For travel advisors, a big advantage to working with a host travel agency is the host’s established industry affiliations. One of the most important organizations for travel advisors in the United States is the American Society of Travel Advisors.
Members of KHM Travel Group’s Executive Team are actively involved with ASTA, holding leadership roles within this important organization. Our Vice President of Industry Relations Anita Pagliasso is ASTA Board Treasurer and our Vice President of Engagement Bill Coyle serves as the ASTA Ohio Chapter President. Both long-time ASTA members as well, Anita and Bill have helped KHM Travel Group encourage 338 of our independent travel advisors to join this important association.
Learn more about the importance of ASTA, and how our affiliation works to benefit all KHM Travel Group advisors below!
WHAT IS ASTA?
The American Society of Travel Advisors is a leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public. As the world’s largest association of travel professionals, its mission is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism.
“I’ve personally been a member since 1999 because I feel that they have strong value for me and my business. The relationship KHM Travel Group has with ASTA on a national level is that we have so many resources available to you. ASTA is a true advocate for you and our entire industry, working on our behalf every single day. We feel it’s very important for you and your business to be a member of the American Society of Travel Advisors.” – Bill Coyle
WHAT DOES ASTA DO?
ASTA’s work encompasses every aspect of the travel experience. Here are a just a few of the ways in which ASTA’s efforts impacts travel agents:
- Industry Affairs: ASTA advocates to ensure a level playing field and fair competition through the travel industry to benefit both travel professionals and consumers. According to the ASTA website, over the past decade, ASTA’s work has saved the travel advisor industry an estimated $724 million in avoided new taxes, fees, and regulatory costs. This equates to more than $8,000 in savings per travel professional, based on the 90,000+ travel advisors they represent.
- Education: ASTA provides its members with the finest education and information resources available, so that they are able to provide the best service to their clients. They offer events, webinars, and the Verified Travel Advisor® (VTA) certification program. Watch this video to hear from our Education Manager Carolyn Orf why this certification is so beneficial.
- Consumer Affairs: ASTA constantly monitors the travel industry to identify “scam” operators and others whose practices cheat consumers and negatively impact the travel industry. Members subscribe to a 12-point code of ethics which stands for Integrity in Travel.
- Consumer Awareness: Through advertising and public relations, ASTA strives to make the traveling public aware of the many benefits of using a travel professional to arrange and purchase travel.
Because KHM Travel Group is an Emerald Partner, our agents have access to the latest in legal and governmental updates, sales strategies, product knowledge, and business tools.
“My mission has always been to advocate for the success and recognition of our industry’s most vital players–host agencies and the advisors they empower. Serving on ASTA’s Board has given me the opportunity to amplify our collective voice, shape key policies, and strengthen industry partnerships. From advocating for legislative protection to fostering new opportunities for travel advisors, I’ve been committed to ensuring that host agencies have a strong presence in the future of travel. Remember, travel is your business and ASTA is your voice.” – Anita Pagliasso
Current KHM Travel Group advisors can learn more about how to join ASTA with our exclusive discount code in the Agent Portal, and can find their local chapter here.
For more information on how you can become a travel advisor with KHM Travel Group, contact our team at 888-611-1220.
