Independents Day: ASTA and Subsidiary Forge Closer Relationship


Skift Take

The closer relationship between the American Society of Travel Advisors and its subsidiary, the renamed ASTA Small Business Network, promises greater visibility for independents with consumers. However, the real winner may be the parent organization, given the growing importance of the independent sector.

Increased visibility with consumers, expanded training and networking opportunities, and greater awareness of agency-related issues are among the benefits that the American Society of Travel Advisors says are in store for members of the rebranded ASTA Small Business Network. In August, the trade group announced a name change and rebranding for the former National Association of Career Travel Agents, which it acquired back in 2000. It also announced plans to streamline operations and bring the 32-year-old organization of independent and home-based agents closer into the fold. New Perks While Small Business Network members will retain the benefits they had in the past, they will gain additional ones, including participation in the parent organization’s soon-to-be revamped consumer-facing website, Travelsense.org, said Ann Chamberlin, who is both president of the ASTA Small Business Network and senior vice president of membership, marketing and strategic partnerships for ASTA. “What NACTA offered members was a static online profile page that they could use to showcase themselves, but that included no consumer initiative,” she said. “With Travelsense, they have access to consumer leads generated by the site. We currently anticipate over 100,000 consumers