A passion project in retirement that turned into a thriving business: Two reasons why and the how:
First, a little background: After twenty years of trading risk arbitrage and equity derivatives in downtown manhattan, the time had come for chapter two, or no chapter at all; the latter option was not appealing. My dad said, "what about being a travel advisor? You love to travel, have a great client list and have been to +60 countries. We use an advisor and it makes all the difference in the world?" I love the idea, but where do you begin?
With Wall Street clientele, the appeal of Virtuoso as the luxury leader in travel helped me narrow my search for a host agency on this very site. The other requirement was a real education; only GTN had both. The year-long program was vital to my success. One could launch without the education on the back of my extensive travel and business experience, but aren't your odds of success drastically higher if you are a true expert? Doesn't that take immersion and mentorship? Would I have done more damage to my budding travel reputation with the finance clients I hoped to convert to travel clients had I not? Would I get more than one chance from those clients?
Fast forward to December 2021, I am in GTN's top producers club (top 30) in my first full year of business! I am invited to the Virtuoso ultraluxe community, attended Belmond's signature Bellini event for 10 USA advisors in Sicily and was on a top producer retreat with GTN. Without education, it would not have unfolded this way and certainly not this quickly.
The second reason is: In real estate, the most valuable metric is location, location, location, but at a host agency, it is culture, culture, culture. The collaboration and support amongst advisors in our community is the silver bullet and goes hand in hand with the educational foundation of GTN. Imagine how much the collective mindshare benefits our clients. I was not expecting instant responses to questions or requests for advice yet opening up the browser to 7 responses in thirty minutes is common. It's another level of vetting and advocacy, but it only happens if the culture is there. We are not competing like local real estate agents who might compete for a listing in town. Our clients are worldwide, an enviable difference, and it means we are not competing so let's help each other win. We share tips, insights and experiences on our internal system in discussion groups that pale in comparison to snarky online forums. We travel together, 14 GTN advisors and I are just back from 12 days in Tanzania, and as a result, we grow together. It's made all the difference in professional growth inspired by culture and education. What more can you ask for?
I joined GTN in June 2020 after coming from another host agency. At the time, I was fairly new to the industry and quickly realized how much I still had to learn—especially as I navigated the challenges of planning travel during COVID. Enrolling in GTN’s TMBA program was, without question, the best decision I could have made. It gave me the foundation I needed for success, offering support on every level: business setup, branding, partner relations, legal compliance, marketing, and invaluable mentor calls. Just as importantly, it connected me with relationships and colleague collaborations that I didn’t expect to discover.
People often say you go to Africa for the animals but return for the people. For me, I came to GTN for the education and support, but I stayed because of the community. The staff and colleagues I’ve met through GTN have become the most incredible enhancement to my business, offering expertise, encouragement, and perspective I didn’t know I needed. Whether it’s destination knowledge, supplier recommendations (along with personal introductions), or guidance on hiring a team and scaling my business, this community has consistently gone above and beyond.
I started out as a solopreneur, satisfied with working independently, but GTN has encouraged me to dream bigger—to build a team and elevate my business beyond anything I imagined. The expertise and camaraderie here are truly unparalleled; I am consistently supported and inspired to grow.
From the partner side, the feedback is equally as positive. While GTN, like many host agencies, provides access to elite hotel programs, the difference lies in the way partners speak about GTN’s reputation and influence. Time and again, I am reminded that being aligned with this community gives me a professional edge.
To say I am grateful for my GTN family is an understatement. Jen, Meredith, Sandy, Hannah, Shannon, Kristin & Lisa...along with an incredible array of staff and mentors—are present and engaged every time guidance is needed. Their efforts have directly shaped my growth and continue to fuel my success as a Million Dollar Advisor.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for being part of the GTN community since 2020. We’re so glad you found your home here after transitioning from another host agency, especially during such a challenging time in the industry. It means a lot to hear how the Travel MBA program helped you build your business from the ground up!
We love the way you described coming for the education but staying for the community — that’s exactly what we hope every advisor feels. Watching you grow from a solopreneur to a Million Dollar Advisor has been incredible. Your success and collaboration within our network make GTN stronger for everyone.
