CCRA Club Level Program Gives Agents a Competitive Advantage top

Competition is always tough; in 2009 it will be grueling. As companies look to cut travel costs, and leisure travelers search for better deals, successful travel agents will want to differentiate themselves.

From its inception, CCRA has sought ways to help the professional travel community be more successful and more profitable. That’s why we are proud to introduce our new Club Level program.

Conventional wisdom says, “You can’t get something for nothing,” but Club Level proves that just ain’t so. When you book a Club Level participating hotel, your client will, indeed, get ‘something’ at no additional charge.

Club Level amenities might include a guaranteed upgrade; a complimentary bottle of wine or free breakfast; no-fee late check-out, or even additional commission for you. Each hotel that participates in the CCRA Club Level program has chosen to offer an amenity customized to the needs of their guests … and your clients. Over 200 hotels are participating and the number continues to grow.

Here’s All You Have to Do:

Now when you search for hotels at CCRAtravel.com, be sure to look for the special Club icon, .
Hotels that have this icon next to their name offer a special amenity for CCRA travel clients only.

Book a Club Level hotel to get your clients special upgrades, free breakfast, or other exclusive amenities. To learn what the special offer is, simply click “Check Availability” and read the Club Level amenities.

How to Qualify:

When you book the CCRA rate at participating hotels, your client automatically qualifies for the Club Level amenity. It’s as simple as that!

New Government Regulations for Travel in 2009 top

There are two new Government regulations that all travel agents should know for about 2009: the Secure Flight and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) programs. Read on to learn about the new Secure Flight data you will be required to solicit from clients in 2009. Also learn about the new online, pre-authorization program for Visa Waiver Program visitors, called ESTA, which becomes mandatory on Jan. 12, 2009.

Secure Flight - a program that was mandated by Congress and signed by the President to check each ticketed traveler (does not apply to young children/babies without tickets) against a terrorist watch list. This is for AIR travel only.

In 2009, airlines will require all passengers to verify their full name, gender, and birth date. This program will reduce the risk of misidentification for travelers and also increase the prevention of those on the No Fly List from getting on any plane.

Any passenger who has an assigned seat (including children) will be required to show an ID with their boarding pass. Their boarding pass is to match EXACTLY what is on the passenger's ID. Abbreviated or assumed names will not be valid.

ASTA is advising agents to begin collecting data and updating their own files, but not to format GDS profiles as there will be instructions and procedures soon to come.

The new rules do not directly mandate travel agents to collect the data, yet the airlines will likely require it. There are no penalties to travel agents who do not provide data, but the airlines may question why it wasn’t collected.

The travel agent’s obligation to their customer is to:

ASTA is recommending that all travel agents prepare by beginning the process of updating your travelers' profiles. If a traveler has received a redress number, it is important you record that as well.

By the end of 2009, ALL airlines will require this information for ALL ticketed passengers.

ESTA Program (The Electronic System for Travel Authorizations) – this is a pre-travel, web-based authorization system for international visitors to the US from Visa Waiver Program countries.

The form is currently available in 15 languages and must be completed at least 72 hours prior to travel. It is valid for multiple entries into the US and for up to two years from the date of authorization. The form must be re-submitted if any changes occur. ESTA will auto transmit the data to the various carriers. While the traveler is not required to carry the authorization to the airport, it is highly recommended.

For more information visit, www.travel.state.gov.

Travel is Changing; Trends to Expect in the Coming Year top
By David Farley, Shane Mitchell, Hannah Wallace, Jennifer Flowers, Amanda Pressner, Heather Wagner, Karrie Jacobs,
Luke Barr and Bob Morris

In these tumultuous times, we return to the essential pleasures of travel, rediscovering classic destinations and old-fashioned manners, seeking out comfort and serenity and quiet. What’s old is new again this year.

The shaky economy has lead to some drastic changes in the ways people travel, creating new breeds of travelers like flashpackers. This flashier version of the backpacker values the same low-cost methods of traveling as the traditional backpacker but would rather steer clear of group accommodations in lieu of a private (but affordable) room.

Cruise lines are reinventing themselves. Take the launch of Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice, the first of five in a new class of ships intended to change the way people feel about cruising by putting a modern spin on the glamour of ocean liners past. The luxury ship exceeds the average ship’s accommodations and level of sophistication. It even adds a touch of eco-friendliness with its heat-absorbing half-acre lawn, where guests can picnic and play croquet.

Even airlines, which have been under a tremendous amount of heat with a rise in fees and delays, are taking steps to accommodate disgruntled passengers. In a pre-emptive move, Virgin America is requiring empathy and stress management training for all of its employees, who attend classes on such topics as politeness and conflict resolution.

Even our travel memories are undergoing an update. The Nikon Coolpix P6000 is an example of new technology that will change the way travel memories are not only documented, but catalogued and shared. Not only will it capture stunning digital images from around the globe, but its built-in GPS system is perfect for keeping an accurate log of where each picture was shot, essential for a multi-destination excursion.

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Whether you are in London or Bangkok for business, COMO Hotels and Resorts will ensure that your travel is stress-free and efficient.

