HOMEBASED TRAVEL AGENTS BLOG

CONFUSED WITH HOST AGENCIES VS CONSORTIA? WHAT THE INDEPENDENT TRAVEL AGENT SHOULD KNOW.

It's very confusing for home-based/independent travel agents to determine when and why they should join a Host Agency and/or a Consortia. I hope to make this decision a little easier for you but, in the end you will need to decide for yourself.

HOST AGENCIES

Let's Begin with Host Agencies. Host Agencies are simply, fully licensed and bonded travel agencies who will loan you their credentials so that you may use them to book travel. Some of them may also be a retail travel agency. Unless the Host Agency maintains the hosting separately from the retail portion, they may be in competition with you as well as providing lesser support. Most of these agencies are generally retail operations with outside travel agents and would not be a good choice for a Host Agency, in my opinion.

While we are discussing the wrong side of Host Agencies, you should be aware that there are "so-called" Host Agencies that sell other products such as business opportunities, network selling, selling websites and non-related travel products. Most of these are known as MLMs or Multi-Level-Marketing agencies. It's wise to stay away from these MLMs if you want to be a serious travel agent. Many of these agencies do a good job in hiding what they really are, so please, do your homework.

One final word with Host Agencies that you may want to stay away from. There has been a rash of new Host Agencies that are offering 100% commission levels to agents in exchange for a monthly fee. I guess this is a prelude to the 110% commission Host Agency perhaps coming in the future. Seriously, you may want to take a good look at these Host Agency models, as it has been shown from past experience, (Remember JoyStar?) that when you "give away the store" so to speak, you will inevitably fail possibly leaving travel agents without a commission.

There are several reasons why you should join a reputable Host Agency. Many excellent articles have been written by others listing the reasons to join and what you should look for in selecting a Host Agency. We have included many of their suggestions at the site mentioned below. All new people entering the travel industry, agents who prefer just to sell travel and not be concerned with the back office part of operating a business including part-time or full-time agents who just don't have the time to keep abreast of the industry's technology and marketing advancements should be working with a Host Agency. A good Host Agency should provide all the back-office support and keep you up to date with the travel industry. For a great site to visit to see the details of why you should join a Host Agency, please go to Http://www.choosingahostagency.com.

CONSORTIA

When joining a Host Agency be sure they also belong to a Consortium. When you join a Host that also belongs to one of the major Consortia, you really receive a double benefit as well as reduced costs. The franchise Host Agencies usually have their own Consortia built into their model. Some of them have excellent marketing, technology and Customer Relationship Management software however, the costs of joining a franchise may be a little expensive with lower commission tiers.

There are some independent travel agents that feel they don't need a Host Agency because they do much of their own back-office work and don't have a need for higher commission levels. Joining a Corsortium does have its fees as opposed to possibly paying those same fees to a Host Agency who is already a member of that Consortia. The affiliated agents with a Host will most likely not need to pay additional fees. A two for one deal, if you will.

Consortia are basicly marketing companies which is why most Host Agencies are members. Consortia derive the bulk of their revenue from preferred supplier overrides, incentives and marketing dollars as well as member fees, etc. Host Agencies derive the bulk of their revenue from their portion of the commission split, booking fees membership fees, etc.

A Consortium provides the ability to email or to direct professional mailings to your client-base. Most also provide special booking engines for cruises, air, hotels and car rentals. Training and education is a major component of Consortia. Generally, the agents who join just a Consortia are truly independent travel agents who prefer to control 100% of their agency. We'll get more into this when I discuss the differences in going solo as compared to joining a Host Agency. The main Consortia memberships are Travel Savers, who owns the NEST, Virtuoso, Ensemble and Vacation.Com. In regards to Vacation.com, please keep in mind that they are owned now by Travel Leaders, who also owns a couple of Host Agencies. Many feel that this is a conflict of interest which is why I mention it here.

BEING 100% INDEPENDENT VS JOINING A HOST AGENCY

Most industry professionals will tell you that all new and relatively new travel agents must join a Host Agency. The costs and the time involved to go it alone is just too prohibitive. The right Host Agency will simply save you time and money in the early years of your business. If you are one of those individuals that insists on being 100% independent, go for it. Just expect higher costs, inability to stay current with the industry and daily frustration. Frustration in this business is high enough without shooting yourself in the foot by maintaining your total freedom from a good Host.

WHEN SHOULD YOU GO SOLO OR BE 100% INDEPENDENT?<P> As I mentioned above, there are those hardliners that want and remain 100% independent from the beginning. I don't have a problem with that as I probably would be one of those agents myself. However, for most of you joining a Host Agency from the beginning, you may ask, how long should you remain and when should you leave a Host Agency?That depends on your individual situation. There are those agents who will always remain with a Host Agency. That's because they like working with a Host plus, they receive adequate support and prefer just to build their client-base and sell travel.

Generally speaking, when an agent has built his/her clientbase sufficiently and their sales in their specialty achieve the higher commission rates from the suppliers, then it may be a consideration. The down side, for example. If you are a Sandals agent selling at the top of their commission tier and now you want to book a cruise which will provide you a 10% commission, you are stuck. Maintaining your relationship with the Host will provide, let's say 80% of a 16% commission or 12.8% in your pocket.

The bottom line is you need to do your "due diligence" before selecting a Host Agency. You should be rewarded with a great relationship by your choice.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Peter Stilphen, ECC is the CEO of Heritage Resorts Management, LLC doing business as Coral Sands Travel, a well know, National Host Agency a/k/a America's Host Agency, World Cruising Society and America's Cruise Centers. Mr Stilphen was also a Founder of PATH and its first President, a host agency organization.

Mr Stilphen is known for his controversial articles and blogs concerning the wrong side of the travel agent distribution system including the so called Multi-Level-Marketing (MLM) agencies.

 

Choosing A Host Agency Website

TRAVEL AGENTS NEED CONTINOUS TRAINING

Continuous training is a must for every travel agent desiring to be successful in the travel industry. To believe otherwise is just plain ridiculous. Training is mandatory, whether you are just starting out as a travel agent, full or part-time, or you are a 30 year veteran. Today's travel professional is expected to know something about the kind of travel they are attempting to sell to their clients. The more you know, the better chance you have of booking and maintaining that client. The face of the travel agent is rapidly changing. Are you going to have what it takes and the knowledge to be successful?

Training and education are plentiful these days. It runs the gamut from learning about an individual vendor or supplier to the more sophisticated courses offered by such 3rd parties as Career Quest, Kelly Monaghan, Certified Travel Teacher and Tom & Joanie Ogg. The important thing to remember is that there is no such thing as the travel agent with all the answers. That is why, in today's world, you must specialize. Whatever your specialty, you will never be successful until you know every aspect of that niche and continue to keep abreast by taking courses as they become available.

Your Host Agency, if you have one, or the NEST, would be the first place to go for continuous training and education. Whether you are affiliated with a Host Agency or if you are an independent agent without affiliations, here are my recommendations.

