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The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is partnering with Signature Travel Network to offer its Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) Certification program to advisors in its Embark Level 2 program at no cost.
The program is designed for new-to-industry advisors with less than two years of experience.
Meanwhile, all other Signature travel advisors will receive subsidized rates for VTA certification, including $99 if completed by December 31, 2024, and $149 if completed by December 31, 2025.
Advisors can also take advantage of $49 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years as maintaining VTA certification requires four CEUs every two years that can be earned through a combination of coursework and/or Signature or ASTA event attendance.
The VTA program comprises four key components:
- Legal Insights: Protecting ASTA Member Agencies
- Ethical Excellence: ASTA’s Code of Ethics
- Legal Compass: Navigating Agency Relationships
- Regulatory: Federal Compliance for Travel Agencies
"We're both pleased and honored with Signature's recognition of ASTA Verified Travel Advisor Certification as a valued educational program, setting apart well-trained and professional travel advisors as a top priority," ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby said in a statement. "ASTA thanks Alex Sharpe and the entire Signature team for committing to educating travel advisors to ensure they meet high standards of ethics and professionalism."
"ASTA’s Verified Travel Advisor certification provides the essential professional training for travel advisors who have some experience under their belt but want to take their business to the next level," added Gina Weyer, Vice President of Training at Signature Travel Network.
"The courses provide training that helps travel advisors comply with federal regulations and operate ethically. This is crucial for any advisor that wants to signal to their clients and their peers that they’re serious about their business."
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