73. What Is ASTA And Why Should You Care? with Zane Kerby
What does ASTA actually do, and why does it matter to you as a travel advisor? Zane Kerby, the President and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), joins this episode to discuss the importance of ASTA and its impact on the travel industry. Zane explains ASTA's mission to promote and defend travel advisors at all levels of government, within the industry, and to the traveling public. He highlights the work ASTA is doing to protect travel advisors' businesses, including currently advocating for fair refund policies and fighting against unfair practices by airlines. He also emphasizes the importance of education and professional development for travel advisors, and how ASTA provides resources and courses to support their growth. Tune in for all the details on what ASTA is, what they do on a daily basis, and how their work impacts everything that a travel advisor touches!
About Zane Kerby:
As ASTAā€™s president and chief executive officer, Zane Kerby reports directly to the board of directors on all internal and external ASTA business and is the primary spokesperson for ASTA. Kerby moved to ASTA from a successful career with the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA).
asta.org/membership/member-resources
Today we will cover:
- (01:35) Zane's background and his role at ASTA
- (04:50) Overview of what ASTA does for the travel industry
- (06:50) The Department of Transportation's refund policy and its impact on travel advisors
- (11:00) ASTA's role in supporting travel advisors during the pandemic; advocacy against holding advisors responsible for chargebacks
- (18:20) ASTA's response to American Airlines' unfair practices
- (23:15) ASTA's promotion of best business practices
- (25:30) Courses and resources offered to travel advisers; Verified Travel Advisor program
- (32:00) Advice for new travel advisors
- (35:30) The benefits of establishing face-to-face relationships
- (37:35) Current growth and progress in the travel advisor industry
- (43:15) Opportunities for volunteering and getting involved in ASTA
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