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Is a travel agent worth it the pros and cons.

Travel experts agree there are several advantages to hiring a vacation planner.

The Pros & Cons of Using a Travel Agent

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A travel agent can save you money and time.

Need to pivot your trip plans but don't want to deal with the extra time, money and hassle of rebooking flights and accommodations on your own? That's just one area where a knowledgeable travel agent (also commonly known as a travel advisor) can help. Read on to discover the other benefits – as well as the downsides – of using a travel agent, so you can confidently decide whether or not a travel agent is worth it for your next trip.

The Pros of Using a Travel Agent

Travel agents can save you money – and get you other perks.

"In some cases, you'll actually get a better  deal by working with a travel agent," says Jackie Steele, travel expert at MagicGuides . "This could be in the form of a cruise onboard credit (free spending money to use on the ship), access to special agency/group rates, or even just learning about a discount you qualify for but weren't aware of." The best agents will even keep an eye on new discounts as they're announced and apply them to your trip even after you've booked, he notes.

Travel agents handle all the details

Hotel room? Booked. Dinner reservations? Made. Tour tickets? Ready to go. A travel agent handles every detail of your vacation itinerary. "The traveler still gets to be involved in the fun part of dreaming up ideas and providing their travel wishes, while we take and perfect them," says Jessica Parker, founder of Trip Whisperer .

Molly McShea, owner and travel advisor at McShea Travel , points out that travel agents can also help with timing logistics. "Travel agents know how many days should be spent in each destination, which tours go together, and how many things you should do in a day," she says, adding that crafting an itinerary can be challenging if it's not something you regularly do. Additionally, travel agents can help you choose the best time to visit your preferred destination(s) based on seasonality and your budget, and sift through travel insurance policies to find the best option for your needs.

Travel agents can provide local expertise

"A travel advisor's industry connections and relationships provide added value to their clients," says Valerie Edman, a luxury travel advisor and agency owner at Cultured Travel LLC. She says when working with a travel agent, travelers gain access to a global network of connections including:

• In-destination specialists who work exclusively with travel advisors and can connect travelers with unique, off-the-beaten-path experiences they wouldn't otherwise know about
• Exclusive experiences not available to the general public

You'll avoid surprise fees

When deciding if a travel agent is worth it for you, remember this: A reputable agent can guarantee you won't encounter any surprise fees on accommodations and activities once your trip is booked.

You'll have someone to troubleshoot unexpected travel issues

A travel advisor is essentially your personal vacation concierge. "Because they've been around for so long, agents really know what to look for," says Christopher Elliott , a consumer advocate and journalist. "Travel agents are among the first to know about flight cancellations and delays , making it easy for them to rebook itineraries right away." 

The Cons of Using a Travel Agent

It might not be your cheapest option.

There are some instances when it makes more sense to plan your own trip. "If you're planning a quick flight from New York City to Los Angeles, it's easy enough to book it yourself online directly or through a third-party booking site," says Elliott. "If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip or bucket list honeymoon , that's when you call the experts."

You'll have less flexibility in your itinerary

The upside of working with a travel agent is having someone plan an epic vacation for you based on industry knowledge and local expertise. But this can also be a downside in the event you discover an activity you'd like to do or a restaurant you'd like to try that isn't on your pre-planned itinerary. If you alter your plans, you risk losing money; plus, the time it takes for you and your travel agent to coordinate your change of plans may not be worth the hassle.

You still have to do some research

It's important to find an agent you can trust, which means you still have to do some of the vacation planning. For this part, Parker recommends picking up the phone. "Lots of people avoid or don't pick up the phone as much anymore," she says. "That's where you get the high-touch service, tone of voice, excitement or concerns to manage." She advises to look for the following red flags:

• No fees: " Travel advisors are charging planning fees more now or increasing them, so the client knows more confidently than ever, we work for them, not the suppliers with the best commissions," Parker explains. "There are a lot of things that are non-commissionable and the advisor's time and expertise shouldn't be given away for free, either. That's the best way to show an advisor takes their business seriously."
• Limited options: If you work with someone who is inexperienced or has an incentive to book you with a certain supplier, they may not be prioritizing your best interests. "It's important to check if they are with a larger consortia, accreditations and network, typically listed on their website and signatures," says Parker. "That level of mindshare doesn't come with a lone advisor unless they have many, many years of experience."
• Slow response times: If communication is delayed, that's a sign they may be too busy to plan your trip – but again, this is something you can avoid by having the right conversations early on.

Edman suggestes starting your search with the American Society of Travel Advisors . "ASTA-verified travel advisors are committed to the highest industry standards and have verifiable industry knowledge so consumers can feel confident in working with them," she says.

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7 Amazing Benefits of Using A Travel Agent

This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy .

Planning a vacation is a complicated and time-consuming process. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using a travel agent to help plan and book your family travel!

Having a professional help with the planning and logistics of your travel plans can have a big impact on how much you spend on — and how much you enjoy — your family vacation.

As travel becomes more and more complicated, and your vacation time more valuable, let’s take a look at the 7 reasons to use a travel agent to book your travel in 2022 and beyond!

This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.   For more info, see disclosure.

Table of Contents

What is a Travel Agent?

A travel agent is an individual who both provides and arranges travel or tourism-related services to the general public. This is done so on behalf of the travel agent’s accommodation or travel suppliers.

Travel agents simplify the travel planning process by booking flights, cruises, rental cars and hotels, as well as resort stays and events.

They offer vacation and accommodation suggestions based on their experience and research as well as work within a set monetary budget if desired.

Most importantly, travel agents are invested in their clients’ happiness and satisfaction.

They work to make sure that each and every detail of your trip is accounted for in order to help ensure that you have a memorable, hassle-free family vacation!

Benefits of Using A Travel Agent

In order to help explain the undeniable benefits of using a travel agent to book your future travel, I’ve partnered with Sandy Haddick, owner of Dreams are Forever Travel .

Sandy is a passionate travel agent based out of Rochester, Minnesota who consistently goes above and beyond to meet the travel needs of her clients both near and far.

Together, we’ll explain several travel agent benefits, as well as review reasons why to use a travel agent instead of booking online.

1. Travel is their expertise. 

The #1 benefit of using a travel agent when it comes to booking your family travel is because travel is their expertise .

Much like you would hire an electrician to handle a wiring issue, or a financial planner to help manage your money, you should turn to a travel professional when you’re in need of assistance with your travels.

Travel agents are trained to know, understand, and adapt to all different forms of travel.

They research information on their client’s travel plans and relay important details including travel advisories, recent news, weather conditions, and required documents for your destination.

We discuss your travel desires and craft the perfect vacation just for you! Likewise, we listen, suggest, adjust, and understand.  We also give you valuable tips before you leave on your vacation that you may not have thought of on your own! Sandy

2. Destination knowledge. 

Travel agents uncover new destinations and are constantly on the lookout for the best trips and travel recommendations.

Likewise, they are the best resources to contact when looking to book unique places to stay in the USA and beyond!

Not only do travel agents travel the world to serve as a resource for their clients, but they have an abundance of other travel-related resources to answer your questions quickly and correctly.

Their recommendations cater to various travel purposes, whether it be family, group, or multi-generational leisure or business-related travel.

I often use the hashtag #WeKnowBecauseWeGo because it’s true!  We travel so we can see destinations, resorts, and excursions first hand in order to help our clients make informed decisions on what they can expect. Sandy

3. Convenience.

Travel agents offer the convenience of having every aspect of your vacation or trip pulled together in one comprehensive plan.

This includes researching and suggesting destinations , as well as arranging for flights, accommodations, airport transportation, and excursions.

By doing so, all of the guesswork is taken out of these selections and your final details will be available in one hub of information provided to you by your travel agent.

We know your time is valuable, so we seek out all of the answers to your questions so that you don’t have to waste your precious time researching. Sandy

*For additional travel convenience, click the following image to get your FREE family vacation packing list that is both customizable and printable!

4. Cost savings.

Many people might be hesitant to work with a travel agent because they think it will cost them extra money.

They may also assume that they’ll spend more money working with a travel agent than when booking vacations on their own.

The fact is that travelers do not pay more for vacations when working with a travel agent and instead, often save more money than they would if booking online.

Not only do travel agents have access to exclusive deals, but they keep track of current vacation promotions, can advise you on the best time to book, as well as calculate the value of what you will receive.

We have relationships with tour operators and resorts that can gain our clients better travel perks. Likewise, we can actually save you money as we are privy to discounts you may not know about. Last, there is no fee to use Dreams are Forever Travel. We get paid by the tour operators, hoteliers, rental car companies, etc., and not from our individual clients. Sandy

5. Relationships.

The relationship you’ll form with your travel agent, as well as their relationships with other agents, are two of the benefits of using a travel agent.

Through getting to know you, a travel agent will honor your personal vacation requests and hand-pick its details to tailor to your needs.

The relationships that travel agents have with properties and other travel professionals will get you into incredible experiences and save you from unknowns.

Often times, room preferences, dietary needs, and other special requests can be seamlessly accommodated by the benefits of using a travel agent and their connections.

Travel agents are not a search engine or an anonymous voice from a call center. Instead, we are professionals who happen to love travel and who truly care. We want you to have an experience, not just a trip! Sandy

Additional recommended reading: 9 Tips For Keeping Your Family Healthy While Traveling

6. Travel assistance.

One of the best benefits of using a travel agent is the travel assistance that you will get in working with an actual person, versus the Internet.

During our recent family vacation to Mexico , our travel agent was able to help our large group deal with last-minute flight changes and staggered arrival times.

The personalized attention that we received was an essential component to the success and overall enjoyment of the trip.

Quite simply, when working with a travel agent, they take care of everything.

From the moment you set foot in the destination to the moment you touch the ground back home, dedicated travel assistance is an undeniable benefit of using a travel agent.

The Internet doesn’t call you back, but we do!  During times of crisis (hurricanes, Covid-19, etc.), you make one call, text or email and we handle the rest. We are there for you 24/7 while traveling.  I’ve had clients call at 2 am because they couldn’t get into the vacation condo and I was able to pick up the phone and solve their issue. Sandy

7. Decreased stress.

Another one of the top benefits of using a travel agent is that they always have your back!

Travel agents exist to assist their clients in making travel as smooth and as stress-free as possible. In the rare case that something on a trip doesn’t go as planned, travel agents are there to resolve the problem, so that you can continue to relax and enjoy.

Not only that, but self-directed internet searches provide overwhelming amounts of information.

To make a trip extra special it’s best to have someone who knows how to connect all that information and turn it into an itinerary that is seamless and stress-free.

You can start your vacation with peace of mind knowing every detail has been accounted for. Once there, you can focus on the fun knowing that your agent has handled everything for you! Sandy

Benefits of Using A Travel Agent – About Our Guest

“Hi! I’m Sandy Haddick, owner of Dreams are Forever Travel!

I have been planning travel from a young age. 

My first memory as a Travel Planner is when I was 8 years old. I asked my mom if I could map out our route to South Dakota from the west coast. 

After that, I was hooked! 

As I grew up, I became the “go-to” person for friends and family when it came to travel.

At Dreams are Forever Travel , I specialize in leisure travel for families, couples, groups, and solo travelers.  I help my clients by crafting the perfect vacation to suit their needs & desires at no additional cost to them.

When I’m not making travel dreams come true, I love to travel with my own family.

I enjoy visiting different destinations to gain valuable first-hand knowledge for my clients.

Please, visit my website or contact me to plan your next adventure!”

If you liked reading our Top 7 Benefits of Using a Travel Agent, click here to check out our  Related Posts:

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*Before leaving, be sure to check our  Travel Resources Page  to find our exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*

Jen Brommer is a family travel expert. She has been featured as an authority on several notable travel websites and is a member of the Family Travel Association (FTA), Midwest Travel Network, and TravMedia global media network.

A prominent content creator and influencer on Instagram, Jen has over 150K unique monthly blog readers from countries all over the world. She has spent the last 16 years planning fun, and hassle-free family vacations for her family of 5.

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10 Comments

Great tips to hire a travel agent!

Thank you so much! They are oh so important now in this season of cancellations and changes 🙂

#7 really speaks to me here! I always get into so much analysis paralysis and decision fatigue I just wish someone would make the choices for me and have it be perfect! Thanks for all this insight 🙂

Dayla, thanks for reading! I like your term ‘analysis paralysis’. So true!!

I couldn’t agree more with using a travel agent, maybe a bit biased because I’m a travel agent too. Ha Ha! Honestly, Travel Agents are skilled, experienced and active travellers. I think the biggest misconception people have about Travel Agents is thinking they are expensive however this is not the case, Travel Agents have access to suppliers that provides pecks like hotel upgrades, complimentary spa sessions and lots more.

Awesome! I did not know that you were a travel agent! Thanks for sharing…and good luck with your travel endeavors. You rock!

Interesting perspective. I’m often hesitant to use a travel agent when booking a holiday from home, but I’ll happily use tour companies on the ground while on holiday!

Thanks for reading! I think that travel agents are an especially great option for people that don’t particularly like spending the time researching a particular destination or itinerary.

We’ve used travel agents a few times randomly but these are all great tips on why you’ll benefit from them!! Thanks for debunking some of the myths!

You’re welcome! I love to use travel agents when traveling with big groups or several different families as they do such a great job of coordinating flights, arrivals, etc.

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10 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

Many consumers might not realize what they are missing out on when they travel and don't use a travel agent . Here are just a few things that your travel agent can do for you.

 Buena Vista Images/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Travel agents know the market and, if they listen to what you want, will be able to match you with a better product than you can find on the Internet.

trotsche/E+/Getty Images 

If something goes wrong on your trip, a good travel agent will go to bat for you—no matter who is at fault—and try to get your vacation back on track.

