In a move aimed at strengthening advocacy and professional development within the travel industry, Signature Travel Network has announced it will subsidize membership fees for independent contractors (ICs) joining or renewing their memberships with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). This initiative will significantly lower the cost of ASTA membership for eligible advisors, reducing the standard annual fee of $247 to just $99. The offer applies to both U.S. and Canadian independent travel advisors who generate under $1 million in annual sales and are affiliated with Signature.
All agencies that are part of Signature Travel Network already maintain membership with ASTA at the agency level, reflecting Signature’s long-standing support of the organization. However, this new subsidy is specifically aimed at extending that engagement to the independent contractor level, recognizing the vital role ICs play in the broader travel ecosystem. Signature’s decision to offer financial support for ASTA memberships represents a strategic effort to foster stronger ties between ICs and the industry’s leading advocacy group, ensuring that more voices are represented in discussions that shape the future of travel advisory services.
According to Signature Travel Network’s president and CEO Alex Sharpe, the subsidy is part of a larger vision to empower independent advisors while also reinforcing the collective strength of the travel advisor community. Sharpe emphasized that joining ASTA not only benefits individual advisors through resources and networking opportunities but also serves the entire industry by bolstering advocacy efforts and professional standards. “By joining ASTA, our independent contractors aren’t just investing in their own business, they’re helping to protect and shape the future of our entire industry,” Sharpe said. “This subsidized membership rate is our way of removing barriers and encouraging every Signature member to stand with ASTA in supporting the travel advisor community we all value so deeply.”
The subsidized rate is available to both first-time ASTA members and those who are renewing their memberships in 2025, provided they are affiliated with Signature Travel Network. This support is expected to increase participation among ICs who may have previously hesitated due to cost, thereby enriching the ASTA membership base with diverse perspectives and experiences from independent advisors across North America.
The travel industry has faced significant upheaval in recent years, with changing regulations, consumer behavior shifts, and economic challenges affecting how advisors operate. In this context, ASTA has been a central player in advocating for the interests of travel advisors at the governmental level and providing essential resources for navigating the evolving landscape. Signature’s investment in expanding ASTA’s reach through IC support underscores the network’s commitment to ensuring its members are well-equipped and represented.
This initiative is a timely response to the growing need for solidarity and proactive engagement in the travel industry. By making ASTA membership more accessible, Signature Travel Network not only enhances the professional development of its independent contractors but also reinforces the collective voice and influence of travel advisors at large.
