Elections and Volunteering

E-mail: [email protected]

Candidate Statement

Click for Ian's video statement

My name is Ian Cambata, President of Travel Leaders 365, and I am seeking your vote for the ASTA

Board of Directors.

Travel has been part of my life since birth—I am the 3rd generation of my family to lead our company, and have seen all parts of the agency, from the front line to leadership. From an early age, I was put to work doing simple tasks to help out around the agency, including copious amounts of filing and shredding. I did take some time away from travel to work in Information Security, and eventually took those skills back to my family’s business with a goal of bringing fresh perspective to the company.

Travel Leaders 365 represents 150 employees and 200+ Independent Contractors. From these advisors, I have been able to learn about what front-line travel advisors need to succeed in our ever-changing industry. This continues to be my inspiration for our technology and agency programs, building specific tools to meet the demands of our advisors and ensure their success with clients. It is my deep desire to give back to the travel agency community. I have been given so much through it and want to serve in return. I am an avid ASTA member and supporter, and believe that as our trade association, they are

critical to our success.

As a former Information Security professional, I lend my expertise to Travel Leaders Networks Technology Alliance steering committee and have a core focus on supporting our advisors through technology, which is underpinned by our inhouse development team. We have recently won five Magellan Awards for our technology, and have received several accolades from TLN, including the Golden Legacy Award for our continued efforts in the industry. I believe good technology can support our advisors, not replace them.

In addition, I try to constantly support the greater industry, which led to the launch of Travel Leaders 24, our exclusive after hours and agency support platform. My goal with TL24 is to improve my fellow agencies workflows, efficiencies and provide enhanced support for their customers.

Topics like NDC and other technology issues will continue to be important to our industry, and as an ASTA Board member, I can provide a valuable perspective as ASTA continues to make sure our concerns are heard. This is a truly exciting time for our industry as travel advisors are seen as more valuable than ever, and I pledge to work hard to honor your trust in me. I appreciate your consideration. 

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Click for Mike's video statement

I'm thrilled to be running for this leadership position, as I'm deeply passionate about the travel industry and the important role it plays in our lives. My journey in this field began unexpectedly during my college years, and it's become a defining part of who I am.

My Journey in Travel:

As a lifelong distance runner, I found myself on a cross-country/track scholarship at Utah State University. It was there, witnessing the logistical challenges faced by my team during travel, that I discovered a spark for the travel industry. My desire to streamline travel arrangements led me to take on the task of booking the team's trips, igniting a passion that continues to burn brightly today.

Following graduation, I pursued my interest by enrolling in the Center for Travel Education. Despite initial concerns from my parents, I knew this path was right for me. My dedication quickly translated into a successful career, starting with Crossroads Travel and then transitioning to Hess Travel Company, where I spent nearly 25 years alongside Al Hess.  Together, we navigated the challenges of the pandemic and ultimately decided to sell the company to ensure its stability. This experience, while challenging, provided valuable lessons in leadership and adaptation.  I'm excited that the next phase in my career brought me to Minnesota and Bursch Travel.  Bursch Travel is in its 3rd generation of ownership which, during its 65+ years in business, has always been a strong advocate of and for ASTA.  As the President of Bursch, I look forward to growing a regional travel agency, with strong family ties, while supporting our incredible team and clients.

My Commitment to Learning and Service:

I believe in leading by example, always striving to learn and grow. This philosophy extends beyond professional development, as I'm deeply committed to serving my community. My involvement in various organizations has instilled in me the importance of giving back and fostering meaningful connections. 

Why the ASTA Board Matters:

Serving on the ASTA board presents a unique opportunity to advocate for the future of our industry. As we navigate a rapidly evolving landscape, ASTA plays a crucial role in shaping policy, promoting ethical practices, and providing resources for travel professionals. By joining the board, I aim to contribute my experience and collaborate with fellow members to ensure the continued success and relevance of ASTA in a changing world.

A Family Man:

Beyond my professional pursuits, my family is my biggest source of joy and support. I've been happily married to Rachel for 20 years, and together we have three amazing boys: Seth, Cole, and Jett.

Conclusion:

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Click for Alex's video statement

I am honored to announce my candidacy for a position on the Board of Directors of ASTA. As the owner of a mid-sized travel management company in the Midwest that engages in vacation travel planning, corporate travel management and group and meeting management, I have witnessed firsthand the significant changes occurring in the travel industry over the last 25 years and particularly coming out of the pandemic. These changes have highlighted the critical need for a strong and proactive industry advocate like ASTA. In these dynamic times, it is imperative that ASTA continues to play a pivotal role in promoting our industry to the general public, advocating for our interests directly with suppliers and stridently delivering our value message to those on Capitol Hill. Challenges facing the travel industry continue. Ever-evolving consumer buying options, suppliers’ efforts to circumvent our role as advisor and consumer advocate, the immediately expanding roll of AI and the regulatory needs and hurdles confronting us, require dedicated and forward-thinking leadership to navigate positive outcomes effectively for all of us. If elected, I pledge to bring a fresh perspective to the board, grounded in my 25-year industry experience and my deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing travel advisors and agencies today. I am committed to collaborating with fellow board members and leveraging ASTA's resources to address the evolving needs of our industry. My priorities include:

1. Advocacy: I will work tirelessly to ensure that ASTA remains a powerful voice for travel advisors, advocating for policies that support our businesses and facilitate growth and innovation in our industry.

