A long-awaited travel industry celebration took place last month at the American Society of Travel Advisors’ (ASTA) annual Global Convention, held in San Francisco. After enduring years of doom and gloom — and now, with travel booming like never before — who could blame advisors and suppliers for finally exhaling and taking a victory lap?
“As the travel trade’s premier organization, ASTA strives to promote excellence within the industry,” said Zane Kerby, president and CEO of ASTA. “We’re pleased to use the occasion of our annual convention to lift up those professionals and companies who make lasting and meaningful contributions to the travel industry.”
As part of the festivities, several advisors, agencies, ASTA chapters, suppliers and industry icons received awards. Several honorees stood out, but perhaps the best moment of the conference took place at the event’s Advocacy Dinner, when Arnold Donald, vice chair of Carnival Corporation, accepted the ASTA Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is not given annually — only five have been awarded in the past 12 years — and Donald is only the second non-travel advisor winner in history, yet there is no question that his leadership and dedication makes him deserving of the honor.
During that dinner, in addition to the award presentations, ASTA raised $370,000 — a record for one night — for its Advocacy Fund. Donations were led by $100,000 each from Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean Group, along with $10,000 from the Travel Allies Society. Additionally, nearly 200 individuals made personal donations during the dinner.
“The pandemic underscored not only the value of working with a travel advisor, but also the need for a strong national trade association,” Kerby said.
ASTA has proved itself more than ready to fill that industry role now and into the future.
