FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
At Magical Island Tours and Travel, we believe in empowering you with the knowledge you need to start your new travel business on the right foot. To assist you, we have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions to provide you with the information you seek. Take a look below to find the answers you're looking for.
How long does it take to get started? Once we receive your application, we strive to get you started as quickly as possible. You can expect to receive an email from us with instructions on how to register with the various vendors. Typically, the processing time for this step is less than 12 hours. Please note that online applications submitted during holidays and weekends will be processed by the end of the next business day. We value your time and are committed to getting you up and running promptly.
How and where do I get customers? As part of our comprehensive marketing training, we provide valuable insights on how to cultivate your own client base, although we do not directly provide customers or leads to new agents. Our webinars offer in-depth guidance on cost-effective methods for finding and nurturing clientele.
Many new agents start by leveraging their personal networks, beginning with friends and family, and gradually expanding to their warm markets. This includes reaching out to neighbors, co-workers, professional contacts, and alumni associations. By utilizing these strategies, you can establish a solid foundation for your business without incurring significant expenses.
At Magical Island Tours and Travel LLC, we equip you with the knowledge and tools to proactively develop and expand your client base, ensuring long-term success in your travel agency endeavors.
Many new agents start by leveraging their personal networks, beginning with friends and family, and gradually expanding to their warm markets. This includes reaching out to neighbors, co-workers, professional contacts, and alumni associations. By utilizing these strategies, you can establish a solid foundation for your business without incurring significant expenses.
At Magical Island Tours and Travel LLC, we equip you with the knowledge and tools to proactively develop and expand your client base, ensuring long-term success in your travel agency endeavors.
How do I make money as a travel agent? When you successfully make travel bookings for yourself or your clients through our agency, our trusted travel suppliers will compensate us with a commission based on the sale amount. The commission percentage can vary, typically ranging from 3% to 20%, with an average of approximately 14%.
Rest assured that we value your hard work and dedication. As a gesture of our appreciation, we offer you a generous commission payout structure. From the total commission received by our agency, we ensure that you receive 80% of that amount. This allows you to reap the benefits of your efforts and enjoy a fair and rewarding compensation for your valuable work as a travel agent.
Rest assured that we value your hard work and dedication. As a gesture of our appreciation, we offer you a generous commission payout structure. From the total commission received by our agency, we ensure that you receive 80% of that amount. This allows you to reap the benefits of your efforts and enjoy a fair and rewarding compensation for your valuable work as a travel agent.
Will I be able to compete with Internet travel companies? The question regarding our price competitiveness is often posed as "Are your prices competitive?" and our answer is a resounding "Absolutely!" Our company and business model belong to one of the most rapidly expanding segments in the travel industry. In fact, according to the American Society of Travel Agents, home-based agencies have experienced substantial growth over the past decade, surpassing the share of retail location agencies. As our valued agent, you will have access to all the resources and tools that any other agent or company possesses, and even more.
One of the advantages we offer is the ability for many of our travel suppliers to match prices, ensuring that you can provide competitive rates to your clients. Additionally, you will have access to exclusive rates that are not available to the general public. While our prices are indeed competitive, we strongly encourage our agents to emphasize the value of personalized service and expert guidance in their business offerings. This distinguishes our agents from others and highlights the unique benefits they provide to their clients.
One of the advantages we offer is the ability for many of our travel suppliers to match prices, ensuring that you can provide competitive rates to your clients. Additionally, you will have access to exclusive rates that are not available to the general public. While our prices are indeed competitive, we strongly encourage our agents to emphasize the value of personalized service and expert guidance in their business offerings. This distinguishes our agents from others and highlights the unique benefits they provide to their clients.
Can I get discounts on my own travel? As a travel agent affiliated with Magical Island Tours and Travel LLC, you will gain exclusive access to privileged information that is not readily accessible to the general public. By being open to flexible travel dates and destinations, you can take advantage of highly affordable rates. These exceptional savings are often associated with Familiarization (FAM) trips, which are specifically designed for agents to learn about different destinations and foster professional connections.
To enjoy certain discounts and participate in specific FAM trips, it is necessary to possess either a CLIA or TRUE identification card. Both of these cards are attainable for qualified Magical Island Tours and Travel Agents.
While discounted travel is undoubtedly one of the many benefits of being a travel agent, it is important to note that Magical Island Tours and Travel strictly prohibits individuals from joining our program solely with the intention of obtaining personal travel discounts. We value the commitment and professionalism of our agents and prioritize their dedication to serving clients and fostering their own travel businesses.
To enjoy certain discounts and participate in specific FAM trips, it is necessary to possess either a CLIA or TRUE identification card. Both of these cards are attainable for qualified Magical Island Tours and Travel Agents.
While discounted travel is undoubtedly one of the many benefits of being a travel agent, it is important to note that Magical Island Tours and Travel strictly prohibits individuals from joining our program solely with the intention of obtaining personal travel discounts. We value the commitment and professionalism of our agents and prioritize their dedication to serving clients and fostering their own travel businesses.
Do I receive an ID card from Magical Island Tours and Travel? We understand that there is a common misconception about "travel agent" ID cards and their recognition within the industry. At Magical Island Tours and Travel LLC, we prioritize assisting our agents in obtaining industry-recognized ID cards such as IATAN, TRUE, and CLIA. It's important to note that these specific ID cards hold significance and are acknowledged by travel suppliers.
However, it's crucial to understand that possessing an ID card is not a requirement for selling travel as a travel agent. We believe that the value you bring to your clients and the knowledge and expertise you possess are what truly matter in this profession. Rest assured, we will provide you with the necessary guidance and support to navigate the industry effectively, regardless of whether you have an ID card or not.
