What:
Signature Travel Network announced that all members will be required to belong to the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), effective Jan. 1.
Why it Matters:
This groundbreaking move by Signature is a huge of vote of confidence for ASTA. Certainly other consortia will be watching this initiative with interest. Signature cites ASTA’s lobbying efforts in Washington, its educational tools and its public information and media campaigns that raise awareness of the travel agent profession as reasons for its support of ASTA. For its part, ASTA has agreed to extend a special offer to Signature members joining the organization.
Fast Facts:
- Signature Travel Network has 195 member agencies with 442 retail locations throughout USA and Canada. Collectively, Signature members generate $6 billion in annual travel sales.
- ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel.
What They Are Saying:
“I am so proud that our member board of directors voted to make ASTA membership a requirement for all Signature members,” said Signature president and CEO, Alex Sharpe. “Our industry needs a strong voice, which can only be achieved through active participation by all of its members. Signature has taken a stand, one I hope others will follow in support of our trade organization.”
“As I told Signature president and CEO Alex Sharpe and members of the board, this is truly a defining moment in our history,” ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby told the Signature Owners Meeting in Carlsbad, Calif. “It is only through harnessing the strength of the entire agency community that ASTA can be successful defending the agency community against what is often much larger adversaries, as well as promoting it with a sometimes skeptical public.”
The Details
ASTA
www.asta.org
Signature Travel Network
www.signaturetravel.com
