Why ASTA Matters — and Why Clients Should Choose a Verified Travel Advisor

In a few days I will be headed to the yearly ASTA Conference to education myself on the best practices and current trends of travel.  I look forward each year to learning more about the industry and how I can better serve my clients.  I am a proud ASTA Verified Travel Advisor. Let me explain what that means and why it should matter to you.

Planning travel today is more complex than ever. Between changing airline policies, supplier terms, travel insurance questions, destination requirements, and unexpected disruptions, clients need more than a booking website — they need a trusted professional.

That is where ASTA, the American Society of Travel Advisors, becomes so important.  ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, travel agencies, the travel industry, and the traveling public. Its mission is rooted in ethical, traveler-friendly practices and professional standards that help protect both advisors and clients. ASTA members are bound by a shared Code of Ethics, giving travelers confidence that they are working with a professional committed to integrity, transparency and responsible service.

For clients, ASTA affiliation acts as a meaningful stamp of credibility. It shows that an advisor is connected to a respected professional organization that supports education, advocacy, ethics and consumer protection within the travel industry.

One of ASTA’s most respected credentials is the VTA — Verified Travel Advisor. The VTA certification is ASTA’s premier training program for experienced travel advisors who want to elevate their professionalism, knowledge and client service. Working with a VTA matters because clients are choosing someone who has invested in advanced education, ethical business practices and a deeper understanding of the travel industry. A VTA is not simply someone who books trips — they are a professional advisor who helps clients make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes and feel supported before, during and after travel.

ASTA also advocates in Washington, D.C. and at the state level for policies that support travel advisors and protect the traveling public. This advocacy helps ensure that travelers have a stronger voice when industry challenges, disruptions or supplier issues arise.

When clients work with an ASTA Verified Travel Advisor, they receive more than convenience. They receive guidance, accountability, industry knowledge and peace of mind.

In a world where anyone can click “book now,” choosing a VTA means choosing experience, professionalism and a client-first approach to travel planning.

I am a Verified Travel Advisor and I am ready to use my travel experience and knowledge to create a stress free and custom experience so that you can make lifetime memories. Contact me at 717-676-6419 or lisa@customtravelbylisa.com. 

email me at lisa@customtravelbylisa.com