Published for the Travel Agents of Suffolk County |
|
Our Sept 14th TASC dinner meeting is being held at
Shandon Court.
There will be a cocktail hour sponsored by TASC
Our Presenters this month are
Sandals Resorts
&
The Jamaica Tourist Board
|
|
|
TASC SEPTEMBER MEETING - LIVE!!
|
|
|
LOCATION
SHANDON COURT, 115 EAST MAIN ST., EAST ISLIP, NY
DATE AND TIME
09/14/22 6:00pm
-
09/14/22 8:30pm
SIGN IN: 5:30PM // COCKTAIL HOUR: 6:00-7:00PM MEETING & DINNER: 7:00PM MEMBERS: $25, NON-MEMBERS: $35 RSVP IS MANDATORY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RSVP
RSVP’S for the general meeting should
now be made by using the RSVP button above.
At this time you will continue to be able to RSVP to:
Honey Pressgrove’s office 631-363-9522
RSVP's must be received no later than the MONDAY
before the meeting. If you are unable to attend the meeting after you have already responded PLEASE call to cancel.
|
PLEASE RSVP WITH THE "YES I WILL BE ATTENDING" BUTTON ONLY IF YOU DEFINITELY PLAN ON ATTENDING OUR MEETINGS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION IF YOU SHARE A SINGLE EMAIL ADDRESS WITH A COLLEAGUE
SINCE EACH EMAIL ADDRESS IS LINKED TO ONLY 1 PERSON, ONLY THAT 1 PERSON CAN BE COUNTED WHEN YOU RSVP ELECTRONICALLY, ADDITIONAL ATTENDEES MUST PHONE OR EMAIL IN THEIR RSVP.
|
SAVE THE DATE!!!!!
Our 2022 TASC Trade Show will be held on
Wednesday evening - NOVEMBER 9TH
from 5:30pm - 7:00pm
at the Holiday Inn Airport East
located at Exit 63 off the
Long Island Expressway
(This will replace our regular dinner meeting)
Further details to be announced.
Suppliers may contact our Trade Show Chairperson; Jeaneane DeCicco at jeaneane.decicco@gmail.com
to book your table.
Cost for a table is $300 per supplier
|
|
Dear Members,
Well here we are in September, where did the summer go? I just returned from my first European trip since 2017. I was on a river cruise tour in Portugal. I forgot how much I enjoy visiting both large cities and small villages in Europe. Apparently so did everyone else. All planes were packed, as were various attractions and excursions. But everyone had patience and seemed happy no matter where I went.
I also cannot believe that my Presidency is coming to an end this month. Through 2 long years with too many Zoom meetings to count, hopefully we are finally done with those.
I wish all the best to Fran Raupp as she starts her 2nd Presidency. It has been an honor to serve this organization for a 2nd time.
This month, we again are sponsoring a cocktail hour from 6-7pm in honor of our post-poned TASC board installation.
We also have a double-header presentation in store by
Karlene Angus-Smith from Sandals along with
Victoria Harper from the Jamaica Tourist Board.
I'm sure these ladies will have plenty of updates for us.
Hope to see you there!
Respectfully,
Susan Bonesso
When you make a mistake, there are only three things you should ever do about it: admit it, learn from it, and don't repeat it.
-- Paul "Bear" Bryant
|
|
Installation of the newly elected
2022 - 2024 TASC Executive Board
to take place at the September meeting.
President - Fran Raupp
Vice President - Liz Henn
Treasurer - Ginny De Feo
Secretary Angela - SanFelippo-Szemico
Director Owner - Honey Pressgrove
Director Agent - Jeffrey Austin
Director Affiliate - Kim Daino
|
|
TASC remembers all those that lost their lives on 9/11 and to the brave first responders who gave their all. We would also like to remember their family and friends who were touched by this tragedy. May we never forget! |
|
UPCOMING TASC MEETING/EVENT SCHEDULE
SEPT 14 - SANDALS/JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD & INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
OCT 12 - BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS TOURIST BOARD & THE MOORINGS/SUNSAIL & LITTLE DIX BAY RESORT
NOV 9 - TASC TRADE SHOW
DEC 14 - TASC HOLIDAY PARTY
Attention suppliers! 2022 is now fully booked.
However all of 2023 is currently available at this time. Get your choice of dates, always the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
You may contact our Programs Director, Fran Raupp at franr@baytravelandtours.com to book your program.
|
|
Current Industry Affairs (CIA)
This is an important subject that should concern us all. Travel Agencies being held responsible for giving refunds to customers for flights purchased through us. Please read thoroughly. We need to send letters to our representatives in office and raise our voice on this most important legislation.
