Kat Mahn earns prestigious certification

Kat Mahn, owner of Kat’s Purrfect Getaways LLC, recently officially earned the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) Verified Travel Advisor designation from ASTA, one of the travel industry’s most respected professional organizations.

“The ASTA Verified Travel Advisor program recognizes travel professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to industry education, ethical business practices and delivering exceptional service to travelers,” an ASTA press release stated. “This designation signifies that advisors have invested in advanced professional development to better serve their clients in an ever-changing travel landscape.”

“As travel continues to evolve, my clients deserve a travel advisor who is knowledgeable, prepared and committed to providing the highest level of service,” Mahn said. “To be a verified travel advisor, within your first two years — and I am in my first two years as a verified travel advisor this year — you have to have had two years of uninterrupted service, working full time as a travel advisor, and had booked at least $500,000 annual sales for clients, and they verify that … You can’t just submit and say you did it.

“It’s not something you can get by just taking a class,” she added. While there are classes involved, Mahn reiterated the two years of uninterrupted service and sales.

“Earning my ASTA Verified Travel Advisor certification reinforces my commitment to helping travelers plan incredible vacations while giving them confidence that they have a trusted professional advocating for them every step of the way.

“When someone sees that the ASTA Verified Travel Advisor certification next to my name, they know I’ve gone beyond my calling myself a travel agent,” she said. “I’m verified; I’m a professional.

“I’ve demonstrated my ability to take care of my clients, do the sales. I’m educated, legal and ethical … and I have a commitment to continue my education, accountability to being a professional and to the standards that are set forth by ASTA,” Mahn said.

“Unlike booking online without guidance, working with an ASTA Verified Travel Advisor means clients benefit from expert destination knowledge, personalized vacation planning, travel protection guidance, supplier relationships and professional support before, during and after their travels,” she added.

Kat’s Purrfect Getaways LLC is a full-service travel agency specializing in cruises, luxury vacations, ocean and river cruises, Alaska adventures, group travel and personalized vacation planning. Mahn is dedicated to helping travelers experience the world with confidence through expert guidance, personalized service and ongoing travel education.

The ASTA Verified designation also reflects a commitment to continuing education, ensuring clients receive current advice on destinations, travel trends, supplier partnerships and best practices within the travel industry.

“As someone who believes travel changes lives, I never stop learning,” Mahn added. “This achievement is another way I can bring greater value to every client I serve.”

For more information about Kat’s Purrfect Getaways LLC or to begin planning your next vacation, visit www.KatsPurrfectGetaways.com or contact Mahn at katspurrfectgetaways@gmail.com.