Inaugural ASTA Globes Awards Show Celebrates Travel Industry’s Top Brands, Agencies

CHICAGO – The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) gathered at the historic Palmer House in Chicago to celebrate the inaugural ASTA Globes on January 22, 2026. The gala event honored the elite group of individuals and organizations whose dedication to professionalism, advocacy, and innovation is redefining the travel advisor landscape.

“Travel advisors are the backbone of this industry,” said Zane Kerby, President and CEO of ASTA. “This year’s honorees represent the very best leaders and partners of our industry who invest in professionalism, advocate for advisors, and move our community forward through action, integrity, and impact.”

The evening was highlighted by three new inductions into the ASTA Hall of Fame and a series of awards recognizing excellence in leadership, government advocacy, and supplier relations. Awards are voted on by the travel advisors members on ASTA. 

2026 ASTA Globes Winners

ASTA Hall of Fame Inductees

• Valerie Ann Wilson, Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc. (Recognized for her lasting influence on luxury travel and mentorship)
• Mike Julius, Carnival Cruise Line (Retired) (Honored for decades of strengthening advisor-supplier relationships)
• Roger Block, Travel Leaders Network (Awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for over 40 years of service and leadership)

  

  ASTA Hall of Fame Inductees Mike Julius (left), Valerie Ann Wilson (center) and Roger Block (right). (Photo Credit: ASTA/Jason Dixson Photograpy)

Leadership & Industry Honors

• ASTA President’s Travel Advisor Leadership Award: Christina Pedroni, Envoyage
• ASTA Industry Compass Award: John Werner, MAST Travel Network
• Globus family of brands ASTA Advisor of the Year: Zena Beaver (Nexion Travel Group)
• ASTA Chairman’s Award: Norwegian Cruise Line (For the elimination of non-commissionable fares)
• ASTA Trailblazing Partner Award: Camille Olivere, Globus family of brands
• ASTA Host Agency Partner of the Year: Uniglobe Travel Center (Second consecutive win)
• ASTA Proud Partner Company of the Year: AmaWaterways
• ASTA Proud Partner Representative of the Year: Globus family of brands
• ASTA Partner Medal of Excellence: Vicki Freed (Royal Caribbean International)
• ASTA Advocacy Partner: Royal Caribbean International

 
Consortia, Host Agency & Franchise Awards

• ASTA Consortium Partner of the Year: Signature Travel Network
• ASTA Regional Consortium Partner of the Year: MAST Travel Network
• ASTA Franchise Partner of the Year: Cruise Planners
• ASTA Host Agency Partner of the Year: Uniglobe Travel Center
• ASTA Advisor Community Impact Award: Signature Travel Network
• ASTA VTA Partnership Award: Collette

Chapter & Regional Awards

• Robert Duglin Chapter Excellence Award: San Diego Chapter
• Edouard Jean Chapter on the Rise Award: St. Louis Chapter
• George “Eddie” Woodham Chapter President of the Year Award: Tara Salsman (Greater Chattanooga Chapter)
• ASTA Regional Director of the Year: Shelly Phillips (Southeast Regional Director)
• ASTA Chapter Training Excellence Award: New Jersey Chapter
• Consumer Awareness Chapter Award: South Florida Chapter
• Ambassadors Circle Chapter Awards:

Emerging Leaders Award (Presented by Travefy)

• Tiffany Elberfeld, Travel Advisor and Travel Pro Summit Founder
• Kristin Hancock, Agency Owner, Bright Live Travel Company
• Savannah Hill, Agency Owner, Savvy Travel
• Sam Johnson, Founder and CEO, Rivers to Peaks Travel
• Shannon Kittner, Owner and Founder, The Wander Network
• Megan Love, Vice President, STM Travel Design
• McLean Robbins, Travel Advisor and Founder, Lily Pond Luxury (Travel Experts, Inc.)
• Amy Thomasson, Independent Advisor, Travelmation

