Travel MLMs Today

[Travel Consult]

I'd like to really know what's being done by the travel industry to combat travel MLMs in our society today.

The industry is already depressed because of the economy and these MLMs lure people into them in hopes of making big money. When they get in, they take advantage of discounting their own travel and nothing more. MANY of the people in these MLMs are recruiters only and don't think about educating themselves in this industry, unless mandated.

I've seen a lot of comments here about "I focus on travel". Good. Tell me how many travel sales your company did in the last 12 months?? I would venture to say that many of them do not even know. If your focus is travel, that should be one piece of information you would need to know as soon as it's available.

The suppliers are getting sick and tired of dealing with them because the agents know next to nothing about booking travel. They have to walk them through every complicated transaction just so the client does not suffer. Many are happy to just send clients to their website to book their own travel. That's ok for air and maybe a hotel room. When a client has a complicated FIT or group cruise, they should not be booked on a website. That client needs to be serviced. I even heard one here say that I don't want to get trained in the industry. But he's perfectly fine using whatever perks are available for people who actually WORK in the industry - NOT SELLING WEBSITES.

It's time to step up the action against these MLMs. Even here, I've seen people come in asking for assistance in some type of travel. I really feel sorry for these people. If you get any assistance from an MLMer, it will be minimal. "Go to my website". And even for air if you book ona website, you're going to pay more because the prices have been increased to allow for commissions to be paid. Is that what you want when everyone else is pinching pennies??

PLEASE let's do something!!!

[TravelTemptress]

Last year over 3000 agents signed a petition to put a stop to the mlms. As a result, a couple lost their IATAN, and many suppliers such as Royal Caribbean, Perillo and others have stopped doing business with these card mills. I would anticipate the lawsuit in CA to set a standard for what is tollerated, and what is not, within the travel industry.
Trashing these mlms on boards like this doesn't go very far towards solving the issue. If you want to help, join ASTA. Contact your state reps about your seller of travel laws. Talk to your preferred suppliers about where they stand on the issue.

If you want to be part of the solution contact John Frenaye at http://notravelmlms.blogspot.com/.

[Travel Consult]

I know about the blog, but you said trashing the mlms doesn't go very far. How does that blog help the issues?


I can contact state reps, national reps, suppliers, etc. but can't something be done quicker than that?? I also know about vendors dropping certain mlms, but I want to attack the whole business model when it comes to travel, not just one company.

[Travel Consult]

What's your name TravelTemptress?

[findthemouse]

Feeling the heat are we Travel Consult? When the economy goes south along with your business is it easier to attack others rather then suck it up and actually go to work?


You are absolutly correct, you better do something and you better do it quick.
With hundreds of thousands of people out of a job and looking for a homebased business it looks like it is going to be a great year for Traverus, YTB and all the other travel related companies.

If you haven't figured it out yet, more recruiting means more travel sold by these MLM companies.

You really don't have much time, in fact you better hurry really quick because it looks like our friends over at YTB are about to get some good news. Thanks California. And as a member of a rival travel company to YTB I want to give a big thanks for fighting a battle that my company never would have been able to fightfinancially.

Keep the attacks and lies coming it may be the only way you survive.

[TravelQueen]

"With hundreds of thousands of people out of a job and looking for a homebased business it looks like it is going to be a great year for Traverus, YTB and all the other travel related companies. "

So how exactly, when people are out of work, are they going to be able to afford to travel? Or why would theytoss money away on a multi-level marking company that (at least in YTB's case) shows blatently that most people make no money at all?

You can all scream from the rooftops all you want about putting the TTA's out of business. It's NEVER going to happen. The 2 largest agencies in the world are still outselling the internet by billions. Why? Because people want expertise, customer service and skill. Not Joe Schmoe down the block who paid $500 and $50/month to purchase a cookie cutter website who doesn't know jack about any destination because he's never left his own backyard. To what..make a few dollars off your own vacation and maybe a few dollarsa month commissions? Its not enough for people to survive on, and certainly not enough to fire their boss. Unless you are a bigwig recruiter with a huge following...its going to get you nowhere.

What great news is YTB getting? Their lawsuit is set for trial in September. Do you think the AG is just going to backdown...doubtful. The only thing thats good about their downfall is that the other companies will smarter up or move on to something more lucrative.

If you honestly in this industry to learn and be a travel agent...I don't begrudge that to anyone. Take the classes, suck up as much travel knowledge as you can..but find a legitimate host who will pay you more then 70% commissions, will provide E & O, and will let you LEARN withoutnickel and diming you for everything.

[findthemouse]

TravelQueen, I and no one in MLM is trying to get rid of you or any travel agents. You have your niche and you are needed and always will be needed. There will always be a percentage people that want a travel agent involved but for the majority of us going to the computer and doing it ourselves is easier.
Its not MLM that killed or is killing your business, its Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz. You know you can't get rid of them so you attack MLM. As hard as it is for you to admit it, MLM travel agencies could grow as big or bigger then the big three mentioned above. Why? Because word of mouth advertising works and people buy from people they know.

What great news is YTB Getting? Your the expert not me. Law Suit in Sept.? From what I have gathered in my research it looks like things are about to be shaken up. But hey what do I know. I don't listen to the lies and rumours out there I actually go out and get facts for myself.

I am not in this industry to be a travel agent. I am in this industry to point people to my website so they can book their own travel. Yes I have taken several classes, called several suppliers on behalf of people and even booked a small group cruise. So while I can do everything you can I for the most part choose to promote my website and have people do their own booking.

Go ahead MLM nickle and dime me to death. It was my decision to join and I get paid for what I do. The more I produce the more I will earn.

MLM people, It is time to stand up against these cowards who aim to destroy your business and your dreams. We no longer need to tolerate their lies and attacks on our business. It is time to unite. They are trying to destroy your company. Take a stand and don't let it happen.Edited by: findthemouse

[Utopia]

Monday February 9, 2009



<DIV style="PADDING-RIGHT: 30px; PADDING-LEFT: 30px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 30px; PADDING-TOP: 30px">
A Letter From the Presidents
<STRONG style="FONT-WEIGHT: 400">Dear [/b]<STRONG style="FONT-WEIGHT: 400">Rovia Leisure Travel Consultant,[/b]
As you know, when it comes to our field of network marketing and travel, we really don't have any competition. Our business model is dramatically and purposefully different from those attempted by any other company. Our DreamTrips Membership program is one-of-a-kind and our Leisure Travel Consultant program is by far the most robust home-based, host agency business opportunity in the country, especially now with the launch of Rovia. All of that being said, here are a few things you you need to know and understand.
Previous companies in our field have been labeled "Card Mills" because they had a program offering a plastic card that allowed anyone, for a fee, to instantly call themselves a "Travel Agent" or "Referring Travel Agent." In fact, when WorldVentures originally launched its host agency model we used similar terminology and even provided a card for those who had completed our education curriculum. However, the travel industry as a whole has changed considerably. Most vendors no longer honor these RTA cards and in fact frown upon the use of them.
In an effort to maintain our outstanding relationships with these vendors and the entire travel industry, we've done some very key things:
1. We no longer have an RTA card. We even changed our terminology to more accurately reflect the LTC's role in the travel industry.
2. We no longer have a verification letter for RTAs or LTCs or provide direct use of our IATAN number.
3. You DO have the ability to access other travel industry benefits upon qualification for CLIA credentials, which Rovia will guide you in obtaining (see your LTC back office for details).
4. You CAN learn and earn your way up to full IATAN certification through Rovia.
5. Our host agency model is now fully realized and travel can even be searched and booked at a discount if you're an LTC. (Your Rovia website provides great deals on FAM rates, hotels, vacation packages, Hotel Getaways and distressed inventory.)
As we grow into a billion dollar travel giant, the relationships with the travel industry, vendors, and agencies are critically important to this success. We cannot achieve our goals if we have programs being promoted and used in the wrong manner.
Moving forward, here's what we are asking from you:
-We must insist that all WorldVentures LTCs cease the use of any old RTA cards or verification letters.
-We ask that you no longer use the OLD WorldVentures IATAN number associated with the old program.
-Finally, do NOT contact ANY hotel, car rental agency or any other type of travel agency requesting a travel agent discount or upgrade.
This will ensure we stay out of harm's way where others in our industry have failed. We want nothing more than to continue to stay in the good graces of the travel industry as a whole.
Important note:
On the front page of Friday's USA TODAY, the headline story is "Hotel Guests Find Upside to Economic Downturn." The article discusses that room occupancy is down and hotel chains are doing everything they can to compete with one another, including giving people upgrades once they get on site. Even though the economy is down and less hotel rooms are being booked this is affecting hotel chains and forcing them to cut costs, instead of service. They're doing everything in their power to keep retention so that you continue to come back.
This means good news for all of us; prices are down, which we're finding for you through Rovia, and once you get there, the hotels are going out of their way to take care of you. So ask for an upgrade, just DON'T use our old credentials thinking you can get it based on having a WorldVentures card or number. You don't need it, they're going out of their way to make you feel at home anyway.
Thank you for your understanding in this manner.

