Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!news.media.mit.edu!americast.com!usa-post Newsgroups: usa-today.travel From: usa-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: usa-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: travel Wed, Mar 4 1992 Date: Wed, 4 Mar 92 05:50:52 EST Message-ID: 03-04 0000 DECISIONLINE: Travel USA TODAY Update March 4, 1992 Source: USA TODAY:Gannett National Information Network REPORT CRITICIZES CONCESSIONERS: The 75 largest concessioners operating shops, hotels and restaurants in the USA's national parks had sales topping $486 million in 1990 but paid the U.S. government just $12.3 million in franchise fees, a report out Tuesday shows. "The government is being taken to the cleaners," says Bill Chandler of the National Parks and Conservation Association, which issued the report. (For more, see special Concession package below.) LUFTHANSA NEAR U.S. AIR DEAL: Lufthansa is close to a deal with a U.S. airline that would give the German airline access to more destinations in the USA, Lufthansa board member Adrian von Doernberg said Tuesday. U.S. airline analysts say a likely partner is USAir Group, the sixth-largest U.S. carrier. A U.S. Lufthansa spokesperson said it's no secret USAir has been talking with the German carrier. WE'RE BACK ON THE ROAD: The number of people taking family vacations will rebound this year to 94 million adults, up from 86 million in '91, says a new study for Better Homes and Gardens. Reason: Pent-up demand. "In spite of the economy ... people feel they've just got to get away," says Peter Mason of Better Homes and Gardens. "This looks like the beginning of a turnaround." PEOPLE FEEL COOPED UP: People cut back on vacations last year because of the recession and gulf war, but now feel cooped up, says Peter Mason of Better Homes and Gardens. A study for the magazine by the U.S. Travel Data Center said most who vacationed in 1991 will spend at least as much money this year but will watch for discounts. Favorite stop: The beach (53%). And 52% will stop at historical parks, vs. 2% in 1990. MAGAZINE HAS MILEAGE PROTECTION: Consumers concerned about their frequent-flier miles if an airline folds can get protection through Inside Flyer magazine. The protection is part of a subscription package that costs $79 per year and covers all but MGM Grand Air, Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. It also covers points earned in most frequent programs of hotel chains and car-rental companies. Call 800-487-8893. ASTA SETS UP COLLECTION AGENCY: The American Society of Travel Agents has set up a subsidiary collection agency to help its members collect fees from suppliers. The corporation, ASTA Account Due, is free to ASTA members. Non-member agencies are charged $75 plus 15% of recovered commissions. "Payments will be sent directly to travel agents," not to ASTA Account Due, says ASTA's Paul Ruden. RAIL LINE TOO COSTLY: A proposed rail line linking downtown Denver to Denver International Airport probably would cost too much and would not eliminate enough air pollution to be viable, according to a study by the city and Regional Transportation District. The $60 million rail line would shuttle 3,500 people per day if built. BUSINESS TRAVEL DAY SET: A panel of experts will help answer questions on technology in the corporate environment at Business Travel News' Chicago Business Travel Day April 21 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers. Business Travel Days combine an educational program with exhibits and networking opportunities. Travel managers and agents: Call 516-562-5773. Suppliers: Call 516-562-5847. STATE HIKES CABIN FEES: Ohio should see another $1.4 million in 1992, thanks to increased fees for cabin rentals, parks officials say. The state increased fees for cabins, docking and more than 100 activities by up to 250% Feb. 1. Campground owners had complained the state's prices were artificially low. SPECIAL PACKAGE ON CONCESSION: GOVERNMENT GOT $12.3M IN FEES: Watchdog group the National Parks and Conservation Association estimated that the 75 largest concessioners in national parks paid the government $12.3 million in fees from $486 million in sales in 1990. The group calculated gross receipts of concessioners, who operate in 125 of the 358 National Park Service sites. Calculations were based on franchise fee rate and payment to the government. BILL COULD RAISE FEES: Concessioners fees figures were released as a Senate committee began hearings on a bill to reform concessions policy by mandating higher franchise fees and government ownership of all buildings in parks. The bill also would eliminate a concessioner's right to automatically renew a contract. Some 250 million visitors hit park system sites in 1990. That could rise to about 360 million by 2000. ESTIMATES DON'T REFLECT PROFIT: Concessioners say gross receipts estimates do not reflect profit. "How many millions of dollars do we spend on park improvements? Some concessioners are losing money," said Rex Maughan of the industry's Conference of National Park Concessioners. But Bill Chandler of the National Parks and Conservation Association says the system is "out of whack." (End of package.) 24-HOUR TELEPHONE INFORMATION: USA TODAY Weather Hot Line. 95 cents a minute. 1-900-555-5555. Travel Editor: Beth Mann. (1-919-855-3491) Making copies of USA TODAY Update (Copyright, 1992) for further distribution violates federal law. This article is copyright 1992 Gannett News Service. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM