<![CDATA[Rocky Mountain ASTA - News]]>Sun, 03 May 2026 19:17:06 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[February 2025 Newsletter]]>Tue, 04 Feb 2025 17:27:50 GMThttps://www.rockymountainasta.org/news/february-2025-newsletter
]]><![CDATA[Your Monthly ASTA Moment - March 2024]]>Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:19:13 GMThttps://www.rockymountainasta.org/news/your-monthly-asta-moment-march-2024
]]><![CDATA[Your Monthly Asta Moment - February 2024]]>Wed, 14 Feb 2024 21:04:26 GMThttps://www.rockymountainasta.org/news/your-monthly-asta-moment-february-2024
]]><![CDATA[July 2023 Rocky Mountain ASTA Moment (Our New Format for News!)]]>Sat, 08 Jul 2023 18:41:41 GMThttps://www.rockymountainasta.org/news/july-2023-rocky-mountain-asta-moment-our-new-format-for-newsWe're trying out a new format for sharing news from ASTA and your Rocky Mountain Chapter. You can find all the links in our emailed newsletter, but you can also reach out to president@rockymountainasta.org any time! 

Check out this month's ASTA Moment. In this edition: 
  • A recap of ASTA Legislative Day last month 
  • A special discount offer for the ASTA Verified Travel Advisor program
  • Invitation to our Supplier Showcase trade show
  • Upcoming July Events 
]]><![CDATA[June 2023 News: Introducing Your New Chapter President]]>Thu, 22 Jun 2023 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.rockymountainasta.org/news/june-2023-news-introducing-your-new-chapter-presidentFrom Rob: Thank You For the Opportunity To Have Served YouOver the last eight years, it has been my honor and privilege to have served you as your Rocky Mountain ASTA Chapter President.
Today as I write my monthly note to you, I find this to be my most sentimental message of the last eight years, as this will be the final message I will ever write in this space. My time as your Chapter President has come to a close.
As I reflect on our shared memories, I recall how you have stood by your Chapter as we trudged through the lowest valleys and across the deepest canyons to reach the mountaintop we have happily now conquered.
You gave me the strength and encouragement to continue plowing ahead when the trail before us often seemed too difficult to traverse and a cheerful ending seemed too far away ever to reach.
You accepted my humanness, faults, and stumbles as I strived to lead us to the better spot we have now reached together and attained, and for this, I will always be thankful to you.
I give a special shout-out to Jeff Gregory, who stood alone beside me during the beginning years. Our Chapter's survival as we began on the trail could not have happened without Jeff's support.
To the multiple board members we have had in between and the beyond exceptional group of board members we have today – THANK YOU! Your work has brought our Chapter to this solid place. Each of you holds a special place in my heart, and I am indebted to the work and time you have contributed to the success of our Chapter!
Because of their, and each member's, continued faith in your Chapter, we are alive today and, I am happy to report, thriving!
Now the pages of life have turned to a new chapter of my life's book, and I am moving on to represent you on the ASTA National Board of Directors and as ASTA's Northwest Regional Director. For this reason, it is time for me to say farewell as your Chapter President.
Having devoted my life to the survival of this Chapter, it, and you, will always have a special place in my heart. Now that we are a healthy chapter, it is critical that we do not visit the places we have already been.
Therefore, I am thrilled that an exceptional new leader has been found to lead our Chapter to the even higher mountaintops I am confident this Chapter can, and will, reach!
I am happy to introduce to you Jeof Oyster!
Jeof has been working as the Chapter's Young Professional Society (YPS) board representative. During this time, he has proved himself to be a solid and tireless leader filled with enthusiasm and fresh ideas that will lead the Chapter, and ASTA, forward in a powerful and positive way. I am thrilled to turn over our Chapter to him as I am confident that he will take it to new heights that will please and impress you!
So as my final farewell, I say Thank You for allowing me to have had the opportunity to have served you.
Remember that your Chapter can only be as strong as the members who step forward to help serve it. So please consider supporting Jeof and your Chapter with your talents.
And Godspeed to each of you.
I will be looking for you on the mountaintops and looking forward to seeing the success I know this Chapter can and will attain under Jeof's solid leadership!
May God bless you always and bring you only continued and higher success!
Rob Hale, CTC, DS, LS
Owner/Founder
Travel N Relax Inc, an affiliate of the Travel Society - a Virtuoso Member
We Are Unifying the World ~ One Traveler at a Time!
National Board Member and Northwest Regional Director of The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA)