I've been a part of Gifted Travel Network (GTN) since Oct 2018 and I can honestly say it's been a game-changer for my luxury travel business. From the moment I joined, I knew I was in good hands. The team at GTN is passionate, supportive, and truly dedicated to helping their advisors succeed.
One of the things that sets GTN apart is their focus on entrepreneurial mentorship. Their Travel MBA program is top-notch, and it's helped me develop the skills and confidence I need to build a successful business. The program covers everything from branding and marketing to sales strategy and mindset coaching - it's a comprehensive approach that's helped me take my business to the next level.
I also love the sense of community at GTN. The other advisors are like a family, and we all support and encourage each other to succeed. The GTN team is always available to answer questions and provide guidance, and they're constantly looking for ways to improve and expand their offerings.
Of course, one of the biggest benefits of being a GTN advisor is the access to elite luxury travel partners. The perks and benefits we can offer our clients are unparalleled, and it's a major selling point that helps us stand out from the competition. From VIP treatment at top hotels to exclusive cruise amenities, our clients receive the best of the best - and it's all thanks to GTN's incredible partnerships.
But what really sets GTN apart is the in-depth training and partner training they provide. I've had the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry, and I've gained a deep understanding of the luxury travel market and how to effectively sell to high-end clients. The partner training is also top-notch, and I've had the chance to meet with partners face-to-face, which has helped me build strong relationships and stay current on the latest offerings and trends.
Overall, I'm so grateful to be a part of the GTN community. If you're looking for a host agency that will support and empower you to build a successful luxury travel business, look no further. GTN is the real deal, and I highly recommend them to anyone who wants to take their business to the next level.
Pros:
Comprehensive Travel MBA program
Supportive community of advisors
Elite luxury travel partnerships
Unparalleled perks and benefits for clients
In-depth training on luxury travel sales and marketing
Partner training and education to help advisors stay current on the latest offerings and trends
Chance to meet partners face-to-face, building strong relationships and staying current on industry developments
Passionate and dedicated team
Cons: None!
Thank you for such an incredible review and for being part of the GTN community since 2018. We’re thrilled to hear how your business has grown and that you’ve found lasting value in both our entrepreneurial mentorship and the Travel MBA program. It’s wonderful to know the mix of branding, marketing, and mindset coaching helped you strengthen your foundation and build the confidence to scale your luxury travel business.
We especially appreciate your mention of the community, it truly is the heart of GTN. Seeing advisors support one another while connecting with top-tier partners is exactly what we strive for. We’re also so glad you’ve benefited from the partner training and the opportunities to build relationships face-to-face.
Your kind words about our team mean the world to us. We’re honored to be part of your journey and proud to have you among our advisors who continue to raise the bar in luxury travel.
I joined Gifted Travel Network (GTN) as an experienced agent with 3 years as a Travel Advisor. My reason for moving to GTN was their training program and luxury focus as I was attracting more clients requesting luxury trips. Since joining, I have found so much more with a supportive, positive community.
Alex, thank you for sharing your experience with GTN! We're delighted that you found exactly what you were looking for when you joined us as an experienced advisor. It's wonderful to hear that our luxury focus and training programs aligned perfectly with your own evolving clientele and business goals.
Joining Gifted Travel Network was one of the best decisions I made when launching my travel business. Just over three years ago, I started in their 12-month Travel MBA (TMBA) program, which gave me the foundational tools and confidence I needed to hit the ground running as a luxury travel advisor.
Fast forward to today, and I’m proud to say my business continues to grow year over year, thanks to the unwavering support, leadership, and community GTN provides. The sense of connection within this network is truly special. So much so, I was honored to be asked to serve as a mentor for current TMBA students, a role that brings me so much joy. Giving back to new-to-industry advisors not only fuels my passion, but reminds me that we’re all still growing and learning in this ever-evolving space.
Whether you're just starting out or an experienced advisor looking for the right host to elevate your business, I wholeheartedly recommend GTN. The support, preferred partner relationships, and Virtuoso affiliation allow me to truly shine in the luxury travel space and deliver incredible experiences for my clients.
