Events, Organisations & Operators,

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is pleased to announce its Board of Directors’ newly re-elected Directors-at-large, who will officially begin their second two-year term at the close of ASTA’s Global Convention in San Francisco in August 2022. There were three open Director-at-large seats this year.
The following are the newly re-elected national Directors-at-large:
Marc Casto, President Leisure Americas, Flight Centre Travel Group
Jackie Friedman, President, Nexion Travel Group
Tiffany Hines, President & CEO, Global Escapes, Inc.
The other at-Large Directors returning to the board for 2022-2023 term are as follows: 
Kelly Bergin, President, Duglin Travel Group
Roger Block, President, Travel Leaders Network
Kareem George, President, Culture Traveler, LLC
Vanessa McGovern, Co-Founder & Chief Sales Officer, Gifted Travel Network
Patricia Thorington, Manager, Plaza Travel
Appointed or Elected by Committee
The following Board seats are either appointed or voted on by a subset of ASTA membership:  ADVERTISEMENT >CAC Chair – Michael Dixon – returning to the Board as the CAC Chair and will sit on the Executive Committee for one more year.
CAC Vice Chair – Kathy Bedell – returning to the Board as the CAC Vice Chair for one more year.
Small Business Network Director – Rhonda Shumway – serving the second year of her first term.
Consortium Director – John Werner, MAST Travel Network, will take the place of Helen Enriquez, representing Ensemble, on the ASTA Board of Directors.
Elected Regional Director – Southeast – Eddie Woodham – elected to a second term.
Returning Regional Director – North Central – Deb Belchak – serving the second year of her first term.
Returning Regional Director – Northwest – Lynda Phillippi – serving the second year of her first term.
Looking ahead, in 2023, five At-Large seats, one Small Business Director seat and two Regional Director seats on the Board of Directors will be open. 

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ABTA has launched its events programme for autumn 2022-summer 2023 offering a host of high-quality, professional training events and conferences for businesses of all sizes, designed to keep the travel industry up-to-date on important, business critical issues.
As the industry continues to rebuild from the pandemic and tackles new issues never faced before, ABTA is keen to provide a brand-new line up of events for this new era of travel.
Taking on board the feedback from our Members, a significant part of the programme is focused on in-depth training events from high calibre specialists and industry experts.
Attendees can expect advice and guidance in a diverse mix of areas including customer service, social media and marketing, finance, travel law and regulations. The training that is being introduced is suitable for new recruits as well as those returning to the sector and includes: 
CRM and Data Management Strategies for Travel – 13 September 2022Introduction to Travel – 15 September 2022An Essential Guide to Google Analytics 4 (GA4) for Travel – 5 October 2022Carbon Literacy for Travel – 3 October 2022Employment Law – 1 December 2022ADVERTISEMENTTo reflect the growth in new recruits entering the industry, ABTA is offering the option for businesses that wish to book multiple training sessions across the year to book discounted delegate packages that they can use at a time that suits them.
ABTA will also be hosting its annual conferences, including:
Travel Trends – 17 November 2022Travel Matters 2022 – 6 December 2022 (rescheduled from June 2022)Travel Finance Conference – 1-2 March 2023Delivering Sustainable Travel – 15 March 2023Travel Law Seminar – 10-11 May 2023Travel Marketing Conference – 17-18 May 2023Travel Matters 2023 – 21 June 2023
In addition to the multiple training sessions discount, ABTA is offering a 10% discount on all event bookings made before 31 August using the code ABTASUMMER22*. The events are open to the whole travel industry with reduced rates available for ABTA Members and Partners.
ABTA’s Head of Events, Eve Coburn, said:
“Following high demand from our Members, we have focused our events programme to offer a wide range of training sessions and conferences as the industry moves forward in the aftermath of the pandemic. ABTA is offering our Members and travel professionals the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills in our ever-changing industry.”
All ABTA events can be found listed on the Breaking Travel News Travel Events Calendar – https://www.breakingtravelnews.com/events/

