The next generation of travel agent industry leaders will discuss issues important to them at a destination retreat organized by ASTA’s Young Professionals Society (YPS).
Alexandria, VA – The destination familiarization trip, hosted and sponsored by the Jamaica Tourism Board, will be held May 22-26 and will feature site inspections and education at three of Jamaica’s most popular tourist destinations: Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios.
“Our 2010 retreat will be much more than a traditional familiarization trip,” said YPS Chair Jason Coleman. “In addition to being exposed to a diverse group of Jamaica’s resorts and attractions, we have organized a number of roundtable discussions and industry topics to discuss what’s important from the young travel professional’s perspective.”
The Jamaica retreat is just one in a series of enhancements to the YPS program in the last year. In 2009, YPS hosted the first “Ride the Young Professionals Track” at THETRADESHOW. For 2010, the track will be expanded to a full event exclusively for the under-40 crowd. In March, YPS kicked off a monthly Webinar series to provide educational and career development resources for retail agents.
“One of my goals when I became chair of YPS was to add the voice of the young professional to the industry dialogue that happens around us,” Coleman continued. “My generation of travel agent colleagues has a different perspective, and many of us approach the industry with a variety of degrees and MBAs. The issues that are important to us are not necessarily being discussed at industry conferences and in the trade publications. It’s time for the young professionals to speak up and help shape our industry for the next 30 years.”
The YPS Retreat/Destination Education familiarization trip is open to all ASTA YPS members under 40 years of age. The retreat is complimentary, and includes two nights in Negril, two nights in Montego Bay, a day-trip to Ocho Rios, shared hotel accommodations, all meals, ground transportation, and activities. Registration ends April 30, 2010. Participants are only responsible for their air to/from Montego Bay. Attendees will inspect numerous Jamaica resorts and the cruise port in Ocho Rios, receive destination education including a trade show, and experience a number of activities and attractions to recommend to clients.
