How To Become a Home Based Travel Agent
Step Two
Understanding Licensing, Affiliations, and Agencies
Licensing
The most asked question in regard to entering the travel industry is, "Do I need a license to be a travel agent?"
The short answer is, "In most states, NO, you don't." 
Currently, Hawaii, California, Nevada, Ohio, Florida and Oregon have requirements for travel agents to register, post bonds, or contribute to a state restitution fund.
Most other states have no special licensing required in order to sell travel products. Check with your local state business offices to check for specific requirements.
Just like opening any other business, you will probably have to register a business name with your city or county. Again, simply check with your local taxing authority
to determine what documents you will need to do business in your city.
Affiliations
Most travel vendors and suppliers (aka - cruise lines, tour operators, all-inclusive resorts, etc.),will require that you have certain affiliations or credentials
before they will allow you to sell their products.
The main credentialing agencies are ARC, CLIA, and IATA. Each of these organizations require proof of sales volume or industry experience in order to issue their credentials.
Newcomers to the industry may not be able to obtain these affiliations and credentials until they have been in the business for 1-2 years.
So, if you are not able to get these credentials until you have been in the business, but can't do business until you have the credentials, how do you actually get
into the travel industry?
There are basically two paths into the travel industry.
Agencies
The first way to enter the travel industry is by working for an existing agency. This will give you time to learn and sell travel, but will also limit your ability to
earn top commissions and experience the freedom of working your own hours and owning your own business.
The second, and most common way for individuals to establish their own travel business and gain access to all of the related benefits of ARC, CLIA, and IATA affiliations
is to function as an Independent Contractor with a good Host Agency.
What is a Host Agency?
The Host Agency provides you, the Independent Contractor, an easier entry into the travel business by sharing the benefits of
the host’s travel industry conference appointments, ARC-CLIA-IATA, which require bonding, years of industry work experience, testing and continuing education.
The host agency also provides access to continuing training programs; office & technical support, backup, industry travel vendor contacts etc., to enable you to spend
productive time in developing sales and earning the majority of commission (70%) for your efforts. The host also provides invoicing, ticketing, booking knowledge, and
support every step of the way to help you succeed in your new business endeavor.
When conducting your research into starting a home based travel business, it is very important that you consider the advantages of working with a HOST agency that
specializes in working with new entrepreneurs. You will have a lot of questions when you first enter this industry and need someone who will take the time to explain
how things work.
Do not be surprised from your research findings that many Host agency’s are NOT
interested in working with new entrepreneurs and only want to sign-up those experienced
agents with an established clientele.
This is where International Tours of Houston really shines as a host agency. ITH’S staff has the education, training, experience and desire to help you succeed.
Click here to Continue to Step Three - Evaluating A Good Host Agency
To Watch our Complete Video Series entitled
"Introduction to the Travel Industry,"
go to:
www.TravelAgentVideos.com
ITI – International Travel Institute was established in Houston, TX in 1974 – Thirty-six (39) years of continuing travel industry training. Proud member and participant with the following professional organizations:
  
 
 |