Most new or experienced travel agents don't realize the benefits of participating in or taking advantage of many of the industry training sites, FAMS or virtual/live conferences and trade shows. While your online training is usually more economical you are not going to get the interaction of a live event. You can find much of it for free while others will ask for a nominal fee or larger amount if it's a full course of subjects.

The virtual online conferences and trade shows, for the most part, have solved the financial problem of attending a national type conference. The conferences are free and you can attend the activities at your own leisure as the show is recorded. The virtual shows are here to stay and I'm sure they will get even better as the technology improves.

The following organizations as well as most of the mainstream media and suppliers offer training in various forms. Here are a few of my favorites.

CRUISES:
The obvious first choice is CLIA, www.cruising.org. CLIA has many of the online courses, regional and national seminars, Seminars at Sea, videos, printed matter and just about everything you need in cruise training. CLIA also offers the various designations such as ACC, MCC and ECC which are a must to obtain if you want to specialize in cruises. You should obtain their Photo ID card through Coral Sands Travel for easier acceptance to the FAMs or Seminars at Sea.

Seminars at Sea conducted by University Of Travel University would be the best and most serious of the many organizations, outside CLIA, that do provide cruise training as well as an all around training program.
What is unique about University of Travel's agendas (www.universityoftravel.com) at sea is they also have well known industry instructors as well as other training topics other than just cruises. All of their training programs have been developed with the assistance of industry leading trainer Dr. Marc Mancini. University of Travel also offers an exclusive curriculum that guarantees there will be an instructor and classes on every Seminar at Sea no matter how many agents attend. I don't believe anyone else provides this guarantee.

I would recommend Platinum Luxury Seminars located at www.platinumseminars.com for the upscale seller of cruises. They offer seminars on such ships as WindStar, Regent, Crystal and Oceania as well as the usual RCL and NCL style ships.

Don't just go on any Seminar at Sea sponsored by an organization as sometimes the training is just not good and sometimes even non-existent. Those who try and sell many of these seminars are really just in the business of selling reduced price cruises to travel agents. It pays to check out who is presenting your seminar; who may be the instructor and what is the subject matter.

Of course, all of the cruise lines themselves have some great training for their product and itineraries. Princess courses are really great and you can eventually meet Gavin McCloud, the original "Love Boat" captain remembered best by your grandparents from the 70's TV show.

HOTELS and RESORTS:
All of the major resorts such as Disney, Universal, Sandals, SuperClubs, ClubMed, etc have excellent training courses about their products. Disney of course, is the most comprehensive. Both Marriott and Starwood Pro offer agents excellent training along with reward programs.

The best hotel course online is Marriott Hotel's "Hotel Excellence" course. Unfortunately, you must possess the IATAN photo ID card.

LAND DESTINATIONS:
The Travel Institute is the guru of land destination training. They like CLIA, have the most extensive collection of training tools, including many "niche" or specialty courses available in one place. Contact them at www.thetravelinstitute.org. They also have their designations such as the CTA and CTC, a must for the professional travel agent.

INDIVIDUAL SUPPLIERS:
Yes, all mainstream suppliers have product training courses and webinars available either directly or through your favorite organization and the travel media online websites. You can't possibly take all these courses. I would recommend you take those that apply to your own "niche."

Media publications, destination tourist boards and travel agent organizations also offer excellent product and destination courses and they are all generally free. Keep in mind that you don't need to join any travel agent organization to receive training, education and FAMS. Most of it is all free or at nominal prices.

If I was entering the travel industry for the first time my training and education agenda might look like the following:

Your Host Agency and/or the NEST would be the first place for training as mentioned above.  Also:

1) Joining CLIA as a member or an associate member.

2) Joining the Travel Institute

 
3) Take the Marriott "Hotel Excellence" course as it can cover most hotels even if you don't have an IATAN card.

4) Take the Disney course, "College of Knowledge".

I mention items 1 through 4 above because you need access to cruise and major land products because they are musts in the travel business.

5) Attend University of Travel because of the wide spectrum of cruise, land and self improvement courses.

 
6) Join the websites of those suppliers, etc that will provide the training for your specialty.

7) Join a travel agent community forum such as AGENT CONTROL located in the NEST.

 

Subscribe to online and printed publications such as Agent@Home, Vacation Agent, Travel Weekly Central, Travel Pulse, Recommend and TRO. It's important you also keep up with industry news.

Please don't forget the comprehensive courses offered by Career Quest and Certified Travel Teacher. It's well worth the investment with their very extensive array of travel agent courses. There are also books and articles written by Kelly Monaghan and Joanie and Tom Ogg.

WHERE TO FIND TRAVEL AGENT TRAINING

Continuous training is a must for every travel agent desiring to be successful in the travel industry. To believe otherwise is just plain ridiculous. Training is mandatory, whether you are just starting out as a travel agent, full or part time, or you are a 30 year veteran. Today's travel professional is expected to know something about the kind of travel they are attempting to sell to their clients. The more you know, the better chance you have of booking and maintaining that client. The face of the travel agent is rapidly changing. Are you going to have what it takes and the knowledge to be successful?

Training and education are plentiful these days. It runs the gamut from learning about an individual vendor or supplier to the more sophisticated courses offered by such 3rd parties as Career Quest, Kelly Monaghan and Tom & Joanie Ogg. The important thing to remember is that there is no such thing as the travel agent with all the answers. That is why, in today's world, you must specialize. Whatever your specialty, you will never be successful until you know every aspect of that niche and continue to keep abreast by taking courses as they become available.

Coral Sands Travel/World Cruising Society, along with our consortium, the NEST would be the first place to go for continuous training and education.  Going beyond your affiliation with your Host Agency or if you are an independent agent without affiliations, here are my recommendations.

Most new or experienced travel agents don't realize the benefits of participating in or taking advantage of many of the industry training sites, FAMS or virtual/live conferences and trade shows. While your online training is usually more economical you are not going to get the interaction of a live event. You can find much of it for free while others will ask for a nominal fee or larger amount if it's a full course of subjects.

The virtual online conferences and trade shows, for the most part, have solved the financial problem of attending a national type conference. The conferences are free and you can attend the activities at your own leisure as the show is recorded. The virtual shows are here to stay and I'm sure they will get even better as the technology improves.

The following organizations as well as most of the mainstream media and suppliers offer training in various forms. Here are a few of my favorites.

CRUISES:
The obvious first choice is CLIA, www.cruising.org. CLIA has many of the online courses, regional and national seminars, Seminars at Sea, videos, printed matter and just about everything you need in cruise training. CLIA also offers the various designations such as ACC, MCC and ECC which are a must to obtain if you want to specialize in cruises. YouI should your obtain their Photo ID card through Coral Sands Travel or your own Host Agency for easier acceptance to the FAMs or Seminars at Sea.

