Asta News

Travel executives gather at St. Andrews Links for ‘Travel Masters’
The most famous golf course in the world was the backdrop for the American Society of Travel Advisors’ (ASTA) first-ever Travel Masters, held earlier this month, at St. Andrews, Scotland.

Hillary Clinton confirmed to speak at ASTA Global Convention
Hillary Clinton has been confirmed as the headline speaker at the closing session of the ASTA Global Convention in Miami. This year marks a new vision for the convention with a format that will deliver education for agents in technology, marketing and sales.

Hillary Clinton confirmed to speak at ASTA Global Convention
Hillary Clinton has been confirmed as the headline speaker at the closing session of the ASTA Global Convention in Miami. This year marks a new vision for the convention with a format that will deliver education for agents in technology, marketing and sales.

ASTA appoints Zane Kerby as President and CEO
ASTA announced today that it had appointed Zane Kerby as the Society’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 19th. Kerby moves to ASTA from a long and successful career with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), formerly called the National Business Travel Association

ASTA announces redefined benefits and dues structure
At its most recent meeting in Los Angeles, ASTA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve a change to its US Travel Agency member structure that extends ASTA’s top-quality benefits to all member agency employees and changes Travel Agency members’ dues from a flat-fee to a tiered structure based on sales volume.

Travel Agents assist clients during Hurricane Sandy
During the harsh impact of Hurricane Sandy, travel agents worked diligently to assist clients who were impacted by numerous travel delays. “We’re proud of what our members do for their clients in good times and bad,” said Nina Meyer, president and chair of the board of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). “The storm caused thousands of domestic and international flight cancellations and delays, so travel agents made extensive efforts to ensure the wellbeing of their travelers.”

ASTA takes part in White House Travel & Tourism Forum
On Wednesday, ASTA joined a select group of leading U.S. tourism organisations, civic leaders and Administration officials from the White House as part of the first American Economic Competitiveness Forum on Travel and Tourism, under the auspices of the White House Business Council.

CLIA credits available at ASTA’s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo
This year, ASTA’s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo (Los Angeles, Sept. 7-9) will offer attendees the opportunity to develop a sustainable profit line while earning CLIA credits during sessions that will not only teach them clever ways to close a sale, but also how to turn clients into repeat loyal customers.
-410x250.jpg)
ASTA boss to step down
Tony Gonchar is stepping down from his post as CEO of ASTA to join American Express’ U.S. Consumer Travel Network, according to reports.

ASTA expo to enhance agent business productivity
ASTA’s Travel Retailing & Destination Expo (ASTA-LA) (Los Angeles, Sept. 7-9, 2012) will deliver a fresh approach to traditional travel trade shows, combining targeted, revenue-boosting sessions and the opportunity for high-level networking to provide travel agents a combination of new business contacts and enhanced sales skills to help them better run their businesses.

ASTA smartphone app delivers membership services on the go
ASTA’s first mobile app launched today, providing ASTA members with access to top-rated member services no matter where they are. As the first travel association membership app, ASTA continues to provide members with the tools they need to stay competitive, such as real-time access to association news, member directories, information on ASTA events and critical industry alerts all from their iPhone, Android or Blackberry smartphone.

Tourism marketing professional Pamela Bonin joins ASTA
ASTA has announced that Pamela Bonin has been hired to the position of director, Market Development, for the Society. As part of her new job, Bonin will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing ASTA’s membership marketing efforts, as well as working with key and prospective ASTA partners in order to develop stronger and more strategic relationships.