All Reviews

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Top Review

November 30, 2022
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?
September 21, 2023
Updated Review

I wasn't planning to become a travel advisor when I contacted Gifted Travel Network. But almost 7 years later, I'm successful and enjoying selling luxury travel. One of things that has helped me the most is the Gifted Travel Network community of advisors who are always willing to help and support each other. From offering advice, sharing knowledge and celebrating the wins, as corny as it sounds, it's like a family. Everyone from the Executive team to the rest of the staff are available to answer questions and find solutions if needed. You can't do this alone - you need the help and encouragement of a team of like minded professionals.

Host Agency Response
October 13, 2023

Hi Laney!

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful journey with Gifted Travel Network! It's incredible to hear how you've found success and a supportive community that feels like family. We're thrilled that our team, from executives to staff, has been there to assist and celebrate your achievements. Here's to many more years of selling luxury travel and enjoying the journey with your like-minded professionals and we can't wait to celebrate your continued successes!

August 5, 2019
Previous Review

Having been in the travel business for a short time and from a different aspect, it wasn't until I got to know GTN than my entire business changed and grew. GTN has provided support, training, flexibility and a strong sense of community. The enthusiasm and sense of positivity provides a different element to business and creates an environment of "anything is possible."

September 7, 2023

I owe much of my success to the Gifted Travel Network and the giving environment they have fostered. I am so grateful to have joined this incredibly talented group of advisors who selflessly help their counterparts on a daily basis. I can't imagine joining a more cohesive group of advisors, a group that is not only knowledgable but also extremely fun!

Host Agency Response
September 15, 2023

That's fantastic to hear! We're thrilled to have played a part in your success and to have you as part of our amazing community of talented and fun advisors. Here's to more achievements and adventures ahead!

September 6, 2023
Updated Review

I have been with Gifted Travel Network (GTN) since 2014. Over the years I have seen the network grow and mature into an incredibly professional and award winning Virtuoso, Forbes Travel Recommended Host Agency. Given all the accolades and growth, GTN has not lost sight of it's sense of community and support for all of our travel advisors. It is truly a collaborative environment. The support among advisors is one of the outstanding strengths. Training and support is part of GTN's DNA; to be sure everyone is up to date on the best practices in technology, marketing, client relationships, supplier relationships. Promoting advisor health, work life balance and general well being is also a part of what GTN values. Senior management is very accessible and the team goes beyond, to be of service to all the advisors. If you want to be the best, you go with the best. GTN is the best.

Host Agency Response
September 15, 2023

Oh Sandy! How we appreciate and love growing with you during these exciting times in travel!

Thank you for recognizing and celebrating with us and recognizing how GTN has grown into a top-rated agency while maintaining a strong sense of community and support for its advisors. We exist to service our advisors and love that our community is where the magic happens! Couple with that GTN's commitment to training, support, and promoting advisor well-being we believe rounds out what makes GTN so special.

It's because of members like you that make us at GTN smile. We're proud to have you as part of our community!

April 11, 2020
Previous Review

I left my former Host Agency 6 years ago and have never looked back. GTN is so much more than a Host, it's a community of truly caring individuals who have all their members best interest at heart. I could never have grown my business to the volume it is, without their support, guidance and counseling. They are the best of the best. And when Covid-19 hit, they were there by your side. They have reached out with information about how to weather this storm and to be prepare for the bounce back and pent up demand. From finance to marketing, they offer best practices. They'll go to bat for you, if needed, with a supplier. We are all on the same team. My success is their success and they truly act that way. They have created a community, among the members, who are supportive, non competitive. We all learn from each other. If you are serious about being an entrepreneur in the travel business, this is where you belong. You'll be glad you made the choice.

August 3, 2023

I switched to GTN after much searching, interviewing and reference checks of various host agencies, I kept coming back to GTN. What most inspired me to join was the support they give the entrepreneur with mindset and all things business. My former host did only supplier trainings, I knew there had to be more and I am happy I found it. I appreciate GTN and my colleagues I have met, and those I haven't met yet. So many willing to offer assistance when needed (like 6pm on a Friday night in the summer!).
I am glad I trusted my gut and left my former host and switched to GTN. I have learned so much I didn't realize I didn't know, and there's always more to learn! My business is growing and I am excited for the future.
Being a part of Virtuoso is a great perk as well. I was with another consortia, I liked them and they offer good training, but now I get reviews on Virtuoso and leads from my profile. I will be experiencing my first Virtuoso week this month and am excited about that. People do perk up a little when they hear you are with Virtuoso. It all adds up to what you need to start your travel business!

Host Agency Response
August 14, 2023

Hi Debbie!

