Travel You Can Trust

American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA)

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. #travelyoucantrust #asta #AmericanSocietyofTravelAdvisors #astapodcast #travelpodcast

Episodes

  1. FEB 10

    Beyond NCFs and the Power of a United Industry

    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

    1h 33m
  2. 09/12/2025

    Setting Sail: ASTA’s Business Development and the Power of Partnerships

    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.

    57 min
  3. 02/20/2025

    Why Professional Travel Advisors Matter – Zane Kerby & Vicki Freed

    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.

    52 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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. #travelyoucantrust #asta #AmericanSocietyofTravelAdvisors #astapodcast #travelpodcast