ASTA Issues Statement in Wake of Costa Concordia Grounding

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In the wake of this weekend’s accident involving the grounding of the Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy, ASTA has issued the following statement

Alexandria, VA, January 16, 2012 -- In the wake of this weekend’s accident involving the grounding of the Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy, ASTA has issued the following statement:

“ASTA wishes to extend its heartfelt sympathies to all those affected in this tragic accident. Our hearts and prayers go out to the friends and families of the passengers and crew whose lives were lost or who were injured,” said ASTA President and Chair, Nina Meyer, CTC, MCC, DS. “On behalf of the travel agent community, we stand ready to assist in any way possible.”

TheCruise Lines International Association(CLIA) andCarnival Corporation & plc, Costa Cruise’s parent company, have issued statements providing updates and further information for concerned families. Additionally, ASTA will be working closely with both CLIA andCosta Cruiseto provide members with updates, including guidance for passenger re-accommodation or refunds for all future Concordia bookings.

“Accidents such as this are extremely rare,” added Meyer, noting that cruising still remains one of the safest forms of vacation travel.

ABOUT ASTA
The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to work, invest and do business.

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