Established in 1931 as the American Steamship and Tourist Agents Association, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is the world's largest travel trade assoociation, with over 28,500 members spread over 177 countries worldwide, its mission is to enhance the professionalism and profitability of members world-wide through effective representation in industry and government affairs, education and training, and by identifying and meeting the needs of the travelling public.

ASTA is organised into 31 chapters in the United States and 92 international chapters , all of which have their own elected officers and appointed committees. The ASTA world Headquarters has a staff of over 95 professionals.

The policies of the society are formed by a National Iffucers, 16 Area Directors and representatives elected by the US Chapter Presidents and the International Chapter Presidents. All ASTA policy makers are working travel agents, nominated and elected by the active membership.

ASTA has various categories of membership; Active, Cruise-only, International, Individual, Allied, Travel Sochool, Associate, Associate Independent , Senior and Honorary.

An ASTA members pledge themselves to conduct their business activities in a way that promotes integrity in travel and agree to act in accordance with the ASTA Code of Ethics, failure to abide by which may subject a member to disciplinary action.

All members have a responsibility to promptly inform the agent or client of any change in itinerary, services, features aor price, with the option of cancellation without penalty if there are substantial changes; they are required to provide all facilities stated in the brochure or written confirmation, or alternate services of equal value or adequate compensation; and they will not provide creedentials to any person from whom there is no reasonable expectation of authentic efforts to sellor menagethe sale of travel services to the general public.

The Code of Ethics requires all ASTA members to maintain accuracy in providing information, disclose in detail the travel service sold, respond to client's complaints, refund any undisputed funds within a specified time, cooperate with ASTA to resolve any dispute involving consumers or another member, maintain confidentiality of client transactions, and abide by all federal and local laws and regulations.