We are so thrilled that switching to GTN was a game-changer for you, and I'm thrilled to hear about your positive experience. It's clear that you put in a lot of time and effort to find the right host agency, and it's fantastic that GTN stood out among the rest.

We love you are finding that GTN goes beyond just supplier trainings and offers you support in mindset and all aspects of the business. The camaraderie you've found with your colleagues IS invaluable, especially when they're there to assist you even on a Friday night in the middle of summer. That's the kind of support that can make a world of difference!

Trusting your gut and making that leap to switch hosts can be a big decision, but it's clear that it's been paying off for you. Learning and growing are constant processes, and it's inspiring to hear that your business is thriving and that you're excited about the future.

Being associated with such a reputable organization like Virtuoso definitely adds a special touch to your travel business. The fact that you're now getting reviews and leads from your profile is fantastic. I can only imagine the excitement building up for your first Virtuoso week this month – that's going to be an incredible experience, for sure!

It's all about those little details that add up, and we are happy GTN and Virtuoso have provided the perfect combination for you to take your travel business to new heights. Keep up the fantastic work, and here's to even more success and learning on your journey ahead!

July 26, 2023
Updated Review

Gifted Travel Network is the firm foundation upon which I have built a thriving travel business in the past 5 years. The training; the high professionalism, expertise, authenticity and genuine care of the leadership team and its members; the camaraderie and support across staff and advisors have all fueled and continue to fuel my focus, skills and skyrocketing business started in 2018.
The continually growing clout and presence of Gifted Travel Network opens doors to preferred partner programs and conferences which puts me at the top of my game and makes me look like a rock star to my travelers. The 'back office' systems supply virtually everything I need to track my sales and clients; the staff is supportive and so responsive when assistance is needed and their discipline and structure keep me moving along smoothly.
They make my success possible and I am having a blast along the way.

Host Agency Response
July 27, 2023

Hi Wendy!

That's incredible to hear about your journey with Gifted Travel Network! I love hearing that the training and support you have received has been instrumental in propelling your travel business to new heights. Having a firm foundation can truly make a difference in building a successful business. It's so exciting to see that GTN's growth in the luxury travel space has opened doors to new partners that are making you shine like a rock star to your clients.

Thank you for shining a light on our Gifted Travel Network's amazing 'back office' systems and responsive staff! They ARE amazing and love to assist you with the tools and support you need to track sales, manage clients, and keep everything running smoothly. Their dedication to ensuring your success is commendable, and it's obvious that you're thoroughly enjoying the journey.

Wishing you continued success and more exciting adventures ahead with Gifted Travel Network by your side! Keep thriving and making unforgettable experiences for your clients!

June 4, 2019
Previous Review

I won the host agency jackpot! I am new to the industry and selected GTN from a list of agencies I researched. I knew they were terrific but had NO IDEA how amazing they are until I went on my first FAM and heard about others' experiences and relationships with their host agencies. What makes GTN absolutely shine is that they fully embrace the 'all boats rise' mentality and celebrate each and every member's unique propositions, areas of focus and wis. They provide robust training and support via the Travel MBA and then beyond with things like GIFTE and TESA. You function as an IC but you are never alone. The support coupled with the empowerment and autonomy to forge your own future and business success feels unique. The options on commissions is flexible and mature. I have a successful and growing business thanks to the excellent training and teaching; support both in terms of feeling championed by the leadership and my peers as well as the business model/structure. I do not feel 'bound' to GTN, I consider it a privilege to be a part of their organization.

July 26, 2023

GTN is an amazing community. So appreciate the continued support for those of us who have been in the industry for a long time. For those who are new, what a true gift. The Gifted Tavel team are true professionals whose aim is to ensure your success. The connections, partnerships, and friendships I have developed over the past four years since joining GTN are immeasurable.

Host Agency Response
July 27, 2023

Hi Lee,

We couldn't agree more! GTN truly is an exceptional community, and I'm glad to hear that you've had such a positive experience over the past years. The support they provide to both seasoned industry professionals and newcomers is truly invaluable. The Gifted Travel Network team is dedicated to ensuring everyone's success, fostering meaningful connections, partnerships, and friendships. Being part of such a community is a true gift to all of our advisors and our team.

Here's to many more years of growth, success, and wonderful experiences with GTN for you! 🎉

June 25, 2023

After more than 20 years in the oil and gas industry, making the transition to the travel industry was an intimidating prospect. However, Gifted Travel Network (GTN) has proven to be the ideal partner in this journey. The most appealing part of GTN was that the owners, like me, did not come from a background of travel or hospitality, but from corporate America. This shared background made the transition smoother and more relatable, as they understood my journey and the unique challenges I faced.

