ASTA China Summit Is 'More Than Just an Expo'

The American Society of Travel Agents’ (ASTA) upcoming China Summit is offering steep airline discounts, a variety of immersive fam trips and a packed agenda, as the association is billing the event as an opportunity for American agents to become China experts.

“This is a chance for agents to get off the beaten path, and add to their knowledge and expertise about the kind of authentic travel experiences consumers are looking for,” said Erika Richter, ASTA director of communications.

“We’ll take agents beyond the landmark destinations.”

The event is being held Nov. 8-11, at the Hyatt Regency Guiyang, in Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou Province, located in southwestern China. Located on the eastern side of the YunnanGuizhou Plateau, the city is surrounded by mountains and forests, and is known for it special Karst landform  — which features underground water tunnels and caves.

Registration for ASTA members just jumped to $259, while fees for non members are $309. But discounted airfare more than makes up for the rising rates.

Currently, China Southern Airlines is offering roundtrip coach seats at $599 ($299 base fare plus taxes) and roundtrip business class at $1,599 ($1,299 base fare plus taxes) for travel 10/24/17 through 11/27/17. Pre-conference fam trips focus on regional highlights like the Tianlong Ancient Garrison Town, the Maling River Gorge and the Guizhou Miao Costume Museum.

Post conference fams include more traditional tourist sites, including Beijing, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the angtze River.

Alen Wu, host of The Amazing Race, will deliver the opening address at the conference, which will feature a trade show, a variety of local suppliers, authentic Chinese cuisine and cultural entertainment.

By the end of the conference, attendees will be certified as a Guizhou Province Specialist “The ASTA China Summit is more than just an expo — we are confident that it will be a cultural emersion experience that will resonate with our member attendees for a lifetime, and the relationships they develop will empower them to sell Guizhou for decades,” said Zane Kerby, President and CEO of ASTA.

“China and the U.S have the two largest tourism economies in the world, and we are excited to work with our Guizhou partners to build on this strength while helping our members expand their businesses and destination expertise.”

Registration can be found on ASTA’s website.