American Society of Travel Advisors

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is the world's largest association of travel professionals and advocates for travel agents, the travel industry, and the public. It promotes professional and ethical standards, provides resources and support to its members, and lobbies on behalf of the travel industry to government policymakers.

What ASTA does:

• Advocacy: Represents the interests of travel professionals to government officials on issues affecting the industry.
• Professional Standards: Promotes a high level of professionalism and a strict code of ethics among its members. Industry Promotion: Works to educate the public on the value of using a professional travel advisor.
• Member Support: Offers its members professional development, networking opportunities, marketing support, and legal and regulatory guidance.
• Global Partnerships: Collaborates with various organizations, such as the U.S. Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, to address important issues like illegal wildlife product sales.

Cruise Lines International Association

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, acting as the unified voice for the global cruise community. It represents ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines, along with maritime leaders, ports, destinations, and a large network of travel professionals. CLIA supports safe, healthy, and sustainable cruise operations through advocacy and industry policies, while also providing resources, professional development, and a certification program for travel agents.

• Represents the industry: CLIA is the leading authority and a unified voice for the global cruise community, representing over 55 cruise lines that account for more than 95% of global cruise capacity.
• Advocates for the industry: The association focuses its advocacy efforts on strategic initiatives like health and safety, environmental sustainability, destination stewardship, and workforce development.
• Supports travel professionals: For travel agents, CLIA offers professional development, certification programs, and resources to help them grow their cruise-focused businesses.
• Promotes sustainable practices: CLIA is dedicated to promoting policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment.

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner is a travel agency recognized by Disney Destinations for its knowledge, experience, and excellence in planning Disney vacations. These agencies complete official Disney training and maintain an in-depth understanding of Disney Parks, Resorts, Cruise Line, and worldwide destinations. They help guests create customized vacation plans, monitor available discounts, and handle reservations at no additional cost to the client, as their services are compensated by Disney.

• Authorized travel agencies: These are independent travel agencies officially recognized by Disney.
• Experts: They have completed Disney's training programs and have a proven track record of sales and customer service related to Disney products.
• Specialists: They focus specifically on Disney destinations, including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney, and Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa.

Travel Leaders Network

Travel Leaders Network is one of the largest and most respected travel agency networks in North America, representing over 5,700 independently owned travel agency locations across the United States and Canada. As part of Internova Travel Group, the Network assists millions of leisure and business travelers each year and is a leading seller of luxury travel, cruises, and tours. Through innovative technology, award-winning marketing programs, strong supplier partnerships, and extensive education and support, Travel Leaders Network empowers member agencies to deliver exceptional travel experiences and achieve lasting success.

Universal U-Preferred Agency

An Universal U-Preferred Agency is a recognition given by Universal Parks & Resorts to select travel agencies that consistently excel in planning Universal vacations. These agencies participate in specialized training programs and gain access to exclusive marketing tools and resources. This partnership allows them to provide enhanced expertise and personalized service for clients visiting Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.

Sandals Preferred Agency

A Sandals Preferred Agency is a travel agency that has an exclusive partnership with Sandals and Beaches Resorts. These agencies have employees who have completed extensive training and are recognized as Certified Sandals Specialists, making them experts on the resorts and their offerings. This partnership provides clients with specialized knowledge, potential for exclusive perks, and dedicated support throughout the vacation planning process.

How it works:

• Certified Specialists: The agency employs Certified Sandals Specialists who are trained by Sandals and have in-depth knowledge of the resorts.
• Ongoing training: Specialists stay current through continuous education and often visit the resorts to remain up-to-date on the latest information, promotions, and property updates.
• Exclusive benefits: Clients may receive additional benefits through these agencies, such as resort credits, room upgrades, or special welcome amenities that may not be available when booking directly with the resort.
• Dedicated support: The agency acts as an advocate for the client, handling all communication and arrangements and providing support if any issues arise before, during, or after the trip.
• Specializations: Some specialists may have additional certifications in specific areas like destination weddings (WeddingMoons), scuba diving, or golf, allowing them to help with highly specialized requests.