Agent at Home - Lil Black Book (2012!12!27 22-18-09 UTC)

A
Z
Consortium & Host Agency Guide
2010
Supplement to Agent@Home and Vacation Agent December 2009
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Consortium & Host Agency Guide 2010
To Join or Not to Join 4
Choosing a Consortium 6
Consortium Listings 9
Making the Host Choice 24
The Right PATH to a Host 26
Host Agency Listings 28
Consortium Spotlight Overviews
Cruise One 13
Cruise Planners 14
MAST Travel Network 16
TRAVELSAVERS 20
NEST 21
Virtuoso 22
Host Agency Spotlight Overviews
Coral Sands Travel 39
Americas Vacation Center 40
Cruises Inc. 42
Dugans Travels 43
Expedia CruiseShipCenters 44
Nexion 46
Montrose Travel 48
Partners In Travel 49
Travel Counsellors 50
Travel Experts 52
Travel Quest 54
UNIGLOBE Travel Center 56
Table of Contents
Performance Media Group, LLC
593 Rancocas Road
Westampton, NJ 08060
856-727-0035 I 856-727-0136 fax
www.peformancemediallc.com
Publisher: Mark Murphy
Editorial Director: James Shillinglaw
Managing Editor: Michael Ardizzone
Sales Representative: Adam McPherson
Publisher, Custom: Jonathan Cooper
Editorial Director: Jane Jamison
Executive Editor: Stacey Zable
Design Director: Yiu-Wa Tso
Senior Multimedia Producer: Nick Choo
Multimedia Producer: Eugene Kang
Multimedia Producer: Seyi Akinnaso
Although every effort has been made to guarantee the
accuracy of information appearing within this supple-
ment, we cannot be responsible for typographical errors,
omissions or changes since this publication went to press.
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.
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odays travel agents have choices,
and even those going it alone at
home can beneft from being part
of a bigger whole. The real ques-
tion, however, is if your business would
beneft most from a consortium, co-op,
franchise, or host agency relationship.
Each of these groups has a common ob-
jective: to help its members be success-
ful, says Andi Mysza, president of Profes-
sional Association of Travel Hosts (PATH),
who is also president, Independent
Contractor Division of California-based
Montrose Travel. Of course, how they get
there can vary considerably, but most le-
verage economies of scale, gained from
consolidating the volume of many sellers.
Most support their members by ofering
varying degrees of marketing support,
technology access, training, supplier ne-
gotiations and so on.
The Little Black Book Consortium & Host
Agency Guide has been created to help
you with this decision. Within these
pages you will fnd listings of consor-
tia and host agencies. Weve gathered
the top ones, and ofered you details
on their size, sales, commission struc-
ture, marketing, technology, training,
fees and membership requirements,
and of course, the contact information
you need to get in touch with them. We
believe the featured Consortium & Host
Agency listings are the most complete
available. The information provided was
supplied by each company upon re-
sponse of an email.
Choosing a consortium or host agency
begins with extensive research, and this
guide is your frst step. In addition to the
listings, weve provided some how-to
advice, garnered from experts and travel
agents, on picking the right match for you.
The terms host agency, consortium, co-
op and franchise are confusing, and for
most agents its hard to know the difer-
ence and how to choose which is better
for your business. They are also continu-
ously evolving with the needs and chang-
es in the travel industry.
Below are the basic defnitions:
Host Agency: Host agencies vary in what
they ofer their members, but essentially
they are companies that allow indepen-
dent travel agents to use their ARC, IATAN
or CLIA credentials to sell travel. In ex-
change, the host agency receives a fee
or commission. The relationship can be
as simple as partnering with a local brick
and mortar to joining a full-service host
that ofers training, marketing support,
technology tools and much more. The
agent is an independent contractor and
may operates under his or her own busi-
ness name. Host agencies generally ofer
other services, such as air ticketing and
GDS access, that many consortia some-
times dont.
WHY CHOOSE?
Host agencies are good for inexperienced
and experienced entrepreneurial agents
who want fexibility and services. It al-
lows people to start up their own busi-
ness with relatively low capital and risk,
build their own brand identity and gather
clientele. Inexperienced agents beneft
from the hand-holding and ofering of
full services to help them jump-start their
business.
Consortium: A consortium is a middle-
man who creates economies of scale for
buyers (independently run travel retail-
ers) and suppliers. In exchange for con-
solidated sales volume, suppliers ofer
a more lucrative commission structure.
Services ofered by consortiums have
expanded signifcantly over the years to
include marketing, training and more.

Co-op: A co-op works as a consortium
does, but members buy into the co-op
and its owned by them. As such, proft-
sharing is generally available. They also
have an equal say in terms of preferred
suppliers and how the co-op is run.
WHY CHOOSE?
Independent agents who join a host
generally do not need to join a consor-
tium as their host will probably be part of
one. However, the consortium your host
belongs to may be part of the decision
factor when choosing a host. If you dont
have a host, a consortium can ofer you
some but not all of the services of a full-
service host.
Franchise: A franchise is essentially a
business contract where an independent
agent sells the products usually dictated
by the larger franchisor. Similar to the
consortia and co-op structure, the inde-
pendent agent would receive training
and marketing support for a fee. Usually
the agent must use the franchise name
and give a percentage of preferred sup-
plier sales. Franchisees are also given a
blueprint for running their business.
WHY CHOOSE?
Those agents who would like to sell travel
under an established name in the travel
industry would beneft from a franchise
relationship.
1. Chemistry
2. Offerings in terms of marketing
or technology
3. Sales requirements
4. Cost
5. Control/Flexibility
Top Decision Factors
To Join or Not to Join
black-book.pdf 1 10/28/2009 4:05:27 PM
By Stacey Zable
The Consortium and Host Agency Question
black-book.pdf 1 10/28/2009 4:05:27 PM
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upplier relationships, innovative
marketing programs, cutting-
edge technology, support, edu-
cation and networking oppor-
tunities top the list of requirements for
agents seeking to increase proftability
and operational efciency through aflia-
tion with a consortium, franchise network
or cooperative.
But, how do you make the right decision
from the wide array of alternatives avail-
able to you? Theres no easy fx, executives
say. You have to do your due diligence.
Take a close look at your current business
profle, where you want to be going for-
ward, and then determine who provides
the best match for you.
Due Diligence
The real issue is that far too many own-
ers are dealing with their day-to-day
challenges and do not take the time
necessary to research and evaluate al-
ternatives, says Michelle Morgan, CTC,
president of Signature Travel Network, a
member-owned cooperative. When re-
viewing a potential network afliation,
agency owners/managers need to con-
sider the longevity of the network, its
core values, how its technology adapts to
their business model, consumer benefts
(cruise program, hotel portfolio, etc.) and
training programs.
Each company has a diferent corporate
culture, diferent personality. The driving
force is no longer preferred-supplier se-
lectionmost buying groups today ofer
a wide array of cruise and land partners,
Morgan says. Tour and cruise companies
have leveled the playing feld and are
now rewarding individual retailers based
on performance. All consortia ofer ho-
tel and cruise programs with amenities.
All consortia ofer direct-mail marketing.
Today, the true focus should be on tech-
nology and training. With more and more
consumers going on line to research and
search for the best fares/rates, consortia
must deliver customer-centric technol-
ogy solutions, she says.
Analyze Your Business First
Every agency should be looking at its
existing sales and fguring out ways to
maximize those sales, and grow their
businesses in a way that fts its vision,
says Keith Waldon, vice president, busi-
ness development for Virtuoso.
But, perhaps more than that, Waldon
says, particularly with the challenges of
the economy, agencies should take the
time to analyze their businesses to pin-
point which parts are most proftable,
and enjoyable.
Get rid of the portions that are not pro-
ductive, he says, and, at the same time,
You should ask yourself if youre leav-
ing money on the table. Take a look at
international air sales, for example, he
says. The right group can educate you
and give you the means to make more
money. Find out who comes to the table
with the best resources and tools to allow
you to do this. Who can make your job
easier, faster, more proftable and more
enjoyable? Who gives you the resources
to meet your goals? Who allows you to
place the most focus on the customer,
providing a better experience and ben-
efts for your clients? The combined buy-
ing power of the right consortium allows
you to negotiate amazing things, with the
marketing and resources to do your jobs
with the maximum returns and enjoy-
ment, Waldon says.
One size does not ft all, says Michelle
Fee, co-founder and CEO of Cruise Plan-
ners/American Express. Cruise Planners,
for example, is a home-based travel
agent franchise network focused on the
cruise industry. But, the network is not for
those who want to be call-center agents,
she says. Cruise Planners appeals to en-
trepreneurs, agents interested in driving
their own business. Its important to look
at your own particular business model
and needs to fnd the right ft for you.
Typically, home-based business models
are one person. You need help. Its hard
to compete on your own. You cant do
everything yourselfmarketing, technol-
ogy and be a sales agent. You need to
join an organization that can help you
develop and grow your business, not just
give you a big commission split, she says.
For example, Fee points to a Cruise Plan-
ners Seminar-at-Sea titled, Be Proactive
or Die, and print-on-demand marketing
programs that drive customers back to its
agents websites.
Theres no quick answer, says Michael
Drever, CEO and founder of Expedia
CruiseShipCenters, which operates as
both a host agency and franchise net-
work. Every business owner needs to sit
down and take a look at their strategic
plan and decide what they want their
business model to be in fve years time.
Only then, he says, can you determine
your needs and which organization has
the best tools to help get you there.
Size Matters
First, make sure the company is fnancial-
ly strong, with a proven track record, says
John Werner, president and COO of MAST.
Choosing a Consortium
By Jane Jamison
One size does not ft all; to fnd the right ft for you,
you have to do extensive research
continued on page 8
Virtuoso
is the only network dedicated to the success of

frontline advisors. When youre affiliated with a Virtuoso member
agency, you have an opportunity to make your most important trip.
Through invaluable Virtuoso resources, contacts, and tools, you
become an indispensable advisor with a career thats more
financially and personally rewarding.
becomeavi rtuoso.com/tri p
Virtuoso helps you become a trusted advisor through:
Superior Commission Structure
Commissionable 24/7 Air Program
Exclusive Product Portfolio
Professional Development Tools
Rich Qualified Leads
Worldwide Industry Contacts
The most important
trip you make is the
one from agent to
trusted advisor.
The worlds finest travel agencies and advisors are Virtuoso.
Make bEComEAVIRTuoSo.Com/TRIP your next destination.
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Then he suggests taking a look at the size
and location of the group. MAST is a Mid-
west-based, regional consortium, with 185
members, that has been serving the local
travel agency community for 40 years. We
fll the particular needs of travel agencies
in the Midwest, and appeal to those who
feel their needs are best addressed on a re-
gional level. MASTs marketing is regional
in nature, and its advertising specials focus
on Midwestern gateways.
You dont want to be afliated with a
group that is too large or too small, Fee
says. Choose an afliation with a group
that has a balance between being large
enough to have the support staf available
to meet your needs, and small enough to
give you personalized assistance.
Look for a group that has a community
feeling, focusing on areas of most impor-
tance to you, Werner says. Theres great
networking among our members. They
have an afnity with one another because
theyre facing common issues. Since were
small, we can respond more quickly. We
provide direct access to everyone here.
There are no layers of management and
staf for the agency to have to get through.
The Checklist
Make a checklist on both sides, Fee says.
Ask what this host [franchise or consor-
tium] gives me. Dont base it all on com-
mission levels. Look to join a company
that is well rounded [in its oferings].
Beware of commission clubs. With your
client list in hand, they may actually com-
pete with you for your business.
Education is extremely important, Fee
says, noting a CLIA survey of its counsel-
ors who said they increased their sales
productivity by an average of 261 percent
since completing its certifcation courses.
Youre much more likely to be successful
if youre educated on what you sell, rather
than being an order-taker.
The checklist can be short and sweet,
Morgan says. Ask local reps what theyre
seeing from agencies in their territory. Do
some agencies appear to be better capa-
ble of exploiting todays technology? Are
they using tools that drive sales? Network
at industry functions and speak with oth-
er owners about their afliation. Another
resource to tap, Morgan says, is the rep-
resentatives from top preferred suppliers.
Ask them for references regarding vari-
ous networks, she says. Suppliers typi-
cally work with multiple networks, have a
sense of the strengths of each organiza-
tion, and can also provide their feedback.
Every network is diferent, and the more
research you do, the sounder your ulti-
mate decision.
As your business changes and grows,
so do your needs, Morgan says. Every
agency owner should explore its options
every two or three years, checking where
its business is in relation to the member-
ship requirements of particular networks.
Make certain your current buying group
is staying ahead of the curve in technol-
ogy and training, she says.
Expedia CruiseShipCenters Drever also
advises looking beyond the surface
claims of each organization. Take a look
at the ads. Everyone says they have the
best technology, the best marketing, the
best training and commission, [chances
are] they dont. You have to ask the right
questions, and then verify the answers,
he says. For example, If youre looking
at franchise opportunities, make sure to
talk to some of the companys franchi-
sees. Ask What were you promised? Did
they come through with their promises?
and Are you happy with the organiza-
tion? Youve got to look at the tool kit,
he says. The better the tool kit you have,
the more chance youll have of being suc-
cessful.
Ask Serious Questions
Take a look at the success rate of these
businesses, Drever says. Because of the
economies of scale, and the brand-recog-
nition that has been established, franchis-
es have a much higher success rate than
non-franchise companies, he says. Drever
recommends taking a serious look at the
networks purchasing power and track re-
cordon a regional and national levelits
technology, marketing platforms, train-
ing and support personnel. Compare
them and ask serious questions, he says.
What is the companys total investment,
compared with your costs for using these
elements? What do you get for your in-
vestment dollars? Can it continually fur-
ther your development and growth, no
matter the stage of your business? How
big is their team, and how much are they
investing on an annual basis in the sup-
port of their members to help insure their
success?
You cant take a cursory look, Waldon
says. You have to ask a lot of questions
and check the answers. Theres a lot of
misinformation out there. Seek an advi-
sor who has been successful and fnd out
how they achieved their success. The best
place to start, he says, is with an agency
in your own network that has been in a
similar place to where you are now, and
has achieved the current goals youve set
for yourself.
Clearly, this is no simple task, but taking
the time now to make sure youre allying
yourself with the network thats the best
ft for you will help to ensure your busi-
ness is successful going forward.
Choosing a Consortium
continued from page 6
Consortia, Co-ops & Franchise Networks
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The Afuent Traveler Collection
Group Type: Consortium
Address: 71 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay,
NY 11771
Tel: 866-672-7674
Email: info@afuenttraveler.com
Website: www.theafuenttraveler.com
Members: 125
Annual Network Sales: Not available
(frst year in operation)
Marketing Programs: Agencies build
their businesses through exclusive luxury
supplier ofers, enhanced commissions,
and consumer leads. The Afuent Trav-
eler consumer travel magazine (available
in 12 countries) and dedicated website
drive luxury business to agencies. An
enriched amenities program encourages
customer loyalty
Technology Programs: State-of-the-art
booking engine
Training & Education Programs: A
complete program of educational op-
portunities helps members grow their
businesses, including an annual Afuent
Traveler Luxury Symposium, supplier and
product trainings, webinars, and the per-
sonal attention of a dedicated business
development manager
Annual or Monthly Fee: Not available
Membership Requirements: Agencies
join The Afuent Traveler Collection by
invitation and requirements are dis-
cussed individually
Cruise Holidays
Group Type: Franchise network
Address: 6442 City West Parkway, Min-
neapolis, MN 55344
Contact: Megan Wollak
Tel: 800-824-1481
Email: franchiseopportunities@
cruiseholidays.com
Websites: www.cruiseholidays.com
Members: 200+
Marketing Programs: Layered mar-
keting approach with on your behalf
emails, consumer-facing magazine,
direct mail strategies, public relations
Technology Programs: Proprietary
software system; password-protected
franchisee extranet site; on-demand
publishing capabilities
Training & Education Programs: 42-
hour initial training, 40-hour advanced
training; annual convention at sea; ongo-
ing online programs
Annual or Monthly Fee: Home-
based agents: $9,500 startup, $100 fat
monthly; retail: $24,500 initial, $750 fat
monthly
Membership Requirements: Must sign
franchise contract; accepting applica-
tions in U.S. and Canada
Cruise Planners, American
Express
Address: 3300 North University Dr., Suite
625, Coral Springs, FL 33065
Contact: Jason Mattes, Director of Fran-
chise Development
Tel: 888-582-2150
Email: jmattes@cruiseplanners.com
Websites: www.cruiseplannersfranchise.
com
Members: 700+
Annual Network Sales: $100 million+
Marketing Programs: Exclusive print
on-demand portal enables agents to
conceptualize, produce and distribute
customized mailers in 48 hours; lead-
generating online program with SEO
websites to suit agents individual needs;
customized consumer magazine; CP
Central, a virtual portal for accessing all
marketing tools and materials, including
brochures, scripts, press releases
Technology Programs: Proprietary
software provides agents with secure,
web-based reservations system; account
management; reporting methods; cus-
tomer profle, list and database manage-
ment; advertising tracking; collateral
material creation
Training & Education Programs: Initial
comprehensive six-day program and
ongoing professional development and
education at Cruise Planners University
Annual or Monthly Fee: Monthly royalty
fee of 3 percent of the gross commission-
able sales revenue
CruiseOne
Address: 1415 NW 62nd Street, Suite
205, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
Contact: Tim Courtney, Manager of
Network Development
Tel: 800-892-3928
Email: tcourtney@wth.com
Websites: www.CruiseOneFranchise.
com
Franchise Owners: 586
Annual Network Sales: $185 million
Marketing Programs: Full access to
turnkey marketing solutions and lead
generation programs
Technology Programs: Cruise Control, a
proprietary, web-based all-in-one CRM,
reservation system, fnancial reporting
application; CruiseCreate, a personal
marketing creation and list management
system; Business Center; personal web
portal to agents business with direct ac-
cess to headquarters; multiple, customiz-
able client facing websites with booking
engines
Training & Education Programs: Full
initial training included, boot camp,
monthly webinars, regional meetings,
national conference
Annual or Monthly Fee: Initial fee based
on experience level; monthly fee based
on sales performance
Ensemble Travel Group
Group Type: Member-owned cooperative
Address: 29 West 36th Street, FL8, New
York, NY 10018
Contact: Colleen Conley, Director-Na-
tional Sales
Tel: 518-371-2967 or 866-679-6486
Email: cconley@ensembletravel.com
Websites: www.ensembledirect.com
Members: More than 900 in the U.S. and
Canada
Marketing Programs: Ensemble
Lifestyles consumer magazine for the
afuent customer; Ensemble Vacations
catalog for the premium customer;
award-winning Vacation Therapy
integrated marketing programs featur-
continued on page 10
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ing social networking lead generation;
Ensemble E-Matrix 360 e-marketing
program powered by ClientBase/TRAMS;
choice of cost-efective, fexible member
marketing programs all customized for
travel agency members; sophisticated
customer segmentation system; thou-
sands of hosted, amenity and promo-
tional cruise ofers; amenity-driven
worldwide leisure hotel program ofering
four and fve-star hotels; private-label
villa program; in-destination experts
worldwide; customized FIT land ofers,
expert-led themed land and cruise
experiences; override commissions,
bonuses and proft sharing, corporate
hotel program
Technology Programs: Create and host
state-of-the-art web 2.0 consumer web-
sites for members and robust redesigned
member Extranet
Training & Education Programs: Inter-
national conference, regional meetings,
online anytime training
Annual or Monthly Fee: $500 annual fee
Membership Requirements: TRAMS/
ClientBase preferred. Other requirements
discussed on an individual basis
Expedia CruiseShipCenters
Group Type: Franchise Network
Address: 15600 NE 8th Street, Bellevue,
WA 98008-3947
Contact: Michael Mutsaerts
Tel: 888-783-0133
Email: info@cruisefranchise.com
Websites: www.cruisefranchise.com
Number of Members: 112 locations
Annual Network Sales: $300

