What Does ASTA Stand for in Tourism?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re involved in the tourism industry, you’ve probably heard of ASTA. But what does ASTA stand for?

ASTA stands for the American Society of Travel Advisors. It’s a professional organization that represents travel advisors and agencies in the United States. The organization was founded in 1931 and has since become one of the most influential and respected organizations in the travel industry.

The Role of ASTA

The primary role of ASTA is to promote and support the travel advisor profession. This includes providing education and training opportunities, advocating for policies that benefit travel advisors, and promoting ethical business practices within the industry.

Educational Opportunities

One of the key ways that ASTA supports its members is by offering educational opportunities. This includes online courses, webinars, and in-person training sessions. These resources help travel advisors stay up-to-date with industry trends, learn new skills, and remain competitive in a constantly changing marketplace.

Policy Advocacy

ASTA also advocates for policies that benefit travel advisors and their clients. This includes lobbying for fair treatment of travel advisors by suppliers such as airlines and hotels, as well as pushing for regulations that protect consumers from fraudulent or unethical practices within the industry.

Ethical Business Practices

ASTA promotes ethical business practices within the industry through its code of ethics. This code outlines principles such as honesty, integrity, and transparency that all members are expected to adhere to. By upholding these standards, ASTA members demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality service to their clients.

Becoming an ASTA Member

If you’re a travel advisor or agency owner interested in joining ASTA, there are several membership options available. These include individual memberships for travel advisors as well as agency memberships for larger businesses.

  • Individual Membership: This membership is available to travel advisors who work independently or for a larger agency. It includes access to ASTA’s educational resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts.
  • Agency Membership: This membership is designed for travel agencies with multiple advisors. It includes all of the benefits of individual membership as well as additional resources such as marketing support and industry research.

Conclusion

ASTA plays a crucial role in supporting and promoting the travel advisor profession. Through its educational resources, policy advocacy, and commitment to ethical business practices, ASTA helps its members provide high-quality service to their clients. If you’re a travel advisor or agency owner looking to stay competitive in the industry, joining ASTA is definitely worth considering.