Aitormmfoto / Getty Images 

Travel agents have access to a variety of tools that the average consumer is not able to use or doesn't know about. They can sometimes get you a better seat on an airplane, added amenities at hotels, room upgrades, event tickets, and plan activities for you.

Convenience

 Van Loh/Getty.

Your time is valuable and you shouldn't have to spend it searching for the right vacation. A travel agent can do that for you. They can match you with the vacation that you actually want, not the one that you saw on television. There is a difference between travel inspiration and actual travel desires. Destinations may look good on TV but not actually be ideal for you personally. Travel agents can help you define what it is you want to get out of a vacation.

Relationships

webphotographeer / E+/Getty Images

As you develop a relationship with your travel agent, they are able to target the right trips for you without even having a conversation. Ideally, a simple phone call or email could result in your next vacation—already planned. 

 Courtney Keating/E+/Getty Images

Often, travel agents can save you money based on their supplier relationships—or at least match the price you find—while saving you time and effort. There are also hidden savings built into trips. A travel agent will likely book transfers for you, included in the price. Sometimes a package that you book yourself won't include those, making the experience appear cheaper. 

Added Value

There are a lot of value-adds that consumers don't even know about that can be added by a travel agent. Ever wonder why the couple in the cabin next to yours got champagne and you didn't? They probably used a travel agent.

Better Destinations

 Manu Dreuil/Flickr/ CC BY 2.0

Travel agents have inside information on the best times to go to crowded destinations and they sometimes even know what the new "it" destinations are going to be before the masses. Want to get there first? Use a travel agent.

Exclusive Access

Francesco Iacobelli/Getty Images 

Some tours and experiences are only available through a travel agent. Many companies offer a lot of components and simply want to make sure a customer is right for their experience—exotic tours, treks, private jet products are often only available through an agent.

Because They Are Awesome

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images News/Getty Images 

Travel agents are some of the most well-rounded, funny, personable and knowledgeable people you'll meet. They come from more backgrounds than you can even count—they have been professors, hotel owners, tour guides, bus drivers. They all have one thing in common: They are passionate about sharing the world with you. Take advantage of their services.

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Why You Should Use a Travel Agent

A travel advisor can be a great resource for a new destination—and your best advocate when things go wrong.

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This past summer, I took one of the longest and most complicated trips of my life.

It was a 26-day tour of Italy, Croatia, and Greece that included planes, trains, cars, and ferries, all of which needed to be coordinated to make sure I adhered to Covid-prompted entry requirements for each country. The trip went off nearly without a hitch, except for the evening that my flight from Rome to Split, Croatia was delayed by 90 minutes, resulting in my missing the last ferry of the night from Split to the island of Hvar.

It turns out I didn't have to worry—because I booked the trip with a travel agent. When I was planning my European adventure, I asked a travel editor friend if she could recommend someone to help me plan my trip. She told me her go-to resource for travel was Jack Ezon, a founder and managing partner of Embark Beyond . I called Ezon in May and told him what I was hoping to do—visit Greece, Croatia, Italy, France, and maybe Norway. He kindly explained that my plan was too ambitious, not only because I was trying to visit too many countries in too short a period of time, but also because Norway and France were not open to Americans (France did later open to American travelers, but Norway's borders remain closed).

Ezon referred me to one of his travel advisors, Julie Banning . Banning and I spoke by phone, and she put together a stellar itinerary that included stops in Florence, Forte dei Marmi, Portofino, Rome, Positano, Capri, Hvar, Dubrovnik, Mykonos, Sifnos, and Athens. Banning explained that for a trip of this magnitude, Embark Beyond would charge a fee of $1,000 (the company offered me a discount on the fee as a journalist—I paid $500). If she were only booking hotels (which compensate travel agencies through commissions), there would be no charge, but since she would be booking flights, trains, and cars, a fee would apply. While the fee seemed high to me when I first learned of it, I'm now happy to have paid it because of the value I got out of using a travel agent for my trip.

Back to the Hvar situation. When I checked in the day after my expected arrival date, the front desk manager at the Adriana told me that the hotel would not be able to refund that first night. I explained that it would have been physically impossible for me to check in on time because I missed the last ferry to Hvar due to my flight delay. She told me that the best they could do would be to add an additional night to the end of my stay, but that would not work because I needed to get to Athens for my return flight to New York. I figured I was out of luck, but then I e-mailed Banning to fill her in on what had happened. "Leave it with me," she replied.

A Travel Agent Is Your Best Advocate When Something Goes Wrong

Sure enough, an e-mail Banning sent to the hotel reservations department did the trick. A week later, the hotel refunded the cost of the first night's stay to my American Express card.

"We're advocates," explains Anne Scully, a partner at Embark Beyond who has worked in the travel industry for 40 years. "A good travel advisor holds a client's hands and takes care of them." She adds that travel advisors really show their value when things go wrong. "Through our relationships and our experience, we are able to get clients out of a bad situation."

Scully says that she has also gotten clients rebooked when their flights have been canceled—long before their fellow passengers have gotten through to the airline customer service phone line or found their way to a representative at the airport.

They Know Where to Send You Because It's Their Job

Another reason to use a travel agent is to get intel on a new destination. I discovered how valuable one could be when I visited Costa Rica for the first time last March. Like many 30-somethings, I figured I could plan a trip on my own. After a few hours of online research, I realized I was out of my element since I was attempting to visit a foreign country I had never been to during the middle of a pandemic. I enlisted the help of Tom Pyman at Black Tomato , a luxury and adventure tour operator. I explained that I had about 10 days to travel and was trying to decide between Costa Rica and Egypt—two of just a few countries open to American travelers at the time.

Pyman, who specializes in both destinations, recommended Costa Rica since I could do a combination of adventure activities (like ziplining and whitewater rafting) and beach excursions. He put together a comprehensive itinerary that included visits to the Arenal Volcano area, Tortuguero on the Caribbean Coast, and Santa Theresa on the Pacific Coast, all without charging a planning fee.

They Know the Best Way to Get Around Your Destinations

For my most recent trip, Banning knew that the flight I needed to take from Dubrovnik to Athens only operated certain days of the week. That meant that she needed to plan an itinerary that would involve traveling between Croatia and Greece on a Thursday or Saturday—something that would have taken me quite a while to figure on my own.

In addition, Embark Beyond can arrange for VIP meet-and-greets at the airport, where their guide will meet passengers at the door to the plane, whisk them through customs, and get them out of the airport with luggage while the other passengers from their flight are still waiting to get through passport control, Scully says.

Both Black Tomato and Embark Beyond were also on top of the Covid protocols during my trips. Black Tomato arranged for a local guide to take me to a lab in San José for the rapid test I needed to return to the United States; it was one of only a few labs that was open on that Sunday and would not have been easy to find on my own. Embark Beyond provided clear and detailed pre-departure information about the online documents I would need to complete to enter the countries I was visiting. (As a vaccinated American, I did not need to take a Covid test to enter Italy, Croatia, or Greece, but I did have to show my vaccination card.)

They Have Flexible Cancelation Policies

During the pandemic, Black Tomato launched a policy called State of Flex that offers travelers full refunds and fee-free postponements on bookings if Covid complications arise between booking and travel, up to 30 days before departure.

They Can Get You Upgrades You Can't Get Yourself

"I had a fellow come to me with his Centurion Card and say, 'Anne, I don’t see what you can do,'" Scully says (American Express's most exclusive credit card, the Centurion Card reportedly offers a number of hotel benefits). "I said, "'I’ll make you known on arrival. You will be recognized on arrival, not the card.' The card is a bank benefit. The human connection and relationships change the way people travel."

Scully says she had another client for whom she had booked a cruise, and the client called to say she was able to get a better rate from another agent. Scully talked to her contact at the cruise line, and as she suspected, the other agent was giving the client a rebate to win her business. While Scully was not able to match the rate, she was able to do even better by leveraging her connection with the cruise line to secure an upgrade to a cabin that was 200 square feet larger than the client had booked.

They Can Set Up Special Experiences

When she learned two of her clients were celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary, Scully coordinated with the couple's children to get 50 photos from throughout their marriage and arranged to have each photo printed on a balloon for the party.

Black Tomato travelers can choose to be surprised by where they're going at the airport if they opt for the tour operator's tailor-made Get Lost service . All the required equipment is supplied at the destination.

While I’m not sure I’d be up for that level of uncertainty, you can bet I’ll be enlisting the help of a travel agent next time I go to another new destination.

Sam Dangremond is a Contributing Digital Editor at Town & Country, where he covers men's style, cocktails, travel, and the social scene.

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Travel Agency Business Model: What It Is and How it Works

In 1758, Cox & Kings became the first travel agency in modern history. Since then, the traditional travel agency model has grown and evolved into a $149 billion industry while the new online traveling agency model generates over $400 billion. It’s clear that this is a business model that has withstood the test of time. Let’s take a look at this business model , its advantages and disadvantages, how it makes money, and a few examples.

The Travel Agency Business Model

The travel agency business model is a framework that travel agencies use to provide travel-related services to customers. At its core, this model involves acting as an intermediary between clients and various travel service providers, such as airlines, hotels, and tour operators.

Travel agencies understand customer needs, preferences, and budgets to create personalized travel experiences. They leverage their expertise and industry connections to access information and deals not readily available to the public. Typically, travel agencies earn their income through commissions from the service providers they book with, service fees charged to clients, or a combination of both.

However, technology has expanded how this model works and how it generates revenue. No longer are commissions the only method by which agencies make money. As the world has changed, so has this model and its income-generating capabilities. Let’s take a look at a few different ways to make money from this model.

How Travel Agencies Make Money

Traditionally, the way travel agents generate revenue is the same way other businesses using the agency model make their money: through commissions. When an agent or agency recommends a hotel, cruise, or airline, they receive a commission from those entities. The size of the commission usually depends on the type of service purchased. For example, hotels typically offer a 10% commission per booking. 

On the other hand, c ruises offer up to 18% commission to agencies for vacation packages sold. 

• Commission from bookings : Earn a percentage from bookings for hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators.
• Service fees: Charge for personalized services like itinerary planning, booking assistance, and on-trip support.
• Travel insurance: Sale of travel insurance to clients for additional income and enhanced customer service.
• Exclusive tours and packages: Organizing and selling their own tours and packages for higher profit margins.
• Travel-related merchandise: Selling merchandise related to travel.
• Strategic partnerships: Leveraging partnerships for mutual promotions and additional revenue.

Types of Travel Agencies

Traditional brick-and-mortar agencies.

Traditional brick-and-mortar travel agencies are physical establishments where clients can walk in and consult with travel agents face-to-face. These agencies offer a personal touch, with experienced agents providing customized travel planning services.

They are particularly valuable for complex travel arrangements, like multi-destination trips, cruises, or group travel. Traditional agencies often build strong local customer bases and can provide a level of detail and customer care that is hard to match online. They are ideal for customers who prefer in-person interactions and seek expert guidance and reassurance throughout the booking process.

Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

Online Travel Agencies, or OTAs, operate strictly on the internet. Travelweb.com and Expedia were among the first online travel agencies that helped visitors find hotels and flights without working with a human agent. Sites like Travelocity and Orbitz soon followed. Eventually, those agencies were acquired by Expedia Group. 

OTAs provide the advantage of easy comparison shopping, allowing customers to quickly compare prices and options for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. They often offer competitive pricing and are accessible 24/7. However, they may offer less personalized service compared to traditional agencies. OTAs often make money using different pricing models.

Here are some examples of the different pricing models used by OTAs:

• Airbnb – Peer-to-Peer Model
• TripAdvisor – Advertising Model
• Booking.com – Agency and Merchant Model
• Travelocity – Merchant Model

Airbnb, which was once known as a rental company has pivoted into a travel agency. 

Specialty Travel Agencies

Specialty travel agencies focus on particular types of travel or destinations. These agencies create a unique selling point by offering expert knowledge and specialized services. This category includes agencies that specialize in areas like luxury travel, adventure tours, eco-tourism, or specific regions of the world.

They cater to niche markets and provide in-depth knowledge and unique experiences tailored to their clients’ interests. For example, an agency specializing in safari tours would have detailed knowledge about various African destinations. They would also know the best times to visit and any unique accommodations. These agencies are ideal for travelers with specific interests or who are seeking an extraordinary travel experience.

Corporate Travel Agencies

Corporate travel agencies specialize in handling the travel needs of businesses and organizations. They manage business trips, conferences, and other travel-related needs for companies. These agencies are adept at navigating the complexities of business travel, such as corporate rates, expense management, and travel policy compliance.

They offer services like 24/7 support, travel risk management, and detailed reporting. Corporate travel agencies are essential for companies looking to streamline their travel processes, ensure the safety and comfort of their traveling employees, and control travel-related expenses. AMEX GBT and TravelBank are a few examples of the leading corporate travel agencies out there.

Pros of the Travel Agency Business Model

The travel agency business model, despite its challenges, offers several advantages that make it a viable and often preferred choice for many travelers. These benefits not only help travel agencies attract and retain customers but also provide them with unique opportunities to stand out in a competitive market.

Personalized Customer Service

One of the primary strengths of travel agencies is their ability to offer personalized customer service. However, this is true for brick-and-mortar agencies. OTAs have very few personalized services other than those recommendations offered by the site’s algorithms or targeting cookies.

Unlike online booking platforms, retail travel agents can provide a high level of personal attention. They understand that individuals have different preferences, needs, and budgets.

This personal touch allows them to craft travel experiences that are tailored specifically to each client. This can be particularly valuable for complex itineraries, special occasions, or for travelers with specific needs. The ability to offer bespoke travel planning and problem-solving during trips creates a customer experience that automated services simply cannot match.

