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Host Travel Agencies: Why You Need Them and How to Choose the Best Option

• 10 min read
• Business ,   Travel
• 16 Sep, 2020
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What is a host travel agency?

Host travel agency business model

Host travel agency accreditations and memberships

Services provided by host travel agencies besides accreditation, education and training, bookkeeping and sales tracking, errors and omissions (e&o) insurance, marketing programs and sales opportunities, lead generation, technology solutions.

• CRM system,
• accounting software,
• email and social media marketing software,
• a lead generation engine,
• booking tools, and
• a consumer-faced website.

How to choose a host travel agency

Top host travel agency review.

• Avoya Travel ,
• Travel Planners International (TPI) ,
• Nexion Travel Group , and
• Outside Agents .

Top host travel agencies comparison

Avoya Travel: AmEx representative with focus on technologies and lead generation

• educational programs
• a consumer-facing website
• lead generation
• a CRM system
• marketing tools
• commission tracking and performance reports
• a cruise and tour booking engine
• E&O insurance
• large variety of air and hotel booking options

Travel Planners International: exclusive support for newcomers

• accounting software
• booking engine connected to all major GDSs
• consumer-facing website

Nexion Travel Group: one-stop-shop for leisure and corporate travel professionals

• sales and commission tracking
• non-GDS booking engine
• access to major GDSs

Outside Agents: family atmosphere and the biggest possible commission share

• groups promotion tool
• booking engine for cruise and air

From multiple choices to one possible option

LATEST NEWS

HOMEBASED AGENTS

Homebased agents benefits.

As part of one of the UK's largest independent travel groups, we offer an attractive and highly comprehensive package to our Brilliant Travel home-based agents. We offer 75% commission and uncapped profits on all your bookings, giving unlimited earning potential.

Members enjoy the best supplier deals in the travel marketplace to help clinch bookings, and we work with the biggest wealth of suppliers and cruise lines in the industry, allowing members to create their own dynamically packaged holidays.

We're fully ABTA and ATOL protected, so members and their customers have peace of mind from knowing they're fully financially protected.

Support is available whenever members need it. We provide members with all the tools needed to help achieve brilliant success and profits. We provide members with a dedicated support team, unlimited business resources, training opportunities, and marketing collateral to allow members to tailor-make holidays for their customers.

Our cutting-edge CRM technology, designed to our unique specifications, ensures members can manage and nurture their client base and see profits soar.

If you're currently a travel agent working from home or are in travel with at least two years of experience and looking for an outstanding work-life balance with family-friendly hours, call us today at 0800 033 4790 to see how we can help.

Here are just a few

Brilliant Travel

Home Based Agent

benefits...

The highest agent commission payments in the industry, on all bookings you make

Full financial protection for you and your customers

No customer administration,

we’ll do it for you!

Personal one to one support

as well as free and

unlimited training

Access to Barrhead’s Travel own products which will differentiate you from the competition 

Access to a full ATOL allowing

you to create your own packages and increase your profit margins

Excellent Commercial terms with a wide range of suppliers

Access to some of the best Cruise deals in the business

Access to the best travel technology in the business

Marketing and Business Development advice

Flexible working hours to suit you and your family

The satisfaction of running your own business

Are you ready to be Brilliant?

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About 1000 Mile Travel Group

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Local solutions, delivered globally

CTM provides local service solutions to customers around the world. Please select your local region, and start experiencing the CTM difference!

About 1000 Mile Travel Group: Global Host Agency

1000 mile travel group was founded by two partners, ben ross and nicola veltman, with an unwavering determination to achieve a shared mission; to help experienced travel agents turn their travel careers into successful, mobile, independent travel businesses..

From an Australian start-up, 1000 Mile Travel is today a global host travel agency operating in North America, UK and Australia supporting a network of more than 750 independent travel advisors. 1000 Mile Travel is part of the CTM Group of travel businesses.

Meet the 1000 Mile Travel Group Team

It started with a single step....

1000 Mile Travel Group’s Founders and CEOs, Ben Ross and Nicola Veltman, have truly ‘walked the talk’. Ben founded 1000 Mile Travel in 2015 as the business’s first ever independent travel expert. With 15 years’ experience working for a mega global travel management company, Ben was burnt out and believed there must be a better way to do the work he loved while finding balance in his personal and professional life.

As he honed his own independent travel business, Ben developed a unique business blueprint that would form the foundation of 1000 Mile Travel Group’s global success; a blueprint which provides experienced, independent travel agents with access to the best buying power, technology, and support they need to manage their business and their clients’ travel needs while living a lifestyle as unique as they are.

To combine traditional travel management services with all the benefits the “work from anywhere” host agency model has to offer within one independent travel agency network, made up of experienced, passionate travel professionals committed to delivering personalized service, exceptional travel knowledge, innovative technology solutions, and value for money.

Our Growth Story

Founded in Melbourne, Australia in 2015, 1000 Mile Travel Group expanded into the UK in 2017, establishing a second head office in London.

Motivated by a desire to bring the 1000 Mile Travel Group blueprint to the world, Ben and Nicola initiated a technology partnership with CTM in 2021 to provide its agent network with access to CTM’s award-winning proprietary travel booking technology, Lightning. Recognizing a strong alignment in business vision and values, alongside a fast-rebounding travel industry and strong demand for travel management expertise in the small business sector, CTM acquired 1000 Mile Travel Group in July 2022 with a view to further expanding the successful host agency model into the North American market.

With a long history in the US vacation travel market, CTM’s independent host agency network, MTravel, was integrated into the 1000 Mile Travel Group business in late 2022, forming a combined network of more than 750 independent global travel experts under the 1000 Mile Travel  Group brand.

In 2022, Ben and Nicola relocated to Denver, Colorado to lead the integrated global host agency business.

Shared values, common technology systems, and partnerships mean that 1000 Mile Travel Group’s travel advisors and their clients collectively benefit from the resources, scale, technology, and global buying power offered by the CTM Group while still maintaining the family-business feel they’ve grown accustomed to.

