FAQs
Interested in learning what it means to be a travel advisor? Find out below!
What is a Travel Agency?
Palmhera Travel Group is a Travel Agency. A Travel Agency is a business that helps travelers of various kinds plan and book their travel arrangements.
What is a Consortia?
A consortia is a collective of Host Agencies, Travel Advisors, and Travel Agencies that contribute to various resources, marketing material, etc. in order to expand their notability in the Travel Industry. Being a member of a consortia offers benefits like increased commissions with preferred suppliers, industry networking opportunities, bonus amenities for clients, training opportunities, and more! Palmhera Travel Group is a member of the Travel Leaders Network consortia.
What is E&O Insurance? Does Palmhera Travel Group Provide E&O Insurance coverage?
E&O (Errors & Ommissions) Insurance is a general liability insurance policy for Travel Advisors. These policies are held to protect the Travel Advisor in the event of a mistake or failure to disclose certain information costing the client a loss of money. These policies kick in to cover the cost of these mistakes so they do not come out of the Advisor’s pocket. (Based on specific policy coverage, deductible, aggregate, etc.) Yes. Independent Contractors (Travel Advisors) under Palmhera Travel Group are covered by a general E&O insurance policy agency-wide. However, all Advisors are held to the restraints of the same deductible and aggregate limits of the one policy. Because of this, we require each Advisor purchase their own additional E&O policy so they are covered with a deductible and aggregate they are comfortable with. For questions regarding Palmhera Travel Group’s E&O Policy, please contact us. For more information on your own E&O insurance policy, speak with your Insurance Company or Legal Representative.
What is Lead Generation?
Lead Generation refers to a manner in which an Advisor receives client leads (website forms, trade shows, community outreach, etc.) Palmhera Travel Group offers an online lead generation program through our consortia partner.
How much money can I make as a Travel Advisor?
Depending on the amount of time and effort you put into your Travel Business, you can make a wide variety of income. Based on a 2023 survey by Host Agency Reviews, a group of full-time, experienced Advisors under a Host Agency made an average of $60,146 in one year. (https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/hosted-travel-advisor-report-2023). Based on the product type and volume you sell, your income can drastically increase or decrease. The more work you put in, the more you make!
Are there any prerequisites or education requirements needed to be a Travel Advisor?
No! There is no degree, certification, or training required before becoming a Travel Advisor with Palmhera Travel Group! Just bring your willingness to learn and commitment to yourself and your new business.
Do I need any prior experience in the travel industry to be a Travel Advisor?
No, Palmhera Travel Group hosts Travel Advisors both new and experienced.
Does Palmhera Travel Group offer full-time employment positions of benefits?
At this time, we do not offer any full-time positions or benefits. Our Travel Advisors are treated as their own business, paid as commission-based, Independent Contractors. They receive an IRS 1099 tax form at the end of the year.
Do I have to live in a certain state to be a Travel Advisor under Palmhera Travel Group?
At this time, we can host Travel Advisors that reside in all US states except for Florida, Hawaii, and Washington due to state Seller of Travel laws. If you live in the states of Florida, Hawaii, or Washington, please contact us for the most current information on our Seller of Travel licensure. International residents: At this time, we can only host US residents.
How much does it cost to be a Travel Advisor with Palmhera Travel Group?
To join Palmhera Travel Group, you will be charged a one-time $99 start-up fee. After that, you will be charged $69 monthly for agency fees. See our Membership page for details.
Why do you charge a Start-up Fee?
All memberships require a one-time $99 start-up fee. This is to cover the cost of the required background check, back office work, and accounting setup.
What is the application process like? What do I need to apply?
First, you will fill out an application here, then one of our Team Members will reach out to you to help answer any questions and review the Onboarding Process together within 48 business hours. You will be required to complete a background check (required for compliance purposes), agree to and sign our Advisor Agreement, and provide a form of payment to keep on file to process monthly membership payments. Once the background check is completed (usually 24-36 hours), you will be given access to your Advisor Portal with resources and training modules, along with your Supplier logins to start making bookings right away! To apply, you must have the following: *US Citizenship *Government issued ID *Be 18 years of age or older *Social security number (for background check) *Reside in any state except Florida, Washington, and Hawaii (Contact Us for details if you live in one of these states)
Does Palmhera Travel Group have GDS Capability?
At this time, we do not offer direct GDS access. But, we offer programs that connect directly to GDS platforms through our Consortia partner.
Why should I choose Palmhera Travel Group over other Travel Agencies?
Palmhera Travel Group is run by a small team of passionate individuals with experience in the Travel Industry. All Advisor Support, Training/Mentoring, and Resource Availability is compiled/run by a local team of humans (no bots or outsourcing). Our staff prioritizes ease of access to tools and training, quick response times, and Advisor success! Your success is our success.
Will I have access to get my own IATAN or CLIA card?
Once you have earned $5,000 in commissions, you will be eligible to apply for your own IATAN or CLIA card (at an additional cost paid to the accrediting company).
Does Palmhera Travel Group have a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) structure?
Palmhera Travel Group is not an MLM.