Bangkok--Sep 1--eTurbo news
The devastation of Hurricane Katrina has been felt all along the Gulf Coast, but most acutely in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Many ASTA members have lost their businesses and homes. While ASTA members in those areas have been gravely impacted and are now facing weeks if not months of recovery, people further inland and across the travel industry also have felt the effects. "ASTA's thoughts and prayers are with the residents of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and everyone else involved in this disaster," said ASTA President and CEO Kathryn W. Sudeikis, CTC.
In order to assist our members, ASTA has established the Hurricane Help page on ASTAnet http://www.astanet.com/hurricanehelp/ where members in need of assistance can have their requests posted. Members who can and are willing to provide services, whatever they might be, are asked to contact ASTA with their offer and multiple contact information (phone, mobile, e-mail).
ASTA members in need of or offering help are asked to contact ASTA at [email protected] or by calling 1-800-ASK-ASTA. Please be prepared to be specific in your request and have contact information ready. ASTA will be sending regular alerts to members with the most recent postings.
How You Can Help
Almost everyone in the travel industry has in some way benefited from the tourist destination of New Orleans, be it business-related or as a tourist. Now is the time for the travel industry to return some of that profit in the form of contributions to an established charity such as the American Red Cross. ASTA is calling on every seller of travel, everyone working for a travel company and the major travel companies themselves to donate generously to help those who have lost everything. Many of those who lost everything were the very workers who helped our clients enjoy their vacations.
To make a donation to hurricane victims via the Red Cross, please visit the About ASTA section of ASTAnet at http://www.astanet.com/about/index.asp.
Latest Updates & Industry Information
ASTA is monitoring the current situation in those areas affected by Hurricane Katrina and its impact on the travel industry:
New Orleans Passport Office Closed
At present the New Orleans Passport Agency is CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE due to impact of Hurricane Katrina. Members who have clients who have recently applied for a passport (before 8/25/05), should go to http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html for further information.
Gulfport-Biloxi (GPT) and New Orleans (MSY) Update
Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport (GPT) is closed with no anticipated re-open date. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is closed and is expected to reopen Aug 31 at 07:00 AM CDT. Updates can be found at: http://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa/usmap.jsp.
Hurricane Katrina Airline Re-accommodation Policies
- Delta Air Lines
- US Airways
- Northwest Airlines
- Continental Airlines
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
Toll-free ARC number
ARC has set-up a toll-free number for agents affected by Hurricane Katrina at 800-723-2721. To read the full message, go to www.arccorp.com.
For more information on how cruise lines, airlines, tour operators and other segments of the industry are coping, please visit http://www.astanet.com/members/index.asp. End.