I started in tourism in 1998 on the supplier side, owning and operating an excursion company. We were the largest and most popular activity in the area and the ski area used us extensively for corporate groups. In 2005, with the assistance of a friend that was working at the ski area I started a travel agency. I worked inbound corporate groups until 2018. I then changed my business model and moved to outbound leisure. My first year was a struggle without the backing and resources that come with having a host agency. I was incredibly fortunate to have a conversation that lead to an introduction to Montecito Village Travel. I feel so grateful that I'm an IC with them. I have the support, resources, and backing that I didn't even know existed. I was just getting going with them when COVID hit. The encouragement and help from them was so appreciated. I don't know that I would have continued in the business without that. Now that travel is booming again I have everything I need to be successful. From the systems they have in place, educational opportunities, and networking it's all there. Not to mention it feels like you are part of a family. They are wonderful to know and work with. If I ever have a question or need assistance they are there for me. Thank you MVT, I'm looking forward to many more sucessful years together!
i recently joined Montecito Village Travel as an Independent Contractor after 36 years in the travel Industry. I primarily served in management positions with a range of Suppliers and travel agents were my world. Well, now I am filling a dream and becoming my own business as a travel advisor. Travel is a passion and helping people fill their dreams is rewarding.
I am appreciate of the initial outreach and support by the entire team. Thank you!
I love the travel industry but work full time, so I love the flexibility that I have working as an independent contractor for Travel Leaders. Anytime I need support I receive an email back immediately. This has been the best part time job I have ever held with a company.
Being new to the travel industry we interviewed many host agencies and YTC was the clear choice! They are greatly respected throughout the industry and that has earned us legitimacy by affiliation. The operations support is fantastic providing everything from CRM and Accounting to Air-Desk and Insurance and other administrative guidance. YTC's rare combination of affiliations with both Travel Leaders/Tzell and Virtuoso has allowed us to maximize commissions (even on air) while still providing the luxury amenities our clients expect. Their commission structure is the best I've seen out there, and that is on top of their high preferred partner rates. For us it isn't completely about the dollar signs, we wanted to be sure we paired up with a host that is in line with our vision and mission and supports how we want to present ourselves to the world. With YTC we also feel as if we are part of a family company. The culture is always welcoming and friendly and we are proud to be affiliated with YTC.
I have been in the travel industry for over 25 years having have been employed by several independent agencies as well as one hosted agency.
I made the decision to go home-based as an Independent Contractor for Your Travel Center about 18 months ago. I was extremely anxious about making such a move but in hind-sight it has been one of the best career decisions I have ever made. The YTC team has been wonderful!
Not only are the YTC staff members knowledgeable and supportive but the team operates as a family and are so friendly, caring and helpful. The staff had such patience with me while I was learning new procedures and accounting practices.
The other great advantage of being part of the YTC family team is the fact that they have some of the largest commission structures in the industry as a result of their many contracts and affiliations. I am very pleased with my decision to join YTC as it has been a very positive and profitable experience for me.
I have been in the travel business for over 25+ years. I have owned my own agency since 2002. I joined YTC in 2007 and have had no regrets. YTC has an excellent in-house support network who really care and are quick to respond. YTC offers a host of value and suppliers/commissions that an "on your own" agency does not have the time or network to set up. It's been a win-win from the start and I can only recommend becoming an IC with YTC. I look forward to a continued and growing strong relationship in the future.
I've been in travel for over 30 years and previously owned multiple agencies. Having been a high-end, luxury travel independent contractor for 20 years now, I can tell you that YTC has the best host agency program I've ever experienced. The range of resources like mulitple GDS platforms, their collection of exclusive lux hotel programs, THE best air commissions in the industry, and Virtuoso membership, - would normally require IC association with several hosts. YTC consolidates the best under one management group. All of this plus a dedicated support staff that is the best I've worked with. Having gone through 4 host agencies before coming to YTC, I've been a YTC fan now for over 10 years!
They have a tremendous support team in place. This is our second year in the business and feel that it will be tremendous as with the programs and help Your Travel Center. It was a pleasure from the beginning to the present with all encounters. If you are looking for a great Home Based Agency to join then this is the one for you no matter what your experience level is.
I have been in the travel business since 2006. This is my third agency and I have been with Your Travel Center/Montecito Village Travel since 2007. Since I work from home and the main office is about 100 miles away, its good that I can continue my training through the various webinars available. Since I specialize in cruises only, the commissions paid on those is one of the highest in the industry and our cruise reps are just the BEST! They are always available to me grow MY business. If I have any challenges, the staff is always there to help me out. They make selling travel easy.
Working with YTC was scary in the beginning as they bought an agency I worked for and we didn't know what to expect. However, the experience has been a good one. The company's owner Colin and his wife, Brenda and son, Chris have always treated everyone like family. All the support staff are very reliable, caring and great as they will work with you to help you with whatever you need in a host agency. I have been with YTC for 10yrs now, with the last 9 being home-based with great results. I have nothing but rave reviews about YTC and their lucrative air contracts combined with unparalleled leisure vendors, high commissions and the best support staff in the business! Thank you YTC!!
Having been and independent contractor for 20 years (and previous ‘brick & mortor’ agency owner), I can honestly say that MVT is the best host agency I’ve had the pleasure of working with. The range of services and resources provided is far above other host agencies. Their staffing is competentant, professional, honest, and always their to assist. Having access to Virtuoso, Tzell, and the other associations they provide is extremely valuable and has helped grow my client list. I’ve even sold 2 seats on the Virgin Galactic Space program through their support and affiliations. Happy to provide additional information for anyone interested.