CHICAGO – The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) gathered at the historic Palmer House in Chicago to celebrate the inaugural ASTA Globes on January 22, 2026. The gala event honored the elite group of individuals and organizations whose dedication to professionalism, advocacy, and innovation is redefining the travel advisor landscape.
“Travel advisors are the backbone of this industry,” said Zane Kerby, President and CEO of ASTA. “This year’s honorees represent the very best leaders and partners of our industry who invest in professionalism, advocate for advisors, and move our community forward through action, integrity, and impact.”
The evening was highlighted by three new inductions into the ASTA Hall of Fame and a series of awards recognizing excellence in leadership, government advocacy, and supplier relations. Awards are voted on by the travel advisors members on ASTA.
2026 ASTA Globes Winners
ASTA Hall of Fame Inductees
Valerie Ann Wilson, Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc. (Recognized for her lasting influence on luxury travel and mentorship)Mike Julius, Carnival Cruise Line (Retired) (Honored for decades of strengthening advisor-supplier relationships)Roger Block, Travel Leaders Network (Awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for over 40 years of service and leadership)
ASTA Hall of Fame Inductees Mike Julius (left), Valerie Ann Wilson (center) and Roger Block (right). (Photo Credit: ASTA/Jason Dixson Photograpy)
Leadership & Industry Honors
ASTA President’s Travel Advisor Leadership Award: Christina Pedroni, EnvoyageASTA Industry Compass Award: John Werner, MAST Travel NetworkGlobus family of brands ASTA Advisor of the Year: Zena Beaver (Nexion Travel Group)ASTA Chairman’s Award: Norwegian Cruise Line (For the elimination of non-commissionable fares)ASTA Trailblazing Partner Award: Camille Olivere, Globus family of brandsASTA Host Agency Partner of the Year: Uniglobe Travel Center (Second consecutive win)ASTA Proud Partner Company of the Year: AmaWaterwaysASTA Proud Partner Representative of the Year: Globus family of brandsASTA Partner Medal of Excellence: Vicki Freed (Royal Caribbean International)ASTA Advocacy Partner: Royal Caribbean International
Consortia, Host Agency & Franchise Awards
ASTA Consortium Partner of the Year: Signature Travel NetworkASTA Regional Consortium Partner of the Year: MAST Travel NetworkASTA Franchise Partner of the Year: Cruise PlannersASTA Host Agency Partner of the Year: Uniglobe Travel CenterASTA Advisor Community Impact Award: Signature Travel NetworkASTA VTA Partnership Award: Collette
Chapter & Regional Awards
Robert Duglin Chapter Excellence Award: San Diego ChapterEdouard Jean Chapter on the Rise Award: St. Louis ChapterGeorge “Eddie” Woodham Chapter President of the Year Award: Tara Salsman (Greater Chattanooga Chapter)ASTA Regional Director of the Year: Shelly Phillips (Southeast Regional Director)ASTA Chapter Training Excellence Award: New Jersey ChapterConsumer Awareness Chapter Award: South Florida ChapterAmbassadors Circle Chapter Awards:
Emerging Leaders Award (Presented by Travefy)
Tiffany Elberfeld, Travel Advisor and Travel Pro Summit FounderKristin Hancock, Agency Owner, Bright Live Travel CompanySavannah Hill, Agency Owner, Savvy TravelSam Johnson, Founder and CEO, Rivers to Peaks TravelShannon Kittner, Owner and Founder, The Wander NetworkMegan Love, Vice President, STM Travel DesignMcLean Robbins, Travel Advisor and Founder, Lily Pond Luxury (Travel Experts, Inc.)Amy Thomasson, Independent Advisor, Travelmation
Specialization & Niche Awards
