Travel You Can Trust

In this latest episode of Travel You Can Trust, we bring you a timely and important conversation focused on fair compensation, professionalism and the future of the travel advisor industry.  The podcast is hosted by Michael Schottey, Vice President of Membership, Marketing and Communications at ASTA, alongside co-host Alvin Adriano, ASTA’s Director of Education.  This episode features Alex Sharpe, CEO of Signature Travel Network, who weighs in on the value of ASTA’s advocacy work, the importance of industry-wide standards and what it truly means to professionalize the travel advisor profession. From unified voices on major industry issues to long-standing challenges like hotel commissions and payment delays, Alex shares perspective on where progress has been made and where more work is needed.  The episode continues with a town hall discussion with John Chernesky of Norwegian Cruise Line following the company’s decision to eliminate non-commissionable fares (NCFs). Michael and John explore what this move means for travel advisors, why fair and timely pay matters and whether this decision could influence broader change across the supplier community.The episode also highlights how initiatives like Travel Elevates and Pack with a Purpose help tell a bigger story about travel — one rooted not just in bookings, but in trust, impact and positive change for communities around the world.  Learn more here: www.asta.org

Looking Back at 2025: A Conversation with ASTA President and CEO Zane KerbyAs 2025 comes to a close, Travel You Can Trust takes a moment to reflect on a year of progress, challenges and momentum for the travel advisor community and the industry at large.Hosted by Michael Schottey, Vice President of Membership, Marketing and Communications at ASTA, and Margo Van Ness, Director of Communications at ASTA, this special year-in-review episode looks back at the milestones that defined 2025 and the priorities shaping the road ahead.Joining the conversation is Zane Kerby, President and CEO of ASTA, as he shares his perspective on the wins and lessons of the past year, key advocacy efforts, membership growth and how ASTA continues to champion travel advisors through an evolving industry landscape. He also offers insight into what members can expect as ASTA looks toward 2026.Whether you’re reflecting on your own year in travel, interested in ASTA’s impact and direction or curious about what’s next for the advisor community, this episode delivers thoughtful insights and forward-looking perspective you won’t want to miss.Learn more about ASTA’s advocacy, programs and membership at asta.org.Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode of Travel You Can Trust.

In this episode of Travel You Can Trust, we’re shining a spotlight on how ASTA’s business development team and events calendar are driving growth and creating opportunities for advisors and partners across the industry.Hosted by Michael Schottey, Vice President of Membership, Marketing and Communications at ASTA, and Alvin Adriano, Director of Education, this conversation explores the strategy behind ASTA’s signature events, the importance of supplier collaboration, and the strength of our advisor community in action.Joining the discussion are two distinguished voices:Sarah Little, Senior Vice President of Business Development at ASTA, shares how her team is shaping events that deliver real value for members and partners. Plus a sneak peek into her special appointment as Godmother of the AmaSofia, which will be christened at the ASTA River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam this March.Kristin Karst, Co-Owner and Chief Brand Ambassador of AmaWaterways, highlights the company’s latest initiatives, reflects on the value of working with ASTA, and explains how partnerships with ASTA VTAs and events like the River Cruise Expo are transforming the advisor–supplier relationship.Whether you’re planning your 2025 events strategy, exploring supplier collaborations, or simply curious about what’s next in river cruising, this episode is filled with insights, inspiration and behind-the-scenes updates you won’t want to miss.Learn more about ASTA’s events, programs and partners at asta.org.Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode of Travel You Can Trust.

