'Asia Is Becoming Increasingly
Popular with Americans'

More than 1,300 delegates participate in ASTA's first International Destination Expo in Asia

The following are the answers of an interview Cheryl Hudak, CTC ASTA President and CEO had with NewsWorld during the 2007 ASTA IDE JEJU- Ed.
Question: How many ASTA members are participating in the 2007 ASTA IDE?
Answer: In total, we had 1,348 delegates attending this year's International Destination Expo, the first one we have held in Asia. Of the more than 1,300 delegates attending, 811 were non-Korean. Of those, 657 hailed from North America, while 154 came from across Asia, excluding Korea. More than 170 members of the press attended the event, including 30 Korea-based foreign reporters. The show was open to ASTA members and non-members alike; we don't yet have the breakdown of attendees along membership lines.
Q: Would you introduce your organization and International Destination Expo to our readers?
A: The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is the world's largest, most prestigious association of travel professionals. We have more than 20,000 members in 140 countries.
Our mission is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. We seek a retail travel marketplace that is profitable, growing and a rewarding place to work, invest and do business.
As the world's largest travel trade association, our work encompasses every aspect of the travel experience.
ASTA's IDE is an annual gathering of travel industry professionals, seeking to immerse themselves in the culture, food and sightseeing of a unique destination, with the purpose of educating their clients about the region. IDE provides destination-focused seminars and certifications, as well as opportunities for travel agents to build a business network with local suppliers. Delegates leave IDE having experienced all that a destination has to offer as well as destination specialist certificates indicating that they have in-depth knowledge of a given region or country.
This year's IDE-Asia offered delegates an innovative approach to destination training by featuring specialist programs representing 10 countries Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Thailand, China, India and Myanmar. The trade show hosted suppliers representing the regions of Korea and unique areas such as Lyon, France, the home of IDE 2008, while related seminars educated travel agents on new products and services.
Q: What's your personal impression of visiting Jeju and other parts of Korea?
A: This is only my first trip to Korea and Jeju so I have not yet been fortunate enough to see much of your country. I can tell you though that what I have seen has been truly beautiful and I look forward to the day when I can return for a longer visit.
Q: Would you introduce tour programs being offered during the ASTA IDE-Asia?
A: We offered several tours during the event this year spotlighting the beauty of Jeju and Korean culture. On Saturday, March 25, 213 delegates experienced the delight of Jeju during four scheduled sightseeing tours, including The Softer Side (Miniature Theme Park); the Korean Tea Ceremony; the Korean Traditional Five-Day Market; and Learn Korean Ceramics. On Wednesday, March 28, 340 people participated in the second run of these tours, including two new additions, full-day tours of Jeju's Western Natural Wonders and Jeju Traditions.
W also offered some longer pre-and post-tours to other regions of Korea as well as other countries in Asia.
Q: Do you think the IDE-Asia will provide a good opportunity for Jeju to publicize these tourist assets to visiting ASTA members and their clients?
A: I don't see how it can't! Our stay here has been wonderful --from the warmth and hospitality of the Korean people and residents of Jeju to the amazing amount of time and effort that KTO and the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province have shown. It has truly been an unforgettable event.
Asia is one of the fastest growing tourism regions internationally and is becoming increasingly popular with Americans who are looking for something new. I think everyone here this week has made some very valuable business contacts and learned more than they could have imagined about Jeju Island and the Republic of Korea as well as destinations throughout Asia.
I have encourage everyone I've spoken with to share their new-found knowledge and enthusiasm for Korea with their clients when they return home and so that they, too can discover for themselves the many wonders Korea and Asia have to offer. nw

Cheryl Hudak, CTC ASTA President and CEO, poses for the camera with NewsWrold President-Publisher Elizabeth M. Oh.