Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15

In episode 147 Steph co-hosts with Lori Speers of Levarte Travel. Here’s a quick look at the three questions they cover this week.

Questions :

1. I found a host agency which fits with my requirements but they don't have any reviews on host agency reviews. Is it okay or not to work with host agencies without any reviews on their profile? --Meseret G.

2. Is there an advantage to working with a host agency that has a storefront? Could you also please explain what the “Host Type” is on the HAR profiles. What is “Host Only”

and what is “Hybrid (Host & Travel Agency)”? It’s my understanding that all host agencies are travel agencies. --Anonymous

3. Before I get started with my confusion I would like to tell you what an amazing job you and your team do!!! So thank you! (Aw, thank you!) I love organizing experiences and adventures. This is where I'm stuck at a crossroads; I want to start working and become more knowledgeable in the industry by working at a host agency, but I’m not quite ready to leap out on my own yet. I'm not sure which host would be the best fit for me as someone that has never done this before and would love to start this new adventure. - Stephanie U.

TODAY’S RESOURCES:

• (What to look for in your contract with your host agency)
• (List of host agencies w/meta data on if they are a host or hybrid)
• (ASTA’s roadmap to becoming a travel advisor course)
• (Host Week! Party! YAY! )
• (HAR’s course walking you through how to find a host, with community support, live Q&A calls and live expert calls)
• (Tips on how to find the best host agency for you)
• (Finding a niche article with some brainstorming guides)
• (Training and education options for ICs )
• (In person events, webinars, conferences, FAMs, etc.)

In episode 167 Steph hosts an episode on Disney and Seller of Travel laws! Also Chad Burt of Outside Agents pops in for some greetings and feedback!

Questions

1. I am a new agent as of early spring 2024, so I am just getting my business known out into my community. I do live on a relatively small island in the PNW so I am excited to help facilitate tropical winter trips for the people who live here year round.

I just signed on with the Chamber of Commerce so I am looking forward to getting more exposure in my community.

Though I am excited to book tropical vacations, I am extra enthusiastic about booking Disney trips and specifically Disney World vacations since booking a trip can be complex with all of the various components. I love the parks and resorts and think I could be very helpful to potential clients but I am worried there aren't enough Disney goers in my local community.

Do you all have any tips or suggestions for gathering Disney clients specifically? I do have a group set up on Facebook called "Tropical Getaways and Disney Days" but so far all members are family and friends. Thank you! —Shandra A.

2. Should I seek out a host agency if I live in WA state that adheres to WA seller of travel laws? ---Anonymous

RESOURCES:

• Press release templates and guide to writing!
• Best Disney Travel Agents Share their Booking Secrets
• TAC episode with Amy Garner who focuses on accessibility and Disney when she started
• TAC episode with Laurie Burg on how she systematized booking Disney
• Host Week 2023 session on The Marketing Playbook with Erica Carr)
• Host Week 2023 session on 5 Steps to Building a Marketing Plan with Christine Hardenberger
• $100 Marketing Plan
• Host Week 2024 session on Reels Blueprint: Create 30 reels in 20 minutes
• Host Week 2024 session Storytelling to Sell with Aubrey Jackson
• The new HARO!
• Details on Seller of Travel registration for Washington
• Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering!

Welcome to Friday 15! For today's Friday 15 throwback, we are re-streaming Vol. 92 from Feb. 2023, where Steph chatted about acquiring a GDS system without a host, attending FAM trips through other host/consortiums, using a payment system without using a host, and do you need to be certified to work with a host.

00:00 | Welcome to Friday 15 with Steph Lee!

01:44 | Acquiring a GDS System Without a Host

09:19 | Attending FAMS with Other Hosts

10:11 | Payment System without a Host

14:27 | Certification with a Host

Helpful Resources:

• (Use code HAR149 to save 50%)
• (More on IATA/ARC)
• (Global Business Travel Association)
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-trip
• (HAR’s event calendar with FAMs, conferences, ship inspections and more)
• (Few notes on things to know when doing credit card processing)
• (high risk credit card processing in travel)
• https://hostagencyreviews.com/events
• https://www.adventuretravel.biz/
• (See many of the certification options available)
• (HAR’s new course on starting your travel agency!)
• (Host Week 2023)
• har.news/7DS
• (What is the GDS and Which Travel Agents Need It)
• (Travel Industry Lawyer List & Free Legal Docs for Agencies)
• (Carpenter Law Office)
• (Sign up for reminders and ask your questions!)

We do this every week! If you have travel industry questions, HAR likely has an answer :) Submit your burning question here Har.News/Friday15 and join us this Friday (and every Friday!) at 12CT for travel agent tips!

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