U.S. travel Agents: Vague government alerts offer little guidance to tourist

The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) expressed its concern yesterday that vague, generalized worldwide travel warnings that offer no country-specific details can be confusing to travelers and risk discouraging travel across the board.

The U.S. Department of State issued a Worldwide Travel Alert on November 23, 2015, recommending, among other things, that U.S. citizens remain vigilant when in public places and when using public transportation, to avoid crowds and to be aware of their surroundings. "While the issuance of the alert was no doubt well-intentioned, the lack of any detail particularizing the conditions in specific countries or regions of the world is concerning," said ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby. "Vague, overly broad warnings offer travelers little in the way of helpful guidance. In fact, they have the unintended consequence of discouraging travel everywhere, negatively affecting the travel industry and the economy as a whole," he said.   

Informed travel decisions

While country-specific travel alerts and warnings are taken seriously by ASTA and passed on to customers by travel agent members, it is ultimately up to the individual to decide when and where to travel. While consumers booking their own travel will typically have little else to rely upon, experienced and knowledgeable travel agents are uniquely positioned to guide their clients in making informed travel decisions.   

Recognizing that travel agents can never offer or guarantee safety or security, their proven knowledge of destinations around the world enable them to customize travel itineraries tailored to their clients' comfort level. Travel agents can also be counted on to advise and assist consumers in obtaining travel insurance if their clients wish to protect their investment and/or provide for flexibility in terms of modifying or cancelling travel arrangements. Above all, travelers who book with an ASTA member has the comfort of knowing that a trusted travel advisor stands behind them, ready to assist if plans change unexpectedly – for whatever reason. 

ASTA profile

ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel. Together with hundreds of internationally based members, it is the leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public. ASTA’s history of travel industry advocacy traces back to its founding in 1931 when it launched with the mission to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. For more information, visit ASTA.org.

ASTA’s sister association, The National Association of Career Travel Agents, represents a professional community of independent travel agents ready to assist the traveling public.

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