 Diverse Revenue Streams

One of the major advantages of the travel agency business model is the potential for diverse revenue streams. Travel agencies can earn income through various channels such as commissions from travel providers (like airlines, hotels, and tour operators), service fees for specialized itinerary planning, and the sale of travel insurance. This diversification allows agencies to maintain a steady income even if one particular source declines.

High Client Retention Rate

Travel agencies often enjoy a high client retention rate. In the hospitality and travel sectors, the typical client retention percentage ranges around 55%. By providing personalized service, expert advice, and hassle-free travel planning, agencies can build a loyal client base. Satisfied customers are likely to return for future travel needs and recommend the agency to others, which is invaluable for long-term business growth.

Scalability in the Travel Agency Business

Scalability is a standout advantage in the travel agency business model. Initially, a travel agency can start small, focusing on a niche market or a specific type of travel service. As the business gains a foothold, it can incrementally expand what it has to offer. This could include adding new destinations, diverse travel packages such as luxury tours, budget trips, or adventure travel, and broadening the range of services including corporate or group travel management.

Importantly, the scalability of a travel agency does not necessarily require a proportional increase in overhead or resources. This aspect allows for sustainable growth. As a result, travel agencies can scale up (or down) in response to market trends or economic conditions. This also means that they can pivot because of consumer preferences. 

For example, in the 1990s Acapulco was a highly desired destination. However, in the 2020s travelers are flocking to Dubai for their getaways. Travel agencies can quickly pivot in order to give clients travel options while not needing to change their business operations.

Cons of the Travel Agency Business Model

Increased competition.

One of the most formidable challenges facing travel agencies today is the heightened level of competition. With the advent of online booking platforms, such as Expedia and Booking.com, and direct booking options offered by airlines and hotels, traditional travel agencies find themselves competing in an increasingly crowded market.

These online platforms often provide customers with a convenient way to compare prices and book travel services directly, bypassing the need for an intermediary. Additionally, they are typically available 24/7, offering a level of convenience that traditional agencies struggle to match.

This shift has not only squeezed the market share of traditional travel agencies but also put downward pressure on their pricing and service fees.

Dependence on External Factors

One notable disadvantage of this model is the high level of exposure to external factors. Their operations and profitability are closely tied to global and regional dynamics. As most know, these can be unpredictable and highly impactful. Geopolitical events, such as political unrest, terrorism, or diplomatic tensions, can abruptly make destinations less appealing or even inaccessible. When these things happen, it can lead to a significant drop in bookings and revenue. Similarly, economic downturns can quickly change travel patterns, with people cutting back on discretionary spending like vacations, directly affecting travel agency sales.

Natural disasters, health pandemics, and environmental concerns also play a major role in influencing travel decisions. For example, during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, global road travel and commercial flight activity decreased by 50 percent and 60 percent . 

Also, currency fluctuations and changing visa regulations can impact international travel trends. A strong currency in a key market can deter travelers. On top of that, stricter visa regulations can reduce the number of inbound tourists. These elements make planning and forecasting exceptionally challenging for travel agencies, requiring them to be adaptable and resilient in the face of constant change.

Low-Profit Margins

The travel agency business is characterized by relatively low profit margins, a significant con in its operational model. This challenge stems from several factors, including intense competition with online travel platforms and direct booking options offered by airlines and hotels, which often feature lower prices and more direct control over the customer experience. In order to remain competitive, traditional travel agencies are often compelled to offer compelling deals, which can further compress their profit margins.

Commission-based income, which is a primary revenue source for many travel agencies, presents its own set of challenges. These commissions, often a percentage of the total booking cost, can be modest, especially with suppliers increasingly reducing commission rates. Furthermore, the growing trend of suppliers offering the same or lower rates directly to consumers further exacerbates the pressure on profit margins.

Time-Intensive Operations

The operation of a travel agency is often a time-intensive endeavor, which can be a significant downside of this business model. Crafting personalized travel experiences, which is a key selling point for many agencies, requires meticulous planning, extensive research, and constant communication with clients and suppliers. This level of customization and attention to detail is labor-intensive and time-consuming, especially when catering to clients with specific or complex travel needs.

Furthermore, the nature of the travel industry demands that agencies remain responsive to client needs around the clock, especially for clients who are actively traveling. Dealing with last-minute changes, addressing travel disruptions, and providing support across different time zones can be demanding and reduce the time available for other business activities.

For small or independent travel agencies, where resources are limited, this time commitment can be particularly challenging. Balancing the need to provide high-quality, personalized service to existing clients while simultaneously engaging in marketing efforts, business development, and administrative tasks can stretch resources thin. This time pressure can limit the agency’s ability to scale up, as acquiring new clients and expanding services requires additional time and effort that may not be readily available.

As we mentioned before, it appears that this is a business model that is here to stay. The travel agency model has many traditional elements of a successful business model but has also integrated modern methods with the advancement of technology. Entrepreneurs and business owners considering this model should take the time to understand the benefits as well as the risks involved.

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Ralph is the Managing Editor at StartUp Mindset. The StartUp Mindset team consists of dedicated individuals and is designed to help new, seasoned, and aspiring entrepreneurs succeed.

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Travel Advisor Resources

Is Being a Travel Agent Worth It? Fora Discusses the Pros & Cons

The Modern Travel Agency

Fora Travel

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/is-being-a-travel-agent-worth-it

Fora Advisor Gaya Vinay

Is being a travel agent worth it? We’re breaking down all the pros and cons of being a travel agent.

First, what does a travel agent do exactly?

Fora Advisor Fallon Alexandria

What does a travel agent do ? Travel agents — or travel advisors, they're different words for the same role — earn money by selling and booking trips for clients. Travel agents can book hotels, cruise lines, itineraries, travel experiences, rental cars, travel insurance and more. (Learn about some types of bookings you can make for clients as an advisor ).

We’re biased, but we think it’s one of the best jobs in the travel industry . 

Do people still use travel agents to book their travel? What’s the demand like?

Many people don’t realize that travel agents even exist still — much less that it’s a booming part of the travel industry! In 2023, it was an $865.5 billion industry, and it’s expected to grow to $905.89 billion in 2024 .

Here’s a quick history lesson: the first recorded travel agency was launched in 1841 by Thomas Cook . There have been a few advancements since then (hello, modern technology), but the general concept remains relatively the same: agents plan and book trips.

Rapid adoption of the internet in the 90s and online travel agencies (sites that you can book your travel online) gained popularity. But the services provided by online booking sites lack the personal connection that an actual person can provide. At Fora, we’re spearheading the emergence of the modern travel advisor, bringing personalized service back to trip planning. Read more about the benefits of booking with a travel advisor .

How do travel agents make money?

Fora Advisor Rabia Malik

Travel agents make money by booking trips. It is mostly a commission-based industry (meaning that hotels and other travel partners will pay you when you book with them), but advisors also earn money from planning and service fees. Learn more about how travel agents get paid .

How do you become a travel agent?

If you have a passion for travel and connecting with others, becoming a travel agent could be the perfect career option for you. You can spend your days researching and planning travel, helping your clients to make extra-special memories from their vacations.

Our guide on how to become a travel agent offers an in-depth breakdown of the process. But the short version is that you’ll want to find a host agency (an umbrella organization like Fora that gives you the tools you need as a travel advisor) and then participate in comprehensive training to learn the in’s and out’s of the role. From there, you’ll work to build your book of business as a travel advisor over time.

Is being a travel agent worth it? Breaking down the pros

Fora Advisor Kerry Boyd

Is being a travel agent worth it? We certainly believe so, but we don’t expect you to take that at face value. Here are all of the pros of becoming a travel advisor. 

Pro: It’s a flexible career

You can work as a travel advisor part-time or full-time. It’s also a career that you can build up over time, which means that you can start part-time and then transition into a full-time role once you have established your clientele base.

“As an avid traveler who felt trapped in the rigid schedule of a traditional healthcare worker, Fora gives me the opportunity to grow my passion for travel in to a business at my own pace while still working full-time and eventually make the leap to travel advising full-time when I'm ready,” Fora Advisor Alexandra Vigilante Chamberlin said. “I think the most valuable thing about working with Fora is that I probably would not have gotten started down this path without you!"

As an independenct contractor, you’ll be your own boss. You can work as much as you want, and when you want.

"I needed an agency that could offer me the flexibility to balance my responsibilities, including being a mom and juggling another work gig,” Fora Advisor Timadge Berkhadley said. “Choosing Fora as my host agency was an easy decision. Fora's approach allowed me to seamlessly manage my other responsibilities while still booking dream vacations for my clients."

Another one of the perks of becoming a travel agent online is that you never have to commit to an office space (unless you want to, of course). As a travel advisor, you can work from anywhere.

Read more: Here's Why Being a Fora Advisor is One of the Best Part-Time Jobs for Moms & Dads

Pro: You don’t need prior experience to get started

Many (but not all) host agencies offer training when you join their network as a travel advisor, which allows you to learn what you need about the role as you build your career in the space.

At Fora, we offer comprehensive travel agent certification as well as ongoing educational opportunities. Our travel agent training covers everything from booking basics to how to market your travel business like a pro , including how to market to your own network as well as build your business through social media. It is offered online so you can learn at your own pace.

Pro: You can build a career doing something you love

Working as a travel advisor is a fun and rewarding career in many ways. Working as a travel advisor can be a great pathway for you to build a career in travel on your terms. It is also an opportunity to transform a passion for travel and connections into your full-time role.

From a monetary perspective, you might be wondering: do you make good money as a travel agent? The amount of how much do travel agents make varies widely from advisor to advisor. Put simply: you get in what you put in. Typically, those who concentrate on high-end travel or specific niches tend to generate greater earnings than their counterparts who cater to budget-friendly travel options. Learn more about how travel agents get paid .

Pro: You can choose your niche (or skip one entirely)

The ability to control your business also means you get to control what type of travel you sell. And there are so many different travel agent jobs and niches. 

Want to make reservations at glamorous hotels in Dubai for discerning travelers? Perhaps becoming a luxury travel agent is in your wheelhouse. Want to help your clients enjoy the magic of Disney or Universal Studios? How about helping your clients embark on voyages on the high seas to scenic, tropical destinations? The options are endless and entirely up to you.

(Learn how to become a Disney travel agent or how to become a cruise travel agent — or both.)

Pro: You get to work in an exciting field that makes people happy

For many, being a travel agent is worth it simply because you’re helping clients plan memorable vacations.

Whether you’re sharing the best places to visit in Spain for first timers , the most gorgeous Bahamas resorts , the top hotels in Downtown NYC … As a Fora Advisor, you’re planning trips to amazing destinations, helping to create some of your clients’ fondest memories. 

Pro: You get to meet other travel experts

Fora Advisors participate in a workshop at Live Forum 2022, our annual conference

We always say that travel people are the best people. When you work as a travel agent, you’re constantly meeting other industry professionals. This means you’re forging connections with local hotels and partners, as well as meeting fellow travel advisors.

At Fora, we pride ourselves on our very welcoming community. You’ll be able to connect with fellow Fora Advisors online (learn about our community app ) as well as in-person through conferences, familiarization trips and more.

"I love that I can essentially run my own travel business while also working with so many talented and helpful people,” Fora Advisor Jennifer Lopez said. “As I tell my clients, no one is an expert on all travel destinations. One of the biggest benefits for my clients of my being a Fora Advisor is that I can tap into the knowledge and expertise of the Fora Advisor network to help me plan the perfect vacation for my clients."

Pro: Startup costs are minimal (at Fora, anyway)

Just about any independent business is going to have startup costs: equipment, office space, licenses…you get the idea. To become a Fora Advisor , these pricing costs are minimal, though. Our membership fee costs $49 monthly or $299 annually. We set you up with everything you need to run a successful travel advisor business with a one-stop shop solution. Plus, our advisors typically make back their membership fee within their first month.

What is the downside of being a travel agent? The cons

No job is without its cons, but we bet you'll still think being a travel agent is worth it after checking out the cons below. 

Con: There are startup costs to consider

We get it. Startup costs are a bummer. It can be hard to spend money on a business as you are just getting started. But we’re willing to bet you’ll find that it’s worth the investment to be your own boss. It’s worth noting that Fora’s membership costs are approachable (we have a flat-rate, $49/month subscription fee – or $299 annually) that gives you everything you need to start your business as a travel advisor.

Con: There’s a learning curve

Fora's Head of Travel Operations Leslie Overton leads a workshop at Live Forum 2023

When you’re just getting started as a travel advisor, there’s a lot to learn. There’s a whole side to the travel industry that you might never have heard of (for example, understanding industry lingo like what a DMC is).

But as you book, you’ll gain confidence (and also speed). Over time, working as a travel advisor will become second nature.

"I had never booked travel before so the certification trainings from Fora were invaluable,” Fora Advisor Timadge Berkhadley said. “It gave me the jumpstart and confidence I needed to dive right in and to begin booking. The destination trainings were particularly helpful, as they gave me insights into countries I hadn't visited before, thus expanding my understanding of various destinations."

We’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to become a successful travel agent.

Con: Sometimes clients can be high-maintenance

We’re just going to say it: Sometimes clients can be extra (we love them, though!). You will have to be patient as a travel advisor, and prioritize extending the white-glove service. Travel planning is a customer-facing role, after all, and many clients expect a degree of attentiveness and professionalism. 

The good news is that most clients simply want to work with a friendly advisor who takes their needs and goals seriously. Likewise, a good portion of travel planning is simply listening . Over time, you’ll find that confidence comes naturally.  

( How do travel agents get clients , anyway? Our guide tells all.)

Con: Most travel agents earn income from commissions & planning fees (i.e., there’s no base pay)

It’s worth considering financial implications of becoming a travel advisor before you dive in so that you can decide if it’s right for you. As an independent travel agent , is that you’re forgoing a traditional salary. This is the trade-off for being your own boss and setting your own schedule. On the flip side, this also means your earning potential is unlimited.

