The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is helping travel agents toot their own horns on National Travel Agent Day, May 2, 2018.
At a time when travel advisors are making more bookings than ever, there is still a growing need to tout their importance to clients, and there's no better time than with a day dedicated just to them.
ASTA's Travel Agent Toolkit gives agents everything they need to get the word out about all of the hard work they do. It includes shareable images ideal for social media that promote the travel agent's ability create seamless experiences for clients.
One example shows a photo of an exotic destination with the words: "When I say 'connections,' I"m not talking about flights." Another showcases the value of having an agent, saying: "If time is money, think of us as your asset managers."
"We're living in a world where human connections are more important than ever," said Erika A. Richter, ASTA's director of communications.
"It's how we build trust," Richter added. "When we travel, we're connecting to the world through the people we meet and the experiences that make us feel alive. National Travel Agent Day is just one day on the calendar where we have a chance, as an industry, to join hands and celebrate the dedicated professionals who connect the world."
Travel agents can share images with clients but they can also make their presence felt on Capitol Hill on National Travel Agent Day. The toolkit encourages agents to be advocates and they can send a letter to Congress with just the click of a button.
ASTA is also encouraging agents to alert the media and share their stories with the hashtag #TravelAgentDay. Those who are even more ambitious can compose a Letter to the Editor through the online toolkit.
"This is ASTA's consumer awareness in action," said Richter. "The value of this toolkit is that it's made accessible for all travel advisors, everywhere. And there is something to be said for power in numbers. Last year, we sent hundreds of letters to Congress and to travel editors across the country through the toolkit. This year, I hope we have thousands."
The letter-sending platforms are easy to use, and it takes just a couple of minutes to send a statement to the local paper or to Congress.
"We even made it possible for travel advisors to customize their letters to Congress and their letters to the editor, giving them a chance to add their personal story," said Richter. "Every letter helps. I want travel advisors everywhere to know that this is our day to shine a spotlight on who we are."
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