When the TRUE Code was first established in 1999 by the Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN), it was seen as a way by which independent travel agents could be recognized as professional sellers of travel and accordingly receive payments directly from suppliers.
While the idea of such a number wasn't novel, what made it special was the fact that it was the first accreditation to be developed for travel agents by travel agents.
With the TRUE Code, travel agents were able to connect with a host of suppliers both domestically and abroad who was interested in working with qualified independent sellers of travel. Today, more than 5,000 travel agencies have been approved for the TRUE Code and almost 10,000 agents operate under it.
So great is its popularity that CCRA has added more than 1,000 TRUE agencies this year alone.
There have been some important changes in the 18 years since-for starters, OSSN and the TRUE Code were purchased by CCRA in 2013-and TRUE's value to agents has only increased. Agency owners own the code, meaning they can have an unlimited number of approved independent contractors operating under the code.
This makes it an ideal option for everyone from sole proprietors to owners of large host agencies with hundreds of independent contractors.
Since CCRA's acquisition, the vetting process for those interested in operating under the TRUE Code has become more stringent and may take up to 45 days in an effort to ensure that each agency applicant meets CCRA's highest standards.
Those unable to meet the requirements have the option of downgrading to the Associate level but lose the ability to operate under the TRUE Code.
[READMORE]READ MORE The Travel Agent's FAQ [/READMORE]
To be eligible to use the TRUE Code, a host agency must be:
- A corporation, LLC or sole proprietor. Sole proprietors need proof of a registered DBA, Assumed or Fictitious Name.
- Willing to pass a background screening if needed.
- Able to satisfy all seller-of-travel requirements for your state. (States which currently require a bond and seller of travel license are California, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa and Washington.)
- Able to demonstrate at least six months of travel selling experience.
- Actively managing the agents allowed to operate under the TRUE Code.
- Able to provide three business references to support the application, as well as proof of an active business bank account in good standing.
The annual cost for CCRA Travel Agency Accreditation and the TRUE Code is $300 for the first year and $240 for each additional year. Among the benefits of travel agency accreditation, agencies can:
- Be recognized and have commissions paid directly-no sharing or splits.
- Build volume and status with suppliers under their own name.
- Retain their customers - forever.
- Choose the suppliers they want to do business with.
- Select the tools they want to run their sales and marketing programs.
- Establish and elevate their creativity by having a known travel professional credential.
CCRA recently announced a new membership category-the Accredited Host Agency Membership (TRUE)-for travel agencies with up to 25 agents.
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