A good travel advisor is an excellent salesperson and knows how to transform this “con” into a “pro” and build a lucrative career as a travel advisor.

Con: Some travel agents are always on-call (including during holidays)

Your clients will often expect you to be available in case something goes awry — even if they’re on the other side of the world, in a completely different time zone. And since so many people travel during holidays, you may find yourself busy during your own celebrations. As with any trip, life happens, and you’ll have to navigate cancellations and some mishaps along the way. We offer plenty of training and support to help you navigate difficult situations if something does go sideways. Read a few of our tips in our guide on four things advisors can do when there’s a travel snafu .

Con: Your own travel might turn into work trips

More than a few of us have taken detours on our vacations so that we can check out a hotel property that’s on our bucket list. As travel advisors, we love our jobs, and we admit it can be hard to separate business from pleasure. This isn’t necessarily a con, though, and many travel advisors love this aspect of the business.

Overall: is being a travel agent worth it? We think so!

Fora Advisors attending a partner talk at Live Forum 2022

Being a travel agent is worth it many times over. It’s a career path where you get to set your own schedule, make people happy, live out your passion for travel and make a fantastic living. It does take effort and commitment, but the work is fun and rewarding in so many ways. If that sounds like a dream, apply to become a travel advisor .

"I had never booked travel for anyone other than myself before joining the Fora community. I had never even worked with a travel advisor until the year before joining Fora,” Fora Advisor Alexandra Vigilante Chamberlin said. “I had been dreaming about a career pivot for a while but always felt stuck on how to make it happen. It never occurred to me that travel advising could be my calling until I stumbled across Fora. And I’m so glad I did.”

Are you ready to become an independent travel agent?

We have everything you need to get started as an independent travel agent. From training to tech, community and more, Fora is a one-stop shop to build your business as a travel advisor. Learn more and become a Fora Advisor today.

We also have more resources on becoming a travel advisor:

How Much Do Travel Agents Make Per Booking?  

Why Group Bookings Are Great: Tips from an Expert  

Room Blocks 101: Mastering the Art of Group Bookings  

Book a Cruise With a Virgin Voyages Travel Agent  

6 Jobs Where You Travel: From Au Pairs to Travel Advisors

How to Start a Travel Agency (& Why It’s Not Your Best Option)

Are you the go-to person for travel tips?

Transform your passion for travel into your dream job. We'll set you up with everything you need to succeed as a travel advisor. From training to top-notch tech, marketing assets, community, commission tracking & payments (and more), we've got you.

Business Tips

10 benefits of using a corporate travel agency, july 27, 2022.

With time becoming even tighter each day, travelers need to worry about too many things and simply being able to manage your time isn’t as easy when you have to travel through so many countries. 

10 benefits of hiring a corporate travel agency 

In his article, we will identify the top benefits you get from hiring a corporate travel agency.

Dedicated support team

A corporate travel agency is ready to be there when you need them most. Their support team is no joke and has several experts. You must create and evolve a program with their support as a travel manager. 

A dedicated support team will help you work for a dedicated support team and manage any difficulties you have with your programs. However, keep in mind that only some of the best corporate travel agencies will offer you a top-level dedicated support team. 

Overall, even if you need to make any adjustments to your program, a corporate travel agency can help you by providing you with new recommendations that can increase your ability to reach your goal. 

Above all, it doesn’t matter how many experiences the support team has; it’s important to how much value they are willing to deliver for you. For this reason, you can rely entirely on a team of experts eager to enhance your traveling experiences, especially considering that the travel industry is so dynamic.

Travel policy compliance

You must comply with a few rules and guidelines in the travel industry. The larger your company is, the more likely you will need assistance from travel policy experts. This is both for the good of your safety and for financial reasons. 

A corporate travel service will be familiar with this and try to ensure compliance with your company’s desires and wishes. Your travel experts will monitor important information such as class travel, accommodation types, and expense monitoring.

Potential partnerships

Corporate travel agencies can significantly help you in many things, and some of the most important ones are the type of partnerships they have with other hotels and airlines. Moreover, let’s say you are about to travel with your team and partner with a corporate travel agency; they will most likely help you get cheaper deals. For example, the hotel night might be around $100 ; the travel agency might have a 10% discount, and so on. 

Furthermore, the same case goes for booking flights. Corporate travel agencies can find the best flights for you, and they most likely have partnerships with airlines which means you might get lower fees when flying to a destination. 

When combining flight and hotel fees, you will significantly reduce costs and save a significant amount of time endlessly looking for cheaper flights to book and hostels.

What do we mean by credit? After some time, you might as well form a powerful collaboration with your corporate partner, which will directly affect the degree of recognition you receive.

Spending countless hours on bookings can improve your company’s reputation, but once you have this out of the way, it can greatly benefit you. All you have to do is give your agent a call, book immediately, and everything is plain and simple.

Travel managers will use reports to gather important information and ensure that they have the proper supply and demand in balance. Thus, also to have the right amount of volume discounts from their suppliers, reports significantly always help you explore the most cost-effective methods whenever you are in the travel industry .

24/7 support

Before going on to the many other benefits associated with corporate travel agencies, we can condemn that they offer 24/7 support once we agree to work with them. But, of course, if they don’t do this, you want to find a travel agency that provides this feature as it’s essential in our everyday life. 

After all, the last thing you want to happen is to be stuck at an airport due to flight cancellation, and 24/7 support is there when you need it most. Therefore, you are reducing stress and saving a significant amount of time too!

Risk management assistance

Businesses have a legal and moral responsibility to keep travelers safe from any threats on the road. Hazards can include many things, such as a virus within the bus/plane, a natural disaster, or even a potential attack from criminals. Regardless of what happens, it’s pretty essential to be aware of these threats and ensure there is a backup plan for keeping travelers safe. 

After all, if something does happen, it’ll not only put travelers into trouble but make them feel less confident the next time they travel. Therefore, travel managers need to have risk management tools that can help them assess these issues. 

Above all, whenever a corporate agency can help you secure safety for your employees, it’ll significantly help travelers feel safe whenever they are on the road. When traveling, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with trending news so that travelers know what is around them and if they are in potential danger or not.

Travel alerts

If you have ever manually booked flights and a place to stay, you will see a massive difference in how much time you save. Instead of spending hours scrolling through what might be the best offer, you can save that time by focusing on other important work that needs to get done. Especially when you are traveling, time isn’t on your side, so it’s important to try and save as much of it as possible.

Not to also mention that when you waste time, it may also cost you financially. You might have to pay for it in some other way. You never know which way it might be, so keep your head up and see ways on how you can permanently save more time.

Furthermore, corporate travel agencies have apps that continuously communicate with you in case of alerts. So they’ll see any potential threats in case you don’t. This doesn’t only help you have a trouble-free trip and offers backup in case things get out of hand.

Peace of mind

What? Peace of mind? Yes, the last benefit we have to include in this article is the peace of mind you get from hiring a corporate travel agency. Considering the intensive work you must go through before you go on the road, the agency does everything for you. In this case, travel management is much easier for you, so you don’t need to waste your energy and time having to give continuous effort in research. 

After all, it can be complicated to book tickets every once in a while and to consult with everyone if it’s a good idea or not. This way, you leave the work to the experts without worrying about this part!

These are the ten benefits you need for using a corporate travel agency. Whenever on the road, the last thing you want is to make things complicated and lose time. However, corporate travel agencies are there to help you and save more of your time and money.

If you have never hired a corporate travel agency, it’s only a matter of time before you see how many benefits it’ll bring to your table. So don’t wait any longer; step up your game and try to achieve the best results you can from a team of experts.

More must-read stories from Enterprise League:

• Find out how practising gratitude can help your business grow .
• 20   impeccable business role models   to inspire your entrepreneurial spirit.
• Find out all the things that make messy people smarter .
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Are you frustrated you can’t afford a professional designer for your business? Worry no more, these brand design tips for small businesses will help you put your struggles behind.

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5 benefits of using online travel agencies

Online travel agencies (OTAs) can be one of the greatest allies that lodging operators have. They help open up new markets and secure a stream of steady bookings when used in parallel with a strong direct booking strategy. Travelers gravitate towards OTAs due to their strong presence, which results in trust and credibility. Here we look at some of the benefits OTAs bring to travelers.

1. Convenience

With so much information online today, travelers use OTAs to easily browse and book their accommodations using a trustworthy website. OTAs provide the convenience of price, location, and property-type comparisons. The ability to filter down thousands of properties to one that fits their trip goals is an invaluable tool that saves hours of time. 

2. Loyalty programs

Larger OTAs have loyalty programs that reward travelers for booking multiple trips through their site, including rooms (or beds), car rentals, plane tickets, and activities. For example, the new One Key reward program gives travelers the flexibility to earn and use rewards across Expedia Group using OneKeyCash.

3. Price-driven decisions.

Online travel agencies are often considered the cheapest place to book and the best place to find package deals. Though many hotel brands have tried to change this perception by pushing direct booking campaigns and strategies, OTAs still benefit from being thought of as low-cost leaders.

For example, Agoda has a ‘ Coupons & Deals ’ section of its website offering daily deals and spontaneous savings. Every day, these offers change and include incentives such as percentage off coupons and special rates on select hotels. Offers like this are hard for consumers to pass up and help increase the likelihood of generating a booking. 

4. Extensive advertising & marketing budgets

Discount and deal-centric advertising campaigns help shape consumer notions that OTAs are the best place to book. In 2023 alone, Expedia Group, Booking Holdings, Airbnb, and Trip.com spent a total of $16.8 billion USD on sales and marketing, up 20% from 2022.

How are they spending these enormous budgets? Skift reports the going rate for a 30-second Superbowl slot during the 2023 game was $7 million USD, with Booking.com making an appearance in the fourth quarter with its Booking.yeah ad. 

Airbnb, on the other hand, partnered with Mattel to deliver the “Malibu Barbie DreamHouse” listing on Airbnb. Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said this campaign “became a phenomenon on social media and got more press, more articles than our IPO.” 

Online travel agencies have one job: to get their inventory, including yours, in front of the right person at the right time. They’re constantly creating new and innovative ways to get rooms and rates in front of travelers. Of course, the cost of this innovation is how they justify their fees and commissions to the properties that list on their platforms. 

5. Secure global payments & traveler protection

OTAs give travelers the ability to complete safe and secure payment transactions in their preferred currency. They support multiple payment methods depending on location, providing travelers the flexibility that independent properties are often unable to accommodate unless they use secure, integrated payment processing (which the Cloudbeds Hospitality Platform offers) that’s equipped to send hospitality-enriched data to banks and also supports multiple payment methods and currencies. 

In addition, OTAs often offer traveler protection to provide peace of mind while booking. Last year, Airbnb introduced Aircover, a free protection for travelers included for every guest. Its purpose is to help provide refunds or new accommodations if you experience an issue such as a host cancellation, trouble checking in, or a key missing amenity. 

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

Table of Contents

For many travelers, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) are the preferred way to search for and book package deals, accommodation, flights, tours, and other travel. Online travel agents like Expedia, Hotels.com and Booking.com are among some of the most popular websites in the world.

For business-savvy tour operators who recognize that organic search engine traffic alone may not generate enough revenue, OTAs are an important component of a successful distribution channel strategy. They can help you reach many more travelers and generate more bookings. However, the advantages of OTAs need to be balanced with the disadvantages, like having to pay a commission on every booking.

To help you figure out the best plan of action, here’s a rundown of the pros and cons of online travel agents, and how you can use them to benefit your business.

What is an Online Travel Agency (OTA)?

An OTA is a one-stop online travel marketplace where travelers can search for, compare, and book everything from flights and hotels, to tours and car rentals.

Think of an OTA as an Amazon.com for travel. OTAs like GetYourGuide and Expedia attract millions of visitors every day because of their convenience, price and product comparison capabilities, and their huge range of hotels, tours, and other travel.

From an OTA’s perspective, the typical business model involves making money by taking a commission from each booking. Many also offer display advertising or charge companies a “pay-per-click” fee to ensure their listing appears at the top of relevant search results. 

Advantages of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

Expand your reach.

The main advantage of OTAs is their huge popularity, which enables tour operators to reach more travelers. It’s no secret why OTAs attract so many people:

• Breadth of choice: Just as consumers use Amazon for buyer research and price comparison purposes, OTAs offer a huge range of experiences and price points for travelers who are shopping for something specific or looking for ideas. 
• Price comparison and deals: OTAs are also popular among price-conscious travelers and bargain hunters. They let people search for travel within a set budget, and weigh their options in one place—comparing different options side by side. 
• Convenience and ease of use: Like other online retailers, OTAs are simply an easy and convenient way to shop compared to the offline equivalent. The ability to use filters to narrow down their selection according to their preferences makes OTAs an invaluable time-saving tool when researching travel.

Create marketing efficiencies

OTAs spend enormous amounts of money promoting their websites. If you have a limited marketing budget, it’s a cost-effective way to reach a much larger audience. Listing your tours on an OTA could also increase sales through your own website—a phenomenon known as the “billboard effect” . 

Many savvy buyers use OTAs as a type of meta search engine (a search engine within a website that surfaces results from lots of different search engines).  For example, a traveler searches for “things to do Waikiki” on Expedia. To explore their options and narrow down their preferences, they’ll skim through activities, read reviews, and compare pricing before switching over to Google. Now they have a better idea of what’s out there and what they’re interested in, so their search keywords will be very specific. For example, “Atlantis Submarines Waikiki.”

So how do you benefit from this buyer behavior and make sure your business takes advantage of the billboard effect on OTA websites?

• Have a strong direct pricing strategy. Consider all of your costs, including digital marketing, resellers commission, etc. to come up with a price that works for your audience, market, and business.
• Build a strong SEO and paid-search strategy so you show up prominently in search results.
• Protect your brand name with selective organic and paid keyword combinations.
• Thoroughly read through an OTA’s terms before signing on. Make sure you own your brand name in paid search.