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Destination Canada is pleased to announce the return of Innovate Canada, a Destination Canada signature business event that highlights the groundbreaking work taking place across Canada’s leading innovation sectors to attract aligned international business events. Running from July 25-28 in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Innovate Canada 2022 will give international delegates the opportunity to explore Canada’s blue economy and global leadership in ocean sciences, including the people and facilities behind some of the most transformative sustainable technologies and solutions for ocean restoration and marine health.
“Bounded by three oceans and home to the largest coastline in the world, it should be no surprise that Canada has a rich history of innovation and global leadership in the ocean’s sciences sector,” says Virginie De Visscher, Senior Director of Business Development, Economic Sectors, Destination Canada Business Events. “After a two-year hiatus, we are thrilled to bring the Innovate Canada program to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. The city has a global reputation as a centre of ocean excellence and is home to some of the most exclusive facilities, advanced post-secondary institutions and renowned ocean research and training centres. Combine this leadership with the warmth of Newfoundland and Labrador hospitality, and there’s little wonder why global organisations in ocean sciences continually choose to host their events in St. John’s.”
In addition to educational site visits to disruptive startups and established businesses across St. John’s ocean science related industries, the Innovate Canada program will take delegates on curated tours of:
The National Research Council’s Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre for research being conducted in the Ice Tank, one of the globe’s largest facilities of its kind; the Offshore Engineering Basin, one of the most advanced indoor model ocean facilities in the world; and the Tow Tank, which simulates marine conditions to evaluate the performance of marine systems.The Marine Institute of Memorial University to experience the most advanced marine simulation technology, pilot underwater vehicles in the Underwater Exploration Lab, and discover the newest technologies being applied to the global fisheries industries in support of sustainable aquatic resources.“From ocean technology, aquaculture and fisheries, ocean defense, marine bio-products, marine renewable energy, shipbuilding, and marine transportation, St. John’s is changing the way business in the ocean economy is conducted,” says Cathy Hogan, Executive Director at OceansAdvance, Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean technology cluster organisation. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Destination Canada through the Innovate Canada program, to put local leading innovators, cutting edge innovations and world class oceans research facilities on the global stage and show delegates why St. John’s is an incredibly distinct and unique location to host ocean-related business events.”
Aligned with Destination Canada’s national meeting strategy, Innovate Canada aims to drive regional economic growth and compel global organisations to host their business events in Canada.ADVERTISEMENT“When conference-goers meet in Canada’s innovation hubs, they can tap into the country’s brain trust, connect with some of the brightest minds and thought leaders, preview made-in-Canada solutions to the world’s greatest challenges and explore the Canadian innovations that are creating a more sustainable world,” adds Chantal Sturk-Nadeau, Executive Director, Business Events, Destination Canada. “When this intellectual capital is combined with our vibrant urban centres and unique natural landscapes, it provides a thriving ecosystem for business events that foster creativity, collaboration and ultimately, leave a lasting impact. We can’t wait to provide a look at just that.”
Innovate Canada rotates destinations and industry sectors each year and will return in May 2023 to share the brilliant minds and transformative work being done across Waterloo, Ontario’s advanced manufacturing sector including automotive, aerospace, food processing, cutting-edge robotics and automation innovation. Aligned with Destination Canada’s new Canadian Business Events Sustainability Strategy, Innovate Canada 2023 will, for the first time, be carbon neutral.

