Making the Most of Membership in Travel and Tourism Organizations

Join tourism organizations to help your career as a travel agent soar

Becoming a member of one or two tourism organizations or travel associations is an invaluable way to grow your agency or expand your volume and clientele. As an added bonus, making the most of membership in travel and tourism organizations can enhance your reputation with your clients. They will recognize you are well-learned in industry essentials and connected as a result of these affiliations.

Whether your interest lies in overseas travel and you join international tourism organizations, or you are looking for something more specific to travel in your area and join local councils for travel, membership in these organizations can serve you throughout your career. Still not sure that membership in a travel and tourism organization is right for you? Consider the three ways below to make the most of your affiliation:

1. Learn more about a specific region or a niche tourism market via travel organizations membership.

2. Network with industry peers and potential mentors at events sponsored by travel industry organizations.

3. Learn shared sales and marketing strategies to enhance your business via travel association newsletters.

Join international tourism organizations to help create a niche for yourself as an area expert

Want to become a niche expert for travel to a specific part of the globe? Would you like to be considered a go-to person for arranging travel of a certain kind, whether it be adventure tours or all-inclusive resorts? Then join a travel association that can help you do just that.

Attend events sponsored by tourism organizations to network with peers and potential mentors

The value of meeting others in the industry to share ideas with, or to learn from, cannot be overestimated. Attending events sponsored by the organizations you have joined offers you the opportunity to learn about segments of your industry while networking with others.

Sign up for newsletters authored by travel organizations to learn new marketing and sales strategies

Many travel organizations include as a membership benefit a subscription to online and print newsletters. These contain a wealth of industry specific news as well as information about trends and trade buzz.

Be sure to advertise your membership with travel and tourism organizations on any business cards, websites or literature you or your agency produce. These affiliations can work to enhance your reputation as an expert in the field and as someone that is connected in the industry.