What I appreciate most about GTN is that they don't just teach you how to sell travel; they provide a veritable mini-MBA on how to run your own travel agency. The knowledge and expertise that GTN provided have been invaluable, and I've learned more in the past five years than I did in two decades in the corporate world. While it's been challenging and required more hours than my previous job, it's also been more rewarding because it's something I am truly passionate about.

Over the past five years, I've leveraged GTN's platform to transform Fresi Travels from a casual hobby into a thriving LLC. We've organized hundreds of travel experiences, marrying our knowledge of destinations with the unique tastes and desires of our clients to create unforgettable trips. I initially thought I knew how to travel, but GTN showed me the vast and varied ways to explore the world, reinforcing my belief that everyone needs a travel advisor.

The support from GTN has been extraordinary. Despite my well-traveled background, starting an agency to support others was a whole different ballgame. GTN has been there every step of the way, providing the support and expertise I needed to succeed. I'm now running a boutique travel advisory company, leveraging my 30-plus years of travel experience and the skills I gained in corporate America to provide the highest level of service to our clients.

But more than that, GTN fostered a sense of community that I hadn't expected. We are not competitors; we are a collective, working together to ensure we all succeed. This collaborative environment has been a boon, with fellow advisors readily sharing their expertise and experiences.

If you're considering making a career change into travel planning or looking to start your own travel agency, I can't recommend GTN enough. Their understanding, support, and expertise are unparalleled, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with them.

Host Agency Response
June 29, 2023

Hi Louis!

It's inspiring to hear how Gifted Travel Network (GTN) has been the perfect partner for your transition from the oil and gas industry to the travel industry. The Travel MBA approach to running a travel agency has provided you with invaluable knowledge and expertise, and we love hearing that!

Thanks for sharing that with GTN's support, you've been able to transform your hobby into a thriving boutique travel advisory company, and that our amazing sense of community has been an unexpected bonus. Your strong recommendation for GTN is a testament to our dedication to understanding, supporting, and sharing our expertise in travel advisors both new to industry and experienced advisors!

We can't wait to see you continue to grow and flourish!

May 24, 2023

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.

Host Agency Response
June 6, 2023

HI Meghann!

Thank you so much for sharing your testimonial! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with GTN. I love that you did thorough research before making your decision and found that GTN is the ideal fit for you!

At GTN, we understand that success in this industry requires more than just booking travel. That's why we're dedicated to providing our agents with comprehensive support and the necessary tools to thrive. We're delighted to hear that our Travel MBA program, mentorship, access to suppliers, and exclusive partner training have been instrumental in your success. It's true, branding and tone play a crucial role in the travel business, and we're glad we could help you hone in on those aspects.

We're delighted that our Travel MBA program exceeded your expectations, both when you joined and now. Your satisfaction reinforces our belief that it's one of the best programs available. Our leaders are indeed inspiring and engaging, and we're proud to have a strong female executive team that sets an example in the industry. We understand the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

We understand that the initial investment in our program may seem significant, but it's rewarding to hear that it has already paid for itself. We believe that the value and opportunities provided by GTN are worth every penny.

Thank you for choosing GTN as your host agency, and we're excited to continue supporting you in your business journey. Here's to watching and celebrating your continued success!

April 12, 2023
Updated Review

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.)

Host Agency Response
May 8, 2023

Stacey,

I couldn't agree more with your testimonial about Gifted Travel Network! We strive to make GTN a host agency that lives up to its name. The invaluable resources, training, to the one-on-one mentoring calls, are just a part of what takes GTN as a host agency, to the next level.

GTN is commitment to creating a positive, supportive community that everyone is a part of! Rising tides lift all boats and we love having you be an important part of that community that encourages and supports one another. We love having you and Fred as a part of GTN!

Here's to continued success and friendships!

April 12, 2021
Previous Review

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. I recently had an issue with a supplier where GTN stepped in to support me and be an advocate for my clients. They provide me with access to a plethora of resources from video training on how to run a business, to connecting me with peer groups, to mentoring calls where I can ask questions, to introductions to BDMs 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.)

Host Agency Response
April 12, 2021

Stacey,
We are so lucky to have advisors like yourself as part of our community of collaborative advisors. As Sandy always says "A rising tide lifts all boats" and that is so true. It is so great to see advisors celebrating each other's successes, when a great booking is made or even a first booking. I also love it when our vendor team, Vanessa and Erica, are able to stand up and help navigate rough waters with vendors some times.

April 9, 2023

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.

Host Agency Response
May 8, 2023

Hi Stacie!

It's wonderful to hear that you feel like you've found the right fit with GTN and that you've received valuable training and support through their programs. Starting a new career can be challenging, but having the right resources and people to guide you can make all the difference.

You are wrapped in a system of support, continued education, incredible partners, and a community like no other! We love how involved you are are- you are the best!

We can't wait to celebrate your continued successes!

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