WDW Travel Specialist

[glenpreece]

I've been off the boards for a very long time. I have had quite the year and not in a good way. Without going into too much detail I have decided to re-examine things. I want to work for Disney but since the only avenues I have for that is either International exchange (tried and failed both times) or the disney store (was CP when i worked there) I have decided to go back to school and try to become a travel agent of sorts. Anyone have any advice what course I should take? I will still work full time but want to actually start my business or join an existing travel agency eventually. I have helped a few families this year with their travel plans and really think this is what i want to do for the rest of my life. Any advice or tips would be helpful.
Thanks
Glen

[Wrigley]

I've been contemplating doing the same thing! I actually came across a program that our community college now offers online. It is a travel and tourism program that consists of 3 different sections that lasts 16 weeks each. One of the sections was teaching you how to run a travel agency out of your home. The main thing that interested me was being able to do it online in my own time. The only time I would have to go to campus is to get my books. I'm really thinking about doing this. Maybe a community college in your area offers the same thing?

[Disneytravels]

The only ways you can book for Disney is working directly in Disney - Tampa and Orlando OR
Having a Travel agency that you work for and then they book through Disney Travel company.
OR
Becoming a Home-based Independant Contractor through a host agency that books through again.. Disney travel company.

There are many different host agencies out there make sure you do your homework on the commissions you will be getting and what fees you may have to pay to sign up and/or yearly.

The only thing about taking college course is they don't actually teach you to BOOK a trip.

When you become a travel agent there are a lot of the vendores who give you course to take on them for free. Disney Travel Company is one of them. Once you have taken them you are a Disney Specialist.

.

Good luck and DO your homework. :)
Don't get ripped off... I have heard of poeple only getting 50% of their commissions and then STILL having to pay for a yearly contract fee. The average commissions for Travel agents are 60-80% depending on agency.

]

[Tink1]

I've been off the boards for a very long time. I have had quite the year and not in a good way. Without going into too much detail I have decided to re-examine things. I want to work for Disney but since the only avenues I have for that is either International exchange (tried and failed both times) or the disney store (was CP when i worked there) I have decided to go back to school and try to become a travel agent of sorts. Anyone have any advice what course I should take? I will still work full time but want to actually start my business or join an existing travel agency eventually. I have helped a few families this year with their travel plans and really think this is what i want to do for the rest of my life. Any advice or tips would be helpful.
Thanks
Glen

Hi Glen

Since you are in Ontario, you are going to have to check out TICO. There are very strict laws in Ontario when it comes to being a travel agent. This is NOT a bad thing! I wish there were stricter laws in place here, many people think you can just hang a shingle and you're a travel agent. I worked hard and took course after course to get my certifications.


I know very little about the Canadian laws, just that they exist.

If you google Travel Industry Council of Ontario their webpage has info;

The Travel Industry Council of Ontario is an organization mandated by the Ontario Government to administer the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002, which governs approximately 3,000 travel retailers and travel wholesalers registered in Ontario.

Nanci

[glenpreece]

Hi Glen

Since you are in Ontario, you are going to have to check out TICO. There are very strict laws in Ontario when it comes to being a travel agent. This is NOT a bad thing! I wish there were stricter laws in place here, many people think you can just hang a shingle and you're a travel agent. I worked hard and took course after course to get my certifications.


I know very little about the Canadian laws, just that they exist.

If you google Travel Industry Council of Ontario their webpage has info;

The Travel Industry Council of Ontario is an organization mandated by the Ontario Government to administer the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002, which governs approximately 3,000 travel retailers and travel wholesalers registered in Ontario.

Nanci

Thanks I totally forgot about TICO.