million+
Marketing Programs: Print and email
marketing personalized to the agent level,
customizable website for each franchise
and agent, exclusive supplier promotions,
extremely economical mass mail and
direct mail programs and much more
Technology Programs: Powerful CRM
system, CruiseDesk,

integrates booking
and research functions with back-ofce,
marketing and customer relationship
management. Online system makes it
easy to manage a team of retail and/or
home-based agents
Training & Education Programs: Local
franchise development manager, Cruise
Management Academy training, annual
conferences at sea, online video library, in-
person agent and owner training events.
Annual or Monthly Fee: Varies based on
sales and business model
Membership Requirements: Home-
based or traditional brick-and-mortar
agencies are welcomed. Existing travel
agencies invited to contact the company
to learn about re-branding opportunities
Hickory Travel Systems/Custom
Travel Systems
Address: 160 Pehle Ave, 3rd Fl, Suite
302, Saddle Brook NJ 07663
Contact: Robert Moses
Tel: 800-448-0350 x 1020
Websites: www.hickorytravelsystems.
com
Number of Members: 3520
Annual Network Sales: $19.1 billion
Marketing Programs: E-marketing of
preferred supplier programs including
air, car, hotel and travelers services. Web
training sessions and quarterly newslet-
ter outlining strategies for success
Technology Programs: Web-based,
GDS based telephony and web-based
reporting
Training & Education Programs: Gen-
eral and vendor specifc training along
with International Airfare training
Annual or Monthly Fee: Varies, based
on service requirements
Membership Requirements: ARC ap-
proval
IT Group, LLC
Address: 100 Executive Way, Suite 202,
Ponte Vedra, FL 32082
Tel: 888-482-4636, 904-285-9796
Email: info@itgroupnetwork.com
Website: www.itgroupnetwork.com
Members: 878
Marketing Programs: Weekly, monthly
and quarterly marketing programs
designed to build and retain client base;
and e-marketing programs
Technology Programs: ClientManager
CRM
Training & Education Programs:
Supplier webinars, fam trips, specialist
programs
Annual or Monthly Fee: Initial member-
ship fee is $100, which is waived if previ-
ously a member of another consortium;
annual fees based on production for
preferred supplier up to $200
Membership Requirements: Leisure
travel experience needed
Leisure Travel Alliance, Inc.
Address: 1310 RR 620 South, Suite A8,
Austin, TX 78734
Contact: Dennis Acosta, Director
Member Sales & Service; Stuart Godwin,
President
Tel: 800-515-4582, 512-788-5586
Email: dacosta@leisuretravelalliance.
com
Websites: www.leisuretravelalliance.com
Members: 275
Marketing Programs: Extensive
network-sponsored consumer direct-
mail and email marketing programs,
including PRIZM NE demographic and
lifestyle database enhancement and
segmentation
Technology Programs: State-of-the-art
member agency portal, consumer site
and marketing database management
Training & Education Programs: An-
nual conference and multiple supplier-
sponsored events
Annual or Monthly Fee: Up to $300 an-
nually; varies by agency type and sales
Membership Requirements: Profes-
sionally qualifed independent storefront
agencies and home-based agents
MAST Travel Network
Address: 635 Butterfeld Rd., Suite 150,
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Contact: John Werner
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Tel: 630-889-9817, ext. 21
Email: johnw@mvptravel.com
Websites: www.mvptravel.com
Members: 185
Marketing Programs: Integrated print
and web marketing program, e-mail
promotions and numerous advertising
campaigns
Technology Programs: GDS contract
with Amadeus; website hosting, content
management and booking tools; en-
hanced members-only Extranet; MAST
message board communication forum
Training & Education Programs: Webi-
nars, online training programs, including
comprehensive sales skills tutorials
Annual or Monthly Fee:Annual mem-
bership programs - $495, Gold level;
$950, Gold Plus; $1650, Platinum
Membership Requirements: Minimum
tour and cruise sales of $500,000, back-
ofce system and customer database
NEST
Address: 243 South St. Oyster Bay, NY
11771
Tel: 516-922-2691, 888-245-NEST
Email: info@jointhenest.com
Websites: www.jointhenest.com, www.
inthenest.com
Members: 600
Marketing Programs: Market Your Own
Business (suite of direct-to-consumer
tools), NESTDirect (consumer direct mail
program), and NESTRewards (incentive
program). Agents can also tap into Ac-
claim Meetings, ofering meeting plan-
ning services and support
Technology Programs: CruiseNEST
(direct-connect cruise booking engine)
and NESTHotels (Web-based booking
engine with an inventory of more than
90,000 properties worldwide)
Training & Education Programs:
Annual conference, virtual trainings,
one-on-one with dedicated business
development director
Annual or Monthly Fee: $225 per year
Membership Requirements: Home-
based; independently owned and
operated; registered to book directly
with suppliers; and generate a desig-
nated, minimum amount of preferred
supplier sales
Results! Travel
Address: 6442 City West Parkway,
Minneapolis, MN 55344
Contact: John Risner, General Manager
Tel: 800-234-8241 x100
Email: admin@resultstravel.net
Websites: www.ResultsTravel.com
Members: 911 (locations)
Annual Network Sales: $2.6 billion+
Marketing Programs: Unique preferred
supplier program, including major air-
lines, cruise lines; quarterly local market
meetings; national travel publication and
mailings
Technology Programs: Proprietary cli-
ent base system; corporate booking tool
and leisure booking engine; extranet site
and website options for members
Training & Education Programs: Net-
working opportunities, including annual
national meeting and quarterly local
market meetings
Annual or Monthly Fee: Annual fee of
$300; initial membership fee of up to
$1,500
Membership Requirements: Must be
existing, fnancially sound, ARC-appoint-
ed brick-and-mortar agency
Signature Travel Network
Group Type: Member-owned coopera-
tive
Address: 4640 Admiralty Way, Suite 306,
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Contact: Shary Dyer, Vice President of
National Sales
Tel: 310-574-0883, ext. 312
Email: shary@signaturetravelnetwork.
com
Websites: www.signaturetravelnetwork.
com
Members: 190
Annual Network Sales: $4 billion
Marketing Programs: Extensive pro-
gram includes direct mail, publications,
and e-marketing campaign, customized
for each member agency. Network will
create and mail over six million market-
ing pieces this year
Technology Programs: Best-in-class
platform with comprehensive web con-
tent for cruises, hotels, land holidays, and
destinations; full spectrum of online mar-
keting tools designed to assist members
in efectively communicating with their
clients; customized technology solutions
at no cost to members
Training & Education Programs: New
partnership with Skillsoft powers online
Signature University with business and
Signature-related courses
Annual or Monthly Fee: Not available
Membership Requirements: Base of
Signature supplier sales, ClientBase, com-
mitment to marketing, attendance at
national meetings
Travel Leaders
Address: 6442 City West Parkway,
Minneapolis, MN 55344
Contact: Marc Moore, Director of
Franchise Development
Tel: 866-225-9026
Email: MMoore@travelleaders.com
Websites: www.TravelLeaders.com
Members: 451+ locations
Annual Network Sales: $2.5 billion+
Marketing Programs: National and
local marketing/advertising, including
national television, extensive online/
email marketing campaigns, consumer
magazine; public relations counsel and
support
Technology Programs: Q3 proprietary
CRM, corporate-oriented technology
tools, dedicated website with busi-
ness/leisure focus and agency locator,
extranet site
Training & Education Programs: Propri-
etary Certifed Travel Specialist program
as part of comprehensive agent educa-
tion & training oferings
Annual or Monthly Fee: Monthly fee
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ranging from $800 to $1,700; initial
membership fee of $1,500 per location
Membership Requirements: Must be
existing, fnancially sound, ARC-appoint-
ed brick-and-mortar agency
TRAVELSAVERS
Address: 71 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay,
NY 11771
Tel: 516-624-0500; 800-726-7283
Email: sales@travelsavers.com
Website: sales.travelsavers.com
Members: 3,000+
Annual Network Sales: $15 billion+
Marketing Programs: Market Your
Own Business (MYOB) suite of direct-to-
consumer tools; JOURNEYS consumer
travel magazine; national/local advertis-
ing, marketing and branding initiatives;
nationwide 800-number electronic/
referral system, Cruiseexpress online
cruise booking and management sys-
tem, proprietary hotel booking engine,
CorpXpress policy-compliant corpo-
rate booking tool, SITEMaster web site
development tool, access to Travel Tix air
fulfllment service
Training & Education Programs: Global
conference, virtual trainings, one-on-one
with dedicated business development
director
Annual or Monthly Fee: Initial licensee
fee; no annual fees
Membership Requirements: Not avail-
able
Vacation.com
Address: 1650 King Street, Suite 450,
Alexandria, VA 22314
Contact: Membership department
Tel: 800-843-0733
Email: membership@vacation-corp.com
Websites: www.joinvacation.com
Members: 5,000
Marketing Programs: Award-winning
Engagement direct mail and email mar-
keting program
Technology Programs: EZguider (U.S.),
SIREV (Canada)
Training & Education Programs: Inter-
national conference and trade show, live
and recorded webinars, eLearning Tutori-
als, Canadian regional conferences
Annual or Monthly Fee: Annual mem-
bership dues
Membership Requirements: ARC/CLIA/
IATA number, in business for at least one
year with a minimum of $100,000 in
Preferred Supplier revenue
Virtuoso
Address: 505 Main Street, Suite 500, Ft.
Worth, Texas 76102
Contacts: Keith Waldon (agency own-
ers), Susan Spain (consultants)
Tel: Keith at 512-847-7200, Susan at 817-
334-8637
Email: Kwaldon@virtuoso.com, Sspain@
virtuoso.com
Websites: www.virtuoso.com, www.
BecomeAVirtuoso.com
Number of Members: 330 agencies
with 630 locations
Marketing Programs: Award-winning
consumer publications including Vir-
tuoso Life and Virtuoso Insights; themed
catalogues; direct mail, e-marketing and
managed websites; blogs, Facebook and
Twitter; professional CRM programs;
exclusive alliances with World Elite
MasterCard and Saveur, Islands, Spa and
Snow magazines; dedicated PR eforts
Technology Programs: Virtuoso Com-
poser proprietary technology platform,
ofering fast, comprehensive access to
news, ofers, products and contacts in
one integrated site
Training & Education Programs: Over
200 complimentary sales, management
and product courses online through
Composer 24/7; facilitated training in-
ofce, during Travel Mart and at regional
meetings
Annual or Monthly Fee: $1,250 the frst
year, $750 each year thereafter. Mem-
bers receive 100 percent participation in
earned network overrides; co-op credits
for every dollar of participating supplier
production
Membership Requirements: Strong
luxury/leisure track record and reputa-
tion; minimum preferred supplier sales
of $125,000 per leisure consultant and
$500,000 per agency location
WESTA (Western Association of
Travel Agencies)
Address: 5933 NE Win Silvers Dr., Suite
202, Portland OR 97220
Contact: Mike Estill, WESTA General
Manager
Tel: 503-251-8170
Email:mike@westa1.org
Websites: www.westa1.org
Number of Members: 140
Marketing Programs: 100,000-name
common client database platform, with
third-party demographic data overlays,
drives dozens of highly-customized cam-
paigns and a total of over a half-million
direct-mail marketing pieces
Technology Programs: Huge agent
resource website completely redesigned
for 2010, including proprietary cruise pric-
ing database with group sailing support,
extensive information on preferred sup-
pliers, including performance ratings by
member agents and archiving of promo-
tions from all preferred suppliers giving
agents a one-stop location to review all
the general and exclusive promotions
available to them. Site hosting and content
support for agencies client-facing websites
with promotional ofers and general sup-
plier content keeping agency sites updated
with fresh material on a weekly basis
Training & Education Programs: Over
25 individual educational meetings and
events held in several locations through-
out the West Coast making available over
90 hours of product and sales training
per year
Annual or Monthly Fee: $500
Membership Requirements: Minimum
two years in business and minimum
production per ofce (either gross sales
or preferred supplier sales targets)
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O
ver the past 17 years,
CruiseOne has grown
to become the na-
tions largest cruise
travel retailer with more than
550 independently-owned cruise
travel franchise locations. It has
achieved this success by creating
trends that help its franchise own-
ers stand out.
CruiseOne infuses innovation into
absolutely everything it does, in-
cluding its dynamic three-tiered ap-
proach to marketing, training and
technology. That innovation is the
main reason why aspiring entrepreneurs from all over the coun-
try, and practically every industry, have come home to CruiseOne.
The level of support CruiseOne provides you means that suc-
cess is inevitable. For example, CruiseOne creates turn-key,
personalized marketing programs for its franchise owners.
From customized direct mail, to cruise line advertising co-ops
and public relations initiatives, CruiseOnes marketing sets you
apart from the pack.
Taking place at CruiseOnes Fort Lauderdale HQ training center,
integrated start-up training connects you with original curricu-
lum and content from cruise line partners. Dynamic continuing
education opportunities abound too, with exciting land-based
and cruise-based training and an annual National Conference
at Sea. Best-in-class technologies help you market, sell and
service customers. The cutting-edge solutions include cus-
tomized websites, a state-of-the-art proprietary reservation
system, and a private intranet.
Today, CruiseOne is making it easier (and more afordable) than
ever before to own your own business, doing exactly what you
love. For those new to the travel industry or with limited in-
dustry experience, a new CruiseOne fnancing plan is now avail-
able. Simply pay $2,500 toward your initial Franchising Fee and
CruiseOne fnances the rest over a 24-month period. To make
your dream a reality, log onto www.CruiseOneFranchise.com or
call 800-892-3928.
Dwain Wall
Senior Vice President
and General Manager
CruiseOne
)1& %6/ 32
% 2); '%6) ) 6
is the leading home-based franchise cruise
retailer and one of the top ranked businesses nationwide.
Industry-Leading, Best-in-Class Technology
Turn Key Online and Ofine Marketing Programs
Comprehensive Training Program and Continuous Education
Enjoy the Travel Industrys Highest Commissions
Get Paid Weekly
Work from Home, an Ofce or Storefront
Flexibility + Fun = Profitability
Visit our website
www.CruiseOneFranchise.com
or call 1 888 245 0970
I
n 1994, business partners Michelle
Fee and Lynn Korn joined forces with
industry veteran Marvin Davis to cre-
ate Cruise Planners, a franchised travel
agent network that would have the ca-
pability to book cruises directly from the
comforts of home. What began as a small
business, with only fve students in the frst
training class, has grown into the nations
largest home-based travel agent franchise
network in the cruise industry. With more
than 700 franchise owners across the
United States, Cruise Planners has earned
industry accolades and top-producer sta-
tus with every major cruise line.
Cruise Planners provides its agents with in-
dustry-leading marketing, technology and
professional development programs, along
with exclusive partnerships and opportuni-
ties that are available because of the strong
relationships that have been nurtured over
the past 15 years between Cruise Planners
and the leading cruise lines.
All in the Family
Cruise Planners agents also enjoy a
unique, family-like environment where
executive support is readily available and
where they can easily share best practices
with each other across virtual platforms.
And, as ofcial American Express Travel
Service Representa-
tives, Cruise Planners
agents have instant
credibility and part-
nership opportunities,
such as national mar-
keting eforts like the
Pay with Points pro-
gram and a pre- and
post-hotel program.
Additional American
Express Mariners Club
benefits include spe-
cial fares, Mariners
Hosts, exclusive pre-
and post-cruise tours,
free shore-side events
and elegant dining,
and shipboard credits.
Financials
Members opt in by purchasing a Cruise
Planners franchise after a due diligence
process that includes a virtual presenta-
tion, review of its Disclosure Document,
and calls with its current franchisees. Li-
censed, bonded, and insured, Cruise Plan-
ners is a member of CLIA, NACOA, ASTA
and the Better Business Bureau.
There is a one-time franchise fee--which
includes the Cruise Planners franchise,
training, support and franchisee benefts-
-ranging from $495 to $9,995 based on
previous industry experience.
Cruise Planners ofers top industry com-
missions (paid twice monthly), bonuses,
and incentive awards. With the notable
exception of a 3% royalty fee payable on
the gross commissionable sailed revenue,
Cruise Planners does not have any obliga-
tory monthly costs associated with its
franchise.
Currently, Cruise Planners is ofering an
opportunity for experienced agents to
join for free. To qualify, a travel profession-
al much have at least three years of cruise
sales experience and be able to docu-
ment not less than $100,000 in cruise
sales during the previous 12-month time
period.
Marketing/Technology
Cruise Planners provides its agents with
award-winning, turnkey marketing pro-
grams, including an exclusive print-on-
demand portal that enables agents to
conceptualize, produce and distribute
customized mailers in 24-48 hours; a
lead-generating online program with
SEO websites to suit the individual needs
of each travel agent; a customized con-
sumer magazine to send to potential and
existing clients; and CP Central, a virtual
portal where agents can access all mar-
keting tools and materials, including bro-
chures, scripts, press releases, etc., from
anywhere in the world.
Cruise Planners proprietary software pro-
vides agents with a secure, web-based res-
ervation system; account management;
reporting methods; customer profle, list
and database management; advertising
tracking, and collateral material creation.
Training
New franchise owner training includes a
comprehensive six-day program in Fort
Lauderdale, Fla., with ship tours, seminars,
and workshops with industry leaders. On-
going training and continuing education
ofered through Cruise Planners Univer-
sity (CPU) includes a comprehensive cur-
riculum covering marketing, advertising,
product updates, technology, group and
individual sales and web marketing; live
webinars; on-demand training sessions;
Seminars-at-Sea; and annual conven-
tions. Credits earned through the edu-
cation programs are valid towards CLIA
certifcation.
Cruise Planners motto is You are in busi-
ness for yourself but never by yourself.
www.cruiseplannersfranchise.com
jmattes@cruiseplanners.com
888-582-2150
More Information
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Cruise Planners/American Express
Terri Burke, senior vice president of relationship
marketing (left); Michelle Fee, CEO (center); Vicky Garcia,
senior vice president of sales and marketing (right)
C
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e
SM
CRUISE PLANNERS
SM
Were Anchored In Your Success
There are four household
names in travel and American
Express is one of them.
Our family of agents are,
just that, a family. Be a
part of something big.
family.
Cruisitude
SM
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John Werner
President & COO
I
nnovation drives the MAST organi-
zation creating new opportunities
for members to grow their business,
remain proftable, and increase their
professionalism. MASTs business model
openly shares sales fgures, sales goals,
and override revenue with members as
achieved by the entire organization. Cre-
ating greater value and developing new
methods of meeting member needs is
the networks commitment to the travel
agency community in the Midwest.
Overall Philosophy
The companys four-pillar strategy begins
with its commitment to solutions created
uniquely for MAST members. Its small, yet
diverse and growing agency network re-
quires solutions customized to members
needs, not generic programs to ft all.
Second, MAST is committed to brand de-
velopment, agency by agency. Each ofce
seeks to maintain its own identity within
its location and travel community. MAST
helps agencies accomplish that with its
training and marketing programs.
The third pillar is relationshipswithin
the network, with its preferred suppliers,
and within the travel industry at-large.
MAST fosters a community atmosphere in
which each agency and each individual,
agent or supplier, feels they are an inte-
gral part of the networks success.
Fourth, and the sole reason for being in
business, is sales and proftability. MAST
is a sales-focused and goal-oriented or-
ganization. It provides close monitoring
of preferred supplier sales and promotes
greater member accountability. Further,
MASTs new programs and unique edu-
cational and networking events help to
increase sales and improve proftability
for each member.
Offerings
Increased membership value stems from
MASTs Platinum and Gold Plus programs
in which members receive direct mail
credits to apply to its consumer publica-
tions, which are mailed on their behalf
throughout the year. Members receive
a tremendous savings over the cost of
sending their own direct mail, and their
overall expenses are far less than the cost
of postage alone. These two membership
programs include the standard member-
ship fee, presenting additional savings.
Current members receive incentives for
recruiting agencies to become members,
while new members receive incentives
valued up to $1,500 for joining.
MAST helps drive business into members
ofces through an integrated print and
web marketing program, direct mail reply
cards, email promotions, and numerous
advertising campaigns. New this year, is a
video marketing program using tradition-
al as well as online media to help MAST
members extend their reach and attract
new customers to their agencies. MAST
members receive low rates on credit card
merchant fees and a hotel discount rate
program. Members have access to com-
missionable shore excursions, commis-
sionable rates on Park N Stay programs,
and money-saving sales tools.
MASTs GDS contract with Amadeus still
ofers a proft-center opportunity for its
members, large or small. An enhanced
members-only Extranet provides all the
tools and resources needed to be ef-
cient and productive, with user-friendly
navigation and well-organized informa-
tion pages. The MAST message board af-
fords members a communication forum
to exchange information, ask for sug-
gestions, and ofer solutions. The Trip Re-
views section is an internal trip advisor,
while The Marketplace allows members
to do business with one another, similar
to Craigs List.
Training
Webinars, online training programs and
conference calls are recorded, and mem-
bers can review entire presentations
online at their convenience, or down-
load audio podcasts. MAST ofers web-
site hosting, content management, and
booking tools through its MAST Web So-
lutions program. New this year, is a com-
prehensive sales skills training program
perfect for both entry-level agents as well
as veteran agents.
Four times a year, MAST members receive
reports on progress they have made to-
ward their individual sales goals. Each
March, members are recognized in front
of their peers and preferred suppliers for
their annual sales achievements.
In April 2010, MAST will host its 19th An-
nual Conference in Nashville at the Op-
ryland Hotel. New this year is a program
named the Owners Summit, a one-day
conference just for agency owners fo-
cused on agency proftability and agency
concerns centered on costs; business op-
erations; and employee compensation,
incentives, and training.
Excitement, value, opportunity, and of
course, fnancial rewards are the corner-
stones of MAST membership.
www.mvptravel.com
johnw@mvptravel.com
630-889-9817 ext 21
More Information
MAST Travel Network
STAYING AHEAD OF THE CURVE
Signature proudly serves a broad and diverse base of
retail travel companies that include some of the nations
top travel entities, internet-based marketers, single-
location boutique travel specialists, cruise-only agencies,
and multi-location, market dominant organizations.
e network supports over 6,000 front-line travel
consultants, who collectively generate sales in excess of $4
billion. e organization has been in business since 1956.
Signature continues to attract some of the travel industrys
most successful and prominent retailers. Here are some of
the key reasons travel organizations are joining Signature:
BRANDING Signatures marketing is singularly
focused on the members
identity. Simply stated, its all
about the members brand. All
specially negotiated consumer
privileges are presented to the
client on behalf of their travel
consultant.
MARKETING is year, Signature will create,
personalize, and mail over 6 million pieces of direct mail and
publications on behalf of its members. Signature accesses
members client database in real-time daily, complete
with full transactional, demographic, and psychographic
information. is data enables Signature to orchestrate
highly targeted online and direct mail marketing initiatives
for its members that drive results.
EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS Signature provides its
members a wide range of unique privileges that help close
sales and build client loyalty.
Signatures hotel program
delivers breakfast for two
daily, additional amenities,
special rates, upgrades, and
other benets at over 650
hotels worldwide. Signatures
cruise program oers exclusive
privileges, including car and
driver shoreside experiences,
prepaid gratuities, private
food and wine events, onboard
hosts, shipboard
credits, and much
more on over 1,000 sailings. In addition,
Signatures portfolio of Destination
Specialists provides access to the nest
providers of customized travel experiences
all over the globe.
TRAINING Signature has recently forged an exclusive
partnership with Skillsoft, the world-class online training
system that serves many of Americas premier companies.
is new system will enable the network to launch an
online Signature University this fall, including business
skill courses, Signature custom online seminars, recorded
webinars, and much more.
NETWORKING roughout the year, Signature
conducts multiple meetings for owners and front-line
travel consultants, to provide relevant access to the latest
business initiatives, training, as well as the expertise of
industry leaders.
TECHNOLOGY Signatures technology is considered
the retail travel industrys most sophisticated. In
addition to comprehensive
web content for cruises,
hotels, land holidays, and
destinations, Signature
provides turnkey email
marketing programs, as
well as a full spectrum
of online marketing tools
designed to assist members
to better communicate with
their clients. Customized
technology solutions are
provided at no cost for
Signature members.
e keys to Signatures success: Signatures management
team has decades of experience and understands the
day-to-day challenges faced by the front-line travel
consultants and agency management. In addition,
Signature listens to its members, travel consultants,
and clients. The network adapts to market changes
quickly, and supports members based on the unique
business objectives of each organization.
For more information visit
www.signaturetravelnetwork.com
Call 310.574.0883 or email Shary Dyer
shary@signaturetravelnetwork.com
Signatures Hotel & Resort Program
gives us a great competitive edge at point
of sale. The complimentary privileges at
over 650 hotels worldwide ensure that our
travelers are welcomed like VIPs.
Wido Schaefer,
TRAVELSTORE
Our travel consultants receive exceptional
support from Signature on a daily basis.
The assistance provided by the networks
staff enables us to close more sales and
exceed our customers expectations.
Bryan Leibman,
FROSCH TRAVEL
Signatures Client Connection CRM
system has made a positive difference in my
agency. I now manage my database more
effectively and ensure our clients get the
right message at the right time.
Maureen Jones,
ALL-HORI ZONS TRAVEL
As one of Conde Nast Travelers top cruise
specialists, its essential for me to deliver
the best overall cruise value on every
booking. Signatures extensive program of
complimentary cruise privileges enables
me to stay competitive and go above and
beyond for each client.
Tom Baker,
CRUI SECENTER
My company prides itself in its ability to
create unique, custom-tailored itineraries
for our valued customers. Signatures
worldwide portfolio of Destination
Specialists gives me the expert resources
we need on the ground in over 100
countries all over the globe.
Peter Carideo CTC,
CRC TRAVEL
Signatures online tools have enabled us
to maximize the potential of each sale.
Our travel consultants leisure business
continues to grow, supported every step
of the way by Signatures best-in-class
technology platform.
Wilma Boyd,
PREFERRED TRAVEL OF NAPLES
A FEW WORDS FROM
OUR MEMBERS. . .
Signatures marketing is
singularly focused on the
members identity...its all
about the agencys brand.
STAYING AHEAD OF THE CURVE
Signature proudly serves a broad and diverse base of
retail travel companies that include some of the nations
top travel entities, internet-based marketers, single-
location boutique travel specialists, cruise-only agencies,
and multi-location, market dominant organizations.
e network supports over 6,000 front-line travel
consultants, who collectively generate sales in excess of $4
billion. e organization has been in business since 1956.
Signature continues to attract some of the travel industrys
most successful and prominent retailers. Here are some of
the key reasons travel organizations are joining Signature:
BRANDING Signatures marketing is singularly
focused on the members
identity. Simply stated, its all
about the members brand. All
specially negotiated consumer
privileges are presented to the
client on behalf of their travel
consultant.
MARKETING is year, Signature will create,
personalize, and mail over 6 million pieces of direct mail and
publications on behalf of its members. Signature accesses
members client database in real-time daily, complete
with full transactional, demographic, and psychographic
information. is data enables Signature to orchestrate
highly targeted online and direct mail marketing initiatives
for its members that drive results.
EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS Signature provides its
members a wide range of unique privileges that help close
sales and build client loyalty.
Signatures hotel program
delivers breakfast for two
daily, additional amenities,
special rates, upgrades, and
other benets at over 650
hotels worldwide. Signatures
cruise program oers exclusive
privileges, including car and
driver shoreside experiences,
prepaid gratuities, private
food and wine events, onboard
hosts, shipboard
credits, and much
more on over 1,000 sailings. In addition,
Signatures portfolio of Destination
Specialists provides access to the nest
providers of customized travel experiences
all over the globe.
TRAINING Signature has recently forged an exclusive
partnership with Skillsoft, the world-class online training
system that serves many of Americas premier companies.
is new system will enable the network to launch an
online Signature University this fall, including business
skill courses, Signature custom online seminars, recorded
webinars, and much more.
NETWORKING roughout the year, Signature
conducts multiple meetings for owners and front-line
travel consultants, to provide relevant access to the latest
business initiatives, training, as well as the expertise of
industry leaders.
TECHNOLOGY Signatures technology is considered
the retail travel industrys most sophisticated. In
addition to comprehensive
web content for cruises,
hotels, land holidays, and
destinations, Signature
provides turnkey email
marketing programs, as
well as a full spectrum
of online marketing tools
designed to assist members
to better communicate with
their clients. Customized
technology solutions are
provided at no cost for
Signature members.
e keys to Signatures success: Signatures management
team has decades of experience and understands the
day-to-day challenges faced by the front-line travel
consultants and agency management. In addition,
Signature listens to its members, travel consultants,
and clients. The network adapts to market changes
quickly, and supports members based on the unique
business objectives of each organization.
For more information visit
www.signaturetravelnetwork.com
Call 310.574.0883 or email Shary Dyer
shary@signaturetravelnetwork.com
Signatures Hotel & Resort Program
gives us a great competitive edge at point
of sale. The complimentary privileges at
over 650 hotels worldwide ensure that our
travelers are welcomed like VIPs.
Wido Schaefer,
TRAVELSTORE
Our travel consultants receive exceptional
support from Signature on a daily basis.
The assistance provided by the networks
staff enables us to close more sales and
exceed our customers expectations.
Bryan Leibman,
FROSCH TRAVEL
Signatures Client Connection CRM
system has made a positive difference in my
agency. I now manage my database more
effectively and ensure our clients get the
right message at the right time.
Maureen Jones,
ALL-HORI ZONS TRAVEL
As one of Conde Nast Travelers top cruise
specialists, its essential for me to deliver
the best overall cruise value on every
booking. Signatures extensive program of
complimentary cruise privileges enables
me to stay competitive and go above and
beyond for each client.
Tom Baker,
CRUI SECENTER
My company prides itself in its ability to
create unique, custom-tailored itineraries
for our valued customers. Signatures
worldwide portfolio of Destination
Specialists gives me the expert resources
we need on the ground in over 100
countries all over the globe.
Peter Carideo CTC,
CRC TRAVEL
Signatures online tools have enabled us
to maximize the potential of each sale.
Our travel consultants leisure business
continues to grow, supported every step
of the way by Signatures best-in-class
technology platform.
Wilma Boyd,
PREFERRED TRAVEL OF NAPLES
A FEW WORDS FROM
OUR MEMBERS. . .
Signatures marketing is
singularly focused on the
members identity...its all
about the agencys brand.
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TRAVELSAVERS
Our Strength. Your Success.
Call 800-366-9895 today.
Gen X. Gen Y. The Millennials. The next generation of travel purchasers is already on our doorstep, knocking loudly. Are you prepared?
Do you know what moves them? Do you know how to make them customers for life?
At TRAVELSAVERS, we do. We understand that the only way to survive and thrive today is to bring fresh thinking to the table to
maintain long-standing relationships with other leaders in the industryand to appreciate the mindset of our shared customers. Thats
why weve paired the business acumen weve garnered over the past 38 years with the innovativeness of the next generation of leadership.
As Founder and CEO of TRAVELSAVERS, Im proud to share the
boardroomwith my son and two daughters. They represent the next
generation. In fact, they are the next generation.
And they knowthe industry inside and out. They quite literally
grew up in the travel agency business stamping
brochures at the dinner table. Its in their blood. As the Mazza
family grew, so too did American Marketing Group, Inc., the
parent company of TRAVELSAVERS. We now operate 13
highly successful brands under the American Marketing
Group umbrella. And we bring all of those resources directly
to you to help you build your business every day.
In the end, our success is measured by your success. If
youre already part of our family, we applaud and appreciate
you. If not, we invite you to come to the table.
Le: A.J. (Rick) Mazza (President & CEO, TRAVELSAVERS)
Above: Nicole Mazza (Executive VP Marketing), Jim Mazza (Chief Operating Ocer),
Kathryn Mazza-Burney (Executive VP Sales & Service)
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E
ntering its 40th year,
TRAVELSAVERS is a lead-
ing international market-
ing organization with a
retail chain of more than 3,000 in-
dependently owned travel agen-
cies around the world that gen-
erates more than $15 billion in
annual travel sales. TRAVELSAV-
ERS president & CEO, Rick Mazza,
created a group whose primary
goal was to help its agencies in-
crease their market share as well
as their overall profitability.
Unique to TRAVELSAVERS, its agencies are each given an exclu-
sive territory in the U.S., based on a population of 50,000. All
business leads generated from it are theirs for as long as they are
afliated with TRAVELSAVERS and adhere to basic requirements,
such as selling a large percentage of their business through
preferred suppliers. TRAVELSAVERS average agency size is $5
million in annual sales. Agencies must pay an initial licensee
fee; there are no annual fees. Each agency receives a complete
portfolio of marketing programs, plus a customized consumer
travel magazine. Lifestyle Marketing Campaigns help agencies
tap into the hottest niche travel markets. Acclaim Meetings is
a sister company and through it TRAVELSAVERS agencies can
grow their meetings and incentives business. The TWIN global
travel management company provides opportunities to partner
with other top agencies ofering in-bound services and travel
specialty products/services.
TRAVELSAVERS has brought its exclusive territory system (e-ter-
ritories) to the web and delivers a variety of e-commerce oppor-
tunities. They include cruiseexpress, a proprietary direct-connect
cruise booking engine; a hotel booking engine with an inventory
of over 90,000 properties and discounts and a block space pro-
gram; CorpXpress, a state-of-the-art online corporate travel man-
agement tool; and an agent extranet.
Town Hall Meetings with preferred suppliers take place through-
out the U.S. In June 2010, TRAVELSAVERS parent company (Ameri-
can Marketing Group) will hold its frst global conference, includ-
ing all of its 14 travel brands.
Rick Mazza
President & CEO
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NEST
N
EST (Network of Entre-
preneurs Selling Travel)
is the industrys first and
only marketing group
dedicated solely to home-based
travel agents; it has been in busi-
ness since 2004. Agencies join as
members and book directly with
suppliers (using their own CLIA,
IATA True or ARC number), main-
taining their agency ownership,
commissions and client base. It
has nearly 600 predominantly lei-
sure-focused members, and many
that are large group producers.
NEST agencies must meet the following criteria: 1) home-
based; 2) independently owned and operated; 3) registered
to book directly with suppliers; and 4) generate a designated,
minimum amount of preferred-supplier sales. In return, they
receive a full spectrum of marketing, sales, technology and
operational support through a close-knit community.
NEST offers a Market Your Own Business (MYOB) marketing
program; a customized consumer travel magazine, JOURNEYS;
NESTDirect turnkey database marketing program; NEST-
Rewards incentive program; and Lifestyle Marketing Cam-
paigns that help agents tap into the hottest niche travel mar-
kets. Acclaim Meetings is a sister company, and through it
NEST agencies can grow their meetings and incentives busi-
ness. NEST agents have access to cruiseexpress, NESTs pro-
prietary direct-connect cruise booking engine; a NESTHotels
booking engine with over 90,000 properties; and an agent
extranet.
Several virtual trainings with suppliers are held each month.
The MYOB webinars are held monthly, and they assist home-
based agents in marketing best practices. Agents also work
one-on-one with their dedicated Business Development
Director. The annual NEST FEST conference is always well
attended, and in June 2010, the parent company of NEST
(American Marketing Group) will hold its first global confer-
ence, including all of its 14 travel brands.
Kathryn Mazza Burney
President
Soar with NESTs Partnerships
The Globus family of brands recognizes the importance of the home-based travel agent. NEST
allows us to tap into this dynamic market, and we couldnt be more pleased with our affiliation.
NEST has given us direct access to highly qualified, productive agents within the home-based
distribution channel who expertly sell our product.
Rest assured, Globus and NEST are committed to your success. Members enjoy easy access to
the tools and support needed to grow their business. The sky is the limit for agents who are
in the NEST!
Paula Hayes, VP of Sales, Globus family of brands
NEST enables your home-based agency to maintain its hard-earned
independence and provides unbeatable benefits, such as:
Higher commissions
Book directly with cruise lines, tour operators, resorts, etc.
Dedicated Service Director
FREE NEST Direct Marketing
Wide variety of preferred suppliers
Turn-key sales promotions
Online supplier virtual trainings
CruiseExpress: A direct-connect/real-time cruise booking engine
Valuable networking via our web site at www.inthenest.com
Apply online at www.jointhenest.com, call 888.245.6378 Ext. 2053
or email us at info@jointhenest.com
Paula Hayes, VP of Sales, Globus family of brands
TM
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Matthew Upchurch
CEO
V
irtuoso is a 58-year-old pri-
vately held company that domi-
nates sales and marketing in the
luxury travel industry. With a
by-invitation-only membership of lead-
ing leisure travel agencies, Virtuoso rep-
resents a luxury sales network of more
than 300 agencies, with 630 locations and
6,000 elite travel advisors in 22 countries.
The network has preferred relationships
with 1,250 luxury travel operators, one-
third of which are unique to the group.
Virtuoso is the exclusive travel partner for
World Elite MasterCard, and its members
solely comprise the travel boards and ful-
fllment for Saveur, Islands, Spa and Snow
magazines.
Virtuosos dedication to member success
is evident in its support and development
of the frontline sales force.
The numerous advantages of being a Vir-
tuoso member include increased revenue
through co-op credits earned on partici-
pating supplier production and the net-
works commitment to distributing 100%
of overrides earned by achieving produc-
tion targets. The Virtuoso Air program
produces average agency commissions
of $368 per contract booking. Brand rec-
ognition and consumer preference allow
for alliance partnerships with Master-
Card and leading consumer magazines,
while relationships with the worlds top
travel providers result in the industrys
best hotel and cruise incentives for cli-
ents. Virtuoso also provides unparalleled
resources such as 24/7 agent develop-
ment and training, industry-leading con-
ferences, a global technology platform,
and global sales support.
Marketing/Technology
Virtuoso produces and distributes the
most efective marketing in the industry,
encompassing print, (including its own
award-winning publication, VIRTUOSO
LIFE), electronic and social media. All
marketing features agency, agent and
client personalization, with opt-in/out
capability. Public relations eforts create
consumer awareness and preference for
Virtuoso advisors. Coverage in national
media resulted in more than 216 million
impressions for individual members this
year and 670 million impressions for the
entire network, creating signifcant lead
generation and agent recruitment op-
portunities.
The networks proprietary technology plat-
form, Virtuoso Composer, is designed to
assist the frontline consultant, with man-
agement tools for owners and managers.
Composer provides fast, intuitive and com-
prehensive access to news, promotions,
products and contacts in one integrated
site, and is available exclusively to Virtuoso
members at no charge. An additional ex-
clusive Sabre contract ofers strong seg-
ment payment levels with no minimums
and preferred customer service.
Training/Conferences
The Virtuoso Trust provides over 200
complimentary sales, management and
product courses online through Compos-
er, 24/7. Facilitated training takes place
in-ofce, and at Travel Mart and regional
meetings. Virtuoso holds quarterly meet-
ings, beginning with fve Regional Meet-
ings facilitated by an elected Member. The
Overseas Symposium, which addresses
key industry topics, takes place interna-
tionally during the second quarter. Travel
Mart, the industrys best-attended luxury
travel conference with more than 3,000
participants, occurs in the third quarter.
During the fourth quarter, Virtuoso hosts
its Chairmans Recognition Event, honor-
ing the networks top producers.
Preferred Relationships
Virtuoso has preferred relationships with
1,250 luxury travel operators, includ-
ing cruise lines, hotels, tour operators,
specialty and adventure companies,
ground operators, airlines, car services,
travel insurance, private jets and yachts.
The networks Hotels & Resorts Program
includes over 800 properties, each pro-
viding complimentary amenities valued
at a minimum of $175. The On-Site pro-
gram features 137 ground operators in 75
countries. Virtuoso Air provides members
with a unique, 24/7 program featuring 45
air carriers and more than 160 contracts.
By Invitation Only
Virtuoso agencies have an excellent repu-
tation and strong sales with premium to
ultra-luxury suppliers. Members range
from boutique agencies focused on lei-
sure travel to larger multi-region agencies
with full-service operations. Virtuoso has
traditional brick-and-mortar agencies, as
well as some of the best host agencies in
the industry. Requirements include a min-
imum of $125,000 in preferred-supplier
sales per leisure agent and a minimum of
$500,000 in preferred-supplier sales per
location. An agencys annual fees are only
$1,250 the frst year, and $750 each year
thereafter. Individual agents have many
host agency options within the network.
www.Virtuoso.com; www.BecomeAVirtuoso.com
Keith Waldon: Kwaldon@virtuoso.com,
512-847-7200 (agency owners)
Susan Spain: Sspain@virtuoso.com,
817-334-8637 (consultants)
More Information
Virtuoso
The worlds finest travel agencies and advisors are Virtuoso.
Through Virtuoso
, the only network dedicated to the success