 
Specialization & Niche Awards

• ASTA Rising Scholar Award: Jonathan Alder (TravelStore)
• ASTA Mentorship Excellence Award: Nadia “Sparkle” Henry (Travel With Sparkle)
• ASTA Michelle Mueller Educational Leadership Award: Gina Weyer (Signature Travel Network)
• ASTA Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award: Helen Enriquez (Akasha Travel Partners)
• ASTA Travel Technology Pioneer Award: Diania Pimenta (Abora Travel / Dream Vacations)
• ASTA Luxury Travel Excellence Award: Nathan Parr (Travel & Cruise Desk)
• ASTA Adventure Travel Specialist Award: Global Travel Collection
• ASTA Group Travel Innovator Award: Asia Lantz (Travel With Asia)
• ASTA Family and Multi-Generational Leadership Award: Denise Ambrusko-Maida (Travel Brilliant)
• ASTA Digital Marketing Achievement Award: Sarah Green (Accent on Travel)
• ASTA Cultural Connection Award: McKenzie Paquin-Kellogg (417 Travel)
• ASTA Agency Leadership Award: Eric Maryanov (All-Travel)
• ASTA Organizational Culture Award: Wayne Spector (NEST)
• ASTA Niche Market Mastery Award: Laura Poe (Curated by Laura Poe)
• ASTA Talent Development Award: Kameish Stanley (Oasis Travel Network)

ASTA 2026 Partner Award Winners

Airline Partners

• ASTA Airline Partner of the Year: Delta Air Lines
• ASTA Domestic Airline Partner of the Year: Delta Air Lines
• ASTA International Airline Partner of the Year: Delta Air Lines
• ASTA Airline Partner - Advisor Friendly Policies: Delta Air Lines

Cruise Line Partners

• ASTA Ocean Cruise Line Partner of the Year: Royal Caribbean International
• ASTA Family Cruise Line Partner of the Year: Royal Caribbean International
• ASTA Cruise Line Partner - Advisor Friendly Policies: Royal Caribbean International
• ASTA Premium Cruise Line Partner of the Year: Celebrity Cruises
• ASTA Luxury Cruise Line Partner of the Year: Silversea Cruises
• ASTA Expedition Cruise Line Partner of the Year: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
• ASTA River Cruise Line Partner of the Year: AmaWaterways
• ASTA River Cruise Line Partner - Best Group Programs: AmaWaterways
• ASTA River Cruise Line Partner - Advisor Friendly Policies: AmaWaterways

Tour Operator Partners

• ASTA Tour Operator Partner of the Year: Globus family of brands
• ASTA Groups Tour Operator Partner of the Year: Globus family of brands
• ASTA Escorted Tour Operator Partner of the Year: Globus family of brands
• ASTA Packaged Tour Operator Partner of the Year: Globus family of brands
• ASTA Tour Operator Partner - Advisor Friendly Policies: Globus family of brands

Hotel, Car & Destination Partners

• ASTA Hotel Partner of the Year: Marriott International
• ASTA Hotel Partner - Advisor Friendly Policies: Marriott International
• ASTA Luxury Hotel Partner of the Year: JW Marriott
• ASTA All-Inclusive Hotel Partner of the Year: Sandals & Beaches Resorts
• ASTA Car Rental Partner of the Year: Enterprise
• ASTA Car Rental Partner - Best Brand: Enterprise
• ASTA Car Rental Partner - Advisor Friendly Policies: Enterprise
• ASTA North American Destination Partner of the Year: The Hawaiian Islands
• ASTA International Destination Partner of the Year: Dominican Republic

Service & Insurance Partners

• ASTA Travel Insurance Partner of the Year: Allianz Partners
• ASTA Travel Insurance Partner - Advisor Friendly Policies: Allianz Partners
• ASTA GDS Partner of the Year: Sabre

 
Corporate & Industry Leadership

• ASTA Corporate Government Advocacy Champion Award: Safe Harbors Business Travel
• ASTA Corporate Industry Leadership Award: BCD Travel
• ASTA Corporate Strategic Impact Award: Travelink; Balboa Travel Inc.
• ASTA Industry Intelligence Award: Phocuswright
• ASTA Media Partner of the Year: Eric Bowman, Editor-in-Chief of TravelPulse
• ASTA Partner in Professionalism Award:
  • AMADEUS River Cruises
  • AmaWaterways
  • Carey International
  • Collette
  • Globus family of brands
  • Riviera Travel
  • Scenic Group
  • Silversea
  • Windstar Cruises

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