June 30, 2022
It was February, 2022, and I was frustrated with my then Host Agency (HA). 

I joined that particular HA as a brand-new, hot-off-the-showroom-floor, certified Independent Travel Agent (IA). I was old to the travel business, but a new IA with my LLC. I didn’t have much money, so the $19/mo. (now$21) fee was attractive, but even MORE attractive was the 80-20 commission split, unheard of at other HA’s. This was, by far, the best draw of all! I did want a user-friendly Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, and I especially wanted customers! I didn’t realize it then, but what I really needed was a reliable support system. 

My experience in choosing my first HA was in learning that specifics matter. I was general in my wants, and got exactly that. Every review in HAR has a “Program Details” section, and one of those details is ‘Lead Program’, indicating if that HA provides Leads or not.  I casually dismissed the fact that my HA choice did not offer Leads, because I intended on building my business by recruiting my family and friends. It also wouldn’t hurt to post on FB that I was now a IA, then maybe pass out a few business cards. I did not need Leads because every one I knew was now miraculously ready to travel, and would immediately become my customer! 

There were three. Three people. What I didn’t count on is that no one had immediate plans to travel. An 80% commission on nothing, is nothing. Avoya Leads do not pay 80% commission because they are Avoya customers, but these are actual Leads, not names off some outdated mailing list. They are vetted and real, and allow a new Avoya IA to earn income they would not have earned on their own. An IA is able to generate some income as they are building their own customer base at 80-20! 

I learned that ‘advanced’ CRM, but that does NOT necessarily mean user-friendly. That system was not intuitive. There were multiple pages to navigate for simple information, and entering info was quite time-consuming. On the other hand, Avoya’s CRM is quite intuitive. It is almost as if IA’s had a hand it it’s design. One of my favorite features is the tie-in with Outlook Office 365. Every e-mail between you and PAX is auto-saved in the record. There is also a ‘Conversation’ feature that allows you to chat with your PAX. Those chats are then a matter of record. Everything is documented.

When I chose Avoya, I had no idea what an ‘available’ support system looked like. I did learn that ‘reliable’ support does not mean expeditious, nor does it necessarily mean availability when you need it. Support is needed after 5pm, and on Saturday! There were those times, during 9-5, that I would receive an answer in a reasonable amount of time, but there were way too many times I would have to wait hours, or even a couple days to receive a reply for a problem in which I needed immediate help.    

Enter Avoya. In this industry, you are only as good as your access to correct information. Every IA is 100% dependent on access to the right suppliers, but we also depend heavily on a strong support system. Avoya has a very extensive, and easy to access Knowledge Base, but when additional support is needed, no support staff comes close to those at Avoya. They are always available, and they always respond. I have submitted a slew of Support Requests, and by far, the vast majority are answered within 10 minutes. This level of support is a crucial underpinning of every IA. You can be confident that Avoya support will not leave you floundering, or left in the cold. I did not know this level of support existed. 

If you are searching for your first HA, or are switching to a new one, please take time to review what Avoya has to offer. A user-friendly CRM and a solid support staff are crucial ingredients for an IA at any level, and when you add in Avoya’s access to all the top travel suppliers, you have the best recipe for the success!

John Walker

Francine V.

Experience: > 11 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I have been in the travel industry for over 40 years and have managed many large travel branches in addition to being in charge of the Canadian federal government travel office. Before I made the decision to branch out on my own three years ago, I researched thoroughly all host agencies for the best fit for me. I found Avoya to be far and above so much better than any other host out there. One of the main reasons is their "leads" program which allows you a vast client base you would be hard pressed to find on your own.

Now there are many kinds of "independent" travel agents looking to get into the industry. If you plan on working casually a few hours a week and not make it your primary source of income then this is not for you. Avoya is best for serious experienced agents who want to work full time and have their income primarily derive from booking travel. Their technology and support system is next to none and the online office and booking engine you have access to is extraordinary. One important aspect of this host agency is that it is highly respected by industry suppliers and they have won so many awards with the top cruise lines, which makes it a huge benefit to your business reputation.

System wise you log in every day and in one area you have email, your own private website, leads, all your files at your fingertips, your calendar etc.....it is amazing, not to mention the affiliation with the trusted American Express brand.

You can log in and work from anywhere at anytime which makes working so much more fun. If you are serious about working full-time and want to make great money using the best technology in the business then don't hesitate to come onboard..... Avoya is the only way to go!

Laura Fenton

Experience: > 11 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

Affiliating with Avoya Travel is the best thing I have ever done in my 25 years of being a travel agent. I joined 6 years ago and I can never see myself anywhere else.

