In episode 200, Steph and Shayna co-host and Global Travel Collection is out sponsor. We’ve got three substantial questions to dig into this week, so study up & let’s go! 

1. I'm just in the beginning of becoming a travel agent and really appreciate all the information I have been able to get from Host Agency Reviews. Thank you so much! My question is related to my potential agency name. I have looked up the possible name on NameCheap and it was not listed but when I look on Facebook there is a page with the same name. It doesn't appear that there has been any activity since 2022. Should I abandon the name I want or add something to the Facebook page name as I create it like my name or the word vacation? Or do you recommend something else? -Debi W.

2. As an aspiring travel advisor, do you believe changes in the United States' relations with other countries will significantly impact the number of people booking trips and vacations? How will such changes affect the travel industry? Also, do you think I should continue my efforts to find a host agency? Thank You for your response.

-Tonia

3. I currently work for a major tour operator and have been quite successful in the luxury FIT space over the past year alone. My company is large enough to handle their own contracts etc., so the idea of host agencies, consortia, etc is foreign to me. While I don't dislike my job, I want to start my own business, be my own boss, and deal with quality over quantity. My business plan is to offer the same kind of tailored itineraries that I do now, but a primary objective is to lead organized small group tours to my specialty destinations. I have read loads of articles on "finding the right host agency". But what I am stuck on is SHOULD I have a host agency. 

-Anonymous 

RESOURCES:

➡️Tips for choosing travel agency names + examples. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tips-for-choosing-travel-agency-names) 

➡️Smart Traveler Enrollment Program 

https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step

➡️What is a tour operator?

➡️What does FIT in travel mean?

https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/fit-travel-meaning

➡️What is a DMC in travel? https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-dmc-destination-management-company

➡️Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15