Anyone interested in the travel industry knows that affiliations and memberships greatly matter. They are not only a testament to an agency’s credibility, but they also provide a wealth of resources and network opportunities to travel professionals. Recently, a significant development took place in the world of travel agency memberships that recreated some ripples in the industry.
InteleTravel and Royal Caribbean’s grand collaboration
Just last month, two giants of the travel industry, InteleTravel and the Royal Caribbean Group, announced a groundbreaking collaboration. The two have decided to award over 450 American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) memberships to travel professionals. This move is seen as a strong indicator of their commitment to promoting professional development and ethical business practices in the travel industry.
ASTA, the world’s largest association of travel professionals, plays a huge role in the industry. It champions professionalism and integrity among its members, and provides essential education and training resources. Any travel professional having an ASTA membership equates to having the seal of approval in the industry. This collaboration is undoubtedly an excellent opportunity for these 450 travel professionals who are now part of the ASTA community.
The bigger picture: Promoting sustainable tourism
The importance of ASTA memberships
While the direct benefits to the 450 beneficiaries of the ASTA memberships are immediate and significant, the bigger picture and implications for the travel industry are even broader. By ensuring that a large number of travel professionals have ASTA memberships, InteleTravel and Royal Caribbean are championing the advancement and integrity of an industry that has been hard-hit by the pandemic. They are investing in the future of travel.
The sustainable tourism agenda
This move also underscores the increasing emphasis on sustainable tourism practices and responsible travel. It is aimed at strengthening the knowledge and skills of professionals who recommend destination choices to travelers, ultimately influencing tourist behavior towards more sustainable options.
A better-informed travel professional community will contribute to the promotion of best practices, ethical business, and eco-friendly traveling. As clients are increasingly becoming more conscious about their travel choices, travel professionals can guide these conversations and steer them towards a more sustainable direction. This will help tourists make well-informed decisions that minimize their environmental footprint and maximize positive impacts for local communities.
The current collaboration marks only the beginning of what could be an industry-wide movement towards better education and empowerment of all its members, driving the travel industry towards a more sustainable and responsible future.
Moving forward, let’s hope that more companies will mirror the initiatives of InteleTravel and Royal Caribbean. Mergers like these are key to catalyzing industry-wide improvements and setting higher standards for the travel industry as a whole. As we step into unchartered territories in a post-pandemic era, promoting ethical and sustainable touristic behaviors seems to be paramount for the revolution and evolution of the travel industry. This remarkable step draws attention to the necessity of fostering conscientious travel in our time, and it will indeed be exciting to see what unfolds in the upcoming days.
Ava Thompson is a vibrant and adventurous travel writer, who has been captivating audiences with her vivid storytelling and insightful travel tips for nearly a decade. At the age of 29, Ava has already traversed the globe, exploring over 60 countries on six continents. Her passion for discovery and her degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley, have fueled her pursuit to uncover the world’s hidden gems and share them with her readers.
Ava’s journey into travel writing began shortly after her graduation, when she embarked on a year-long solo backpacking trip. Her experiences, from the bustling markets of Southeast Asia to the serene landscapes of the Scandinavian fjords, became the foundation of her now-popular travel blog. This platform not only showcased her talent for engaging narrative but also her keen eye for the cultural nuances that make each destination unique.
As the lead travel writer for a major online news outlet, Ava specializes in off-the-beaten-path destinations, sustainable travel practices, and cultural immersion experiences. Her articles are a treasure trove of practical advice, covering everything from budget-friendly itineraries to luxury retreats, always with a focus on traveling respectfully and responsibly.
Beyond her written work, Ava is a sought-after speaker at travel conferences, where she shares her expertise on ethical tourism and the transformative power of travel. She is also deeply involved in various conservation projects, advocating for the protection of natural sites and cultural heritage around the world.
Ava’s infectious enthusiasm for adventure and her commitment to sustainable tourism make her a beloved and inspiring figure in the travel community. Through her stories, she encourages her readers to embrace the unknown, connect with different cultures, and see the world with an open heart and mind.
