Unparalleled Educational Opportunities Await Travel Agents at ASTA’s IDE 2010
Alexandria, Va., Oct. 22, 2009 -Travel agents attending ASTA's next International Destination Expo (IDE) (Istanbul, April 19-22, 2010) will have numerous education sessions from which to choose, all focusing on the many aspects of tourism in Turkey and its neighboring countries, and providing much-needed knowledge and strategies agents can use to positively impact their bottom lines.
"ASTA's IDE is the only industry event to provide extended, onsite destination training. Next year we are fortunate enough to be able to experience Turkey, one of the few European destinations to see an increase in U.S. visitors this year," said Chris Russo, ASTA's president and chair. "Americans are clearly interested in learning more about Turkey's diverse culture. It's the smart travel agent who will take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to educate themselves on this culturally rich destination."
To date, the following educational sessions have been scheduled:
Certification Sessions
Turkey, the Cradle of Civilization: A Walk Through 10,000 Years of History. Presented by Claudette Covey. Courtesy of the Turkish Ministry of Tourism
Become certified to sell Turkey, a country housing the treasures of 13 consecutive civilizations, and a history spanning 10,000 years. Turkey's rich and storied history, however, serves as the backdrop to a tourism infrastructure that is thoroughly modern. Turkey travel expert Claudette Covey will share her extensive knowledge of the country's long history and provide practical information on how you can become a Turkey travel specialist with comprehensive sales and marketing strategies that unveil new and innovative ways to sell this fascinating country. Find out how to create vacations that mix history, culture, affordable luxury and more -- all to boost your agency's profits.
A Turkish Culinary Adventure: History, Ingredients, & Tastes of Turkey's Exotic Cuisine. Presented by Engin Akin. Courtesy of Tour de Forks. Culinary tourism is one of the fastest growing travel trends and a whole new way to discover a destination, its history, culture, traditions - and its people. World-renowned authority on Turkish cuisine Engin Akin will share her vast knowledge and passion for the foods of her homeland; from the simple rustic food of the countryside, to the sophisticated traditions of the Ottoman palace kitchens. Tempt your "foodie" clients and sell Turkey as a destination that will thrill their palates. Tour de Forks will help agents identify foodies from within their client base, and source new ones.
Product Sessions
In the Footsteps of Paul and the Seven Churches of Revelation. Presented by Ronen Paldi. Courtesy of Ya'lla Tours USA. Faith-based travel is a steadily growing market, and Turkey is one of the top destinations for Christian pilgrimages and Jewish heritage trips. Christian itineraries in Turkey will be discussed, as well as the process, challenges and opportunities of organizing church groups. Ya'lla's recently produced 20-minute DVD on the Footsteps of Paul in Turkey will be shown, and each seminar participant will receive a free copy of the video.
Turkey and Beyond: Customized Groups and FITs. Presented by Koray Edemen.
Courtesy of Key Tours.This seminar will discuss how to expand and combine programs to and from Turkey with neighboring countries, and provide an orientation and highlights of destinations such as Greece, Egypt, Israel and Jordan. Suggestions about how to build customized FITs and group programs, as well as examples of creative ideas and specialized programs such as religious and historical tours will be provided. [This session will include a drawing with three door prizes.]
Turkey, the Unknown Corner of Europe. Presented by Ronen Paldi. Courtesy of Ya'lla Tours USA.This seminar will address the unique appeal of Turkey by looking at some innovative programs developed by Ya'lla Tours. One such program, Ultimate Turkey, is an upscale tour, privately escorted in a deluxe mini-van with accommodations in Ottoman houses - a perfect blend of modern luxury and the sumptuous spaces of a rich and influential past. Attendees will learn about eastern Turkey, a little-known region guaranteed to impress more sophisticated, experienced travelers with its exotic frontier quality.
Understanding and Selling Turkey, A Fascinating Growth Destination. Presented by Engin Kadaster. Courtesy of Turkey at Its Best. This session provides an overview of the most popular regions of Turkey and ideas on how agents can effectively and successfully sell tours and shore excursions to this unique destination. This informative session will provide insights to increasing profitability by developing special interest and private tours to Turkey. [Session includes a drawing for door prizes for seminar attendees.]
Turkey for Your Best Clients: Creating the Perfect Custom Itinerary. Presented by Mary Bai. Courtesy of CTC Turkey. Learn about special tour components that sophisticated travelers may appreciate such as wine tastings, gourmet restaurants, Christian or Jewish heritage experiences, home-hosted lunches, cooking classes, specialist guides, and getting clients off the beaten path. Included are suggested itineraries, as well as accommodation and transportation options in Turkey. Attendees will receive tips on how to keep prices down while creating the trip of a lifetime. [This session will also include a drawing with three door prizes.]
Niche Session
Discover How to Build a Thriving Faith-based Travel Program Centered on the World's Top Religious Sites in the Middle East and Holy Land. Moderator: Kevin J. Wright, President - World Religious Travel Association. Panelists will include leading tourism representatives from Middle Eastern Destinations.
Travel agents will discover how to develop a thriving and diverse faith-based travel program centered on the great religious itineraries stretching across these ancient and biblically-rich lands such as Turkey, Armenia, Greece, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, and much more. Attendees will return home equipped with the much-needed knowledge and strategies to immediately impact their faith-based travel program, no matter whether they are new to religious tourism or a long-term expert.
Qualified travel agents and journalists who register to attend IDE will also receive free accommodation for the four nights of the conference, April 19-22, in Istanbul. Check www.ASTA.org/expo to register for IDE and see which hotels are available. For more information or to register, go to ASTA.org/events.
ABOUT ASTA
ASTA's (American Society of Travel Agents) mission is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable, growing and a rewarding place to work, invest and do business.
