It was recently brought to my attention that VTCs are no longer being recognized by Marriott’s Travel Agent portal site. I want to let my VTC friends know that we are actively engaged in conversations with Marriott on the matter. Unfortunately I am not at liberty to share specifics, but my obvious goal here is to secure a meaningful relationship between ARC and Marriott, where VTCs can thrive.
I will share as much new information as I possibly can as soon as I have it. Hang tight!
Chris Flores
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Thanks for being upfront with this issue, Chris. I can tell you that as an agent who also uses a TRUE number to book travel for my clients, I am waiting not-so-patiently for Marriott to change their minds about this issue. And Marriott was the reason that I decided to give VTC a try. When I joined in the fall, Marriott was accepting the VTC-ARC number.
ReplyDeleteThere MUST be a better way for the industry to evaluate the validity of each travel agency. Perhaps it is as simple as requiring to show a business bank account and evidence of either E&O insurance or host agency affiliation. As a veteran travel seller, I have no secrets! I would gladly open my books to show my travel sales volume, if that is what they require. Who are they to decide that I am not a qualified travel seller? And why, oh why, should IATA have a stronghold on the industry when the airlines are no longer a player in my world, other than being the weak link in the travel business that I know. It is out of principle that I do not jump through the hoops that have been in place for years. My agency volume would MORE than qualify me to an IATAN number, but I choose not to jump!
Please, Marriott, you MUST come up with another criteria other than "That's the way it's always been". Until then, know that I book Hilton, Hyatt, and all other companies before even considering one of yours. How sad, as I hear you have a great product to offer my clients! Not that I would know...you don't offer me a chance to stay at a travel agent rate.
Bobbie Murphy, MCC
Bobbie's Travel, LTD.
(Chris Flores posted on behalf of Bobbie Murphy)
Hi Chris...
ReplyDeleteI'm in agreement with Bobbie..i.e. I became a VTC to enable me to book with Marriott. Upon approval and implementation of my VTC number, I discovered that Marriott no longer honors it. What a huge disappointment!
Unfortunately, I continue to find myself in the position of booking Marriott's competitors given their stance. An interesting example of loss of business for Marriott...I have a group of consultants who hold quarterly meetings in a variety of cities. I identify a property and then set up their meeting space, f&b and lodging accomodations. Twice now the clients have wanted to evaluate Marriott but I've steered them to a Hilton in one case and a Westin in the other case. Marriott's loss has been their competitor's gain!
Given the range of Marriott's properties, I'm hopeful that they'll change their position.
Thanks much for your help in reversing their decision.
Janice Fitzpatrick