The HQ

Prime Minister: "Australian tourism is facing its biggest challenge in living memory"

Here at ASTA, our thoughts are with the communities affected by the catastrophic wildfires throughout Australia (you can read more about the situation on the U.S. State Department's Australia page and find ideas for how to help financially here). With an estimated 97 percent of the country's tourism assets unaffected, the best way to help might be to keep sending your clients there, as has been the case with other natural disasters affecting tourism-dependent destinations.

Over the weekend, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that, in response to the crisis, tourism businesses and fire-affected communities around the country will receive an initial $76 million tourism recovery package. According to Morrison, "These bushfires have dealt the biggest reputational blow to our tourism industry that it has ever faced internationally. Losses caused by cancellations and collapsing booking numbers stretch well beyond those communities directly...My message to anyone thinking about a holiday – from here or overseas – is that Australia's towns and our incredible parks and beaches are open for business and they need your help." 
 

Here's what the Boeing 737 MAX grounding means for your summer travel (The Points Guy)

The jet's grounding is now pushing into the busy summer travel season, when airlines operate at peak capacity and planes are even more likely than usual to be full. That means airlines will have even less slack to absorb further disruptions if the MAX grounding gets pushed further into the summer.

In the cruise world, this isn't winter. It's wave season. (New York Times)

"Wave season is the Black Friday or Cyber Monday of cruise bookings," Erika Richter, the spokeswoman for ASTA, said, noting the name has nothing to do with high seas.

China urges travel restrictions in bid to limit outbreak as number of confirmed cases jumps (Washington Post)

Health authorities sought to impose a quasi-quarantine around Wuhan, a city of 11 million people where the virus is believed to have originated. The country has confirmed nearly 300 cases, an increase of more than 70 from Monday.

Hotels stuck in a market where online travel agency rate issues still burn (PhocusWire)

Hotels are concerned at the continued hold that online travel agencies have over their ability to control rates to consumers. 

Lonely Planet launches carbon-neutral tours (The Guardian)

After almost 40 years of inspiring travelers to visit destinations all over the world, Lonely Planet has launched its own collection of carbon-neutral tours. In collaboration with adventure travel company Intrepid, the new small-group tours will be led by local leaders and support local businesses and communities.

An exceptional roster of ships coming in 2020 (Travel Weekly)

There are new-to-cruise brands, an unprecedented number of expedition vessels, and some of the most environmentally advanced ships at sea.

Austin's Bumble is sending two women to swipe, date and travel around the world (Statesman)

The pair will travel with all expenses paid for the next nine months as they act as ambassadors for Bumble. The company partnered with the Singapore Tourism Board to start the program.

Fashion is linking with travel to offer customers new convenience (Glossy)

Right now, one of the projects the brand is working on is a cruise partnership where customers get fitted on the first day of a cruise and have a custom suit waiting for them when the cruise ends.

Travel for Renaissance men and women (Forbes)

Chanel your inner Leonardo da Vinci, who embodied the always-learning ideals of the Renaissance, and consider the following notions for adventures that are vibrant, challenging, and thought provoking.

Explore 7 days of breathtaking Turkey with ASTA this March!

Starting in Istanbul with stops to Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Izmir, this exclusive educational journey takes you to the most stunning destinations in Turkey. Experience the modern amenities and endless variety of diverse attractions for even the most sophisticated travelers that Turkey has to offer.

Rates start at $1,299 pp and includes lodging, domestic flights, meals, and more! This FAM trip takes place from March 13–19, 2020. Space is limited; registration closes Monday, January 27th.