Being able to work when you want or can work is the best part, of course the money comes in handy too.....

The management and staff are outstanding and always there when you need them.

There are numerous classes every week to help better our knowledge of the business and keep up with the vendors.

No one should hesitate in joining Avoya Travel, do it, you won't regret it.

Iris Messina

Experience: > 11 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I've been with Avoya since 2006 - it was the best decision I ever made! I work hard but I make good money. I get all the support, training and backup I need. I get free live leads from clientele that I would never have found on my own. Avoya being an AX agency gives me instant credibility. Avoya's technology is so good that I can work from my office or when I'm traveling. If you are looking for a great host - look no further.

Kevin Davis

Experience: 6-10 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I joined Avoya Travel in Nov 06' because I wanted a host agency who valued Independent Affiliates such as me. I could not think of another host agency that has been so supportive of their affiliates goals and ambitions.

Thanks in part to Avoya's 24/7 Live Lead Program, state of the art booking engine, back office systems, ongoing training and support...I have been able to really excel in the travel industry.

I have been recognized as being the "Best of the Best" 3 years running and with the support of this host agency -the sky is the limit.

If you are seriously looking to generate a livable income and maintain a very flexible work/life balance. This is an agency you will want to affiliate with!

Lydia Santiago

Experience: > 11 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I've been affiliated with Avoya Travel since 2004. The free lead program is on the top of the list of what makes Avoya, in my opinion, the best host agency around. My overhead is minimal because Avoya does all the advertising. My entire client base is from Avoya leads. It's a perfect situation. I can work from home, I don't have to spend money or time advertising for clients, and there is plenty of vendor training to keep me up to date on what's going on in the industry. Also, it's a 24 hour operation. I can work from any where, at any time of the day.

Maggie Kovacs

Experience: 6-10 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I have been an independent affiliate with Avoya Travel (Americas's Vacation Center) for 5 years now. How often do you hear someone raving about what they do or more importantly the place they work in? I have grown to love this company and the wonderful team/family that are such an important part of it.

Avoya Travel provides travel agents with the necessary tools, leads and information you need to become as successful as you choose in selling travel.

Avoya is consistently keeping up with the every changing technical trends to ensure their agents remain in the mainstream of technology and continue to develop and nurture our preferred partnerships with vendors.

Every since joining the company, my business and travel experience has increased over 100%.

Andrew Krance

Experience: < 1 year
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

For the past few years I have continuously been amazed at the advances and sophistication Avoya Trave/American Express has made. Not to mention the excellent support staff and really great family feeling of Avoya. Want to make money? Avoya is a perfect place to hang your hat.
I am incidentally, an 11 year agent and have only been with Avoya for the past two years. Paying my bills for sure. I encourage other agents to hop on board.
Kind regards to all,
Andrew

Sue Ratliff

Experience: > 11 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I joined Avoya Travel 6 years ago and never looked back. Having tried to market myself, I found out how much it costs, and you never really know if you are hitting the right people. Avoya has taken that task over and does far better and more than I ever could.

Avoya's lead program has given me access to a level of client I could not have reached on my own. My level of sales and resulting income are higher than I've ever hit in my life. And being my own boss gives me the freedom to work when I want, or play when I want! It's the best of ALL worlds!

Will you work hard? You bet! But the payoff is huge! Anyone looking to take their business to the next level should give serious consideration to joining Avoya Travel. It's the best business decision I ever made!

Bonnie Philbrick

Experience: < 1 year
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I have been affiliated w/Avoya Travel for 3 years now and wish I had found them sooner. Previous hosted and franchised agencies come no where near what Avoya Travel offers in technology, home office & affiliate support, as well as their live lead program. I don't miss having to spend lots of money to market, advertise, attend evening functions, etc., to find business - Avoya does all this for me!

Susan Derrow

Experience: > 11 years
Sales:
Status: Currently with company

I have been in the cruise industry for over 30 years. Former District Sales Manager for Ocean Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises. I have owned travel agencies since 1988. I never thought I would join a host agency. In December 2008, I read an article about Avoya Travel and liked what I read. I joined in February 2009 and have never looked back. My income has increased, due to live leads and the special offers I can pass on to my personal clients. The support offered by Avoya is unsurpassed in this industry. In today's world, technology is paramount. Other host agencies would be hard pressed to compete with what Avoya offers in technology. Combine integrity, support, technology and our affiliation with American Express, and you have a real winner in host agencies. I am proud to be a part of the Avoya Travel family.