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 working relationship with Angela Shanley & Associates goes back to the very beginning, when the founders, Angela Shanley and Anton Thompson, agreed to work together. Over 40 years later and our relationship is as strong as ever! Their professional and friendly service with a focus on total customer satisfaction, along with their willingness to help, their loyalty and fantastic product offerings make them one of the best teams in the industry to work with. We are proud of our long association with ASA and look forward to working with this great team for at least another 40 years!"
Joanne Adolphe
Thompsons Holiday South Africa
"It has been an absolute pleasure working in partnership with Anak and the team at ASA for almost 20 years – developing new products, experiences, audiences and markets.

Here’s to our next 20 years and an ever strengthening relationship

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Pietro Cecchini
The Scotch Whisky Experience
"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
"When it comes to breadth of offerings, delivery of product, in-destination assistance and rate competitively, Angela Shanley Associates is easily one of the best inbound tour operators in the travel industry. They are reliable, professional and a pleasure to work with. Partners and guests can rest assured they are in good hands with Angela Shanley Associates"
Robert Miller
Goway Travel
"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
"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)
"At Go City we’re proud to partner with Angela Shanley Associates. Their expertise and market reach have enhanced the visibility of our flagship product, The London Pass and the Go City London Explorer Pass, positioning them as must-have experiences in the UK. ASA’s dedication to service excellence and understanding of the travel market supports our growth and strengthens key distribution channels."
Alba Basora
Go City
"We have had the pleasure of working with ASA since 2022. Their professionalism and attention to detail in delivering exceptional experiences for travellers make them one of our most valued partners. The team at ASA are a joy to work with and we truly appreciate our partnership and look forward to working together in the future."
Emma Jackson
Virgin Hotels