introduction | ASTA


CONSUMER MEDIA: TELLING YOUR STORY IN THE NEWS AND BEYOND! HIGHLIGHTS:


• ASTA’s efforts to get the word out to consumers about travel advisors included over $4 million in earned media value.


• Completed a multi-series consumer educational campaign, “Vacation Do Over” which highlights the benefits of using a travel advisor in a multi- faceted media promotion with a real family who had a failed vacation, and a real ASTA travel


advisor who made their dreams come true.


• Introduced a media training program for travel advisors to learn how to be their own media advocate. Every month, ASTA travel advisors are featured in their local news networks because of our valuable training.


• ASTA’s leadership team, Board of Directors, and travel advisor members are regularly


connected to high-level broadcast, radio and print media opportunities through ASTA’s robust referral program.


• ASTA’s earned media in top-tier outlets help shape the positive narrative for travel advisors. Earned media has grown by over 600% in the past five years. Here is a sample of a few headlines from 2020-21 that we love to share:


• Going on vacation? Here’s what you need to know about the summer travel boom (NPR)


• Make way for the travel agents, again (New York Times)


• Travel advisor vs. travel agent: What’s the difference and do you need one? (US News & World Report)


• 4 things to know when choosing a travel advisor (New York Times)


EDUCATION & BENEFITS


During this past year, ASTA has welcomed over 2,500 new advisors to our membership. These members have, on average, 31 years of experience. They include our independent advisors, brick-and-mortar agencies, host agencies, consortia, travel management companies, and online agencies. As a supplier member of ASTA, this is the audience to engage with locally and nationally. A full list of ASTA memberships benefits can be viewed at asta.org/benefits.


YOUR MEMBERSHIP AT ASTA GRANTS YOU:


• The ASTA logo display to show travel advisors and consumers that you adhere to our Code of Business Ethics, and you support the agency/ advisor community


• Access to our Member Directory • Access to member-only industry updates • Getting involved with our local chapter network


WHY JOIN?


• Business growth and professional development


• Educational programming at events and through our ASTA Verified Travel Advisor Certification Program


• Lead generation through the travelsense.org platform


• Costs savings on products and services


• Discounts on ASTA events • Membership Advantage Program • Health insurance and business insurance


• Access to consumer and other research


• Federal, state, local advocacy updates and resources


• Community at a local level through ASTA chapters


Worldwide Destination Guide 2022/23 | ASTA | 25


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