The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) declared its support for Flight of Friendship, a team of tourism, business, and political leaders from Oregon…
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) declared its support for Flight of Friendship, a team of tourism, business, and political leaders from Oregon who plan to visit cities and regions in Southeast Asia that were impacted by the December tsunami.
In a January 14 letter to Honorary Consul General Nick Stanley of the Royal Thai Consulate, ASTA President and CEO Kathryn W. Sudeikis, CTC, applauded the leadership of Flight of Friendship and encouraged ASTA members to continue their support for tsunami relief through ASTA`s Web sites.
The Flight of Friendship is a wonderful way to get travel agents around the world to join hands and help our colleagues who earn their livelihoods through the tourism industry, Sudeikis said. By traveling to the communities, the Flight of Friendship team can demonstrate that many hotels and resorts are up and running normally. ASTA commends co-chair Sho Dozano, ASTA`s 2002 Travel Agent of the Year, and his colleagues for their efforts to get people back to work in the tourism industry.
The Flight of Friendship team will visit the tsunami region Feb. 6-14 to provide support and to demonstrate that tourist spots are returning to normal. More information about Flight of Friendship is available at www.flightoffriendship.com.
ASTA travel agents can also donate to tsunami relief by going to ASTA`s Web sites, www.ASTAnet.com and www.TravelSense.org where they will find links to several national charities. In addition, ASTA encourages members interested in extending the reach of the Society`s efforts to consider soliciting donations from staff; encouraging customers to go to www.TravelSense.org to donate; and developing a matching challenge with customers, i.e. match a small amount that they donate.
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