At 1000 Mile Travel Group we believe ‘the journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step’ – Laos Tzu.

That’s why even though we’re growing, we will always value experience, service excellence, and quality over quantity and give our travel advisors the ability to build their dream life and business while doing what they love – helping their customers experience the world.

Looking to find out how 1000 Mile Travel Group’s host agency can help you?

You might be interested in....

Independent Travel Agents

1000 Mile Travel Group empowers entrepreneurial travel agents to turn their travel careers into successful businesses.

Start Your Own Travel Business

All the help you need to build your own business and create the lifestyle you’ve always dreamt of.

Small Business Travel Management

For small and growing businesses, there’s never been a more important time to drive greater value from your business travels.

The Comprehensive Guide to Joining a Host Agency

Have you ever imagined a professional life with the flexibility of working as you travel, coupled with the opportunity to assist clients to plan their dream vacations? Welcome to the world of travel agencies! However, jumping into an independent travel business can be daunting. That's where a host agency like Gateway Travel, steps in. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss the ins and outs of a host agency and the myriad of benefits you can expect when you decide to join a host agency .

Host Agency Overview: What is it all about?

A host agency is a conglomerate offering support and resources to independent travel agents or agencies — typically in exchange for a part of their commission or a fee. When you align yourself with a host agency, you’re not an employee, but an individual agent operating your own business under their umbrella. This arrangement bestows upon you the freedom to dictate your own terms while enjoying the infrastructure, resources, and guidance of an established organization like Gateway Travel.

Benefits of Joining a Host Agency

With a comprehensive understanding of what a host agency is, let's dive into the riveting benefits of associating with one.

Advantage of Established Name and Reputation

Just starting out in the travel agency business can seem like an uphill task, with little recognition and lack of trust from suppliers and clients alike. When you join a host agency, you are associating yourself with an already well-established name in the industry. This not only adds credibility but also helps you garner trust from suppliers and clients, helping you overcome the initial hurdles faster.

Access to Industry Resources

As a solo travel agent, access to travel suppliers, technological tools, or marketing software could be expensive and time-consuming. A host agency provides you with access to a plethora of resources like operational software, training programs, marketing tools, insurance, and a vast network of travel suppliers. This aids in significantly reducing your overhead costs.

Professional Development and Mentoring

A host agency is often interested in the professional growth of their independent agents. They provide extensive training and mentorship programs to groom you, making you competitive in the field. Additionally, they keep you abreast with the latest industry trends, ensuring you’re well poised to serve your clients effectively.

Higher Commission Levels

A host agency, with its vast network and established relationships, is often able to negotiate substantially higher commission levels than an independent agent. Even after the host agency takes its cut, you're likely to earn more per sale. Moreover, the agency takes care of all the administrative responsibilities affiliated with commission tracking and payments .

Networking Opportunities

In the travel industry, networking plays a pivotal role. Connection with like-minded individuals can open the door for unprecedented opportunities and learning. A host agency constantly organizes networking events and trade shows, offering you the chance to meet experts in the industry and expand your horizons.

Why Choose Gateway Travel as your Host Agency?

Gateway Travel cherishes the individuality and entrepreneurial spirit of its agents. We believe in providing robust support to our affiliated agents through ongoing training, personalized assistance, and advanced technological tools. With a low investment cost and higher return potential, we make your journey into the travel business less intimidating and more rewarding.

Conclusion: Take the Leap Today

Joining a host agency could be the key to unlocking the world of travel professionalism. It provides a comforting layer of support and an array of resources necessary for the growth and development of your travel business. At Gateway Travel, we harbor the ambition of creating an environment to help you succeed, cultivate relationships and allow you to enjoy the business of travel. So take the leap today, and come aboard with us to create travel stories together.

Remember, your exciting journey in the travel industry is just a decision away – so why wait? Embrace the host agency benefits that await you at Gateway Travel!

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Founded in 1887 by a passionate traveler who wanted to share his love for exploring the world with others, the Brownell of today is a leading host for successful travel advisors. Globally recognized, Brownell is a top 5 producing Virtuoso agency. We achieve this by growing purposely and helping our advisors sell more travel.

At Brownell, we’ve developed an approach to hosting and mentoring that delivers excellence. Our primary focus is to help you launch and grow your business, and we offer abundant support, resources, and training to help you meet your goals. Our advisors aren’t simply successful – they make four times the industry average. We have spent decades building and cultivating relationships with the best travel providers, and our advisors greatly benefit from the Brownell name’s incredible brand power.

Are you an existing luxury travel advisor looking to take your business to the next level? Discover the benefits of our Hosting Program and join the ranks of the industry's most successful travel entrepreneurs.

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur with no prior experience, eager to launch a thriving luxury travel business? Explore our award-winning Mentoring Program, tailored for business-minded individuals aiming to become full-time luxury travel advisors.

One Support Member for Every Five Independent Advisors

Advisor revenue average highest in the industry

We are the premier hosting agency for luxury travel advisors because we have a proven strategy for success. We take a holistic approach to help entrepreneurs not just become great at selling luxury travel but build successful, lasting businesses.

Why Choose Brownell

Why join our Hosting Program? We do more for our independent advisors – more support, marketing, educational travel, sharing, and business development. And as a result, our advisors travel more, learn more, and earn more. They have their own brand while leveraging Brownell’s vast industry connections and a deep level of support.

From marketing to accounting and hosting, the ratio of the support team to advisors is 1:5 – the highest in the industry. Whether you are new to travel or have a successful business, we are all in when it comes to developing and growing your business.

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At Brownell, our success depends on our team of highly qualified and motivated professionals inspired by the world of travel.

Each of our team members is dedicated to supporting each of our Independent Advisors and fully committed to Brownell’s core values of Innovation, Passion, Integrity, Curiosity, Graciousness and Excellence.

Brownell’s pioneering spirit has been evident since our agency’s founding, as we were one of the first in the travel industry to launch a hosting program in 1978. Over the years, we have continued to break new ground, being the first host agency to initiate a mentoring program in 2006, which has since become a model for other agencies in the industry. Our mentoring program has been recognized for its excellence and was awarded the Outstanding Mentoring and Talent Development by an Agency at Virtuoso Travel Week.

