The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has partnered with Signature Travel Network to provide its Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) Certification program to Signature members, promoting the professional development of its travel advisors.
Under this partnership, advisors in Signature's Embark Level 2 program, designed for those with less than two years of industry experience, will receive complimentary access to the VTA certification. Other Signature travel advisors will be offered subsidized rates of $99 if completed by Dec. 31, 2024; $149 if completed by Dec. 31, 2025; or $49 for continuing education units (CEUs) every two years.
The VTA program focuses on four core components: legal insights for protecting member agencies, ethical excellence based on ASTA's code of ethics, navigating agency relationships and federal compliance for travel agencies.
"We're both pleased and honored with Signature's recognition of ASTA Verified Travel Advisor Certification as a valued educational program, setting apart well-trained and professional travel advisors as a top priority,” said Zane Kerby, ASTA's president and CEO. “ASTA thanks Alex Sharpe and the entire Signature team for committing to educating travel advisors to ensure they meet high standards of ethics and professionalism."
To maintain VTA certification, advisors must complete four CEUs every two years through a combination of coursework and event attendance.
"ASTA's Verified Travel Advisor certification provides essential professional training for travel advisors who have some experience under their belt but want to take their business to the next level,” said Gina Weyer, vice president of training at Signature Travel Network. “The courses provide training that help travel advisors comply with federal regulations and operate ethically. This is crucial for any advisor that wants to signal to their clients and their peers that they're serious about their business."
Signature, a Sapphire-Level Proud Partner of ASTA, announced the new program at their recent Owners' Meeting. The program is set to launch on Sept. 17.
This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by ASTA. It has been fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
