Starting Out as An Advisor – in Canada! Tips for Starting a Host Agency? How to Join a Preferred-Agency Program?

In episode 173 Steph and Lindsay Taylor answer a bunch of excellent questions submitted by you, our faithful viewers and listeners. If you have a question, by the way, send it our way at https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15! 

1. Hello Friday 15 team! I live in Ontario Canada & my question is, how do I get into the travel industry as an advisor with no experience but have the schooling as well as TICO Certified? Thank you kindly for all you do!  –Chrystal M.

2. I’ve decided to expand my agency and diversify income. I plan to open my host agency division soon. Do you have any tips for someone starting a host agency from scratch? —Anonymous

3. Hi, I am wondering how to join 'preferred agency program' (e.g. Marriott Luminous, Hyatt Prive etc.). All the program says they are invitation-only but I am wondering what the general criteria is. Does joining a consortium help to become eligible? –Anonymous

RESOURCES:

HAR’s travel jobs board. Subscribe to weekly jobs email of new postings! (https://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-jobs)

ASTA’s Roadmap to Becoming a Travel Advisor is a fantastic course for those looking to have a strong foundation before starting in the industry! Steph partnered with ASTA on it and they have a track for employees, independent contractors (ICs), and corporate travel agents. (https://har.news/roadmap)

ARC fraud protection resources (https://www2.arccorp.com/support-training/fraud-prevention)

Veriff identity verification (https://www.veriff.com/)

Older HAR blogs with some resources on credit card fraud and thinking like a frauster. A little dated, but still good content to read through.

PATH: Professional Association of Travel Hosts (need to be 50 ICs or more to join)

All about preferred suppliers in the travel industry. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplier)