ASTA - American Society of Travel Advisors

Earlier this year, the Department of Transportation issued two final rules on ancillary fees and ticket refunds. So, what does this mean for the business of selling travel and how will this change the traveler's experience? Join John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud at the National Consumers League, and Scott McCartney, Co-host of the Airlines Confidential podcast and former travel editor and Middle Seat columnist at The Wall Street Journal, as they break down what these new regulations mean for you. Register for our live broadcast here: https://bit.ly/3TjxjPX

The Travel Industry Forecast with Leading Experts is a dynamic program where attendees learn about the future of travel from business leaders and policy experts. Guest speakers and panel discussions will frame key initiatives for the advancement of the travel economy and mutual support for the American traveler.

In the vast landscape of the travel industry, finding your niche community can be the key to unlocking a world of opportunities. For those in the know, ASTA’s Chapter system offers a vibrant network of professionals eager to connect, collaborate, and cultivate success. But how do you tap into this dynamic resource? Read our insider tips to guide you on your journey: https://bit.ly/3zuDOJ0

ASTA's VTA Certification sets a benchmark for reputable travel advisors. Enhance your credibility with courses like Legal Insights and Ethical Excellence. Explore now at https://asta.org/vta. ?? #traveladvisor #ASTA #ASTAVTA

Don't miss ASTA coming to you LIVE from our nation's capital at the National Press Club on Monday, September 16, from 2:30pm – 4:30pm ET. Join travel executives and industry experts as they dive into the future of the travel agency sector. One of our dynamic panels features ASTA’s Vice Chair and Strategic Director for Nous Travel, Lee Thomas, alongside Rita Visser, Director of Global Travel Sourcing & GPO at Oracle, and Steven Mandelbaum, Senior Vice President of Business Solutions at EAB, as they discuss duty of care and the value of managed travel programs. Register here now: https://bit.ly/3TjxjPX

Thank you to all our partners who joined us at the trade show during the 2024 ASTA Caribbean Showcase in Cura?ao. ASTA members had the opportunity to connect with several dozen travel suppliers operating in the Caribbean. Find more photos from the event here: https://bit.ly/3Xpbobm Space is still available to join us in Jamaica for our 2025 ASTA Caribbean Showcase at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, August 23-27. You don’t want to miss it, and this event will sell out! Register now: https://bit.ly/3AEwvyK #caribbeanshowcase2024 #curacao #sandalsroyalcuracao #sandalsresorts #traveladvisor #travelindustry

Join us for a members-only webinar on Wednesday, October 2, at 2 p.m. ET, with Hayley Anhalt, ASTA's Corporate Counsel, to learn more about how ASTA ensures the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct among its members. This insightful session will explore ASTA's consumer and business-to-business dispute resolution processes and how ASTA diligently addresses consumer and member concerns to maintain trust and integrity within the travel industry. Register now: https://bit.ly/3XGdQM2

In an AI-dominated landscape, why should you still rely on a travel advisor? Join us LIVE during the Travel Industry Forecast to find out! ASTA's Board Chair and President of Nexion, Jackie Friedman, will be joined by travel advisors Wayne Muhlstein and Dr. Terika L. Haynes, along with their clients, to discuss why trusting your travel experience to an expert is more valuable than ever before. Register for free here: https://bit.ly/3TjxjPX

Caribbean Showcase 2024 photos are here! Let’s kick things off with attendee arrivals to Sandals Royal Cura?ao and our Welcome Reception. Find more photos from the event here: https://bit.ly/3Xpbobm Space is still available to join us in Jamaica for our 2025 ASTA Caribbean Showcase at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, August 23-27. You don’t want to miss it, and this event will sell out! Register now: https://bit.ly/3AEwvyK #caribbeanshowcase2024 #curacao #sandalsroyalcuracao #sandalsresorts #traveladvisor #travelindustry Sandals Resorts International

"When I first met Caroline, we instantly hit it off. I was thrilled to help Caroline and her family plan their dream trip to Paris—a bucket-list adventure they had always wanted to share together. We crafted every detail, from photoshoots to tours, ensuring it would be an unforgettable experience for her, her husband, and their two young daughters. But just a few months before they were set to embark on this journey, her husband, a retired Army veteran who had served in the first wave of Operation Iraqi Freedom, fell gravely ill. The illness struck suddenly, likely the result of exposure to toxic materials during his service. In his mid-30s, this strong, vibrant man found himself fighting for his life. They held onto hope, believing he would recover in time for their trip. But after a long, painful battle, he passed away. The trip to Paris, which had once symbolized their future together, now represented the challenge of moving forward without him. I helped her cancel everything, trying to relieve some of the pressure. Travel insurance covered some costs, but it was about more than money. She still wanted to honor the trip they had planned, but traveling alone with two young girls in a foreign country was daunting. She decided to move forward, but this time, it was more than just a vacation; it was a healing journey. We rebooked the trip with a new perspective: a single mom ensuring her daughters would be safe and confident. I arranged everything—the hotels, transfers, dining—so she wouldn’t have to worry. When the airline refused to refund her husband’s ticket, I fought for her and covered the rest. I wanted her to focus on healing, not logistics. Throughout the trip, I stayed connected, answering her calls at all hours to ensure she felt secure. When she returned and shared the photos, I saw a family finding its way, a mother reclaiming her confidence. She told me the trip helped her step into her new role as a single parent. Caroline’s strength and dedication inspired me. Her advocacy for veterans and military families ignited a fire in me to get involved with ASTA, to help make a difference. This experience reminded me that what I do is about more than planning trips—it’s about being there when it matters most." ? Velia Kennedy is the CEO of Modern Family Travel, LLC, based in Pennsylvania. She is a proud ASTA member, and the recipient of ASTA's 2024 Travel Advisor of the Year.