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TRIP
calls for the creation of a joint,
industry-managed, non-profit corporation to
establish a more effective
and
useful system of providing recognition and
credentials to accredited travel retailers in the
U.S., Canada, and
Mexico, including the implementation of a new
travel agent ID card. Expansion on a global basis
is an option
which the TRIP leadership will also
consider. ARTA
first announced its support of and involvement in
the development of the new industry-wide
agency accreditation
program in January 2007. During
the past year, ARTA formed a TRIP Working Group
including ARTA Chairman Barry Richcreek (Richcreek
Vacation Center, Harrisburg,
PA), ARTA Vice Chairman John Faulds, CTC (Travel
Destinations, Scottsdale, AZ), ARTA Executive
Director Pat Funk, Nancy
Linares, CTC (Holidays 'n Travel, Austin, TX),
Gerda Myer, CTC (World Travel Management, Woodland
Hills, CA), Sally Watkins,
CTC
(Century Travel, Austin, TX), and
Bishins. The
working group met frequently in focus sessions with
travel suppliers from all sectors of the industry
as well as with agency association
representatives. Bishins
brings an extensive background of experience to his
new position at TRIP, including a wide variety of
agency administration and
training
roles at major airlines, travel agencies, travel
distribution companies, agency associations, the
Air Traffic Conference (ARC's
predecessor),
and the International Air Transport Association
(IATA). TRIP
will hold an industry orientation for all
stakeholders, travel suppliers, agency groups, and
other interested parties in Atlanta, on
May
20, 2008. Additional details and registration
information will be announced soon.
ARTA,
800-969-6069, pat@artaonline.com PATH
ELECTS NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS On
January 23, 2008 PATH (Professional Association of
Travel Hosts) held their annual elections. The new
board of directors includes the following
well-regarded industry professionals: President and
Co-Chair Event Committee, Andi Mysza, Montrose
Travel; 1st Vice President
and Public Relations/Communication, Anita
Pagliasso, Ticket To Travel; 2nd Vice President and
Co-Chair Supplier Membership
Committee,
Pam Miller, CTC, Magellan360; Secretary and
Co-Chair Host Membership Committee, Betsy Geiser,
Uniglobe Travel; Treasurer
and Co-Chair Host Membership Committee, Tony
Gagliano, Travel Planners International; Director
and Co-Chair EventCommittee, Kim Sherrett, Travel
Counsellors; and Director and Co-Chair Supplier
Membership Committee, Jackie Friedman,
Nexion. "We
are looking forward to capitalizing on the positive
momentum we have going into 2008 with our new Board
of Directors. Our team
of
host agency leaders will direct PATH to become the
premiere organization originally envisioned"
commented Andi Mysza. "I
am proud to be associated with this cohesive group
of like-minded professionals who are dedicated to
common goals of PATH," stated
Anita
Pagliasso. Kim
Sherrett said: "As a charter member of PATH, it is
an honor to serve on the Board of Directors and to
add my personal touches to
our
special events as the 2008 Chairman of Meetings and
Events committee." "I am committed to the success
and development of independent
travel
professionals and am looking forward to being a
part of PATH's dedicated leadership team," said
Jackie Friedman. "Our
objective
is to ensure that PATH
remains a credible force in the industry and that
we work together to champion standards, best
practices and agent development
programs
that will mutually benefit our host agency and
supplier membership." PATH,
Professional Association of Travel Hosts,
Membership@PATH4Hosts.com,
www.PATH4Hosts.com |
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The
ARTA Board of Directors has voted to appoint Bruce
Bishins, CTC to the post of President of the
TRIP
Corporation. ARTA, which serves as the incorporator
and facilitator pro tem of the corporation,
until
TRIP seats a full, industry-wide board later this
year, has moved forward with the incorporation
of TRIP
as a not-for-profit corporation slated to be based
near the Detroit Metropolitan Airport in
Romulus, Michigan.