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Wednesday August 19, 2020

Editor’s Note — TRO wants to remind its Travelgram readers the articles presented here are meant to assist you in remaining informed and prepared to discuss travel news of the day with clients.


Destinations

The new rules of travel for the luxury jet setter
Wherever you turn, whichever direction you take, your next trip is likely to feel more like a mystery tour than the mandated seven days of same old, same old we’ve all been used to. But, we’re not here to wonder, we’re here to wander. Here are eight tactics for making the best of any outbound adventure you have…

Bali plans to reopen to international tourists in September. A number of obstacles stand in its way
Bali authorities hope to reopen the Indonesian island to international tourism from September 11. But before travelers can return in significant numbers, a tricky game of health diplomacy awaits.…

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Cruise

'Stop the fear mongering!': Peeved cruise-goers tell the CDC they're ready to set sail despite the pandemic
As the expiration date for the United States' no-sail order on the cruise industry gets closer, the Centers for Disease Control wants to know how cruisers about getting back on the water — and the short answer, for most, is that they've been…

More Destinations Encourage Return of Cruising
As the first cruise ships have begun to return to service, more regions around the world are moving to encourage the return of cruising in their jurisdictions. Some of the larger markets for cruising are working aggressively to support the return of tourism while emerging markets are also taking steps to show their support for the cruise…

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Transportation

U.S., China agree to expand airline flights between them to 8 per week
The United States and China have agreed to double the number of airline flights that each other’s airlines can operate between the countries, from four to eight per…

Ryanair is cutting its flight capacity by 20% in September and October - what it means for customers
Ryanair has said that it will reduce its flight capacity by 20 per cent in September and October, following the tightening of coronavirus restrictions in some European…

Airlines constantly adjusting their schedules means you can easily change your flight for free or get a refund — here's how
Airline flight schedules are not set in stone and are frequently changed depending on the company's operational needs.…

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Lodging

6 ways staying at a hotel is better than an Airbnb
Vacation rentals like Airbnbs may work for a lot of families but for many, a points hotel is the only way to go. Here are 6 reasons…

De Blasio orders NYC travelers to sign quarantine forms to get hotel access or risk fines, civil commitment
Some travelers visiting New York City are now required by law to sign a quarantine form to gain access to their hotel rooms – and those who fail to comply may be committed to…

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Other and Odd

Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer Statue Reopened After Being Closed for Nearly Five Months
Brazil’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue reopened to the public this past weekend with reduced capacity and shorter hours to abide by coronavirus-sparked…

Southwest reports 'modest' improvement in travel demand but cuts back on flights in coming months
Southwest said its third-quarter cash burn was slightly better than expected and said capacity in quarter would be lower than previously…

Today in History

Salem Witch Trials
On August 19, 1692, five people, one woman and four men, were executed by hanging for the crime of witchcraft in Salem, Massachussetts. The five, Susannah Martin, George Burroughs, John Willard, George Jacobes, and John Proctor were caught up in the hysteria caused by a strange affliction of young women in the town. The first accused and arrested were social outcasts and of African descent, but as the literal witch-hunt spread, those who were arrested were upstanding citizens of Salem village, numbering as high as 62 at one point. Some were tortured into confession. The public examination for witchcraft involved accusers and "spectral evidence". In all, 19 people were executed before the end of the…

Press Releases of Interest

Hungarian Tourism Agency Announces Launch of Educational Specialist Program
Dear Travel Advisors, Hungarian Tourism is delighted to announce the launch of its first official Educational Specialist Program - Hungary Specialist. Hungary Specialist is a one-of-a-kind program designed for travel professionals worldwide, giving you a valuable familiarization tool to help develop your knowledge of Hungary and all it has to offer in today’s fast-paced digital world. The Hungary Specialist program will provide you with everything you need to know about selling Hungary. It will include main attractions and events so you can create the perfect itineraries for your clients. You will learn about our fascinating cities and countryside, our culture, cuisine, wines and gracious hospitality, customs and traditions, wellness and health and much…

Point-to-Point

Give Cruisers Incentive to Book Cruises NOW
by Steven Frankel
Wednesday August 19, 2020

Many veteran cruisers see no reason to book cruises right now. Their income is uncertain, many resent how they've been treated by cruise lines and insurance companies, and they're not sure they can cruise safely. Many avid cruisers thought they knew the rules of the game:

Sail on a few favorite cruise lines, get to know the ships and key staff, and the companies would look out for you.

This changed when COVID-19 struck. Guests on infected ships were misled, those seeking to cancel cruises got run-arounds, and refunds were largely replaced by "future cruise credits." These preserved the company's cash but forced some guests to book on cruise lines they no longer trusted. Is there any wonder why so many of our best clients won't book…

  — Travel Research Online
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Motivationally Speaking...

First, Ask Me What I DON’T Want!
by Stuart Cohen
Wednesday August 19, 2020

Salespeople with the greatest intentions establish the weakest connections by failing to uncover primary objections. If you’re engaged in one-on-one sales and want to sell more, try asking me what I DON’T want.

By nature, we salespeople are eager to please and excited to share. Embarking on talk tracks of fabulous features and benefits is how we are trained. So, after asking standard set-up questions cleverly designed to lead customers to say what we already assume they want from us, we slide right into confident sales mode and start heading for the finish line.

  — Travel Research Online
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Mike’s 1-Minute Marketing Memos

You Have to Show Up

Once upon a time, a record Belmont Park racing crowd witnessed the biggest upset in Belmont stakes history as Saravas’s odds, at 70-to-1 upset the heavy favorite War Emblem. In doing so, Sarava put an end to another Triple Crown shoe-in. A two-dollar wager returned $142.50. This translated to a “nice day” at the track.

I love to read about upsets, and I find myself smiling when the underdog mounts the podium. This is what makes life worth living. Games worth playing. Businesses worth running.

70-to-1! Those were the odds that this unknown horse would win the Belmont. The smart money was on War Emblem. The celebratory wreath went to the fastest horse. Life doesn’t always unfold away the newspapers predict. Those “in the know” may not…

  — Travel Research Online
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Taking Control

Do You Know Your Numbers?
by Richard D'Ambrosio
Tuesday August 18, 2020

You’ve heard the pundits and read the headlines:

“Advisors need to pivot, experts say.”

“Agents have to adapt to the new normal.” (Ugh. That…

  — Travel Research Online
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