ASTA Mourns Passing of Board Member, Industry Luminary Eddie Woodham

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) on Monday announced the passing of one of the travel trade’s most beloved luminaries, Eddie Woodham, the president of its South Florida Chapter, Southeast Regional Director, owner of Florida’s Palm Coast Travel, and ASTA Board Member.

“He was a fierce advocate and dedicated volunteer for the travel advisor community,” ASTA wrote on Monday.

Woodham served as Southeast Regional Director and on the ASTA Board of Directors from 2019 through 2022. He was again elected in 2022 and was serving his term when he passed on Monday. His chapter in South Florida was recently honored with the John Haskins Chapter Award.

“Eddie is remembered for his enthusiastic support for the travel entrepreneur—always looking for ways to elevate fellow travel advisors with professional development and networking opportunities,” ASTA said.  

Prior to his time with ASTA, Woodham served as the owner of Florida’s Palm Coast Travel and NACTA’s Southeast Regional Director.

Prior to his travel industry career, Woodham studied music at the University of South Alabama, a skill he carried with him throughout his life, and one he regularly shared with others in the travel industry via Facebook. When TMR asked advisors about a piece of music that holds a special place in their hearts, songs that remind them of the places they’ve gone or of memories they have, Woodham told TMR, for him, it was Arrivederci Roma by Dean Martin.

“On my first escorted tour of Europe in 1983 with Globus Gateway (now just Globus) as our bus left Rome, our Tour Guide played Arrivederci Roma over the sound system. Music has a way of bringing back those fond memories,” he said.

Woodham is survived by his partner Joe, who will be posting his music each day for a year to honor his memory.