ASTA Rising Scholar Award: Jonathan Alder (TravelStore)ASTA Mentorship Excellence Award: Nadia “Sparkle” Henry (Travel With Sparkle)ASTA Michelle Mueller Educational Leadership Award: Gina Weyer (Signature Travel Network)ASTA Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award: Helen Enriquez (Akasha Travel Partners)ASTA Travel Technology Pioneer Award: Diania Pimenta (Abora Travel / Dream Vacations)ASTA Luxury Travel Excellence Award: Nathan Parr (Travel & Cruise Desk)ASTA Adventure Travel Specialist Award: Global Travel CollectionASTA Group Travel Innovator Award: Asia Lantz (Travel With Asia)ASTA Family and Multi-Generational Leadership Award: Denise Ambrusko-Maida (Travel Brilliant)ASTA Digital Marketing Achievement Award: Sarah Green (Accent on Travel)ASTA Cultural Connection Award: McKenzie Paquin-Kellogg (417 Travel)ASTA Agency Leadership Award: Eric Maryanov (All-Travel)ASTA Organizational Culture Award: Wayne Spector (NEST)ASTA Niche Market Mastery Award: Laura Poe (Curated by Laura Poe)ASTA Talent Development Award: Kameish Stanley (Oasis Travel Network)
ASTA 2026 Partner Award Winners
Airline Partners
ASTA Airline Partner of the Year: Delta Air LinesASTA Domestic Airline Partner of the Year: Delta Air LinesASTA International Airline Partner of the Year: Delta Air LinesASTA Airline Partner – Advisor Friendly Policies: Delta Air Lines
Cruise Line Partners
ASTA Ocean Cruise Line Partner of the Year: Royal Caribbean InternationalASTA Family Cruise Line Partner of the Year: Royal Caribbean InternationalASTA Cruise Line Partner – Advisor Friendly Policies: Royal Caribbean InternationalASTA Premium Cruise Line Partner of the Year: Celebrity CruisesASTA Luxury Cruise Line Partner of the Year: Silversea CruisesASTA Expedition Cruise Line Partner of the Year: National Geographic-Lindblad ExpeditionsASTA River Cruise Line Partner of the Year: AmaWaterwaysASTA River Cruise Line Partner – Best Group Programs: AmaWaterwaysASTA River Cruise Line Partner – Advisor Friendly Policies: AmaWaterways
Tour Operator Partners
ASTA Tour Operator Partner of the Year: Globus family of brandsASTA Groups Tour Operator Partner of the Year: Globus family of brandsASTA Escorted Tour Operator Partner of the Year: Globus family of brandsASTA Packaged Tour Operator Partner of the Year: Globus family of brandsASTA Tour Operator Partner – Advisor Friendly Policies: Globus family of brands
Hotel, Car & Destination Partners
ASTA Hotel Partner of the Year: Marriott InternationalASTA Hotel Partner – Advisor Friendly Policies: Marriott InternationalASTA Luxury Hotel Partner of the Year: JW MarriottASTA All-Inclusive Hotel Partner of the Year: Sandals & Beaches ResortsASTA Car Rental Partner of the Year: EnterpriseASTA Car Rental Partner – Best Brand: EnterpriseASTA Car Rental Partner – Advisor Friendly Policies: EnterpriseASTA North American Destination Partner of the Year: The Hawaiian IslandsASTA International Destination Partner of the Year: Dominican Republic
Service & Insurance Partners
ASTA Travel Insurance Partner of the Year: Allianz PartnersASTA Travel Insurance Partner – Advisor Friendly Policies: Allianz PartnersASTA GDS Partner of the Year: Sabre
Corporate & Industry Leadership
ASTA Corporate Government Advocacy Champion Award: Safe Harbors Business TravelASTA Corporate Industry Leadership Award: BCD TravelASTA Corporate Strategic Impact Award: Travelink; Balboa Travel Inc.ASTA Industry Intelligence Award: PhocuswrightASTA Media Partner of the Year: Eric Bowman, Editor-in-Chief of TravelPulseASTA Partner in Professionalism Award:AMADEUS River CruisesAmaWaterwaysCarey InternationalColletteGlobus family of brandsRiviera TravelScenic GroupSilverseaWindstar Cruises
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