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! It's incredibly rewarding to hear how the Travel MBA program provided you with the foundational tools and confidence to launch your luxury travel business successfully. Your journey from program participant to mentor perfectly embodies the collaborative spirit we've cultivated at GTN, and success stories like yours inspire us to continue providing the leadership, support, and community that help travel entrepreneurs thrive.
Thank you for being such a dedicated part of the GTN family, we're honored to be part of your journey and look forward to supporting your continued growth!
I wholeheartedly recommend Gifted Travel Network as a host agency for any luxury focused travel professional seeking a dynamic community of like-minded entrepreneurs. GTN offers an extensive network of preferred suppliers and stands proudly as a member of Virtuoso, the world’s premier travel consortia. Their forward-thinking support and cutting edge content, equips agents thoroughly on their unique entrepreneurial journeys.
Throughout almost 10 years with GTN, I’ve enjoyed abundant professional development, enriching opportunities to connect with suppliers, and the privilege of growing lifelong friendships with GTN members. The sense of professional fulfillment and business growth I’ve experienced here truly knows no bounds — the sky is genuinely the limit!
Thank you, Celeste! Your wonderful review captures exactly what we strive for at GTN. We're so proud that you've found not just professional growth over these 10 years, but a true community of like-minded entrepreneurs and lifelong friendships with fellow GTN members. That sense of connection and shared journey is at the heart of everything we do. Here's to many more years together!
Joining Gifted Travel Network in October 2021 through their TravelMBA program was the best decision I made for my travel business. From the start, I felt fully supported—not just by the GTN team, but by a genuine community of fellow advisors who operate more like a family than colleagues. What sets GTN apart is their boutique feel paired with robust educational and business resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your agency, the ongoing mentorship and training opportunities are unmatched. I wholeheartedly recommend GTN to any serious travel advisor who is seeking a nurturing, growth-minded environment at any stage of their career.
Thank you, Brittani! It means the world to hear that you've felt so well-supported since joining us through Travel MBA. Knowing that our educational resources and ongoing guidance have made a real difference in your business journey is exactly why we do what we do. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our community!
As a travel advisor, partnering with Gifted Travel Network (GTN) has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my business. GTN isn’t just a host agency; they’re a true partner that is fully invested in helping its advisors succeed. Their training, mentorship programs, and access to industry-leading resources are second to none and a big part of running a successful business.
One of the biggest highlights for me is the community. GTN fosters a supportive, collaborative environment where I can connect with like-minded advisors and share insights. Their dedicated team is always available and ready to provide guidance and support with vendor, booking, or business questions.
This connection and collaboration were on full display during a particularly challenging situation with a supplier for a VIP client. I immediately contacted their team for help when a crucial booking complication arose. Through their preferred vendor escalation process, they stepped in quickly and assisted me with a higher level of support from the vendor. This process saved me from a significant complication and ensured my client’s trip went smoothly, allowing me and the supplier to deliver an exceptional experience as planned.
GTN’s experience and close vendor relationships made a big difference for me, transforming what could have been a significant issue into a satisfactory solution for everyone. For anyone seeking a host agency with incredible support and resources, I highly recommend Gifted Travel Network.
Hi Janine,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with Gifted Travel Network! We’re absolutely delighted to hear how partnering with GTN has been a meaningful step in growing your business.
It’s wonderful to know that our training, mentorship, and resources are making a difference for you—and your mention of the supportive community really warms our hearts. We put a lot of love into fostering that collaborative spirit, so it’s fantastic to hear it’s been such a highlight for you.
Your story about the VIP client and the quick support you received through our vendor escalation process truly captures what we aim to offer: a partnership you can count on when it matters most. Knowing we could help you turn a challenging moment into a successful experience for your client is exactly why we do what we do.
Thank you for your kind words and for recommending GTN to others. We’re so grateful to be part of your journey and look forward to supporting many more of your successes!