Seminars at Sea conducted by Cruise and Travel University would be the best and most serious of the many organizations, outside CLIA, that do provide cruise training as well as an all around training program.
What is unique about Cruise and Travel University's agendas (www.cruiseandtraveluniversity.com) at sea is they also have well known industry instructors as well as other training topics other than just cruises. All of their training programs have been developed with the assistance of industry leading trainer Dr. Marc Mancini. Cruise and Travel University also offers an exclusive curriculum that guarantees there will be an instructor and classes on every Seminar at Sea no matter how many agents attend. I don't believe anyone else provides this guarantee.

I would recommend Platinum Seminars located at www.platinumseminars.com for the upscale seller of cruises. They offer seminars on such ships as WindStar, Regent, Crystal and Oceania as well as the usual RCL and NCL style ships.

Don't just go on any Seminar at Sea sponsored by an organization as sometimes the training is just not good and sometimes even non-existent. Those who try and sell many of these seminars are really just in the business of selling reduced price cruises to travel agents. It pays to check out who is presenting your seminar; who may be the instructor and what is the subject matter.

Of course, all of the cruise lines themselves have some great training for their product and itineraries. Princess courses are really great and you can eventually meet Gavin McCloud, the original "Love Boat" captain remembered best by your grandparents from the 70's TV show.

HOTELS and RESORTS:
All of the major resorts such as Disney, Universal, Sandals, SuperClubs, ClubMed, etc have excellent training courses about their products. Disney of course, is the most comprehensive. Both Marriott and Starwood Pro offer agents excellent training along with reward programs.

The best hotel course online is Marriott Hotel's "Hotel Excellence" course. Unfortunately, you must possess the IATAN photo ID card.

LAND DESTINATIONS:
The Travel Institute is the guru of land destination training. They like CLIA, have the most extensive collection of training tools, including many "niche" or specialty courses available in one place. Contact them at www.thetravelinstitute.org. They also have their designations such as the CTA and CTC, a must for the professional travel agent.

INDIVIDUAL SUPPLIERS:
Yes, all mainstream suppliers have product training courses and webinars available either directly or through your favorite organization and the travel media online websites. You can't possibly take all these courses. I would recommend you take those that apply to your own "niche."

Media publications, destination tourist boards and travel agent organizations also offer excellent product and destination courses and they are all generally free. Keep in mind that you don't need to join any travel agent organization to receive training, education and FAMS. Most of it is all free or at nominal prices.

If I was entering the travel industry for the first time my training and education agenda may look like the following:

Coral Sands Travel/World Cruising Society or your own Host Agency would be the first place for training as mentioned above.

1) Joining CLIA as an associate member or full member if you are not Host affiliated.
2) Joining the Travel Institute
3) Take the Marriott "Hotel Excellence" course as it can cover most hotels even if you don't have an IATAN card.
4) Take the Disney course, "College of Knowledge".

I mention items 1 through 4 above because you need access to cruise and major land products because they are musts in the travel business.

5) Attend Cruise and Travel University because of the wide spectrum of cruise, land and self improvement courses.

 
6) Join the websites of those suppliers, etc that will provide the training for your specialty.

 
7) Join a travel agent community forum such as the Home Based Travel Agent Network and Agent Nation; one of the newer forums that is just for the travel agent. www.agentnation.com

8) Subscribe to online and printed publications such as Travel Trade, Travel Weekly Central, Travel Pulse, Recommend and TRO. It's important you also keep up with industry news.

 
Please don't forget the comprehensive courses offered by Career Quests. It's well worth the investment with their very intensive array of travel agent courses. There are also books and articles written by Kelly Monaghan and Joanie and Tom Ogg.

I would recommend you clipping this article for future reference. Also visit www.americashostagency.com for additional information. 

WHAT IS WRONG WITH TRAVEL AGENTS?

I have been reading lately from both the travel media and Expedia about their travel agent sign up program. The new program, like most travel affiliation programs, provide commission levels that aren't fit even for an MLM referral travel agent. I cannot understand why any travel agent professional would even consider signing up for these ridiculous programs. There are plenty of travel agent booking sites that are available that offer fair commissions. What is even worse, some of these affiliation sites do not require you to have any travel agent credentials. In addition, these same affiliation sites, especially the mega online agency programs, will probably capture( steal) your clients as you book them.

My word of advice to the travel agent professional is that they stop holding the hand that keeps on slapping them down. They really need to avoid working with those suppliers who will steal your clients, play games with your commissions and are not really interested in anything that recognizes you as a travel agent professional. I avoid doing business with those who have bitten me at least once. For example, Delta Airlines who was instrumental in eliminating your commissions has Delta Airline Vacations. The only reason for anyone doing business with these people and the others like them is because you are trying to serve your client's needs, which must come first. Otherwise, seek out alternative suppliers who haven't hurt you in the past.

Why not send a letter or email to your cruise line President asking him or her to be transparent with their "Non-Commissioned Fares" (NCFS). It's really not a big deal for the cruise lines to be honest about this. Why not report on Facebook or other social websites, suppliers who have wronged you if you can substantiate it. The bottom line is if travel agents continue to "let things slide" because they feel they can't fight the "big guys" are doing an injustice to themselves and their fellow travel professionals.

I know being pro-active as a travel professional can make a difference in the long run. I know my rhetoric over the years has made some differences. Can you imagine if a couple thousand of us became more active? It would make a difference

WHEN ARE THE CRUISE LINES GOING TO EXPLAIN THE NCF?

In this age of ever more demanding transparency, why do cruise line executives continue to evade providing straight explanations concerning "non- commissioned fares" a/k/a NCFs. We have not really heard anything substantial from the cruise lines regarding this very controversial subject. Some travel agents believe the NCF's are just another way to reduce agent commissions. Cruise line executives prefer to avoid the discussion and change the subject when asked. Rick Sasso, President of MSC cruises recently stated "Instead of wasting energy focusing on NCFs, retailers would be well advised to focus on selling more cruises to increase their compensation." Travel Agents have a history of "turning their cheek" when it comes to responding to this kind of insulting rhetoric.

What is the real answer? Is it all about a segment of the travel industry continuing to "screw" the travel agents or is it just about corporate policy determining that using the NCF is needed to earn a profit for the cruise line by reducing agent commissions or burying unexpected expenses and asking travel agents to pay for it.? Why the need to play games? Is it that the cruise lines don't want to be as direct in reducing and then eliminating commissions as the airlines did in the 90's? Is this just a different approach to eventually ending in the same result?

Travel agents have always been a patsy for many suppliers. First the airlines and more recently the cruise lines. I personally believe this will always be the case until the travel agents stop their petty bickering and shortsighted "what's in it for me" attitude and join together and create their own voice in this industry. It's one good reason to become a member of STARS. The suppliers have their CLIA for cruise lines and USTOA for the major tour operators. What do the travel agents have? No one!

