Where OASIS Travel Network is Headed Next

OASIS rebranded itself this year as the OASIS Travel Network to reflect a more accurate picture of the host agency’s evolution. Created in 2009, the company is the host division of Palm Coast Travel, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Over time, OASIS began adding an increasing number of member benefits, including a client engagement program, CRM applications, a cruise price-tracking tool and mobile apps. It also joined the Signature Travel consortium, which offers its members a variety of customized programs.

OASIS Travel Network now provides a combination of technology, marketing support and generous compensation, all backed by a strong philosophy of customer service, OASIS president Kelly Bergin said. We talked with her about the company’s programs, its membership benefits and the challenges that today’s home-based agents face.

MORE Travel Agent

FAM Trip Roundup: Peru, Sri Lanka and More

My Five New Year’s Resolutions

Central Holidays Reshapes Its Diverse Product Line

AAH: Why Did Oasis Rebrand Itself?

KB: We rebranded this year because we felt the name OASIS didn’t accurately represent the breadth of tools and programs we offer, including accounting management, automatic marketing systems and client outreach administration. Our network supports travel professionals in all aspects of their business—back office, training, booking management, client relations and brainstorming sessions, to name a few.

Because we are a member of Signature Travel Network, our members can take advantage of state-of-the-art technology that Signature offers. One example is the Pocket Travel Consultant by Axus, an itinerary builder and destination information app that has changed the way our members deliver information to their clients. Every member who has used the app has nothing but great things to say about it.

AAH: What are Your Current Membership Figures and How are They Growing?

KB: We are at approximately 650 members; that’s a 5-percent increase from where we were earlier this year. We’re not looking to have the most agents. We’re looking for experienced travel consultants who want to grow their business and for people new to the industry who have an entrepreneurial spirit.

We are not a mega-host. We don’t want to be. We are more boutique if you will. We know our members and there is a great camaraderie among them.

AAH: Tell us More About What You Mean by a 'Boutique' Host.

KB: There are some hosts out there, and they do a good job, but they have thousands of members. As with anything, when you get more people, it’s harder to pay attention to each one individually.

Our mindset is that we’d rather have fewer agents and less quantity and more quality—in other words, people more engaged with their businesses. They can still be part-time, but they are truly interested in building a travel business—not those who just want to book friends and family.

READ MORE: OASIS Rebrands to OASIS TRAVEL NETWORK

AAH: How Does OASIS Set Itself Apart from Other Hosts?

KB: As I like to say in our ads, “We make it easy.”

We handle a large part of the accounting, and we create and help manage websites and marketing. Our training is top notch and our commission rates and payouts are some of the highest in the industry. Members can earn supplier commissions up to 25-percent and receive either 90- or 100-percent of that commission depending on the plan they join.

AAH: What are the Challenges Facing Home-Based Agents Today?

KB: Dedicated, knowledgeable travel professionals are having a difficult time keeping up with the business. The traveling public is again realizing the advantages of using a professional. Our agency is up 30-percent year-over-year, and we have added only 5-percent more agents.

This tells us that more people are using agents. [And so agents] need a partner that can help them streamline business functions. OASIS Travel Network is very good at that.

It [the home-based agent model] only makes sense. With all the new technology in the past 20 years, it was bound to happen. It will continue to grow. I hope that eventually, the “home-based“ term will go away and we will just [use the term] “independent travel professionals“ regardless of where they choose to do business.