of frontline advisors. When youre affliated with a Virtuoso member
agency, you dont just maximize margins on every sale, you also earn
more recognition, prestige, client loyalty, qualifed leads, and satisfaction.
Through invaluable Virtuoso resources, contacts, and tools, you become
an indispensable advisor to clients who value you more.
becomeavi rtuoso.com/more
How can you
earn more?
Virtuoso helps you earn more through:
Superior Commission Structure
Commissionable 24/7 Air Program
Exclusive Product Portfolio
Professional Development Tools
Rich Qualified Leads
Worldwide Industry Contacts
Visit bEComEAVIRTuoSo.Com/moRE today.
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F
inding the right host agency is
one of the most important busi-
ness decisions you can make as
an independent contractor. It
requires a great amount of thought and
research. It can be the key to making ev-
eryday business dealings smoother, easi-
er and, of course, more proftable. In the
ever-challenging world of selling travel,
many of you are realizing that its much
better to be part of a larger whole than
going it completely solo. A host agency
allows you to keep your independence as
a business owner, with the support and
knowledge of your host as well as your
fellow independent contractors. A host
agency can give you the extra push you
need to set your agency apart in your
market.
When properly evaluating a host travel
agency, its far beyond the cost and com-
mission split, says Andi Mysza, president
of Professional Association of Travel Hosts
(PATH) and president of Independent
Contractor Division of California-based
Montrose Travel. Its more than transac-
tion processing. Its a much more com-
plex decision that requires peeking under
the covers to get the full story about the
host. Do an initial review of their website;
call them and ask questions--especially
about information not found on their site-
-ask for references, and check the Better
Business Bureau. Even Google them. Re-
member, selecting a compatible host is
much like a marriage. You should take a
long-term approach and feel completely
comfortable with your decision with your
new business partner.
This guide demonstrates the sheer num-
ber of choices there are in host agencies
today. So how do you start narrowing
down your search, ultimately picking the
right one for you? You begin at the begin-
ning with research, as stressed by Mysza.
Do your homework up front, agrees
Jackie Friedman, president and general
manager of Nexion. Know whats avail-
able out there and fnd the right ft. For
example, Robert Beukema of Travel Coun-
sellors in Richmond, Va., spent a month
doing a fairly exhaustive comparison
before he chose his host agency.
Your research should include the follow-
ing points.
Understand your
business mix
You know what you sell, so you need to
fnd a host agency that sells the same
type of business you do, or at least the
business you wish to sell if youre still
growing your agency. Are you selling cor-
porate travel, leisure travel, or both? Up-
scale travel? Study the host agencys sup-
pliers and see if theyre the same ones you
sell. Examine the opportunities available
with the host agency. For Stacy H. Small,
president of Elite Travel International in
Brentwood, Calif., one of the most impor-
tant components she considered when
choosing host agency Third Millennium
Travel was its Virtuoso afliation because
of her luxury focus and the benefts shes
able to pass on to her clients.
You also need to understand your own
book of business value and your com-
mitment to selling. Some host agencies
welcome part-time agents or those just
starting out, while others require a mini-
mum number of years in the business or
minimum sales fgures. Travel Counsel-
lors, for example requires two years in
travel agent sales and a book of business
worth $180,000 annually. You have to be
full-time committed and this is your only
job, says Darya Camacci, vice president.
This way youre dealing with business-
minded people.
Figure out what your support
needs are
Are you new to the business and need a
lot of support and hand-holding or are
you a veteran who just needs some sup-
port? How important is getting through
to someone live immediately when you
call your host, as opposed to having to go
through a few automated prompts?
You need to decide if youd prefer to be
part of a large host agency, which has its
share of benefts, or a smaller host, which
might ofer a more personal touch. Most
hosts will assign a BDM, business de-
velopment manager, or similar contact
person, to make your partnership more
personal.
Whether you choose a large or small host
agency, joining a host also means the
ability to reach out to other agents for
advice and help. Your network of agents
becomes important with us because we
Making the Host Choice
By Stacey Zable
Which host agency is the right one for you?
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have a very tight-knit network [of agents]
who are on the same page as far as their
careers, says Susan Ferrell, owner of Trav-
el Experts. If you dont know something,
you put a question out there via email
and/or our blog, which are set up for ex-
changing information, and youll get your
answer back.
Laurie Rusin, president of LXR Travel LLC
based in Williamsville, N.Y., a Travel Ex-
perts afliate, says, I just have never seen
such a wonderful group. So many agents
can stay attached because of technol-
ogy, so that any questions you have can
be seen by experts in that feld who are
more than happy to share their expertise
and contacts.
Nexion Town, the social networking site
for Nexions afliates, absolutely ex-
ploded, says Friedman. It blew away the
value for agents. It makes the time we do
spend together more valuable and it pro-
vides more support.
Find out what tech help is
available
One of the biggest aspects of support
that a host agency can supply is in tech-
nology, supplying programs to help run
your business, as well as having the tech
support to turn to when problems arise.
Travel Counsellors, for example, gives you
a fully loaded laptop with all propriety
programming when you come to their
ofces for their initial member training.
After 12 monthly fees, the ownership of
the laptop is transferred to you.
I like the technology on the Intranet,
says Beukema. I can check my billing per
month and per year against last year and
see how I rank against other Travel Coun-
sellors around the world. In the past, I
used to have to total up my billings with a
calculator. Beukemia also says that Travel
Counsellors IT department is tops. They
can get into my computer via long dis-
tance and fx things. Its invaluable. Travel
Counsellors also ofers weekly technol-
ogy webinars.
Ask about continued
training and marketing
Besides technology training, you should
look at other types of training a host of-
fers and decide their importance. Nexion
invests a lot in training and development
programs, says Friedman. Nexions train-
ing includes an annual conference, boot
camp three to four times a year that helps
with business skills, webinars from sup-
pliers on how to use Nexions tools and
technology, and panels on diferent tar-
get markets. Theres also Nexion Univer-
sity, which ofers interactive hands-on
training. Travel Counsellors will reimburse
those agents who further their own edu-
cation by getting their MCC or CTC or
CTA by paying for their training. If youre
not investing in your further education,
youre not going to be very successful,
says Camacci.
Some agents take on their marketing
themselves, while others need help or
tools to expand their marketing eforts.
Look at what your host agency can ofer
you. Many also ofer one-on-one coach-
ing to help you boost your business and
set goals.
Be real about the
fnancial split
Once you fnd a host agency that of-
fers everything you need in terms of the
above points, its time to talk dollars and
cents. You should do this in two separate
ways. First, you need to know that the
host agency youre dealing with is fnan-
cially sound because it doesnt matter
how much you sell if you dont receive
your commission checks. Look at how
long theyve been in business, and look
to see if theyve been referred by NACTA
and PATH. (See below.) Look them up
under the Better Business Bureau to see
if there are any outstanding complaints
about them.
The second fnancial consideration is
the fee/commission structure. You need
to weigh the monthly fee with the com-
mission based on your business. Do you
want to pay more of a monthly fee and
get 100 percent commission or pay less
and receive less commission? Only you
know what works for you. Many compa-
nies have diferent structures and you can
switch between them as your business
evolves.
Be clear about how you get paid. For
Small, getting a commission check every
two weeks instead of monthly, and mon-
ey thats direct deposited, makes a difer-
ence to her cash fow. She urges her fellow
agents to really read their host agency
contracts and to understand them.
Speak to other agents
Theres a lot to take in when deciding
on your host agency, and the fnal step
should be talking to other agents who
work with that host. Ask for and listen to
their pros and cons in dealing with the
host. Theyre in the trenches every day
and can tell you exactly what its like. Plus,
youll be able to reach out to them once
youre part of the host family.
The following associations can offer more
tips on choosing a host agency:
National Association of Career Travel
Agents (NACTA): www.nacta.com
Professional Association of Travel Hosts
(PATH): www.path4hosts.com
Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN):
www.ossn.com
More on Choosing a Host Agency
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Andi Mysza
President
P
resident of Professional Associa-
tion of Travel Hosts (PATH) Andi
McClure-Mysza, who is also
president, Independent Con-
tractor Division of California-based Mon-
trose Travel, answers questions about
the power of PATH and what it means for
individual agents. To see a list of require-
ments for host agencies to be a member
of PATH, visit the PATH website at www.
path4hosts.com.
When and why was PATH formed?
What is its goal?
PATH was formed in 2006 in response to
the various host agency models that had
entered the market that were confusing
agents in search of a reputable host. There
was a need to clarify frst, what a host
agency truly was and second, which hosts
were reputable and legitimate. This result-
ed in the birth of PATH, a professional so-
ciety of host agencies that was formed to
establish operating standards with strict
enforcement among its members.
In addition, PATH represents an efcient
way for suppliers to reach a large num-
ber of home-based agents. Since home-
based agents, in general, are the most
elusive for suppliers to reach, PATH hosts
ofer an excellent opportunity to com-
municate with these people in an efcient
manner. Its purpose is also to bring edu-
cational and training opportunities to its
members and their afliated travel agents.
Our goal is to maintain a roster of reputa-
ble, ethical, legitimate host agencies that
agents can feel comfortable with.
How can independent travel agents
use PATH to help them decide on a
host?
PATH is primarily used as a resource for
agents. They can consult our list of mem-
bers on www.path4hosts.com for re-
search or utilize the information describ-
ing the defnition of a host agency or how
to evaluate hosts.
What are Charter PATH Partners?
When we frst began, we not only had
host agency members, we had an Allied
membership category
for supplier partners.
These are our Charter
PATH Partners. They
joined PATH early on.
We have since elimi-
nated the Allied/Sup-
plier membership cat-
egory to enable us to
focus our energies on
our core constituents,
host agencies. We de-
termined that it was
in the organizations
best interests to build
our membership base
and increase the over-
all awareness of PATH
before getting further involved in trying
to provide membership benefts to Allied
Partners. Because of their initial support
and interest in cultivating host agency re-
lationships, the Charter PATH Partners will
always remain important to us.
What is your relationship with OSSN
and NACTA?
Both are PATH Partners, which are other
organizations with which weve built a
mutually benefcial relationship. We view
OSSN and NACTA as complementary or-
ganizations to PATH in the home-based
travel segment. While their core mem-
bership base is home-based agents, ours
is host agencies. PATHs goal with these
two associations is to ensure that repu-
table host agencies are recognized and
that home-based agents understand the
value of a strong hosted relationship.
Whats next for PATH? Where do you
see its importance in the travel indus-
try going forward?
By defnition, PATH will probably always
be a fairly small organization in terms of
membership numbers. But dont be mis-
taken; we can be powerful because our
20 host members represent over 8,500
agents. As we grow, well have an even
stronger voice because theres no other
organization as focused on the host niche
as PATH. We see our role as educating
suppliers as well as agents to the needs
of our host/agent audience. We have ini-
tiated work with multiple suppliers over
the past couple of years to improve the
services/products that are provided to
hosts. Were defnitely a diferent animal
and our needs can difer from those of
a traditional travel agency. Since todays
hosting is still a relatively new industry,
we believe we have the ability to shape
the future in this area.
The Right PATH to a Host
By Stacey Zable
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AARC (Agent Access Resource
Center)
Address: 156 Wheeler Rd., Central Islip,
NY 11722
Contact: Paul Davis, President
Tel: 800-619-8646
Email: hbta@optonline.net
Websites: www.HomeBasedTravelA-
gents.org
Independent Contractors: 200+
Sales: $5 million+
Consortia: Vacation.com
Associations: NACTA, PATH, BBB, CLIA,
IATAN, OSSN, ARTA
Commission: 70% to 100%
Fees: No startup fees; $39 per month
Sales Niche: Vacation packages, cruises
Marketing: CRM and e-marketing tools,
free leads and website with booking
engines
Technology: Passport Online websites,
TRAMS and NexCite e-marketing
Training: Agent training marketing on-
line courses; ongoing weekly training
Insurance: $1 million E&O
Advantage Travel Partners
Address: 7447 Egan Dr., Savage, MN
55378
Contact: Annette Brooks
Tel: 952-226-9093
Email: annetteb@apnadvantage.com
Websites: www.advantagetravelpart-
ners.com
Independent Contractors: 65
Sales: $8 million
Consortia: Travel Leaders
Associations: ASTA, CLIA, IATAN, NACTA
GDS: Worldspan
Commission: Up to 80%
Fees: $199 startup fee, $69 per year
Sales Niche: Full service
Marketing: Direct mail, e-marketing
Technology: Worldspan, ClientBase
Training: Webinars, direct vendor
training
Insurance: Information not available
Amadeus Hosted Solutions
Address: 9250 NW 36th Street, Miami,
FL 33178
Tel: 1-888-AMADEUS
Email: salesinquiries@amadeus.com
Websites: www.amadeus.com/ineed
Associations: ASTA, CLIA, IATA, NACTA,
OSSN
GDS: Amadeus
Commission: Up to 100%, depending on
program chosen
Fees: Between $49.00/month - $65.00/
month, depending on program chosen
Marketing: CRM marketing tools and
Vacation.coms Engagement Program
Technology: Full Amadeus GDS or basic
booking functionality (including air, car,
hotel, cruise, tour, rail, activities & enter-
tainment and more)
Training: Full mentorship program or
self-study, depending on program chosen
Insurance: Required to purchase and
maintain own E&O insurance through
Amadeus discounted pricing

