TRAVEL EXPERTS HOST AGENCY CELEBRATES 35 YEARS HELPING INDEPENDENT ADVISORS GROW & EARN MORE MONEY

Travel Experts, the premier Host Agency with more than 500 affiliated travel advisors across the U.S., recognizes the growing number of independent consultants as a result of the post pandemic move away from working in an office environment and the rising appreciation of the importance of travel advisors by consumers. 

“There are great opportunities for those independent advisors who are struggling to keep their commissions and earn higher revenues,” says Susan Ferrell, Founder and President of Travel Experts, adding: “With the right Host Agency, advisors can rise above other travel counselors and often earn more money; and they don't have to lose their independence if linked with the right Host Agency.”

But Ferrell warns: “"Do your homework. Not all Host Agencies are alike. Choose wisely. We are here for you to help."

Travel Experts just hosted its Summit 4, an advisor/supplier gathering for learning, networking and cementing relationships, on the Seabourn Sojourn Sept. 21-28, 2024.

Summit 4 was a sold-out event with 164 advisors and 70 suppliers booked for the chartered cruise on the Seabourn Sojourn sailing in Europe. 

“Summit 3 in 2023 exceeded our expectations,” said Sharon Fake, Executive Director of Travel Experts, adding: “Seabourn Cruise Line was the best, with the service onboard close to perfection, and the educational component was outstanding. The feedback we received was all positive, especially praising our one-on-one lengthy meetings between advisors and all of the suppliers and the networking over dinners and free time. 

Travel Experts Executives onboard the Seabourn Ovation during Summit 3. Left to right are Susan Ferrell, President, Sharon Fake, Executive Director, Claire Canady, Director, NC Operations, and Heather McIntyre, Director Technology & Finance.

Travel Experts, which is celebrating 35 years in business, remains an independently owned and operated Host Agency serving some of the travel industry's most highly respected luxury travel advisors. Founded in 1989 by President Susan Ferrell, the agency and its programs are even more relevant today as more and more experienced travel advisors become independent contractors.

Why Travel Experts? The answer is simple according to Ferrell: “You get to do what you love, sell travel and keep 100% of what you earn. There are no start-up fees, no transaction fees, only a single monthly flat fee and only a month-to-month contract to make life easy.”

Some of the amenities of affiliation include:

•  Bonus commissions from suppliers that work with Travel Experts and Virtuoso. 

•  Access to Virtuoso, which includes personalized marketing materials.

•  Through Virtuoso, the Travel Experts’ advisor's clients get exclusive amenities, upgrades, access and experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.

Travel Experts has a management team that has been with the firm for more than 20 years and a support staff of 26, all focused on supporting member travel advisors. The support team offers a concierge level of service to all affiliated independent travel professionals. As a result, Travel Experts lives in the best of two worlds; “We are large enough to be an industry leader, while remaining nimble and responsive, and evolving with the times,” says Ferrell.

Travel Experts, by design, does not add hundreds of members each year. Ferrell says: “Our model attracts independent travel professionals who are true entrepreneurs with the business acumen needed to work independently while enjoying the advantages of associating with a nationally recognized premier Host Agency.”

This year Travel Experts is set to provide 19 independent contractors with the Diamond Award for their 10-year anniversary, bringing the total to 188 recipients of this prestigious award. In addition, nine advisors will receive a 20-Year Certificate bringing that total to 35 affiliates with some boasting more than 25 years as a Travel Experts member. This longevity is a testament to the value Travel Experts delivers.

Advisors seeking More Information can contact Travel Experts via www.independenttravelprofessionals.com; info@travelexperts.travel or call 800-274-2544.