President’s Newsletter
May 2026
San Diego ASTA Chapter Update
Hi Members,
ASTA just completed another successful Legislative Day. Last week, ASTA members and supplier partners gathered in Washington, D.C., to bring our legislative priorities directly to legislators. Participants gathered for a day of training, including the perennial favorite congressional staff panel and a confidence boost with Carson Kressley. They also heard from top DOT and Commerce officials during the Travel Industry Forecast before heading off to their legislative visits. Over 200 advisors, partners and staff attended 170 meetings with offices, already securing additional support for ASTA issues. The overall event was rated 4.92/5 by participants (our highest Leg Day rating yet!).
Global Travel Advisor Day
Global Travel Advisor Day is Wednesday, May 6. The celebration will include a live episode of ASTA's Travel You Can Trust podcast on the ASTA Facebook page, along with special guests, video messages from ASTA Proud Partners and prize drawings. ASTA members are encouraged to tune in live at 11:00 a.m.PT. THIS WILL BE RECORDED!
TAC San Diego — Coming this month! Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
San Diego is already showing up strong for the ASTA Travel Advisor Conference, and we want to keep that energy building. We’re close to our target—let’s hit it together.
Register today and use promo code: SANDIEGO for 25% off.
Fast Track Your VTA Certification
Need your VTA? Join the one-day, in-person FAST TRACK on May 26. Complete the coursework and final exam in a single day, with great speakers, networking, and high-value education.
Hotel Commission Payment Initiative
The momentum of this initiative to help travel advisors recover delinquent commissions continues to grow. As of Wednesday, 39 new commission inquiries were submitted in April via the online portal, the largest number in any single month since the initiative was launched last October.
2026 Local ASTA San Diego Events
More details will be shared as each date approaches.
• May 6 – “What ASTA Membership Can Do for You” with Andrea Caulfield
• May 27–29 – ASTA Travel Advisor Conference, Gaylord Hotel San Diego
• June 18 – Luxury cruising with Azamara & Friends Lunch and Learn
• July 9 – Allianz & AMA Waterways Lunch and Learn
• August 11 – Exotica Lunch and Learn
• September 22 – Fall Festival, Del Mar Hilton
• October 27 – Taiwan Tourist Board Event
• November 17 – Friendsgiving Lunch Royal Caribbean & Silversea
• December 15 – Holiday Party
San Diego ASTA FAM Opportunities
• Croatia – October 2026 – still working on details.
• Scottsdale – October 4-7, 2026 (details coming soon)
Watch your email and our website for updates, applications, and deadlines.
National ASTA Events
• Travel Advisor Conference – San Diego (May 27–29) – Space still available; use SANDIEGO for 25% off
• Caribbean Showcase – St. Kitts (August 22–26)
• River Cruise Expo 2027 – Vienna (March 10–14)
More opportunities to learn, connect, and grow will be announced throughout the year.
Support ASTAPAC
Your contributions strengthen our chapter and our industry.See the attached Advocacy Team update for the latest on state and federal efforts—they’ve been working hard on our behalf.
Warm regards,
Tracy Anderson, CTC
President, San Diego ASTA