Gifted Travel Network

I did a ton of research before choosing a host agency with whom to start my new business, including talking to smaller shops willing to take on Independent agents. I really do not think there is a better host agency for people new to the business. Between the Travel MBA program and the support from mentors, access to suppliers, and access to exclusive partner training, GTN gives you all the tools you need to be successful. They've taught me that booking travel is only 50% of the job and helped me hone in on branding and tone. GTN is a relatively new company at 10 years old. While sometimes we need to be quick to adapt to changes, the benefit of a younger company is that they are SO open to feedback and ACTUALLY EXECUTE on the changes. The Travel MBA program was fabulous when I entered it two years ago, and now seeing it two years later, I cannot imagine a better program out there.

The leaders are inspiring and engaging and I'm proud to be connected to a company with a strong female executive team. Coming from the corporate world, this is so refreshing and inspiring. You'll be in good hands here. The initial program can be an investment, but I have no doubt that it has already paid for itself.

Gifted Travel Network is a host agency that truly lives up to the name “host.”

They have proven over and over that they are in my corner and want to help make my agency a success. They provide me with access to a plethora of resources from video training on how to run a business, to introductions to BDMs, to connecting me with peer groups, to one-on-one mentoring calls where I can ask very specific questions, and so much more.

However, what makes GTN stand out from other host agencies is that they have created a positive, supportive community. Even though we each own our own agency, we are not competitors. We encourage one another, give recommendations, share templates, and ideas so we are ALL successful. When I don’t know a destination or how to use some sort of booking engine, I have peers willing to help me without making me feel less-than.

I am proud to be a part of this collaborative environment where travel partners comment on the positivity they feel among us. (I like to think that we are their favorite.)

As a new to the industry travel advisor, I made the best choice in joining Gifted Travel Network (GTN) as my host agency. I cannot express enough how happy I am with the collaboration found within the community, and the support and training provided by the mentors in the TMBA program.

From the very first day of the Jumpstart - a 3 day in person training at the GTN Headquarters - I knew I was in the right place. The three day training focused not only on how to sell travel, but how to run a business and be a successful entrepreneur. There are so many skills needed to be a profitable business owner - financial planning, sales, brand development, time management, marketing, networking and more. GTN provides the training needed to tackle all of these elements and is there to support you on every step of your entrepreneurial journey.

In addition to the stellar training, GTN has strong relationships within the industry through their Preferred Partners and the extensive Virtuoso network, and THE BEST COMMUNITY of Advisors. I can’t compare to other host agencies, but I can say the environment is the most collaborative and supportive I’ve experienced. Everyone in the network is there to help and support each other. There is no competition, only a “rising tide lifts all boats” atmosphere. It is inspiring. I am so happy to be a part of this network.

After I decided I wanted to become a travel advisor I knew I needed more than the basic training of, this is how you book a trip. A love of travel and extensive travel doesn't prepare you to run your own business successfully. I come from a healthcare background. Some skills are transferable and other ideas and concepts are brand new. After months of research and talking to an advisor who went through the Travel MBA program, I knew Gifted Travel Network's Travel MBA program was the best program for me. The 3 day in-person jumpstart at the beginning of the program was amazing! I knew instantly I made the right decision. I was surrounded by travel professional who had once been in my shoes and gone on to have successful careers as travel advisors and were now teaching and mentoring new advisors. Building relationships in person was important and makes the learning process a lot easier once I was home and on my own. The support and educational opportunities I receive through private Facebook forums, Zoom presentations, other advisors and vendor partnerships is awesome. It's almost overwhelming in the best possible way! I'm less than 6 months into my new journey but the support and education provided by GTN gives me the confidence to do the scary, hard things and build a successful travel business.

I have been with GTN for several years now. As a new agent looking for training and support I find GTN very welcoming and informative. After going through their Travel MBA program I feel very well equipped to be successful in my business. The only downside I see is that they are still very East Coast-centric as their support hours are based upon EST.

