ASTA to raise consumer awareness

Tuesday, 24 Sep, 2002 0

The American Society of Travel Agents is planning to spend the next 12 months bolstering consumer awareness of the value of travel retailers.

The Society’s board of directors have held several meetings over the summer to thrash out their plans for the coming year.

The board has also approved promoting membership sales and retention, developing new revenue streams, improving member/supplier communications and lobbying lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

“Everything in the industry is changing. We have to change ourselves to meet the challenges that are out there,” said ASTA president Richard Copland.

ASTA’s board has also decided to seek certification of ASTA as an association under Oregon’s new Sellers of Travel law. Previously individual agents had to be certified.

The board has approved a promotion that allows current agency associate and independent associate members to acquire travel professional membership status.