Past Events & Activities
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.
Rescheduled -- New Date
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
Sold Out!
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
All spaces have been filled. Thanks for the wonderful response!
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.
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
Kansas City Travel Suppliers Showcase
March 13, 2024
4:30 - 7:30 PM, Central Time
The Venue of Leawood
4800 W. 135th Street, #108
Leawood, KS 66225
The event will be an open house format with hors d'oeuvres and drink tickets so you can come freely as your schedule allows. This event is intended to allow a flexible opportunity to reconnect with multiple supplier partners at one location.
As always, there is no charge for travel advisors to attend.
Participating Suppliers:
AIC Hotel Group
Arts & Leisure Tours USA Inc
Authentic Vacations
BVI Tourist Board
Cayman Islands Dept of Tourism
Celtic Tours
CIE Tours International
Compass Tours
Ed-Ventures, Inc.
Europe Express
Exoticca Tours USA
Fran Gellar & Associates
Globus Family of Brands & Avalon Waterways
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Authority
Innroads Group
Israel Ministry of Tourism
Kensington Tours
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Lindblad Expeditions
MAST Travel Network
MSC Cruises USA
Outrigger Resorts
Perillo Tours
Rocky Mountaineer
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
The Palace Company
Tourist Office of Spain
TravelSafe Insurance
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise
Vacation Express
Venture Ashore
Ya’lla Tours USA
St. Louis Travel Suppliers Showcase
March 12, 2024
4:30 - 7:30 PM, Central Time
Bogey Hill's Country Club
1120 Country Club Rd
St Charles, MO 63303
The event will be an open house format with hors d'oeuvres and drink tickets so you can come freely as your schedule allows. This event is intended to allow a flexible opportunity to reconnect with multiple supplier partners at one location.
As always, there is no charge for travel advisors to attend.
Participating Suppliers:
AIC Hotel Group
Arts & Leisure Tours USA Inc
Authentic Vacations
BVI Tourist Board
Cayman Islands Dept of Tourism
Celtic Tours
CIE Tours International
Compass Tours
Ed-Ventures, Inc.
Europe Express
Exoticca Tours USA
Fran Gellar & Associates
Globus Family of Brands & Avalon Waterways
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Authority
Innroads Group
Israel Ministry of Tourism
Kensington Tours
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Lindblad Expeditions
MAST Travel Network
MSC Cruises USA
Outrigger Resorts
Perillo Tours
Rocky Mountaineer
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
The Palace Company
Tourist Office of Spain
TravelSafe Insurance
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise
Vacation Express
Venture Ashore
Ya’lla Tours USA
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