Alexandria, V.A., February 28, 2025 — The growing popularity of online booking and social media-based travel deals has led to an alarming increase in fraud. Fake travel agencies, deceptive vacation offers, and untrained "advisors" have left thousands of travelers at a loss. That’s why the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) launched VeriVacation.com, a new platform designed to help travelers confidently connect with Verified Travel Advisors (VTAs) who meet the national trade organization’s high standards of professionalism.
The need for trusted travel advisors has never been greater, with 8 in 10 U.S. adults planning to take a vacation in the next 12 months, consumers need to be confident in who they work with to plan their travels. In an under-regulated industry where anyone can call themselves a travel advisor, VeriVacation.com, offers a trusted solution by providing travelers with access to vetted experts.
The Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) certification is a rigorous professional development program designed to showcase travel advisors’ commitment to the highest level of professionalism, ethics, and regulatory compliance. To maintain their status, VTAs must also complete continuing education every two years, ensuring travelers receive expert guidance and support on every trip.
To introduce VeriVacation.com nationwide, ASTA rolled out an advertising campaign underscoring the important message: Book your vacation with a travel advisor you can trust. View the commercials here: “Chatbot” and “Bats.”