Home Based Travel Agent - May 2008 - (Page 28)

Industry ASSOCIATIONS T 28 ORGANIZATIONS TO HELP THE HOME-BASED AGENT BY GEORGE DOOLEY ODAY’S HOME-BASED INDEPENDENT TRAVEL AGENT HAS A GREAT RANGE OF RESOURCES UPON WHICH HE OR SHE CAN DRAW TO BUILD A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS. In fact, there are so many resources that independent agents face a clear-cut need to sort out which resources are most immediately relevant to their needs. Host agencies are the primary resources for independent agents, but the 20 associations described here also offer valuable tools. Several provide professional certification and identification cards, as well as fam trips, local chapters and networking. Many offer some type of education and training program. Other associations are invaluable as information resources, especially for agents serving niche or specialized market segments. Some resources are free, but membership is required for many, with costs that can quickly add up. Agents should check with their host agency to see what groups the host belongs to and what access the agent has to the source. In many cases, an independent membership may prove useful to agents or to their clients. Many suppliers have affiliate programs for home-based agents that provide many of the same incentives as the host agencies (fam trips, discounts, education and training programs, etc.). Also noteworthy is the information and training programs of consortia available through the host agency member. National tourist offices also have destination specialist programs that encourage independent homebased agent participation. In the U.S., individual states have travel associations, as do some destinations such as Las Vegas. The diversity and range of interests and markets served by the independent agent community is significant. Agents should understand all the resources available to them from their hosts, from booking procedures to technical and marketing support. Likewise, they should also know their host’s policies and programs and be aware of any potential conflicts. Today’s home-based travel agent—hosted or independent, full or part time—is part of a knowledge-based, information-intensive industry. A home-based agent’s knowledge and access to information resources is vital not only for superior client services, but for professional success as well. Many of the associations described here—in rough order of their immediate relevance to most independent agents—have online resources, including qualifications for membership. Agents can also sign up for alerts to update them on programs. Most associations, though not all, have membership categories that include independent agents. CLIA: The Cruise Lines International Association (www.cruising.org) is one of the most important associations for home-based independent agents and a key to the fast-growing cruise industry. CLIA has 16,000 members, including a new-agent membership category. It offers outstanding education Home-BasedTravelAgent MAY 2 0 0 8 http://www.cruising.org

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Home Based Travel Agent - May 2008 Contents Editor’s Note: When It’s Just Not Worth It Publisher’s Note: Never Underestimate Your Lifeline: When Things Go Wrong, You May Need To Agent Spotlight: Odyssey Travel’s Michelle Duncan New Technology: Resources That Can Help You Quickly Industry News: Costa Names Field Sales Director Hot Deals: From the Caribbean to Canada and London Success Stories Independent Associations Southern Swing Mexico Dominican Republic Cover Story: Australia Family Trips Theme Tours New Products: Urban At Ease Laptop Messenger Bag

Home Based Travel Agent - May 2008

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