The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has two major events on the horizon that address different sides of the travel business. The association’s 2027 River Cruise Expo returns to Vienna next March, while April brings a policy-focused Legislative Day with industry forecasting panels.
2027 ASTA River Cruise Expo Expands in Vienna
Registration is now open for ASTA’s 2027 River Cruise Expo, scheduled for March 10-14 in Vienna. The announcement came during this year’s sold-out Amsterdam event, signaling strong demand for river cruise education and networking.
The Vienna expo will feature expanded participation with at least 13 river cruise brands and a minimum of 17 ships. Century Cruises joins for the first time, while Celebrity River Cruises returns as Title Sponsor for a second year. This represents the largest ship inspection opportunity in the event’s history.
The 5-day program includes ship tours, sales training, trade show activities and networking events. Meals aboard participating vessels and Vienna sightseeing tours round out the experience. Post-expo FAM sailings provide additional hands-on product knowledge.
VIP Admission packages offer priority access to accommodations, dining, education sessions and post-expo sailings, plus preferred seating and exclusive reception access.
Legislative Day Tackles Travel Industry Challenges
ASTA’s Legislative Day on April 20 will feature a Travel Industry Forecast examining corporate and leisure travel trends amid policy and economic pressures. The 9 a.m. session at Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf runs until 10:30 a.m.
Two panels address different market segments:
• Corporate Travel Panel: explores government contract uncertainty and policy disruptions affecting business travel. Moderator Denise Jackson from Balboa Travel Management leads discussions with executives from BCD Travel, Atlas Travel & Technology Group, Omega World Travel and Internova Travel Group.
• Leisure Travel Panel: examines consumer barriers and policy impacts on leisure travel accessibility. Gifted Travel Network’s Jen Cochrane moderates with leaders from Global Travel Collection, Your Travel Center/Montecito Village Travel, Envoyage and Ensemble.
Robert O’Leary, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, serves as guest speaker. O’Leary oversees the National Travel and Tourism Office and brings 25 years of hospitality experience from Choice Hotels, WoodSpring Suites and The Plasencia Group.
The session addresses travel’s role as an economic driver supporting millions of jobs and billions in economic activity, with a focus on policy decisions affecting demand, accessibility and global competitiveness.
For more information, visit asta.org.