Americas Vacation Center
Address: 5201 Blue Lagoon Dr., Suite
900, Miami, FL 33126
Tel: 800-396-8507
Email: Contact@JoinAVC.com
Websites: www.JoinAVC.com
Sales: $150 million+
Consortia: American Express
Associations: ASTA, CLIA, IATAN, NACTA,
OSSN
Commission: 80% on self-generated
customers, 30% on Americas Vacation
Center Live Leads
Fees: $495 startup cost
Sales Niche: Cruises, escorted tours,
vacation packages
Marketing: Exclusive access to Live
Leads for well-qualified customers proac-
tively planning their next vacation
Technology: Agent Power, a web-based
application providing access to a book-
ing engine, CRM, Live Leads
Training: Sales coaching, vendor train-
ing, private fam trips
Andavo Travel
Address: 5680 Greenwood Plaza Blvd.,
Suite 300, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Contact: Lea Diele, Director of Indepen-
dent Network
Tel: 800-685-0038, x7718; direct at 303-
689-7718
Email: Ldiele@andavotravel.com
Websites: www.andavotravel.com
Sales: $250 million
Consortia: Virtuoso, BCD Travel
Associations: ARC, ASTA, CLIA, IATAN
GDS: Apollo, Sabre, Worldspan
Fees: Vary based on agents experience
Sales Niche: All travel types
Marketing: In-house marketing, Virtuoso
marketing
Technology: Sole-proprietorship tech-
nology based on independent agent
needs and client demands
Training: Weekly webinars on product
and marketing; ongoing Webex training
based on travel industry trends, best
practices, round-table discussions and
legal overviews; Virtuoso Travel Mart and
agency annual agent conference
Atlas Tour & Travel LLC
Address: 6465 Oakland Dr., New Orleans,
LA 70118
Contact: Marsha S. Cropper or Gwen
Vandergriff
Tel: 504-483-0607
Email: atlastandt@aol.com
Websites: www.atlastourandtravel.com
Associations: CLIA, IATA, ARC
GDS: Sabre
Fees: $125 per year
Sales Niche: Cruises, vacations
Marketing: E-marketing
Training: Weekly webinars
Host Agencies
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AuthorizedAgents
Address: 30230 Rancho VIejo Rd. Suite
108, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Contact: Zigmund Sepanski
Tel: 800 684-3260
Email: support@authorizedagents.com
Websites: www.AuthorizedAgents.com
Sales: Not Available
Consortia: Signature Travel Network
Associations: CLIA, IATA, ARC
Commission: 80%
Fees: Vary
Sales Niche: Leisure cruises and land,
incentives
Marketing: End-user full color magazine,
free web client tracking, direct mailing
support, co-op support, lead develop-
ment, proposal development, special
interest cruise programs, thousands
of cruise cabins on hold, live support
hotline, agent websites, agent direct mail
programs, Signature Hotels, Destination
Specialists, Private Collections
Technology: Cruise Finder, Client
Tracker, Member Cruise Space, Hotel
booking engine
Training: Vendor, host and on-line
Insurance: $3 million E & O, automatically
covers individual independent contractors
Bannister Travel
Address: 7696 Highway 4 West, Senato-
bia, MS 38668
Contact: Patricia Bannister
Tel: 662-560-6085 (office), 662-288-9052
(cell)
Email: Patricia@BannisterTravel.com
Websites: www.BannisterTravel.com
Sales: $1.3 million
Associations: OSSN
Fees: $150 per year
Sales Niche: Cruises, Sandals, Hawaii,
Disney, vacation packages
Marketing: E-marketing, direct-mail
programs
Technology: Online training, marketing
tools
Training: Personal and online training on
product, marketing and marketing tools
Brownell Travel
Address: 813 Shades Creek Parkway,
Birmingham, AL 35209
Contact: Rebecca Willson
Tel: 205-802-6222
Email: RebeccaW@brownelltravel.com
Websites: www.brownelltravel.com
Sales: $60 million+
Consortia: Virtuoso
Associations: ASTA, NACTA, CLIA, ARC,
IATAN
GDS: Sabre, Worldspan
Fees: Vary depending on hosting or
mentoring program
Sales Niche: Luxury and unique travel
experiences
Marketing: Brownell and Virtuoso
marketing programs for independent
associates; access to in-house marketing
professionals for individual support
Technology: Full-time tech support for
accessing our systems via the Internet
Training: Full-time mentoring program
for associates new to the industry, plus
full-time, ongoing training sessions and
special training by request
Casino World Travel
Address: 7291 Bobby Lane, Cincinnati,
OH 45243
Contact: Vincent Condeni, Owner
Tel: 800-563-6608
Email: info@casinoworldtravel.com
Websites: www.casinoworldtravel.com
Sales: $5 million
Associations: CLIA, IATAN, NACTA
Commission: 75% to 80%, paid weekly
Fees: None
Sales Niche: Cruises; Caribbean, Europe,
Las Vegas, Mexico; honeymoon & wed-
dings, all-inclusives
Marketing: Email, print, business cards,
discount coupons, pens and annual
calendars, yellow pages
Technology: EZguider
Training: Seminars, tradeshows,
conferences, virtual webinars, fam trips,
live support 24/7
Classic World Travel,
American Express
Address: 200 Commerce Dr., Peachtree
City, GA 30269
Contact: Dan Solly, President
Tel: 770-487-9529
Email: dsolly@classicworldtravel.com
Websites: www.classicworldtravel.com;
www.classicagents.com;
jion.classicworldtravel.com
Sales: $15 million
Associations: CLIA, ASTA, ARC, OSSN,
IATAN
GDS: Worldspan
Fees: Vary
Sales Niche: Broad range from leisure to
corporate
Marketing: WebPages, Amex
promotions
Technology: Worldspan, CRM live
accounting 24/7
Training: Webinars and onsite training
Insurance: E&O for ICs acting under our
name
Clearwater Cruises,
Tours & Groups
Address: 989 Georgia Ave., Palm Harbor,
FL 34683
Contact: Toni Sofos
Tel: 800-562-0616
Email: captain@cwcruises.com
Websites: www.sellgrouptravel.com;
www.clearwatercruises.com
Sales: $1 million
Associations: NACTA, OSSN, IATAN, CLIA
GDS: Amadeus
Commission: 50% +
Host Agencies
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Fees: One-time $39.95
Sales Niche: Cruises, tours, vacation
packages, groups
Marketing: Access to e-marketing and
direct mail
Technology: Web-based; access to mul-
tiple booking engines, online training,
marketing tools
Training: In-house as well as web-based;
product, sales and marketing
Insurance: Home-based agents are
required to purchase E&O
Coral Sands Travel
Address: 1526 Riverbend Dr., LaBelle, FL
33935
Contact: Peter Stilphen
Tel: 863-675-9900
Email: host@coralsandstravel.com
Websites: www.americashostagency.
com
Sales: Not available
Consortia: NEST
Associations: ASTA, NACTA, PATH, TPOC,
CLIA, IATAN, WRTA
Fees: $150 to $450, includes CRM; no
monthly fees
Sales Niche: Leisure travel
Marketing: CRM, all e-marketing tools,
including NEST
Technology: Agent-only resource and
training site; access to all booking en-
gines including CRM; consumer booking
engine available at $150 per year
Training: Agent-only website, webinars,
product and destination training
Insurance: $2 million E&O available at
$125 per year
Crown Cruise Vacations
Address: 103 Main Street, Suite 300
Princeton NJ 08540
Contact: Roger Poulard
Tel: 609 945 9801
Email: ic@crowncruisevacations.com
Websites: www.ccvadvantage.com
Sales: $25 million
Consortia: Ensemble
Associations: ASTA, CLIA, IATA, NACTA,
OSSN
Fees: Vary depending on affiliation level
Sales Niche: Leisure, cruises, all-Inclu-
sives
Marketing: CRM marketing tools,
personalized marketing assistance. Work
to help agents market themselves and
provide back-office documentation and
fulfillment support
Technology: Revelex, WinCruise
Training: Weekly webinars, personal
training available
Insurance: $2 million E&O insurance;
agents encouraged to purchase their
own
Cruises & Tours by Brennco
Address: 6600 College Blvd., Overland
Park, KS 66211
Contact: Jon Brenneman or Lisa
Grubaugh
Tel: 800-955-1909
Email: cruises@brennco.com
Websites: www.Brennco.com; www.
BrenncoAgent.com
Sales: $10 million+
Associations: CLIA, IATAN, NACTA, BBB
Commission: 45% on leads supplied,
varies by volume on agent leads
Fees: None
Sales Niche: Vacation travel
Marketing: Generate leads for agents
accounting for over 90% of independent
contractor sales
Technology: Agent-only Intranet site,
multiple websites, ACD technology, IP
phone system, Wincruise, PC Cruiser,
AgentNet
Training: Training manual, agent-only
Intranet site, webinars, seminars-at-sea
Cruises Inc.
Address: 1415 NW 62
nd
St., Fort Lauder-
dale, FL 33309
Contact: Julia Block
Tel: 877-714-4072 (direct)
Email: jblock@wth.com
Websites: www.sellcruises.com
Sales: $50 million+
Associations: IATAN, CLIA, ASTA, OSSN,
PATH
Fees: $495 for new agents, $199 for
expert agents, no monthly fees
Sales Niche: Cruises
Marketing: Direct mail, e-commerce,
consumer websites, lead generation
Technology: All web-based, agent por-
tal, online training, marketing tools
Training: Required and available in per-
son or online, depending on experience
Cruises-N-More,
American Express
Address: 610 Crescent Executive Ct.,
Suite 220, Lake Mary, FL 32746
Contact: Tifni Neidhardt
Tel: 800-733-2048, x111
Email: tifni@cruises-n-more.com
Websites: www.cruises-n-more.com
Sales: $50 million+
Associations: IATAN, CLIA, ASTA, NACTA,
OSSN
GDS: Amadeus Cruise, Direct API
Fees: $539 or $739 original membership
fees; lowered renewal fees
Sales Niche: Cruises and vacation pack-
ages, lower-priced shore excursions,
travel protection, rental cars
Marketing: Access to e-marketing tools
and direct-marketing tools
Technology: Multiple web-based agent
portals for access to all vendors booking
engines and agent tools
Training: Webinars on technology,
product, marketing and updates on all
vendor training opportunities daily
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CWT Vacations
Address: 4600 Marriott Dr., Suite 120,
Raleigh, NC 27613
Contact: Karen Jones
Tel: 336-731-8996
Email: kjones@cwtvacations.com
Websites: www.cwtvacations.com
Sales: $700 million
Consortia: Virtuoso
Associations: NACTA, CLIA, IATAN
GDS: Sabre, Apollo, Worldspan
Fees: Vary
Sales Niche: All aspects of leisure and
corporate business
Marketing: Access to turnkey e-market-
ing and direct-mail programs, CRM and
e-marketing tools
Technology: Intranet/consumer website,
CRM, marketing tools, Virtuoso Net
Training: Startup and ongoing training,
Virtuoso training, Product webinars
Insurance: E&O insurance required,
agents responsibility
Design Travel Inc.
Address: 1600 N Arlington Heights Rd.,
Suite 1604, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
Contact: Nancy Peklo-Nosal, President
Tel: 847-577-7930
Email: travel@dtmgi.com
Websites: www.dtmgi.com (for ICs);
www.wedesigntravel.com (for public)
Sales: $5 million
Consortia: MAST, Results
Associations: ARC, IATA, CLIA, ASTA
GDS: Apollo, Sabre
Commission: 75%+ based on productivity
Fees: $100 per month, no startup fee
Sales Niche: General
Marketing: Via MAST, CRM marketing
tools
Technology: TRAMS, CBB
Training: Weekly webinars on all facets
of travel
Insurance: $2 million E&O (included in
fee)
Dugans Travels LLC
Address: 132 Rover Blvd., Los Alamos,
NM 87544
Contact: Jennifer Dugan
Tel: 505-672-0777
Email: travel@duganstravels.net
Websites: www.travelathome.com;
www.duganstravels.net
Sales: $25 million
Associations: ARC, IATAN, CLIA, NACTA,
OSSN, Seller of travel license in CA, FL,
WA, IA
GDS: Sabre
Commission: 75% commission for 3
years, 80% after 3 years; 100% plan for
$5,000 setup fee. Bonus plans available
Fees: $10 a month, waived if $3,000 in
sales a month
Sales Niche: All
Marketing: Vacation.com Engagement
Program, various marketing programs
with suppliers;co-branded websites with
suppliers, such as Travel Impressions
Technology: Agent-only website includ-
ing online commission and booking
forms; online booking systems, all free of
charge
Training: Full training program including
webinars from suppliers, ship inspec-
tions, annual agent seminar
Insurance: $1 million Gulf Writers E&O
insurance allowing agent rider for $100
a year
Address: 15600 NE 8th Street, Bellevue,
WA 98008-3947
Contact: Pat Heathfield
Tel: 888-944-1544
Email: agents@cruiseshipcenters.com
Websites: www.cruiseshipcenters.com/
change
Independent Contractors: 2,500+
Sales: $300

Million+
Consortia: None
Associations: CLIA, PATH, NACTA, OSSN
GDS: CruiseDesk

offers booking functions
integrated with back-office, marketing
and customer relationship management
Fees: $299 startup fee, $29 monthly fee
Sales Niche: Cruises and land vacation
packages
Marketing: Personalized print and email
marketing, customizable website, ex-
clusive supplier promotions and a wide
variety of other tools
Technology: CRM system - CruiseDesk

