Association of travel agents
An association of travel agents is a professional organization that represents travel agents, advisors, and agencies. These units support members through training programs, certification, networking events, and industry advocacy. They also help set professional standards, promote practices like sustainable tourism and ecotravel, and provide consumer protection mechanisms.
Examples of such associations include
- American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA): A U.S.-based trade association representing travel advisors and agencies;
- Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA): the largest non-profit association in North America supporting retail travel agents, particularly those who are independent or operate small businesses;
- Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA): A UK-based group representing travel agents and tour operators, among others.
Membership benefits include health insurance, consumer leads, familiarization tours, access to exclusive events, and discounted pricing on partner services.
Members have to pay dues that can range from as low as $100 to over $44,000 per year, depending on the specific association, membership tier, and sales volumes.
