ASTA Announces Updated Version of TravelSense Website
by Daine Taylor
The website TravelSense.org has a new look and functionality that makes it much easier for travelers to connect with a professional advisor. Photo: Shutterstock.com
In celebration of National Travel Advisor Day, the American Society of Travel Advisors announced last week its plan to relaunch a new and updated version of TravelSense.org. The site places travelers in touch with an entire community of travel experts in order to help them plan trips, answers questions about destinations, and even provide quotes.
The website remodel includes new features such as a revamped platform, expert travel content, and a chat feature for travelers to connect in real-time with the advisor of their choice.
“Efficiently and effectively linking consumers with the right travel advisor suited to their specific travel need is what our refreshed TravelSense is all about,” said Mark Meader, senior vice president, ASTA industry affairs & education.
“The traveling public can now more quickly and easily pick their passion and leave the rest to the experts – a trusted ASTA travel advisor. From saving time and money, to finding the right source for expert travel advice, an ASTA travel advisor will take you there.”
This tool is designed to generate new business for travel advisors and the travel expertise needed for the consumers. The new look and functionality of TravelSense.org makes it that much easier for travelers to connect with a professional travel advisor.
“We tell our clients that ‘without an agent, you’re on your own.’ As a travel professional, I honestly feel that without ASTA, I would be on my own,” said Heather Dolstra, a certified travel advisor with Democracy Travel, Inc. “I rely on ASTA to be the eyes and ears on all fronts so that I can concentrate on doing what I do best: selling travel.”
The website overhaul was just one part of a complete digital and consumer media effort announced in August at the ASTA Global Convention 2018. ASTA’s hope is that travel advisors can leverage the newly relaunched site to showcase their value and expertise to the traveling public. In fact, since the beginning of 2019, TravelSense.org advisor leads have approached $700,000.
“We say a hearty, ‘thank you’ to all ASTA members all over the globe for all you do every day to advise and serve the traveling public,” said Zane Kerby, president and CEO of ASTA, in a statement. “As the home for travel advisors everywhere, ASTA is focused on providing travel advisors the tools needed to grow their business.
“Today’s travel advisors aren’t intermediaries. They are trusted advisors — akin to financial planners and CPAs — whose knowledge allows them to navigate a complex array of suppliers to maximize value for their clients. Our yearly consumer research makes clear: Travel advisors make the experience better.”