​From Jeof: Our Mission to Build, Support, and Celebrate Rocky Mountain Travel Advisors

Hello, everyone!
My name is Jeof (pronounced "Jeff") and I'm honored and excited to be stepping into Rob's shoes as your new chapter president. Our work as travel professionals is more important than ever—we help people realize their dreams to see the world, connect with loved ones, and discover new things about the world, other cultures, and themselves. ASTA is here to support us in our work: advocating for our interests, promoting our work to consumers, and helping advisors build skills for success.
I want to thank Rob for his dedication to our chapter over many, many years. He helped us navigate some turbulent moments, and has laid a strong foundation on which to continue building. He's also been a great mentor to me as I step into his shoes, and he will continue to be a part of our chapter's leadership both on the chapter board and as our regional director.
We are also blessed with an amazing team of board members that are passionate about the profession, and eager to help you succeed. Our chapter could not function without these people, and I'm so grateful that the current board will continue on in their roles.
But the most important part of ASTA is its members and supporting the work you do every day. That has been, and will continue to be, our main focus. You can expect even more from this chapter to support your success over the years ahead—here are some highlights:
  • Our chapter trade show returns on October 4th, and we expect it be even bigger.
  • We're building a fresh calendar of events that include both Supplier Highlights and Business Skills & Resources.
  • The future of our industry depends on recruiting and fostering new talent, so our Young Professionals Society will grow this year, and at the national level ASTA will bring new offerings for newcomers.
  • ASTA continues to advocate for us with the government; this week is Legislative Day, where we are visiting with lawmakers to educate them on the issues that matter most to our daily lives and work.
The world is traveling again and our industry is growing. ASTA and the Rocky Mountain Chapter stand with you to help defend your interests and make the most of the great opportunities ahead.
Know that you are welcome to reach out to me—and any member of the board—any time to share ideas, discuss a concern, or ask questions. I'm always happy to take time out for ASTA members, and look forward to meeting you all at upcoming events or one-on-one.
~Jeof
president@rockymountainasta.org
(720) 828-7665
]]><![CDATA[Rocky Mountain ASTA May 2023 Newsletter]]>Wed, 10 May 2023 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.rockymountainasta.org/news/rocky-mountain-asta-may-2023-newsletterHello Friends!

I, and several chapter members, have just returned from the ASTA Global Convention (AGC) 2023 last week, where we were updated on the latest industry happenings and ASTA news. This convention is always a highlight of the year since one also gets great educational offerings from top presenters and the opportunity to network with other industry peers and our industry's top movers and shakers.

AGC also marks the turn of the ASTA calendar year, which means that this note will find us now at the beginning of ASTA's January!

Like all new years, this season represents the opportunity for new beginnings and fresh starts.

To that end, I am happy to report that your chapter has recently added two new board members –

Jennifer Grey as the new Chapter Treasurer and

Sheila Hixon as a new YPS representative. Jeof Oyster will also continue with us.

With these additions, we have a full chapter board.

However, do not fear if you desire to help our chapter continue to grow. Various committee roles are still available in a variety of areas. Therefore, if you have a particular talent you wish to contribute, please get in touch with us and let us know. Your interests and unique skills can likely find a happy home with our team!

Also, as we move into a new ASTA "year," a fresh emphasis will be put on ASTAPAC.

Why?

ASTAPAC is the only PAC (Political Action Committee) for travel advisors and the travel agency industry and enables the travel agency community to speak with one voice in educating elected federal officials about our issues.

This PAC has achieved many solid achievements that benefit our industry and each of our agencies individually. More information will be coming out about ASTAPAC regularly to educate you on the benefits of this PAC. We hope you will consider donating to this vital PAC as you learn more about it.