automates everything you need to man-
age your business
Training: Dedicated business develop-
ment manager, exclusive Cruise to Suc-
cess conference at sea, monthly calls and
webinars, online video library, in-person
training events
Insurance: $5 million E&O included
Family Fun Cruises & Tours, Inc.
Address: 74 Grove Dr., Mastic, NY 11950
Contact: Ruben Muniz
Tel: 631-281-0593
Email: FamilyFunTours@optonline.net
Websites: www.FamilyFunCruises.com
Sales: $2 million
Associations: IATA, CLIA, ARTA, ASTA, OSSN
Fees: $599.99 startup fee, $69.99 annual
dues
Sales Niche: Cruises, vacation packages
Marketing: E-marketing, direct mail
Technology: EZguider
Training: Two-hour training class, daily
information on deals, agent training
seminars
Insurance: ICs are encouraged to pur-
chase their own
Great Southern Travel
Address: 3424 S. National, Springfield,
MO 65807
Contact: Gerry Polodna
Tel: 417-888-4488
Email: gpolodna@greatsoutherntravel.
com
Websites: www.greatsoutherntravel.
com
Sales: $85 million
Host Agencies
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Consortia: Ensemble
Associations: ASTA, CLIA, NACTA, ARC
GDS: Worldspan
Commission: 70%
Fees: $50 per month
Sales Niche: Leisure
Marketing: Access to e-marketing tools
Technology: Access to multiple booking
engines, TRAMS accounting and reports,
online training and webinars
Training: Weekly phone and webinar
product updates, daily email updates
and training opportunities
Gullivers Travel Service, Inc.
Address: 2800 S. Hulen #110, Fort Worth,
TX 76109
Contact: Harvey Boysen
Tel: 817-924-7766
Email: travel@gullivers.com
Websites: www.gullivers.com
Sales: $22 million
Associations: IATA, CLIA, OSSN
GDS: Sabre
Commission: 75%
Fees: None
Insurance: E&O insurance provided if
agent operates under Gullivers name; if
not must purchase own
Incentive Connection Travel
Address: 13029 N. Cave Creek Rd.,
Phoenix, AZ 85022
Contact: Harvey Siamon
Tel: 602- 867-9606
Email: Harvey@ictravel.com
Websites: www.ictravel.com
Sales:$90 million
Consortia: Ensemble
Associations: OSSN, NACTA, PATH, IATA,
ARC, CLIA
GDS: Sabre
Commission: 70% to 80%, plus bonuses
Fees: None
Sales Niche: All niches
Marketing: Ensemble 5 Star Marketing
Program
Technology: Sabre GDS and custom-
made documentation system
Training: No basic training, but 100%
guidance and support
Insurance: E&O Insurance
International Tours of Houston
Address: 6363 Richmond Ave., Suite 200,
Houston, TX 77057
Contact: Ron Sanders
Tel: 713-785-2682
Email: ittours@wt.net
Websites: www.ittravelgroup.com; www.
interntionaltravelinstitute.com
Sales: $6.5 million
Consortia: Results
Associations: ARC, IATAN, CLIA, OSSN,
PATH, ASTA
GDS: Amadeus
Commission: 70% (ITH retains $10 fee
per airline ticket)
Fees: $135 startup fee; $25 monthly fee, ac-
cess to Amadeus Selling Platform software
Sales Niche: Package tours, groups, air/
cruise/land
Marketing: In conjunction with Results
Technology: TRAMS
Training: New owners seminar; class-
room and promotion of online suppliers
programs
Insurance: $1million E&O
Kingdom Magic Vacations
Address: 1140 7th Ct., Suite F, Vero
Beach, FL 32960
Contact: Leslie Howard
Tel: 772-569-9458
Email: hr@kingdommagic.com
Websites: www.kingdommagic.com
Sales: $10 million
Consortia: None
Associations: IATA, CLIA, OSSN, ASTA
Fees: $300 startup fee, $50 monthly
administration fee
Sales Niche: Disney, leisure travel, cruises
Marketing: Social media, agency news-
letter, agent emails, print media
Technology: Web-based agent portal
with access to multiple booking engines,
online training, social media training
Training: Ongoing product training
M&J Travel Services
Address: 2420 Legacy Island Circle, Hen-
derson, NV 89074
Contact: Janice Nobliski
Tel: 702-270-3112, 888-270-1373
Email: MJTravelServices@cox.net
Websites: www.MJTravelServices.com
Sales: $250,000
Consortia: None
Associations: CLIA, OSSN
Fees: $150 per year for total of two
Sales Niche: All travel
online training, marketing tools
Training: Guidebook, 24-hour support
Insurance: Information not available
Meridian Travel
Address: 3475 Sheridan St., Suite 211,
Hollywood, FL 33021
Contact: Marcy Lannon
Tel: 800-577-8855
Email: mlannon@vacation.com
Websites: www.Meridian-Travel.Vaca-
tion.com
Sales: $5 million
Associations: OSSN, CLIA, ARC, IATA
GDS: Apollo
Fees: No fee to join
Sales Niche: Cruises, groups
Marketing: Turnkey e-marketing and
direct-mail programs, CRM and e-mar-
keting tools
Training: No training, experienced
agents only
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Millstream Travel
Address: 2129 Tiffin Ave., Findlay, OH
45840
Contact: Laurel West
Tel: 419-424-3341
Email: laurel@millstreamtravel.com
Websites: www.mtiagents.com
Sales: $15 million+
Associations: ASTA, ARC, CLIA, IATAN,
OSSN, PATH
GDS: Amadeus, Apollo
Fees: None
ages
Marketing: CRM, e-marketing and
direct-mail programs
Technology: Web-based agent-only
portal with multiple booking engines
Training: Webinars and online programs
Modern Travel Services, Inc.
Address: P.O. Box 831, Germantown, WI
53022
Contact: Torrey Lauer
Tel: 262-250-7337, x100
Email: torrey@moderntravel.net
Websites: www.moderntravel.net
Sales: $10 million+
Associations: IATAN, ARC, CLIA
GDS: Amadeus (low monthly fee), Ama-
deus Cruise (free)
Fees: No monthly fees, no fees for expe-
rienced agents; $175 yearly renewal
Sales Niche: Cruises, Western Europe,
Caribbean, Hawaii, corporate and incen-
tive travel
Marketing: Direct mail and e-advertise-
ments
Technology: Online trainings, market-
ing, vendor sales calls
Training: Training via email, web meet-
ings, annual conference
Montrose Travel
Address: 2349 Honolulu Ave., Montrose,
CA 91020
Contact: Andi Mysza
Tel: 800-870-5799
Email: andi@montrosetravel.com
Websites: www.MTravel.com
Sales: $115 million
Consortia: Ensemble Travel Group
Associations: PATH, ARC, IATAN, CLIA,
ASTA, OSSN, NACTA, BBB
GDS: Apollo
Fees: Fees vary, depending on experi-
ence, from $0 to $499 per year, with re-
duced yearly renewal rates. No monthly
fees, depending on plan.
Sales Niche: Full service: leisure, corpo-
rate, groups, romance
Marketing: Turnkey direct mail/email
marketing, Client Connex database/e-
marketing tools
Technology: Proprietary Agent Connex
support site, private-label consumer site
with online booking capabilities
Training: Two to three webinars per week
Nexion, Inc.
Address: 3150 Sabre Dr., Suite A2-100,
Southlake, TX 76092
Contact: Jackie Friedman, President &
General Manager
Tel: 800-747-6813
Email: sales@nexion.com
Websites: www.nexion.com
Independent Contractors: 2,100
Sales: $245 million
Associations: ARC, ASTA, IATA, CLIA,
NACTA, OSSN, PATH
GDS: Sabre, Apollo, Worldspan, Galileo
Fees: Members choose plan that best
suits their business; details and pricing
can be found at www.nexion.com.
Marketing: Private-label ClientBase
Marketing Services email promotions,
Vacation.com Engagement program
Technology: A wide range of booking
and administrative tools, reports and
supplier information; Nexion Town, a
robust social networking site
Training: Annual conference, boot camps,
webinars, virtual supplier panels, online
learning management system; training
and mentoring program for new agents
Insurance: ICs are encouraged to pur-
chase their own
OASIS (Outside Agent Sales
Integration System)
Address: 4800 Federal Hwy. #207D
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Contact: Kelly Bergin
Tel: 800-444-1560 ext. 120
Email: Kelly@OasisAgent.com
Websites: www.OasisAgent.com
Associations: ARC, IATAN, NACTA, BBB,
CLIA
Commission: 100%
Fees: Free sign up , No monthly fee with
1 booking
Sales Niche: Cruises, Leisure, FIT, All-
Inclusive
Marketing: Personalized email mar-
keting program, web development &
content integration, business building
support, CRM tools
Technology: Power Agent, ClientBase,
Sabre Cruises and In-House Support
Training: Signature Universiy for Busi-
ness Development, Product & Destina-
tion Webinars
Insurance: Free $1 million E&O Insurance
OutsideAgents.com
Address: 8030 Philips Highway, Suite 13,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Contact: Chad Burt
Tel: 866-208-5604
Email: chad@outsideagents.com
Websites: OutsideAgents.com
Sales: $19 million
Associations: CLIA, IATAN, NACTA, OSSN
Host Agencies
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Commission: 80% to 90% based on
productivity
Fees: None
ages
Marketing: One-on-one support. Free
turnkey email marketing and at-cost
direct-mail marketing plus co-op op-
portunities
Technology: Web-based agent portal,
interactive agent forum, Revelex-based
PowerAgent for CRM and booking, free
consumer websites
Training: On-demand training library,
up to 5 weekly live webinars covering
technology, products, destinations,
marketing
Partners In Travel
Address: 28530 World Plaza Lane #1, Ft.
Myers, FL 33907
Contact: Paula Davenport
Tel: 800-683-9092
Email: pdavenport@partnersintravel.
com
Websites: www.partnersintravel.com
Associations: PATH, CLIA, IATAN, ASTA,
OSSN, NACTA
Commission: 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
depending on plan
Fees: Monthly fees starting at $39 per
month for experienced agents, based upon
commission split program. Newcomers to
the industry pay $125 per month
Sales Niche: Cruise and vacation pack-
ages
Marketing: Customizable marketing
flyers, mini-brochures, direct mail and
e-marketing
Technology: Travel Connect, CRM, Sabre
Cruise, Revelex, free consumer website
Training: Weekly live webinars, training
library/archived webinars, annual con-
vention; 3-day live training class if new to
the industry
Insurance: E&O insurance is agents
responsibility
Preferred Host Agency
Address: 801 Laurel Oak Dr., Suite 300,
Naples, FL 34108
Contact: Shelly Davis, Independent
Contractor Team Director
Tel: 239-261-1177
Email: Shelly@PreferredNaples.com
Websites: www.preferrednaples.com/
hostagency
Sales: $18 million
Associations: ASTA, CLIA, IATAN, NACTA,
OSSN
Commission: Custom compensation
plans
Fees: None
Sales Niche: Leisure
Marketing: Signature Travel Network
marketing with direct-mail and email
campaigns
Technology: ClientBase, TRAMS, Signa-
ture Travel Intranet tools, personalized
marketing
Training: Personal and online technol-
ogy training through Signature Travel
Intranet and vendors
Protravel International
Address: 591 Camino De La Reina Suite
610, San Diego, CA 92108-3102
Contact: Jim Sheehy
Tel: 760-469-4849
Email: jim.sheehy@protravelinc.com
Websites: www.protravelinternational.
com
Sales: $600 million
Consortia: Virtuoso
Associations: IATA, ARC, CLIA
GDS: Sabre
Commission: Negotiated on an indi-
vidual basis, depending on the agents
qualifications
Fees: No startup fees
Sales Niche: Cruises, tours, hotels, air
Marketing: Special in-house promo-
tions, direct mail, publications, email,
website
Technology: Sabre
Training: In-house Sabre, accounting
and webinars
Insurance: $10 million E&O insurance
Robinson Travel Agency Inc.
Address: 980 Birmingham Rd., Suite 501-
367, Milton, GA 30004
Contact: Trudie Robinson
Tel: 678-366-3220
Email: trudie@robinsontravelagency.
com
Websites: www.robinsontravelagency.
com
Sales: $1.5 million
Consortia: NEST
Associations: OSSN, IATAN
Commission: 60% to 75%, depending
on experience
Fees: $50 per year membership fee; $50
for E&O
Sales Niche: Honeymoon & destination
weddings, vacations, cruises
Marketing: Email, Internet
Technology: Web-based website for
Internet bookings, VAX
Training: OSSN and office training, fams
Insurance: E&O
TerraMar Travel Inc.
Address: 133 N. Buena Vista St., Suite #4,
Hemet, CA 92543
Contact: Rhonda Shumway, CTC, ECCS,
DS
Tel: 877-676-0033
Email: travel@terramartravel.com
Websites: www.terramartravel.com
Sales: $2 million
Associations: IATAN, CLIA, ASTA, NACTA,
ARTA, OSSN, PATH, CTO, BBB
GDS: Online booking engine
Fees: $450 startup and $200 annual
renewal, includes E&O insurance and
database management software; no
monthly fees
Sales Niche: Vacations worldwide
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Marketing: Access to email and direct-
mail marketing pieces professionally
designed for each agent
with access to online booking engines
Training: One-on-one training, exclusive
training manual
Ticket to Travel
Address: 5453 Silver Vista Way, San Jose,
CA 95138
Contact: Anita Pagliasso, Owner
Tel: 408-531-9228
Email: icinfo@ATicket2Travel.com
Websites: www.ATicket2Travel.com;
www.TravelAgentAtHome.com
Sales: $5 million
Associations: IATAN, CLIA, OSSN, NA-
COA, ARTA, PATH, ASTA
Commission: 75% on individual book-
ings, 80% on groups
Fees: No startup fees; $15 per month for
TRAMS ClientBase
Sales Niche: Cruises, groups, tours, hon-
eymoons, fundraising, incentive travel
Marketing: Marketing brainstorming
sessions, Saturday morning marketing
chats, email marketing pieces, Vacation.
com Engagement Program
Technology: TRAMS ClientBase, Intel-
liguide Pro, Passport Online, Star Service
Online
Training: Weekly online and in-house
training sessions; new agent training;
personal support and mentoring from
owner; networking meetings and mar-
keting retreats
The Travel Agent, Inc. (Tzell
Travel Group)
Address: 11562 Westfield Blvd., Carmel,
IN 46032
Contact: Mark Moorhead, CTC
Tel: 800-347-2512
Email: Mark@TTA.Travel
Websites: www.TTA.Travel
Sales: $14 million+
Consortia: Virtuoso
Associations: ASTA, CLIA, IATAN, OSSN
GDS: Apollo
Commission: Sliding scale based on
knowledge, expertise and productivity or
revenue generated
Fees: None
Sales Niche: All areas of luxury travel
Marketing: Free direct-mail and email
marketing; leads provided
Technology: Remote access 24/7, online
training, online auto ticketing
Training: Extensive product training for
cruises and tours, weekly web-based
seminars, onsite destination training,
Virtuoso fams
Insurance: Free $1 million E&O
The Travel Center,
Corporate Travel
Address: 1138 North Pacific Ave., (#50)
Glendale, CA 91202
Contact: Chris Morse, President/Found-
er; Marlene Miles, General Manager
Tel: 800-870-9345, 818-241-1402
Email: travelcenter@juno.com
Websites: www.thetravelcenterusa.com
Sales: $3.5 million
Consortia: NEST, Vacation.com
Associations: OSSN, STARS, CLIA, IATAN,
PATH, TRUE
Fees: $145 per year, no monthly fees;
TRUE, CLIA, IATAN fees
Sales Niche: Cruises, Hawaii, Caribbean,
Mexico, Western Europe, river cruising
Marketing: NEST and Vacation.com
marketing tools, e-marketing tools
Technology: Complete website
Training: Training CD, weekly webinars,
one-on-one training
Travel Counsellors LLC
Address: Park 80 West, Plaza 1, Saddle
Brook, NJ 07663
Contact: Darya Camacci
Tel: 800-594-5996
Email: join@travelcounsellors.com
Websites: www.travelcounsellors.com/
join
Independent Contractors: 1,100 world-
wide and 40 in the U.S.
Sales: $500 million
Associations: ASTA, CLIA, IATAN, OSSN,
NACTA, PATH
GDS: Apollo
Commission: 60%
Fees: $495 startup fee; $75 monthly
management fee
Sales Niche: Full service
Marketing: Innovative Contact Centre
marketing tool for e-blasts and client
database management
Technology: Proprietary dynamic
packaging system, webcasts, web con-
ferencing system, Intranet, personalized
websites
Training: 2-day induction; weekly sys-
tem and supplier webinars
Travel Dynamics Group, Inc.
Address: 7590 Fay Ave., Suite 204, La
Jolla, CA 92037
Contact: Aimee Leon or Elaine San Juan
Tel: 858-551-4000
Email: inquiries@tvldyn.com
Websites: www.traveldynamicsgroup.
com; www.traveldynamicscruises.com;
www.tdgbusiness.com; www.tdgevents.
com
Sales: $30 million
Consortia: Virtuoso
Associations: ASTA, CLIA, IATAN, OSSN,
NACTA
GDS: Sabre
Commission: Based on sales revenue
and customized on a case-by-case basis
Fees: No startup fees, monthly or annual
fees determined on a case-by-case basis,
depending on needs
Sales Niche: Luxury cruises, hotels, tours,
vacation packages
Marketing: Personalized direct-mail
pieces, email marketing, CRM
Technology: Private-company Intranet,
online agent reports
Training: New independent contractor
orientation, weekly webinars on product
and marketing
Host Agencies
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Travel Experts, Inc.
Address: 212 Sawmill Rd., Raleigh, NC
27615
Contact: Susan Ferrell, Owner
Tel: 800-274-2544
Email: info@travelexperts.travel
Websites: www.homebasetravel.com
Sales: $225 million
Consortia: Virtuoso
Associations: CLIA, NACTA, ASTA
GDS: Sabre
Commission: 100%
Fees: $550/month
Sales Niche: High-end leisure and
corporate
Marketing: Interest coding and advisor
personalization; free supplier-funded
marketing; Virtuoso.com; member
websites and email marketing joined by
Twitter, blogs and Facebook
Technology: Extensive Intranet website;
site for archiving RFIs (requests for infor-
mation); ThinkTank software; extensive
menu of sales reports
Training: 2-3 day orientation in our N.C.
office, ongoing Webex training sessions
weekly
Insurance: $1 million professional liabil-
ity insurance available for $150 a year, or
can contract for it on own
Travel Planners International
Address: 2500 Maitland Center Parkway,
Suite 130, Maitland, FL 32751-4174
Contact: Account Sales: Robert Auclair
(ext. 8222) for experienced agents; Pat
Saizan (ext. 8209) for agents new to the
industry
Tel: 800-730-6392
Email: join@tpionline.com
Websites: www.MyHostTravelAgency.
com (experienced agents); www.ItsMy-
TravelBiz.com (inexperienced agents)
Sales: $155 million+
Associations: ASTA, PATH, NACTA, OSSN,
ARC, IATA, CLIA
GDS: Amadeus, Sabre, Travelport (Apollo,
Worldspan)
Commission: 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%
plans
Fees: Free to $199.95 per month
Sales Niche: Cruises, tours, air
Marketing: Turnkey e-marketing and
direct-mail programs through Vacation.
com Engagement Program and Premium
Lead Generation
Technology: Web-based TPI-AgentRC
(resource center) with invoicing tools,
live commission tracking, agent booking-
tools, marketing tools
Training: Ongoing preferred-supplier
training; webinars, conference calls, site
inspections, fams, annual Vacation.com
conference
Travel Quest
Address: 6563 Laketowne Place, Suite B,
Albertville, MN 55301
Contact: Stephanie Lee
Tel: 800-392-6484
Email: Stephanie@TQagents.com
Websites: www.TQagents.com
Sales: $38.5 million
Associations: ASTA, CLIA, IATAN, PATH,
NACTA
GDS: Worldspan
Commission: 70%, 80%, 100%
Fees: $199 one-time startup fee. Monthly
access fees: 70% commission, $0; 80%,
$20; 100%, $250
Sales Niche: Vacation packages, cruises,
corporate, groups
Marketing: Direct-mail pieces, email
marketing campaigns, supplier co-ops,
press releases
Technology: Web-based CRM, live chat,
agent portal with up-to-date commis-
sion reports, online agent community,
recorded trainings, basic and premium
website programs
Training: On-demand webinars, live
webinars, weekly training emails
The Travel Society, LLC
Address: 600 South Cherry St., Suite 100,
Denver, CO 80246
Contact: Dan Schibler
Tel: 303-563-6258
Email: dans@travelsociety.com
Websites: www.travelsociety.com
Sales: $85 million
Consortia: Virtuoso
Associations: APTA, ARC, ASTA, CLIA,
IATAN, NACTA
GDS: Apollo, Sabre
Fees: Variable commission split or flat fee
Marketing: Virtuoso turnkey marketing
program, including direct mail, e-market-
ing and business development, personal-
ized website
Technology: Agent-only website with
full access to supplier contracts, agent
knowledge network, business forms
Training: Ongoing product and market-
ing webinars
Insurance: $500,000 professional liability
required
TripGuy Travel LLC
Address: 589 Beverly Rd., Holland, PA
18966
Contact: Mark Toren
Tel: 888-990- 8747
Email: Manager@TripGuy.com
Websites: www.TripGuy.com
Independent Contractors: 35 to 50
Consortia: NEST
Associations: IATA, CLIA
Commission: 75% including bonuses/
overrides
Fees: $90 per year
Sales Niche: Leisure vacation packages
(specializes in numerous resorts), all
cruise lines; Top 10 Worldwide Sandals/
Beaches Agency
Marketing: Depending on individual
agent needs
Training: Customized for each agent
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Uniglobe Travel Center
Address: 18662 MacArthur Blvd., Suite
100, Irvine, CA 92612
Contact: Betsy Geiser
Tel: 800-863-1606, ext. 9070
Email: bgeiser@uniglobetravel.com
Websites: www.uniglobetravelcenter.
com
Sales: $63 million
Associations: ARC, OSSN, IATA, NACTA,
CLIA, PATH
GDS: All GDSs
Fees: $50 to $65 per month
Marketing: Direct mail and email mar-
keting tools, CRM, co-op funds
Technology: Agent portal with invoicing
tool or GDS access
Training: One-on-one training for those
new to the industry; ongoing supplier
and technology and marketing training
for all agents
Insurance: $1 million E&O required
Vacation Time Travel
Address: 4926 Stoneybrook Blvd. Hill-
iard, OH 43026
Contact: Bob Lyons
Tel: 614-771-7775
Email: fun@vacationtimetravel.com
Websites: www.vacationtimetravel.com
Consortia: NEST
Associations: CLIA, ASTA, IATAN
Commission: Tiered
Fees: $295 startup; $75 annual renewal
ages
Marketing: Access to turnkey marketing
programs through consortium
Technology: Online vendor training
Training: Sales & marketing manual,
monthly meetings, phone support
Valerie Wilson Travel, Inc.
Address: 475 Park Ave. South, New York,
NY 10016
Contact: Kimberly Wilson Wetty, Co-
President
Tel: 212-532-3400
Email: kimberlyww@vwti.com
Websites: www.valeriewilsontravel.com
Sales: $300 million
Consortia: Virtuoso
Associations: CLIA, IATA
GDS: Sabre (primary), Worldspan
Commission: Commission splits vary
depending on agent sales/revenue
volumes
Fees: No initiation, annual or monthly
fees to be associated with VWT
Sales Niche: Full-service, corporate and
leisure travel consulting agency with em-
phasis on luxury and premium markets
Marketing: Global marketing platform,
including advertising, e-marketing, direct
mail, one-to-one client events
Technology: State-of-the-art technology
platforms including Intranet, web-based
applications, access to booking engines,
Training: Regular training, both in-house
at VWT offices and online
Insurance: $5 million E&O policy (agents
are required to pay a portion of E&O
premium)
World Travel Management
Address: 168 Lake Terrace Dr., Munroe
Fall OH 44262
Contact: Donna Zabel
Tel: 330-689-1920, 866-257-8273 (toll
free)
Email: booking@worldtravelmgt.com
Websites: www.worldtravelmgt.com
Sales: $5 million
Associations: NACTA, ARC, IATA, CLIA
GDS: Amadeus
Fees: $100 sign-up; monthly fee, $0 to
$25 depending on sales level
Sales Niche: Leisure and cruises
Marketing: e-Marketing, direct-mail
program
Technology: Web-based, agent-only
portal for all major booking engines;
unique log-ins for preferred vendors and
other suppliers, linked through WTM
portal
Training: Customized Webex sessions
with suppliers and personal training;
WTM Seminar-at-Sea
Insurance: $2 million E&O; agents op-
erating under WTM are covered, others
urged to purchase own
World Travel Service
Address: 11223 York Road, Hunt Valley,
MD 21030
Contact: Rob Palmisano
Tel: 443-824-2191
Email: robp@worldtravelservice.com
Websites: www.worldtravelservice.com;
www.worldtravelserviceleisure.com/
aboutus/careers
Sales: $80 million
Consortia: Virtuoso
Associations: ASTA, CLIA, IATAN, NACTA
GDS: Amadeus
Commission: 60%
Fees: No fees, no minimums
Sales Niche: Luxury and custom travel,
corporate travel, cruises, and vacation
packages
Marketing: Agent personalized market-
ing, Virtuoso Life and Insights magazines,
themed booklets, email, direct mail, cli-
ent events, World Travel Service exclusive
offer ads
Technology: Web-based booking,
invoicing, training, company email and
marketing tools
Training: In-person and web-based sup-
plier and company seminars; dedicated
office manager, marketing manager, and
accounting staff at your service
Host Agencies
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Coral Sands Travel, Americas Host Agency
C
oral Sands Travel, estab-
lished in 2003 as a support-
only host agency, is one of
Americas most respected
and recognized travel agencies. The
company is owned and operated by
Peter Stilphen, ECC, and his wife, Bil-
lie, MCC.

Their afliates reside in most of the
50 states, with about 60 percent
specializing in cruises, 25 percent in
land tours, and 10 percent in hotels.
The World Cruising Society, which
operates under Coral Sands Travel
as a cruise-only host agency, was introduced in 2008 for those
agents who want to primarily sell cruises. The startup costs for
Coral Sands Travel are $295, and $150 for the World Cruising So-
ciety. There are no monthly costs. A consumer booking engine
and errors-and-omissions insurance options are available at a
low cost of $100 and $125, respectively.
Coral Sands Travel is the only host agency that escrows suppli-
ers commission payments to protect their independent travel
agents. They also pay commissions twice per month. Their com-
mission programs range from 70 to 90 percent, depending on
the experience and sales volume of the agent.
Coral Sands Travel ofers free training programs via its Agent-
Only website, as well as providing free or low-cost access to
other training programs. They also ofer access to two of the
best marketing programs available. One is VacationPort and the
other is via its consortium, The NEST. They also ofer ClientEase,
a great client database program, at a substantially reduced cost.

Coral Sands Travel formed their reputation around support to
their afliated independent agents. Their agents always have ac-
cess to Peter or Billie via a direct 800 cell phone number. Coral
Sands Travel will never have more than 500 afliates because
they feel strongly that a high level of support must be main-
tained.

