Travel advisors can now use ASTA's Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) certification as a form of recommendation for Iatan accreditation.
Iatan accreditation, which is run by IATA, includes a number of requirements advisors must meet, including proof of a current business license, sales and seller-of-travel registration in the states where it's required. IATA also requires either a letter of recommendation or employment verification from an Iatan-accredited agency, a letter of recommendation from a supplier or one of a number of certifications. ASTA's VTA is now included in that list of certifications.
Additionally, advisors holding their VTA certification will be eligible to opt out of the errors and omissions insurance policy requirement in place to receive Iatan accreditation.
"The VTA certification continues to gain recognition, momentum and importance," Mark Meader, ASTA's senior vice president of industry affairs and education, said in a statement. "IATA's validation of the credential is a vote of confidence and trust and will ensure the program's continued success."
Part of ASTA's overall educational offerings, VTA certification focuses the core areas of ethics, legal matters and regulatory compliance. Earlier this year, ASTA introduced stiffer requirements for advisors to denote themselves as VTAs, including minimum annual sales and continuing education.