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.

"Our cooperation has been evolving from year to year each better and the hopes for our partnership in the future are high, hopefully for both parties. We sincerely believe that the HG hotels are the perfect product for our partners and may we work together for many more years."
Doris Holm
Unique Hotels Group - Estonia
"Keytours Vacations, a US based tour operator, has used the services of ASA for England and the UK over the last 10 years. During this time, we have enjoyed excellent service for our individual customers as well as for groups. All staff at ASA from top management to their reservations department portray a high level of professionalism."
Andreas Larentzakis
Keytours Vacations (USA)
"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.
"We’ve had the extreme pleasure of being partners with ASA for several years, and would never have been able to develop and grow our business to the UK (as well as to France now, with Flying Europe) without their incredible support, superior service and comprehensive product portfolio. We rely very heavily on ASA for their outstanding destination expertise, excellent understanding of the North American market, wide range of both standard and unique products, quick response times, unparalleled customer service, and willingness to always go the extra mile for us….and on top of everything else, each and every member of their dedicated and professional team is a pleasure to work with!"
Laura DeMaio
Global Consolidated Services (GCS), USA
"ASA is a key client for Blair Castle bringing us quality enquiries and bookings throughout the season.

They are quick to respond to queries and always contactable should any need arise. We thoroughly enjoy working with the team and hope to do so for many years to come.

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BLAIR CASTLE
"Historic Royal Palaces values its relationships with professional and proactive partners and therefore Angela Shanley Associates is one of our most treasured partners. The ASA team ensure they understand their customer’s needs and we are proud to work with them to develop a range of products and experiences at the palaces that are second to none and ensure repeat business and sales growth."
Ann Wilson
Historic Royal Palaces
"English Heritage has enjoyed a long and successful partnership with ASA. Their team consistently shows professionalism, dedication, and a deep understanding of client needs. ASA’s commitment makes them a trusted partner for booking visits to our historic sites. We look forward to continuing this productive partnership for many years to come."
Anna-Karin Hanson
English Heritage
"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