ASTA Free Guide to Becoming a Travel Advisor Sees Thousands of Downloads

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has seen over 12,000 downloads of its Travel Advisor Career Overview guide to becoming a travel agent since it made the resource free.

Previously, ASTA's materials came with a fee, with only about 50 downloads in the five years before 2023.

ASTA's next step in career training for aspiring travel agents has also been modified to include an ASTA membership with the "Future Travel Professional" level, which forms part of the Roadmap to Becoming a Travel Advisor course starting at $199. An independent advisor membership begins at $228.

The guide was made freely available through a partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line and forms part of ASTA's overall initiative to bring new travel advisors to the industry, said Zane Kerby, CEO and president of ASTA.

"Right now, the travel industry desperately needs more talent," said Kerby. "If someone is interested in becoming a travel advisor, they first have to understand the landscape of our industry and the variety of pathways available to them."

"Our members are telling us they need help," Kerby further stated as he explained that the overhaul of ASTA's Travel Career Center extends beyond recruitment with the intent to "equip future professionals with comprehensive tools for success."

ASTA represents 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through travel agency distribution channels.