The HQ

Get a “behind the curtain” look at ASTA’s advocacy efforts

Since March, ASTA staff, members and outside lobbyists have been working nonstop to secure the maximum amount of government relief for our industry in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. But what exactly are we doing, and how are we doing it? In an effort to keep you in the loop, we’ve repurposed a detailed weekly board/staff update into an all-member update and will continue doing so until the crisis passes. See below update for this week, including highlights of the Senate COVID relief bill and recaps of six separate Congressional meetings.

Help ASTA help you!

Please take a few minutes out of your day to complete a short survey (below), the results of which will give advisors a better idea of the income they can expect based on their location, what travel they're booking, their experience level, and more. ASTA is again partnering with Host Agency Reviews (HAR) on this survey and those that share their contact info will be entered into a drawing for one of eight (8) $25 Amazon gift cards from HAR! 

Longer, slower, farther: Savoring the prospects of future travels (New York Times)

In the travel lull induced by the pandemic, many people are planning ambitious, once-in-a-lifetime trips. Optimists are targeting 2021. For others, their next big trip will be in 2022.

DOT Secretary Elaine Chao to headline ASTA's Virtual Global convention (Travel Pulse)

Taking place August 25-28, 2020, this summer's "Essential Industry Event for Travel Agency Professionals" will feature insights and inspiration from some of the industry's brightest minds and biggest players.

The Maldives reopens to international travel (Recommend)

The Maldives reopened for international travel on July 15, enabling U.S. citizens and international travelers to visit its resort islands. On Aug. 1, guest houses and hotels on inhabited islands will also reopen.

‘Clients need to see us traveling’: Advisors get back on the road (Travel Market Report)

Advisors have been experiencing the "new normal" first-hand during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Air travel not expected to recover until 2024 (Travel Weekly)

Global air travel is recovering more slowly than expected and it will take until 2024 to return to pre-pandemic levels, the trade association for the airline industry said Tuesday.

Florida’s top CEOs — 135 strong — call for masks and more to stem rising COVID-19 cases (South Florida Sun Sentinel)

In a unique show of unity, 135 top Florida executives call for Floridians to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by following the CDC’s safety guidelines, including wearing a mask when you’re outside of your home.

The rise of the private yacht vacation — and how to take your own (Travel + Leisure)

Major operators have parked their expedition ships, but that may not stop some avid travelers from taking to the high seas. The yacht charter revolution has just arrived. 

The top 10 U.S. road trips, according to Google searches (Travel Market Report)

More consumers are looking to road trips as a vacation option as COVID-19 continues to impact travel. With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to impact travel around the world, more people are opting to drive to their destinations than ever before.

6 socially distant getaways (Recommend)

Here are six unique and relatively safe travel options that include outdoor adventures for this new era that you can suggest to clients ready for an escape.

Get involved with your local ASTA chapter!

ASTA has over 50 chapters that allow members to connect with other ASTA members on a local level. Now, more than ever, it is important to surround yourself with a community that understands. In this time of physical distancing, many chapters are holding virtual chapter meetings.

One of the best ways to make sure you are up to date with what your chapter is doing is to make sure you are placed in the correct chapter. You can check your assigned chapter in your ASTA profile. Click here for instructions on how to change your chapter in your profile.