ASTA to Exhibit at WTM
Offers International Travel Professionals Exceptional Resources and Representation
ALEXANDRIA, VA, October 15, 2008. ASTA offers international travel industry professionals the resources and representation they need to become more successful at selling travel. To that end, ASTA is offering travel professionals who sign-up to become members at World Travel Market lb 50 GBP toward a travel agency specialization list rental, covering such various travel specialties as: Eastern Europe, Western Europe, United Kingdom, Asia, Middle East, India, Africa, South America, China, Luxury Travel, Leisure Travel, Adventure Travel, Tours, Honeymoon, Golf Tours, and Gay/Lesbian Travel.
Interested travel professionals can take advantage of this special membership offer by stopping by the ASTA booth stand NA 1905 and joining while attending World Travel Market, Nov. 10-13 in London.
"Membership in ASTA facilitates introductions and strengthens business relationships within the global travel community. Just as importantly, it provides members with a wealth of resources and tools with which they can hone their businesses to become more efficient and successful," said Chris Russo, CTC, ASTA president and CEO. "International members receive exceptional support from ASTA, the world's largest association of travel professionals. Their membership will open up a new world of exciting global opportunities."
Among the many benefits available to international members are ASTA's online WebExchange and Buyers Guide, which allow international members to further promote their company. Here, agents can display their company's Web site, post information and special offers and communicate with other members around the world. An ASTA membership also includes free access to the online "Membership Directory," an essential tool that will simplify future communications with fellow members.
One immediate benefit of an ASTA membership is the use of the ASTA logo. This logo can be used on business cards, letterhead, brochures and Web sites. When a client sees this logo they will know that the agent belongs to, and has the backing of, the world's largest association of travel professionals. International members will also receive a photo ID card to prove that they are a member of an international organization, regardless of where they might be.
ASTA requires agents to abide by a strict Code of Ethics and Bylaws, protecting the integrity of the association and its members. Once a travel professional is an ASTA member, they will have access to the "Members Only" section of the ASTA Web site, www.ASTA.org. The "Members Only" page allows international members to search for and make global connections, find information and promote their company.
As an international ASTA member, travel professionals have the option of attending two travel industry trade shows at low member rates. ASTA's International Destination Expo, (March 8-11, Sun City, South Africa) allows agents from all over the world to network with their industry peers, gather the most current information on new destinations, suppliers and products and attend informative, educational seminars. The 2009 International Destination Expo will provide agents with the best destination training in the industry and teach them about securing bigger profits in the South African market . ASTA's International Destination Expo is held in a new city each year. Registration for ASTA's International Destination Expo is now open.
THE TRADESHOW, North America's largest travel industry trade show, is held in Orlando during even years and in Las Vegas during odd years. The 2008 show, held Sept. 7-9 in Orlando, brought more than 3,000 travel professionals together under one roof. THE TRADESHOW is created by more than 16 of the travel industry's leading organizations, including ASTA. Plan now to participate in THE TRADESHOW 2009, Sept. 13-15 in Las Vegas. These great events are not to be missed and can help any travel professional or supplier grow their business.
This is an exciting time to be an ASTA member. As an ASTA member, international firms will receive the support and resources they need to become a more efficient travel seller. For more information on becoming an ASTA member, contact Bethany Mills, Manager, Membership Sales, at [email protected].
The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents and its affiliated organizations is to enhance the professionalism and profitability of members worldwide through effective representation in industry and government affairs, education and training, and by identifying and meeting the needs of the traveling public.
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