Travel Experts Answers Why Advisors Should Use a Host Agency

Susan Ferrell, Founder and President of Travel Experts says: “Independent travel advisors who are struggling to keep their commissions and earn higher revenues can succeed with the right Host Agency. And they don't have to lose their independence. Plus, with the right Host, they can keep 100 percent of their commissions.”

Travel Experts, Inc., is the premier, independently owned and operated Host Agency serving more than 600 of the travel industry's most highly respected luxury travel advisors. Founded in 1989 by Susan Ferrell, the agency has withstood the test of time over 37 years and its programs are even more relevant today as more experienced travel advisors become independent contractors.

Why Travel Experts?

Ferrell says: “You get to do what you love, sell travel and keep 100% of what you earn. There are no start-up fees, no transaction fees, only a single monthly flat fee and only a month-to-month contract to make life easy.”

Travel Experts advisors enjoy the benefits of Virtuoso membership, including relationships with the world’s top hotels, airlines, cruiselines and tour companies enabling Travel Experts to offer exclusive services and resources to member travel advisors and their clients. Travel Experts, has consistently won annual awards for being the leading producer in multiple categories for Virtuoso.

The Extra Perks

• Bonus commissions from suppliers that work with Travel Experts and Virtuoso.

• Through Virtuoso our travel advisor's clients get exclusive amenities, upgrades, access and experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.

• Recognition of being an affiliate of one of Virtuoso's top agencies, an ASTA premium member and member of both CLIA and NACTA.

• The buying power as part of a prestigious network of luxury travel advisors.

Travel Experts has a management team that has been with the firm for more than 20 years and a diverse support staff of 26, all focused on supporting member travel advisors with a concierge level of service.

Sharon Fake, Executive Director says: “We are large enough to be an industry leader with more than 600 ICs, while remaining nimble and responsive, and evolving with the times. Travel Experts support team is committed to providing the same level of service that you, the travel advisor, bring to your best client.”

“We truly care about our advisors as part of our large and highly successful family and offer assistance and guidance when requested, but are also hands off when that is more appropriate,” added Ferrell.

More than 250 of the member advisors have been with Travel Experts for more than 10 years and more than 50 have been affiliated for 20 to 30 years. This longevity is a testament to the value Travel Experts delivers to advisors. 

For the second consecutive year, Travel Experts received 3 of the 5 Virtuoso awards for Large Agency including “Top Producer Tour & Wholesaler,” “Top Producer On-site,” and “Top Producer Specialty Partners,” the most earned by any U.S. based Virtuoso agency. Matthew Upchurch, Virtuoso CEO (left) presented the awards to Sharon Fake, Travel Experts Executive Director (center) and Michelle Holmes, Executive Support Manager for Travel Experts. (Photo Credit: Travel Experts)

Here’s what some of the advisors had to say about the benefit of affiliation:

Sharon Andrade, Cary, NC has been an affiliate with Travel Experts for more than 20 years, says: “Susan Ferrell leads with integrity, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The culture she has built is welcoming, collaborative, and genuinely supportive and every advisor feels valued. Susan and her executive team are constantly investing in new tools, resources, and improvements, ensuring Travel Experts continues to evolve and remain an exceptional host agency.”

“Great technology, an advantageous hosting agreement, supportive professional staff and being in the company of high performing and experienced luxury travel advisors.” — Christina Schlegel, Arlington, VA

“There is truly nothing they won’t do to support us and help us grow our businesses.” — Jennifer Falk Weiss, Atlanta, GA

“The preferred partnerships we hold such as Virtuoso, which lets me deliver elevated, exclusive experiences for my clients while running my business with true autonomy and strong support.” — Steve Torres, Rockwall, TX

“Their supplier relationships and their policy of support without micromanaging.” —
Ellen LeCompte, Richmond, VA

“The opportunity to be part of a larger, collaborative team; an invaluable resource for researching new suppliers recommended by fellow advisors, exchanging ideas, and receiving helpful guidance whenever questions arise.” — Julie McKelvey, Camden, SC

“I get modern technology, personal contacts with suppliers and great advice from the most professional group of Travel Advisors.” — Pam Walker, Palm Coast, FL

“You are free to run your business within the organization in the way that works best for you, while always having a knowledgeable team there to offer support, guidance, and help whenever you need it.” — Tamsin Allpress, Hendersonville, NC

“Beyond the staff, there is also an incredible network of knowledgeable colleagues who are always willing to share their expertise, offer advice, and lend a hand.” — Teresa Panel McCombs, Aiken, SC

Want to Learn More?

“At Travel Experts, we understand that choosing the right host agency is a major life and business decision,” says Susan Ferrell: "Do your homework. Not all Host Agencies are alike."

For more information contact Travel Experts at 212 Sawmill Road, Raleigh NC 27615, Tele: 800-274-2544; Email: [email protected]; Website http://www.Travel-Xperts.com.

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