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams, along with NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organisation and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, has kicked off the 30th anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week® with a press conference at Gage & Tollner, one of the original 1992 participants, while also announcing Savor NYC: a yearlong culinary celebration. A full list of restaurants participating in NYC Restaurant Week, sponsored by Mastercard®, is available at nycgo.com/restaurantweek. 
“NYC Restaurant Week provides New Yorkers and visitors the ability to eat at hundreds of restaurants, in dozens of neighborhoods, across all five boroughs,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “This year’s Restaurant Week is bringing diners an array of flavors with amazing deals. No matter where you dine, there is no better time to support our city’s restaurants than NYC Restaurant Week.”
“We are proud to celebrate 30 years of NYC Restaurant Week, marking three decades of exceptional deals to diners across the five boroughs,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company. “To continue celebrating the City’s world-class dining scene, we are pleased to announce the launch of Savor NYC, a yearlong culinary initiative that will spotlight the culinary community across the City’s multicultural neighborhoods encouraging visitors to go deeper and explore more.” 
The dining program, running 30 days from July 18 through August 21, highlights more than 650 restaurants across all five boroughs with more than 60 different styles of cuisines in 85 neighborhoods. The program encourages locals and visitors alike to explore the City’s vast, diverse and accessible restaurant scene while helping to support small businesses, the industry and its workers. 
Running Monday through Friday (with the option to participate on Sundays), NYC Restaurant Week offers a multitude of options for dining enthusiasts to enjoy. Participating restaurants will be offering either a two-course lunch or three-course dinner prix-fixe menu of classic, favorite and new menu items.  Inclusive price points for carefully crafted dishes are $30, $45 or $60, depending on the restaurant. This pricing structure was created to ensure establishments from all five boroughs can participate, from neighborhood eateries to fine dining. More than 100 restaurants will also offer $30 bottles of wine to commemorate the 30th anniversary, available on participating menus. ADVERTISEMENTDiners can browse participating restaurants by filters including “location,” “cuisine,” “has menu,” “$10 Mastercard rebate,” “accessibility,” “ownership,” “weeks participating,” and “meals.” Collections will also be available at nycgo.com/restaurantweek to help consumers choose restaurants by interest, including “Restaurant Week Classics,” “Lunch Break,” “Summer Vibes,” “Impress Your Followers,” “Dress for the Occasion,” “James Beard Honorees,” “Wine Spectator Winners’’ and lastly, “Make it a Stella,” a collection from Stella Artois, the official beer sponsor of NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2022.  Mastercard cardholders can pre-register here to receive an exclusive $10 statement credit on each transaction of $45 or more while dining on-site (for up to three (3) transactions, totaling a $30 rebate), when dining out through July 31.
“Bringing visitors and locals a meaningful way to experience world-class dining in New York City is truly Priceless,” said Rustom Dastoor, executive vice president of North America Marketing & Communications at Mastercard. “Together with NYC & Company, we are excited to provide cardholders exclusive discounts during NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2022 as they explore their passion for food and travel.”
In this landmark anniversary year, 15 of the original 1992 NYC & Company NYC Restaurant Week participants have returned, including: Barbetta, Carmine’s (Upper West Side), Dock’s Oyster Bar, Fraunces Tavern, Gage & Tollner, Gallagher’s Steak House, The Palm, Sardi’s, Shun Lee West, Sylvia’s, Tavern on the Green, Tribeca Grill, The Russian Tea Room, Union Square Café and Victor’s Café. NYC Restaurant Week is the original Restaurant Week created during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in 1992, which has been replicated in cities nationally and globally. 
“A true testimony to a savory milestone – NYC Restaurant Week’s 30th and Sylvia’s Restaurant’s 60th Anniversary. As an inaugural participant and fan, I’m overjoyed to support the best restaurant city on the planet one plate at a time,” said Tren’ness Woods-Black, co-chair of the NYC & Company Culinary Committee.
“As an original participant in the 1992 program, I’m honored to be a part of the 30th anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week, a cherished tradition in New York City. NYC Restaurant Week has always been a way for people to experience new restaurants, including some of the best in the world at an affordable price. This special anniversary is the perfect time for people to reconnect and celebrate over a memorable meal,” said chef and restaurateur David Burke, co-chair of the NYC & Company Culinary Committee.
NYC & Company has long been committed to championing the local business community, with NYC Restaurant Week at the forefront of those efforts. The continued success of NYC Restaurant Week is a key indicator of New Yorkers’ and visitors’ desire to explore the five boroughs through food. 
During today’s NYC Restaurant Week 30th anniversary kick-off event at Gage & Tollner – one of the oldest restaurants in New York city having first opened in 1879 and an original 1992 Restaurant Week partner—Mayor Eric Adams and NYC & Company also announced an initiative to double down on supporting and promoting every culinary corner of the five boroughs with a program titled, “Savor NYC.” The yearlong campaign will highlight monthly content including cuisines across all cultures, street carts, established restaurants, accessible cuisine, sustainable cuisines, culinary events and more across the five boroughs that make New York City the most celebrated dining destination in the world.
A list of participating NYC Restaurant Week eateries is available at nycgo.com/restaurantweek. 
The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment has partnered with NYC & Company as a sponsor of NYC Restaurant Week, to offset participation fees for businesses across the boroughs in response to New York City’s ongoing tourism recovery.
In honor of this milestone 30th anniversary and in support of local students’ pursuit of careers in restaurants and hospitality, NYC & Company has made a donation to the Food Education Fund.

