The Professional Association of Travel Hosts (PATH) has elected a new board of directors, including a new president Anita Pagliasso of Ticket To Travel. Joining Pagliasso on the board are Betsy Geiser of Uniglobe Travel as vice president and host membership committee; Kim Sherrett of Travel Planner Intl as treasurer and event planning; Dan Chappelle of Expedia CruiseShipCenters as secretary; Jackie Friedman of Nexion as a board bember and supplier relations; and Andi Mysza of Montrose Travel as a board member and host membership committee.
"Our collective mission is to provide a strong and equitable voice for all reputable host agencies. I have enjoyed the camaraderie of working together with a cohesive group of like-minded professionals who share common challenges facing all host agencies," Pagliasso said. "Whether it's on a quarterly conference call with other members, or a gathering at an industry conference, PATH will continue to provide various invaluable opportunities for all members to brainstorm with peers and meet with industry supporters. The association will continue to work together to create a leveraged voice regarding host needs, and to address common challenges."
Since the association was formed in 2006 PATH has maintained a steady growth of qualified host agency members, the company said.
"Membership is considered prestigious since every prospective host agency member must undergo a stringent membership application process to ensure that the organization's high standards are upheld. PATH has become the premiere resource for agents to go to when looking for a qualified host agency," PATH said.
PATH said that in 2011 the association will continue to increase visibility and educate the travel industry with a clearer understanding of PATH's mission.
"The main focus of PATH is to address host related issues while educating the industry about the value of a good host. Host agency members are given the unique opportunity to associate with other highly credible host agencies who meet the membership requirements, thus create a leveraged voice to suppliers regarding host needs," the group said. "PATH is the only host agency-driven organization in the travel industry and it is a valuable resource for independent and home-based agents that currently work with a host agency or are planning to choose a host agency."
PATH also announced that it will sponsor a two-day Host Agency Symposium May 4-5, 2011 at the Venetian Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. This will be open to all host agencies, both PATH members and non-members.
The event will address common challenges within the host agency business and collaborate to identify best practices on supplier partnerships, technology and training. Discussions will be held on legal issues, such as fraud protection, working with independent contractors, state seller of travel laws and clarification of coverage of E&O insurance providers, PATH said. The 2011 event will be open to all host agencies, both PATH members and non-members alike.
Visit www.PATH4Hosts.com.