Signature is throwing its weight behind the American Society of Travel Agents' (ASTA) new Verified Travel Advisor Program.
The consortia has made a bulk purchase of ASTA's Verified Travel Advisor certification program, further demonstrating its commitment to the organization. Earlier this week, ASTA announced that Hilton would be sponsoring the new certification program, investing $10,000 into the venture.
Now, Signature has lent its backing. Its agreement with ASTA allows 80 Signature travel consultants to enroll in the Verified Travel Advisor program, which lets the travel industry and consumers know that an advisor has the highest levels of knowledge in the travel industry.
"We are committed to a long-term partnership with ASTA as we simply won't survive in this business without the work that ASTA does on our behalf," said Alex Sharpe, Signature President & CEO.
"Aligning with ASTA on the Verified Travel Advisor program was a no-brainer. We want to make sure our travel advisors have access to the best industry, legal and government affairs resources available, and this partnership is a great way to make that happen."
The first agent to complete the nine certification courses was Lisa Stenfort of Dreams Delivered Travel in San Jose, California, a Signature-affiliated independent agent. Stenfort officially became the first "graduate" of the ASTA Verified Travel Certification Program last month.
In addition to backing the Verified Travel Advisor Program, Signature was also the first consortia to mandate ASTA membership for its agents.
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Signature's president, Alex Sharpe, encouraged his consortia's preferred suppliers to join forces with the organization. As a result, Signature's contribution to ASTA grew 122 percent and more than 20 new allied members joined ASTA.
"Signature understands intuitively the need for a strong national trade association for our industry and that ASTA is the pre-eminent brand in travel, the brand that is synonymous with trust," said Zane Kerby, ASTA president and CEO.
"It's because of the support of our consortia partners that we're able to offer these critical resources to travel advisors. We thank Alex Sharpe and his team at Signature for once again showing their commitment to the ASTA standard of excellence."
Sharpe was honored at ASTA's Advocacy Dinner during the ASTA Global Convention where he received the Paul M. Ruden Award.
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