Alexandria, VA; October 27, 2026 – The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) today announced its new Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) Virtual Intensive available to ASTA members from December 7–11, 2026, providing a faster, more focused way for advisors to complete their certification before the end of the year.
Traditionally, the VTA program is available to ASTA members in a self-paced format, whereas the new VTA Virtual Intensive takes place over two days of live virtual training. During the VTA Virtual Intensive, advisors will learn directly from Peter Lobasso, ASTA's Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Certification and Policy Enforcement, and Elizabeth Allred, ASTA’s Corporate Counsel. Enrolled advisors will gain advance access to the VTA course materials and spend live sessions gaining a deeper understanding with case studies, practical examples and expert insight.
Additionally, advisors participating in the intensive will take one comprehensive 60-question exam on their own time following the live training, as opposed to the standard one exam per VTA module in the self-paced format.
Advisors already enrolled in the standard VTA certification, but who have not yet completed the program are eligible to be transferred into the VTA Virtual Intensive and complete the comprehensive exam. Members can email askasta@asta.org to request their transfer.
Advisors receiving a VTA subsidy or discount through their host agency or consortium can also participate in the VTA Virtual Intensive by using their provided promotional code when purchasing the intensive. If there are any issues utilizing a code, advisors should email askasta@asta.org.
This unique opportunity will encompass just five hours of virtual instruction across two days, giving advisors a dedicated window to obtain their VTA certification and enter 2027 with confidence in their professional ability.