Worldwide's News & other items

 

 Clarification of current U.S. Passport Requirements
Are you confused by the new Passport requirements - then your not alone.  It seems there is a constantly moving target when it comes to what documentation is required for US Citizens traveling overseas.

Due to recent media coverage on the possible postponement of the passport requirement we are being asked by our clients what is the current situation in regards to their clients travel documentation.

The situation as of today is - recently, the United States Congress passed a Federal budget that delays the passport requirements for Americans on the borders of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

If approved by President Bush, this means Americans reentering the country by land will not need a passport until mid 2009. This possible postponement affects Americans reentering the U.S. by land only and not by sea or air; therefore not changing or delaying the requirements for Americans reentering the country from place such as the Caribbean.

Currently, all citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport when entering the United States at any airport or seaport.

The State Department and the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have also reminded American travelers that, as of January 31, 2008, all adult travelers will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, when entering the United States through land and seaports.

Worldwide has information available on our web-site which we believe is about as up to date as we can keep it.  We do however advocate two things - 1: Have your clients obtain a passport regardless, it will always be useful to have it available, and 2: Check the Governments web-site for the latest travel document requirements.  Worldwide can accept no responsibility for any errors or mistakes nor will the cruise lines or air-carriers - it is solely the responsibility of the traveler to ensure they have the required travel documents.

What recession - business is better than ever.
With all the talk about recession being in the air... we are not seeing any sign of it in our offices.  The fact is, we are busier than we have been since the millennium burst of corporate celebrating saw just about every charterable ship being snapped up.

Without a doubt the US Dollar exchange rate is helping, in both directions, with Europeans seeing their euros' buy them outstanding travel deal and US Clients realizing that cruising is an incredibly cheap travel product which is especially true if you want to do a program in Europe.

Hotel rates continue to set new highs, airline tickets continue to rise and even a modest vacation is likely to set you back several thousand dollars when you add it all up. 

Cruising with it's all-inclusive pricing looks better and better.

Since early December we have closed on a number of charters and a considerable amount of corporate group programs. 

The concern in our offices is not the talk of recession as much as - where can we find inventory to put our business for all the business coming in the door.

If your a corporate travel planner and are considering a cruise program - act NOW.  You will find your options severely limited if you wait to long.  Call us for a free consulation.

News from the Mohawk Valley
In the short nine months of our arrival in Upstate New York, we have experienced a bountiful Spring, a glorious Summer, colorful Fall and now snow white Winter….What could be more spectacular and welcoming to a Florida Cracker! We have continued our investigative journeys to the Finger Lakes Wine Region, Skeaneattles, Auburn, Syracuse and more exploration around Utica including the renowned Munson Williams Proctor Museum, the Fort Schuyler Club and the Stanley Theater. All of this new territory brings me to my thoughts for this newsletter.

“Building and Maintaining Customer Relationships.”

I think we would all agree this is a relationship business. In the almost 40 years I have been in the hospitality industry, the most interesting times have been meeting new colleagues and making new contacts. Many of these are customers, many are suppliers many are just industry buds, but the common thread is they are all Friends. We all enjoy doing business with whom we consider industry friends. Friends will give you good advise, will share your joys and tears, will be there when you need them and most of all will be respectful.

Let’s get back to basics and use the contacts you know and trust. It takes many years to build these relationships. They should be cherished and respected. If you are doing business with a person or a company you do not have a good relationship with you are doing yourself an injustice. Trust your resources and use those carefully nurtured contacts.

Let us hear from you to receive honest, informed and friendly business assistance to insure your place in the market.

Jim Huff