ARTA SoCal

Taco Tuesday and Meet In Person

 AMA Waterways

IN PERSON

 Meet Hannah Westerdoll, Director, Sales

Hannah will share details of the newest ship builds including updates on the AmaMagdela and AmaMelodia, updates on cruising in Colombia, and reviews of promotions exclusively available to travel advisor partners and not bookable through AmaWaterways or on the website.

 October 29, 2024

4:30 PM to 6 PM (Pacific)

Odyssey Restaurant

15600 Odyssey Dr,

Granada Hills, CA 91344

818-366-6444

Free parking

FREE to ARTA member and nonmember travel agents

Your RSVP would be appreciated but not required. To RSVP or for questions, simply REPLY TO ARTASoCal@gmail.com   

Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa Global Forum

September 19 - 22, 2024

Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, CA

686 Anton Blvd

Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1920  

For further information contact:  Angela Miller, 

angela@rightchoicesolutions.com

The goal and purpose of APTA is to promote tourism to the continent of Africa and its islands. APTA will seek to improve tourism to Africa through the education of its members.

ARTA SoCal Zoom Meeting

Industry Leading 

Insurance Panel 

Barbara Hearn, Allianz Partners

Julie Baker, Faye Travel Insurance

Sheri Machat, Generali Global Assistance

 September 19, 2024

1 PM, Pacific time, Via Zoom

Three of the industry’s top speakers to tell you how their company insures your clients and what makes their company stand out from the others.  

There will be three 15-minute presentations followed by lots of time for questions for each speaker.   Normally an hour, this monthly zoom may go a little longer. Please allow a little extra time in your schedule.  

It will be recorded for everyone in attendance.  

FREE to ARTA members, nonmember travel agents, and industry guests. 

RSVP by noon June 5 to be eligible for the door prizes.

Simply REPLY TO ARTASoCal@gmail.com   

Be sure you receive an acknowledgement.   

You must RSVP and be present to win.     

Hosted by ARTA SoCal

ARTA SoCal Activity

ASV Farewell Tour to Laos

with pre-and post-extensions

ASV, the American School of Vientiane, alumni and friends, 

will have its last return to Laos in February 2025.  

The tour is organized and led by Lloyd Coleman of SkyGuyOneTravel.

February 13 - 25, 2025

BRIEF ITINERARY:

Day 1 - 13 Feb 25/ Thu Luang Prabang Arrival.

Day 2 - 14 Feb 25/ Fri Luang Prabang – City Tour – Kuang Si Waterfall.

Day 3 - 15 Feb 25/ Sat Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Caves.

Day 4 - 16 Feb 25/ Sun Luang Prabang – Vientiane (by express train)

Day 5 - 17 Feb 25/ Mon Vientiane city tour

Day 6 - 18 Feb 25/ Tue Vientiane - Free at leisure.

Day 7 - 19 Feb 25/ Wed Gala Baci Dinner.

Day 8 - 20 Feb 25/ Thu Vientiane – Pakse.

Day 9 - 21 Feb 25/ Fri Pakse - Bolaven Plateau sightseeing - Pakse.

Day 10 - 22 Feb 25/ Sat Pakse - Wat Phou - Explore 4,000 Islands - Khone Pha Pheng Falls.

Day 11 - 23 Feb 25/ Sun Liphi Waterfalls - Zipline - Pakse.

Day 12 - 24 Feb 25/ Mon Pakse – Fly Onward Home or elsewhere in Asia.

IF YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE in THIS FAREWELL ASV TRIP,

• SAVE THE DATES

• Email us and let us know you want to join the trip to artasocal@gmail.com

•  We will send you a Registration form and Trip Planner

• Be prepared to pay a deposit on the trip of 300.00 within 30 days of booking your space.

• Second deposit of $500 due August 1, 2025

• Final payment due by January 3, 2025

• Make sure your passport is Valid until Jul 24 , 2025. If not, you will need a new passport for this trip.

• Be aware Round Trip economy airfare from the USA West Coast is currently selling at $1204.00 if you fly through Taiwan.