In London....
The Metropolitan London is a cool, contemporary hotel located on Park Lane.
Numerous suites overlook Hyde Park, the green heart of London. Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Nobu features Michelin-starred cuisine, and the members-only Met Bar is a cult classic. The COMO Shambhala Urban Escape offers a full-range of holistic therapies in addition to Yoga and a private gym.

Here, at the Metropolitan London, the ‘Time for Business’ package will cater for your every need during your travel from a guaranteed check in at 10am, water at turndown, to a delivery of a NOBU Bento box with a bottle of Isake Sake Premium to your room for dinner. In the morning, we’ll send you on your way with a nutritional ‘Brekkie-to-Go’. This package starts from £279 inclusive of VAT.

At The Halkin, after a hard-day’s work, you can wind down with the ‘All About Me’ package. You will be welcomed with a box of chocolate and a half bottle of Champagne as well as a movie. You can enjoy a three-course dinner in the privacy of your room along with a Room Service Full English Breakfast that we give you as a little gift on your departure. This package starts from £355 inclusive of VAT.

The Halkin is a haven in the heart of London’s exclusive Belgravia. This intimate 41 room hotel is a discreet, chic, insider's address with some of the best suites in town, as well as a Michelin-starred restaurant, Nahm, by Australian chef David Thompson. Expect exquisite attention to detail. Interiors feature crisp yet cosseting wools, silks and linens in cool taupes and creams as well as some of the largest bathrooms in London.

In Bangkok...
The Metropolitan Bangkok enjoys a close proximity to Bangkok’s business district.
The 171 rooms - defined by subtle contemporary design – offer indulgent comfort with bespoke, intuitive service. The Met Bar, a stylish lounge-like member’s bar, serves a comprehensive selection of Martini cocktails. Restaurant Cy’an specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, whilst Glow focuses on an organic, healthful menu. Relaxation is also available at the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, comprising Asian-inspired treatments, a gym and outdoor pool.

The Metropolitan Bangkok’s ‘Ready for Business’ package offers the sleek and efficient tools the business traveler requires: roundtrip limousine transfers from the airport, complimentary broadband internet in your room and a good location. And after a long day, enjoy a relaxing Thai or COMO Shambhala massage for one hour, watch a complimentary in-room movie and spend your $30 credit voucher in the Met Bar, Cy’an or Glow restaurants. Rates start from US$510 for two night stay excluding tax and service charge.

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SANDERSON FROM £205*

Just because you stay in a hotel doesn’t mean you have to be confined to reality. A daring dream world and personal revitalization program wrapped into one, Sanderson is a surreal fantasy where expectations can be forgotten. After pondering the wild mix of furnishings and art and luxuriating in the lushly landscaped interior garden, head to Agua, Sanderson’s temple of body and should floating in a cloud-like ambience. Agua offers a vast array of treatments to pamper and soothe, restore and resurrect.

And now, a temple of gastronomic order graces Sanderson as well, South of Long Bar, courtesy of acclaimed Chef Zak Pelaccio and Jeffrey Chodorow, Pelaccio’s extensive training among world-class French chefs and his sojourns in Asia have given birth to Suka Restaurant, where Malaysian cuisine merges cunningly with a refined European sensibility. Steps from Oxford Street shopping and the Soho District in London, the hotel is ideally located for Weekend Breaks or business travel.

ST MARTINS LANE FROM £185*

A luminous jewel set in the West end of London, St Martins Lane illuminates Covent Garden. The hotel’s glowing yellow glass revolving doors and wildly popular light bar reveal Philippe Starck’s witty collision of influences. Interactive light displays turn guest rooms into changing mosaics of color. Special Garden rooms offer private patios with Camellia Trees and ivy.

Simultaneously, floor-to-ceiling windows bring the city sweeping into every room, night life impresario Amy Sacco, once called the “Doyenne of the Dark,” has collaborated with nightlife guru Ben Pundole to install the excitement of her exclusive, members-only club, Bungalow 8 at St Martins Lane. Workouts like no other take place at Gymbox Covent Garden, London’s unorthodox new fitness experience. Where the stiletto workout dance class is just one of many innovative ideas for getting in shape. At Asia De Cube, restaurateur Jeffery Chodorow, has created a dynamic menu that blends Latin and Asian Cuisine, with stunning results.

* EXCLUDES VAT. BASED UPON AVAILABILITY.

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We are delighted to announce that The Taj Mahal Tower has reopened. Mumbai will rediscover its nesting place and play host to the world again. We're bringing back the clink of champagne flutes, even-pile carpets that muffle the footfall of commerce, and the perfect sea view. You will feel the buzz of business as usual and experience hospitality that is quintessentially Taj.

To commemorate the special occasion, we have introduced exclusive services at The Taj Mahal Tower. Presenting the private world of Taj Club, impeccable butler service, luxury Jaguar transfers and splendid suites.

Feel at home once again at The Zodiac Grill, Souk, Masala Kraft, Shamiana and Starboard. Reawaken your life force at our Jiva Spa and experience the priceless luxury of an expansive retail emporium.

And very soon, expect to discover the inspiration, romance and intrigue of the legendary Palace Wing.

Welcome Back.

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