I would love to hear more from reasonable cruise line executives and travel agents concerning this subject. I recently attended the Cruise World conference where they had a panel of cruise line Presidents. The NCF question was asked very sheepishly and only Rick Sasso responded. RCL and NCL remained mute. Mr. Sasso's response was one we have always heard. A bunch of unknown or extraordinary expenses that cruise lines can't or won't account for. Doesn't everyone in business incur these types of expenses? Is it just a "slush" fund to account for expenses that should have been budgeted in the first? I believe it all should be brought out into the open. Is the NCF just a ruse or is there legitimate reasons why it is there?

Why not turn the NCF problem over to CLIA to properly explain to travel agents. The cruise line executives are doing a terrible job of it and are putting their sales people in embarassing positions trying to explain it, when they are not sure either. There's a simple answer to the NCF misuse. Allow travel agents to add an additional commission when making a booking online.

I would like to continue this conversation and would like your input. Please send comments to host@coralsandstravel.com.

ARE HOST AGENCIES TRANSITIONING?

During the seven years I've been involved with the Host Agency segment of our travel agent distribution system, I have seen many Host Agencies come into the picture; each one with a different business model. I've made it my business to learn as much as I can about Host Agencies because that's my business, they are my competitors for the most part and I can also learn from them. Too often I see business models that I know won't work in the long run and those are the ones that will eventually affect the payment of commissions to their affiliated agents. I generally speak out about them because a sudden demise of any Host Agency will have lasting effects on all of us.

Most of us know what happened as a result of the infamous JoyStar failure and the coming failure of YTB and its ever changing business model. Many of the suppliers who did recognize these business models didn't really care about the consequences these agencies would have on both suppliers and travel agents. Greed was the primary motivator in hanging on to these companies. We all know that "pure greed" is never the answer. It has a tendency to bite you in the butt when you least expect it.

The Host Agency, which did begin as a "renter" of travel agent credentials has certainly come a long way in the past 7 years. It's business model now offers a myriad of programs, technology tools, marketing programs and Internet sites for members containing all sorts of training, booking engines and other travel agent bells and whistles. The above has become the staple of today's legitimate Host Agency business.

All Host Agencies claim to be number one or the best. They offer more programs, higher commission levels but when it comes right down to it, it's what each one offers in the form of camaraderie with their affiliates, the individual support levels, agent friendly technology and marketing programs, honesty and integrity and just doing what is right for your affiliates. All this adds up to a superior Host Agency.

Many Host Agencies do not have "newbie" programs and those that don't are not advancing the home based independent travel agent segment. We all need to bring in new blood to this industry. Most Hosts believe it is not profitable to accept "newbies". That's a total myth. Of course, you must charge start up fees and even have a lower commission split but we all need to bring in new travel agents. There are thousands of new travel agents coming into the business but are joining the multi level marketing agencies because there aren't enough of us offering "newbie" programs. There is also potential additional liability in bringing in "newbies" but this also can be reduced substantially with the proper safeguards. I realize the ARC accredited Hosts have unique problems especially with runaway debit memos and credit card fraud. This requires even higher safeguards and even removing the ability to make airline reservations until the proper training is in place.

As in any business, there are the scalawags that hurt the other Host Agencies trying to operate a successful business. As I mentioned above, there are Hosts whose business model gives away the store, so to speak. The old saying, "I'll make up my losses by doing more volume," won't work either as some Hosts believe and are discovering. What is the point of growing sales to magnificent heights if the dollars that flow to the bottom line more than evaporates on the way resulting in a deficit. I don't care if you are a graduate of Harvard Business School, an investment broker or Houdini. If the bottom line remains a deficit, you must make adjustments or the ship will eventually sink. I've noticed that some Hosts whose business model I questioned are beginning to "nickle and dime" their affiliates to make up for losses. At this point it is too late. The cat is out of the bag so to speak.

In recent years due to the surge of the home based travel agent and the usual search by consumers for cheap vacations, more and more multi level marketing companies are entering the scene making promises of fantastic commissions, travel perks and discounts that even a real travel agent can't earn and other business opportunities that are more about recruiting others into the program and even consumer booking websites that promise you large earnings while you sleep. Many multi level marketing companies also provide a travel agent photo ID card allegedly giving the holder access to deeply discounted fares or rates.

The affiliates of the MLM/card mills or Referral Travel Agents as they are commonly called, originally numbered in the hundreds of thousands. There's an MLM affiliate party coming to your neighborhood soon, if it hasn't been there already. However, in the past two years these numbers have dwindled considerably. The consumer considers the MLMs as Host Agencies not knowing there is another side of this travel agent distribution system and the legitimate Host Agency.

It is imperative that successful Host Agencies unite and define themselves. A couple of years ago I was the original founder of an organization known as PATH. PATH was created to represent the legitimate Host Agency. However, in recent times it has become a reactive organization as opposed to a pro-active representative of the successful Host Agency model. Despite relative inactivity, PATH remains as the only organization serving Host Agencies. Please also remember, although there are good Host Agencies as members of PATH, there are other equally good Host Agencies that, for their own reasons, choose not to join PATH. Coral Sands Travel, America's Vacation Centers and CruiseInc may be the most notable.

I know it is very difficult, especially for newer travel agents, to know where to find good, stable Host Agencies. One site to check out is www.choosingahostagency.com or go to my host agency website at www.americashostagency.com where there are a great many links for you to get straight forward answers. You can also ask me personally about any Host Agency and I will give you a truthful response at host@coralsandstravel.com. I won't even try to sell you on Coral Sands Travel.

The comments and opinions written above are my own and not those of my company or any organization.

WILL THE FAT LADY SOON BE SINGING FOR YTB?

Written by Peter Stilphen, ECC, who predicted JoyStar's demise 4 years before it happened.

YTB, the multi-level-marketing darling of at one time 150,000 thousand referral and pseudo travel agents. Now under 50,000 along with many travel suppliers will soon feel the same hurt and chaos others did when the bankrupt Travelstar/JoyStar went down in 2008/2009. I know many travel agents and suppliers were hurt badly when JoyStar went down. Fortunately, over the years many JoyStar agents did heed my advice and moved on leaving those not so smart loyalists with lost commissions at the end.

We are now in a second scenario with the largest of the MLM/card mill operations, YTB, about to take the plunge. Recent high interest borrowing of short term money, the sudden resignation of its, COO, CFO, VP of Training and a couple of directors have signaled the end is near, very near. Their stock is around 3 cents. This is all the same scenario as prior to JoyStar's collapse. I have read that the Federal Department of Justice may be looking into illegal activities. You can read more details in John Frenaye's column in the quick link section below.

I cannot emphasize the importance of anyone doing business with YTB, that they first check the facts and recent goings on with this company and make a decision. Time, in my opinion, is of the essence to both travel agents and suppliers.