We are also proud to have been the first host agency to hold a company-wide event in 2005, bringing travel advisors, Brownell staff and key partners together. These achievements, combined with our more than forty-year hosting history, have earned us numerous awards and recognitions, cementing our position at the forefront of the industry.

Advisor Testimonial

Brownell is the place to be if you want an incredible support team, excellent industry connections and surrounded by high level advisors who are well respected in the industry. i have really loved my time at brownell and my business is thriving because brownell supports me so i have time to go and sell travel.

Shelley Rapp

I don’t have a benchmark for comparison but I know that I couldn’t do it without Brownell. Just having their name behind me brings enthusiastic greetings (and even hugs sometimes) from vendors, hoteliers, etc when I first meet a new partner. My clients are spoiled because I am part of Brownell.

Catherine Parkin

Not only have they provided me with excellent training, they continue to support me as I learn and grow my business. The hosting support staff is professional, positive, responsive, and always cheerful and eager to help me. I have found that my personal desire to be a top-notch travel professional with high expectations for customer service, integrity, and commitment to excellent results have made possible by my affiliation with Brownell. What they deliver to me allows me to deliver the very best to my clients.

Martha Rhodes

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What is a Host Travel Agency?

Are you interested in becoming a travel agent? Partnering with a host travel agency is one popular option. They aren’t travel agencies, and they aren’t travel suppliers. To say that host agencies are middlemen between the two isn’t false, but it is an oversimplification.

Before you become a travel agent, it’s important to understand the main functions of a host agency, and how they can impact your business. So… what exactly does a host agency do for its agents?

One of the most important things a host agency provides is a solid foundation of travel knowledge and practical education. This includes everything from booking engines and which suppliers to use for which destinations, to general business knowledge and how to’s . Many host agencies offer a mix of online courses and in-person educational opportunities to keep agents up-to-date on all the latest travel trends, supplier products, and business practices.

Allows for Low Start-Up Costs

In order for airlines, tour operators, and other travel suppliers to consider your travel agency legitimate, it must meet several standards. It can take years, and thousands of dollars in business to obtain CLIA and IATA credentials , the most widely accepted marks of an authorized seller of travel. Agents that partner with KHM Travel Group have access to our established credentials, as well as their Errors & Omissions insurance policy, which allows them to book travel with confidence, right off the bat.

Provides Access to Suppliers & Networking Opportunities

Host agencies already have established relationships with the BDMs (Business Development Managers) of their Preferred Suppliers . These connections are invaluable for agents when dealing with, or even to help them work out, an issue when a client is traveling. At KHM Travel Group, agents even get a chance to network with supplier representatives at our in-person events , Seminars at Sea, and FAM trips!

Acts as a Bookkeeper

A host agency keeps track of your commissions for you, and should allow you to track the money you’ve earned and run reports. The system that KHM Travel Group agents receive to do this is called myTravelCRM . At the end of the year, your host agency will send you a 1099-NEC with all your earnings.

Supplies Marketing & Technology Tools

The biggest struggle many new agents face is figuring out how to promote their business. Host agencies know this, and use their resources to educate agents on the best ways to attract clients. With KHM Travel Group, agents get their own website they can personalize to launch their web presence, plus access to an entire library of marketing templates, tools and graphics .

Offers Higher Commission Rates

Host travel agencies have the buying power of an entire collection of agents. This allows them to have more weight with suppliers, which translates into higher commission rates for travel agents. Plus, suppliers work with host agencies to provide exclusive sales incentives and prizes just for travel agents.

Provides Personal Support

With the right host agency, a travel agent will never feel like they are alone in trying to grow their business. Being able to reach a real person on the phone, or via email, or even through Facebook, is an invaluable benefit of working with a host agency. Whether you’ve been an agent for just a few hours or many years, a host agency’s support team should be available to answer your questions.

Advocates for Travel Professionals

A reputable, well-connected host travel agency will have representatives actively participating in organizations like the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and the Professional Association of Travel Hosts (PATH). Involvement in these groups means that the concerns and interests of independent travel agents are being heard on a larger scale. Through events like the ASTA Conference and the PATH Symposium, host agencies are able to be a part of the discussion about where the industry is headed and what policies will benefit travel agents.

Contact our Memberships Team at 888-611-1220 to learn more about becoming an independent travel agency with us! You can also visit our Programs page to get details on joining KHM Travel Group, including payment options.

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• About Elite
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Welcome To The Elite Travel Group

We were founded in 1977 by a group of Midlands-based Travel Agents who wished to join together to obtain beneficial arrangements from their suppliers. The primary objective was, and remains, to help and increase the profitability of the members. It is now National with agencies throughout the UK from the South Coast to the North of England. All directors are themselves members and are voted on to the board by the other members so any decisions they make affect their own businesses as well.

REASONS TO JOIN ELITE TRAVEL GROUP

Low membership fees.

The membership fees charged are amongst the lowest of all major U.K. Consortia with savings to be made by supporting key partners.

Equal share holding

Every member has an equal share of the company and an equal say!

Member Directors

Up to 6 directors who are actively involved in running their own successful Travel Agencies.

Meetings and Events

2 general meetings are held annually and these are supported by regular meetings / dinners as well as a host of VIP trips.

Industry Leading Commercials

The commercial terms are some of the best in the industry giving you the ability to maximise profits.

Head Office runs on just 5 members of staff thereby keeping central costs to a minimum.

Communications With Members

Our Business Development Manager visits our members and keeps in regular contact with them. Our Intranet site is the prime communication tool with our members. Regular updates are maintained with our monthly members' e-magazine - Elite Vision.

Britain's Longest Established Travel Consortium

Exclusively Elite

Our supplier of the month.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BECOME AN ELITE TRAVEL AGENCY?

If you would like to know more about how becoming an Elite Travel Group member can benefit your business, please get in touch. We welcome new members and are confident we can offer you a package that will help your travel agency stand out and become truly Elite.

