As travelers grow to expect more from advisors, Alvin Adriano, ASTA’s Director of Education, explains how certification and training can help
The VTA program sets a high standard for professionalism
The ASTA Verified Travel Advisor certification In today’s dynamic travel industry, travelers crave more than just information — they are looking for reassurance, reliability and a trusted expert to guide them through every stage of their journey. That’s where ASTA steps in. ASTA’s Verified
Travel Advisor® certification is designed not just to elevate professional standards, but to foster confidence, build long-lasting relationships, and provide clients with the peace of mind that they’re working with capable and caring hands.
26 | ASTA | Worldwide Destination Guide 2026/27
Comprehensive training for modern advisors The Verified Travel Advisor® (VTA) certification is more than a professional milestone, it’s a trusted symbol of integrity, accountability and elevated service. Through a rigorous, self-paced curriculum of four comprehensive courses, advisors can gain critical knowledge in legal responsibilities, ethical standards and regulatory compliance. This foundation equips them to navigate a huge range of challenging scenarios with confidence and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
Recognition and key industry endorsements Achieving the VTA designation signifies an ongoing commitment to excellence and adherence to ASTA’s Code of Ethics, which are both important to travelers. This commitment has garnered recognition from prominent industry bodies. Notably, the International Airlines Travel
Agent Network (IATAN) now accepts the VTA certification as a recommendation for agency accreditation and numerous hosts and consortia are subsidizing the course for their members.