Please keep in mind that all multi-level-marketers and "card mills" are in serious trouble as it is impossible to sustain a profit with just commissions from the sale of travel. I'm sure the YTB, COO and VP realized this as they moved over to a non- travel MLM known as Vollara. The economic conditions also play a good part in weeding out these people as it exposes their weaknesses. MLMs must continue to create their pyramid schemes, sucker greedy consumers into joining their network and selling "get rich quick" worthless websites which comprises over 75% of their business. MLMs do not belong in the travel business period.

Those YTB agents and remaining suppliers who are still procrastinating, "WAKE UP." as it may already be too late.

WILL IT SOON BE OVER FOR YTB? Written by Peter Stilphen, ECC who predicted JoyStar's demise 4 years before it happened.

YTB, the multi-level-marketing darling of thousands of referral and pseudo travel agents along with many travel suppliers will soon feel the same hurt and chaos others did when the bankrupt Travelstar/JoyStar went down in 2008/2009. I know many travel agents and suppliers were hurt badly when JoyStar went down. Fortunately, over the years many JoyStar agents did heed my advice and moved on leaving those not so smart loyalists with lost commissions.

We are now in a second scenario with the largest of the MLM/card mill operations, YTB, about to take the plunge. Recent high interest borrowing of short term money, the sudden resignation of its CFO and a couple of directors have signaled the end is near, very near. Their stock is around 4 cents. This is all the same scenerio as prior to JoyStar's collapse.

I cannot emphasize the importance of anyone doing business with YTB, that they first check the facts and recent goings on with this company and make a decision. Time, in my opinion, is of the essence to both travel agents and suppliers.

Please keep in mind that all multi-level-marketers and "card mills" are in serious trouble as it is impossible to sustain a profit with just commissions from the sale of travel. The ecomomic conditions also plays a good part in weeding out these people as it exposes their weaknesses.. MLMs must continue to create their pyramid schemes, sucker greedy consumers into joining their network and selling "get rich quick" worthless websites which comprises over 75% of their business. MLMs do not belong in the travel business period.

Those of you who are still proscrastinating, wakeup as it may already be too late.

CAN TRAVEL AGENT PROFESSIONALS UNITE?

STARS TO UNITE TRAVEL AGENT PROFESSIONALS

A Candid Q & A self interview with Peter Stilphen, ECC concerning STARS

 

		January 28, 2010 Question: What is STARS? Response: STARS is the only IRS approved non-profit organization to be owned, controlled and operated by its membership. Question: Who is the STARS' membership? Response: STARS' membership is solely made up of individual travel agent professionals who qualify via strict requirements to become members of STARS. Question: Does STARS allow other forms of memberships? Response: The individual travel agents is the only voting member of STARS;. Subject to member approval. Host Agencies, Consortia and Suppliers, may be allowed to serve and support STARS, but have no voting powers. Question: Why should I join STARS when there are many other organizations to choose from? Response: STARS is unlike any of the other organizations in that this organization will be controlled by you, the travel agent professional. It was created to allow the travel agent professional to control its own destiny as a recognized professional. STARS' requirements for membership are much more difficult to attain as well as requiring continuous training to remain a member. Question: Are you telling me I should not join those other organizations? Response: Absolutely not. We recommend that if you are happy with your present organization that you remain a member of that organization. All of these organizations do offer training, education and networking. STARS takes it one more step which allows the travel agent professional to have full control of its own organization and the destiny of the travel agent professional. Question: What are some other reasons for joining STARS? Response: We all know that the travel agent community is highly fragmented with travel agents coming from and working in diverse environments. The travel agent professionals come from all walks of the travel agent distribution system. However, no one has ever adopted a definition of what is a travel agent, nor has anyone has ever tried to assemble the travel agent professional under one umbrella. STARS was partly created to establish an organization similar to what the Bar Associations are to attorneys or the Institute of CPAs are to the individual CPAs. These are examples of highly fragmented professions with individual specialists much like the travel agents, Question: We know it costs a great deal of investment to create such an organization. How can the travel agent professionals get this off the ground? Response: I have personally invested my own funds to get STARS off the ground. I have been building the STARS' infrastructure since 2008. My idea, as it was when I founded PATH, the organization for Host Agencies, was to create an organization specifically under the control of its' membership. One that would establish a standard code of ethics and conduct as well as having its say when establishing relationships with the rest of the travel industry. Question: Is STARS willing to work with other organizations? Response: We have to work with other organizations especially those niche organizations as well as others that offer unique services. STARS cannot provide all things to all travel agents and must depend on working with other groups that can provide those needed services. Question: Travel agents have never been able to work together since day one due to the many conflicting interests, lack of business acumen and the "what's in it for me" attitude. Why do you feel it can happen now? Response: That's absolutely true and most suppliers and others would prefer to leave it that way. However, I believe most travel agent professionals are tired of being treated as second class professionals by those who have invaded our profession and have converted the travel agent professional into an unimportant entity, without a voice nor the strength to control their future. I feel it's time that the travel professionals be heard, be able to define themselves and work toward a common goal of preserving and building value for this profession. Question: So what happens now with STARS as it grows its membership base? Response: I plan to continue to build and subsidize STARS until the travel agent professional community feels they can take over the organization. I see having approximately 500 members that may be required to move forward. At that time, with a few leaders that will come forward, I will turn over the entire organization to the members. If any of those leaders are out there, please call me directly at 866- 481-4678. It is my contribution to the travel agent community for helping our Host Agency, to become one of the best in that segment. Then I will cruise off into the sunset. Question: How much does it cost to join STARS? Response: It is absolutely FREE. Go to the website at www.thebrighteststars.com to complete the application. Click here for the STARS website Please read George Dooley's recent article in Travel Agent Central about STARS Link to article-click here STARS Peter Stilphen, ECC Acting Managing Director email: peter@stars.travel phone: 866-481-4678 peter@stars.travel

TRAVEL AGENT PROFESSIONALS CREATING A GRASSROOTS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

THE PROFESSIONAL TRAVEL AGENT'S ADVOCATE

Straight Talk Concerning The Travel Agent Distribution System by Peter Stilphen, ECC Oct/Nov 2009

