Marriott International provides a beneficial program for accredited travel agencies, allowing them to earn enhanced commissions. This initiative, known as the Preferred Travel Agency (PTA) program, offers a significant advantage: a 10% commission on all transient commissionable bookings across Marriott’s extensive global brand portfolio. Established in 1999, the PTA program is designed to reward and recognize the valuable contributions of travel professionals.
To qualify for Marriott’s Preferred Travel Agency program and secure the higher 10% commission rate, agencies must meet specific criteria. Firstly, an agency owner or manager is required to electronically agree to the program’s commitment terms. Secondly, the agency needs to have at least one qualified travel advisor associated with each IATA/ARC/IATAN/TIDS/CLIA number they hold.
Becoming a qualified advisor involves several key steps. Each advisor must be a member of the Marriott Bonvoy® loyalty program. They also need to create or update their MI Partner Privileges profile, ensuring their information is current and accurate. Furthermore, advisors are required to complete the Hotel Excellence! Core training, along with the most recent Continuing Education modules. For travel advisors linked to a US-based IATA/IATAN or CLIA location, it’s essential to have a valid IATA/IATAN VER# or CLIA EMBARC ID registered on their profile.
Agencies that do not meet these outlined criteria will receive Marriott’s standard commission rate of 8%. The opportunity to earn the preferred 10% commission becomes available as soon as the agency fulfills all the PTA program requirements. It’s important to note that commissions are paid prospectively from the date of compliance, and rebates are not permitted under this program.
Marriott also implements a Ratio Policy concerning industry discount rates, including Fam-Tastic, Plan-Tastic, and Travel Agent rates. This policy stipulates that the total room nights booked under these Industry Discount Rates by a single ARC/IATA/TIDS/CLIA location over a three-month period should not exceed one-third of the total room nights booked in aggregate by that location during the same timeframe. Locations found to be in violation of this Ratio Policy will be notified and may face temporary restrictions on booking Industry Discount Rates for their associated travel advisors and meeting professionals. Marriott retains sole discretion in decisions regarding Ratio Policy violations, including suspensions and the reinstatement process for accessing Industry Discount Rates.
