The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is the world's largest, most prestigious association of travel professionals. The mission of the American Society of Travel Agents and its affiliated organizations, is to enhance the professionalism and profitability of members worldwide through effective representation in industry and government affairs, education and training, and by identifying and meeting the needs of the traveling public.

Founded in 1931 as the American Steamship and Tourist Agents' Association, the Society and its affiliates now comprise the world's largest and most influential travel trade association with over 20,000 members in 140 countries.

As the world's largest travel trade association, our work encompasses every aspect of the travel experience.

Here is just a sample of the activities in which ASTA is involved:

Education: We provide our members with the finest education and information resources available, so that they are able to provide the utmost in professional service to their clients. ASTA's home study program allows ASTA member agencies, non-members and future travel professionals the opportunity to expand their business through specialization, giving agents the tools to sell unique travel experiences.

Consumer Affairs: We constantly monitor the travel industry to identify "scam" operators and others whose practices cheat consumers and negatively impact our industry. Only ASTA members subscribe to a 13-point code of ethics which stands for "Integrity in Travel." This is the pledge our members stake their reputations on. And we provide traveling consumers with a complete range of informational resources.

Industry Affairs: We fight to ensure a level playing field and fair competition throughout our industry-which, of course, benefits industry professionals as well as consumers.

Consumer Awareness: Through its advertising and public relations efforts, ASTA strives to make the traveling public aware of the many benefits of using a travel professional to arrange and purchase travel. ASTA's advertising slogan, "Without a travel agent, you're on your own" can be seen in consumer ads in national magazines, national television and in local markets.

ASTA offers many benefits to its members and the traveling public. The majority of ASTA's members are travel agencies. However, travel suppliers, such as airlines, hotels, car rental firms, cruise lines, and tour operators join ASTA. We also have membership categories for students, travel schools, retired travel professionals, retail travel sellers, and others. ASTA is the organization for anyone related to the travel industry!

You may visit us on www.astanet.com