ASTA's Green Program
Program Overview
ASTA's (American Society of Travel Agents) Green Program consists of educational and promotional resources that enable travel agents and suppliers to increase their knowledge of travel’s impact on the environment and highlight to consumers their commitment to keeping travel an environmentally friendly business.
ASTA Green members receive a detailed report educating them on how to operate a green travel business and continuous updates throughout the year on the latest environmental knowledge for travel companies.
The program will also be promoted to the traveling public highlighting ASTA members’ commitment to being green. This consumer element will allow travel companies to be proactive when confronting concerns about the impact of travel on the environment and position travel agents and the travel industry thought-leaders on this important subject.
What's new in Green...
We are currently finishing up our Green Traveler Survey, an analysis of over 3,000 U.S. travelers on their wants and desires for green travel options. The study will detail how consumers define "green," and will include strategies on how to effectively market to eco-conscious travelers.
Sign up for Green program today and receive a free copy.
To become an ASTA Green Member, businesses must fill out a self-assessment guide that proves their commitment to green operational practices and corporate social responsibility. They are great partners and can provide you with eco-friendly travel options.
Please visit our Find A Travel Agent page to view a full list of our Green Travel Agent Members. Select 'Green' as a search criteria under 'ASTA Certificated Specialist.'
Click here to view a full list of our Green Travel Supplier Members
The ASTA Green Program is sponsored by the following organizations: | |
| Global Sponsor - Travelport Industry Green Leader - Avis/Budget Group, Marriott | Rail Sponsor - Amtrak Green Supporter - American Cruise Lines |
Become an ASTA Green Member
ASTA believes that through our membership and staff we can “change the world” for the better. We have developed the ASTA Green Program to facilitate the understanding and use of green travel options in our industry as well as assist our members in “greening” their own operations.
Benefits of Green Membership Participation:
- Education on the Green Travel Market
- Checklists for “greening” internal operations
- Updated versions of the ASTA Green Report (emailed directly to you)
- Green Member Logo to display on your marketing pieces and your Web site
- Monthly ASTA eTips newsletter on green travel and green business operations
Consumer awareness about options for sustainable travel has been growing. Additionally, consumer’s technical knowledge of sustainability has increased as well as their expectations. |
Top Elements that Makes Travel a "Green Experience” for Consumers
| Element | % Share of Responses |
| Eco-friendly hotel (e.g., runs on renewable energy sources, recycles, re-uses linens instead of washing daily, etc.) | 87% |
| Uses mass transit and/or renewable energy vehicles | 60% |
| Sources from local businesses | 50% |
| Company donates to green/environmental causes | 45% |
| Carbon neutral offsets built into pricing | 38% |
| Qualifies for a recognized, third party green certification | 32% |
| Authentic interaction with locals | 31% |
Become a Green Member now to receive the Green Traveler Survey, an analysis of over 1,800 U.S. travelers on their wants and desires for green travel options. This 147-page report, launched by Community Marketing Inc., is designed to provide industry leaders with information and insights to understand, reposition and leverage the opportunities of the emerging sustainable travel marketplace.
| Program Details | Other Opportunities |
ASTA Green Program for Travel Agents View a sample of the ASTA Green Guide. | Sponsorship of ASTA's Green Program ASTA's Own Green Program |
LISTEN TO AUDIO - Union of Concerned Scientists Press Call for "Getting There Greener: The Guide to Your Lower Carbon Vacation"
Learn about a new report that contains clear data on the carbon footprint of different types of travel. Bonnie Lee of Travelquest, an ASTA Green Member, participated in the call to give the perspective of a green travel agent and to translate the data into real life examples of trips.