2. Education and Training: I believe in the importance of continuous learning and professional development. I will champion initiatives aimed at providing members with access to the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices.

3. Member Engagement: I am committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community within ASTA, where members can connect, collaborate, and support one another in achieving their goals.

4. Innovation: I recognize the importance of embracing innovation and adapting to change in order to stay competitive. I will support initiatives that empower members to embrace new technologies and business models. As a member of the Board of Directors, I will bring dedication, integrity, and a passion for our industry to the table. Together, we can ensure that ASTA remains a driving force in shaping the future of travel advising. I humbly ask for your support and vote in the upcoming election. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient travel industry for generations to come.

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Click for Anne's video statement

Dear ASTA Members,

I am reaching out to seek your support and vote in the upcoming elections, and I'd like to share a bit more about my travel journey and why I believe I am the right candidate to represent you.

With nearly two decades of experience as a front-line advisor, I possess a current real-world understanding of both the immediate, day-to-day operational needs of advisors as well as the overarching, strategic perspective of the industry as a whole. This depth of experience has given me unique insights into the challenges and opportunities that we face every day.

I vividly recall the sense of relief and gratitude I felt when ASTA successfully persuaded Congress to include travel agencies in the industries covered under the CARES Act. Thanks to ASTA's advocacy team and the support of our member-volunteers, I was able to access vital financial support through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Employee Retention Tax Credit. These resources were not just numbers on a balance sheet; they were the difference between keeping my agency doors open or facing closure.

My time in the travel industry has been shaped by experiences like these, where the collective action of ASTA and its members has made a tangible difference in the lives of travel advisors. As a member of ASTA, I am committed to continuing this tradition of advocacy and support, ensuring that our advisor voices are heard and our needs are addressed.

Allow me to introduce myself further. I am a partner at On The Map Travel, a boutique worldwide agency that was formed to provide travelers with unique and imaginative travel experiences. With over 30 years of combined experience in the travel industry, my colleagues and I at On The Map Travel are dedicated and passionate about all things travel. And naturally, we are travelers ourselves!

My journey in the travel industry has been one of continuous learning and growth. From my early days as Director of Marketing for the AARP Travel Service to my tenure as a co-owner of General Tours (now Alexander + Roberts), I have always been committed to excellence and innovation in our field.

In addition to my professional experience, I am honored to have been asked to be a member of prestigious organizations including the Professional Educators Program for The Travel Institute that brings together some of the top trainers, educators and speakers both inside and outside the travel industry; Luxury Leaders Alliance, a group of selected luxury advisors within Travel Leaders Network; and Women Travel Leaders, a professional association comprising inspirational and influential business owners, executives, influencers, journalists, and hoteliers from around the world.

These affiliations have not only enriched my own knowledge but have also allowed me to contribute to the development and advancement of our industry.

With your support, I am confident that I can be a strong voice for our community, leveraging my experience and insights to drive positive change and promote the interests of travel advisors everywhere.

Thank you for considering my candidacy, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve you and our fellow ASTA members.

Warm regards,

Anne MacIntyre

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Greetings from Fargo, North Dakota! My name is Cindy Tyo, and it would be my privilege to represent you on ASTA’s Board of Directors.

I grew up in the small town of Argyle, Minnesota. Even then, I knew I wanted to see this big, beautiful world. Not only have I been able to do that, but I have also been able to help thousands of other people explore every continent. Since I started as a travel advisor 40 years ago, I have seen many changes in our industry, and have witnessed ASTA’s leadership in ensuring that travel advisors are always advocated for. I believe that we are only as strong as our trade association, and that our strong standing comes from ASTA’s advocacy—this has become especially apparent post-pandemic.

Travel advisors are at a crossroads though - we need to advocate not only for the consumer, but for the agents in our industry. It is imperative that the traveling public see us as the professionals we are. Travel advisors are incredibly skilled in travel knowledge, customer service, technology, marketing, etc. Comparable to other professions such as a financial advisor or doctor, we must continue to exhibit the highest level of integrity and professionalism. I am impressed by ASTA’s commitment to increasing travel advisors’ professionalism.

I have served on ASTA’s Upper Midwest Board and the Advisory Boards for Transglobal and Travel Leaders Network. Locally, I serve my community through Board membership and volunteering for The Rotary, TAAFM, and the Hockey Association.

Voting for the ASTA Board is a big responsibility, and I would be honored to represent you. I love this business and have fought for the travel industry my entire career; bringing in new travel advisors, fighting for our consumers, and shaping our industry with the utmost respect and professionalism. With me serving on ASTA’s Board, you will have someone with four decades of valuable experience representing your interests.