Hosted by ARTA SoCal

ARTA SoCal Come for Coffee

Meet in person with:

Keytours Vacations

Greg Abbott, Regional Sales Manager West

Explore the 7 continents with Keytours Vacations, 

a global tour operator  founded in 1992 in Fairfax, Virginia

Innovative itineraries, hand-picked hotels, 

last-minute offers and specials,

small group journeys, custom groups, short-term rentals

 July 18, 2024

11 AM to 1 PM, Pacific

Corner Bakery Café

19500 Plummer St

Northridge, CA 91324

Corner of Shirley and Plummer

Free parking in the DSW parking lot

FREE to ARTA member and nonmember travel agents

Your RSVP would be appreciated but not required

To RSVP or for questions, simply REPLY TO ARTASoCal@gmail.com   

Hosted by ARTA SoCal

ARTA SoCal Social Saturday

Nethercutt Museum & Collection

Free admission to the Museum from 9 AM to 4:30 PM

The Collection can be seen by guided tour only 

“A stunning showcase of functional fine art, where automotive history and engineering excellence converge in a breathtaking display.” 

Let’s experience the Nethercutt Collection!  

Reservations are required and we have them.  

Everyone welcome!

Saturday, July 13, 2024

1:30 PM Doors open for the Collection guided tour

The tour is approximately 2 hours in length

Cost: $15 ARTA members 

$20 Nonmembers

Mail checks payable to ARTA SoCal to:  

9018 Balboa Blvd #292, Northridge, CA 91325.

For PayPal credit card payment use ARTASoCal@gmail.com

Or request a PayPal invoice.

Space is limited so you must RSVP and prepay.

RSVP TO ARTASoCal@gmail.com to reserve your space.

  Deadline for receipt of your payment is

Wednesday July 3. 

Be sure you receive an acknowledgment. 

Directions:  15151 Bledsoe St, Sylmar, CA 91342. 

Free parking entrance on Bradley Ave at the corner of Bledsoe

Hosted by ARTA SoCal

ARTA SoCal Zoom Meeting

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises 

Jackie (Jacqueline) Day, Strategic Account Manager, California/Hawaii

 July 11, 2024

1 PM, Pacific time, Via Zoom

 What Makes Uniworld Different?

All inclusive

One of a kind ships

24 hour room service

Cruise and Rail Packages

Unique Offerings:  Jewish Heritage cruises, 

Generations departures (Family Friendly with Youth Host onboard select sailings)

 LGBT+ sailings

 Join Zoom Meeting

(Be sure your zoom software is up-to-date)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85070132520 

FREE to ARTA members, nonmember travel agents, and industry guests. 

RSVP to ARTASoCal@gmail.com by noon July 10 to be eligible for door prizes.

Be sure you receive an acknowledgement.   

You must RSVP and be present to win.     

 Can’t make it, but want the recording?  Just RSVP with regrets.

Hosted by ARTA SoCal

ARTA SoCal Activity

Zadun, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve Resort

Boulevard Mar de Cortez S/N

Puerto Los Cabos,

San Jose del Cabo, BCS 23403 Mexico

September 6 – 9, 2024

Three nights in an Ocean View Plunge Pool room 

Daily Breakfast for two. room and tax included

Transportation to San Jose del Cabo, transfers, additional meals and activities, items of a personal nature, 

health-related costs, insurance, etc. are not included

COST:  $400 for ARTA members 

$600 for nonmembers

Single supplement $300

**Additional nights are available at the special travel agent rate of $598 ++ per night. 

**Note that the price quoted on the attached flier is total, not per night.

APPLICATION due by July 1, 2024

Selection of participants is at the discretion of Zadun.

Please wait for confirmation of acceptance before purchasing your airfare.

Space is extremely limited

Full payment due by August 1, 2024. 

Check or credit cards via PayPal.

No exceptions.

 Application/Terms&Conditions

Hosted by ARTA SoCal

ARTA SoCal Social Saturday

It's that time again.  Let's see a truly classic movie and contribute some money for the chapter's charity, ONE Generation.  As a reminder, ONE Generation supports Adult daycare and Child care, preschool care, a food bank, and a myriad of services through two centers in the San Fernando Valley.

To Catch a Thief

 A romantic thriller starring 

Cary Grant and Grace Kelly on the French Riviera  

Direction by Alfred Hitchcock! What more could you want?  

THIS! 

Special Guest: Noted author/film historian Sloan De Forest, 

known for three books in the Turner Classic Movies Library and appearances on TCM and CNN.

A Friends and Family outing to enjoy a fun afternoon while raising some funds for One Generation 

Saturday, May 11, 2024

Doors Open at 2:00 PM --- Show at 2:30 PM

The “The Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Pipe Organ”

audience sing along, and a comedy short

There is a 15-minute intermission before the feature film.