Generate more low season bookings

If you experience a downturn in sales during the low season , listing your tours on an OTA lets you piggyback their marketing efforts—at a time when you may need to reduce your costs—to sell tours more quickly, easily, and cost-effectively (even factoring in commissions) than you might be able to do yourself. 

Gain invaluable insights

When you list your tours on an OTA, you may receive access to the analytics and data insights generated by the platform. Carefully consider how to measure your customers’ buying patterns. You can test different pricing strategies and use the platform’s analytics to spot potential new trends and opportunities, or use these insights to make better-informed business decisions.

Done correctly, all of these things allow business-savvy tour operators to use OTAs as a valuable tool for direct business.

Disadvantages of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

Having to pay a commission.

While listing on an OTA is free, OTAs make their money by charging a commission on every booking. This can be as much as 20% of the cost of the sale or even higher. Of course, this cost may be offset by selling more tours, faster. 

Customer service issues and cancellation rules

One reason some travelers don’t like using OTAs is the customer service, or lack thereof. Post-sale, OTAs typically become the main contact for cancellation, booking changes, or issue resolution. If something goes wrong, such as a cancellation due to an unforeseen event, travelers can be left dealing with a large company and the impersonal and unsatisfying customer service that often goes along with that. This may also affect their impression of your business.

Risk of overbooking

Overbookings can be a common problem even if you don’t currently list on an OTA. You might already be taking bookings over the phone, at your office, on your website, and through resellers. Adding multiple online travel agents to the mix can create more work to manage overbooking your tours and activities. Doing it manually or using a number of different systems and processes can be unproductive, reducing the many benefits of selling through OTAs. The best solution for overbooking is a centralized booking system with a channel manager that lets you keep track of all your bookings.

Potential loss of business

It is actually possible to hurt revenues by using an OTA due to common OTA marketing strategies. For example, an OTA might favor some tour companies over others due to them receiving a higher commission. That means your business finds it more difficult to appear in searches, while a competitor appears prominently.

Loss of complete control

The moment you start using an OTA, you face limitations around how you can market your business on their site. This includes restrictions on how tour descriptions are presented, a limited ability to edit and update listings, and so on. The good news is that you can offset this potential disadvantage by connecting to an OTA via a centralized booking system that allows you full control over your content.

Examples of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

Ready to get started with OTAs? Here’s an online travel agency list to check out—from huge global brands selling everything from flights to vacation rentals and experiences, to smaller, more niche OTAs. 

A leading booking site for the Asian market in particular, offering all types of travel bookings, especially accommodation. 

Part of the Expedia Group, which owns multiple OTAs, also including Orbitz and Travelocity.

One of the largest OTAs for tours and activities in the world.

GetYourGuide

A growing OTA specializing in unique experiences, especially for millennial travelers.

A growing OTA focused on selling tickets to museums and other attractions, but that does list other local experiences.

All of these websites have a section explaining how they work with tour companies, what their commission is, and how to get started.

Already selling through OTAs? Integrate Rezgo with Expedia, Viator, and GetYourGuide to manage your availability and revenues in one place and ensure a smooth customer experience.

Editor’s Note – July 2022: Updated to reflect the current percentages charged by OTAs.

Written By | Rob Mathison

Rob Mathison is a Vancouver-based freelance writer focusing on tech, travel, digital marketing, and education. He is a co-author of The Complete Resident’s Guide to Vancouver.

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Host Travel Agency vs Independent Travel Agency: Pros and Cons

Updated: March 29th, 2024

In the travel industry, Host Travel Agencies and Independent Travel Agencies both have their place. However, which one you choose depends on your individual needs and goals. This week we'll look into the advantages and drawbacks of partnering with a Host Travel Agency versus operating as an Independent Travel Agent, providing insight to help you make an informed decision for your business.

Host Travel Agency: What are the Advantages and Disadvantages?

Access to exclusive deals and higher commission rates: Host Travel Agency provides its partnered Travel Agencies with access to its network of suppliers, enabling them to offer clients competitive rates and exclusive deals. Furthermore, these partnerships translate to higher commission levels - ultimately increasing overall revenue.

Reduced Overhead Costs: Travel Agencies can save money by partnering with a Host Agency, who offer shared resources like booking systems, CRM software, and group insurance plans. This way, they gain access to shared resources like booking systems, CRM software, and group insurance plans at no additional cost.

Expert Guidance and Support: Host Travel Agencies provide ongoing training, and professional development opportunities, as well as access to an extensive network of industry professionals that offer invaluable support and advice for partnered Travel Agents.

Marketing and Branding Assistance: Host Agency partnerships offer Travel Agencies access to marketing tools and resources, enabling them to craft successful strategies that boost their visibility and attract new clients.

Sharing a portion of commissions: When working with a Host Travel Agency, Travel Agents typically need to share some of their earnings with the host. Nevertheless, the advantages of working together often outweigh these costs since the host provides invaluable support and resources in return.

Less autonomy: Partnering with a Host Travel Agency may require adhering to specific guidelines or processes set by the host. For some Travel Agencies, this may feel restrictive compared to operating independently.

Independent Travel Agencies: Benefits and Disadvantages

Greater Autonomy: As an Independent Travel Agency, you have total control over your business operations and decisions; this gives you the freedom to customize the agency according to your unique vision and objectives.

Retaining All Commissions: Independent Travel Agencies do not partner with Host Travel Agents and thus retain 100% of the commissions earned from bookings.

Limited Access to Supplier Deals and Commissions: Independent Travel Agencies may find it more challenging to form relationships with suppliers and secure exclusive offers or higher commission levels compared to Host Travel Agency partners.

Higher overhead costs: Independent Travel Agencies are accountable for covering all business costs, such as office space, software and insurance - which can be expensive.

Independent Travel Agencies Lack Industry Support: Without a Host Travel Agency, Independent Travel Agencies must rely on their networks and resources for industry guidance, potentially hindering their growth and development.

Conclusion:

When selecting between a Host Travel Agency partnership and operating as an Independent Travel Agency, carefully consider your business's unique requirements and goals. A Host Agency may offer valuable support, resources, and access to supplier relationships; on the other hand, an Independent Travel Agency gives you more autonomy and control. Ultimately, the best decision for you will depend on your personal preferences and objectives as a travel professional.

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Raise your hand if you love to travel. Whether you’re often on the road or take a vacation just once a year, you’ve probably heard of travel agents. These folks help plan and book itineraries for you, eliminating a lot of the pain points when it comes to traveling.

These days many people skip out on a travel agent in lieu of booking their trip online, but if you’re a frequent traveler, you may want to become a travel agent yourself. Why? Because it can save you a lot of money — and may even earn you some in the process.

Let’s take a look at how to become a travel agent, why it’s something you may want to consider and the ways it can work for you.

Why become a travel agent?

Have you ever obsessively researched the best hotels in a city you’re planning to visit? How about checking seat maps on an airplane? If getting into the nitty-gritty of travel logistics is something you do in your spare time, you might also enjoy becoming a travel agent.

Not only do you get to plan trips for others, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of special discounts on many facets of travel.

This is true for your clients, but also for yourself. Travel agents have access to a variety of discounted rates on both airlines and hotels, even when booking travel for themselves.

» Learn more: How to get a refund from a travel agency

How to become a travel agent

Find a program.

Becoming a travel agent isn’t as simple as declaring yourself one. Typically, the first step is to sign up for a program that’ll teach you the basics of running your own travel business.

There are a variety of programs to choose from, depending on your interests and career goals. Most programs will teach you about the business side of being a travel agent as well as how to plan trips, so your courses in itinerary planning and travel insurance will be coupled with business ethics and customer service.

If you’re wondering how to become a travel agent from home, don’t worry. Many of these courses don’t have to be done in person; there are online programs that will teach you everything you need to know from the comfort of your living room.

Apply for certification

Once you’ve completed your coursework, you’ll want to apply for certification. Although there is no single standard that designates you a travel agent, there are a number of different identifiers that you can acquire. Some of the more common ones are:

International Air Transport Association, or IATA, which allows you to book travel on domestic and international airlines.

Travel Industry Designator Service, or TIDS, which allows agents to book trips with a variety of travel suppliers and receive commissions.

Cruise Lines International Association, or CLIA, which provides agents the ability to book trips on cruises around the world.

In order to access Marriott’s travel advisor rates, for example, you can use any three of these designations, along with a variety of others.

Each of these associations and identifiers have different implications for your business, so you’ll want to be sure you’ve fully researched them before applying for membership.

» Learn more: Do travel agents really save you money?

Save money as a travel agent

Once you’ve qualified as a travel agent, what comes next? If you travel frequently, becoming a travel agent can be a huge benefit to you, as it offers discounted rates and access to luxury travel options.

Discounted rates

Travel agents have access to negotiated rates that aren’t available to the general public. The exact amount will vary depending on the business. Hilton, for example, will give personal travel discounts of 50% off at newly-opened hotels and up to 25% off at the remainder of hotels within Hilton’s portfolio.

Hyatt, meanwhile, will give you a discount on personal travel of up to 50%, but only during select dates of the year. And although not all airlines give discounts to travel agents, many do.

Regardless, these are some pretty spectacular savings, and if you’re looking to save money on your vacations, being a travel agent can help.

Luxury programs

Becoming a travel agent isn’t only about saving money, however. It also grants you access to many hotel chains’ luxury travel programs.

If you’re big into elite status benefits, this is definitely something you’ll want to consider — especially since you don’t need any status at all to receive these perks, as long as you book through the hotel’s agent portal.

Most major hotel chains have these programs, including Hyatt Privé, Hilton Impresario, Marriott STARS & Luminous, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, Belmond Bellini Club, Rosewood Elite, Mandarin Oriental Fan Club and Shangri-La Luxury Circle.

While benefits vary by brand, many of these offers include things like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, early check-in or late checkout and credits for expenses like dining or spa services. General consumers aren’t eligible for these programs, but once you’ve become a registered travel agent, they become accessible to you; however, some programs — such as Hyatt Privé — are invitation only.

For the most part, booking rooms through these programs shouldn’t cost more than the standard rate you’d be paying anyway, so you have the potential to get big benefits without shelling out any additional money.

However, note that these numbers don’t take into account any other discounted rates for which you may be eligible, such as those offered to American Automobile Association members and veterans .

» Learn more: Uncommon tips for saving money on travel

Earn money as a travel agent

Of course, becoming a travel agent isn’t all about scoring discounts for yourself. If you’re looking to earn some money, being a travel agent can be a good way to do so.

Note that travel agents operate in a customer-facing role, so you’ll also need to be able to build client relationships and be comfortable with sales. Courses such as those mentioned above can help train you to do this and run a successful business.

If booking travel and organizing trips for others is something that appeals to you, there’s definitely money to be earned. Marriott, for example, gives agents a commission of between 8% and 10% for all eligible stays booked.

» Learn more: The pros and cons of booking through online travel agencies

If you’d like to become a travel agent

There are a few good reasons to become a travel agent, especially if you travel a lot. Although it takes time and effort to complete training and apply for accreditation, the benefits you’ll receive as a travel advisor can be significant. This is true whether you’re booking personal travel or have built yourself a client base. Either way, there’s money to be had — and saved.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

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2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

How to Become a Travel Agent—Because, Believe It or Not, the Industry Is on the Rise

By Scott Bay

There’s a reason “how to become a travel agent” has been a continuously trending search phrase on Google—it is a career path that offers a flexible work environment and schedule, ample travel opportunities, and an immersion into a supportive world-wide industry. It's a surprise to some in 2023: Once the internet became widely available, it was largely believed that needing a travel agent was obsolete. However, even though the brick-and-mortar agencies with punny names in strip malls have vanished, the career is on-the-rise .

New software options are making it easier than ever for people to make money planning trips, either as a side hustle or as a full-time business. That’s why Cherikonda, India-based stay-at-home mother, Maya Kapoor-Miller, decided to enter the professional world as a travel agent this year, at 31. “I knew nothing about the travel industry prior to signing up,” says Kapoor-Miller, who decided to use San Francisco-based booking platform Dreamport to establish her online travel advisor business. “It is my first business in life, and the only one that you can start with no investment.”

But there's also a rise in demand. When people ventured back into the world after the pandemic, travel agents saw an overwhelming amount of business . And that momentum hasn’t stopped—when travel is complicated, like it was in 2020 and 2021, travelers turned to professional trip planners to create a seamless vacation. For better or worse, traveling has remained complicated and chaotic, with new rules being implemented (like Americans needing to pay a fee to visit Europe in 2024 ) and airline strikes and staffing issues. Offloading all of the nitty-gritty details to someone else is more appealing than ever.

For those entering the field, there's also the age-old motivator: a love of travel. 

Shelton Ellis, who is based in North Carolina, recently saw these opportunities and left behind more than 20 years in public relations and global advertising to turn his passion into a career. “I was born with a wanderlust that would wear Rick Steves out,” Ellis says. “I decided to take the leap and follow that lifelong yearning. Transitioning into this role was really about learning how to monetize what I'm passionate about.”

Whether you are looking for a new career path or a lucrative side-hustle—or simply curious about those taking the plunge—here’s how to become a travel agent, from the qualifications and education required, to anticipated earnings, according to those who have made the shift in the past year. 

What exactly does a travel agent do?

Travel agents, or travel advisors (the term is mostly interchangeable), manage everything that goes into a trip for their clients: the flights, car transfers, accommodations, restaurant reservations, and more—they even inspire the itinerary. The reason people turn to travel agents, aside from having a helping hand during any travel chaos , is also to tap into the travel agent’s first-hand knowledge of destinations, and their industry partnerships, which often lead to perks such as hotel upgrades, ideal airplane seats, and experiences that can’t be found on a search engine.