Alternatively if you prefer to read our membership brochure simply click the option below:

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Book your holiday with an elite agent.

Choosing the right holiday is absolutely essential! Our members offer outstanding levels of service, exceptional skills derived from their vast product knowledge and full financial security for you. Enter your postcode below and we'll find your nearest Elite agent.

WHY BOOK WITH AN ELITE AGENT?

Highly experienced advisors, our members are fully bonded, virtually all arrangements sold have full financial protection., competitive pricing, fiercely independent, a complete range of holiday operators and suppliers, prices that are knowingly competitive, close supplier relationships.

What Our Members Say About Us

The best way to show you why you should join our consortium is to show you what our members say about it. Here our just some of their opinions and to see more, visit our testimonials page.

Most important to us is the opportunity to “have our say”

"We have been members of Elite Travel Group for 20 years now and it is one of the best decisions we ever made. The commission levels help improve our bottom line and the social/training events are invaluable in both improving product knowledge and networking. Most important to us is the opportunity to “have our say” at members’ meetings and the fact that Elite leaves us the freedom to use the operators that best fit our business model. Elite is the perfect example of the best things coming in small packages!"

The levels of commission and benefits have far exceeded expectations

"On an annual basis, as part of managing the business whilst Kinver Travel Centre was a member of Independent Options, I compared commissions and benefits with other consortia, like you do an energy or telephone account. In November 2014, the decision to move to Elite was made, as commissions with Elite would improve the bottom line. Now we are in our second year as a member of Elite and have never looked back. The levels of commission and benefits have far exceeded expectations, whilst all the events and activities provide excellent net working opportunities. All helps to make Kinver Travel Centre a competitive profitable business: thank you Elite."

A pleasure and a honour to be a member.

"Big isn't always beautiful! Elite - great people, great consortium, a pleasure and a honour to be a member."

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Elite Travel Group is widely regarded as having some of the best quality independent Travel Agencies in the U.K.

Our members provide excellent travel services to their customers. Elite members benefit from exclusive supplier deals, rich marketing, enjoyable events and friendly support.

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Everything your travel business needs in one place.

You are not alone.

As a travel professional, whether new to the industry or well-seasoned, you want a host agency that truly knows how to support you and your business.

WorldVia Travel Quest Network has been empowering entrepreneurs with industry-leading education, marketing, and technology for over twenty-five years, with a world-class Member Success team backing you up every step of the way.

How We Help You

Our integrated and AI-powered technologies work together to create efficiency in running your travel business, helping you attract more clients and boost your productivity.

Our multi-faceted approach to loyalty marketing keeps your good name in front of clients all year long and inspires them to rely on your services.

Events + Education

Discover new ways to grow through a wealth of in-person and online training and development opportunities, including detailed program tutorials to get you started.

Lead Generation

Our lead generation program connects you with the exact travelers looking for your services by promoting your distinct capabilities and personalities first and foremost and utilizing the latest SEO strategies.

Partnerships

Our supplier and destination partners provide our members with the most robust offers, incentives, and training in the industry, giving you every advantage you need to sell more and profit more.

Luxury Travel Solutions

As a member of our network, you can access programs, tools, marketing, and services that help advisors better serve affluent consumers.

Corporate Travel Solutions

Grow your corporate travel business by offering customized solutions backed by our tools and resources.

Product Programs

Reward your clients with exclusive experiences, pricing, and added amenities, enhancing your commissions and client loyalty.

Plus, connect with thousands of other agents who are growing their travel business.

What our members think.

"...The training resources are abundant as are the suppliers that Travel Quest Network has relationships with. The commission rates are top tier for all of them. Other agents have been so helpful with sharing information, making suggestions, and offering encouragement. As others have said, it really is like a family..."

"Wow, wow, wow. I can't say enough good things about TQN. I changed recently after a rough first year at a small host agency that was quite honestly a mess. I love not having to fight tooth and nail for my commissions. They pop up on time under "Commission Manager" and it's so easy to follow along. The times I've had to reach out to the team they've been SO nice and helped right away!"

"I cannot recommend them enough. I have learned so much through them, their Weekly Chat, Monthly All Call, their private FB page, and University. It's also they are connected with Travel Leaders, you have much better training and resources. I personally came from another Host, that specialized in one thing and not the thing I wanted to specialize in. Here I have found my home. OH and the CEO answers FB questions, how cool is that!!"

Hear Akua's Story

"To anyone considering Travel Quest Network, once you come across it, you won't regret the decision."

Get To Know WorldVia Travel Quest Network

Do you want to know more about the host agency designed for Travel Entrepreneurs—WorldVia Travel Quest Network?

If so, take a peek behind the curtain as our team shares what makes us the best platform for building a thriving travel business in America.

New to the Travel Industry?  

WorldVia Travel Quest Network makes becoming an independent travel professional simple. As your host agency, we give you an edge, supplying you with everything you need to run a business successfully.

So even though you're business is entirely yours, you're never going at it alone.

Learn more about what a host agency does

Stay connected + Power Up Your Business

Let us send you tips, tools, and more to help you grow your travel business delivered straight to your inbox. 

Incentive Connection – A Superior Host Agency

In business for 30 years.

Incentive Connection Travel is a leading host travel agency that offers a “Family” feel in how we interact with our agents and agents with their fellow ICT agents. Our phones are always answered by a real family owner and offer outstanding service and backend support 7 days a week, including holidays, along with cutting-edge technology to assist you with every aspect of your travel agency business. You are important!

What ICT Is About

Our goal is to make you successful by giving you all the tools you need to build a profitable travel business.

Reasons to Join ICT

There are plenty of reasons to consider ICT. 78 to be exact! Grab a cup of coffee or a cold beer and start check us out!

Travel Leaders

Travel Leaders offers Incentive Connection Travel award-winning marketing, training, and support.

Sabre Reservations

Click the link below to see a list of the most frequently asked questions and answers about the Sabre GDS.

Awesome Testimonials

As a new agent, I am constantly amazed and appreciative of all the wonderful things ICT has made available to its agents. And as a new agent appreciate the reminders you send regarding the ICT site and other helpful sites. I can't imagine another agency having the incredible wealth of information ready for its agents at a click of a mouse. I had a couple of minutes and wanted to pass along my thanks for all ICT does to make our jobs as agents easier. I must say that between all the reading I've been doing about the travel business, ICT's website, and the chatline, I have learned more than I ever thought possible in the last 6 months. Again thanks for all you've done to help me along. Diane, Kiana Travel

I just want to say that I really appreciate all the help and support you have given to me since I joined ICT! There are so many areas where I still have so much to learn! Going from selling only one product, as a specialized agent, to selling everything from my home and doing all my own paperwork has been quite a change for me. I have made my share of errors and have asked you a million or so questions. You have never failed to be kind and quick with your responses. Mary

Just wanted to take a second and tell you how excited I am to be working with you and your staff. The professional level of service and support your agency offers is great. Robert continues to be a source of knowledge and assistance in helping make my transition seamless. Your communications of industry promotions and announcements are a huge assistance in keeping up on daily events. Thank you again, and please pass on to your staff the note that their efforts are not unnoticed. John, International Tours-BHM

I just wanted to tell you how amazed I was at the rapid response I received from other ICT agents last week when I requested info about a water show in Las Vegas. Harvey, you have put together an incredible group here! Within 20 minutes of asking for help I had 22 replies! Not only did they give me the correct name of the show, I also received phone numbers, website addresses, ticket prices, ticket brokers and Lyn of Four Seasons Travel even told me the best vantage point (in a restaurant) to see the show!  I know this isn't anything new to you, but trust me, I'm impressed! This is a great group! I should add that my first encounter with other ICT agents was equally impressive. Susan from Astro Travel has been an enormous help to me. She even took the time to walk me thru some Sabre steps that I didn't understand. And Don & Beth also sent me a page of Hawaii State government links that would have taken me a week to find. Deana, Elegant Cow Travel

I just wanted to tell you thank you for having such a great support structure. I have been able to learn so much from the ICT site as well as from the other agents that share so readily.  I am new to this industry and I have never been so happy, even though it has at times been very frightening. I did not get into this business to travel, but to be an entrepreneur. The travel is a nice occasional perc to learn. My niche is not an easy one ( soft adventure and off-beat travel), but it is the one that will keep me happy and in this business.  I started with you in late August of 2000 and still going strong.  My goal is to earn my IATAN card again within the year of my start date. I am proud to say that I am approaching this lofty goal rapidly.  When I reach my goal it will be because of ICT and all the support I have had from the various agents that have stepped up to help.  Once again a big thank you to the entire ICT team. Sami, Barefoot Adventures

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The experts: travel agents on 20 ways to book a sustainable and sensational summer holiday

Keen to get away? Here is how to find a great deal, pick the perfect destination and support the local community

A holiday should be relaxing, but booking one can be a fraught experience, with days lost to endless scrolling, comparing reviews and prices. How can you be sure you are getting a good deal? Travel agents share their tips for the most affordable, sustainable and memorable trips.

1. Book like an agent

“Everybody views themselves as a travel agent and they can be up to a point,” says Paul Sharp from Newcastle upon Tyne, who operates as part of the Travel Counsellors network and has 30 years’ experience in the industry. He says the rise of budget airlines and online booking have led to people feeling confident about organising trips themselves. What is the one thing we should know when doing so? “It is a false economy to book things separately because you have no protection,” Sharp says. He gives the example of someone planning a trip to South Africa to watch rugby, who booked flights with the airline and hotels directly and rugby tickets elsewhere. The game was cancelled but the flights and hotel were non-refundable. If they had been booked together, the trip would have been covered under package travel regulations. “Book with a company you trust and know – there are a lot of sites that crop up and you don’t really know their provenance,” he says.

2. Be an early bird

“Planning in advance is always going to be better value,” says Helen Youngman , an independent travel agent and partner at 360 Private Travel , based near Norwich. “Late deals do exist, but a lot of hotels use ‘dynamic pricing’, which means prices increase as availability goes down. Flights are only going to increase in price the closer you get to the departure date because the fuller the flight gets, the more expensive it will be.” Sharp adds: “Don’t hang on for a last-minute deal because you could end up disappointed. Scheduled flights tend to be available about 11 months in advance, so that is the best time to book. Also, at that stage, a lot of hotels and accommodation providers will have early-bird specials.”

3. If you do book late, be flexible

Jessica Bollinger, who works in the Bristol branch of Danish travel agent Kilroy , which specialises in youth and adventure holidays, agrees that late deals are now something of a myth. “They are not unheard of, but with a last-minute deal there are certain things you’re not going to get. So you have to be really open-minded as to where you’re going to go,” she says.

4. Avoid peak season

The cheapest time to travel is always outside the school holidays, says Youngman, with Christmas and new year the most expensive times. Can you get a good deal if you fly on Christmas or New Year’s Day itself? Sometimes, she says, “but a lot of people are catching on to that trick”. If you have to go in the school holidays, be open to going somewhere off the beaten track. “Being clever about destinations is a good plan,” says Youngman. “In Europe, look farther east at places such as Montenegro, Albania and Georgia. And Morocco is a good summer destination for families.”

5. Midweek can be more affordable

“Midweek can be cheaper, it just depends on availability,” says Youngman. “A Thursday to Monday trip is going to be slightly more expensive than Monday to Friday, but all travel fares are based on availability, so the further in advance you can book, the better.”

6. Take out travel insurance when you book

A lot of people sort out their insurance at the airport, says Sharp, but it is best to do it as soon as you have booked your trip. He says: “Travel insurance doesn’t just cover you if you lose a bag or are poorly while you are away. It also covers you should you need to cancel for an insurable reason before you travel.” This includes illness or a bereavement.