Questions and answers about the DOT's refund rule for agencies By Mark Pestronk
Q: I understand that, under the DOT's proposed rule, travel agencies would be legally responsible for making refunds to passengers when the carrier cancels or substantially delays a flight. I have some questions about the implications of what the DOT is proposing. First, as you know, most travel advisors are independent contractors (ICs) of host agencies, so is it the IC or the host that would be responsible?
A: Under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, travel agencies are called "ticket agents," and the refund duties would apply to "ticket agents." The term is defined as a "person that as a principal or agent sells, [or] offers for sale ... air transportation." The word "person" means an individual or a legal entity.
Note that the definition is not limited to ARC or Iatan appointees, nor it is limited to the entity that issues a ticket. Rather, it refers to any person who "sells" air transportation. Therefore, the refund duty could certainly apply to the IC as the seller, although the DOT may intend it to apply only to the officially appointed entity, which would be the host. Perhaps the DOT will clarify this issue in the final rule.
Q: Second, I understand that the rule would apply to all U.S. airlines as well as foreign airlines on trips to or from the U.S. If a foreign airline goes out of business and shuts down without making refunds, as they have been known to do, would the agent really be on the hook for the refunds?
A: Yes. The travel agent and the airline would be jointly responsible, which means that if the airline failed to make a refund because it had no money, the agent would have to do so.
Q: Third, if the airline does not make a required refund, when must the agent make the refund out of his or her own pocket?
A: When a refund is due because of a cancellation or substantial delay, and the passenger declines to accept a future travel credit, the carrier would have seven days to make a credit card refund and 20 days to make a refund when the passenger paid by check or other cash equivalent. The same deadlines apply to agents. I realize that result makes no sense because the agent won't know whether the carrier made the refund by the time the deadline rolls around, so perhaps the DOT will clarify this issue.
Q: Fourth, if the agent makes a refund, what is the mechanism for getting reimbursed by the airline?
A: There is no mechanism. At present, if a ticket is nonrefundable, the agent is not allowed to refund it. Presumably, that restriction will change if the DOT rule goes into effect, but if the airline disagrees with the agent's decision, the agent has no recourse.
Q: Fifth, if the rule is adopted, won't most agents just stop selling airline tickets?
A: I have no doubt that the rule would have such an effect, even though it would hardly be in the public interest.
|
|
Italy's economy and finance ministry on Wednesday announced it has entered into "exclusive talks" with a consortium formed by Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and U.S. investment fund Certares for the purchase of national carrier ITA Airways.
====================================================================
Rain has arrived in Europe, much to the relief of river cruise lines that had been forced to disrupt dozens of sailings in recent weeks due to low water levels.
A number of companies say that recent rainfall has been enough to replenish parts of Europe's most severely affected rivers to water levels sufficient for the resumption of normal sailing operations, and bodes well for fall sailings.
The Danube and the Rhine had been among the rivers hardest hit by water levels so low at some points that river cruise lines began altering itineraries and canceling cruises.
====================================================================
Club Med has bid farewell to its all-inclusive resort in Port St. Lucie, Florida, with the brand announcing that it has ceased operations of the Club Med Sandpiper Bay.
The move comes as the property changes hands, with owners Sandpiper Resort Properties Inc. and Holiday Village of Sandpiper Inc. recently selling the resort to development and hospitality group Altitude International Holdings.
In a press release, Altitude International Holdings said it plans to continue operating the 335-room resort without closure while beginning an extensive two-year renovation. The resort will be transformed into "a hotel and sports academy that complements the property's extensive athletic installations and infrastructure."
According to Club Med, the company's sales team is getting in contact with travel advisors that have clients booked for a post-September 5 stay at the Club Med Sandpiper Bay. Clients are being given the option to change their dates of stay, apply their reservation to another Club Med resort, request a future travel credit or request a refund for the amount already paid on their stay.
Club Med's sole U.S.-based resort, the Club Med Sandpiper Bay has operated for more than 40 years.
The shuttering of the Club Med Sandpiper Bay comes as Club Med prepares to open a new U.S. property in Snowbasin, Utah, which will be part of the brand's higher-end Exclusive Collection. The Utah mountain resort is on track to open in 2024.
====================================================================
====================================================================
For current travel restrictions for Europe:
|
|
TASC send condolences to long time member Lorraine Vouris on the passing of her father; Peter J. Simeone.
Cards may be sent to her at: 25 Radburn Drive, Farmingville, NY 11738
|
|
TASC sends congratulations to Current board member/Past President Honey Pressgrove and Past President Marie Foley on the recent birth of their new grandson/great-grandson; Easton Robert.
|
|
TASC By-Laws
Any proposed changes to the by-laws must be submitted in writing to the executive board by the October 12th meeting or to the By-laws chairperson; Susan Bonesso not later than 10/19 at susanbtravel@optonline.net
|
|
TASC ANNUAL DUES
Your annual TASC membership renewals are
now due. They are still only $40 per year.