I highly recommend Gifted Travel Network as a host agency if your needs include a vibrant community of like-minded professionals, a well-rounded network of preferred suppliers, a member of the premier consortia in the world, Virtuoso, and cutting-edge support for your entrepreneurial journey. There is no shortage of professional development and opportunities to meet our suppliers. I've been with GTN for 8 years and I have gained lifelong friends, professional satisfaction and a growing business where the sky is the limit.

You know when you know.

I spent several years searching for a new host agency, the ideal fit. I just wasn’t finding the perfect solution and didn’t really need to make a change but knew there was more out there. Towards the end of my search I met 3 agents at 3 different events, each of whom impressed me with their professionalism and enthusiasm for their host agency. The common denominator? Gifted Travel Network. After a few calls with GTN’s leadership team there was no turning back and I signed up right away.

While payout percentage and commission overrides are great, what makes GTN shine is the community focus. There are umpteen opportunities to connect with others and advisors are strongly encouraged to do so. GTN leadership understands we are each individual business owners and excels at providing the tools we need to manage our businesses. It’s no coincidence that I’ve had my best sales historically since joining GTN. I have renewed passion and energy for my business and attribute this all to my GTN family.

I found Gifted on HAR in 2021, and is has been one of the best experiences of my life so far! Attending the new Jumpstart session of the Travel MBA program in October 2022 made all the difference for me. Being there in person I was able to connect with the facilitators (Amy R. and Shannon C.) and my cohort in a way that truly surprised me! The training was thorough and we got to interact with the amazing office staff who all support the GTN advisors. When I left, I felt very prepared and confident to start my own business. After Jumpstart, we had cohort exclusive calls weekly where our mentor provided more detailed training needed to become a successful travel advisor. These calls along with the weekly trainings, partner connections and all-network meetings really provide the support and community I was seeking in a host agency. Gifted Travel Network is truly a community of the most talented travel advisors and luxury travel educators and I am so thankful and grateful to be part of such a wonderful team!

I had a long corporate career as an Executive in the Food & Beverage industry and when I decided a career change to the travel industry could be the right move for me, I did a LOT of research. Ironically, I found Gifted Travel Network (GTN) on Host Agency Reviews (HAR). I read every review and wondered if the things other advisors said were really true. I trusted my intuition and took the leap. Let me tell you… our Executive Team is brilliant, and they each bring complementary skillsets. Those skillsets have built a company that is collaborative, forward-thinking, and business savvy. They understand if you own a business you need to know how to run a business. We are not just transactional, sitting behind computers booking trips. They teach us how to build our business with everything from Marketing, Relationship Building, Branding, Booking and Finances to Social Media. They are selective in ensuring we have preferred suppliers who are the right fit for our businesses, and they cultivate those relationships. They reinforce we need to come from a place of ‘giving’ to our clients. They also understand to be successful in travel you need to have the right mindset (and they help coach you through the tough times when you need it). Most importantly, it’s not just words…they are consistent and lead by example.

And although their Travel MBA program is very prescriptive it doesn’t do your work, it doesn’t create your brand and it doesn’t magically give you clients. Nor would I want it to. It is through your own hard work and uniqueness. What you end up with is a brand you believe in with clients who appreciate the value you bring to them.

What I value the most of being an Independent Contractor (IC) for GTN are the relationships with other IC’s. Initially it was the strong bond with the other individuals in my Travel MBA Cohort and now with others (including other IC’s, GTN Staff, Suppliers…) who I continue to build relationships with in-person, on Zoom meetings and our online interactive platform. There is no competition…only collaboration. (And we have some fun in the process!).

This can be a tough industry, but the risk is worth the reward!

Gifted Travel Network has been a great partner on my new travel advisor journey. As someone who is just starting in the industry the entire Gifted Travel Network team has been wonderful to work with and easy to approach with all of my questions or concerns. The training programs are thorough, yet simplified so you aren't overwhelmed with a ton of information all at once.

The team members truly care about setting you and your business up for success by getting the basics down first and building from there. I would 100% recommend Gifted Travel Network to anyone who is new to the industry and looking for the right host agency partner.