June 26, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
Goldrush Getaways, a full-service travel agency operating since 1996, announces that travel advisor Brigette Oestreich has earned the Verified Travel Advisor (VTA) certification from the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). The certification represents a significant achievement in professional travel industry standards at a time when travel scams have increased and consumers seek reliable ways to identify qualified travel professionals.
The VTA certification program requires travel advisors to meet rigorous standards for professionalism, ethics, and customer service established by ASTA, the leading global advocate for travel advisors and the travel industry. The certification process includes comprehensive evaluation of industry knowledge, regulatory compliance, and commitment to ongoing professional development. Certified advisors must complete continuing education requirements every two years to maintain their VTA status.
Travel agency sales in the United States are projected to reach $141 billion by 2026, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasting steady employment growth in the travel advisor profession through 2033. This growth has created both opportunities and challenges, as consumers navigate an expanding field of travel professionals with varying levels of experience and credentials.
“Brigette’s achievement of the VTA certification demonstrates our company’s dedication to maintaining the highest professional standards in the travel industry,” said Jeff Oestreich, President and CEO of Goldrush Getaways. “This certification provides our clients with additional assurance that they are working with a travel advisor who possesses verified expertise and adheres to strict ethical guidelines established by the industry’s leading professional association.”
The VTA program connects certified advisors with consumers through ASTA’s VeriVacation platform, a resource designed to help travelers identify and connect with verified travel professionals. The platform addresses growing consumer concerns about travel fraud and the need for transparency in professional credentials within the travel industry.
Goldrush Getaways supports independent travel advisors throughout the United States through comprehensive training programs, marketing support, and established relationships with preferred travel suppliers. The company maintains registration as a seller of travel with the State of California and holds memberships with ASTA, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and the International Association of Travel Agents (IATA).
The company has earned numerous industry recognitions, including the Golden Apple Award from Apple Vacations, the Carnival Pinnacle Award from Carnival Cruise Line, and the President’s Gold Circle Award from Ensemble Travel Group. These awards reflect the company’s commitment to excellence in travel planning and customer service across cruise vacations, luxury packages, all-inclusive resorts, and customized travel experiences.
Travel advisors affiliated with Goldrush Getaways benefit from partnerships with major travel brands including Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Viking Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and numerous resort and tour operators. These relationships enable advisors to provide clients with comprehensive travel options and competitive pricing while maintaining high service standards.
For travelers seeking professional travel planning assistance, the VTA certification serves as an important credential that validates an advisor’s expertise and commitment to ethical business practices. Consumers can verify Brigette Oestreich’s certification status and connect through the Goldrush Getaways Facebook page for travel planning inquiries and destination recommendations.
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For more information about Goldrush Getaways, contact the company here:
Goldrush Getaways
Jeff Oestreich
916-722-1648
jeffo@goldrushgetaways.com
8350 Auburn Blvd, Suite 200
Citrus Heights, CA 95610
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