The Enduring Value of ASATA

“The value of ASATA to me has always been being able to solve a lot of the issues that we couldn't solve independently ourselves.” Roger Mackie Former ASATA President “But essentially, the collective body always comes together under brand ASATA when things are critical and when it's time to move forward together.” Vanya Lessing Former ASATA CEO and Presiden “I think nothing exemplifies the importance of using a travel agent more than what we all saw during the time of COVID, where people were stranded all over the world. And those who had not used a travel agent, some of them are still there trying to get home. And those who did use a travel agent found that there was somebody who had their back, looking after them, making sure they could find a way home.” Gavin Simpson Former owner of Holiday Holdings “The most important thing for me in our industry is the fun, the love, the friendship, the care. It doesn't matter who's your opposition. We can always get together and have a glass of wine and share many, many good memories.” Terry Munro Former Beachcomber Tours and ASATA Board Member “ASATA has always been there to help us and support us through difficult times.” Marco Ciocchetti XLS Travel Former ASATA President “We have seen great value in ASATA in the sense that whilst many of us are competitors, we typically stand together to address issues that potentially will affect our businesses as a whole. And individually, you probably wouldn't be able to manage the outcome yourselves. And I think the fact that we've been able to stand together for 70 years in a country that is starting to regulate more and more, that we've been able to continue that self- regulation, that must mean that we're doing a good job.” Claude Vankeirsbilck Tourvest Travel Services Former ASATA President “For me, as second generation, still being involved in the travel industry, still being members of ASATA, it's quite amazing that this sort of legacy continues from then into today's times.” Brian Singer Singer Group ASATA member and son of former ASATA President, Barney Singer “Because what we've survived over the years has been monumental. Probably no other industry, literally in any business, has actually been affected on a daily basis, on a weekly basis, on a monthly basis, by changes around it. And we have adapted. And the success of it is because ASATA has led.” Janet Aldworth Sure Voyager Travel Former ASATA Board Member “I think the value of ASATA, what membership is all about, is really in that body of people that actually get together, believe in their industry, and fight for every bit of the way that we need it to be. And I think that today, the industry is as strong and as functional as it is because we have an ASATA.” Robyn Christie Development Promotions Former ASATA CEO