Our Journey

About ASA: A Journey of Passion, Growth, and Innovation

ASA was founded on the passion and vision of Angela Shanley and has since evolved into the extended ASA family known today. We are proud to remain an independent company, continuously looking forward while staying true to the heritage and values that define us.

Established in 1978: A Legacy of Leadership

Since our beginnings in 1978, ASA has earned a strong reputation as a leading Destination Management Company (DMC) in key international markets. In 2003, we undertook a major restructuring and expansion, resulting in the current leadership of Adonis Farantouris (Chief Executive Officer), Anak McSporran (Chief Operating Officer), and Michael Gebreslassie (Chief Financial Officer).

Global Partnerships and Investment in People

Our growth has been driven by strengthening long-standing partnerships and cultivating new relationships around the world. We have made strategic investments not only in information technology and systems but also in our people. The travel industry is powered by its people, and at ASA, we believe our team defines our identity.

The ASA culture thrives on trust, professional growth, and shared values. We are proud of our dynamic, experienced, and engaged team – the future leaders of the industry. This is what we call #theASAway.

Expanding the ASA Family

In 2016, “TravelTeam@ASA” became part of the ASA family. That same year, we entered a co-ownership and full management of a Paris-based DMC, rebranded as “Flying Europe by ASA”, allowing us to expand our services and deepen relationships with existing partners.

A Scottish Presence and Growing Demand

In 2018, we opened a second UK office in Edinburgh – a long-held aspiration. This new location allowed us to better support the growing interest in travel to Scotland and Northern England. The Edinburgh team quickly flourished, prompting an expansion to a second floor in 2019.

Consolidating and Strengthening Our Brand

In 2021, we fully integrated “Flying Europe by ASA” into the core ASA brand. By bringing the Paris-based operation to the United Kingdom, we created a unified service platform and introduced our partners to France and other destinations through a single managed relationship.

Welcoming Cambria@ASA – A Welsh Travel Experience

In 2022, we expanded again with the addition of specialist Welsh DMC Cambria, under the new brand “Cambria@ASA”. This brought a fully tailored FIT, group, and incentive travel offering focused on Wales and Welsh culture to our partners and clients.

New Offices and Continued Growth

By summer 2023, ASA had outgrown its long-standing London office and relocated to larger premises just across the street, doubling our space to better support our expanding team. That same year, ASA celebrated its 45th anniversary with a record-breaking performance as global travel rebounded.

The momentum continued into 2024, when the respected Travel Agenda brand joined the ASA family as “TravelAgenda@ASA”, bringing a wealth of knowledge and opening new avenues for growth. In November, the Edinburgh office also moved to larger premises on Calton Road, following six successful years on George Street.

Commitment to Sustainability

In February 2025, ASA was officially accredited by Green Tourism, marking a key milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainable travel practices. This formal recognition supports our journey towards responsible and environmentally conscious tourism.

 

 

 

 

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Why work with ASA?

Complete programme management, tailored to suit you

Working in partnership, sharing our knowledge, to develop business together.

Diverse range of products & experiences

Seasonal tariffs ready to build into bespoke itineraries.

B2B booking portal

Instant confirmations also available via a b2b portal or XML connectivity.

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Award-winning flexible service

At ASA we make full use of our extensive local relationships and direct contracting to offer a full DMC service in its purest sense, leaving our partners in complete control through one simple channel.

The FIT department provides a fast traditional e-mail service from “hotel only” reservations to package itineraries and everything in between. A Tailor-made division specialises in fully customised luxury experiences & extended private touring, working with our local partners every step of the way to plan and deliver unique memorable trips for our guests.

For those that prefer it, our b2b Online FIT Reservation System offers instant confirmations to registered users. XML connections are also available through our Tourplan NX system, supplying a number of international wholesale partners

Our dedicated Groups department is well placed to undertake any project, city based or touring.  Multi-generational family groups, seasonal charter operations or an incentive looking for a unique experience.  We can supply meals or lunch packs catering for all dietary or religious requirements.  The ASA groups team have a proven track record of delivering excellence.

Offer your clients the benefits of a partnership with ASA. Register today.

"Angela Shanley Associates has been a partner of our company for many years. Working with a professional and very experienced team who are very knowledgeable in their markets is an extremely important part of our strategic growth as a company."
Mairead Delaney
McGettigan Hotel Group
"We’ve worked with ASA for a number of years, and find the team incredibly helpful, professional, and easy to work with.

We value their ease of communication and our partnership, and look forward to welcoming their clients to The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

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Helen Carse
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
"Our long-term partnership with Angela Shanley Associates is based on - and it is supported by - just a few points: we feel 100% secure with offers we get; we enjoy 100% friendly service and get 100% accurate bills. It is not "we get what we pay for', but "they know what is worth paying for", so we save lots of time and paperwork of unnecessary searches. So simple!"
Lev Kipnis
Caspi Aviation (Israel)
"We at hotel LA PEROUSE we have enjoyed working with ASA and value our long term partnership with a very professional and experienced team."
Laure Giometti
Hotel La Perouse - Nice, France.
"ASA DMC have been an exceptional and invaluable partner to us through many years of collaboration. From their management team to their reservation’s team, all departments are committed, professional, efficient, friendly, and most importantly dedicated to deliver an outstanding service. We would highly recommend their services, reliability, and professionalism to anyone"
Silvia Huggett
Evan Evans Tours
"Edinburgh Bus Tours has worked with ASA for many years and have seen sales grow with them, especially over the last couple of years. We are especially delighted that they have invested in an Edinburgh office showing their commitment to Edinburgh and Scotland. They have a great, approachable team and I look forward to continued growth in the years to come"
Elaine Green
Edinburgh Bus Tours
"We love working with the team at Angela Shanley Associates. They are super-efficient and truly lovely to work with. Their passion for service and taking excellent care of their Clients resonates strongly with our own values. They are a joy to work with!"
Joyce Arbuckle
Kingsmills Hotel
"We have worked with ASA for several years, they are a very professional and very experienced company. Their team are not only extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of the travel market, but always very enthusiastic and supportive. Well done ASA for all your hard work and achievements, we look forward to working with you for years to come!"
Rafaelle White
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa