For travel professionals aiming to enhance their earnings and provide exceptional value to their clients, understanding Marriott Travel Agent Rates is crucial. Marriott International offers a dedicated program designed to reward and recognize the contributions of travel agencies: the Preferred Travel Agency (PTA) program. This initiative ensures that accredited agencies receive a higher commission rate for bookings across Marriott’s extensive global portfolio.
Established in 1999, the Marriott Preferred Travel Agency program aims to foster strong partnerships with travel agencies. By meeting specific criteria, agencies can unlock preferred commission rates, directly impacting their profitability. The program hinges on two main requirements: agency commitment and qualified travel advisors. Firstly, an agency owner or manager must formally agree to the PTA program’s terms and conditions electronically. This signifies the agency’s dedication to the partnership and understanding of the program’s guidelines.
Secondly, and equally important, is the requirement for qualified travel advisors within each agency location holding an IATA/ARC/IATAN/TIDS/CLIA number. For an advisor to be considered qualified, they need to fulfill several key steps. They must be a member of Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott’s renowned loyalty program. Furthermore, advisors are required to create or update their MI Partner Privileges profile, ensuring their details are current within Marriott’s system. Professional development is also emphasized, with advisors needing to complete the Hotel Excellence! Core training and the latest Continuing Education modules. For advisors associated with US-based IATA/IATAN or CLIA locations, a valid IATA/IATAN VER# or CLIA EMBARC ID on their profile is mandatory.
Agencies that meet these stipulated criteria are granted Marriott’s Preferred commission, currently set at 10% for all transient commissionable bookings made throughout Marriott’s worldwide brands. This represents a significant advantage over the standard commission rate of 8%, which is applied to agencies that do not fulfill the PTA program requirements. It’s important to note that the preferred commission rate becomes effective from the date the agency successfully meets all the outlined criteria. Moreover, it is explicitly stated that rebates are not permitted within this program structure.
Understanding Marriott’s Ratio Policy for Travel Agent Discounts
Beyond standard and preferred commission rates, Marriott travel agent rates also encompass industry discount rates, often referred to as Fam-Tastic, Plan-Tastic, and Travel Agent rates. These discounted rates are a valuable perk for travel professionals, allowing them to experience Marriott properties firsthand. However, Marriott implements a Ratio Policy to ensure fair usage of these benefits.
The Ratio Policy dictates that the total number of room nights booked at these Industry Discount Rates by an individual 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 within the same timeframe. This policy is designed to balance the benefits of industry discounts with the overall booking volume generated by the agency. Locations found to be in violation of the Ratio Policy will receive a notification. Subsequently, access to Industry Discount Rates for all travel advisors associated with that location will be suspended until the location demonstrates compliance. Marriott retains sole discretion in all decisions related to Ratio Policy violations, including suspensions and the reinstatement of access to Industry Discount Rates. For detailed information regarding the Ratio Policy, travel professionals can refer to the official Ratio Policy document.
By understanding and adhering to both the Preferred Travel Agency program criteria and the Ratio Policy, travel agencies can effectively leverage Marriott travel agent rates to maximize their commission earnings and responsibly utilize industry discount benefits, fostering a mutually beneficial partnership with Marriott International.