THIS MONTH'S TOPICS A CHALLENGE TO TODAY'S TRAVEL AGENT PROFESSIONAL STARS BEGINS GRASS ROOTS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE STARS IS OPEN TO HOST and CONSORTIA MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES THE GRUMPY OLD TRAVEL AGENT IS REBORN YTB CONTINUES TO LOSE REVENUE AND AGENTS THE SHRIMP LADY HAS BEEN INVITED TO THE OASIS INAUGURAL OUR MONTHLY LIST OF THE MOST NOTABLE BUMS IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY THE BEST OF THE TRAVEL AGENT ORGANIZATIONS SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO THIS NEWSLETTER, IT'S FREE THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE A MUST FOR TRAVEL AGENT PROFESSIONALS Hello Fellow Travel Professionals, Welcome to my newsletter where I discuss the travel agent distribution system with straight talk, sometimes with humorous thoughts and sometimes with down right provocative comments. I have been doing this for over six years in an attempt to inform travel agents, host agencies and suppliers about what goes on in our little, but very important, segment of the travel industry. My agenda is simply to get you to think and hopefully act to make life easier in this wonderful travel business. My views and opinions are my own and are totally unrelated to my Host Agency, Coral Sands Travel. I plan to continue working for a better and stronger travel agent along with the Host Agencies and Suppliers with which they work. We will always have the bad guys in our business therefore, my self-appointed duty is to continue exposing them and providing insight to travel agents and suppliers hopefully, enabling them to make better decisions. I will discuss specific agencies and suppliers, especially the cheaters, the MLMs and the card mills. Of course we need to mix up all this seriousness with the Shrimp Lady's misadventures and some serious agent information and my attempt at a little humor. Over the years I have written about the MLMs and card mills in an effort to educate and not to 'bash' as some allege. The word is out there and many have taken up the battle. My plans are to move on to other subjects that need to be brought to the surface and discussed. This newsletter is my contribution to all travel agents who need to know what is going on around them. I generally send out my newsletter twice a month with the second version being more of an updated version of the first. I apologize to those who have to read my newsletter twice but you never know, you may have missed something the first "go round." One final note to those naysayers who live with their heads in the sand. The articles I write are to deliver a message only and to keep you informed. Much of my time goes into determining facts and a fair opinion. I do not knowingly print false statements as a few have alleged. If I am inaccurate with a statement I will retract it. I offer my own time and expense in creating these newsletters therefore, as the saying goes, "Please don't shoot the messenger." A CHALLENGE TO TODAY'S TRAVEL AGENT PROFESSIONAL Let's begin by attempting to define what is a travel agent professional. A travel agent professional is an individual who loves to help people with their travel needs; devotes the time to learn as much as possible about the product or dream that he is attempting to sell or fulfill, follows a code of ethics in his relationship with others and has the desire to improve the standards of a travel agent professional and conducts themselves accordingly. Please note a travel agent professional is not defined by the number of hours he works as a travel agent professional; nor to which organizations of which he is a member; nor to which initials are listed after his name; nor to which Host Agency with which he may be affiliated or if he is completely independent. That said, let's explore why travel agents are such a fragmented group. Using attorneys as an example, we can say they are fragmented because most lawyers devote themselves to various aspects of the law. Many are specialists and many are generalists. Yet they are brought together as a group in what we know as the Bar Association with individual states having their own association. These Bar Associations lay down basic rules as to the conduct of their members. All attorneys are members of a State Bar Association and are licensed by those States. Isn't this the same with travel agents? We have corporate agents, brick and mortar agents, homebased agents and so forth. Attorneys are licensed and have passed tests to become licensed. Why not travel agent professionals? We already have Sellers of Travel laws in the larger travel states which serve as a licensor of travel agents. The problem is that these Sellers of Travel laws need to be amended. HOWEVER, I FEEL WE SHOULD EMBARK ON THE FIRST STEP AS FOLLOWS: I would suggest that the first step to recognizing the travel agent professional is to form one strong non- profit organization that is owned, operated and controlled by the individual travel agent professional. Some may argue that we already have enough travel agent organizations. The answer is, yes we do, but none of them are owned and controlled by the travel agents. All are profit based and are primarily into just training and education. Most of these organizations offer excellent benefits to their member base. I am writing about a new kind of organization that not only serves its members but will also totally represent and promote the value of the travel agent professional. A new organization governed by its' members can establish rules as to the conduct of its membership, create a single strong voice that can contribute to amending Sellers of Travel laws, if it so desires and have a strong relationship with suppliers working out differences and unfair practices. Can you all imagine what a 25,000 member organization can do as a single voice? One might ask, how do we create such an organization and where does the infrastructure funds come from? One suggestion is to allow this writer to give to the travel agent community, without strings, an existing IRS approved, non-profit, organization infrastructure that already has over $20,000 invested in it. The organization was initially set up to give to its travel agent members. Again, some naysayers will ask, "What is the catch? No one gives something for nothing." The answer is; "There is no catch, no hidden agenda, no obligation of any kind." Peter Stilphen, ECC Liberty3675@embarqmail.com VISIT THE STARS WEBSITE STARS BEGINS GRASS ROOTS MEMBERSHIP DRIVE My Fellow Travel Agent Professionals STARS' mission is to establish an organization of professional travel agents that is owned, operated and controlled by its membership of individual travel agent professionals. STARS is about continuous training, certification and increasing the value of the professional travel agent. We are a non-profit organization as approved by the IRS. ·STARS is being recognized more and more by the travel industry. ·We have a strategic partnership with the University of Travel to provide our members with Seminars At Sea, personal coaching and other training. ·The consortium, The NEST, is supporting STARS by promoting us to their membership. ·We have set up supporting partnerships with Travel Professionals Of Color (TPOC), Travel Planners International and CruiseOne along with several suppliers. ·We are seeking travel agents, organizations, host agencies, consortia and suppliers to work with us and introduce STARS to their members and affiliations. ·STARS' membership is FREE to travel agent professionals. STARS, with its main focus on education, training and building the certified travel professionals, is a grass roots organization designed to bring the travel agent professional together creating a strong, single voice for our segment of the travel industry. I will act as the temporary Managing Director until we have at least 500 members who will then be in a position to take over the organization. I plan to donate the entire STARS' infrastructure to the STARS' membership. Travel Agent membership, if qualified, is absolutely FREE. Please see our website for benefits. . WISH UPON A STAR, click here STARS IS OPEN TO HOST and CONSORTIA MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES We are seeking Host Agencies and Consortia to join our grassroots membership drive to unite the individual travel professional. You can become a supporter and advisor to this unique group of travel agents. Our Host Agency and Consortia members will be asked to meet the same high standards that we ask of our voting individual members. The requirements to join STARS are as follows. You must be in business for at least 2 Years possessing the required licenses for states in which you do business. You must have at least 5 Independent Contractors under a written contract. You do not have a multi-level-marketing program in effect. YOUR BENEFITS INCLUDE You will be listed on the STARS website in a separate Host Agency/Consortia section with a link to your website. You will be able to write up to a thousand word description which will appear on the STARS' website. You will be able to appoint or elect a representative to the STARS' Advisory Board as well as establishing your own Advisory Committee to control standards set forth for Hosts and Consortia. The cost to join, if you qualify, is free. You are just required to carry the STARS' logo on your websites and promote the STARS' membership to your affiliates. Please go to our "HOST AGENCY/CONSORTIA MEMBERS" section of our website for an application. THE GRUMPY OLD TRAVEL AGENT IS REBORN

COMING SOON WITH HIS OWN WEBSITE

If you think the Shrimp Lady is a little nuts, wait till you see this guy in action.

