American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) joins International Council of Tourism Partners

The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) announced today that the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has joined their organization as a member. 

ASTA is the world's largest association of travel professionals boasting a membership stable that comprise about 24,000 members, including travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc. ASTA prides itself as a leading advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public. "To enhance the professionalism and profitability of member agents through effective representation in industry and government affairs, education and training, and by identifying and meeting the needs of the traveling public" stipulates ASTA's Mission Statement. 

According to ICTP Chairman Thomas Steinmetz, making full use of the opportunity ICTP will be working with ASTA on the upcoming 72nd ASTA World Travel Congress held on Nov. 3-8, 2002, in Honolulu. The World Congress is a congregation of U.S. travel agents whose focus is on the presentation and discussion of issues of vast significance to the travel trade. 

"ICTP will have a prominent presence at the World Congress," said Steinmetz, who also indicated that registration for World Congress is ongoing and that those interested in participating may do so by contacting ASTA or ICTP. 

To show their commitment to opening the lines of communication in order to safeguard tourism, travel safety, and peace, ICTP launched their ongoing membership drive in May. 

The idea behind the formation of the International Council of Tourism Partners is to establish an organization focused on facing the challenges that the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 has imposed upon every freedom-loving citizen of the world. ICTP sets out to mobilize a revolution within the industry where the areas of entertainment, arts and sports will be integrated with travel programs to unify the travel trade as well as interested parties to jointly promote tourism and peace. 

ASTA's membership comes as a result of such membership drive, which Steinmetz claimed to have generated such a tremendous response not only from the travel trade but the public as a whole.

"ICTP's membership drive has been receiving tremendous positive responses not only from the travel trade but the public at large," declared Steinmetz.