Monthly News Letter March 2026
- tony@officeperfect.com Sprague
- Feb 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 18
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Cherry blossom season in Japan is one of the most sought-after travel experiences of the year, especially in March as the early blooms begin. From Tokyo’s parks to Kyoto’s temple-lined streets, travelers can pair hanami (flower viewing) with rich cultural experiences, cuisine, and rail journeys. |
Chapter News
· November 12-13 3rd Annual Born to Explore & More - Our Events Committee is hard at work for this years Born to Explore Event! Negotiations are in progress with 4 potential Sonoma Venues. We are hoping to have both Pre and Post FAM experiences of area attractions and accomodations! Stay tuned more news to come as we confirm details.
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Member Adventures!
Member Adventures! | |
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Brenda Blue's trip to Jamaica
ASTA chapter Secretary, Brenda Blue recently returned from Montego Bay (MoBay), Jamaica, where she witnessed firsthand the country’s impressive recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28, 2025. It was one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record and the strongest ever to impact Jamaica. Brenda reports that hotels are actively rebuilding, and many venues are reopening to welcome visitors again. One thing travelers may notice, however, is a temporary shortage of plantains, as many of the trees were destroyed during the storm.
Thank you Brenda for sharing your adventure with us! If you would like to share about your latest trip please submit article and pictures to Connie Ng at SFBA.ASTA@Gmail.com |
Communications & Chapter Meetings |
We communicate with youthrough the following channels:· Email: As needed for updates and events · Eventbrite: RSVPs and online payment for events · Newsletter: Monthly communication to learn about what is happening · Facebook: See what we are up to SFBA FaceBook Page · Webinars – Stay informed on the latest industry trends and supplier updates. You can access past recordings anytime in the ASTA Video Library. · Lunch & Learn / Dinner & Learn – Build relationships with suppliers and fellow advisors in a more intimate setting. Seats fill quickly, so watch your inbox for invites! · FAM Trips – Experience destinations firsthand with exclusive travel opportunities. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements.
We understand that many travel advisors prefer our meetings to be held closer to their homes and workplaces. To accommodate this, we aim to host events across various Bay Area communities. If you have a venue suggestion, please contact Juliet Vercelli from our event planning committee at sfba.asta@gmail.com.
Our chapter's area of coverage is Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma counties. ASTA members however, are welcome to transfer to any chapter they wish to participate in. The key to your ASTA membership is participation!
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you soon!
ASTA Membership Information: Join or renew your ASTA membership to access exclusive benefits and stay connected to our travel advisor community:
HAVE A QUESTION about our upcoming events? Please email sfba.asta@gmail.com for more information.
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ASTA National Events & News
River Summit ReviewThis year's ASTA River Summit in Amsterdam was a smashing success. The event offered the ability to check out 16 cruise ships across 11 brands. Participants also got the opportunity to take classes on several brands, network with other agents and explore Amsterdam.
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ASTA PAC
Support ASTAPAC – Donate Today! Travel is our business, and ASTA is our voice! Help protect and promote the travel industry by donating to ASTAPAC today.
To make a difference in Washington, D.C., and in state legislatures, your involvement in advocacy is crucial. Policy decisions made every day impact your business, your bottom line, and your ability to serve clients effectively. By supporting ASTAPAC, you’re helping ensure that your voice—and the voices of fellow travel advisors—is heard where it matters most. Together, we can shape the future of our industry.
Please support our ASTA PAC fundraiser. To donate, scan the QR code below or simply TEXT ASTAPAC2071 to 71777. Our chapter is aiming to raise $1,000 for ASTA PAC in 2026, and your contribution will be crucial in helping us make a real impact. Together, we can drive meaningful change and reach our goal.
ASTAPAC is a separate segregated fund (or "SSF"), more commonly called a political action committee or PAC, established by the American Society of Travel Advisors, Inc. (ASTA) for the benefit of political candidates and activities on the federal level that support the travel agency industry. All contributions to ASTAPAC are voluntary and members have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal, and ASTA will not favor or disadvantage anyone based upon the amount of, or the failure to make, an ASTAPAC contribution. Contributions are subject to the limitations of Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulations and are not limited to the amount(s) suggested. Federal law requires ASTAPAC make its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation and employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. Contributions to ASTAPAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.
To learn more about ASTA PAC and how your donation supports the travel advisor community please visit: https://www.asta.org/advocacy/astapac
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