5 Travel Industry Organizations Your Host Agency Should Be In
Written by: Guest on October 09, 2017
Host agencies come in all shapes and sizes. If you’re considering partnering with a host travel agency, learning about the host’s industry affiliations should be included in your research.
Not every host agency has the same memberships and same reputation within the industry. If you want to ensure you’re launching your agency with a trustworthy and well-respected host, look for participation in these industry organizations.
1. ASTA
The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) is a leading global advocate for travel agents, the travel industry, and the traveling public. As the world’s largest association of travel professionals, ASTA’s mission is to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism.
Because KHM Travel Group is an ASTA Premium Member, our agents have access to the latest in legal and governmental updates, sales strategies, product knowledge and business tools.
2. CLIA
The official trade organization of the cruise industry, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) works in partnership with nearly 17,000 affiliated travel agencies throughout North America to ensure the highest caliber of cruise sales expertise and service for cruise vacationers.
KHM Travel Group has been identified as a Premier Agency Member, based on our number of agents, and now pays an annual membership fee to CLIA on behalf of our agents to participate in the program. As a Premier Agency Member, all KHM Travel Group Travel Agents who qualify are eligible to apply for an individual CLIA membership under KHM Travel Group at a reduced rate. Agents also gain access to ship inspections and coupons for specific bookings through CLIA.
3. IATA/IATAN
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) simplifies the business relationship between the travel agency, airlines and suppliers. The International Airlines Travel Agent Network/IATAN is a non-profit department of IATA that assists travel agents in meeting and maintaining a specific set of standards that are of value to airlines, the travel agency community and consumers. The IATAN card identifies bona fide U.S. travel sales professionals.
Having IATA accreditation through KHM Travel Group gives credibility, legitimacy and global recognition to your travel business. You will also have the ability to earn your IATAN ID, the true identifying marker of a producing travel agent.
4. PATH
The Professional Association of Travel Hosts (PATH) is the only travel industry association with a membership comprised of the leading top U.S. Host Agencies. The concept of the Host Agency has grown significantly over the years flourishing into an array of business models that have confused what a Host Agency truly is. PATH was formed to establish Host Agency operating standards with strict enforcement among its qualifying Host Agency members.
By engaging with PATH, KHM Travel Group has the opportunity to learn from and share best practices with other host travel agencies. Through events like the PATH Annual Symposium, we are able to be part of the discussion of where the host agency industry is going, and how it can be improved.
5. Travel Leaders Network
KHM Travel Group is an affiliate member of the consortia Travel Leaders Network, which is a collection of successful, independently-owned travel agencies across the USA. As a part of the Travel Leaders Network, our agents have access to innovative technology and marketing tools like Agent Profiler and the Engagement Consumer Marketing Program.
While there are other consortia in the industry, we chose to be a part of Travel Leaders Network as it best meets the needs of our independent travel agents.
When you become an independent travel agent with KHM Travel Group, you are also gaining access to travel industry organizations that provide additional benefits, tools and resources for your business.
Learn more about joining KHM Travel Group by filling out the form on the right side of screen or by calling our Memberships team at 1-888-611-1220.