Looking back over the 5 years since I first enrolled in GTN's Travel MBA program, I have been able to build success upon success in my travel business thanks in no small part to the knowledge base and support that the overall GTN community provides. In particular, I benefit from the tools and systems GTN provides to all its members, and from the ongoing support by the exceptionally knowledgeable mentors and administrative staff who are continually striving to find the best solutions to the everyday challenges we face as professional advisors. Recent systems additions by GTN include Sion for Sales and Commissions Management, and Circle for intra-agency collaboration and information sharing. Both of these systems are intuitively easy to use and are times-savers, making them game-changers for me and my business.
Thank you so much for sharing this thoughtful review!
We're thrilled to hear how GTN’s resources, tools, and support have empowered you to build success upon success over the past five years. Knowing that Sion and Circle have made a meaningful impact in streamlining your business is fantastic, and we’re so glad they’ve been game-changers in saving you time and enhancing collaboration. Our team is committed to providing the very best solutions for professional advisors like you, and it’s an honor to be part of your journey.
Thank you for being such an essential part of the GTN community!
I joined GTN in January of 2024 and enrolled in their Travel MBA program, and I couldn’t be more impressed. The program is comprehensive, offering excellent mentors, an extensive educational platform, and a robust marketing system. What stands out most is the hands-on guidance GTN provides on how to build and grow your travel business successfully.
The supportive community of travel advisors is another major highlight, there’s no sense of competition, just collaboration and a genuine willingness to help each other thrive.
GTN has created a space where you can learn, grow, and build a solid foundation for your business. I highly recommend GTN for any travel professional looking for mentorship, support, and a roadmap to success!
Thank you so much, Johanna, for your heartfelt testimonial!
We're thrilled to hear how the Travel MBA program has exceeded your expectations. It’s inspiring to see that the mentorship, comprehensive educational platform, and robust marketing system have made such a positive impact on your business journey.
We're especially proud of the collaborative, supportive community of travel advisors you've highlighted—it's what sets GTN apart, and we're so glad you feel that sense of camaraderie. Your success is a true testament to the strength of our program, and we’re excited to continue being part of your growth and success.
Thanks again for your glowing recommendation!
I have previously written a review for Gifted Travel Network, and it has been some time, and I wanted to express where my latest part of my journey has taken me. In June of 2022 I joined their TravelMBA program after a 30-year corporate career. The only travel experience I had was planning my own trips, which also happened to be my biggest passion.
My first 12 months in TravelMBA were instrumental in building all the foundational building blocks that are required for a small business to thrive. There is nothing like it…a playbook for success combined with a supportive and collaborative network (including other Independent Contractors, Virtuoso, GTN Staff and all of their amazing and preferred partners)
I am proud to share that now just over 2 years in my business is thriving. In year 2 my sales exceeded $1 Million Annual Sales, and I am now a member of their Top Producers Club. At the beginning of the year I also became a mentor for their TravelMBA program. As someone who led teams most of her career, I find it very rewarding to now help others with their journey as my mentors supported me in mine.
It is hard to put in words the personal satisfaction I get from helping others create their dream trip. And on top of it I can do my work while traveling the world. I have stayed nearly 200 nights in hotels and cruise ships around the world in just the past 2 years.
If you are looking for a fulfilling way to spend your time in your next chapter of life after a corporate career, I highly recommend you consider a career in travel through the GTN TravelMBA program.
Deanna,
I loved reading about your incredible journey! It’s so inspiring to see how far you’ve come since joining the Travel MBA program, especially after making such a significant career shift. The fact that you’ve gone from planning your own trips as a passion to building a thriving business with over $1 million in annual sales in 2 years is truly impressive!
Your story highlights the power of the foundational support GTN provides—both through the playbook for success and the collaborative network you’ve been a part of. It’s also wonderful to hear that you’ve become a mentor, giving back to the same program that helped you succeed.
The way you describe the personal fulfillment you get from helping others create their dream trips really captures the heart of what we do here. And being able to travel the world while doing what you love—nearly 200 nights in hotels and cruise ships in two years—sounds like a dream come true!
Thank you for sharing your experience, and congratulations on your amazing achievements! It’s stories like yours that remind us how rewarding this industry can be, especially when someone brings the same passion and dedication that you have. Keep inspiring others on their journeys, and happy travels!