“You have to remember that as a travel agent, you will be a guide for people during their happiest moments—family reunions, weddings , baptisms, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that people have dreamt of,” says Kapoor-Miller. “It has been one of the most rewarding aspects of being a travel agent. You navigate people, inform them, and help them choose.”

So, how do you become a travel agent?

There are many ways to become a travel agent, from joining an existing travel agency , to starting an independent business from the ground up. Others are opting for one of the buzziest start-ups in the travel industry, Fora . When it launched in 2021, the software company, which trains and provides search engine-optimized profile pages to advisors—at one point had a waitlist of over 30,000 people eager to begin a part-time gig. Travel photographer and Condé Nast Traveler contributor Amanda Villarosa is currently in the process of joining.

“I'm the person that friends and family come to for travel recommendations, tips and tricks, and general travel advice,” says Villarosa. “After discovering Fora and looking into it, I realized that it could be the perfect side-hustle, considering I'm already so involved in the industry.”

With additional flexibility, Villarosa was able to move from New York City to splitting her time between Denver and Los Angeles . She says that the sign-up was quite straightforward. “You're given a dedicated Fora email and have access to advising tools and fellow Fora advisors,” she says. “The training is in the form of Zoom meetings and videos, which you have the option to watch at your own pace. Once completed, you take a certification quiz and you're on your way to advising.”

The other ways in are slightly more involved. To begin an independent practice, you go about it like many other businesses. You will have to create an LLC, establish a business name, cultivate marketing materials, build a website, find clientele, and more.

Ellis found something in the middle, choosing to connect with an established travel agency. “Don't be afraid to reach out to an agency looking to take on new advisors and is willing to mentor," says Ellis. "I was fortunate to learn so much from Annie Chambers, the owner of Crafted Escapes , who has seven years in the business.” He now knows the ropes on everything from using itinerary-building software to destination-specific training, to the sales and marketing aspects of the trade.

Is there required education or qualifications?

Ellis says that there's no certification, per se, required to become a travel advisor, but there are countless training courses available like Departure Lounge ’s classes on navigating the industry through hotels and tour operators. He said it’s also important to stay on top of travel trends. Ellis recently completed travel agent training programs provided by premier cruise lines such as Virgin Voyages , Ritz-Carlton Yachts , and Cunard to help agents sell their products more accurately.

How much does a travel agent make?

What a travel agent earns depends on how many trips they successfully book for their clients. The entire model is commission-based, meaning agents earn a percentage of the total cost of the vacation they orchestrate. Many travel advisors choose to charge a flat-rate planning fee in addition to their commission, but balance is key—if you charge a high planning fee, it could lead to potential clients going elsewhere.

Laura Kiniry

Blane Bachelor

Stacey Lastoe

Fora ’s website states that “some of our full-time, expert advisors earn well into the six figures (or beyond).” So a lucrative career may be on the horizon, for those who are able to build a robust client base and excellent industry connections.

How much you make can also depend on where you live around the world. “I am being paid in dollars,” says India-based Kapoor-Miller. “So the currency fluctuations of the local exchange rate are not something I am worried about.”

What are the key skills required to become a travel agent?

“Travel agents need a mix of customer service, communication, destination knowledge, organizational, and problem-solving skills,” says Kapoor-Miller. “But I would say that adaptability, flexibility, curiosity, and cultural sensitivity top them all—you have to put yourself in other's shoes, and understand the requirements, hopes, and expectations of your clients along with any worries and questions they may have.”

It’s vital to have a passion for traveling, even the aspects of the process that aren’t as exciting, such as learning about new airline routes, train schedule updates, and industry news. “It can be an information-heavy hustle, and I believe it's important to be excited about it as that energy definitely transfers to your clients and partners,” Villarosa says.

Should travel advisors choose a specialization?

Many travel advisors have found success through becoming an expert in a few types of travel and destinations. “It's important to become an authority and learn as much as you can through personal experiences and continuing education,” says Ellis. “As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community , an avid snow skier, and scuba diver, I know not only the popular destinations but others that are off the beaten path, equally safe and adventurous for all travelers.” This helps travel agents establish a competitive edge, and hopefully convince potential clients to choose them for their expertise.

What are the benefits of being a travel agent?

“Flexibility tops them all,” says Kapoor-Miller. “And the ability to start without industry knowledge. If you worry that you are too old for this job, the good news is that this is a job you can enter and enjoy at any age.”

Another great perk is the "Familiarization trip,” says Ellis. “Tourism boards and hotels invite agents to visit and familiarize themselves with a particular country and its properties. After all, any accomplished salesperson should learn everything they can about their products first-hand...even if they're in Bora Bora.” It's hard work, but someone's got to do it. 

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Maximizing your business potential: The benefits of Online Travel Agents

Working with different selling techniques and channels is necessary for most tour and activities operators.

There are many ways to promote your tours. You can advertise your website on Google My Business, Social Media, and OTAs. Websites like TripAdvisor and Viator are key distribution channels; Tripadvisor, for example,  has over 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses . Travelers are reaching out to OTAs for information, comparison, and bookings.

To help you make the best of working with Online Travel Agents (OTAs), in this blog, you'll learn about how they work, their benefits, and how they can increase your bookings.

What are Online Travel Agents (OTAs), and how they work

Let's start from the beginning; after all, what are OTAs? Online Travel Agents are websites or platforms that allow travelers to book travel-related services; this includes flights, rental cars, tours, activities, hotel rooms, and vacation packages. Some popular OTAs include Expedia, Booking.com, Travelocity, and Kayak.

OTAs offer many benefits for travelers; here  are some:

• Travelers can compare their preferences, budget, and travel dates with different operators in a user-friendly way and choose the most suitable tour.
• They can book and pay all in one place - e.g., the flight, hotel, and activities. According to  research by Travelport , 45% of travelers prefer booking the entire travel experience - flights, accommodation, car rental, and extras - on a single website.
• OTAs usually offer great customer support, helping travelers with any queries, changes, or cancellations to their bookings.
• Find the best option through genuine and reliable reviews that previous customers left.

In general, the intention of OTAs it's to make it easier for travelers to find, compare, and book travel services from different suppliers in one place.

Benefits of working with OTAs for tour operators

While we learned the perks of booking through OTAs for travelers, tour operators can also take advantage of the websites and platforms.

Here are some benefits of working with online travel agents (OTAs) for tour and activity operators:

• Increase your visibility.  One of the best benefits for tour operators when working with an OTA is the increased visibility to a broader audience of potential customers. Keep in mind that OTAs often have large marketing budgets and established online platforms that attract more travelers when compared with your website, for example.
• Find new partners to work with.  OTAs can offer tour operators access to their extensive network of other travel industry partners, which can help reach new travelers and grow the business.
• For those who don't have a booking solution, OTAs offer a simplified booking. Online agents often offer easy-to-use booking systems that streamline the booking process for tour operators and their customers.
• Improve your customer experience.  As we mention, many OTAs offer customer service support, which can help tour operators provide a better overall customer experience. This is particularly useful for small tour operators who may need more resources to offer extensive customer support on their own.
• Stay competitive in the travel industry. OTAs often provide competitive pricing, which can help operators attract customers who are looking for the best deals.

While working with online agents has many perks, remember that OTAs earn a commission or a fee for each booking made through their platform. This means that only some of the booking price will come directly to you.

To know more about getting bookings from your website, read  OTA vs Direct Booking: what is the best option in 2022 .

Top travel agencies in the world: OTAs you can work with

Before working with any OTAs, keep in mind that you need to research the best option for your business and read the agreements, such as policies for refund and cancellation, terms and conditions, and all the relevant information, so you don't experience any unpleasant surprises.

You can learn more by reading the article  10 tips to make more money with OTAs .

They provide travelers with flights, hotels, vacation packages, vacation rentals, cruises, activities, attractions, and services. For activities providers, they offer to show your experience through " Expedia Local Expert " to visitors who want to explore your location.

The Expedia Group, Inc, 2022, had a global revenue of 11.7 billion U.S. dollars. The group subsidiaries many websites, such as Expedia.com, Vrbo, Hotels.com, CarRentals.com, CheapTickets, Hotwire.com, Orbitz, Travelocity, and trivago.

This OTA focuses its services on tours and activities, and they offer to reach over 455 million visitors. According to the website, " Viator  is a platform that lets you create experiences that travelers worldwide can book, whether it's guided tours or surfing lessons.".

To create a profile in Viator, you must have a Tripadvisor profile.

GetYourGuide

A platform that offers travel experiences. They offer tour and activities providers to reach a global audience, and according to  GetYourGuide  "gain access to 50 million visitors per month from 190+ countries with your products optimized in 14 languages".

TripAdvisor

According to them, "travelers go to  Tripadvisor  to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby. "

How a channel manager works and helps boost your bookings

Increasing bookings and managing a business can be challenging. Updating relevant information, such as prices and availability on multiple platforms in real-time, can take too much time, and it's an operator prone to human error. You can work with a channel manager to avoid all the work and disturbing your business.

With a  channel manager, such as TrekkSfot's , you experience many benefits, such as:

• Increase bookings. Sell over different OTAs such as Viator, Expedia, GetYourGuide, and many others simultaneously.
• Manage your bookings on one dashboard. Have your inventory updated in real-time and manage availability and pricing in one place.
• Track your sales and make data-driven decisions. Check which channels are selling more and adjust capacities across the channels you're working with.

If you want to know more about the ultimate booking solution that can help you manage your sales with OTAs and much more, get a demo!

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11 Benefits of Mobile Apps for Travel Businesses

Alexander Ragin

September 03, 2023

Mobile app benefits for travel businesses

Benefits of mobile applications for customers, final thoughts.

If your travel business doesn’t have a mobile app, you may be wondering whether one is really necessary. Developing an app for your business may just feel like another step in your company’s long to-do list, but it can offer much more than meets the eye.

If done right, a mobile app can streamline your business’ processes, improve productivity, create new connections with your target audience, and even boost your business’ bottom line . A lot of businesses in the past decade have bet on investing in apps and have become the world's leading companies as a result, so learning more about apps is a must.

In this article, we'll shed light on the biggest advantages of mobile applications for the travel market , helping you to make a clear, informed decision about whether to invest in one.

While travel apps, just like social media apps, utility apps, or gaming apps, are created primarily to offer something new and convenient for users, they also offer tons of benefits to owners. When done correctly, apps can boost your business in almost every aspect: from customer satisfaction and retention rates to performance and revenue.

Any good travel app functions not just like a tool, but also a trusty and helpful trip companion, offering assistance and relevant information throughout the whole journey. The best part is that this companion carries your logo with pride, and always serves to remind people of your business. A solid travel app will not only increase your reputation, but also make your company much more recognizable and trustworthy in the eyes of your customers.

So, what exactly can apps offer to a travel business? Let's take a closer look.

Increased customer engagement

One of the main travel mobile app benefits is the simplification of the entire travel process . We know that today’s travelers value ease of use and organization, and with the ability to browse trips, book plans, and manage bookings in one place, customers will likely use your mobile app for the duration of their trip and beyond. What’s more, you can use your mobile app as a marketing channel to boost user engagement . Send push notifications about deals, new experiences, and destinations on sale, and offer exclusive rewards and promotions just for app users.

With your app on their personal mobile devices, users will feel closer to your business . And with the right tools and mobile features, they’ll keep your app on their phone and keep you front of mind when booking future trips.

Brand recognition

Leading nicely on from the previous point, your mobile app is a key marketing tool that you can utilize to build a stronger brand. Simply by having your app on customers’ phones, your brand has a constant presence in their everyday lives, which is very different from desktop users' experience. After all, mobile devices are extensions of our personal space nowadays. Every time users scroll past your app, they're reminded of your brand.

A good mobile app can even become more popular than your desktop or mobile website. Think of a mobile app for your business like it's your brand’s shop window and curate the experience you want users to remember you for.

Personalized customer experience

Another major travel app development advantage is the opportunity to offer tailored communication and excellent customer experience. Once they have your mobile app on their phone, give your customers special treatment by using information about their previous trips , likes, and interests to tailor what they see.

For example, if you know that a customer previously booked a trip to Meribel, your app can show them a trip to Chamonix. Or if you know your customer has young kids, your app can recommend kid-friendly hotels and family activities, and other relevant products.

There are plenty of other app features that will create that personal touch. For example, interactive maps can let users plan their own routes based on what they like — maybe it's good food, cool sights, or lesser-known spots.

Allowing users to connect their social media accounts with your app can also help them feel a part of a wider travel community. Or you can gamify your mobile app with unique challenges — give rewards for seeing certain sites, or offer points for getting involved in local activities. There are so many ways to create awesome customer experiences that will leave users raving about your app and your business.

Simpler payments

The next advantage of mobile business application development is streamlined processing of transactions. With options like Google Pay and Apple Pay integrated into your app , users can pay quickly and securely in just a few taps. No more shuffling through credit cards or typing in long card numbers. The quicker they can pay, the quicker you earn.

With your own mobile app, you can also provide electronic receipts and the best way to store them. No more digging through emails or files to find lost receipts. It's right there on the customer’s mobile device, easy for them to find, and always available through your app.

Transform your travel business with a custom mobile app.

While you’re waiting, your competitors are getting ahead. Contact us today.

Competitive advantage

As a business owner, we know you want a leg up on the competition, not least for the reasons we’ve already covered. A branded app can help you get ahead. While apps are more common than ever before, there are still plenty of travel agencies without one, and these companies are losing out on huge growth and brand potential.

Apps are superior to websites in so many ways. They can be used at any time, in any place, right from mobile devices. Make it super convenient for travelers to use your services, because that convenience could be the deciding factor when choosing between your company and another one.

Increased revenue

Studies show that 48% of all smartphone users are comfortable with researching, planning, and booking entire trips through a mobile app . Allowing travelers to book trips on the go using your app means more impulse purchases and less chance of them changing their minds.

Once a customer has booked a trip, use your mobile app to upsell additional services . Promote experiences, upgrades, rental cars, or travel insurance with targeted push notifications or in-app messages. A major benefit of mobile app development is obtaining the ability to send targeted, carefully-planned and non-intrusive notifications to strike while the interest is hot, increasing the value of each booking.

Similarly, with a mobile app you could introduce a loyalty program to keep travelers coming back. Offer points for reviews, referrals, or frequent bookings through your app that can be redeemed for travel credits or gift cards. Incentives inspire repeat purchases and word-of-mouth marketing.

Improved customer service

One of the biggest advantages of travel app development is the ability to take customer service to another level. With in-app messaging and chat features, your customers can contact you round the clock , and they’ll thank you for it. They’ll appreciate quick responses to questions and the ability to change their plans should issues arise. No more waiting for email replies or sitting on hold.

Travelers can also be notified automatically by your app if their flight or tour booking changes, so you can minimize queries and chaos before any contact. You can also message travelers in-app to wish them a great trip as they head to the airport, or welcome them back when they return. They’ll appreciate that nice touch.

Customers expect quick, smooth service , and apps can support that.

Data collection and analysis

Data retrieval is yet another advantage of travel mobile application development. Apps give you access to so much behavioral and demographic data (like preferences or buying habits) that you can examine to see what your customers really want and what they like . See which of your app's features are most popular and focus your efforts there. Or see how people move through the in-app booking process to spot which areas they get stuck on. Data doesn't lie — so let the numbers provided by your app guide your optimization efforts.

With apps, it’s also super easy to collect direct feedback from travelers. Create in-app surveys to get ratings and reviews on specific features and analyze reviews from mobile app stores like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to address common complaints or suggestions. People appreciate when companies listen to them and make changes based on their feedback.

Reach new audiences

In the travel space, the ‘inspiration phase’ is when travelers explore their options and gather information before making a booking. This is a crucial time for travel agencies to act and capture the attention of potential travelers, and an app can be of help here.

On average, travelers view around 141 pages of travel content in the 45 days leading up to their booking, and almost three in five travelers do not have a specific destination in mind. That just goes to show that this really is a prime time for agencies to showcase their offering , and with a mobile app that’s easier than ever.

Hotel mobile apps like to use 360 views and other interactive functionality to help users make their decisions during this phase. 360 views allows travelers to virtually ‘step into’ their destination or hotel from the comfort of their own homes — through this immersive and realistic app experience they can navigate hotel interiors, view rooms from different angles, and get an overall feel for their trip before they’ve even set foot.

The point is, mobile apps give you access to so many features — both major ones like 360 views and smaller, more subtle touches — that can be the difference between potential customers converting or not.

Cost reduction and sustainability

Another important advantage of mobile apps is that they can cut expenses by automating administrative tasks, reducing reliance on paper documentation, and streamlining business processes related to bookings, reservations, and customer interactions. That makes apps perfect for companies wishing to minimize their operational overheads.

On top of that, a travel app can enhance the sustainability of your business by promoting eco-friendly practices and reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional paper-based operations, which is great for everyone.

Modernized business

Lastly, our favorite reason to create mobile apps is simply because we’ve seen them transform so many businesses into thriving, modern, responsive players. Today, people spend more time on mobile apps than on desktops or laptops , and using an app for travel purposes feels like second nature. In other words, mobile apps are what travelers expect, so they’re what your business needs to provide to keep up with demand.

Bring your business into today’s age and show that you’re responding to customer needs.

Just make sure to create a user-friendly app interface that customers will really enjoy — one that is intuitive and feels comfortable to use. After all, customers are used to certain mobile app designs by now — they know how to find certain buttons and where to look for menus.

Ready to unlock the benefits of mobile applications for the travel industry?

Zoftify has all the expertise you need. Schedule a call with us, and let’s get to work.

Mobile apps are beneficial not just to businesses, but to customers too, with all the personalization, interactivity, and convenience they offer. The best part is that it goes all the way around: providing so many app features and advantages to your customer base increases overall customer satisfaction and brand loyalty, which in return benefits your business.

So how exactly do mobile apps benefit travelers? Let’s figure it out together.

Seamless itinerary management

Mobile apps enable customers to conveniently manage their travel itineraries in one place: from flight bookings and hotel reservations to activity schedules. Providing customers with a single, cohesive platform to access and organize their travel plans will sufficiently enhance overall convenience and reduce the likelihood of missed reservations or conflicting schedules. A good travel app can reduce the hassle and worry of traveling, and offer joy and confidence instead.

Interactive destination guides

The inclusion of interactive destination guides into your app can enrich your user's journey. An app can do more than just providing information about local attractions and cultural experiences, allowing mobile users to explore and plan their activities comfortably and enables them to make informed decisions while maximizing their time at the destination.

Offline access to travel information

One thing mobile websites cannot provide, even on a technical level, is offline mode, meaning that customers often struggle to access critical travel information when they are in areas with no internet connection.

Unlike websites, mobile apps store data locally, offering unparalleled reliability in that regard and ensuring that customers can always view their essential travel information. Even offline, apps boost customers’ confidence during trips.

Mobile check-in and boarding passes

With mobile apps, customers can conveniently check in for flights and access electronic boarding passes directly from their mobile devices. This eliminates the need for paper documents, reduces queuing times at airports, and provides a more efficient and contactless check-in process. All of this convenience offered by an app can enhance the overall travel experience for your customer base.

In-app customer support

Most mobile apps offer in-app customer support features, enabling travelers to access real-time assistance, resolve issues, and seek guidance throughout their journey. Apps today use chatbots (and, increasingly, AI-powered versions of them) to drastically improve customer services by ensuring instant communication, 24/7 availability, and multiple language options. All of this provides a more seamless and stress-free travel experience for travelers.

Customizable travel preferences

Mobile apps enable customers to set and customize their travel preferences, from seating options and room amenities to dietary requirements, ensuring that their specific needs are taken into account during the booking and travel process. This level of personalization provided by an app goes a long way to increasing customer satisfaction.

Exclusive deals and rewards

Travel business apps often provide exclusive deals, loyalty programs, and personalized updates to mobile app users, incentivizing customer loyalty and repeat business. By accessing special promotions and rewards through your mobile app, loyal customers can enjoy additional value, cost savings, and enhanced travel experiences. They’ll reward you with their repeat business, and you can foster successful long-term customer relationships.

Mobile apps play a huge part in how travel agencies operate today. Customers expect convenience, personalized content, and immediate services, and mobile apps can cater to these needs.

Mobile apps offer numerous benefits and are therefore essential tools for travel agencies to stay relevant and thrive in the competitive industry. In a mobile era, embracing app technology is no longer an option, but a necessity to succeed in the ever-evolving travel sector.

The future is in the palm of your customers’ hands. Make sure your business is right there with them.

For what reasons are mobile applications essential for an online travel business?

There are several mobile application advantages for travel companies. They allow for increased customer engagement, offer a personalized experience, and provide simpler payment options. They give a competitive edge over other travel agencies without mobile apps and can potentially lead to increased revenue.

Mobile apps are becoming increasingly essential in the travel industry as more and more customers become comfortable researching, planning, and booking entire trips from the palm of their hand.

What features of mobile apps can benefit travel companies?

Travel mobile apps can increase traveler engagement thanks to push notifications, customized content based on customer preferences, and integrated payment systems for quick and secure payments.

There's also potential for upselling additional services such as hotel upgrades or excursions. Loyalty programs within apps can incentivize repeat bookings and in-app purchases. And referral programs can work as great promotion tools, just like your social media channels.

Finally, offline access to your app will be extremely helpful for customers stuck with no internet connection. Boost their overall satisfaction by keeping them connected.

Are there any disadvantages to using travel mobile apps?

While there are many mobile app advantages, there can be potential challenges as well. Not all of your current customers will be tech-savvy or comfortable using your mobile business app, and those who prefer traditional, offline interactions like phone calls may be hesitant to download it.

Additionally, developing mobile apps that are user-friendly and intuitive requires proper handling. You need to spend time planning and researching before the development stage, consider the cost investment, and think about ongoing maintenance. Here at Zoftify, we work closely with our clients to provide robust strategies and round-the-clock support to manage these challenges.

Founder & CEO

Alex loves travel and tech and founded Zoftify to help travel companies use technology more effectively. Before this, he worked in tech consulting, where he led international mobile development teams.

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Corporate Travel Companies Are Bulking Up: ‘Getting Bigger Is Critical’

Justin Bachman, Skift

April 10th, 2024 at 10:06 AM EDT

Pressure from travel suppliers who want better merchandising tools and lower costs are compelling travel management companies to consolidate.

The big players in the world of managing corporate travel are gearing up to get bigger: Amex GBT’s $570 million bid for CWT and the sale of Direct Travel to an investor consortium are two of the latest examples of the race to bulk up through mergers. 

The trend is driven largely by two factors: Travel suppliers – primarily airlines – seeking greater efficiencies in their distribution channels and the enormous capital required to invest in the technology to sell to and service travelers around the world.

“I think fundamentally customer needs are driving consolidation in the industry,” Amex GBT CEO Paul Abbott told Skift. “I think supplier needs are also changing. Suppliers want their distribution channels to deliver a modern retailing experience,” he said.

For example, airlines are moving a growing share of their fares from the traditional global distribution system model to a direct NDC (New Distribution Capability) platform. And agencies are under pressure to adopt it. 

CWT merging into Amex GBT is “a perfect example of how it’s really only the big players that have the capital to do it,” Mike McCormick, a travel consultant and former head of the Global Business Travel Association, said on April 1 on the Travel Again podcast.

The largest corporate firms, such as Amex GBT, BCD Travel and Navan, have been forced “to really make big investments in technology and continued investments” given the aggressive push by American and others, McCormick noted. 

Navan, for example, last month touted its deeper integration with United Airlines to support that carrier’s pricing strategy for fares, along with other self-serve tools and more personalization for travelers.

“Getting bigger is critical in terms of  a lot of the airline changes and negotiation, and always pressure on earnings and commissions and business in general,” McCormick said.

Investing For the Next-Generation of Travel

Investor Steve Singh, the founder and former CEO of Concur, is managing director of Madrona, the Seattle-based venture capital firm that is among the four investment firms that acquired Direct Travel Inc. on April 2. 

Singh told Skift the investor group is keen to create a “next-generation” travel management company that would offer a seamless connected trip in which all of a traveler’s airline, hotel, meeting, ground transport, and appointment bookings would be integrated, allowing for far simpler itinerary changes. For now, it’s an aspirational goal, one the industry has long wanted but that has proven tough to attain. 

Travel management companies sell multiple technology platforms to serve customers and “the result is that it is very expensive to build and run a TMC,” Singh wrote in a blog post explaining the investor group’s view of how the managed-travel industry should evolve. 

“The fact that these legacy solutions are built on GDS platforms that are not open and not extensible makes the goal of delivering an incredible client experience at a better value proposition even more challenging.”

“As someone who has logged tens of millions of flight miles, I would love a system that allows me to reserve a hotel from the time I arrive in a town to the time I need to leave, not from 3 p.m. to noon,” Singh wrote in his post.

What’s Next for Travelers

Amex GBT customers may see a greater focus on particular industry verticals, such as energy, U.S. government, mining and marine industries for CWT. Those areas tend to present greater complexity and transaction value, along with higher customer retention rates, Amex GBT told investors March 25 explaining the CWT deal.

Abbott said successful travel-management companies will increasingly need both software and services — not just one — that are married effectively.

“You have to have the best technology and the best people, you have to integrate it better than anyone else, and you have to deliver that consistently on a global basis,” he said. “And that’s hard and it requires significant investment and significant expertise.”

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Tags: airlines , amex gbt , business travel , concur , corporate travel , cwt , navan

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Linda C. Black Horoscopes: April 12

T oday’s Birthday (04/12/24). This year showers down abundant resources. Strategize and plan to fulfill your long-term vision. Adjust to a personal change next summer, before delighting in private autumn reflection. Adapt around winter partnership changes for fresh springtime energy with your work and health. Bank a lucrative haul.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — You’re especially clever. Solve a puzzle by patiently untangling clues. Gain more with wit than you would by force. Write, express and share your story.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Lucrative ideas spark in conversation. Invent creative ways to make money. Disciplined efforts pay off in extra loot. Discuss and then implement your plan.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Take charge for desired results. Use your power, talent and confidence for good. Solutions arise in conversation. Brainstorm to refine your ideas. Advance a dream.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Lay low. Savor a pensive phase. Consider long-term goals, dreams and new possibilities. New information clashes with old presumptions. Organize and plan. Stay flexible.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 7 — Teamwork keeps a shared vision alive. Enjoy gatherings, meetings and parties. Share laughter and clever ideas with friends. Go for distance, not speed.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Take charge to advance a professional project. There may be a test. Stick close to the basic structure. Experience pays. Pursue a hot lead.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Travels and studies open new frontiers. Research a fascination. Discover unexpected beauty. The completion of a difficult project opens time for something more fun.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — It’s a good time to talk about money. Review financial accounts. Manage tax or legal matters. Collaborate for mutual gain. Find clever solutions.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — You and your partner are on the same wavelength. Your collaboration blossoms. Coordinate efforts to save time and resources. Share a secret connection.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 9 — Your work is in demand. Don’t burn the candle at both ends. Eat well. Balance a busy schedule with private time for exercise and rest.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is an 8 — Laughter is good medicine. Visualize success with a matter of heart and purpose. Romance arises in conversation. Talk about love. Relax with family.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 7 — Beautify your place for an upcoming gathering. Clean, sort and organize. Tend your garden. Plant seeds for later harvest. Cook up something delicious.

