The American Society of Travel Advisors has launched the first ever mentorship program.
The new pilot program, announced on Thursday, is designed to provide travel advisors with expert advice and guidance by seasoned mentors who are already established in travel.
During this six-month initiative 10 mentees and 10 mentors will be paired for a career development experience guided by a mentor. This will improve their professional skills, industry knowledge, and enhance their professionalism.
ASTA stated that the personalized one-on-1 program would allow mentors to share industry knowledge, give essential feedback, celebrate success and open doors for career-building and networking opportunities.
Zane Kerby, ASTA’s President and CEO, said that when he reflected on his career, the mentors who had taken the time to guide him made a huge difference in the direction of his career, as well as in the knowledge he gained.
He added, “I am thrilled that this new mentorship program is being offered under ASTA’s banner. I cannot think of anything else more important than helping people who are starting out in business.”
There’s an urgent need for mentorship within our industry. The human urge to see and explore is what makes us so successful. The customer’s expectations do not decrease. Travelers value the travel advisor’s knowledge, and we survive on that basis. We are increasing our knowledge through our mentorship program.