However, it's crucial to understand that possessing an ID card is not a requirement for selling travel as a travel agent. We believe that the value you bring to your clients and the knowledge and expertise you possess are what truly matter in this profession. Rest assured, we will provide you with the necessary guidance and support to navigate the industry effectively, regardless of whether you have an ID card or not.
How do I get a CLIA card? Magical Island Tours and Travel is proud to be recognized as a Premier Agency Member of the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), the leading industry association for agencies specializing in booking cruise lines. To become a member of CLIA and obtain your EMBARC ID, there are certain requirements that need to be met:
- Completion of CLIA's State of the Industry Course: You must successfully finish the State of the Industry Course offered by CLIA, which can be found on their website under the "My Training" tab and "Online Learning Courses." This course provides valuable insights and knowledge about the cruise industry.
- Good standing with Magical Island Tours and Travel: To qualify for CLIA membership, it is important to maintain a positive standing with Magical Island Tours and Travel. This means that your membership with our agency should not have been in decline for the past 6 months, demonstrating your commitment and active participation within our organization.
How do I get prices and make reservations? Upon joining our team, we prioritize assisting you in the registration process with our wide range of suppliers. What sets us apart from other companies is our encouragement for you to build meaningful relationships with these travel suppliers. Rest assured, there are no additional costs associated with the registration; however, there are specific procedures that need to be followed.
Once registered, you will gain exclusive access to the suppliers' dedicated travel agent-only websites. This invaluable resource enables you to conduct thorough research on prices, specials, and promotions offered by these suppliers. Moreover, many of these suppliers allow you to directly book your clients' travel through their websites, streamlining the process for you.
Furthermore, you will also have access to various third-party booking engines such as VAX VacationAccess or Expedia TAAP, expanding your options and flexibility when it comes to serving your clients.
Once registered, you will gain exclusive access to the suppliers' dedicated travel agent-only websites. This invaluable resource enables you to conduct thorough research on prices, specials, and promotions offered by these suppliers. Moreover, many of these suppliers allow you to directly book your clients' travel through their websites, streamlining the process for you.
Furthermore, you will also have access to various third-party booking engines such as VAX VacationAccess or Expedia TAAP, expanding your options and flexibility when it comes to serving your clients.
Are there any additional costs that I will incur other than my membership fee? We understand that many of our new agents are seeking to supplement their income, which is why we strive to minimize any unnecessary expenses. Our system is designed to provide you with everything you need to establish and operate your business. Apart from the monthly (or annual, if preferred) membership fee and the registration fee, there are no additional costs associated with joining our program. Furthermore, all our online educational resources are included at no extra charge. It is important to note that certain items, such as business cards, Internet access, and long-distance telephone charges, are the responsibility of our agents. We want to ensure that you have the essential tools and support without any undue financial burden.
Why do I need to pay a membership fee to own an independent travel agency? When you become a Magical Island Tours and Travel Agent, your membership fee encompasses a comprehensive package that includes all the education, tools, and technology necessary to establish and operate your travel agency. We prioritize the continuous improvement of our agents' experience by regularly updating our technology and providing them with fresh support resources to ensure their profitability. Just like any other business venture, achieving success requires both time and financial investment. By paying your membership fee, you enable us to continuously develop, maintain, and enhance the range of services and benefits we offer to support your journey as a travel agent.
When do you pay commissions? At Magical Island Tours and Travel LLC, we ensure that our agents receive their commissions in a timely manner. Commissions are disbursed on the last Friday of each month. Once we receive the commission from the supplier, typically after the client has completed their travel, we promptly process the payments. We locate the booking you entered in the Commission Form and send the checks directly to our agents via mail. This streamlined process ensures that you receive your hard-earned commissions without delay.
Does Magical Island Tours and Travel require any type of training or education? At Magical Island Tours and Travel LLC, there are no strict education requirements for joining our team. However, we prioritize the ongoing professional development of our agents. That's why we have created a comprehensive schedule of bi-weekly webinars that cover a wide range of topics, including destination insights and supplier trainings. These webinars are presented by industry experts and are among the best in the business.
We understand that attending live webinars may not always be possible due to scheduling conflicts. That's why we provide a convenient option to watch the webinars on-demand. You'll receive a link that allows you to access the recorded sessions at your convenience, ensuring that you don't miss out on valuable training opportunities.
Furthermore, we highly encourage our agents to pursue additional education and certifications offered by respected organizations such as IATA, CLIA, ASTA, and CCRA. These programs can further enhance your knowledge and expertise in the travel industry, enabling you to provide exceptional service to your clients and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and standards.
At Magical Island Tours and Travel LLC, we believe in the continuous growth and learning of our agents, and we provide resources and support to help you expand your knowledge and excel in your career as a travel professional.
We understand that attending live webinars may not always be possible due to scheduling conflicts. That's why we provide a convenient option to watch the webinars on-demand. You'll receive a link that allows you to access the recorded sessions at your convenience, ensuring that you don't miss out on valuable training opportunities.
Furthermore, we highly encourage our agents to pursue additional education and certifications offered by respected organizations such as IATA, CLIA, ASTA, and CCRA. These programs can further enhance your knowledge and expertise in the travel industry, enabling you to provide exceptional service to your clients and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and standards.
At Magical Island Tours and Travel LLC, we believe in the continuous growth and learning of our agents, and we provide resources and support to help you expand your knowledge and excel in your career as a travel professional.
Why would people use me as their travel agent instead of just going to the Internet? We frequently receive this question, and there's a clear reason why our business model is thriving. Unlike online travel booking websites, home-based travel agents have the ability to offer their clients unparalleled vacation experiences and exceptional personalized customer service throughout the entire journey. This is particularly significant when it comes to more lucrative and intricate travel arrangements, such as cruises and vacation packages.