(Astrologer Nancy Black continues her mother Linda Black's legacy horoscopes column. She welcomes comments and questions on Twitter, @LindaCBlack . For more astrological interpretations like today's Gemini horoscope , visit Linda Black Astrology by clicking daily horoscopes , or go to www.nancyblack.com .)

©2024 Nancy Black. All rights reserved. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency.

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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NASA Picks 3 Companies to Help Astronauts Drive Around the Moon

The agency’s future moon buggies will reach speeds of 9.3 miles per hour and will be capable of self-driving.

By Kenneth Chang

NASA will be renting some cool wheels to drive around the moon.

Space agency officials announced on Wednesday that they have hired three companies to come up with preliminary designs for vehicles to take NASA astronauts around the lunar south polar region in the coming years. After the astronauts return to Earth, these vehicles would be able to self-drive around as robotic explorers, similar to NASA’s rovers on Mars.

The self-driving capability would also allow the vehicle to meet the next astronaut mission at a different location.

“Where it will go, there are no roads,” Jacob Bleacher, the chief exploration scientist at NASA, said at a news conference on Wednesday. “Its mobility will fundamentally change our view of the moon.”

The companies are Intuitive Machines of Houston, which in February successfully landed a robotic spacecraft on the moon ; Lunar Outpost of Golden, Colo.; and Venturi Astrolab of Hawthorne, Calif. Only one of the three will actually build a vehicle for NASA and send it to the moon.

NASA had asked for proposals of what it called the lunar terrain vehicle, or L.T.V., that could drive at speeds up to 9.3 miles per hour, travel a dozen miles on a single charge and allow astronauts to drive around for eight hours.

The agency will work with the three companies for a year to further develop their designs. Then NASA will choose one of them for the demonstration phase.

The L.T.V. will not be ready in time for the astronauts of Artemis III, the first landing in NASA’s return-to-the-moon program , which is currently scheduled for 2026 .

The plan is for the L.T.V. to be on the lunar surface ahead of Artemis V, the third astronaut landing that is expected in 2030, said Lara Kearney, manager of the extravehicular activity and human surface mobility program at the NASA Johnson Space Center.

“If they can get there earlier, we’ll take it earlier,” Ms. Kearney said.

The L.T.V. contract will be worth up to $4.6 billion over the next 15 years — five years of development and then a decade of operations on the moon, most of it going to the winner of this competition. But Ms. Kearney said the contracts allow NASA to later finance the development of additional rovers, or allow other companies to compete in the future.

The contract follows NASA’s recent strategy of purchasing services rather than hardware.

In the past, NASA paid aerospace companies to build vehicles that it then owned and operated. That included the Saturn V rocket, the space shuttles and the lunar roving vehicles — popularly known as moon buggies — that astronauts drove on the moon during the last three Apollo missions in 1971 and 1972.

The new approach has proved successful and less expensive for the transportation of cargo and astronauts to the International Space Station. NASA now pays companies, notably Elon Musk’s SpaceX, fixed fees for those services, more akin to plane tickets or FedEx shipments.

For the company chosen to build the L.T.V., the vehicle will remain its property, and that company will be able to rent it to other customers when it is not needed by NASA.

“It’s commercially available for us as a commercial business to sell capacity on that rover,” said Steve Altemus, the chief executive of Intuitive Machines, “and do that for international partners and for other commercial companies and space agencies around the world.”

The competition created alliances between small startups and larger, more established aerospace companies, as well as car companies. The Intuitive Machines team includes Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Michelin, the tire maker. Lunar Outpost added to its team Lockheed Martin, Goodyear and General Motors, which had helped design the Apollo moon buggies.

Astrolab is working with Axiom Space of Houston, which has sent private astronauts to the space station and is building a commercial module to the International Space Station. Astrolab announced last year that it had signed an agreement to send one of its rovers to the moon on a SpaceX Starship rocket as early as 2026. That mission is independent of whether it is selected by NASA, a company spokesman said.

While Lunar Outpost is competing with Intuitive Machines on this contract, it plans to work with the company separately, sending smaller robotic rovers to the moon on the company’s lunar landers.

Kenneth Chang , a science reporter at The Times, covers NASA and the solar system, and research closer to Earth. More about Kenneth Chang

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Artificial intelligence (AI) has incredible potential to transform the economy, improve the way we work, and enhance our way of life. The global race to scale up and adopt AI is on, and Canada is at the forefront of this technology. To make sure we can seize every opportunity in the economy of the future, and set every generation up for success, we need to scale up our innovation ambitions. And do it in a way that brings everyone along. For Millennials and Gen Z, who feel their hard work isn’t paying off like it did for previous generations, we must invest in good-paying opportunities that help them get ahead. That’s why we’re focused on creating more good jobs, including in innovation and technology, which are among the highest paying of all industries.

AI is already unlocking massive growth in industries across the economy. Many Canadians are already feeling the benefits of using AI to work smarter and faster. The rapid advance of generative AI today will unlock immense economic potential for Canada, significantly improving productivity and reducing the time workers have to spend on repetitive tasks. Researchers and companies in Canada are also using AI to create incredible new innovations and job opportunities across all facets of the Canadian economy, from drug discovery to energy efficiency to housing innovation. In the past year, job growth in AI increased by nearly one third in Canada – among the highest growth of any sector. And most AI jobs pay well above the average income.

Canada has a world-leading AI ecosystem – from development, to commercialization, to safety. We have an advantage that can make sure Canadian values and Canadian ideas help shape this globally in-demand technology. Canada was the first country in the world to introduce a national AI strategy and has invested over $2 billion since 2017 to support AI and digital research and innovation. Since then, countries around the world have begun investing significant funding and efforts into AI to advance their economies, particularly in computing infrastructure. In order to maintain Canada’s competitive edge, and secure good paying jobs and job security for generations of young Canadians, we must raise the bar.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced a $2.4 billion package of measures from the upcoming Budget 2024 to secure Canada’s AI advantage. These investments will accelerate job growth in Canada’s AI sector and beyond, boost productivity by helping researchers and businesses develop and adopt AI, and ensure this is done responsibly.

These measures include:

• Investing $2 billion to build and provide access to computing capabilities and technological infrastructure for Canada’s world-leading AI researchers, start-ups, and scale-ups. As part of this investment, we will soon be consulting with AI stakeholders to inform the launch of a new AI Compute Access Fund to provide near-term support to researchers and industry. We will also develop a new Canadian AI Sovereign Compute Strategy to catalyze the development of Canadian-owned and located AI infrastructure. Ensuring access to cutting-edge computing infrastructure will attract more global AI investment to Canada, develop and recruit the best talent, and help Canadian businesses compete and succeed on the world stage.
• Boosting AI start-ups to bring new technologies to market, and accelerating AI adoption in critical sectors , such as agriculture, clean technology, health care, and manufacturing, with $200 million in support through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies.
• Investing $100 million in the NRC IRAP AI Assist Program to help small and medium-sized businesses scale up and increase productivity by building and deploying new AI solutions. This will help companies incorporate AI into their businesses and take on research, product development, testing, and validation work for new AI-based solutions.
• Supporting workers who may be impacted by AI, such as creative industries, with $50 million for the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, which will provide new skills training for workers in potentially disrupted sectors and communities.
• Creating a new Canadian AI Safety Institute, with $50 million to further the safe development and deployment of AI. The Institute, which will leverage input from stakeholders and work in coordination with international partners, will help Canada better understand and protect against the risks of advanced or nefarious AI systems, including to specific communities.
• Strengthening enforcement of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act, with $5.1 million for the Office of the AI and Data Commissioner. The proposed Act aims to guide AI innovation in a positive direction to help ensure Canadians are protected from potential risks by ensuring the responsible adoption of AI by Canadian businesses.

Today’s announcement is about investing in innovation and economic growth to secure Canada’s world-leading AI advantage today and for generations to come. This will create good-paying opportunities for every generation, boost innovation across the economy, raise productivity, and accelerate economic growth – and it’s just one of the things that we are going to be doing in Budget 2024. Alongside these measures, we’re building more homes faster, ensuring every kid has the food they need, investing in health care, making life more affordable, and creating good jobs to make sure every generation can get ahead.

“AI has the potential to transform the economy. And our potential lies in capitalizing on the undeniable Canadian advantage. These investments in Budget 2024 will help harness the full potential of AI so Canadians, and especially young Canadians, can get good-paying jobs while raising our productivity, and growing our economy. This announcement is a major investment in our future, in the future of workers, in making sure that every industry, and every generation, has the tools to succeed and prosper in the economy of tomorrow.” The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

“Today, we are making a significant investment to boost our economic growth. This will keep Canada a global leader in AI and ensure we are at the very cutting-edge of new technologies. And most importantly, this will mean more high-paying careers for Canadians who are leading the charge in AI.” The Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

Quick Facts

• The Government of Canada’s Budget 2024 will be tabled in the House of Commons by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
• In 2017, Canada was the first country to establish a national AI strategy. The Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy is helping Canada maintain its position as a world leader in AI, businesses be more competitive, and Canadians benefit from growth in the digital economy. Phase 2 of the strategy was announced in 2022 with funding of more than $443 million.
• The federal research granting agencies – the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) – together have awarded $936.8 million in funding for AI-related research since 2017-18.
• Since 2017, the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) provided $705.8 million in contributions to AI-related firms. This funding supported 1,111 firms and 3,837 projects in the AI and Big Data Technology space.
• In addition, the NRC Digital Technologies Research Centre has invested over $27 million both directly to firms and on collaborative AI projects related to natural language processing, Indigenous languages, and high-performance computing for AI.
• In 2023, Canada announced renewed funding for the Global Innovation Clusters , including Scale AI , bringing total funding for the company to up to $284 million. Scale AI is dedicated to promoting collaboration in AI and supply chain management research and innovation by strengthening linkages between researchers in industry, academia, and research institutes in Canada and abroad, and providing financial support for AI and supply chain management projects.
• Canada has also made significant investments in fast-scaling AI-related companies through the Strategic Innovation Fund , including Sanctuary AI and semiconductor firm Ranovus .
• Canada was recently ranked number 1 among 80 countries, tied with South Korea and Japan, in the Center for AI and Digital Policy’s 2024 global report on Artificial Intelligence and Democratic Values .
• The Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) was introduced in Parliament as part of Bill C-27 in June 2022. It is designed to promote the responsible design, development, and use of AI systems in Canada’s private sector, with a focus on systems with the greatest impact on health, safety, and human rights. Since the introduction of the bill, the government has engaged extensively with stakeholders on the novel challenges posed by generative AI. Canada is one of the first countries in the world to propose a law to regulate AI. Learn more .
• The Voluntary Code of Conduct on the Responsible Development and Management of Advanced Generative AI Systems – announced in September 2023 and signed by major tech firms including Cohere, Ada, Coveo, BlackBerry, TELUS, OpenText, and IBM – enables companies to demonstrate that they are developing and using generative AI systems responsibly and strengthen Canadians’ confidence in the technology.
• The Public Awareness Working Group on AI was launched in 2020 under Canada’s Advisory Council on Artificial Intelligence with a mandate to examine avenues to boost public awareness and foster trust in AI. Its objective is to help Canadians have a more grounded conversation around AI, and help citizens better understand the technology, its potential uses, and its associated risks. The Working Group published a report on its public engagement activities in February 2023. A further public report is upcoming specifically on the Working Group’s engagement with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities to better understand their needs, interests, and priorities for AI development and use.
• Since the 1990s, Canada has been a leader in AI and deep learning, made possible by the research and innovations of the “Godfathers of AI”, Canadians Yoshua Bengio and Geoffrey Hinton. In the decades since, Canada has built up a robust and growing AI industry across Canada, anchored by our three national AI institutes in Montréal, Toronto, and Edmonton.
• In 2022-23, there were over 140,000 actively engaged AI professionals in Canada, an increase of 29 per cent compared to the previous year.
• Canada has 10 per cent of the world’s top-tier AI researchers, the second most in the world.
• Canada ranks first globally for year-over-year growth of women in AI (67 per cent growth in 2022-23 alone), first in the G7 for year-over-year growth of AI talent, and since 2019, has ranked first in the G7 for the number of AI-related papers published per capita.
• The number of AI patents filed by Canadian investors increased by 57 per cent in 2022-23 compared to the previous year – nearly three times the G7 average of just 23 per cent over the same period.
• In 2022, the Canadian AI sector attracted over $8.6 billion in venture capital, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of all venture capital activity in Canada.
• Canada ranks third in the G7 in total funding per capita raised for AI companies, with more than 670 Canadian AI start-ups and 30 Canadian generative AI companies receiving at least one investment deal valued at more than $1 million USD since 2019.
• Restore generational fairness for renters, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, by taking new action to protect renters’ rights and unlock pathways for them to become homeowners. Learn more .
• Save more young families money and help more moms return to their careers by building more affordable child care spaces and training more early childhood educators across Canada. Learn more .
• Create a National School Food Program to provide meals to about 400,000 kids every year and help ensure every child has the best start in life, no matter their circumstances. Learn more .
• Launch a new $6 billion Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund to accelerate the construction or upgrade of essential infrastructure across the country and get more homes built for Canadians. Learn more .
• Top-up the Apartment Construction Loan Program with $15 billion, make new reforms so it is easier to access, and launch Canada Builds to call on all provinces and territories to join a Team Canada effort to build more homes, faster. Learn more .
• Support renters by launching a new $1.5 billion Canada Rental Protection Fund to preserve more rental homes and make sure they stay affordable. Learn more .
• Change the way we build homes in Canada by announcing over $600 million to make it easier and cheaper to build more homes, faster, including through a new Homebuilding Technology and Innovation Fund and a new Housing Design Catalogue. Learn more .

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• Responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI)
• Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program