Sincerely,
Robert Oblon
President, WorldVentures
Mike Putman
President, Rovia

[TravelQueen]

Where did you see me put at any point that MLM or the web was killing my business. It certainly has not on either front. I use the internet on a daily basis as a travel agent, and have been thankful for the tools at hand. Not every client can go online and book their own travel. Certainly not the clients I have on my desk right now. Word of mouth advertising has always been around, this is nothing new. Agencies have been doing this for decades. The big 3 are still well behind 2 of the largest agencies in the world...and yet I do not see their commercials plastering my TV either. People book travel when they know they will be handled with service if something goes wrong. Maybe your company is different...but other MLM's simply point their client to the supplier when this happens. Just the other day I had a cancelled flight for a client due to bad weather..the line at the counter was lines deep, the 800 number for the carriers was a minimum 1 hour wait. Client called me, I changed in system, issued exchange..he was on his way. XYZ's client is now sitting on hold with the airlines because he cannot get his RTA on the phone, and was given the airlines # instead. Great service...makes you want to come back and pay them more money for my next vacation...doubtful! Would you? Honestly?

I do not follow YTB's constant BS. Last I heard the court date was scheduled for Sept, they went to court in January and were given a Sept hearing. If that changes..who cares. They still cannot sell 2 of 3 largest cruise lines, and have been dumped by other suppliers. They are still known as a huge scam when googled. That alone would make me not want to work for a company. What does that say to your prospective client? Do you really think they want to hand you over money reading that?

Your obviously bitter yourself. Take a stand against the cowards and liars..? WTH is that. Simply because we do not agree on a subject resorts to name calling. Wasn't it you who was talking truths about your own company Traverus not long ago.? Whos the better MLM...Traverus fights with YTB, WV thinks their better then both...Joystar thought they were the creme dela creme..look where that got them. Whos right..whos wrong..whos better....WHO CARES!

I refuse to argue the same case over and over. You obviously have your opinions, as we have ours. The suppliers are also starting to see the same thing. Maybe you will survive, maybe not. I do not wish anyone to loose their jobs...especially in this economy...but I certainly will not come on this forum and belittle someonefor stating their opinions on a industry they love and and have worked hard in and do not want to see tarnished by "anyone who can write a check" to hop onboard the next new travel MLM.

[TravelQueen]

[quote=Utopia]


Great Utopia. Now if you could only get your company to send out a mass to tell your people to stop spamming the other forums. Craiglist has become an infestation, &amp; Linked-in is now banning Rovia members for spamming the travel groups.

Some of them are starting to act like another MLM company...one that's really not so popular in the industry. I'm sure you guys do not want that.

Just IMO