What:
At the recent American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) Destination Expo held in Marrakech, Morocco, the ASTA board of directors voted to add a seat designated for a consortium member. The position will be filled by rotation every two years, and the individual will be elected during ASTA’s annual fall meeting.
Why It Matters:
The decision is intended to highlight how consortium members have significantly contributed to ASTA’s ongoing advocacy for travel agents. In order to qualify for the seat, candidates must be a member of a consortium that either mandates membership in ASTA or completely subsidizes the membership. Although Virtuoso reimburses ASTA membership for up to $736 per agency and Travel Leaders is phasing in mandatory membership over the next two years, only Signature Travel Network currently satisfies the full requirements.
Fast Facts:
- ASTA members represent approximately 80 percent of all travel sold in the U.S. via the travel agency distribution channel.
- ASTA Board of Directors currently has nine directors-at-large; three directors selected by the Chapter Presidents Council; one chair of the International Chapter Presidents Council; one director selected by the National Association of Career Travel Agents; and two directors selected by the ASTA Corporate Advisory Committee.
What They Are Saying:
“Our consortia members have really stepped up their commitment by either mandating or subsidizing membership in ASTA for their own members,” said Zane Kerby, CEO and president of ASTA. “They realize that a stronger national trade association representing travel agents benefits the entire community of agents, and we are grateful for their continued support.”
The Details
ASTAwww.asta.org