7. On solo trips, consider a group tour

If you are travelling alone, “pretty much anywhere is possible”, says Youngman. “Embarking on your first solo trip can be daunting, which is why small group tours are an amazing way to travel with like-minded people. Some companies I work with are doing specialist female-only tours with visits to female entrepreneurs, co-operatives, makers and bakers. Small group tours are great because they handle all the logistics, include really immersive experiences and are safe. They pick you up from the airport, and from that point onwards, you’re travelling with other people and you’ve got an expert guide.”

8. Have a daily budget

“We advise setting a daily limit for yourself while travelling and then multiplying that number by the days you are away to get the amount to save for your spending money,” says Bollinger. “When you work it out like this, it makes a lot more sense in people’s minds, especially young people who don’t have much budgeting experience. It also keeps you accountable to yourself, so you don’t blow everything right at the beginning and then have nothing left for the end.” To stick to a tight budget, she says: “Cook food as you go along and use public transport instead of tourist buses – this will really help you save money.”

9. Consider all-inclusive options

“If you are going to spend a lot of time eating and drinking in the hotel, I recommend upgrading to an all-inclusive option if possible,” says Youngman, “especially if you’d like a cocktail or two and you’re grazing throughout the day. Otherwise it can all add up and when you check out it costs a fortune.” With active holidays such as skiing or safaris, she adds: “If you have the option to choose an all-inclusive package that includes the activities, food and drink, that is usually a more cost-effective way of travelling. Because sometimes they will really sting you on the extras and it will be more expensive.”

10. Work your way around the world

“A working holiday is a great way to fund your trip,” says Bollinger, who helps people book travel to Australia, New Zealand and Canada by organising working holidays so they can extend their stay. “A lot of jobs will be hospitality-related, but if you go to a more rural spot you can do farm work, and if you have qualifications already, sometimes those can be used. Working holidays in Canada are often at ski resorts near Vancouver, so you get the added benefit of being in a beautiful place to take advantage of the winter sports.”

11. Travel as sustainably as possible

“You can get to most places in Europe by train , so if you are open to slowing down and having a more relaxed itinerary, not only are you travelling more sustainably, but you have more time to absorb the culture surrounding you,” says Youngman. “Be good to the environment you are travelling to see.” She stresses the importance of limiting flights as much as possible, especially internally, and avoiding indirect long-haul options. “We highly recommend ‘open-jaw flights’, which means you fly into one destination and out of another, to limit the number of flights,” says Bollinger. “We also promote travelling for longer in one destination as opposed to trying to go to many in a short time, and travelling overland when possible, instead of taking multiple flights.”

12. Offset carbon emissions with a reputable company

When considering carbon from flights, says Thomas Power of Pura Aventura , a B Corp sustainable travel company in Brighton: “Don’t believe the airline schemes, or anyone else who promises you absolution for a few quid. While 85% of offset schemes may be worthless, there are high-quality carbon credits starting at about £20 a tonne.” These can be bought to compensate for CO 2 emissions. Companies such as “ C Level ​ ​help you at least take positive action to balance your impact”, says Power.

13. Think of responsible travel as a ‘fair exchange’

When travelling, says Power, consider: “What are we giving and what are we receiving? Is it a fair exchange? Is somebody getting something in return for what I am receiving in this transaction?” This applies to everything from “taking a cruise to Venice and not giving anything to the city, to going camping in Sussex and getting a supermarket delivery to your tent instead of going to the village shop or buying eggs from the house down the road”. This concept of “fair exchange” can be beneficial for everyone, he says, by giving you access to unique experiences. “In terms of the economy, the less money that leaves the village, town or city, the better,” he says.

14. Embrace the great outdoors

If you camp out “you are closer to nature than any other accommodation option”, says Brodie Farrow, of the online camping and touring travel agent Pitchup . There are many benefits to this, she says: “It is really good for mental health. It is also a much more sustainable option: the carbon footprints of outdoor holidays tend to be much lower than hotel stays, as people travel by car rather than flying and it promotes local produce and low-impact activities such as hiking in the surrounding area. The accommodation or pitches are much less carbon intensive than hotels, too. And you have a positive impact on the community that you are visiting: camping attracts a higher number of customers at a lower cost than hotels do, which can help to underpin the viability of local facilities such as the shop, the bar and takeaway, and that benefits the wider community.”

15. If you are camping-phobic, glamp

“There really is something for everyone,” says Farrow. “You can get glamping accommodation with four-poster beds if you prefer camping in luxury, or you can go really wild and remote, with no facilities, out on your own and back to nature. I think you would be hard-pressed to say that there is nothing that appeals.” Although glamping has become a fairly pricey option, she says: “Some types are much cheaper than others. You can get some ‘pod-only’ camping accommodation, where you bring your own bedding, starting from £15 a night.”

16. If the weather is terrible …

… And you are under canvas, “try to keep your bedroom a wet-gear-free zone”, says Farrow. “Store and dry wet stuff in your porch area rather than in your bedroom compartment. Protect your equipment by putting it in plastic bags or dry bags. Don’t let anything touch your tent walls or you will have soggy socks.” For activities, she suggests, “swimming in the sea, because you are wet already, or going to the pub”. If you are disappointed by the weather on a non-camping holiday, “as annoying as it is, try to embrace it”, says Sharp. Many people come back from their holidays exhausted because they try to see and do everything when they’re away. Instead, he says: “Have a lie-in, ask local people which is the best restaurant for a long, lazy lunch and, most of all, relax and recharge your batteries – it’s a holiday after all.”

17. For best value destinations, try …

“Go for Belgrade over Berlin,” says Youngman. “It has an underground culture scene very similar to Berlin 20 years ago.” For backpackers, Bollinger suggests: “Some places in Central America can be really affordable. Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala are good options for someone wanting to think outside the box.” Sharp says there are more affordable options in “Cyprus, Bulgaria, Turkey and Egypt, compared with Spain and the Balearics, which are becoming increasingly expensive due to cost of living increases”. If you are looking for a staycation, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and Cornwall are some of the most popular UK locations on Pitchup, says Farrow, which can inflate the price. Locations such as Pembrokeshire and the Isle of Wight are cheaper.