Old Town Music Hall

140 Richmond St, El Segundo, CA  90245

310-322-2592

EVERYONE WELCOME

Cost:  $20 per person; this is the donation to ONE Generation.  Check payable to ARTA SoCal or cash at the door.  For credit card use PayPal to ARTASoCal@gmail.com 

In addition, seat selection is required.  Seniors $10; general admission $12. This may sell out in advance. To avoid disappointment, make your selection ONLINE at https://oldtownmusichall.org/

Let us know you are coming by May 10.  PS, I already have my ticket.

Hosted by ARTA SoCal

ARTA SoCal Zoom Meeting

Innovative & Sustainable

Italy Vacations by Rail 

Presented by:  Edmondo Boscoscuro,  Founder and CEO, Meet and Greet Italy

 May 9, 2024

1 PM, Pacific time, Via Zoom

It can be easier to take the train than to deal with rental cars, traffic, congestion in cities and towns.  Explore the idea of connecting all your points of interest by train!

Discover Meet and Greet Italy: an innovative Tour Operator specializing in remarkable Italian travel experiences, offering an authentic journey through Italy by train. Join our webinar to learn how they can assist you in efficiently and quickly selling Italy.

Join Zoom Meeting

(Be sure your zoom software is up-to-date)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84145571688

FREE to ARTA members, nonmember travel agents, and industry guests. 

RSVP by noon May 8 to be eligible for the door prize.

Simply REPLY TO ARTASoCal@gmail.com   

Be sure you receive an acknowledgement.   

You must RSVP and be present to win.     

Can’t make it, but want the recording?  Just RSVP with regrets.

Hosted by ARTA SoCal

ARTA SoCal Come for Coffee

NEW LOCATION

 Arts & Leisure

Our mission is to make you shine!

By creating the perfect holiday experience, with cherished memories designed to ensure that your clients return home with unforgettable stories they share over and over again. 

Arts & Leisure is a travel company that curates and customizes unique itineraries to Europe and the World, working with 4- & 5-star properties, private tours, guides and transfers, and a full array of concierge services.  They have been in business since 1993.  Since the pandemic, they added the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and the US. www.Arts-Leisure.com

Stop by any time within the timeframe for a presentation, to get to know your sales rep, or to ask your own specific questions

Presented by:  Diana Carey, Western Regional Sales

 April 16, 2024

Available from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM

 Panera Bread

12131 Ventura Blvd

Studio City, CA 91604

Corner of Laurel Canyon and Ventura Blvds.  Park in Vons parking lot and enter from the rear.

FREE to ARTA member and nonmember travel agents

RSVPs not required but preferred 

 To RSVP or for questions, simply REPLY TO ARTASoCal@gmail.com   

Hosted by ARTA SoCal

Icon!

Utopia! 

The World's Biggest Weekend SM arrives this summer — only on Royal Caribbean®

Star! 

The Icon Class Ships from Royal Caribbean

Presented by:  Randall Raudt, Strategic Account Manager, Western Region, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

 April 11, 2024

1 PM, Pacific time, Via Zoom

We’ve seen the publicity for the newly inaugurated Icon.  We know the Utopia is coming soon and then the Star next year.  But what is it like to be ON them?  

Hear from someone who spent nearly two weeks aboard the Icon.  What it’s really like.  What’s to do?  Are there crowds?  What’s the entertainment?  Where do you get away for a moment?  Ask you questions!!!

FREE to ARTA members, nonmember travel agents, and industry guests. 

RSVP by noon April 10 to be eligible for the door prize.

You must RSVP and be present to win.     

Can’t make it, but want the recording?  Just RSVP with regrets.

Simply REPLY TO ARTASoCal@gmail.com   

Be sure you receive an acknowledgment.  

ARTA SoCal Come for Coffee

Trails of Indochina

is the first in  

a new series of informal chats 

with sales reps

Stop by any time within the timeframe for an update presentation

 or to ask your own specific questions.  You'll also be eligible for one of 

Trails of Indochina's exclusive fams!

Presented by:  Jim Selkin, Business Development, Western US

 March 21, 2024

Available from 2 to 4 PM

Corner Bakery Café

19500 Plummer St

Northridge, CA 91324

Corner of Shirley and Plummer

Free parking in the DSW parking lot

FREE to ARTA member and nonmember travel agents

RSVPs preferred but not required

To RSVP or for questions, simply REPLY TO ARTASoCal@gmail.com   

Hosted by ARTA SoCal

Site Inspection and Tea at Two

The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood

14090 Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Presented by:  Jody Flowers, Business Transient Sales Manager

 March 19, 2024

(rescheduled)

2 PM Meet and greet in the lobby

2:15 PM Site Inspection

Followed by a delightful artisan tea with house-made confections prepared in The Godfrey's trendy ALK restaurant.

