ASTA Offers Disaster Response Assistance
by Richard D'AmbrosioThe American Society of Travel Agents has launched a program through which its member agents can offer emergency services to help travelers stranded during events like the recent terrorist attacks and failed coup attempt in Turkey.
With chaotic events becoming more commonplace, ASTA built a page on its website that lists contact information of members who agree to make themselves available to any traveler needing emergency travel services in such a crisis.
“In situations like we’re seeing, you don’t have time to Google your options,” said Erika Richter, ASTA senior manager, communications and government affairs.
Four agents were listed on the site at the beginning of this week, and three more have already joined, Richter said.
Current volunteers include: Jason Holland, CTA , Travel Simplicity, Etters, PA.; Susan H. Aft, ACC, Discount Travel and Cruise, Atlanta; Denise R. Coubarous-Payne, CoubaTravel, LLC, Willow Grove, PA; and Brian Chapin, CTC, CTIE, Ensemble Travel Group, Chicago.
