ASTA - American Society of Travel Advisors

Sunsets like these are best enjoyed with someone you love - and a travel plan you can trust. When you work with an ASTA Verified Travel Advisor, every detail is expertly handled, so all you need to do is savor the moment. Start your journey today with peace of mind and the promise of unforgettable experiences. #traveladvisor #travelyoucantrust #dreamdestinations

"I’ve been passionate about travel for as long as I can remember. My first experience as a travel planner was at 15, organizing my family reunion. We held one every other year, and finances were always a challenge. That year, I decided to take the reins to make it work. I researched hotels, balanced our needs with the budget, and successfully pulled it off. That was my first group trip, and I was hooked. In college, I studied hospitality and management, finding creative ways to travel on a student budget. I planned trips for my peers, convincing them to rent minivans so we could explore together. For me, it was a chance to travel for free while honing my planning skills. An internship at a travel agency gave me my first industry experience, but I initially pursued a different path, managing restaurants and overseeing major brands like Subway. Despite my restaurant career, I kept planning trips for family and friends. Travel was always part of my life. Then, I was laid off from American Express and decided to take a year to travel the world. That year changed everything. I knew I had to return to the travel industry. A herniated back sidelined me for a year, but from my sofa, I started my travel business. Seven years ago, I took the leap to become a full-time advisor. ASTA has been part of my journey for years, starting as a student member and later during my time at American Express. I’ve always believed in the importance of advocacy. In every industry I’ve worked, strong advocacy organizations have made a difference, and ASTA is that for travel. Being part of ASTA connects me to peers, inspires new ideas, and keeps me prepared for the one constant in travel: change. New legislation, products, ways to travel, and markets—it’s always evolving. My journey has taken me from planning family reunions to managing global travel, but the heart of it remains the same: helping people experience the world." -Folashade Otuyelu, Boundless Travel

Be prepared for the travel industry's biggest holiday of the year by connecting with a travel advisor today! Travel Tuesday, once a companion to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, has now evolved into a standalone event offering some of the best inspiration on travel experiences for the year ahead. #traveltuesday #workwithatraveladvisor

Here’s a look back at our ASTA Legislative Day earlier this fall. It was another successful Legislative Day, bringing together more than 200 of our members and Proud Partners for 206 meetings with congressional offices on Capitol Hill to discuss the legislative priorities that matter most to the travel advisor industry. Make plans now to join us in 2025, October 6-8, in Washington, D.C. Registration will open in the new year, so stay tuned! Learn more about ASTA’s advocacy efforts: https://bit.ly/493Vcly

?? Maximize your business potential with ASTA’s Member Advantage Program! From additional commissions with key partners to discounts on business essentials like HP, Lenovo, and insurance, we’ve got you covered. Stay ahead of the game with ASTA! Learn more: https://bit.ly/astamap #TravelAdvisorPerks #ASTAMembers

Despite concerns that the internet or artificial intelligence might make travel advisors a thing of the past, the numbers tell a different story. ?? The travel advisor profession is projected to grow 3% through 2032 - proof that personalized expertise will always be in demand. #travelprofessional #futureoftravel #traveladvisor

On November 15, 2024, the federal district court hearing the case of?State of Texas v. U.S. Department of Labor, et al.?issued an order invalidating the Department of Labor’s (DOL)?final rule on overtime.?ASTA strongly opposed the rule during the draft phase,?submitting comments?to underscore its potentially detrimental impact on travel agencies, particularly small businesses. Learn more ? https://bit.ly/40SXth6

We're excited to announce Michele Saegesser, Vice President of Sales and National Accounts for Viking River Cruises, as the recipient of the ASTA 2024 President’s Award, presented by ASTA President and CEO, Zane Kerby, at the Signature Conference held November 11-14 in Las Vegas, Nevada. ?? “This is certainly one of the biggest honors of my life. I can't thank ASTA enough for all you do for the advisor community and our wonderful industry,” said Saegesser. ? The ASTA President’s Award is given to individuals who demonstrate a profound dedication to furthering the role of travel advisors and strengthening the travel industry. Michele Saegesser’s impact as a leader and advocate during her 45 years in tourism exemplifies the principles that we value and promote as an organization. ? "Michele Saegesser embodies the spirit and dedication that define the best of our profession," said Zane Kerby, ASTA President and CEO. "We are honored to celebrate her achievements and grateful for her ongoing commitment to travel advisors and our community as a whole."

Having to constantly explain the value of travel insurance ranked top among travel advisors’ pet peeves. Here are some of the things advisors wish consumers knew and understood.?

"There's a lot to be said for ASTA's efforts in this,” said Zane Kerby, ASTA President and CEO. “That’s why we’re going to spend more time with our advisory council to thoughtfully pull our comments together, with an emphasis on areas where travel agencies have a unique perspective, as well as a plan for countering the arguments that we believe will be submitted from the airlines and others." Read the full press release ? https://bit.ly/48UHeC7