Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., has signed on as a leading partner for the American Society of Travel Agent's (ASTA) upcoming International Destination Expo (IDE) in Lima, Peru from March 1 to 4, 2012.
“Starwood’s unwavering support of ASTA and its programs are a testimony to the value the company places on travel agents and the important role they play in the travel distribution landscape,” said ASTA CEO Tony Gonchar. “We remain grateful to them for continuing to stand behind ASTA, its initiatives and most importantly, its members.”
Since the launch of the IDE program, Starwood has been a committed partner.
“We truly recognize the power and value the travel professional community brings to our global portfolio of more than 1,000 hotels and resorts in over 100 countries around the world,” said Chris Austin, vice president global retail, leisure and luxury sales for Starwood.
“We are particularly happy to support global initiatives in destinations like Peru, where we have an incredible portfolio of properties. We hope all those in attendance at the 2012 IDE will have an opportunity to experience our hotels in Peru including the Sheraton Lima, the Westin Lima, Hotel Paracas and the Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa in Valle Sagrado," Austin said.
ASTA's International Destination Expo provides agents with a one-of-a-kind onsite learning experience that immerses them in a destination, ensuring that upon their return home they are able to put newfound skills to work to boost sales, ASTA said.
The event also offers agents:
• Complimentary sightseeing tours that take them to the places their clients want to visit
• A trade show featuring suppliers they won't meet anywhere else
• Networking opportunities that will translate into future sales
• Industry-recognized destination certification.
For more information about the 2012 International Destination Expo or to register visit www.asta.org/IDE.