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Why become a VTC?
When you become an ARC Verified Travel Consultant (VTC), you can take advantage of your own unique ARC number, gain access to some of the most innovative products and services in the industry, and obtain the credentials you need to take your business to the next level.
If you would like to learn more, visit www.arccorp.com/joinvtc.
If you would like to learn more, visit www.arccorp.com/joinvtc.
I would like to have an VTC ID card with my photo on it. Betty Badanowski
ReplyDeleteI do agree to having an VTC ID Card with photo on it. Also an annual educational seminar.
ReplyDeleteSho Fujikawa
I would like ARC to provide to suppliers FREE OF CHARGE agency listings.
ReplyDeleteEvery time my agency moves locations, I lose untold amounts in commissions because checks are sent to old addresss and eventually not forwarded. All because ARC charges suppliers (our ARC dues should cover this listing) and suppliers do not want to pay for it, and of course, there is an incentive for the checks NOT to reach the agencies.
Hi Icon, I'm not sure how often you move locations, but it is in the agency's best interest to notify the supplier directly of this move so there is no hiccup with respect to commission distribution. As I'm sure you know, supplier operations vary. That stated, even if we did provide the agency list file to all suppliers at no cost, there is no guarantee that they would insert or load their respective systems in a timely manner. Some suppliers load on the weekly basis, some on the monthly or quarterly basis.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your feedback and I'll take your comments into consideration. And if you do change addresses, please be sure to notify us because we have no way of knowing where you are next and for those suppliers who do subscribe to the list...they won't know either.
Best,
Chris
VTC Program Manager
I, too, would like a Photo ID. Many vendors and hotels will not allow participation in fam trips or hotel stays without an industry photo ID like IATAN. ARC/VTC needs to have these agreements with all vendors and hotels for their members.
ReplyDeleteI say "ditto" to the ID card. I having been trying to decide if it would be worth paying the $165 to IATAN for a card because I do travel a lot. What other options do we have in order to have an ID card showing that we're actually working travel consultants?
ReplyDeleteHi All, the ID Card is something that has been discussed within ARC, the Program's Advisory Board, and various agencies. The conclusion is that there is no conclusion. Some folks "need" it, some folks consider it a "nice to have" and some folks find "zero value" in it. I've received various opinions and interesting feedback on the topic, and here are a few:
ReplyDelete"I take several FAMs and trips a year so I need it."
"I have an IATAN card, have booked TA rates, and have never been asked to present my card."
"Well, I only take maybe 1 FAM a year so it's not necessary for me to absorb an additional expense of another membership, plus the cost of card."
"I've had it for 13 years and haven't used it once."
"If I'm out of the office taking FAMs, I'm not in the office selling, so I don't need the card...period."
"If I sell enough of my suppliers (or their competitors), my suppliers will find a way to accommodate me."
Mixed, huh? It's just so difficult to gauge the actual demand for an ID Card. It is easy for me to say for every one person who would like to see an ARC VTC ID Card, there are five people who have no need or opinion on the topic. And it's also difficult to gauge whether or not those who "need" it, actually do "need" it or if they have been told that they "need" it or should have it. The conclusion is...no conclusion. But I will continue to consider our options and opportunities.
@mom4nikki, I think the last quote listed above answers your question about showing a supplier that you're a working travel consultant. I know I may make it sound easier than it may be, but I can I tell you that there are successful agents out there who have benefited without an ID Card - and their businesses, too (more importantly).
I appreciate your comments and feedback and encourage you to continue to offer your thoughts. Please feel free to post on this blog or share your feedback to me directly at cflores@arccorp.com.
Keep visiting www.arcmarketplace.com for your clients' activities, pre/posts, and visa/passport services (to name a few), and be sure to stay on top of your service fees through ARC's Agent's Choice.
Thanks,
Chris Flores
VTC Program Manager