What:
The U.S. Department of State recently launched a dedicated travel agency website that provides resources for agencies and their clients. The aim is to more comprehensively prepare agents to assist clients before and during international travel.
Why It Matters:
Last year, more than 20 percent of U.S. travelers used a travel professional to book an international trip, and the State Department has taken note, creating a resource agents can use to better prepare clients for travel abroad. The American Society of Travel Agents has commended the State Department for the site, which addresses important issues travelers may face, including passport requirements, international travel, emergency assistance while traveling, customs restrictions and traveler programs such as TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
Fast Facts:
- Agents can find the site at www.travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/travel-agents.html.
- The site was established by the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, which is responsible for the welfare and protection of U.S. citizens abroad; for the issuance of passports and other documentation to citizens and nationals; and for the protection of U.S. border security and the facilitation of legitimate travel to the U.S.
What They Are Saying:
“ASTA commends the State Department for creating this resource for agencies and their clients and for recognizing the critical role that travel agents play in today’s travel ecosystem,” said Zane Kerby, president and CEO of ASTA. “We look forward to building on our strong relationship with the State Department’s leadership to use this and other resources to ensure that Americans traveling abroad are informed and protected before, during and after their trips.”
“By creating this targeted site with a compilation of commonly searched information at the agent’s fingertips, we hope that our tips for safe and secure travel will reach a wider audience of U.S. citizens going on an international trip," said Ogniana Ivanova-Sriram, outreach officer at the Bureau of Consular Affairs for the U.S. Department of State.
The Details
American Society of Travel Agents
www.asta.org
U.S. Department of State
www.travel.state.gov