	YTB CONTINUES TO LOSE REVENUE AND AGENTS

As predicted at the first of this year, I did not feel YTB would be in the travel business by year end based on their revenues and other problems from the previous year. Revenues in 2009 are down well over 50 % and still dropping. Couple this with a some bad deals, pending lawsuits and the resignations of Board Directors, it doesn't look good for the future. YTB is still alive and barely kicking. YTB agents and suppliers should make their own decisions after reviewing the recent SEC statements.

Complete Detailed summary of YTB's financial condition

	THE SHRIMP LADY HAS BEEN INVITED TO THE OASIS INAUGURAL

IF YOU DON'T THINK THAT ROYAL CARIBBEAN MADE A MISTAKE WHEN INVITING THE SHRIMP LADY TO THE OASIS INAUGURAL IN NOVEMBER, THINK AGAIN.

Apparently the Grumpy Old Travel Agent may also be on board. I see big trouble ahead.

A FULL REPORT IN DECEMBER'S NEWSLETTER

VISIT THE SHRIMP LADY

	OUR MONTHLY LIST OF THE MOST NOTABLE BUMS IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY

The companies listed below are either an MLM or a card mill. Some are both. I just cannot understand why some suppliers continue to support the 95% of these MLM affiliates when they are just consumers trying to discount their vacation. Some suppliers will say they support these companies because they can't separate the consumers from the serious agents. The solution is to stiffen the requirements for all incentives to travel agents. Of course, there are those suppliers that feed on pure greed for a sale and allow consumer affiliates to book travel and provide commissions. ( It's called "commission rebating" or throwing manure against the wall to see what sticks). It's OK for the suppliers but not the travel agent to rebate commissions. Suppliers who really care about the travel professional would not advertise on the MLM websites or display at their "smell the money" conventions.

Terminating the MLMs and card mills will not have an adverse effect on suppliers. The good agents will just move to a better Host Agency as they are presently doing and sell the products from there, just as they did when they left JoyStar.

The following companies are either MLM's, card mills or financially troubled host agencies. If you know of others please let me know and I will add them to the list. If you find that I am incorrect in listing one of these companies, I will do a retraction in the following issue.

A-1 TRAVEL-VACATION.COM
ACTIVE TRAVEL NETWORK
AMERICAN TRAVEL BUREAU
AMERICAN VOYAGER TRAVEL a/k/a GRAND VOYAGER TRAVEL
CASH CARD WORLDWIDE, now known as TRAVEL REACTION
COASTAL VACATION CLUB
GATEWAY ASSURANCE SYSTEM
GOLDRUSH GETAWAYS
EE TRAVEL BENEFITS
GLOBAL TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL Many hotels no longer accept their card.
FUN TIME VACATION CLUB
GT TRENDS formerly PRT TRAVEL
HOLIDAY PLANNERS a/k/a INFINITE FRONTIERS and formerly AMERICAN VOYAGER, not to be confused with Holiday Planners , Branson, Missouri.
INTELETRAVEL(terminated by IATAN)
KE TRAVEL
JOIN CRUISE TO CASH
MY LEISURE BUSINESS.BIZ, A spinoff from World Ventures. They grow like weeds in a manure farm.
NET TRAV
PROTRAVEL NETWORK (NOW PTN, INC), a piece of work (not to be confused with ProTravel International) Recently changed its name to PTN, INC so it can sell non-travel item.
QUEST TRAVEL NETWORK ( a few MLM dogs joined together)
TRAVELBRIDGE
TRAVELENCIA
TRAVELONE (Beacon Travel)
TRAVELSTAR(JOYSTAR), Chapter 7
TRAVELWIZE a/k/a CYBERWIZE, just fried
TRAVERUS
TVI EXPRESS, the latest and is really about lies & deceipt) ULTIMATE CHOICE TRAVEL
WORLD VENTURES TRAVEL
YTB INTERNATIONAL (In serious financial trouble) YOUR TRAVEL BIZ, YTBCARS

THE FOLLOWING SUPPLIERS, WE CALL THEM THE "GOOD GUYS," NO LONGER DO BUSINESS WITH YTB

IATAN
ROYAL CARIBBEAN/CELEBRITY
PERILLO TOURS
MARRIOTT HOTELS
FAREBUZZ
DISNEY DESTINATIONS
THE SMOOTH JAZZ CRUISES
AVANTI DESTINATIONS
APTA
NCL

	THE BEST OF THE TRAVEL AGENT ORGANIZATIONS

The following memberships should be in all travel professional's portfolios. They are presented in alphabetical order and not by preference.

ASTA, One of our oldest travel industry organizations with great industry information, research and education. The industry's only link with the Federal and State bureaucrats and lawmakers. www.asta.org

CLIA- Associate Membership- Provides many of the full CLIA benefits for $99.00. Ideal for cruise specialists working under a Host Agency. The only place for cruise certification courses. Visit www.cruising.org

CRUISE AND TRAVEL UNIVERSITY- Excellent seminar at sea training, mentoring, coaching and travel agent resources including a section where you can find and sell your extra group rooms. Worth checking out. www.universityoftravel.com

NACTA- One of the great champions of the home based and independent travel agent. Great training and seminar at sea opportunities plus lots of benefits headed by Scott Koepf, CTC, MCC. www.nacta.com

NACOA- For those who specialize in cruising. An old and reliable organization offering cruise and industry education. www.nacoaonline.com.

PLATINUM SOCIETY provides seminar training on the major cruise lines including luxury sailings. They have hundreds of sailings each year. www.platinumseminars.com

SATH- Society For Accessible Travel and Hospitality; A non profit organization whose mission it is to bring awareness to the needs of all travelers with disabilities and to expand their travel opportunities. www.sath.org

STARS- The only travel organization to be owned, controlled and operated by the travel agent professional. Home to the "Certified Travel Professional." Plenty of resources and membership is FREE. www.thebrighteststars.com

THE TRAVEL INSTITUTE- The top of the line for destination training and general knowledge of the industry. This is where you find your certification courses. www.thetravelinstitute.com

TPOC- The Travel Professionals of Color is a newer, one of a kind organization providing networking opportunities for its minority based membership. Check them out at www.tpoc.org

WRTA-World Religious Travel Association; One of the fastest growing segments in faith-based travel. If this is your niche or want it to be, you must become a member. www.religioustravelassociation.com

	SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO THIS NEWSLETTER, IT'S FREE

Nothing but straight forward discussion of interest to the Travel Professional. No nonsense and carefully researched material to keep you awake and make you aware as well as sometimes to incite you.

This is our profession to build or destroy. Please don't ask, "What's in it for me?" Rather ask, "What can I do to make our profession better for ourselves and the future of the travel agent?"

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE

	THESE PUBLICATIONS ARE A MUST FOR TRAVEL AGENT PROFESSIONALS

If you are not reading, at least, the minimum of publications listed below, you are not doing yourself justice and will eventually fall behind your peers. Travel Professionals must continually work at their chosen travel specialties and keep abreast of industry changes. You don't need to read every single article in all these publications but choose those that are more relevant to your niche. I have not listed these in any particular order. If I missed your publication, please let me know.

