ASTA - American Society of Travel Advisors

We applaud the conclusion of Louisiana’s special legislative session, which resulted in the passage of a tax plan that does not impose a new sales tax on the services of travel advisors as originally proposed. This decision marks a major win for Louisiana’s travel advisors who expressed deep concerns about the impact such a tax could have had on their businesses. Louisiana legislators moved swiftly through a special legislative session to address income tax relief for state residents. The revenue offset included levying a new sales tax on a variety of services deemed “luxury items,” including the services provided by travel advisors. During this time, travel advisors and small business owners throughout the state flooded the Governor’s office and the legislature with calls and emails to educate them on the consequences this could bring to the state and to their businesses. They warned them that taxing their services would amount to an additional fee, and could, among other things, drive their clients to seek advisors in another state where they wouldn’t be taxed. “Adding a sales tax to our services would have created an extra burden to doing business here in our state,” said Samantha Musso, CTA, VTA, President of the Greater New Orleans ASTA Chapter and Owner of New Destinations Travel in Bush, Louisiana. “We knew this would have resulted in serious financial consequences for both travel advisors and our clients, so we are pleased that this misguided sales tax did not come to fruition.” We quickly mobilized a grassroots advocacy effort in Louisiana that amplified the voices of travel advisors across the state. “The collective outreach to Governor Landry and both legislative chambers was instrumental in securing this favorable outcome,” said Jessica Klement, ASTA's Vice President of Advocacy. “This victory underscores the importance of active engagement in the legislative process, ensuring that the interests of the travel community are represented and protected.”

?? Enhance your ASTA membership with insurance benefits! ?? Through our collaboration with Association Health Programs (AHP), ASTA members can now explore options for health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance and more! ?????? Get started by accessing enrollment information and coverage options on www.ASTA.org. ?? Note: Product availability and eligibility vary. This is not a group plan.

When you attend ASTA events, you have the opportunity to network with a variety of travel suppliers who are committed to supporting your business. Learn more about our ASTA Proud Partners: https://lnkd.in/ey-k5KR8 Make plans now to join us for ASTA events in 2025: https://bit.ly/3xrhgYT

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