The American Society of Travel Agents  announces the promotion or Eben Peck, vice president of government affairs, to senior vice president of government and industry affairs. Since 2012, Peck has been responsible for all of ASTA’s federal and state lobbying efforts and the association’s political action committee (ASTAPAC), and will now also oversee ASTA’s industry and consumer affairs functions.

Peck’s promotion follows the departure of John Pittman who served ASTA for 20 years, most recently as senior vice president of industry affairs and marketing. ASTA is currently searching for a director of industry affairs who will report directly to Peck.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our entire team’s tireless efforts to advocate for travel agents everywhere,” said ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby. “Eben will once again lead the charge at ASTA’s second Legislative Day on March 19, which is shaping up to be a huge success. We also want to thank John for his many years of dedication to the ASTA community.”

In other staff news, ASTA welcomed both Erika Richter, manager of government affairs and communications, and Andrea Caulfield, coordinator of member care, on Jan. 5. Christine Montgomery joined the ranks on Dec. 8, 2014, as manager of meetings and education, all replacing vacant positions.

Source: http://goo.gl/Gb3Jxu

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According to a report Macau, famous for casino gambling, outperformed the rest of the world’s major cities economically last year. Macau has enjoyed a tourism boom, with gamblers coming to bet at more than 30 casinos, including the Venetian Macau, the world’s largest.

China dominated the top of the annual economic rankings of 300 cities worldwide by the Brookings Institution and JPMorgan Chase. One exception: Bangkok, Thailand, came in last, its economy wrecked by political strife.

Cities in wealthy, developed countries tended to lag behind. Though most of the cities surveyed around the world have recovered from the Great Recession, 65 percent of European and 57 percent of North American cities have not, according to the study, which ranks cities by growth in employment and in economic output per person. Cities in wealthy countries tended to perform weakly. But U.S. and British cities showed progress. Three U.S. cities — Austin and Houston, Texas, and Raleigh, North Carolina — cracked the top 50. In the United Kingdom, London came in No. 26, Manchester No. 60.

Source: http://goo.gl/pPZqrB

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Sunwing Vacations is pleased to announce the opening of Starfish Cuatro Palmas in Varadero, Cuba. Exclusive to Sunwing, the resort is designed to delight guests of all ages with an active schedule of social events and activities, comfortable accommodations, all inclusive features, and friendly service. Families will also appreciate the special kids buffet section and early evening entertainment.

 
Enjoying an enviable beachfront location in Varadero, and surrounded by expansive pools and tropical gardens, the resort’s comfortable 282 air conditioned rooms all offer a balcony or terrace, satellite television and in-room safe, along with signature Starfish amenities.

 
Guests of Sunwing Vacations can look forward to sampling an array of different cuisine at the buffet, or select from three themed à la carte restaurants, together with enjoying their favourite treats at the snack bar. Convivial bartenders at the three onsite bars offer a selection of national and international brand cocktails and beer. Beyond the all-inclusive plan, guests can choose to take advantage of additional on-site services for purchase, including an internet café, and massage treatments.

 
New for this winter season, Sunwing has expanded its program to offer direct flights to Varadero from 20 different Canadian gateways this season, so getting to this popular Cuban beach destination couldn’t be easier. A week’s vacation package at Starfish Cuatro Palmas, including return flights, is available from $495 plus $315 taxes per person based on two people sharing a Las Palmas Economy Room and departing from Toronto on March 03, 2015.

Source: http://goo.gl/P9i3ub

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