A Call To Unity
by Anne Marie Moebes /ASTA "will be much more successful, and reach its goals much more quickly, if every travel agent participates."
There were 700 attendees at the recent ASTA Global Convention in Reno, but I wish there had been more.
It was well organized; the educational content was terrific; the speakers, from Marriott’s Arnie Sorenson and United’s Dave Hilfman to Capt. Sully Sullenberger and a panel of cruise executives, were great. More importantly, the renewed spirit of the travel agents and suppliers who attended was inspiring. Seeing old friends and meeting new ones brought back some great memories of how a unified industry can strengthen our business, increase sales, and promote consumer awareness and satisfaction.
Back in the day, I spent almost 12 years working at ASTA headquarters. It was a time when travel agents were not only respected for the job they do, but also seen as the main distribution channel for travel products. And in Reno, I couldn’t help but feel those days are back! Travel agents are the most cost- effective distribution channel for suppliers, and travel vendors once again are standing up and recognizing you. They are supporting ASTA because they want their business –and your business—to grow.
The major goals of any association are to create consumer awareness of its industry, educate and train its members, and lobby on their behalf in Washington. ASTA is no different. But it will be much more successful, and reach its goals much more quickly, if every travel agent participates.
The airlines, hotels, cruise lines and tour operators all have strong associations, with everyone in their category joining and paying their dues. Imagine how respected and how successful the travel agency community would be if all 14,000 retail locations and all 110,000 travel agents were members of the American Society of Travel Agents.
When Travel Market Report launched seven years ago, Rick Mazza’s vision was for it to be “The Voice of the Travel Professional.” Our goal is to be the publication that represents each of you, that understands the business issues you face, that brings all travel agents—leisure and corporate, brick-and-mortar and home-based—together. In that same spirit, I am asking you all to join your association and lend your voice as we reach out to consumers and legislators.
For the next three months, Marriott International is sponsoring an ASTA membership promotion, offering a $50 discount to the first 100 agents/agencies to join. I hope you will take advantage of the offer; you can get your discount by going to ASTA's website and using promo code Marriott16.
I am confident that if you give ASTA a try, you will find it enjoyable and educational. Your business will benefit—and so will your industry.