Advisors and Suppliers Gratefully Gather in Budapest for ASTA’s Inaugural Global River Cruise Expo
byDenise Caiazzo/
Finally, as the pandemic has become an endemic the world over, more than 500 U.S.-based travel advisors met face to face at the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) Global River Cruise Expo in Budapest on March 16-20, along with representatives from global river cruise brands and European exhibitors, all cordially welcomed by the Hungarian Tourism Agency.
The overall feeling was encouraging and optimistic about the return of travel. Attendees were so happy to be able to mix and mingle again, share stories, and strategize together – and, of course, to travel freely once again to one of Europe’s most welcoming and beautiful cities.
“The ASTA River Cruise Expo, and the rescinding of travel restrictions now occurring around the world, support the reality that the pandemic is fading fast,” said Zane Kerby, president & CEO of ASTA. “That’s good news for all of us. It is especially good news for all the Americans who are ready to travel the world now! Travel promotes peace, understanding, and empathy. The opportunity to connect with people and places around the globe will again be realized. Travel advisors will be there to guide, advise, and watch over. All at a time when the bonds of our common humanity are needed more than ever.”
Just weeks before the start of the ASTA Global River Cruise Expo, when war broke out between neighboring Ukraine and Russia, it may not have been an easy decision for some as to whether to attend or not. But, interestingly, there was only a 1% cancellation rate, as a result of the unrest. To that we say, “Well done, travel advisors, for boldly leading the way for your clients.”
Budapest was chosen to host the event because it is considered the “river capital of the world.” A premier port destination along the Danube River, Budapest is easily accessible via direct flights connecting major cities of North America with Hungary.
What’s more, the phasing out of almost all COVID-related restrictive measures means that travelers can enter Hungary without the need for any vaccination or immunity certificate or any type of tests. Vaccination certificates and mask-wearing is no longer required to access indoor conferences, accommodations, spas, sporting or cultural events, music and dance festivals, or outdoor events of any type.
“We were thrilled to be partnering with ASTA to host their inaugural Global River Cruise Expo in Budapest,” said László Könnyid, deputy CEO of the Hungarian Tourism Agency. “Our hope is that all travel agents and advisors attending the event will get to know our beautiful capital and the surrounding region with all its off-the-beaten path destinations – to hopefully convince their clients to spend some extra days with us before or after their river cruises. This event once again underlines Hungary’s prominent position among river cruise destinations, and it is an honor that the industry leaders gathered in Budapest for the first time ever for such an occasion.”
匈牙利在美国市场上的最新旅游活动将于本月启动,重点是outstanding architecture of Budapest,unique folk traditions, and特殊的热水疗培养物of the country.
Photo: ASTA
A new concept for the river cruise sector
ASTA的全球河流巡航博览会是河流邮轮部门的第一个此类事件。正如克比(Kerby)所说的那样,大约18个月前,阿斯塔(Asta)前国际会员副总裁鲍勃·杜格林(Bob Duglin)的创意(可悲的是去年7月去世)。他的想法是让与会者能够同时在一个相关的河流巡游城市中并排比较船只。
The ASTA team got to work to make Bob’s dream a reality. And, at this year’s expo, lined up at the pier for ship inspections as well as lunches and dinners onboard were: Amadeus River Cruises, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, and Viking. Quite a line-up, and it did not disappoint. Kerby also acknowledged Visit Hungary, Allianz, and Celebrity Cruises for their support in making the event happen.
全球河流邮轮博览会为旅行顾问提供了有关其河流巡游客户经历的第一手知识的机会;并收集信息以帮助他们做出安全有负责任的旅行决策。
教育和供应商的会议
During the general session, Master of Ceremonies Sandra McLemore asked how many travel advisors in attendance were “niche curious about river cruising,” which turned out to be a sizable number, as many of the attendees had not yet been on a river cruise.
Also at the general session, panels of river cruise line executives discussed their unique selling points; the differences between ocean cruising and river cruising; and critically important topics such as sustainability.
Breakout sessions also explored topics such as how to attract new-to-river-cruise clients; how best to partner with river cruise suppliers; a guide to going live on social media in-destination; the importance of selling travel insurance; and the key tourism aspects of Hungary.
Many attendees signed up for pre-and post-FAMs. The expo has now ended but, this week, travel advisors are sailing with Ama, Avalon, and Emerald on both classic and road-less-traveled itineraries.
Photo: ASTA
Travel advisors react
我们交谈的每位旅行顾问都赞扬了这次活动。“我对鲍勃·杜格林(Bob Duglin)对河流巡航博览会的愿景给我留下了深刻的印象,” ECCS,LCS,DS,PRTE,Adair To Travel,LLC的Suanne Adair说。“阿斯塔在将自己的愿景变为现实方面做得非常出色。供应商的数量令人印象深刻,我对该地区和周边国家有了很多了解。我特别喜欢能够游览这么多不同的河流线,而不必实际飞往欧洲几次,并且每周一次或更长时间巡游。我对不同线条的新深度了解肯定会帮助我发展自己的利基河邮轮市场,并帮助我帮助客户与正确的产品相匹配。ASTA对美国和河流邮轮公司的投资非常出色,我非常感谢能够参加第一届年度ASTA River Cruise Expo。”
Roberta de Grandis, CIS, CTA, MCC, of Let’s Go Travel, LLC, commented: “It’s been a wonderful experience. I probably wouldn’t have come to Budapest, except for this. I’m so surprised and delighted by the city. And all of the major players of river cruises are here. They sent top representatives to speak with us one on one, and that’s impressive. It shows their commitment to travel advisors.”
Lisa Sheldon, CTIE, of I Do Island Weddings & Honeymoons, “signed up for next year’s expo, as they have already stated there will be different ships to see. It’s a great opportunity to see the ships and network with local travel suppliers.”
供应商不得不说
The feedback from river cruise line representatives in attendance was equally positive. Richard Hickey, senior director of national accounts, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises, noted: “I was amazed at how many travel advisors had not yet been on a river cruise. And although we’re not new, we are a younger brand for the U.S., so the event has given us an opportunity to showcase both of our products. Advisors walked away saying,’ Wow I didn’t know …’”
包括Avalon River Cruises在内的Globus Brands首席销售官Camille Olivere说:“让美丽的Avalon Envision并在这么多时间之后,拥有美丽的Avalon Envision并与之并排的其他River Cruise Company船相隔,这真是令人难以置信的有益。Asta River Expo…贸易展览本身以及提供的教育会议使Avalon有机会展示我们的旅行顾问友好且盈利的团体计划以及我们易于使用的预订引擎。这是一个很棒的一周,我们期待明年重复!”
说到这里,旅行社宣布第二Global River Cruise Expo will take place, once again, in Budapest on March 15-18, 2023.Registration已经开放了,从对今年活动的反应来看,2023年博览会也可能很快售罄。
Aid to Ukraine
ASTA, as a 90-year-old trade association, has always been committed to supporting its international partners through times of war and global crisis. To assist with the current humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, ASTA announced at the Global River Cruise Expo that the organization made a $25,000 contribution to the Global Empowerment Movement. They are working with a travel agency in Poland, Why Not Travel (a Travel Leaders affiliate) to relocate displaced refugees who have friends and family in safe places across Europe. At the behest of ASTA Vice-Chair Jackie Friedman, Travel Leaders Foundation also donated an additional $10,000 to GEM.
而且,ASTA的与会者带来了大量的物资,例如妇女和儿童的毯子和卫生套件,来自美国,在全球河流Cruise Expo期间在现场收集并直接送往乌克兰边境,并在美国的现场收集到乌克兰边境。匈牙利旅游局。