Opening a travel agency requires dedication and proper knowledge to make an impact in this industry.Opening a travel agency requires dedication and proper knowledge to make an impact in this industry.For the most part,anyone can start a business and call themselves a travel agency here in the United States. Registration is required by at least eleven states but they mainly require you to fill out a few forms and pay a fee. This doesn't mean that it will get you professionalism or good service. It doesn't even give you a guarantee that the payments you made will reach it's destination safely. Because of these situations, being connected to a competent travel agency will be invaluable.
Agency affiliations and accreditationsIf an agency has blank airline tickets in it's office that it can print for your travels, then that means it has been accredited by thr ARC and possibly the International Air Transport Association. This may allow it to issue tickets on foreign travel as well.
Hotels,cruiselines,rental cars companies and tour operators do not have any requirements for who they will recognize as a travel agency. Here is an example: The cruise line International Association will basically allow anyone with a business license and who pays a joining fee can sell cruises for their member cruise lines.
There are 2 main trade associations.Asta-The American Society of Travel Agents. As good as it is,it doesn't always gaurantee you the service you are looking for.Arta-The Association of Retail Travel Agents. They will be good resources when opening a travel agency.
What type of travel help do you need?Do you travel for business or personal reason?Find the specific type of agency that fits your needs.(Obvious).
Specialty Agencies.There are places that specialize in particular travel products, such as adventure, singles or Chrisitan travel.This help to know when opening a travel agency.
Agency SizeHow big of an agency would you like to deal with.One with multiple agents and products to service your client.
OR
A smaller agency that might sell maybe one or two products or spcialties. Using a BIGGER agency is NOT always better. Some people like that small family fell of a smaller agency.Personalized attention. This is good to know when opening a travel agency.
Reputation.What people think of your business is the true test of whether your business will succeed or not.Ask for contacts or a list of clients. Speak to them. Do your research, if you have relatives a friends using a travel agent,ask them.
Other question you make ask.1)Agency hours: What are they? 2)Does your company have a(800) number in case you are traveling and have to contact them?
3)Do the agents have their own extension numbers and a voicemail,so you can contact them at different times? 4)Do the agents have e-mails and quick internet connections? 5)Are their e-mails from a free source(Hotmail or Gmail)?
'Amatuer'(Aol or Earthlink)?Maybe they have a real e-mail that points to their own domain name?
After hours and emergency service.Can the agency be contacted after hours in case of an emergency?The answer you would like to hear is "our staff takes turns at carrying a pager(or cell phone) and if you call outside of our normal hours, our duty emergency support person will be able to answer your call and do anything, everything for you."
Automation issuesYou want to know if the agency has any additional automation aids such as "wait list breaker","fare finder" or a "quality control as well as"seat finder" program.These programs interact with the CRS to exploit some known weaknesses and opportunitis within how the airlines allocate their fares. Lastly, What type of information does the agency keep on file about you? The more the information it is the better job it can do for your client in the future.
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