Signature Travel Network has made a bulk purchase of ASTA's
Verified Travel Advisor certification program, enabling 80 agents to enroll.
ASTA said it is the first bulk purchase of the VTA program
since it was introduced in late August.
"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 Signature CEO Alex Sharpe. "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."
ASTA CEO Zane Kerby thanked Signature for its support.
The VTA program is a nine-course program that the Society
says contains unique components, like modules dedicated to ethics and DOT
regulations. Agents must be ASTA members to maintain certification. The course
is $399 for ASTA members.
Earlier this month, Hilton granted $10,000 so each ASTA chapter president can earn
VTA certification.
In addition to Signature's bulk buy, ASTA also said Thursday
that the first agent to complete the VTA program was Lisa Stenfort of Dreams
Delivered Travel, a Signature affiliate in San Jose, Calif. Stenfort completed
the program in late September.