18. For a trip of a lifetime that doesn’t cost the earth …

“North Macedonia is just amazing,” says Youngman. “Ohrid has beautiful cobbled streets, Ottoman architecture , fantastic food and wine and you can visit the most biodiverse lake in Europe.” Farrow says: “I camped at the foot of Ben Nevis last year before hiking up it. The weather was terrible but it was worth it for the unreal views.” While Bollinger’s most memorable trip was “Interrailing in Europe and finding a way to do things on my own. It was before smartphones, so it was a very interesting experience and built up my confidence in travelling.”

19. If in doubt, follow local people

“Live like a local person by taking local buses and eating in local spots,” says Bollinger. “It is going to save you money, and will also let you experience life in a different way.” Power adds: “People want to go to Peru but they never come back talking about Machu Picchu, they come back talking about the people they met. Buy local and connections will happen for you. In the absence of interaction with your host community, the things you see are just wallpaper.”

20. And remember: you get what you pay for

“If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” says Sharp.

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Ponant unveils 2024 ship visit programme for uk and irish agents.

Luxury French cruise line Ponant plans to host more than 450 UK and Irish agents on its ships this year. 

It will invite agents to join one of 24 ship visits on Le Lyrial, Le Boreal, Le Champlain and Le Dumont d’Urville in 12 ports across the country between now and September 2024. 

The ports include Dartmouth, Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Dover, London, Cowes, Portsmouth and Aberdeen among others. Some ports will hold multiple ship visits on the same day.

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During each ship visit will include a brand introduction, a ship tour and an opportunity to taste the onboard cuisine. 

Ponant said: “These ship visits will enable agents to experience everything the ship has to offer."  Agents can register their interest for one of Ponant’s ship visits via this  link . 

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Spain’s former capital to host Aito 2024 overseas conference

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Spain’s former capital Valladolid has been revealed as the destination for this year’s Aito overseas conference.

The Specialist Travel Association (Aito) announced the location at its AGM in London on April 18. The conference takes place from November 21-24, at the Felipe IV hotel.

Aito executive director Martyn Sumners hailed Valladolid, which was the capital of Spain in the 16th and 17th centuries before Madrid, as the ‘perfect’ Aito conference destination as it is less well known in the British market.

“I think it’s going to be a very exciting destination for Aito to go to,” he said, adding: “There will be so many things for people to do: walking, cycling, wine tasting.”

He cited the city’s historic centre as having “great food and great squares”, and noted the “incredible” choice of tapas dishes and wine from the region.

Manuel Butler, UK director of the Spanish Tourist Office, said the city was off the traditional tourist trail.

He said: “We will be very honoured to welcome Aito there. It is not a tourist city. Here you will find real people and the real Spain.”

Aito will offer flights to the conference via Madrid, from where delegates can take a modern high-speed train, which takes around an hour to reach the city. Aito is also looking at options to travel to Valladolid by train from the UK.

The conference hotel, where business sessions will be held and delegates will also stay, is walking distance from the railway station in Valladolid.

Picture of Valladolid by Jose Luis Vega/Shutterstock

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Middle East latest: Worshippers in Tehran chant 'death to Israel' after strike; man 'carrying explosives' arrested at Iranian consulate in Paris

Worshippers in Tehran gather at a demonstration just hours after an apparent Israeli strike in Iran. Elsewhere, a man is arrested at the Iranian consulate in Paris after claiming to be carrying explosives.

Friday 19 April 2024 20:00, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• What we know so far about Israel's apparent attack on Iran
• Iran has 'no plan for immediate retaliation'
• Blinken refuses to talk about Israel's reported attack
• Man arrested at Iranian consulate in Paris
• Worshippers in Tehran chant 'death to Israel'
• Analysis:  This strike has escalation written all over it
• Analysis: Iran isn't biggest threat to the coalition right now
• Live reporting by  Emily Mee

Israeli fighter jets launched three missiles at an air defence radar site near the Iranian city of Isfahan in last night's overnight strike, according to a report. 

ABC News, citing an unnamed US official, said the radar site was part of the protection of Iran's Natanz nuclear facility. 

The official reportedly said the missiles were fired from outside Iran and the strike was "very limited". 

They also said an initial assessment showed the radar site was taken out, but the assessment has not yet been completed. 

Iran earlier said three drones were involved in the attack on Isfahan, and made no mention of any missiles or damage. 

The US has publicly said very little about the attack, apart from confirming it was not involved. 

By Alex Rossi , international correspondent on the Israel-Lebanon border

The roads through northern Israel along the border with Lebanon are empty of cars.

It is unnervingly quiet.

Since 7 October the area has been under bombardment from Hezbollah militants and tens of thousands of people have left following the government's evacuation rules.

Ariel Frish, the deputy head of security, in Kiryat Shmona, a frontline city, shows me the damage in a residential area.

A house is gutted from fire caused by the explosion from the strike.

"We got attacked by a great wave of missiles, one of the missiles hit this house," he said. 

"Nobody was here because we evacuated the city one week before. And if we had not evacuated there would be no survivors.”

The Israel Defence Forces and Hezbollah have been exchanging fire on a daily basis in the north for more than six months - and it feels like a full scale war may not be far away.

Walking through the communities in the north is eerie. 

You can hear the sound of birdsong and the constant noise of drones and warplanes circling overhead.

A short distance from the Lebanese border and former IDF commander, Gideon Harari, who lives in one of the communities in the line of fire, says a major confrontation is looking more likely every day.

The situation with Iran and the standoff with Hezbollah, as well as the war in Gaza, make this an incredibly dangerous time for the region.

"The shooting is daily. Rockets, drones every day," he said. 

"Now is the most dangerous point in the Middle East for the last forty years. If Israel will take military measures against Iran it might drive us into a Middle East war, a big war."

The internally displaced have moved to hotels and guesthouses in safer parts of Israel.

In Tiberias the evacuees can only wonder when it will be safe to return.

"The mood of the people in Israel is very frustrated. And it is very dangerous to live here," says Daniel Boker, who left his hometown of Metula on the border, months ago.

