You would think that similar businesses are only competing with each other, fighting for the same clients all the time.
While that might be the case even in the travel industry, there are some instances where travel agents actually work together.
Samarah Meil of Amarillo Travel Network in Amarillo, Texas is currently working with another travel agent to promote a couple's marriage retreat in the Caribbean.
"It has been fun to work together on this project and on a subject we are passionate about," said Amarillo. "We are very appreciative of the vendors who have come alongside us to help us with doing this and promoting this as one group, even though it is two agencies in different parts of Texas doing this together."
Liz Dominguez said that partnering with another agent in your town or host network can be one of the most practical and powerful relationships you can develop.
"Several reasons I've partnered with other agents include needing to staff a multi-day event that's too much for just one person, going on a much-needed vacation to unplug, moving across the country and having my first child," said Dominguez, Dream Vacations Franchise Owner and Vacation Specialist with Go There With Us in Jacksonville, Florida.
"If you've developed a trusting relationship with another agent, you are ensuring business continuity and strength. And saving your sanity."
Denise Lorentzen teamed up with another agent on a trip to Germany.
"She had never done Europe before and I had," said Lorentzen, owner/travel consultant of Dreams Travel Consulting in Hughson, California. "She was going to tell her client she couldn't help her to do it and that I would help her. She offered to do a 50/50 commission split on it with me so it was a win-win. We are friends, so it was nice to do something together. She had all communication with the client and I had all communication with the vendor: A learning experience all around."
A few years ago, Helen Prochilo partnered with another agent on a consumer travel show.
"We found suppliers to sponsor tables and split whatever the cost was for anything the sponsorship didn't cover," said Prochilo. "We asked consumers that attended to complete an informational form and we simply split the names on the sign-up forms to market to those consumers that did not specifically ask to work with one of us."
Jackie Whitt has assisted several traditional travel agents over the years.
"We've helped with everything from adventure destination wedding/honeymoon arrangements, luxury Machu Picchu trips, and Inca Trail permits for their clients," said Whitt of Adios Adventure Travel in Virginia Beach, Virginia. "We can get permits for the long four-day hike or the short two-day hike."
Prochilo said it takes honesty and fairness and making sure that you agree up front on how you will market to those who attend so it is fair to both agents. "It can work out beautifully, especially for agents who do not work in brick and mortar locations and need some face to face time with potential travelers," she said.
Getting any partnership in writing is good business sense, so be sure to document responsibilities and expectations before you begin.
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