The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is a professional organization that represents the interests of travel advisors and the travel industry. Founded in 1931, ASTA is the largest and oldest professional association for travel advisors in the United States. The organization has more than 10,000 members worldwide, including travel advisors, travel agencies, and travel industry partners.
ASTA's mission is to promote and support the Travel Advisor community, and to advocate for the interests of its members and the travel industry as a whole. To achieve this mission, ASTA provides a range of services and benefits to its members, including education and training, research and insights, networking and professional development, and advocacy and representation.
Some of the specific services and benefits offered by ASTA include:
- Education and training: ASTA offers a variety of educational and training programs to help its members stay up-to-date on industry trends, best practices, and new technologies. These programs include webinars, workshops, seminars, and other learning opportunities.
- Research and insights: ASTA conducts research and analysis on a wide range of topics related to the travel industry, including trends, consumer behavior, and policy issues. The organization also provides its members with access to a range of industry reports, research papers, and other resources.
- Networking and professional development: ASTA provides opportunities for its members to connect with one another and with industry professionals, through events such as conferences, trade shows, and networking events. The organization also offers professional development programs, including leadership training and mentorship opportunities.
- Advocacy and representation: ASTA advocates for the interests of its members and the travel industry as a whole, by working with policymakers and industry stakeholders to address issues such as consumer protection, travel security, and industry regulation. The organization also provides its members with legal and regulatory resources, and represents their interests in various forums and negotiations.
Overall, the American Society of Travel Advisors is a valuable resource for travel advisors and industry professionals, offering education and training, research and insights, networking and professional development, and advocacy and representation. If you are a travel advisor or work in the travel industry, you may want to consider becoming a member of ASTA to access these resources and benefits.
