2007 Ushers in New Phase for ASTA
Effective today, the new and improved ASTA is at your service. Agents now have the option of becoming Premium Travel Agency members or Travel Agent Individual and Company members. Premium Travel Agency members will receive concierge-level, personalized services including an assigned relationship manager, business consulting and customizable research. Travel Agent Individual and Company members will have access to the same great benefits they have always had, along with some new and enhanced services. More information is to come. Stay tuned for the launch of the new ASTAnet.com.

February Is Travel Agents Care Month
The excitement is growing for Travel Agents Care Month! Many of you have responded with your plans. From group volunteer projects to charitable events, the responses have been overwhelming. Thank you to all of the members who will participate in Travel Agents Care Month. If you or a travel agent you know is planning on taking a volunteer vacation in 2007, especially one through Global Volunteers, please let us know at pr@astahq.com. Log onto ASTAnet.com for more information and instructions on how to plan your Travel Agents Care Month event.

Travel Agents Care Spotlight
Megan Carpenter
Carpenter Travel
Arlington, TX Carpenter is very active in Arlington. Her interests range from charitable giving to participating in local politics. Carpenter Travel volunteered for the "Vote Yes Campaign," which paved the way for the new Dallas Cowboy's Stadium to be built. From handing out stickers and yard signs to chaperoning the team's mascot, Rowdy, at public events, Carpenter Travel spent many hours going door to door answering questions about the stadium. Megan Carpenter lost her 16 year old son when he was killed by a drunk driver. She is most proud of the hours she spends donating time to the Tarrant County Victim Impact Panel, where she shares her son's story with first time drunk driving offenders. Carpenter Travel takes great pride in giving back to the community. ASTA will feature a new agent in Travel Agents Care Spotlight bi-weekly. If you or your agency would like to be featured, please send a summary of your charitable act or contribution along with a head shot or group photo to pr@astahq.com. International members are encouraged to respond.

Trend Spotter- Manly Pursuits
A recent Travel Industry Association (TIA) study confirms a nascent trend already being cited by some leaders of the agency pack: vacations for men only, dubbed _mancations._ Women have their spa, shopping and women-only adventures, so the guys are getting their testosterone fixes with excursions to fish, hunt, camp, climb or quieter activities like playing poker. The TIA study reports that 37 million U.S. men took mancations in 2005, 2 percent more than in 2000. Have you seen this trend emerging in your market? Are you offering your clients any men-only packages? ASTA wants to know. RSVP to agoodfriend@astahq.com.

The New Travel Destination for 2007 - Asia!
Travel to Asia is rising at an unprecedented rate. Tap into this lucrative market by attending the International Destination Expo_Asia on March 25-29, 2007, in Jeju, Korea. You will leave this 4-day conference certified in up to four Asian destinations thanks to in-depth education on India, China, Thailand, Korea and emerging destinations such as Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Learn how to sell soft adventure packages in Southeast Asia, exotic Asia/Pacific cruises and more! For more details on the program of events click here. Whether your clients are visiting China, Japan or seeking a travel experience that is new, exotic and luxurious, Korea is the gateway to Asia. Unbelievable airfare starts at $300 roundtrip with business class starting at $740 roundtrip! Visit www.ASTAnet.com/jeju to register today! Don_t wait _ airfare is selling out quickly!Suppliers: The Americans are coming to Asia!
Reach the U.S. retail travel market in the most direct and cost effective way - exhibit at the International Destination Expo- Asia, March 25-29, 2007, in Jeju, Korea. Hundreds of qualified buyers are traveling to Korea to meet you. Act now! Don_t miss this unique opportunity to establish new business relationships with travel agents dedicated to selling Asia. Complete the booth contract to reserve your space today.

Register for the TRADESHOW 2007
THETRADESHOW is a three-day event connecting thousands of consumers, travel agents and travel suppliers. Attendees participate in educational seminars, learn about new destinations and network with suppliers and industry leaders. Register online now for THETRADESHOW 2007 in beautiful Las Vegas! If you attended last year, use the "attendee lookup" feature to find your online record, then edit and register for THETRADESHOW. First time attendees can also register online in just a few easy steps. Register now for THETRADESHOW 2007!

State Department Travel Warnings, Announcements

The U.S. Department of State has issued travel warnings and/or announcements regarding travel for American citizens to Côte d'Ivoire, Nepal, Pakistan, Central African Republic, East Timor, Yemen, Uzbekistan, Syria, Chad, Algeria, Sudan, Iraq, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Lebanon, Israel, and the West Bank and Gaza. For more information, visit http://travel.state.gov/.