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Many folks find that working with a
"host" agency is the most desirable way to operate their independent travel
agent business. Host agencies specialize in offering independents sophisticated services,
overrides, automation, quality control and support. By aligning yourself with a
quality host agency you can catapult your business into existence with the great
confidence that your clients will receive excellent service and a high level of expertise. This
is especially true if you are brand new to the travel industry.
Finding a quality host agency is critical to
your success as an independent travel agent. As you might expect, the agencies that
advertise widely and have an aggressive recruitment program may not be the best choices.
Here are a few things to look for in a host agency;
 They
already work with successful independent agents
They do not
have any unresolved formal complaints against their agency
They are
committed to developing a professional independent agent
network
They do not
have a "travel agent recruiting" program.
They
do not tout "travel agent ID cards" to obtain travel discounts.
They do
offer meaningful commissions and overrides
You can understand what you are getting for your investment (if any)
They do
offer ongoing support where they make money if you do
It really doesn't matter where the host agency is located, so don't
get locked into the idea that they have to be down the street from your
home-based operation. There are several solutions to the issues of access, communication and delivery that
resolve the question of location. Most of all you should feel comfortable with your
new host agency and their ability to fulfill your needs as your business grows,
Feel free to check a host agency out with
The Better Business Bureau, the FTC and any other organization you feel
comfortable with. You should also check them out with some of their existing
agents to see if they are happy.
Finally, almost
every week I get a call from someone asking if I can recommend a host agency, or
if I know that the host agency they are looking at is for real. Unfortunately,
host agencies are very litigious (especially the flakes) and I cannot pass judgment on a host without
facing some liability. However, I can certainly suggest those host
agencies that have stood the test of time and have happy and successful
independents working with them.
I have compiled a list of Host
Agency that I feel represent the best of the best and am happy to share it with
you. I think it is essential to your success whether you buy my books or not. The
list resides at
and is just a
fraction of the information that you will need to succeed located on the site.
Finally, here are a few quality
host agencies that you should consider. These host agencies have stood the test
of time and offer quality operations. They are listed in no particular order, as
each one would be an excellent choice for you to make. While there are hundreds
of host agencies, these are the most stable and well established.
Recommended Host Agencies
Well established (since 1956)
company that is financially stable, reputable and with revenues over $115 million.
Works with both new and experienced agents and gets to know their agents
personally. You get the benefit of their size, but with a family feel.
TPI
is a well established host agency that works with experienced agents, as well as
those new to the industry.
With revenues exceeding $100 million
dollars, Nexion is well regarded in the travel industry as one of the most
stable and professional host agencies out there.
Uniglobe offers programs for all levels of travel agent
hosting programs. Their innovative Mentoring program for new agents is well
received by folks looking for a host that can offer training and support.
Uniglobe is well established and known throughout North America.
Family owned and operated host agency since 1994, Travel Quest offers programs
perfect for new and experienced agents. Travel
Quest is a Travel Leaders franchise which means not only are you a part of the
Travel Quest network, you have the power of the multi-billion dollar Travel
Leaders Group behind you. Take a look at the free training offered in their Travel
Agent University and
meet a few of their agents in this You
Tube video. Travel Quest offers Worldspan GDS for corporate
agents.
Expedia CruiseShipCenters is an excellent choice if you are considering selling
cruises or any kind of leisure travel. They have over 140 retail locations and
host more than 3,500 independent agents throughout North America. Last year,
they sold over $400 Million in travel which means you can leverage incredible
purchasing power.
CORAL SANDS TRAVEL-AMERICA'S CRUISE
CENTERS has been known as America's Host Agency since 2002. They are
led by Peter Stilphen, ECC who is an outspoken advocate for the Travel
Professional. They invite both new and experienced travel agents. Coral
Sands has always been first with innovations, often copied by today's
Host Agencies.
Looking for an
established and well capitalized host agency? Look no further!
If selling luxury travel is your niche, then take a look at this wonderful host
agency.
If you are a new agent looking to
specialize in cruises and tours (leisure) you really owe it to your self to
check this host agency out. They offer a turn key operation for new agents that
can't be beat. Take a look!
One of the fastest ways to increase the money that you put in your pocket is to
earn a higher commission on each sale and to keep most of that commission. At
OASIS you will earn top tier commissions from our suppliers and you will keep
100% of it minus a $29 processing fee. Commissions are top tier because OASIS is
a division of the multi-million dollar Smart Travel Group based in Boca Raton,
FL. OASIS does not skimp on quality. We offer our agents a powerful, turnkey
email and print marketing programs as well as online marketing tools.The
relationship with Signature Travel Network gives agents state-of-the-art
technology that helps them quickly research and book travel for their
clients. Our agent websites are personalized and updated every day with new
supplier information and promotions. We help you promote your brand and your
travel business. Your brand should be all about you, not about the company you
have partnered with. Your clients will be able to research cruises, land
vacations and destinations without leaving your website.
Education is complimentary via an annual sales
meeting, webinars, on-demand training, seminars-at-sea and our personal support.
Our staff has years of experience as agents, agency owners, and supplier
representatives. We understand your business and we are here to help you
succeed.
If you are looking to take your travel business to
the next level please visit our website at
www.OASISAgent.com
or call us at 800-613-8380. We look forward to hearing from you.
Make more money with America’s Vacation Center /
Avoya Travel, the only Host Agency offering access to New Clients. New Clients
are new, quality leads that are vendor and destination-specific, and are
available just for you. As an Independent Affiliate you’ll also have the
benefits of brand recognition with America’s Vacation Center / Avoya Travel and
American Express, cutting-edge technology, 24/7 support, and more. America’s
Vacation Center / Avoya Travel has an award-winning reputation, including being
named ‘Travel Agency of the Year’, by Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity,
American Express, NCL, Oceania, MSC, Brendan, and other leading vendors.
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