What is a Blended Agency?
Great question! You've probably done a little research and learned that there are many ways to become a travel professional. At Goulds Travel, we've decided that the best option for our team is to offer multiple industry affiliations for you to take your business to the next level. We are an independent agency that also utilizes the resources and partnerships of a host agency for increased commission potential, dedicated support, new technology, and much more. Our goal is not to re-create the wheel, but rather to empower you to find and use the resources that are available to you so you can be the best travel advisor!
Why do we partner with a host agency?
Well, when you are a member of the TPI Family, you can leave all the questions and doubt behind, because you're completely covered. As a Diamond Agency, we also receive:
60 Dedicated Support Staff Members Working Mon-Fri
from 9 AM – 6 PM for you!
24/7 Support from a community of over 5,000 agents nationwide​
Promotions and support from 380+ Preferred Suppliers and Consortia
5000+ Travel Advisors in the community network
150+ Meetups & Events per year
Accounting & Marketing Software to Keep You Organized
Why did we choose TPI?
Over the years, we've worked with many different host agencies to see which one would be the best resource for our team. TPI has created a culture and community that lines up with our goals, vision, and mission at Goulds Travel. Their community is more like a tight-knit family that will always share information and help out whenever they can. They believe in helping us grow our business the way WE want to rather than applying a one-size-fits-all mindset to business development. Best of all, with their new consortium partnership, Signature Travel Network, we're provided many additional tools, resources, marketing opportunities, and more!
Couldn't I just join TPI directly?
Absolutely! As a matter of fact, we do not want to steer you in the wrong direction of joining a team if that is not what you feel would be best for your business. Feel free to reach out to the team at TPI and let them know that Goulds Travel sent you over to chat with them. However, if you do decide to join our team, keep in mind that you will have access to everything TPI offers, plus a LOT more! We encourage you to take a look at TPIs website to see some of the resources you'll have access to at Goulds Travel.
What else is included?
We thought you'd never ask! At Goulds Travel, we're always looking for ways to help you grow your business more efficiently. Here's a list of things you'll receive in addition to the great perks at TPI.
Business coaching and accountability
Weekly commission payouts once they are received
Shared group booking opportunities
Exclusive business development and FAM Trip opportunities
Complimentary membership to partner-dedicated Facebook Pages, Forums & Groups
Diamond agency recognition with preferred suppliers
Goal strategizing and reporting to help you stay on track
Enhanced technology to run your business
More personalized assistance to help grow your business
A team atmosphere to share ideas, cultivate new business, and showcase success
Business Builder Program for new and experienced agents to elevate their business*
Travel Pro Community
As part of our team, you will receive exclusive access to Travel Advisor Resource Center (TARC)'s Travel Pro Community! This membership is typically over $700, but you'll have immediate access to the entire library from day 1!
Destination & Supplier Content
Unlock access to detailed guides, supplier blogs, maps, and comprehensive databases that empower you to effectively promote different destinations and enhance your travel services.
Interactive Online Sessions
Participate in engaging Supplier Meet & Greets, quarterly legal updates, and dynamic workshops to stay informed, gain valuable insights, and learn directly from seasoned industry experts.
Exclusive Tools & Resources
​Discover customizable marketing materials, social media packs, our User-Generated Vault (UGV), and a comprehensive list of resources designed to streamline and elevate your travel business.
Which consortium do you belong to?
It sounds like you've done some homework! However, in case the word "consortium" is new to you, we're going to explain that first.
In the travel industry, consortia are organizations that work for travel advisors by combining resources and revenues for increased commissions, commission overrides, business development opportunities, and additional resources. In many cases, consortia provide a competitive edge by negotiating with individual hotels, cruise lines, and travel suppliers to offer a price advantage and/or additional amenities to travel advisors and their clients.
Each consortium offers something different for you and your clients. If you are an independent agency, the path to top commissions involves hard work (and LOTS of sales), value creation, and self-driven marketing efforts. With a consortium, all of these challenges become a breeze!
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Commission percentages are usually tiered on a sliding scale, tied to your agency's sales volume. As an independent agency, reaching those tiers can be pretty daunting.
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DID YOU KNOW: To reach a 16% commission rate with most cruise lines, your agency needs to sell approximately $1,000,000 (one MILLION dollars) with each cruise line individually, every single year?
By joining a consortium, those numbers are drastically lower.
By joining a host, gross sales are combined between ALL agents under the host.
By joining a team, we keep you on track to hit your goals.
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So, back to the question. Travel Planners International (TPI) is our host agency and their consortium partner is Signature Travel Network. However, since we are a Blended Agency, we also partner with other organizations throughout the industry to offer you and your clients even more resources than working as an independent agency!