Larry Basirico, professor of sociology, will appear in a video news release with Royal Caribbean International and the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). The video will be available to television stations across the U.S. in mid-November.
The video news release, filmed in Miami in mid-October, will promote family reunions and family gatherings. The goal of the campaign is to reach families and other groups gathering for the holidays to promote destination travel, such as cruises, for family reunions. Basirico was asked to take part in the production because of his extensive research of family reunions. Based on his research and surveys, Basirico believes travel agents are exceptionally good planners for family reunion travel.
ASTA has seen an increase in requests to book family reunion trips over the last five years. A survey Basirico conducted for Reunions Magazine found family members were more satisfied when reunions were structured, organized, and well planned. An ASTA survey found cruise ships were the most popular venue for family reunions.
Basirico is considered a leading expert on family reunions. He has been quoted in the New York Times, Boston Globe, The Wall Street Journal, Reader’s Digest and other newspapers and magazines. His latest book, “The Family Reunion Survival Guide: How to avoid problems with your family without avoiding your family,” was published in June.