Behind Closed Doors...
We see and hear all too often how Travel MLM’s are hurting the travel industry from the Travel Agents and Host Agencies themselves. Trade Associations have popped up in increasing numbers over the last few years in an attempt to combat the pariah known as YTB. There are other Travel MLM’s, but the focus for all the problems in the industry has landed squarely on the shoulders of YTB. They all have a unified message of ridding the industry of the unprofessional likes of…
Well…me.
Somehow they have this perception that because I associate and work with a Travel MLM that I damage their reputation as a Travel Professional. I’ve seen these folks do and say just about anything to warn you that I’m up to no good, my only interest is picking your pocket by recruiting you, and I couldn’t possibly have any interest in selling and servicing travel.
If you happen to be one of the ones reading this making those claims about me, I would argue that you are doing an outstanding job of damaging your own reputation and you certainly don’t need any help from me in that regard.
We also hear all too often that suppliers are cutting YTB off left and right. They hate us in much the same way they do. The vendors and suppliers appear to side with these overzealous Travel Agents and also want to rid the industry of our like.
I had an interesting post sent to me last week, and while I know very little about this individual, his quote speaks volumes about how the suppliers really feel about YTB but more importantly how they feel about these overzealous Agents and what they REALLY want to tell them.
Responses to this individual’s complaining to his employer were as follows:
"The MLMs don't bring in enough business to worry about them."
"We don't treat them the same way as our traditional agencies."
"We will take their bookings (money) and supply them our product."
"Stop worrying about them."
"You are not to discuss the MLMs with the agents or agencies."
Of course these answers from the overzealous employee aren’t what he wants to hear and this cat can’t seem to get out of his own way to relieve his fears and misconceptions about Network Marketing. Thus you find this employee hanging out on a forum with other zealots that support his views. All while the employer remains unaware the employee refuses to abide by the employers wishes.
I’ve heard for a number of years that suppliers and vendors would cut YTB off. It wasn’t until last year, almost to the day, that one supplier decided to side with PATH (Professional Association of Travel Hosts) and terminate its relationship with the largest of the Travel MLM’s. Other than Royal Caribbean, I’m only aware of a Perillo Tours and another company called Celtic Tours, both of which never really did any business with YTB to begin with. (Neither were listed in our back office as a supplier.)
I find it difficult to terminate a relationship when there wasn’t a relationship to begin with, but that’s just me.
As I look back at the one public company who did side with the overzealous Agent Associations and this termination, the VP of Sales was moved over to Hotel Services, and shares of RCL stock has fallen from $42.24 this time last year to a 7 year low of $14.00 at the close of business Friday.
Not a very auspicious move for the company.
During this same period of time we have seen another cruise line come up with a very solid solution in minimum booking requirements concerning FAMs while maintaining its relationship with the 26th largest travel company in the country.
If you take a look at Carnival, they just announced they’ll be dropping their fuel surcharges moving forward, and provided a HUGE jump in Net Income for its 3rd Quarter results.
Hmmmmmmm, interesting.
I’m well aware of all the personal views and opinions that are circulating out there on the Internet about YTB and Network Marketing in general. Fortunately for the vast majority of the suppliers and vendors out there it’s not personal.
Its business.
For the overzealous and obsessed agents out there that read this blog on a regular basis, you may want to take note of how obnoxious YOU appear to the suppliers and vendors you’re attempting to recruit to your side. Based on how few have actually pulled the trigger and terminated their relationship with YTB and other travel MLM’s it appears that your concerns and misgivings about YOUR industry are falling of deaf ears.
While I’m sure they take the time to listen to you, and provide the lip service you’re looking for, behind closed doors they only care about their bottom line.
Don’t they?
Well…me.
Somehow they have this perception that because I associate and work with a Travel MLM that I damage their reputation as a Travel Professional. I’ve seen these folks do and say just about anything to warn you that I’m up to no good, my only interest is picking your pocket by recruiting you, and I couldn’t possibly have any interest in selling and servicing travel.If you happen to be one of the ones reading this making those claims about me, I would argue that you are doing an outstanding job of damaging your own reputation and you certainly don’t need any help from me in that regard.
We also hear all too often that suppliers are cutting YTB off left and right. They hate us in much the same way they do. The vendors and suppliers appear to side with these overzealous Travel Agents and also want to rid the industry of our like.
I had an interesting post sent to me last week, and while I know very little about this individual, his quote speaks volumes about how the suppliers really feel about YTB but more importantly how they feel about these overzealous Agents and what they REALLY want to tell them.
Responses to this individual’s complaining to his employer were as follows:
"The MLMs don't bring in enough business to worry about them."
"We don't treat them the same way as our traditional agencies."
"We will take their bookings (money) and supply them our product."
"Stop worrying about them."
"You are not to discuss the MLMs with the agents or agencies."
Of course these answers from the overzealous employee aren’t what he wants to hear and this cat can’t seem to get out of his own way to relieve his fears and misconceptions about Network Marketing. Thus you find this employee hanging out on a forum with other zealots that support his views. All while the employer remains unaware the employee refuses to abide by the employers wishes.
I’ve heard for a number of years that suppliers and vendors would cut YTB off. It wasn’t until last year, almost to the day, that one supplier decided to side with PATH (Professional Association of Travel Hosts) and terminate its relationship with the largest of the Travel MLM’s. Other than Royal Caribbean, I’m only aware of a Perillo Tours and another company called Celtic Tours, both of which never really did any business with YTB to begin with. (Neither were listed in our back office as a supplier.)
I find it difficult to terminate a relationship when there wasn’t a relationship to begin with, but that’s just me.
As I look back at the one public company who did side with the overzealous Agent Associations and this termination, the VP of Sales was moved over to Hotel Services, and shares of RCL stock has fallen from $42.24 this time last year to a 7 year low of $14.00 at the close of business Friday.
Not a very auspicious move for the company.
During this same period of time we have seen another cruise line come up with a very solid solution in minimum booking requirements concerning FAMs while maintaining its relationship with the 26th largest travel company in the country.
If you take a look at Carnival, they just announced they’ll be dropping their fuel surcharges moving forward, and provided a HUGE jump in Net Income for its 3rd Quarter results.
Hmmmmmmm, interesting.
I’m well aware of all the personal views and opinions that are circulating out there on the Internet about YTB and Network Marketing in general. Fortunately for the vast majority of the suppliers and vendors out there it’s not personal.
Its business.
For the overzealous and obsessed agents out there that read this blog on a regular basis, you may want to take note of how obnoxious YOU appear to the suppliers and vendors you’re attempting to recruit to your side. Based on how few have actually pulled the trigger and terminated their relationship with YTB and other travel MLM’s it appears that your concerns and misgivings about YOUR industry are falling of deaf ears.
While I’m sure they take the time to listen to you, and provide the lip service you’re looking for, behind closed doors they only care about their bottom line.
Don’t they?
PS - If you’d like to keep up to date with all the latest news, acquisitions, and developments with YTB feel free to sign up for my FREE Newsletter. Just like here, it’s loaded with food, water and sunshine to grow your YTB business.
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Learn How To Become A Travel Agent
Book Your Travel & Vacations With
Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635
Doug & Ronda Bauknight
AKA: TravelPro
Travel Agent / Networker
Phone: 678.458.5812
Learn How To Become A Travel Agent
Book Your Travel & Vacations With
Travel Reservations: 1.800.243.4450
RTA #24635
Labels: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Travel Agent Issues, Travel MLM, YTB
