Upper Midwest ASTA

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

No matter where you are in your business journey, having a mentor can accelerate your growth and help you confidently navigate the travel and tourism industry.

Now in our third year, this ASTA nationwide program has already earned two consecutive awards for Best Overall Education Program—a testament to the impact and value it delivers.

Through one-on-one mentorship, you’ll gain meaningful insights and access to resources that elevate both your personal and professional development. Beyond advancing your career, mentorship strengthens self-worth, builds confidence, and helps you cultivate the leadership skills and executive presence needed for long-term success.

Application deadline is May 31, 2026. More here:

04/30/2026

"In an industry built on trust, the role of the travel advisor has never mattered more. Travelers are asking better questions, seeking deeper experiences and expecting their time to be handled with care. The advisors who meet that moment are the ones who blend expertise with perspective, and who understand that confidence is earned through continual learning."

In an industry built on trust, the role of the travel advisor has never mattered more. Travelers are asking better questions, seeking deeper experiences and expecting their time to be handled with care.

04/29/2026

The 2027 ASTA River Cruise Expo is going to be bigger than ever—with more ships, more river cruise lines, and more opportunities to supercharge your river cruise sales! 🚢

Make plans now to join us March 10-14, 2027, in Vienna, Austria.

Tickets are selling fast and this event always sells out. Lock in your spot today to attend the industry's largest river cruising event.

Register today:

ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, offering education, resources, advocacy, and networking to support and grow the travel industry.

04/29/2026

Join ASTA - American Society of Travel Advisors for a webinar to learn more about ETIAS, the new travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers introduced by the European Union.

Travelers from 59 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, will soon need an ETIAS travel authorization to enter 30 European countries for short stays. The authorization goes into effect beginning the last quarter of 2026. ETIAS is not a visa, and similar electronic travel authorizations are required by the US, UK, Canada and Australia.

During the webinar, you will be able to find out how ETIAS works, who it applies to, and have the opportunity to ask questions about this new travel requirement to Europe.

Register now:

02/13/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1AwBk6f8y3/

ASTA Urges CBP to Rethink ESTA Social Media Requirement

ASTA representing more than 300,000 Americans employed by travel agencies nationwide, submitted formal comments to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) expressing significant concerns regarding proposed changes to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application.

The proposal, issued pursuant to Executive Order 14161, would require Visa Waiver Program travelers to the United States to disclose up to five years of social media history as a mandatory component of the ESTA process.

“ASTA fully supports the federal government’s responsibility to protect national security and maintain the integrity of our borders,” said Peter Lobasso, Senior Vice President, Industry Affairs and General Counsel at ASTA. “However, the proposed mandatory collection of social media data raises significant privacy, economic and competitive concerns that warrant careful review and greater transparency.”

🔗 Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/4kwPRJ7

11/12/2025

🇯🇲 How You Can Support Hurricane Relief Efforts in Jamaica
Our hearts are with everyone in Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa. 💛

ASTA stands with our partners, colleagues, and friends across the island as they begin the road to recovery.

The Sandals Foundation is leading vital relief efforts—providing immediate aid, supporting recovery operations, and restoring hope to the communities most affected.

💙 Every contribution helps deliver emergency supplies, rebuild infrastructure, and support those in need across Jamaica.

👉 Learn more and donate today: https://tinyurl.com/39bmc68b

Join the Sandals Foundation in providing hurricane relief for communities across Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Donate to help rebuild homes and restore hope.

11/12/2025

📣 NEW EVENT ANNOUCEMENT! Learn all about traveling Europe and the latest trends and popular destinations to share with your clients. Join us for a virtual event, Exploring Europe: Land & River, December 2-4, to hear from ASTA partners with land and river operations in Europe about how to better sell Europe and special incentives to increase your Europe bookings. Presenting partners include AmaWaterways, Globus family of brands, Riverside Luxury Cruises, Trafalgar and Viking.

This is more than a series of webinars—it's an interactive, expert-led event designed to prepare you to sell one of travel's most popular sectors. If your clients are craving their next big adventure, don't miss this in-depth training on everything from booking seamless journeys to real-world selling strategies.

✨ Attend the virtual event live for the chance to also win some amazing prizes! ✨

👉 Learn more and register now: bit.ly/3LFqabL

11/11/2025

🎁 Get Peace of Mind Before the Holiday Season!

The holidays can be hectic—but your business insurance shouldn’t be.

As an ASTA member, you can access free coverage reviews from our partner Answer Financial. Their expert agents will help ensure your policies are ready for year-end travel—so you can focus on the season, not your insurance.

✅ Answer can help you find and save on the right coverages for your business:
⚖️ Errors & Omissions (E&O)
🏢 Business Owners Policy
🛡️ Cyber Liability

👉 https://business.answerfinancial.com/?a=ASTA_COML

Learn more or get your free quote today!

Answer Financial® Inc. offers insurance products and services through its insurance agency licensed affiliate Insurance Answer Center, LLC (California License # 0B99714); in New York as Insurance Answer Center, LLC, an Insurance Agency; in Michigan as Insurance Answer Center, LLC, an Insurance Agen...

11/11/2025

Good Morning! 🌞
Hear directly from Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, as he personally invites travel advisors to join him for an exclusive Virtual Town Hall — a moment to connect, reflect, and receive firsthand updates on Jamaica’s recovery and Sandals Resorts’ continued progress following Hurricane Melissa.
This advisor-only event offers meaningful insight, key updates, and an opportunity to have your questions answered directly by Adam Stewart himself.
🗓 Thursday, November 13, 2025
🕐 1:00 PM EST
🎥 Register here: https://streamyard.com/watch/5BVFQ9srmV4V
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International in this special Travel Advisor Town Hall!

Join us for a Virtual Town Hall hosted by Adam Stewart, CD, as he shares updates on the state of Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa and the path forward for Sandals and Beaches Resorts. This intimate session offers Travel Advisors an opportunity to gain meaningful insight into our rest...