The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) - an Essential Travel Industry Membership

While some have recovered quicker than others from the challenges of the past few years, the work of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) heavily boosted the survival of the travel industry throughout the pandemic.

As the industry’s only professional trade association, ASTA led the charge for travel advisors by lobbying on their behalf and successfully secured vital financial lifelines for so many travel advisors and agencies, limiting the economic effect the pandemic may have potentially had when the world shut down.

Pam Bonin, Director, Strategic Member Partnerships said, “We did not do this alone. We linked arms with our agency and advisor members, as well as our supplier, consortium, and host agency partners to get through the most difficult time in our industry’s history.”

It’s ASTA’s business to promote, defend, educate, and represent the entire travel industry. While ASTA’s Independent Contractor Membership Category tripled from 2,000 to nearly 7,000 over the past few years, they continue to focus on advocacy issues that affect small business owners and building resources and programs specifically for this growing and important segment of the agency community.

Top reasons to join ASTA

Here are the top reasons 1000 Mile Travel Group encourages its affiliates to join the ASTA to boost their independent travel businesses:

1. ASTA membership allows travel advisors to boost their credibility and trust with new customers. Using the ASTA logo is like a seal of approval from the world’s largest travel agency association, giving travelers peace of mind that they are working with a trusted source.
2. ASTA protects travel advisors’ livelihoods by preventing costly fees and taxes.?The organization acts as a powerful unified voice on Capitol Hill, advocating on behalf of your business and strengthening your worldwide presence. ASTA’s advocacy efforts between 2012 and today have led to legislative and regulatory “wins” that have saved the travel industry an estimated $630 million in new taxes, fees, and other costs. Additionally, members in 38 US states are eligible to participate in the ASTA association health plan, which includes access to different types of insurance coverage, such as dental, vision, disability, and more.
3. ASTA helps travel advisors grow their businesses and strengthens their network and know-how. ASTA offers the latest industry news and updates needed to know while offering supplier introductions, connections, and support. ASTA represents the agency community bringing together government, travel suppliers of all types, travel-related technology, and consumers. Membership allows travel advisors to network across all these segments.
4. ASTA connects travelers to travel advisors with their leads program. One of the many benefits of membership is lucrative new leads through the TravelSense.org platform. Plus, with over 65,000 visitors per month, member travel advisors show up in their travel advisor database.
5. An ASTA membership arms members with the resources to answer every client’s question. They offer professional development for everyone, whether seeking industry affairs or product and webinars, online and in-person training, specialized events, or focused educational courses like their ASTA Verified Travel Advisor® Certification Program.

As one of North America’s leading host agencies, 1000 Mile Travel Group executives and ambassadors prioritize supporting, contributing, and participating in ASTA. 1000 Mile Travel Group recognizes and appreciates the professional development and advocacy ASTA offers its organization and affiliates and encourages membership.

For more information on joining ASTA click here.