All travel agents are invited to learn more about this beautiful new-build hotel with its gorgeous 12,000 square-foot rooftop space.

Reservations required:  $10 ARTA members; $15 Nonmembers

Space is limited

No-shows will be charged the full $30 cost of the Afternoon Tea.  Go-shows on a space available basis only.

Checks before March 16 to ARTA SoCal, 9018 Balboa Blvd #292, Northridge, CA 91325

PayPal payments to ARTASoCal@gmail.com or request a specific invoice.  

Parking:  Hotel valet only $15 or at meters in the neighborhood.  Carpools encouraged.

Be sure you receive an acknowledgement.

For questions, write to ARTASoCal@gmail.com   

Hosted by ARTA SoCal

Many companies use the word "unique" but Star Clippers is truly that--unique.  It's a product everyone can be comfortable with.  Come learn about a unique product to unique destinations.

Star Clippers

Cruising from a Different Perspective

Presented by:  Beth Lindsley Elwood, Business Development Western U.S.

 March 14, 2024

1 PM, Pacific time, Via Zoom

Not a typical cruise, Star Clippers is an incredible authentic sailing experience on the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels. 

Learn what makes this incredible vacation uniquely different, the ships’ amenities and accommodations, amazing itineraries, and why more than 60% of Star Clippers' guests repeat within the first year. 

Join Beth Lindsley Elwood – Business Development - for an informative presentation highlighting the Star Clippers “Difference, “guest profile, and key reasons to add Star Clippers to your portfolio of recommended vacation experiences.  Star Clippers truly offers a unique sailing experience in full harmony with the environment and the world’s oceans.

FREE to ARTA members, nonmember travel agents, and industry guests. 

RSVP by noon March 7 to be eligible for the door prize.

You must RSVP and be present to win.     

REPLY TO ARTASoCal@gmail.com   

Be sure you receive an acknowledgement.   

Hosted by ARTA SoCal

International Air Commissions/Nets 

Available via GTT Global

Presented by:  Jeff Gundlach, 

Director of Global Sales & National Accounts

 February 8, 2024

1 PM, Pacific time, Via Zoom

Learn the background on GTT.  

Hint:  The largest International Air Consolidator in the USA...that no one knows about!  39 years in business.  

Very easy to utilize GTT via their Global Preferred Desk.   All it takes is a 5-minute phone call or one-hour reply on E-mail quote requests.  Fares are also available via the online booking engine.  

You just need to get registered... and give it a go!

Hosted by ARTA SoCal

The ARTA Board will meet Saturday, January 27, 2024 in Dallas, TX where we will elect officers for 2024. Interested in being a member of the board? Contact us

ARTA Special Announcement

January 25, 2024

ARTA has a new website:  artatravel.org

With the upcoming changes to email campaigns, 

we have taken the steps to ensure the newsletter arrives in your inbox!

The newsletter will now come from info@artatravel.org

Please add info@artatravel.org to your safe list.

Thank you!

INTRODUCING

French Bee Airlines:  Groups Made Easy

Presented by:  

Caroleen Leverrier,  

Sales Manager USA, West

Joined by

Kateryna Naumenko ,

Sales Manager USA, East

 January 18, 2024

1 PM, Pacific time, Via Zoom

French Bee is France's leading smart-cost airline offering high standards of service at very attractive prices.  That makes it a smart way to book your next group.

Take the mystery out of airline group pricing.  Learn about

- French Bee’s competitive group prices

- The easy group booking process

- Their flexible Terms & Conditions of Contract

Hosted by ARTA SoCal

The Rocky Mountaineer Experience

Presented by:  

Karen Olsen, Sales Development Manager, 

Southern California, Hawaii & Alaska 

 January 11, 2024

1 PM, Pacific time, Via Zoom

With four distinctive routes, two service levels, three seasons of travel, and more than 40 different packages, you’ll have no problem finding the vacation that your client has been dreaming about.

The Canadian routes travel between the West Coast and world-renowned destinations of Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. The Rockies to the Red Rocks route travels between Denver and Moab, taking in the dramatic landscapes of the US Rocky Mountains along the Colorado River.

Travelling only by daylight, your clients will enjoy a custom-designed luxury fleet offering unparalleled views of landscapes that are often unreachable by any other means. Attentive service, regionally inspired cuisine, engaging storytelling, and friendships formed with other guests add up to an unforgettable journey.

Hosted by ARTA SoCal