Travel Industry Loses A Leader

January 11, 2005

Travel Industry Loses A Leader
January 11, 2005 – CrossSphere has learned that Harold "Hal" Berns passed away Saturday, January 8, 2005.

Harold Berns’s company, Air & Sea Travel Agency, held a tour operator membership with the association for many years. He served one term on the NTA board of directors, and served on the National Tourism Foundation board, as well. In 1995, he was the chairman of the National Tourism Foundation. Mr. Berns was recognized nationally for his expertise in the motorcoach industry and for promoting accessibility for travelers with disabilities. He was honored in 1993 as ASTA’s "travel agent of the year".

Mr. Berns’s overall industry leadership and knowledge to the association and the foundation were a key link between tour operators and the travel agent communities.

"Hal Berns was a friend to everyone he met," CrossSphere President Hank Phillips, CTP, said. "He possessed a wealth of knowledge and was so willing to share it with organizations such as our and we will miss him greatly."

Services will be held 1:00 pm Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapel, 7205 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, Fla. Memorial contributions can be made to UNICEF Tsunami Relief Fund.