ASTA Announces New Africa Destination Specialists

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. April 10, 2009

ALEXANDRIA, VA, April 10. 2009 - ASTA announced today that 589 specialist certificates were awarded to travel agents who received destination training such as South Africa, Botswana and Namibia and in niche markets such as spa travel and wine tourism while attending the International Destination Expo (IDE) in Sun City, South Africa (March 8-11). The IDE is designed to immerse travel agents in the culture, attractions and travel business of each year's chosen destination. Included in the program of this year's event was an open-floor trade show, one-on-one business meetings with suppliers, product seminars, networking events and sightseeing.

"Nothing can beat first-hand experience when it comes to selling a destination," said Chris Russo, ASTA's president and chair. "Networking with local professionals, immersing oneself in a destination-these are the things that help travel agents gain an in-depth understanding of a region's culture and environment, as well as establish partnerships with niche suppliers they otherwise might not have met."

A list of recently announced Destination Specialists from this year's event can be found here.

Travel agents who completed destination certifications will be provided customizable press releases for their use in promoting their new specialties to their local media and communities. Additionally, they will be offered a complimentary 1-year membership in the Specialty Travel Agents Association.

Of the educational seminars, attendee Brenda Starr-Roberts with RisingStarr Productions ( Sicklerville , NJ ) had this to say:

"It was a delight to attend the FUNDI Specialist Training. I learned so much about Africa as a whole. The training opened my mind to all that is out there for us to explore. ... I never knew there was so much beauty, peace and serenity that could be had by visiting Africa. ... I learned the history and infrastructure of Africa. I got a chance to see mountains, waterfalls, wilderness and beauty. I learned of the 52 countries and what they had to offer. Each country is unique in its own way. South Africa is a wonderful place to visit. It has so much to offer a person for adventure or leisure. It was a big eye-opener. I thank the committee for putting together such an in-depth session."

ASTA's IDE is an annual gathering of travel industry professionals, seeking to immerse themselves in the culture, food and sightseeing of a unique destination, with the purpose of educating their clients about the region. The IDE provides destination-focused seminars and certifications, as well as opportunities for travel agents to build a business network with local suppliers. More than 1,000 travel professionals from 29 countries gathered in Sun City to learn about the culture, attractions and travel business of the South Africa.

In addition to classroom training, exhibitors conducted product seminars to give agents an opportunity to learn about the latest travel industry products and services.

The fifth IDE will be held in Istanbul, April 19-22, 2010, where agents will receive specialist training in the Turkey and neighboring countries. For more information or to register, go to ASTA.org/events.

The mission of ASTA (the American Society of Travel Agents) is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. ASTA seeks a retail travel marketplace that is profitable and growing and a rewarding field in which to work, invest and do business.