Membership forms were emailed to you earlier this month. If you did not receive it, one is available at our website or from the sign in table at the
TASC dinner.
|
|
EMPLOYMENT
Blue Ribbon Travel offices in both Stony Brook and Bay Shore are looking for full time and part-time agents. If interested, contact their Whitestone office at 718-767-5455
|
|
Your TASC board has a new email address: TASCEMAIL@OPTIMUM.NET
|
|
If you have any member news that you would like posted in this newsletter please send an email with information to: tascemail@optimum.net
In addition to the get wells and condolences, we can also list job postings
or pertinent industry news.
If we don't know about it, we can't post it!
|
|
WWW.LI-TASC.COM
This is our website. Visit us !!!
Also visit our TASC Facebook page and “like us”.
Only TASC members will be able to post on the Facebook page.
|
|
Supplier Rep Updates
We would like to welcome several new supplier reps that have recently been assigned to the Suffolk County area.
American Cruise Lines - NEW
Sara Hamilton-Moran,
sara.hamilton-moran@americancruiselines.com
Apple Leisure Group
Brian Ehlers, behlers@algvacations.com
Barbados Tourism - NEW
Deborah Millington, deborahm@visitbarbados.org
Explora Journeys - NEW
Christopher Cestari, christopher.cestari@explorajourneys.com
Homeric Tours - NEW
Nicole Tsakanikas, nicole@homerictours.com
Norwegian Cruise Lines
Lori Innamorata, linnamorata@ncl.com
Playa Resorts
Pedro Spignolio, pedro.spignolio@playaresorts.com
RIU Resorts - NEW
Luis Chaverri, lchaverri@riu.com
Star Clippers - NEW
June Muenzer, june.muenzer@starclippers.com
Windstar Cruises - NEW
Meg Daly, meg.daly@windstarcruises.com
|
|
President
Susan Bonesso
(email) susanbtravel@optonline.net
Vice President
Fran Raupp
(email) franr@baytravelandtours.com
Secretary
Liz Henn
(email) lizLbac@gmail.com
Treasurer
Ginny DeFeo
(email) gindef@hotmail.com
Director Owner
Honey Pressgrove
(email) empress965@aol.com
Director Affiliate
Gavin Simmons
(email) gsimmons@uvi.sandals.com
Director Agent
Jeffrey Austin
(email) jaustin@vacationwiser.com
Past President
Garrett Simulcik
(email) gsimulcik@cruiseplanners.com
|
|
Rogers Travel
Bay Travel & Tours
LBAC Travel
Empress Travel
Empress Travel-Bayport
Sandals
Vacation Wiser
Cruise Planners
|
|
631-289-5252
631-447-6440
631-648-8032
631-698-7767
631-363-9522
631-526-3301
631-499-4483
631-274-5490
|
|
ACCOUNTING
Richard Chester
AUDIT
Jeaneane De Cicco
AUTOMATION
Lou Fenech
BUDGET
Marie Foley
BY-LAWS
Susan Bonesso
CURRENT INDUSTRY AFFAIRS
Susan Bonesso
HISTORIAN
Ginny DeFeo
HOSPITALITY
Kathy Collins
LEGISLATION
Bill De Cicco
MEMBER BENEFITS
Jeffrey Austin
MEMBERSHIP
Honey Pressgrove
NEWSLETTER
Susan Bonesso
NOMINATIONS
April Whymark
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES
Robert's Rules of Order
PAST PRESIDENTS
Garrett Simulcik
PROGRAMS
Fran Raupp
PUBLIC RELATIONS
RAFFLES
Kathy Collins
SUNSHINE
Honey Pressgrove
TRADE SHOW
Jeaneane De Cicco
& Past Presidents Committee
|
|
631-585-7070
631-289-5252
631-563-3440
631-363-9522
631-289-5252
631-289-5252
631-698-7767
631-225-7569
631-289-5252
631-499-4483
631-363-9522
631-289-5252
631-672-9497
631-274-5490
631-447-6440
631-225-7569
631-363-9522
631-289-5252
|
|
Every statement made at TASC meetings or published in TASC News is a personal opinion of the speaker, editor or contributor to this newsletter. No comment spoken at the meeting or printed in the newsletter is an endorsement or to suggest that they are the opinions of TASC, its Board of Directors, or members.
|
TASC | PO Box 49, Bohemia, NY 11716 | www.li-tasc.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
