As fall brings cooler temperatures, many travelers will be seeking a Caribbean getaway this season.Puerto Rico should be high on their list as Americans can visit without a passport. That's a significant advantage given the current extended wait time for a new travel document.Routine processing times are up to 10-13 weeks while expedited processing (for an additional $60) can still take as long as 7-9 weeks."Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, American citizens and permanent residents don't need a passport to travel to the island," Discover Puerto Rico reminds travelers. "However, they must always travel with a valid ID, such as a driver's license or a state ID card."International travelers such as residents of Canada or Mexico will still require a valid passport to visit. Additionally, visitors to the island no longer require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result to enter.Amid Atlantic hurricane season running through November 1, travelers will also want to be aware of any restrictions due to weather conditions. Hurricane Lee is projected to pass north of Puerto Rico this week with minimal impact. "All major airports in Puerto Rico are fully operational, as are cruise ports with cruises/ferries operating normally. Similarly, all major hotels and venues are thoroughly prepared for inclement weather and have generators," according to Discover Puerto Rico.
Nexion President Elected New ASTA Chair at Puerto Rico Convention
25.08.2023 - 13:39 / skift.com / Dennis Schaal
The American Society of Travel Advisors elected Nexion Travel Group President Jackie Friedman as its new chair for 2023-2024.
Friedman replaced Marc Casto, who served as board chair for the past two years. Friedman’s post likewise has a two-year term.
“It’s an incredible honor to be the new chair for the ASTA Board of Directors,” said Friedman in a statement. “My sincere thanks go to Marc Casto for his leadership over the past two terms, and I am excited to work with this tremendous group of travel professionals.”
The changing of the guard took place at the trade group’s annual convention in Puerto Rico last week.
In a LinkedIn post, Casto, cited the growth of ASTA’s membership, as well as the passage of the Travel & Tourism Act, as among the the organization’s accomplishments during his tenure.
Casto was a long-time corporate travel executive, and currently is a senior vice president at Flight Centre.
“We have made extraordinary growth in our three goals of achieving 20,000 members by 2025, defining a path for net zero by 2030, and expanding ASTA’s influence and operations globally,” Casto wrote.
One challenge for travel agencies, many of which deal heavily with clients seeking luxury vacations, will be to see whether inflationary concerns weigh down their businesses. So far, by most accounts, the luxury space remains robust.
In addition to Friedman, ASTA elected the following officers, according to the group’s announcement:
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