Visa-less travel to Australia from the U.S. is in the works, says the Australian Tourist Commission. The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) will replace the current visa procedures by the end of this year, officials hope. The ETA can be issued in seconds by travel agents and airlines linked by computer reservation systems with the Australian government. In that case, authority to travel to Australia will be as easy as obtaining an airline ticket.
Doris Sklar, 60, died in an automobile accident October 18 on Long Island, NY. Sklar worked for 36 years for the General Electric Management Development Institute in Ossining, NY, 24 of them in meeting planning, until February when she stepped out on her own to head Sklar Worldwide Meeting Management, Ltd., based in New York City.
"Doris was well known and highly respected both in the U.S. and abroad as a skilled, professional meeting planner and warm human being," said Virginia Lofft, vice president/publishing director of the Adams/Laux publications. "We will all miss her." Doris was working with Adams/Laux on the program for the first Beyond Borders Conference to take place in New York City in March 1997.
Among the numerous awards she won were the International Meeting Planner of the Year (Meeting Professionals International); Pacesetter Award (Hotel Sales & Marketing Association International); and the Hall of Fame Award for distinguished achievement and exceptional professionalism (MPI Greater NY Chapter).