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ASTA, short for the American Society of Travel Agents, is the world's
largest association of travel professionals. Our 20,000-plus members include
travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours,
cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc. We are the leading advocate for travel
agents, the travel industry and the traveling public.
ASTA
Mission Statement
ASTA’s (American Society of Travel
Agents) mission is to facilitate the business of selling travel through
effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism.
ASTA and Its Mission
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is the
world's largest, most prestigious association of travel professionals.
The mission of ASTA and its affiliated organizations is to facilitate
the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared
knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail
travel marketplace that is profitable, growing and a rewarding place to
work, invest and do business.
Founded in 1931 as the American Steamship and Tourist Agents' Association,
ASTA and its affiliates now comprise the world's largest and most influential
travel trade association with members in 140 countries. As the world's
largest travel trade association, our work encompasses every aspect of
the travel experience.
Here is just a sample of the activities in which ASTA is involved:
| Industry Affairs: |
We fight to ensure a level playing field and fair competition throughout
our industry which, of course, benefits industry professionals as
well as consumers. |
| Education: |
We provide our members with the finest education and
information resources available, so that they are able to provide
the utmost in professional service to their clients. ASTA's home study
program allows ASTA member agencies, non-members and future travel
professionals the opportunity to expand their business through specialization,
giving agents the tools to sell unique travel experiences. |
| Consumer Affairs: |
We constantly monitor the travel industry to identify
"scam" operators and others whose practices cheat consumers
and negatively impact our industry. Only ASTA members subscribe to
a 13-point code of ethics which stands
for "Integrity in Travel." This is the pledge our members
stake their reputations on. And we provide traveling consumers with
a complete range of informational resources. |
| Consumer Awareness: |
Through its advertising and public relations efforts, ASTA strives
to make the traveling public aware of the many benefits of using a
travel professional to arrange and purchase travel. ASTA's advertising
slogan, "Without an ASTA travel agent, you're on your
own" can be seen in consumer ads in national magazines,
national television and in local markets. |
ASTA offers many benefits to its members and the traveling public. The
majority of ASTA's members are travel agencies. However, travel suppliers,
such as airlines, hotels, car rental firms, cruise lines, and tour operators
join ASTA. We also have membership categories for students, travel schools,
retired travel professionals, retail travel sellers, and others. ASTA
is the organization for anyone related to the travel industry!
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ASTA Logo
The ASTA logo is recognized around the world
as a symbol of professionalism and integrity. It's a sign of membership
in ASTA, the professional affiliation most often endorsed by the media
when recommending how to find a reliable travel agent. |
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75 Years and Going Strong
ASTA has been dedicated to Travel Agents
and the Traveling Public for over 75 years.
ASTA members continue to thrive as more and more
travelers see the benefits of consulting an expert when making travel
arrangements. ASTA and its members to stay focused the needs of
our future customers.”
A Short History of ASTA |
Leading the Fight Against Child Sex Tourism
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is leading the travel industry
in an ongoing battle against child sex tourism with its adoption of the
Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation
in Travel and Tourism. The Society encourages its members to support government
measures taken to counter the sexual exploitation of women and children,
to inform colleagues of the negative consequences of "sex tourism,"
and to advise clients of the penalties imposed on tourists who commit
such acts. Click here for more
on what ASTA is doing.
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