OASIS Travel Network has been named Host Agency of Year for 2021 by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). The annual awards given by ASTA—which is celebrating 90 years as the premier trade organization for travel advisors—seek to promote excellence in the travel trade, recognizing individuals and organizations who make lasting contributions to the travel industry.
The honor of being named Host Agency of the Year by ASTA is one OTN, an award-winning host travel agency, is celebrating for the second year in a row, having also earned the same recognition in 2020—travel’s most challenging year.
“Being chosen as ASTA’s Host Agency of the Year for the second time in two years is an accolade we’re absolutely thrilled to accept,” said Kelly Bergin, President of OASIS Travel Network. “ASTA is a large component of OASIS being able to provide our members with the resources and tools needed to be successful, especially as we move confidently forward toward recovery in the industry.”
ASTA presents nearly 50 awards every year, focusing on suppliers, members and more. Winners are chosen by ASTA members and are traditionally presented with their award at ASTA’s annual Global Convention. The Host Agency of the Year Award falls within the Membership Awards category, which recognizes ASTA’s outstanding members who have devoted their time and passion to advance the industry, in addition to showcasing their commitment to keeping the travel industry strong.
The gathering also saw the first ASTA Board of Directors meeting since Bergin and Kareem George, Principal at Cultured Traveler, LLC, and OTN member, were elected to serve two-year terms as Directors-at-Large for the organization.
For many OTN members, this gathering was their first in-person industry event since the pandemic began.
“Seeing each other in person at the American Society of Travel Advisors global conference felt like a big joyous family reunion,” said Nancy Foltz, Travel Advisor with Gracious Getaways. “As a new member of ASTA and the travel industry in 2021, the Convention provided me a unique opportunity to meet industry leaders and colleagues and absorb valuable information to launch my career. The experience was made even more gratifying when OASIS Travel Network was again deservedly recognized as Host Agency of the Year for all the support and clarity of leadership they have given to independent contractors. OASIS has provided me with the knowledge, confidence and insights to help clients enjoy their time spent traveling relaxed and stress free.”
For Eddie Woodham of Palm Coast Travel, the convention was great opportunity to once again be with so many leaders in the travel industry and celebrate.
“As an OASIS Travel Network member for over 11 years, it was great to meet other OASIS members from around the country,” Woodham said. “The time spent learning more about travel during this challenging time was very beneficial. A highlight of the ASTA Global Convention is always the Chapter Connections event, and it was wonderful to see OASIS Travel Network honored as the 2021 Host Agency of the Year.”
OASIS Travel Network, www.oasistravelnetwork.com