tough challenges on the local, state and federal levels, Chris Russo, ASTA’s newly elected president and CEO, said in an interview with Travel Agent. Russo, owner of Travel Partners, Broomfield, CO, sees travel agents and the travel industry confronting a flood of new tax and regulatory proposals that may threaten agents’ legitimate economic interests and stifle the growth of the industry. “Shortfalls in local, state and federal revenues will encourage legislators to tax the industry. Combating the proposals—often poorly thought out, punitive and discriminatory—will be one of ASTA’s major challenges in the year ahead.” Succeeding Cheryl Hudak, Russo took office during ASTA’s annual meeting at THETRADE SHOW in Orlando. At 42, he is the youngest president in ASTA’s 77-year history and one of the “new breed” of pro-ASTA agents. A key objective of Russo’s will be to build agency and agent awareness of the challenges ASTA and the industry face and the critical importance of strong representation by ASTA. He notes that in the past 18 months, ASTA has fought back six state legislative/tax challenges. “Traditionally, the travel industry has been an easy target,” he says. “Governments don’t grasp the jobs generated and economic benefits of the travel industry. “Travel agent support is critical. And I include the independent, career-minded homebased agent in this. Independent agents can be directly impacted by changes in tax policy on all levels. And we need their involvement.” He notes that the newly renamed National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) will provide new opportunities for independent agents to participate. ASTA’s grassroots network of 29 nationwide chapters is a vital asset, Russo says. It allows ASTA to muster talented agents and agencies to oppose discriminatory legislation and to have an impact on legislators and Congress. A former president of ASTA’s Chapter Presidents Council (CPC), Russo sees agents with tremendous power to impact government policy—but only if the agency community is organized and mobilized to respond. Travel Partners was formed 30 years ago, and Russo has owned it for the past eight years. Agency specializations include honeymoons and Hawaii travel. He estimates annual sales of $6 to $8 million, with 80 percent of sales for leisure travel and 20 percent corporate. He has three websites to promote business, and is a Vacation.com member. “ASTA had the ability to draw on the re- sources of outstanding agents in every state and to deliver results,” he says. “But we are going to have to be alert to challenges, and quick to respond. ASTA’s outstanding government and legislative relations staff can’t do the job alone. They have to have grassroots involvement.” He also praises the support of ASTA’s Corporate Advisory Council (CAC), which now includes 24 major agency groups. Federal Involvement While tax issues are real enough, Russo warns that travel agents and the industry will also be impacted by policies and programs at the federal level. This includes the policies of the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration, to name a few. A new president and a new Congress will also bear watching. Russo believes that ASTA must monitor government policies on a day-to-day basis and communicate effectively with member agents. “It’s clear that the airline industry is in crisis and impacts millions of travelers, who are our clients. Airline solvency and security considerations will be a major factor in policy.” One essential response is for ASTA to work closely with other industry groups to communicate the industry’s viewpoint. “We have to draw on the resources of tour operators, hoteliers, destinations, tourist boards, cruise lines, consumer groups and a host of associations that can work together,” says Russo. For Russo, the new, streamlined ASTA offers tremendous opportunity for agents and agencies to participate and get involved. It’s also a reason for agents and agencies to join ASTA and to step up to the responsibilities of professional agents. “Among my top priorities will be to expand ASTA’s membership, including Core and Premium members, international members and constructive supplier partnerships,” Russo says. “ASTA is delivering real value.” I Chris Russo PRESIDENT AND CEO OF ASTA / OWNER OF TRAVEL PARTNERS Headquarters: Broomfield, CO Phone: 303-469-7868 Website: www.tvlpartners.vacation.com Affiliation: Vacation.com 64 | TravelAgent September 29, 2008 http://www.Vacation.com http://www.tvlpartners.vacation.com http://www.Vacation.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - September 29, 2008

Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 Online Now Contents From the Executive VP From the Editor Europe Pacific/Asia Hawaii Alaska Las Vegas Mexico Caribbean Cruises Travelmart Latin America Girlfriend Getaways Agent Profile Agenda Tours Luxury Travel Expo Taiwan's New Golden Triangle Despite Weak Economy, Americans Are Still Cruising In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - September 29, 2008

Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 (Page Cover1) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 (Page Cover2) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 (Page 1) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Online Now (Page 2) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Online Now (Page 3) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Contents (Page 4) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Contents (Page 5) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Contents (Page 6) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Contents (Page 7) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - From the Executive VP (Page 8) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - From the Executive VP (Page 9) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - From the Editor (Page 10) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - From the Editor (Page 11) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - From the Editor (Page 12) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - From the Editor (Page 13) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - From the Editor (Page 14) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - From the Editor (Page 15) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Europe (Page 16) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Europe (Page 17) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Europe (Page 18) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Europe (Page 19) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Pacific/Asia (Page 20) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Pacific/Asia (Page 21) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Pacific/Asia (Page 22) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Pacific/Asia (Page 23) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Hawaii (Page 24) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Hawaii (Page 25) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Hawaii (Page 26) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Hawaii (Page 27) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Alaska (Page 28) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Alaska (Page 29) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Las Vegas (Page 30) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Las Vegas (Page 31) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Las Vegas (Page 32) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Las Vegas (Page 33) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Mexico (Page 34) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Mexico (Page 35) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Mexico (Page 36) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Mexico (Page 37) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Mexico (Page 38) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Mexico (Page 39) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Mexico (Page 40) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Mexico (Page 41) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Caribbean (Page 42) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Caribbean (Page 43) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Caribbean (Page 44) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Caribbean (Page 45) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Cruises (Page 46) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Cruises (Page 47) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Cruises (Page 48) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Cruises (Page 49) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Travelmart Latin America (Page 50) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Travelmart Latin America (Page 51) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Travelmart Latin America (Page 52) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Travelmart Latin America (Page 53) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Travelmart Latin America (Page 54) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Travelmart Latin America (Page 55) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Travelmart Latin America (Page 56) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Travelmart Latin America (Page 57) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Girlfriend Getaways (Page 58) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Girlfriend Getaways (Page 59) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Girlfriend Getaways (Page 60) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Girlfriend Getaways (Page 61) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Girlfriend Getaways (Page 62) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Girlfriend Getaways (Page 63) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Agent Profile (Page 64) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Agent Profile (Page 65) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Agent Profile (Page 66) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Agent Profile (Page 67) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Agenda (Page 68) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Agenda (Page 69) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Tours (Page 70) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Tours (Page 71) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Tours (Page 72) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Luxury Travel Expo (Page 73) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Taiwan's New Golden Triangle (Page 74) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Despite Weak Economy, Americans Are Still Cruising (Page 75) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Despite Weak Economy, Americans Are Still Cruising (Page 76) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - In the Spotlight (Page 77) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Editorial Index (Page 78) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Advertising Index (Page 79) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Trendwatch (Page 80) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Trendwatch (Page Cover3) Travel Agent - September 29, 2008 - Trendwatch (Page Cover4) 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