Its time to join a host agency that cares about you.
Peter Stilphen, ECC
CEO
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Van Anderson, co-president of Americas
Vacation Center, accepts American Ex-
press Travel Agency of the Year Award
from Ellen Bettridge, vice president of
the American Express U.S. Retail Travel
Network, on behalf of Americas Vacation
Center Independent Agencies.
A
mericas Vacation Center is a
family-owned business that
traces its roots back to 1964,
when it began operations in
Hawaii. Today, Americas Vacation Center
is a leading super host agency operating
throughout North America and beyond. It
has achieved this eminence in the market,
and continues to grow, with a Shared-Suc-
cess business model which allows travel
professionals to reach personal goals and
live a lifestyle of success.
Integrity & Professionalism
Americas Vacation Center, led by Co-Pres-
idents Brad and Van Anderson, upholds
a community dedicated to Integrity and
Professionalism, quality of service, un-
paralleled support, and success in every
aspect of planning vacations and cruises.
Americas Vacation Center currently has
hundreds of Independently Owned and Op-
erated Agencies in its network and seeks to
add Independent Agencies that have previ-
ously demonstrated success and are driven
to independently run a business at the fore-
front of the travel industry.
Americas Vacation Center provides Inde-
pendent Agencies with an array of bene-
fts no other host agency ofers, including
exclusive Live Leads, brand recognition,
cutting-edge technology, training, 24/7
support, and much more. In addition, in
2009 Americas Vacation Center launched
the Travel Agent Stimulus Plan, a suc-
cessful $2 million plus commitment to the
travel community to assist professional
sellers of travel.
Travel Agency of the Year
Independent Agencies receive worldwide
brand recognition, a strong reputation,
and credibility with consumers and sup-
pliers, as Americas Vacation Center is part
of the American Express Travel Represen-
tative Network. Americas Vacation Center
has been a part of the American Express
Travel Representative Network for over
20 years, and in 2009 was named Travel
Agency of the Year.
Americas Vacation Center continues
to impress us with its forward thinking,
ground-breaking technology and market-
ing initiatives, and unique shared-success
model, said Ellen Bettridge, Vice President
of the American Express U.S. Retail Travel
Network. The company is extremely de-
serving of the Travel Agency of the Year
Award, and we are fortunate to have
Americas Vacation Center as a part of our
distinguished Network.
Independent Agencies are also mem-
bers of an award-winning team who has
received several honors within the travel
community. These awards include Travel
Agency of the Year by Carnival Cruises,
Royal Caribbean, Oceania Cruises, MSC
Cruises USA, Norwegian Cruise Line, and
Brendan Vacationsan accomplishment
no other travel agency has ever achieved.
Americas Vacation Center recognizes that
these awards belong to both Americas
Vacation Center and its Independently
Owned and Operated Agencies, as these
awards are a result of the companys
Shared-Success business model.
Americas Vacation Center has built a re-
markable travel agency stemming from a
business model based on integrity, pro-
fessionalism, groundbreaking technol-
ogy, and advanced marketing initiatives,
said Rick Sasso, president and CEO of MSC
Cruises USA. The company is extremely
deserving of the Best Online Travel Agen-
cy award and we look forward to further
developing our partnership with them.
Unrivaled Resources
Enabling professional sellers of travel to
focus on selling and generating top-tier
commissions, Americas Vacation Center
ofers exclusive, 24/7 access to its Live
Leads program under which well-qual-
ifed customers are sent to Independent
Agencies via the phone and Internet.
Americas Vacation Centers exclusive Live
Leads are superior because each customer
is ofered to only one travel professional at
a time, based on their areas of expertise.
Americas Vacation Center launched the
Travel Agent Stimulus Plan in March
2009 and has received an overwhelm-
ing response from the travel industry.
As part of the over $2 million commit-
ment, the company invested a signifcant
amount toward increasing its consumer
marketing, which substantially elevated
the number of its Live Leads. The Travel
Agent Stimulus Plan also included an in-
creased fnancial commitment by Ameri-
cas Vacation Center to provide live agency
support for Independent Agencies; selling
Americas Vacation Center/American Express
Americas Vacation Center
Independent Agencies are
generating 10-to-20 times
more sales than the average
home-based travel agent!
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advantages through over 25,000 cruise
cabins and tour seats of blocked group
space; an extensive library of vendor and
entrepreneurial-related trainings; world-
wide brand recognition with American
Express; access to the award-winning,
patent-pending Agent Power technol-
ogy platform, and more.
Available exclusively to Americas Va-
cation Center Independent Agencies,
Agent Power is a patent-pending, web-
based application that integrates the
most cutting-edge, cross-platform tech-
nologies to provide unrivaled resources
to its network of Independent Agencies.
These resources include a booking en-
gine, CRM, Live Leads, email, training,
support, and more. Independent Agen-
cies using this one-stop platform are
generating 10-to-20 times more sales
than the average home-based travel
agent!
Americas Vacation Center University
(AVCU) is one of the industrys leading
training resources, and includes weekly
sales coaching, business development
coaching, Americas Vacation Center
Regional Chapters, exclusive vendor
trainings, continued education, and
private FAMs.
Top Earnings
Americas Vacation Center Independent
Agencies are focused on selling cruises,
escorted tours, vacation packages, and
river cruises. Earnings for Independent
Agencies include 80 percent commission
on self-generated customers and 30 per-
cent on Americas Vacation Center Live
Leads. Currently, those Americas Vaca-
tion Center Independent Agencies pro-
ducing $1 million or higher, generate the
majority of their earnings from Live Leads.
As part of its Travel Agent Stimulus Plan,
Americas Vacation Center has a limited
time promotion which can reduce the
cost to join by as much as 60 percent.
Americas Vacation Center is a member of
American Express, ASTA, IATAN, NACTA
and OSSN.
Americas Vacation Center/American Express
www.JoinAVC.com
Contact@JoinAVC.com
888-526-9227
More Information
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Cruises Inc.
C
ruises Inc., headquartered
in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., cre-
ates trends, rather than fol-
lowing them. Over the past
27 years, the company has grown to
more than 500 Independent Agents.
Cruises Inc. is the original host
agency, embodying legitimacy and
credibility while taking the business
to the next level for agents with a
three-fold focus on marketing, train-
ing and technology.
From direct mail to cruise line co-op
ads, from unique CRM tools to local
and national public relations sup-
port, Cruises Inc. agents are provided with turn-key personalized
marketing programs that set them apart from the pack. Custom-
izable marketing collateral can be downloaded and printed at
home or be shipped right to each agents door. This unique pro-
gram also lets agents manage their customer databases with a
personalized, trigger-based approach.
The training ofered by Cruises Inc. is second to none. In per-
son in Fort Lauderdale, or through a new online training pro-
gram, the companys widespread training initiative focuses on
the core components of the cruise travel industry. A new Boot
Camp and an ongoing eLearning Program ensure agents stay
at the top of their game. Training topics range from Selling
Luxury to Family Reunions at Sea. Regional training opportu-
nities abound each year, culminating with an annual National
Conference at Sea.
Best-in-class technologies help Cruises Inc. agents market, sell
and service customers while remaining proftable. Examples
range from the development of customizable consumer web-
sites to a state-of-the-art reservation system, Cruise Control,
which ofers direct access to cruise lines live inventory.
Cruises Inc. is part of World Travel Holdings, the nations lead-
ing distributor of cruise vacations. At the same time, the cor-
porate headquarters team takes a family approach to business.
Each and every Cruises Inc. agent is treated like the valuable
partner they truly are.

Dwain Wall
Senior Vice President
and General Manager
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EFLLI~G CLI5F5!
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Dugans Travels
Become A Travel Agent At Home with
Dugans Travels
Love travel? Always wanted to become a travel agent?
Or are you just looking for a fun and rewarding home business?
What we offer our agents
Training(includingSeminars-at-Sea)
E&Ocoveragethroughouragency.
Accesstoouragentsonlywebsite.
Freewebsiteforyouragency.
Accesstoouragentsonlyemailchatgroup.
CLIAcard,oncequalifed,aswellasIATANforthosewhoqualify.
Get started today! Visit our website, www.travelathome.com, then email us for an appointment:
travel@duganstravels.net. Its as simple as that!
We are members of ARC, IATAN, CLIA, Vacation.com, OSSN, and NACTA
DugansTravel.indd 1 11/2/09 5:31 PM
D
ugans Travels does not
provide your typical
travel agency in a box
host scheme. First of all,
it doesnt charge you an arm and
a leg to work with the company.
Each sale you bring to the agency
helps us continue to grow and get
higher and higher commission
percentages with suppliers, says
Jennifer Dugan, owner. We arent
making the money of of you sign-
ing up. We make money only by you
making money, so we want you to
succeed.
Starting a home business is the wave of the future. People
want to be their own bosses and have a fexible schedule. Moth-
ers and fathers want to raise their own children, instead of miss-
ing out on their children growing up. Many people also travel
already, so why not make something of the trips? Being a travel
agency is not rocket science, but it does take a level of training
to understand just how the industry works and how you can be-
come successful, she says.
Regardless of the reason you want to do this business, Dugans
Travels can help. It is your business, Dugan explains. You can
do it part time, full time or just for your own personal travel. It is
up to you what you want to do with it. We give you the resourc-
es, tools and support to be successful; it is up to you to decide
what you want to do with your home travel agency.
Among Dugans oferings for its agents are education resources,
including supplier seminars and many Seminars-at-Sea; access
to Dugans agents-only website; a free website for your agency
and access to an agents-only email chat group. Agents who
qualify also receive a CLIA card, as well as IATAN designation.
The cost to join is just $130, which includes a rider on Dugans
$1 million E&O insurance policy through Gulf Writers (renewal
fee, $50 a year).
Be your own boss, Dugans Travels can help.
Jennifer Dugan, CTA
Owner
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Michael Drever
CEO and Founder
M
ichael Drever, Expedia
CruiseShipCenters CEO and
Founder, says he got into
the cruise business in
1988 because all the research pointed
to it being a long-term growth industry,
a specialty product catering to the Baby
Boomer market. Growing at over eight
percent per year, the industry confrmed
his speculations. And CruiseShipCenters
has grown with it, averaging 30 percent
sales growth each year for over two
decades. Drever sees the next 20 years
being just as steady, as we have now hit
the sweet spot in the market.
Brand Power
Earning its reputation as industry leaders,
CruiseShipCenters caught the attention
of Expedia Inc. in 2007 which resulted in a
long-term partnership and a re-brand of
the company to Expedia CruiseShipCen-
ters. Now, the companys agents are able
to harness the power of the most recog-
nizable brand in travel on their website,
their business cards and during every
interaction they have with a customer.
In addition to its preferred relationships
with 21 partner cruise lines, Expedias
$20 billion in purchasing power for non-
cruise product puts them in a great
position to ofer their clients a full range
of travel products.
Expedia CruiseShipCenters now has over
112 retail locations and hosts more than
2,500 independent contractors650 of
whom joined in this year alone! The com-
pany is very pleased to be opening a new
Center in the Fort Lauderdale area this
winter, which means that its home-based
agents in South Florida can choose to be
hosted locally and take advantage of an
additional marketing strategy a 20-foot
sign featuring the Expedia CruiseShip-
Centers brand.
The Tool Box
When people ask me whats attracting so
many agents to Expedia CruiseShipCen-
ters, Drever explains, I tell them that see-
ing is believing. We invite people to a short
webinar to get an overview of our pro-
gram and take a tour of CruiseDeskour
enterprise CRM system. When agents see
the tools in action, they immediately un-
derstand the power of having everything
they need to run their business at their
fngertips, from anywhere in the world. We
hear wow a lot.
When he frst started out selling travel,
Drever found his biggest problem was that
he was spending too much time on data
entry and not enough time building rela-
tionships with his customers. CruiseDesk
was Drevers solution. Our agents get
the booking functionality of the most
powerful GDS, fully integrated with the
back-ofce, marketing and customer rela-
tionship management system. Its easy to
use and youll never have to enter informa-
tion twice! You can book a stateroom and
create a client invoice with just one click.
Plus, CruiseDesk is linked to the agents
website so theyll earn full commission
even when clients book a cruise on their
personal website.
Training
Expedia CruiseShipCenters is proud to
be a learning organization, he says. The
companys initial and ongoing training
develops accredited experts through its
International Cruise Academy. They also
hold in-person training events, like the
recent full-day rally for its World Explorer
Promotion, attended by more than 800 of
its agents.
Our award-winning marketing not only
attracts new clients, it creates customers
for life, Drever says. Expedia CruiseShip-
Centers agents build customer trust and
loyalty with every interaction whether its
in-person, over the phone, via email or
through printed newsletters.
The monthly fee is only $29 and includes
a customized personal website, unlimited
permission email marketing, as well as
full access to CruiseDesk and over 2,000
exclusive groups on which you can earn
TC revenue. Theres no sliding scale, so
youll continue to earn unlimited top
commissions while paying the same low
monthly fee.
Change your life! RSVP for an upcoming
webinar to see CruiseDesk in action and
fnd out if Expedia CruiseShipCenters is
the right host agency for you.
www.joinecsc.com
agents@cruiseshipcenters.com
(888) 944-1544
More Information
Seeing is believing. We
invite people to a short
webinar to get an overview
of our program and take
a tour of CruiseDesk
our
enterprise CRM system.
Everything you need for a
successful travel business. . .
including the time to enjoy it.
Take a break. lEarn morE at onE of our wEEkly wEbinars.
RSVP
18889441544
agents@cruiseshipcenters.com
www.joinecsc.com
CHAN E YOUR LIFE G
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Jackie Friedman, CTC, CTIE
General Manager
N
exion started in San Jose, Calif., in
1995 as an online travel agency
and eventually shifted its busi-
ness model to a host agency.
Nexion was formed with the airline busi-
ness in mind, as an alternative for agencies
that had been impacted by the commis-
sion cuts. During the past seven years, Nex-
ion has been growing the leisure side of its
business. The company underwent a major
change in the fall of 2003 when it was ac-
quired by Sabre. A year later the company
relocated to Southlake, Texas.
Jackie Friedman, president and general
manager, started fve years ago and in
that time has seen the company more
than triple its number of agents to 2,100,
and more than quadruple its actual sales
value. In 2008, Nexions sales volume was
estimated at $245 million, including $111
million in air/sea sales.
Nexion is a member of ARC, ASTA, IATA, CLIA,
NACTA, OSSN, PATH and Vacation.com.
Overall Philosophy
Nexion is a pure host agency and does
not deal directly with consumers. Every-
thing it does is geared toward accelerat-
ing the success of its agents. It does this in
a variety of ways by investing a great deal
in training and development programs.
Offerings
Marketing comes in the form of Nexions
private label ClientBase Marketing Services
program, as well as supplemental programs
available through Vacation.com. Nexion
Town, the companys internal, online social
networking site, is a huge beneft that most
agents take advantage of by posting ques-
tions and answers, and by communicating
with other Nexion members.
Nexions agent Web portal houses prod-
ucts and suppliers, booking tools and ad-
ministrative tools through which agents
can print out or email invoices and create
a range of reports to track sales and com-
missions.
As part of its educational eforts, Nexion
ofers strategic sales coaching through
which agents can establish short-term
goals. The Nexion PowerUP! program is
aimed at new agents, who work with a
program manager for one-on-one men-
toring, as well as several group confer-
ence calls.
Other education oferings include an
annual conference and boot camp four
times a year to build product knowledge
and business skills. Nexion University is
an online interactive education tool.
Members
Nexion has 2,100 members. It does not re-
quire minimum hours or minimum sales
volume from prospects, only a strong in-
tent to grow business.
Typical members fall into two categories.
First, there are those using Nexion for the
ability to book airline business, either cor-
porate travel agents or small corporations
that have a travel agent on staf to book
travel and meeting and event planning.
The second type of agents are those who
book leisure business. These agents come
from varied backgrounds. Some come
from brick-and-mortar ofces that have
closed but retained their book of busi-
ness; others are entrepreneurs wanting to
shift businesses into the travel industry;
while the third type of agent may be on
their second career or pursuing a retire-
ment career. About half of Nexions sales
volume is airline tickets and the other half
is leisure business. The average sale per
agent is $100,000.
Pricing
There is a one-time sign-up fee of $199,
and then agents choose their monthly
fee/commission structure. For no month-
ly fee, agents receive 80 percent commis-
sion. For a $20 monthly fee for the frst
agent and $10 a month for subsequent
agents, agents receive 90 percent com-
mission. And for a $199 monthly fee for
the frst agent, and $40 per month for
each additional agent, agents get 100
percent commission. There is also a GDS/
air fulfllment program available as an
add-on fee. For new sellers of travel, Nex-
ion ofers the PowerUP! program. There
is a $495 one-time sign-up fee, inclusive
of the standard $199 activation fee, that
can be split into three equal monthly pay-
ments. For no monthly fee, PowerUP! par-
ticipants receive 70 percent commission.
All plans can be switched with 30 days
notice as an agents business evolves.
www.nexion.com
sales@nexion.com
800-747-6813
More Information
Nexion, Inc.
Nexion is a pure host agency
and does not deal directly
with consumers.
Everything it does is geared
toward accelerating
the success of its agents.
Increase your earnings and simplify your business.
Whether you are a new or experienced travel professional, with Nexion
,
the travel industrys premier host agency, you can:
mprove your cash ow by earning top-tier commissions with leading
suppliers and keeping your choice of 70 - 100% of commissions.
Build your skills with resources, support and comprehensive training.
hcrease your performance in productivity with our technology and tools.
BoosI your revehue wiIh ihhovaIive opportunities to market your business.
Exceed your potential with exclusive training for new sellers of travel.
Nexion and the Nexion logo are trademarks and/or service marks of an afliate of Sabre Holdings Corporation.
All other trademarks, service marks and trade names are owned by their respective companies. 2009 Nexion Inc. All rights reserved. NX-09-11375 11.09
accelerate
success
your
Increase your earnings and simplify your business.
Whether you are a new or experienced travel professional, with Nexion
,
the travel industrys premier host agency, you can:
mprove your cash ow by earning top-tier commissions with leading
suppliers and keeping your choice of 70 - 100% of commissions.
Build your skills with resources, support and comprehensive training.
hcrease your performance in productivity with our technology and tools.
BoosI your revehue wiIh ihhovaIive opportunities to market your business.
Exceed your potential with exclusive training for new sellers of travel.
Nexion and the Nexion logo are trademarks and/or service marks of an afliate of Sabre Holdings Corporation.
All other trademarks, service marks and trade names are owned by their respective companies. 2009 Nexion Inc. All rights reserved. NX-09-11375 11.09
accelerate
success
your
M
ontrose Travel, a $115-million
travel management com-
pany, a Top 5 Host Agency,
and one of the Top 50 travel
companies in America, ofers exclusive
Home Based and local Independent Con-
tractor programs. The company has never
had any debt, is fnancially solid and has an
A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
MTravel.com is the Host Agency Division
of Montrose Travel and it is an expert in
leisure, corporate and group travel. With
MTravel.com, independent agents retain
their own identity.
Established in 1956, Montrose Travel is a family-owned and op-
erated business. The company gets to know their agents so its
more of a personal working relationship. Some agents have been
with them for 20-plus years. The programs are designed for seri-
ous travel professionals, as well as inexperienced people with the
desire to learn and grow a business.
MTravel.com ofers a private labeled con-
sumer website with online booking ca-
pabilities for air, car, hotel, cruise and dy-
namic packaging, as well as a honeymoon
registry. Montrose Travel has built direct
connections to non-GDS carriers and
third-party suppliers. This site automati-
cally interfaces with accounting (demo
www.99999.MTravel.com). Also available
is a proprietary, industry leading Agent
Connex support site and Client Connex
CRM program with email marketing tools.
Training is a priority with three sessions/
week as well as access to industry training.
Included are special sessions for inexperienced agents.
The services you need most are available at one low annual fee.
There are no required monthly fees. MTravel.com ofers strong
commissions with no minimums, as well as top-tier preferred sup-
plier commissions, access to signifcant airline contracts for Apollo
users, E&O coverage and more.
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Montrose Travel
Ive never had such marvelous
support or worked with an
organization that treats its agents
so well. I dont know why I
waited 30 years to take the leap!
Sherry, Tartan Travels
A
s a home-based travel agent, you
want to work with a host agency
you can trust. Partners In Travel
is a reputable host agency that
is part of Travel Leaders Group (formerly
Carlson Leisure Group) one of the larg-
est travel companies in the country. We
ofer a variety of commission programs
to choose from and help you build your
travel business through unlimited sup-
port, weekly training sessions, marketing
assistance, access to exclusive specials
and group space, FAM trips, our annual
convention and more. But, dont take our
word for it listen to some of our agents!
How did you get your start in the trav-
el industry?
We are frm believers that successful and
great lives are established by recognizing
and instantly acting upon golden oppor-
tunities presented to us. After seeing a
need to help ministries with their travel
plans, we started our travel business,
Ministry Travel, LLC in 2008. Our primary
focus is arranging travel around the world
for ministries and ministers traveling on
business, but we also assist them with
personal travel as well.
Why did you choose Partners In Travel
(PIT) as your host agency?
We chose PIT as our host agency because
of their longstanding, rich history in the
travel industry, as much as their high
commissions, superior technology, and
exclusive vacations. We saw the instant
benefts we would receive by partnering
with PIT, such as preferred status with
many suppliers, maximum commissions,
and their breadth of online training and
exceptional support tools.