In this episode of Travel You Can Trust, we’re pulling back the curtain on the future of corporate travel with an insider look at ASTA’s latest initiative: ASTA Corporate.Hosted by Michael Schottey, Vice President of Membership, Marketing & Communications at ASTA, and Alvin Adriano, Director of Education, this conversation delivers rich insights into both leisure and business travel—and why every advisor needs to tune in.Two powerhouse guests round out the segment:Amanda Klimak, President and Co-Owner of Largay Travel and Chair of ASTA’s Corporate Advisory Council, shares her expert perspective on what today’s agencies need to thrive in both leisure and corporate sectors.Mark Meader, Executive Vice President of ASTA Corporate, takes us behind the scenes of ASTA’s bold new approach to business travel. Learn what sparked the launch of ASTA Corporate, how it’s addressing evolving industry needs and what it means for advocacy in action.Whether you’re a leisure specialist looking to grow or a corporate pro keeping pace with change, this episode is packed with strategic takeaways, candid insights and the latest moves from the team shaping the future of travel advising.Learn more about ASTA Corporate and our programs at asta.orgSubscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode of Travel You Can Trust.

In this special live edition of Travel You Can Trust, we honor Global Travel Advisor Day 2025 with a dynamic conversation featuring some of the most influential voices in the travel industry. Hosted by Alvin Adriano and Michael Schottey, this episode showcases powerful insights on the role of travel advisors in today’s evolving global landscape.Featured guests include:Zane Kerby, President and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA)Gary Sadler, Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations Inc./Sandals ResortsGreg Takehara, CEO of Tourism CaresTune in to hear how ASTA and its partners are working to support, elevate, and celebrate travel advisors.Subscribe for expert perspectives, industry updates, and real conversations that highlight why now more than ever, travelers need trusted, professional guidance.Learn more about ASTA and the Verified Travel Advisor program at asta.org

In this episode of Travel You Can Trust, hosts Michael Schottey and Alvin Adriano shine a spotlight on the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and its vital role in advocating for travel advisors and the traveling public. They’re joined by Jay Ellenby, former ASTA Board Chair and President of Safe Harbors Travel Group, and Jessica Klement, ASTA’s Vice President of Advocacy, for a deep dive into how ASTA works to influence legislation, protect consumer rights, and strengthen the travel industry from Capitol Hill to Main Street.Discover why government advocacy matters for both travel advisors and travelers alike — and how ASTA’s work ensures a safer, more reliable future for travel.Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode of Travel You Can Trust.

In this episode of Travel You Can Trust, hosts Michael Schottey and Alvin Adriano dive into the critical role of professional travel advisors in creating seamless and unforgettable travel experiences. They’re joined by two powerhouse guests: Jackie Friedman, President of Nexion Travel Group & Chair of the ASTA Board of Directors, and Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, President & CEO of Collette, to explore how advisors and suppliers work together to deliver top-tier customer service. Discover why working with a verified travel advisor makes all the difference, how the travel industry is evolving, and how trusted professionals ensure every journey is smooth, secure, and tailored to your needs. Tune in for expert insights and behind-the-scenes stories that prove one thing: when it comes to travel, trust is everything. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode!

Welcome to Travel You Can Trust, the official podcast of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). Hosted by Michael Schottey and Alvin Adriano, this podcast takes you behind the scenes of the travel industry, uncovering the vital role of professional travel advisors in ensuring seamless, secure, and unforgettable journeys. Join industry leaders, including Zane Kerby (ASTA President & CEO) and Vicki Freed (Royal Caribbean International SVP of Sales, Trade Support and Service), as we explore the professionalization of travel advising, ASTA’s Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) program, and how consumers can navigate travel with confidence by working with trusted experts.Whether you're a travel advisor looking to elevate your expertise or a traveler eager to plan with peace of mind, Travel You Can Trust is your go-to source for industry insights, expert advice, and the latest throughout the entire travel industry. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), the world's leading association of travel professionals, is the global advocate for travel agencies, the travel industry and the traveling public. We champion ethical and traveler-friendly practices and policies at every level of government and throughout the travel and hospitality industry. Our members are all bound by a shared code of ethics. The Verified Travel Advisor certification program is intended for travel advisors whose objective it is to elevate their career within the industry. We recognize that most travel advisors are knowledgeable, experienced and quite busy, so we designed this program to accommodate today’s modern travel advisor. The four core courses drill down on the most essential knowledge for VTAs, including legal, ethical and regulatory guidelines.