This week's  MAC Chat features our interview with Sharon Concepcion, Operations Manager for Luxury Travel Network.

 

For more information visit: http://www.luxurytravelnetwork.com

Can you describe the Luxury Travel Network independent contractor program? 
The Luxury Travel Network host agency program offers experienced luxury agents an opportunity to sell high-end cruises and tours while enjoying the benefits of belonging to a premium luxury agency. The program is operated by Cruise Specialists, and offers our agents a Virtuoso affiliation, high commissions, preferred rates and exclusive amenities for their clients.

What type of benefits do the Luxury Travel Network members receive through the Virtuoso Affiliate Program? 
Virtuoso member affiliates benefit from intricate consumer direct-marketing campaigns, specialized training and accreditation programs, added-value arrangements with leading travel providers, unparalleled access to specialized travel experts, and detailed information regarding destinations and travel services. Through Virtuoso, Luxury Travel Network members earn desirable booking incentives and rewards and receive special amenities for their clients such as shipboard credits and complimentary shore excursions. 

Can any agent join the Luxury Travel Network program? 
An agent must be able to demonstrate a proven luxury travel sales record to be approved to join the Luxury Travel Network. 

What unique services do you offer to your independent contractors? 
Being part of Travel Leaders Group allows our Luxury Travel Network to provide our contractors with the dependability and financial backing of a large company, while offering them personal support from our highly experienced team of luxury travel professionals. 

Through our size and tremendous buying power, we are able to offer our contractors high commissions, innovative technology and access to sell exclusive cruises and tours. Other unique benefits of belonging to the Luxury Travel Network include complete GDS support and assistance, access to a significant number of air commission contracts and complimentary back-up coverage when an agent is out of the office.

What types of technology do Luxury Travel Members have access to? 
Luxury agents receive access to our proprietary TravelConnect client management and reporting software, the Sabre Cruises tool, and several GDS programs at no additional charge. Agents use TravelConnect to manage their clients, bookings, commissions, groups, financials and much more in one location. They can easily report their bookings, generate invoices and produce sales and commission tracking reports.

The Sabre Cruises tool allows agents to review and book cruises from 13 cruise lines all in one convenient place. Luxury Travel Network members can use this tool to view fares, commissions, negotiated and group rates, itineraries, and special services for each of our participating cruise vendors to help match their clients with the right cruise for them. 

What types of training and networking events are offered to Luxury Travel Network members? 
In addition to the specialized marketing and destination training members receive directly from Virtuoso, they receive continuous GDS education and training on TravelConnect, and invitations to weekly live webinars featuring product introductions and updates from premium and luxury cruise lines and tour operators. Members are also invited to attend an exclusive annual travel convention where they receive in depth Virtuoso training, meet preferred luxury cruise and tour vendors, and network with other luxury agents specializing in a variety of niche markets. 

Thank you Vickie for that great interview!