We appreciate your membership to ASTA and your local chapter, and we look forward to serving you in the year ahead! Please reach out to us at any time. We are here to serve you!

​Respectfully yours,
Rob Hale | Chapter President]]><![CDATA[Rocky Mountain ASTA April 2023 Newsletter]]>Sat, 15 Apr 2023 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.rockymountainasta.org/news/april-15th-2023A Season of Transition
Dear Rocky Mountain ASTA Members,
Soon, on May 2 – 4, the ASTA Global Convention will begin, which marks the turning of the ASTA Calendar year. May 5 will be "New Year's Day" in ASTA's calendar.
Like all seasonal and calendar transitions, one discovers that elements change as each calendar page turns.
This year the winter winds have been blowing hard, and our chapter, too, will see some exciting changes that will bring new things to you!
ASTA elections have just concluded, and I was extremely humbled and honored to have been elected by the other ASTA Chapter Presidents to serve as the new Northwest Regional Director for ASTA … and… as a new member of the ASTA National Board of Directors.
I say this… NOT… to toot my own horn. Those who have come to know me know that that is not my style.
ASTA is about …YOU… our members, and I am here only to serve you.
Therefore, I say this instead simply to make you aware that we will likely have some very positive transitions at the Chapter Leadership level, and I do not want you to be surprised by these when they happen.
With that spoken, please know that your chapter will continue in excellent hands, and while new faces may be present, old faces, including mine, will still be seen and found.
More details will be forthcoming soon. But for now, I ask you to rest easy knowing that my goal is to make any transitions as smooth and seamless as possible so that we may continue to serve you, our membership, in the best ways imaginable.
If you are attending the ASTA Global Convention, please drop me a note to let me know - I would love to connect with as many of you as possible at the conference!
If you have not had the opportunity to complete our chapter member survey yet, I strongly encourage you to fill that out now so we may learn your preferences for our chapter and serve you better.
Remember, those who fill out the survey in full by April 19, 2023, are eligible for the prize drawing for one of two $50 Amazon Gift cards! Don't lose your opportunity to win twice – (1) by letting us bring you more activities and events of value to you and (2) one of the possible gift cards to Amazon!
Please know that we will not share or sell any information in the survey with others. The survey is strictly so we can learn your preferences to better serve you and will be held in complete confidentiality from others outside of chapter leadership. The link to the survey can be found here [outdated]. 
​As always, thank you for your membership to ASTA, and Rocky Mountain ASTA! We appreciate your membership!
Respectfully yours,

Rob Hale | Chapter President | RobH@Travelnrelax.com | 303.317.6945
]]><![CDATA[Rocky Mountain ASTA March 2023 Newsletter]]>Tue, 07 Mar 2023 15:32:28 GMThttps://www.rockymountainasta.org/news/rocky-mountain-asta-march-2023-newsletter​As the saying goes, March comes "in like a lion, out like a lamb."
 
Here at Rocky Mountain ASTA, perhaps it is more appropriate, as we work to increase the value of your membership, to consider the reverse of that statement – that we come in like a lamb and out more like a lion.
 
We continue to partner with Rocky Mountain Association For The Promotion of Tourism to Africa and invite you to take advantage of our mutual events. Similarly, we are putting together a slate of events that will consider your desires and what is valuable to you.
 
To determine this, a survey will be coming to you soon to gauge your interests. We strongly encourage you to take a moment to complete this when it comes so that your desires can be taken into consideration.
 
Your chapter is also looking for a Chapter Treasurer and other chapter positions. Despite these roles' lofty titles, these openings are… not…. significant time-consuming roles. Please contact me directly for more information on our available positions.
 
As always, we want to serve you the best we can.
 
However, we are limited in our ability to do this based on the volunteer help we can attain and the feedback you provide. To be a strong chapter, we require your assistance. We can only be as strong as what you are willing to help put into this through your feedback and support.
 
We appreciate your membership in ASTA and look forward to hearing from you.
 
Respectfully yours,
 
Rob Hale | Chapter President
]]><![CDATA[Rocky Mountain ASTA February 2023 Newsletter]]>Thu, 23 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.rockymountainasta.org/news/rocky-mountain-asta-february-2023-newsletterFebruary, The Month of Love!
And here at your chapter board level, we sure love you! Our members!
Without you, there would be no chapter.
While this month’s newsletter may be arriving a bit delayed, our passion for growing our chapter into the best it can be for you remains firm.
Yet a chapter can only be as strong as the help it can attain to lead it. It is ultimately up to you, our members, to determine the quality of the chapter you desire to create for yourself.
To this end, ASTA election season is now beginning, and ballots will come to you soon (from ASTA National) to select your next slate of ASTA National board members. Those selected will be seated at the upcoming ASTA Global Convention at the beginning of May. More information on this election will come to you in March.
Locally, we are actively needing and seeking a new Chapter Treasurer who can assist us with our chapter’s financial records.
Should you be interested or know someone who may be a fit, please have them contact me directly at RobH@TravelnRelax.com for more information. This position does NOT require you to be living on the Front Range. Anyone in our Chapter region is eligible. We appreciate your help in this search.
March will be here soon. So I will keep this month’s message short. But know that we are striving to create the best chapter for you based on the level of help we can attain to support our efforts to serve you.
We appreciate your support of ASTA and our Rocky Mountain ASTA Chapter! Thank you for being a member!
 Respectfully yours,
 Rob Hale
]]><![CDATA[Rocky Mountain ASTA January 2023 Newsletter]]>Wed, 11 Jan 2023 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.rockymountainasta.org/news/rocky-mountain-asta-january-2023-newsletterHappy New Year! 

​We've Arrived! 2023 is now here and hopefully your year is off to a prosperous and successful start! 
This has been an odd winter so far with Christmas snow still lingering and periods of intense cold and fog dotting our days and nights. Peculiarities for a Colorado Front Range winter.

​However, such weather bodes well for the ski resorts in our states and the tourism business winter can bring. As with everyones new year, your chapter also is looking forward to new starts and fresh beginnings! 

Our kickoff event will be a virtual presentation on the Secrets of Japan and South Korea to be held Thursday January 19th over the lunch hour. By now you should have received your first invite to this event.

Some have expressed a strong preference for live events and have asked me why we do virtual events at all. I too much prefer live events, it is more meaningful to connect face to face, and we will continue these as much as possible. 

However, there are some events, such as this month, that we do present virtually for a couple of reasons:
  1. In past winters, we have held events in January and February where the weather has turned sour the day of the event, and the turnout was beyond abysmal.

    This is unfair to the supplier who has taken time out of their schedule to present to us and then finds the room to be near empty due to the weather conditions because the attendees have opted not to drive in. 

    This winter, with it's Colorado peculiarities, weather issues are forefront in my mind. 

    Holding events virtually during the winter guarantees that we can host the event no matter the weather conditions on the day of the event. For the supplier this is a more fair way to hold the event as it increses the odds of person attending. For the attendee it is a safer way to present as you do not have to drive in potentially wicked weather to event. 

    Holding virtual events during this season also protects the chapter from possible venue cancellation costs if the weather turns bad – or if we still host and the attendees back out, leaving us with an empty room.

  2. In some cases, we have suppliers who wish to be presenters but live in other parts of the country and do not want to pay travel costs out here for a single event. In these cases hosting an event virtually makes more sense.

  3. Since our chapter covers all of Colorado and all of Wyoming, holding an event virtually opens up our events to members in other parts of our chapter who live too far away to drive here for one lunch or evening meeting. During COVID, when we started hosting meetings virtually, we discovered that holding virtual events from time to time was a much more equitable way to present to our entire membership and an easy way to add value to their ASTA memberships.
 
For these reasons we do hold virtual events from time to time. 
 
I hope we can look forward to your continued support and attendance at our events, no matter if they are live or virtual. Each will provide value to you starting with our Japan and South Korea event on January 19th! 
 
Please let us know if you have ideas you would like us to consider for future events. We are always open to hearing from our membership so that we may strive to serve you better. 
 
We appreciate your ASTA membership and look forward to serving you in the year ahead!
 Respectfully yours,

Rob Hale
Chapter President]]>