AGENT@HOME*, Website:agentathome.com

VACATION Agent, Website: www.cruiseandvacationagent.com

LEISURE GROUP TRAVEL, website: www.leisuregrouptravel.com

MODERN AGENT, Website: www.modernagent.com

TRAVEL AGENT Home-Based, Website: www.homebasedta.com/hbta.com

TRAVEL AGENT, Website: www.www.travelagentcentral.com

TRAVEL WEEKLY*, Website: www.ntmllc.com

JAXFAX TRAVEL MARKETING, Website:www.jaxfax.com

RECOMMEND, Website: www.recommend.com

TRAVEL WORLD NEWS, Website: www.travelworldnews.com

* The above printed media also has an electronic edition online. Other online editions are as follows:

The Travel Pulse at www.thetravelpulse.com
E Turbo News at www.travelnewswire.com
Travel Agent Digital Edition 2.0 at www.travelagentcentral.com
Travel Mole at www.travelmole.com

SHOULD WE STRENGTHEN OUR SELLER OF TRAVEL LAWS?

I have been criticized, chastised, threatened and sued by some of my readers while the vast majority of the travel industry thanks me for what I have tried to do over the last few years. As for me, my sole purpose was to make travel agents and suppliers aware of things that are or could be a threat to the existence of the professional travel agent. The biggest and obvious threats have always been the MLMs and the card mills along with specific agencies such as the former JoyStar host agency. I'm pleased to see many agents and consumers are now aware of the differences, yet, we still have a long way to go.

One of the underlying reasons these dubious business models continue to show up as well as disappear is that travel agents are a very fragmented, naive group and certainly without definition. No one has yet to come out with a definition of what is a travel agent professional nor what credentials they should possess. ASTA would be the most logical choice but they are still trying to overcome a reputation of years ago; although with Chris Russo as their President, they have an opportunity. There are the IATAN and CLIA photo IDs used for travel agent credentials that are offered to travel agents but lack consistency in determining who is eligible to receive the card. There are other photo ID cards issued by agencies that are worthless.

I believe we should continue working to find a solution that would result in travel agents speaking and acting with a strong voice and shaping their own destiny. However, there is nothing I have seen that has convinced me that the travel agent community, in its totally fragmented state, can take control of its own future. Organizations such as IATAN, CLIA, ASTA and NACTA are doing a good job, but are a long way from unifying travel agents en masse. With the surge of the home-based travel agent and the many dubious agency models, it has become imperative to do something to reign in those who want to take advantage of the professional travel agent and the consumer.

I personally feel that the only way the travel agent professional can become unified is first, by having the States adopt or amend their own Sellers of Travel laws that can by its requirements define a travel agent. This would essentially be the licensing of travel agents. I don't like politicians getting involved with my business however, I don't see any other way out without just leaving the travel agent profession in disarray.

I would start with the State of Florida. They now have the toughest Sellers of Travel laws; it is the cruise capital of the world and one of our largest tourist states. Amending their Sellers of Travel laws is not an impossible task. The lawmakers would need to see the benefits to the consumer, the travel agents, as well as itself via more revenue. More importantly, we really need the organizations to work together with this assuming they are not against the idea of improving the Sellers of Travel laws. Although the State may provide some form of credential such as a certificate, which they do now anyways. it will not be a hindrance to IATAN or CLIA providing their own credentials with production requirements which would include a copy of the agent's state license.

I have read Florida's Sellers of Travel laws chapter 559 of the Florida Statutes and the Florida administrative Code chapter 51-9 several times. By inserting additional verbiage such as changing the existing phrase, "Any seller of travel that has a business location in Florida or that offers to sell travel related services to persons in Florida for individuals or groups is required to register" to "Any seller of travel that sells travel from any licensed location in Florida or that offers to sell travel related services to individuals or groups residing, based, temporary or permanently, and departing from and arriving to any Florida destination is required to register with the State of Florida."<

I gave you just one example however, travel agent leaders can get together and work out proposed changes to the Florida Sellers of Travel laws that, if adopted, would have many states fall in line; especially the largest tourist states. Obviously, we need to partner with one or two lawmakers who would need to be convinced that this would be a benefit to consumers and would result in more revenue to the state.

I would like to work with travel industry executives who have the same goals to unify and define travel agents which will go a long way to help eliminate those who do not really have the interests of the travel agent professional. I look forward to your comments and suggestions.

This is really a two step process as the licensing of travel agents, state by state, shouldn't hinder the professional travel agent. The crooks, licensed or unlicensed will still be there although their numbers greatly reduced. The second step is addressed in the next article below.

Peter Stilphen, ECC
host@coralsandstravel.com

	TRAVEL AGENTS HAVE ONE STRONG AND SINGLE VOICE

I'm sure the above heading got your attention. That comment is as true as there is a Santa Claus and MLMs are the good guys. We all know the travel agent distribution system is fragmented without uniformity; without any definition of what is a travel agent and subject to suppliers taking advantage of the entire scenario. You have suppliers stealing clients, playing games with your commissions, debit memos from out of the blue, and accepting anyone as a travel agent as long as they can make a sale. Greed, corruption, untrained agents and selfishness (What's in it for me?) are very common traits in this travel segment. Other than the above, I believe all is perfect.

Some of you may ask, "If you feel that way, then why stay in this business?" That's exactly the reason I am still here. I did not originally come into this business as a travel agent or in my case as a CEO of a Host Agency. I had actually retired from the hospitality business and wanted to do something else at age 63 when I started this business 7 years ago. Over my business career, I worked with travel agents and got to know their strengths and weaknesses. I even remembered when agency owners would hire agents for minimum wage and a couple of FAMS per year. Travel agents are a different breed in that they love the business so much they will work for peanuts. This has not changed. However, I can see the younger agent coming in with a different agenda and willing to battle for his/her own cause.

Beauticians, carpenters and real estate salespersons are all required to have a State license in order to work. Travel agents are totally unregulated except for a few Sellers of Travel laws. In my opinion, this has got to stop. Travel agents need to be regulated because they can't regulate themselves. The travel agent must do business as well as being a trained professional. It is now my belief that if we can tweak the Sellers of Travel laws beginning with Florida and California, we can close down many of these crazy business models and reduce the increasing number of travel agent to consumer scams. The licensed or regulated travel agents would be able to create their own organization or become part of an existing organization as long as it controls and makes the rules for its membership.

So what can the travel agent do with a 25,000 travel agent member organization? They can have a STRONG and SINGLE VOICE. Anyone who is interested, please contact me at host@coralsandstravel. I would love to hear your thoughts as well as the possibility of creating an Ad Hoc committee to explore changing the state's Seller of Travel laws beginning with Florida.