ASTA and Travelport, a broad based business services provider to companies operating in the global travel industry, announced at a press event in New York City the launching of the new ASTA Green Member Program. ASTA's innovative program will teach travel professionals about the importance of environmentally-friendly travel, how to make positive changes in their own companies, select green vendors and suppliers and better sell this form of travel to their clients. Travelport is the first official Global Sponsor of ASTA's Green Member Program.

"Announcing the Green Member Program is something I have looked forward to for a long time," said Cheryl Hudak, CTC, ASTA president and CEO. "ASTA and its members are going to educate consumers on the ways travel can benefit the environment and tourist destinations across the world. This program will also help ASTA members evaluate and benchmark their progress against that of their industry peers. I'm thrilled that a company the caliber of Travelport has joined us in sponsoring this program. Their level of commitment to environmentally conscious travel is impressive and speaks to the importance of educating the travel agent community about green travel."
 
"We are pleased to sponsor ASTA's Green Member Program as it represents our commitment within the travel industry to educate our peers on the importance of providing environmentally-conscious travel options, furthering our goal to usher in a new era of sustainable tourism," said Jeff Clarke, President and CEO of Travelport. "As travelers become increasingly aware of the carbon footprints they leave behind, it is important that companies and organizations within our industry work collectively to provide innovative products and services that meet the demands of these consumers.  Our collaboration with ASTA provides yet another example of how the industry can be a driving force behind the promotion of globally-responsible travel."

The green travel movem nt is quickly gaining momentum as "more than half of all U.S. adults say they would be more likely to select an airline, rental car or hotel that uses more environmentally friendly products and processes" according to a survey by TIA and Y Partnership. While many travel professionals want to go green, they are in need of specific educational tools and information to help them do so, which is why ASTA decided to provide members with this instructional program.

ASTA's Green Member Program addresses numerous ways travel agents and suppliers can alter their business models and internal practices for the better and sell tours, transportation, cruises and accommodations that will leave a more beneficial footprint on vacation destinations and the environment as a whole.

Travel agents and suppliers who want to become Green Members must first be members of ASTA. Members will then assess their company's green agenda against criteria established in the Green Program to ensure compliance with the program's standards. Once a Green Member, agents and suppliers will have access ASTA's green logo, which they will use to promote their new membership and expertise.