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The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is pleased to announce their partnership with Discover Puerto Rico to host the 2023 ASTA Global Convention (AGC) in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino and the Puerto Rico Convention Center, May 2-4, 2023. As a result of member feedback over the years, ASTA has decided to change the dates of AGC from late August to early May.
“We’re thrilled to partner with our friends at Discover Puerto Rico for the 2023 ASTA Global Convention. Puerto Rico has been a longstanding partner of ASTA. Brad, Ed, and the entire Discover Puerto Rico team have gone above and beyond to support the travel advisor community,” said Zane Kerby, President, and CEO of ASTA. “By hosting the Global Convention, Discover Puerto Rico is committing significant resources to support travel advisors who want to learn, or become certified, in selling Puerto Rico. As a frequent visitor to the island, I know first-hand the variety of unique cultural experiences that await ASTA Convention attendees. ASTA is excited to extend this immersive learning opportunity to our members.”
With a year-round warm climate, Puerto Rico offers visitors a unique and authentic Caribbean experience. From Old San Juan with the cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, historic fortresses, and Spanish colonial architecture to the Island’s sandy beaches, impressive rainforest, and bioluminescent bays, Puerto Rico has for decades captured the attention and imagination of locals and visitors alike. Attendees will have access to the best of Puerto Rico’s rich history and culture through an offering of unique customised tours that will highlight the destination’s exceptional food, pristine beaches, majestic mountains, relaxing backdrops, and active adventure – all packed into one Caribbean paradise.
Travel advisors can expect all the same fantastic features they’ve come to love and expect at the ASTA Global Convention, such a robust trade show and education program, and a soon-to-be announced Puerto Rican keynote that you won’t want to miss. In addition to the sightseeing tours to local landmarks, AGC 2023 will also include options for extended Pre/Post Educational Journeys around Puerto Rico.
Special Promotion:ADVERTISEMENTAll travel professionals who register for this year’s AGC in San Francisco, August 24-26, 2022, by August 5th will receive $100 off their registration for ASTA Global Convention in Puerto Rico, May 2-4, 2023, in addition to receiving early access to all sightseeing tours. Registrants must be registered for the 2022 AGC in San Francisco by August 5th to receive early access to sightseeing tours and the $100 savings for AGC 2023 in Puerto Rico.
“We are delighted to partner with ASTA to host their 2023 Global Convention. Travel advisors are at the core of our industry, and these days, in which we are imagining and creating new paths to reignite and reshape travel, we want to be facilitators of the process and support our great partners. In Puerto Rico, you will find not only an excellent place for meetings and conventions, but you will also find an authentic and unique Caribbean experience that will enrich the educational and networking process, as well as provide inspiration for future endeavors within our industry,” said Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico.
Save the date for ASTA Global Convention in Puerto Rico, May 2-3, 2023.

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The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in partnership with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) will host their inaugural PATA & GBTA APAC Travel Summit at the new, state-of-the-art Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand from December 8-9, 2022.
The joint event in Asia will address sustainability and best practices in the tourism, MICE, and corporate travel spheres. The two-day educational and tradeshow event, under the theme “Defining a Responsible, Sustainable Future for Business, Tourism and MICE,” will highlight the challenges and solutions for CO2 emissions, destination sustainability options, and procurement-oriented approaches in the context of the global and Asia-Pacific region’s pandemic recovery. Targeted attendees and sponsors are regional and global travel suppliers including top airlines, hotel and ground/car rental brands – as well as MICE and corporate travel decision-makers from the world’s largest travel companies and travel management companies.
“We are delighted to be working with GBTA in bringing together both of our industry networks to share insights and discuss opportunities and best practices for the responsible and sustainable growth of the travel and tourism industry,” said PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera. “At PATA, we support the industry recovery, pursuit of emerging travel opportunities and sustainable travel practices for the region. Therefore, I invite all of our members, partners and industry colleagues to join us and engage in this travel forum to reconnect, get informed and collaborate.”
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world’s premier business travel and meetings trade organisation, with a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. Headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area with operations on six continents, GBTA’s members manage more than US$345 billion of global business travel and meetings expenditures annually.
“The path to recovery for the global travel industry continues for both tourism and business travel. However, there’s also the opportunity and need to create a better, more sustainable way forward to serve the industry and the planet as well. We are pleased to join forces with PATA to bring to event attendees the important insights, learnings and discussions on what a sustainable future might look like and the actions that we can take in the region as well as across the globe to get there,” said Suzanne Neufang, CEO, GBTA.ADVERTISEMENT

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