ASTA | introduction
PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD Welcome
ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide is published on behalf of ASTA by APL Media Limited. Editorial Director: Maria Pieri Editor: Beth Finney Contributing Editor: Sara Crossley Editorial Intern: Liseli Thomas Head of Sub Editors: Olivia McLearon Senior Sub Editor: Hannah Doherty Sub Editors: Lauren Hepburn, Chris Horton, Ben Murray, Victoria Smith, Bruno MacDonald Art Director: Becky Redman Deputy Art Director: Lauren Atkinson-Smith Art Editor: Lauren Gamp Senior Designers: Kelly McKenna, Dean Reynolds Designer: Rosie Klein Junior Designer: Natalie Cornelius Picture Editor: Ben Rowe Picture Researcher: Aisha Nazar Production Manager: Daniel Gregory Production Controller: Joe Mendonca Project Managers: Amanda Boughoufa, Cynthia Lawrence Media and Partnerships: David Mitch Commercial Director: Matthew Midworth Chief Executive: Anthony Leyens Managing Director: Matthew Jackson Sales Director: Alex Vignali Office Manager: Hayley Rabin Head of Finance: Ryan McShaw Credit Manager: Craig Chappell Accounts Manager: Siobhan Grover Billings Manager: Ramona McShaw
Printed in Canada. ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide 2024/25 is published by APL Media Ltd. Its entire contents are protected by copyright ©2024 and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without prior permission is forbidden. Every care is taken in compiling the contents of the magazine, but the publishers assume no responsibility in the effect arising therefrom. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher or the American Society of Travel Advisors. Readers are advised to seek professional advice before acting on any information which is contained in the magazine.
In March 2023, our hosts from Visit Hungary helped us welcome a record number of travel advisors to Budapest for the second annual Global River Cruise Expo. The River Cruise Expo is the most ambitious event we’ve undertaken. Over 700 guests joined us to learn about river cruising, meet with new suppliers and explore new ships. In 2022, war in neighboring Ukraine broke out as our inaugural
River Cruise Expo was fast-approaching. Though nervous, I knew it was an opportunity to show our true colors – that ASTA members are empathic citizens of the world. We partnered with the Global Empowerment Movement, who worked with the travel agency in Poland, Why Not Travel – a Travel Leaders affiliate, to relocate displaced refugees who had friends and family in safe places across Europe. The need has shifted from relocation and clothing to power, connectivity and physical infrastructure of schools and homes. We plan to continue to support the Global Empowerment Movement, and we invite you to join us by learning more about this effort in the coming pages. I know you’re in high demand, and as travel advisors, we ask a lot of you. The reason to join our
ambitious efforts, the reason to support your national trade association and the reason to come to ASTA events is simple: we have a mission. Our mission is to promote and defend our members at all levels of government, within the industry and to the traveling public. When you join us at an ASTA event, we can accomplish our mission. When it comes to advocacy, we can’t afford to be complacent. Every five years, Congress
reevaluates federal aviation policy. These are high-stakes negotiations because we have to live with the law for at least the next five years. We are already visiting all members of Congress on the House Transportation Committee and Senate Commerce Committee on your behalf, and in this issue, you’ll learn more about our advocacy priorities and how you can protect your businesses through resources that ASTA provides. For over 90 years, ASTA has stood at the vanguard of shaping public policy to protect you!
Changing government laws and regulations is too big a task for any one travel advisor or company. But together, with your support, we make a difference. International travel is surpassing pre-pandemic levels and cruising is growing double digits.
Because you’re a member of our community, you’ll be better able to guide, advise and watch over your clients. Our advocacy is only as strong as the members who support us, so thank you for being a member of ASTA and for supporting your national trade association. Wishing you all the best in the year ahead.
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On the cover: Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre National Park, Liguria, Italy, UNESCO Image: Alamy
Zane Kerby ASTA PRESIDENT AND CEO
PLEASE NOTE: For all travel entry/exit requirements please check
travel.state.gov before traveling for the most up-to-date information. While information is correct at the time of printing, agents are strongly advised to double-check the State Department site for all visa/passport/safety and security information, as this does change.
Subscription Inquiries Information Center: ASTA Headquarters 800 275 2782
ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide 2024/25 is published for the American Society of Travel Advisors. Known office of publication: 675 N. Washington St, Suite 490, Alexandria, VA 22314. Copyright under International Copyright Convention. Copyright ©2016 by the American Society of Travel Advisors. All rights reserved. ASTA and globe symbol are trademarks registered with the US Patent & Trademark Office. Periodicals postage paid at New Brunswick, NJ and additional mailing offices for the American Society of Travel Advisors. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ASTAnetwork, 675 N. Washington St, Suite 490, Alexandria, VA 22314.
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