Tensions are now the highest they've been for decades and that's reflected in the preparations Israel is making.

The national ambulance service, Magen David Adom, has been stockpiling equipment in an underground facility. Chief of staff Uri Shacham, tells me 7 October has changed everything.

"We are preparing for a long-term campaign or long-term war," he said.

"If you had talked to me in September 2023, I would have said we have a supply for one month. 

"Nowadays, because of what we are expecting, [we are] preparing... many more month's [worth] of equipment."

Israel now faces crisis on multiple fronts but it is clear the current situation in the north is increasingly untenable. 

It will not take much for a broader war to break out.

By Sam Doak, OSINT reporter

A video showing explosions in the sky above Isfahan provides further information on last night's attack in Iran. 

Sky News determined the video was filmed next to Laleh Park in the northeast of the city by matching features including a road, park, flagpole and three cylindrical structures.  

This made it possible to determine the video shows explosions in the sky to the east of the city.  

While this video does not contain enough information to tell with certainty what site was targeted, explosions in this general area fit with accounts in Iranian media that a base adjoining Isfahan International Airport was attacked. 

This base is located to the northeast of Isfahan. Fars News Agency, a regime-aligned Iranian outlet, has claimed that three explosions occurred near this site as a result of last night's attack. No substantial damage has been reported.  

The apparent Israeli attack on Iran has prompted airlines to change flight paths, cancel flights and divert others to alternate airports over security concerns. 

Iran closed its airports in Tehran, Shiraz and Isfahan in the aftermath and cleared flights from the western portion of its airspace for a few hours after the attack, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24.

Both the airports and airspace had reopened by 4.45am UK time. 

Flydubai said it had cancelled its flights to Iran and an earlier flight had turned back to Dubai. 

Tracking data also showed an Iran Air flight from Rome to Tehran was diverted to Ankara, Turkey. 

As we reported earlier, Germany's Lufthansa cancelled all flights to Tel Aviv and Erbil until tomorrow, and would avoid Iraqi airspace during this time period. 

United Airlines said it would cancel its daily flight from Newark to Tel Aviv until 2 May, while Air Canadasaid it was pausing operations to and from Tel Aviv until the end of June. 

Emirates, Flydubai, Turkish Air, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi and Belavia were among the carriers continuing to fly over the part of Iran's airspace that remained open in the initial hours after the attack early today.

Activists and aid workers are preparing another attempt to break through the Israeli blockade and deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. 

A coalition of organisations, including the IHH and the Mavi Marmara Association from Turkey, are planning to set sail soon onboard the ship Akdeniz. 

The exact launch date is unclear but activists are currently sorting aid inside the cargo hold. 

The same organisations were previously in charge of a flotilla that attempted to deliver aid in 2010. 

Israeli commandos stormed the Mavi Marmara in international waters, leading to an altercation that left nine people dead and dozens of activists wounded.

This week has seen tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, with Israel launching an attack against Iran in response to a large-scale strike from Tehran at the weekend.

In the piece below, we look at some of the key moments in the region this week - from the initial attack by Iran, to Israel and its allies' rhetoric before the retaliation.

An Israeli missile has struck Iran in response to the unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel over the weekend by Tehran.  

It seems an airfield outside of the city of Isfahan was targeted, but Iran has played down the incident and has indicated it has no plans to retaliate.   

On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by military analyst Sean Bell to find out what exactly happened in the latest attack and what it says about Israel's and Iran's respective military strengths.  

Plus, Niall is also joined by Sky's international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to analyse where this leaves tensions in the Middle East.   

The force has apologised after footage emerged of officers threatening an antisemitism campaigner with arrest near a pro-Palestinian march and describing him as "openly Jewish". 

Gideon Falter, chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, was wearing a kippah skull cap when he was stopped from crossing the road near the demonstration in London on Saturday afternoon. 

Video showed a police officer telling him: "You are quite openly Jewish, this is a pro-Palestinian march, I'm not accusing you of anything but I'm worried about the reaction to your presence."

Mr Falter said he had been walking in the capital after attending synagogue and was not there to counter-protest.

In the clip another officer said to him: "There's a unit of people here now.

"You will be escorted out of this area so you can go about your business, go where you want freely or if you choose to remain here because you are causing a breach of peace with all these other people, you will be arrested."

Met Police Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said the officer's "poor" choice of words was "hugely regrettable".

"The video posted by the Campaign Against Antisemitism will further dent the confidence of many Jewish Londoners which is the opposite of what any of us want," he said.

He criticised the use of the term "openly Jewish" and said it was "absolutely not the basis on which we make decisions".

"It was a poor choice of words and while not intended, we know it will have caused offence to many. We apologise."

Mr Falter said afterwards: "Despite being told repeatedly that London is safe for Jews when these marches are taking place, my interactions with police officers last Saturday show that the Met believes that being openly Jewish will antagonise the anti-Israel marchers and that Jews need protection, which the police cannot guarantee.

"Instead of addressing that threat of antisemitic violence, the Met's policy instead seems to be that law-abiding Jewish Londoners should not be in the parts of London where these marches are taking place. In other words, that they are no-go zones for Jews."

The Iranian foreign minister has said the apparent Israeli drone strike on the city of Isfahan caused no damage or casualties, according to Iranian media. 

Hossein Amirabdollahian, who was speaking to envoys of Muslim nations in New York, said: "The Zionist regime's media supporters, in a desperate effort, tried to make victory out of their defeat, while the downed mini-drones have not caused any damage or casualties,."

Iran has indicated it is not planning to retaliate and has downplayed the attack. 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made an emotional appeal to NATO members, saying the current level of foreign aid for Ukraine is "very limited". 

The Ukrainian president appeared to use Western allies of double standards, saying Israel had not been left to fend for itself during Iran's aerial bombardment on Saturday.

During that attack, Western allies - including the UK - had stepped in to help shoot down Iranian drones and missiles. 

"Putin must be brought down to earth and our sky must become safe again... And it depends fully on your choice... [the] choice whether we are indeed allies," Mr Zelenskyy said in his speech.

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