How did you go about building your
travel business?
As ministers, we frmly believe in the pow-
er of prayer and we continuously take
advantage of every training opportunity
ofered to us through PIT to learn about
new destinations, itineraries, products,
and tools that will help us sell travel. We
have built our business through repeat
business and referrals, by providing supe-
rior quality service to our clients from our
initial contact to our prompt post-travel
follow-up. We serve each client well by
anticipating their needs, and providing
them with the best itineraries that ft
within their budget.

Why do you like working as a home-
based travel agent?
Having a career as a home-based travel
agency gives us ultimate fexibility and
time to provide superior quality ofer-
ings and service to our clients. We enjoy
hearing our clients express delight in our
recommended travel oferings, as well as
receiving a great report from them after
they have returned from their trip.
What advice would you give to a new
agent entering this industry?
We would tell new agents coming into the
business to devote your time to providing
great customer service to your clients as
it will pay of in repeat business and refer-
rals. Also, continue to learn as much as
you can about your clients travel prefer-
ences and stay on top of vendor oferings
that enable you to meet and exceed your
clients needs.
What do you like best about working
with PIT?
PITs host agency support is one-of-a-
kind, so much so that we call them The
Dream Team. Because of our own high
service standards we follow with our own
customers, it is a major feat to wow us
with service. Nonetheless, PIT consistent-
ly wows us with their total agent ofer-
ings, by paying our commissions on time,
helping us meet our clients needs, and
promptly responding to our inquiries.
www.partnersintravel.com
pdavenport@partnersintravel.com
800-683-9092
More Information
Partner with a Leading Travel Company!
Partners In Travel FAM trip on a Carnival Cruise
Hear how Jamillah Mantilla - President, Miguel
Mantilla - 1st Vice President, Sandi Hickombot-
tom - Vice President of Operations and Pamela
Thomas - Vice President of Finance from Ministry
Travel, LLC grew their ministry travel niche
with the help of Partners In Travel.
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Partners In Travel
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Steve Byrne
CEO
T
ravel Counsellors LLC is part of
one of the largest independent
travel agencies in the world with
sales in 2009 projected to achieve
just under $500 million. Founded in 1994,
Travel Counsellors has built its business
and reputation on providing personal-
ized travel services to its clients. All Travel
Counsellors are independent business
people working from their home as fran-
chisees.
In 2006, Travel Counsellors launched in
the U.S. and has a fully operational ofce
in Saddle Brook, N.J. These travel profes-
sionals are supported by more than 200
staf members worldwide.
Travel Counsellors is a member of OSSN,
NACTA, PATH, ASTA, IATA/ARC, CLIA and
IATAN.

Overall Philosophy
The companys goal is to provide its Travel
Counsellors members with all of the back-
ofce support, technology tools and pro-
fessional marketing support necessary so
they can focus on what they love to do:
sell travel. Travel Counsellors specializes
in and is an expert at helping its agents
build relationships with their clients. In
turn, the company puts a huge efort into
creating a strong sense of community
among its agents.
The Travel Counsellors
Travel Counsellors include over 1,100
full-time travel professionals operating
around the world with an average of 19
years of experience in the industry. Travel
Counsellors are asked to be committed
to their travel business as their full-time
profession. They have a minimum of two
years of experience selling travel and a
minimum book of business of $180,000
annually.
Travel Counsellors are full-service agents
with niche and specialty markets from
Asia to Europe, from cruising to escorted
tours. Currently, 49 percent of U.S. sales
are geared towards cruising.
Offerings
Travel Counsellors Contact Center, con-
nected to ClientBase Plus, is integrated
with each agents personal client data-
base. The system allows agents to take
control, manage and market to their cli-
ents while providing a comprehensive
customer management solution. It allows
them to create contact lists that can be
stored for future use and send profes-
sional e-blasts to their entire database
or targeted markets. Travel Counsellors
own dynamic packaging system, Phenix,
allows the Counsellors to sell product
components individually, as a package or
as a tour.
Its intranet system is a platform for agents
to fnd special ofers, the latest news
about the company, details of suppliers
and live sales fgures. It also contains staf
message/chat boards and advice boards
where agents faced with a challenging
inquiry can ask for guidance from their
peers.
Agents begin their relationship with
Travel Counsellors with a two-day initial
training in the head ofce focusing on
company systems and proven techniques
for developing business. They are as-
signed their own personal business de-
velopment manager. Travel Counsellors
partners with both CLIA and the Travel
Institute and strongly encourages fur-
ther education including CTA, CTC, ACC
and MCC designations. When an agent
obtains these designations, Travel Coun-
sellors will reimburse their annual mem-
berships. The company intranet features
information about training courses and
hosts a training website which includes
an array of in-depth information and on-
line study modules.
The company holds numerous events for
both Travel Counsellors and vendor part-
ners, including an international annual
conference and regional conferences.
TCTV, a live weekly webcast keeps agents
up-to-date on company strategies, new
ofers and products.
Financials
There is a one-time franchise fee of $495;
however, if an agent generates gross sales
of $10,000 up to 30 days after induction,
the $495 fee is refunded. The monthly
management fee is $75 and starts in the
seventh month after induction. After pay-
ing 12 monthly fees, the ownership of the
laptop provided at induction and fully
loaded with all propriety software pro-
grams, including a webcam, is transferred
to the agent.
The commission split is 60 percent to the
agent and 40 percent to Travel Counsel-
lors.
www.travelcounsellors.com/join
join@travelcounsellors.com
800-505-2860
More Information
Travel Counsellors LLC
Travel Counsellors specializes
in and is an expert at helping
its agents build relationships
with their clients.
how much do
YOU LOVE
your
JOB?
Our Agents love being Travel Counsellors and you will too!
97% of Travel Counsellors say they would not return to their previous job
95%of Travel Counsellors have doubled their income since joining us
91%of Travel Counsellors agree with the statement I Love My Job
Let us take your business to the next level...
To find out more, call us anytime at:
866-505-2860
or visit our website www.travelcounsellors.com/join
Where will your conversation take you?
You can enjoy the best of both worlds, working for yourself but not by yourself.
From training to marketing, from technology to administration together with the best supplier partnerships;
Our support is second to none. With our team behind you, you will increase your income while enjoying
the perfect work/life balance.
PMG Host Guide - Travel Counsellors:Layout 1 29/9/09 13:53 Page 1
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Susan Ferrell
Owner
T
ravel Experts was established 20
years ago, as something unheard
of at that timea host agency.
Although it was tough going in
the early years, the companys policy of
paying 100 percent commission with a
high level of support made Travel Experts
the program of choice for the best agents
in the industry. Travel Experts has grown
slowly but surely over two decades, as its
program is not a good ft for every agent.
Conversely, the company is extremely se-
lective in those agents it accepts.
Overall Philosophy
Travel Experts is owned 100 percent by
Susan Ferrell. Her philosophy, and that
of her management team and support
staf, is that their Independent Contrac-
tors are their clients. The company views
them in the same way that any business
owner views his or her best clientmak-
ing sure they provide what their clients
need and thinking ahead to how to best
serve them. Travel Experts understands
that each agent is an entrepreneur, and
the company is truly respectful of the
business they have built. Above all, the
Travel Experts team works to foster a re-
lationship that will last for years.
Travel Experts is a member of Virtuoso,
ASTA, CLIA and NACTA.
Independent Contractors
Travel Experts has 160 Independent Con-
tractors. Many come as referrals from ex-
isting agents. Their selection is based on
sales volume, their vision for their busi-
ness, their approach to client relation-
ships and their references. Sales are 60
percent leisure and 40 percent corporate.
Most of its Independent Contractors have
been in the business for more than 15
years. Many deal strictly with high-end
leisure, while others have strictly corpo-
rate accounts and some have a mix of
both. All are of the mindset that main-
taining client relationships is the most
important aspect of their business. They
are the types of agents who, even when
on salary in an entry-level position where
it would not have been required, would
have made themselves available to their
clients 24/7 and would have taken it per-
sonally if a trip was not perfect.
Programs
As a Virtuoso agency, Travel Experts ofers
its marketing programs. Interest coding
and advisor personalization allow Inde-
pendent Contractors to speak directly
to their clients travel preferences and
lifestyle. Virtuoso members receive thou-
sands of dollars in free supplier-funded
marketing every year. In addition, Virtuo-
so.com, member websites and email mar-
keting are now joined by Twitter, Blogs
and Facebook to keep Independent Con-
tractors on the cutting edge of todays
messaging.
A full-time tech expert on support staf
will assist with any technical issues that
Independent Contractors may encounter.
An extensive Intranet website features
volumes of information. In addition, the
company has a site for archiving RFIs (Re-
quests for Information) with search capa-
bility, and utilizes ThinkTank software for
regular discussions and information shar-
ing. An extensive menu of sales reports
for Independent Contractors and/or their
clients is provided at no charge.
There also is no charge for training. When
an Independent Contractor joins Travel
Experts, he or she is invited to the compa-
nys ofce for a few days at the companys
expense. During that time they meet the
staf, go through the company handbook
and website, participate in Sabre training
and receive an introduction to Virtuoso.
On a weekly basis, Travel Experts ofers
supplier presentations and Sabre and/or
tech updates broadcast to all Indepen-
dent Contractors via Webex. There are
also unlimited educational opportunities
available through Virtuoso, some involv-
ing a small fee.
Independent Contractors are encouraged
to participate in anything and everything
Virtuoso, including Regional Meetings
and Travel Mart, which Travel Experts
partially underwrites. At Travel Mart, the
company has brainstorming sessions or
supplier-sponsored get-togethers for just
the Travel Experts attendees.
Financials
The monthly fee for membership is $550.
Independent Contractors receive 100
percent commission.
www.homebasetravel.com
info@travelexperts.travel
800 274-2544
More Information
Travel Experts, Inc.
Travel Experts understands
that each agent is
an entrepreneur, and the
company is truly respectful of
the business they have built.
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Stephanie Lee
Operations Director
T
ravel Quest began in 1994 as
a one-woman shop out of her
home. In 1998, Bonnie Lee decid-
ed to form her own host agency
after having been afliated with two oth-
er host agencies that didnt provide what
she needed. Since then, Travel Quest has
grown into a nationwide host agency
recognized as a leader in its feld. Travel
Quest is family owned and operated: Bon-
nie Lee is the chief executive, Walter Lee
handles the fnances and Stephanie Lee
works in operations.
Overall Philosophy
The companys philosophy is that agents
are the reason Travel Quest is so success-
ful. It believes that the more assistance
it provides and the more resources it of-
fers, the better of the company and its
afliates are going to be. When agents
call, there are no automated directories
someone picks up the phone and says
hello. When agents email Travel Quest,
they get an immediate response. Travel
Quest has an experienced support staf,
cuttingedge technology and top com-
missions, but they manage to keep the
personal touch.
Travel Quest is a member of Travel Lead-
ers (formerly Carlson Wagonlit Travel),
PATH, ASTA, NACTA, ARC, IATA and CLIA.
Affliates
Travel Quest currently has more than
200 agents that were carefully screened
before they joined the Travel Quest net-
work. The company ensures that agents
joining Travel Quest are dedicated to the
business of selling travel and have no
criminal background. Agents wishing to
join Travel Quest must complete a few re-
quirements: speak to one of the support
staf for a brief get to know you, give
consent to a background check and fll
out a few pieces of paperwork and return
the notarized identifcation form with the
contract.
Travel Quest agents average around
$200,000 in sales per year, with full-time
agents selling much more and part-time
agents varying in their sales. Agents come
from a wide variety of backgrounds: ex-
perienced, new to the industry, corporate
and/or leisure. The diverse backgrounds
bring a lot of insight into diferent areas
on the agent forum.
The sales mix is 50 percent leisure, 20 per-
cent corporate and 30 percent leisure/
corporate.
Programs
In terms of marketing, the company of-
fers numerous direct-mail pieces, which
are co-ops with suppliers for lower post-
age costs. Social media marketing and
set-up assistance, e-marketing tools and
marketing plan assistance are all ofered.
All agents receive complimentary CRM,
Intranet access, live chat support and GDS
access (for experienced agents). Optional
customized consumer websites can be
created for a one-time $149 startup fee.
Training is available at no cost and caters
to a wide variety of learning styles, includ-
ing recorded trainings, live weekly webi-
nars and in-person training. Featured
events include a national Travel Leaders
meeting and yearly trainings at Travel
Quest headquarters.
Financials
The one-time startup fee is $199. Month-
ly access fees range by commission split.
There is no fee for 70 percent commission
split; a $20 fee for an 80 percent commis-
sion split; and a $250 fee for 100 percent
commission.
www.TQagents.com
Stephanie@TQagents.com
800.392.6484
More Information
Travel Quest
Travel Quest has
an experienced
support staff,
cutting-edge technology
and top commissions,
but they manage
to keep the
personal touch.
The
All-Inclusive
Host Agency
Since 1994
www.TQagents.com
800.392.6484
support@TQagents.com
6563 Laketowne Place, Ste. B Albertville, MN 55301
2009 TravelQuest
The
All-Inclusive
Host Agency
Since 1994
www.TQagents.com
800.392.6484
support@TQagents.com
6563 Laketowne Place, Ste. B Albertville, MN 55301
2009 TravelQuest
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Betsy Geiser, CTA
Vice President
U
NIGLOBE Travel has been a force
in the industry since 1981, and
has been hosting home-based
agents and independent con-
tractors since 1996, ofering solutions to
agents of all experience levels. Principal
owners and executives include U. Gary
Charlwood, founder (2009 recipient of the
ASTA Hall of Fame Award) & CEO; Tracy
Bartram, CFO; and Betsy Geiser VP, UNI-
GLOBE Travel Center.
UNIGLOBE Travel Center is a member of
Vacation.com, ASTA, CLIA, NACTA, OSSN,
IATAN, PATH and the Better Business Bureau.
Overall Philosophy
UNIGLOBE Travel Centers goal is to ofer
the best support to its Independent Con-
tractors in order to help them grow their
business and be successful. They ofer
one-on-one business development,
marketing assistance, ongoing training
plus a monthly marketing club to help
achieve this.
UNIGLOBE Travel Center sales are approx-
imately 80 percent leisure and 20 percent
corporate, supporting its agents in what-
ever travel they sell. It has strong relation-
ships with all of the major suppliers.
Affliates
UNIGLOBE Travel Center supports over
400 afliates. The only thing required by
agents is a passion for travel and the moti-
vation to grow their business. In addition
to making sure the program is a good ft
for their business model, UNIGLOBE Trav-
el Center does run background and credit
checks on all afliates coming into the
program in order to protect itself and its
afliates from fraudulent behavior.
The average UNIGLOBE Travel Center In-
dependent Contractor has seven years of
experience and makes $70,000 in annual
sales, with a mix of 80 percent leisure and
20 percent corporate.
Programs
UNIGLOBE Travel Center has placed a
strong focus on marketing and develop-
ment in 2009. In addition to its Marketing
Club, it ofers access to CRM, direct mail,
email marketing and co-op funds, which
are all included in the cost of the program.
All afliates have access to one-stop tech-
nology solutions for commission reports,
GDS, invoicing, CRM, AgentNet, agency
and industry updates, training and sup-
plier information.
UNIGLOBE Travel Center ofers training
and mentoring for new agents coming
into the business, one-on-one supplier
sessions and ongoing supplier webinar
training. It also ofers ongoing training on
technology and additional online prod-
ucts to help agents maximize their busi-
ness.
The Mentorship program for new agents
has a low initial fee of $499 that covers
training, mentoring and hosting services
for the frst six months.
UNIGLOBE Travel Center has an annual re-
treat/conference where the agents have
an opportunity to receive training, the
ability to network with the other agents
in the program and the chance to meet
preferred suppliers. In 2010, the confer-
ence will take place in April in Chicago.
Financials
There is an initial fee of $149 to $499
based on the program, and a monthly fee
of $50 to $65 for membership. There are
no annual or renewal fees.
The commission split varies from 50 to
100 percent, and is based on training, ex-
perience and the program chosen.
www.uniglobetravelcenter.com
bgeiser@uniglobetravel.com
800-863-1606
More Information
UNIGLOBE Travel Center
UNIGLOBE Travel Centers
goal is to offer
the best support
to its Independent
Contractors in
order to help them grow
their business
and be successful.
The Host Agency division of UNIGLOBE Travel USA
A trusted name in travel since 1981.
Join a network of agents that are the best of the best in the biz.
Each comprehensive program is geared to your level of experience
and will help you grow to new heights.
We will train and mentor those new in the industry, as well as provide
the tools and resources needed to start a successful business.
For experienced agents, both GDS and non-GDS programs are of-
fered based on your business model and needs.
No initial fee and no monthly stay connect fees for the first 4 months
for qualified agents*!
Try us out and see for yourself!
ALL PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
Ongoing Business and Marketing assistance
One on one supplier sessions
Webinars to keep you up to date on supplier products
Co-op funds and top-tier commissions
Access to your very own agent portal which includes:
- Productivity reports
- UTC updates
- Ongoing training opportunities
- GDS or invoicing tool based on your program
AgentNet which includes: VAX, Amadeus Cruise & Consolidator Shopper & EZguider
Email & direct mail marketing and CRM tools.
*$50 application fee will apply and agent must show proof of sales of over $125K for the past 12 months.
Put our people and programs to work for you today by calling
1-800-863-1606, ext. 9070.
www.uniglobetravelcenter.com
bgeiser@uniglobetravel.com
Home Based agents Wanted Ft or Pt
aarC - Host agenCy
Home-BasedTravelAgents.com 800-619-8646
agent aCCess resourCe Center
HomeBasedTravelAgents.org/page/649815
70 to 100% Commission Blocked Group Space
Free... Ongoing Training Free... CRM e-Marketing
Free... Consumer Website Free... TRAMS
Take your business to the next level. Build and manage a multi-million
dollar business working with an unlimited amount of sub-agents or
afliates. Tis program is for small and mid-size travel agency owners or
top-producing agents who want to take their business to the next level.
40 years industry experience
Keep 100% of your and your agents commissions
start your oWn mini Host travel agenCy
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help you look good and rest easy.
Contact us today!
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This is only a brief description of the coverage(s) available. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions. Insurance underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh,
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For agent/broker use only. Not for public distribution or solicitation.
Great travel insurance plans
Dedicated support
Outstanding service
A name your clients already know!
We can help you look good
and rest easy.
"When we sell a
Travel Guard plan to our
travelers, we know that
they are buying the
absolute best. Keep up
your fine work!"
Elaine Hartung
Safari Professionals
Winston-Salem, NC
Want to increase your income, protect your business, and sleep better at night knowing your
clients' travel investments are covered? Offer your clients a travel insurance and assistance
plan through Travel Guard. Getting started is easy. We offer:
Live WebEx training
e-training
Free marketing materials
24/7 assistance by home-based specialists
Free quoting software that makes transactions quick & easy
More!
"Thank you Travel Guard!
You really make our
jobs easier and our
clients happier!"
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Holiday Cruises & Tours
Henderson, NV
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