It is very important that you ask the right questions to the Consortia before taking a decision. Once you are clear with the thoughts it becomes easy to progress. But before moving further let’s give you a brief idea about consortia if at all you are new to the concept.
Concept of Consortia:
Consortia is referred to an organisation consisting of independent travel agents and agencies that join forces and combine resources to increase their industry footprint including buying potential, benefits & commission levels.
Imagine your agency as a light source. One light source may not produce enough radiance, but a group of light sources together will provide better and brighter illumination. To be precise, it is impossible to deny the power of a strong community.
Questions to ask a Consortia
1. What is your vision?
The vision should talk about uniform growth of quality network and its development across all the countries with equal opportunities for all the members. Such vision of a consortia will always support your business.
2. What are the programs that you offer?
Look for the programs that substantiate your clients’ needs, create unique experiences and adds value towards client retention.
3. Does it offer booking tools & other IT applications?
The world needs digitalisation and every corporate prefers agencies who can provide them with a self-booking tool and has basic IT applications which can make their travel hassle – free. Developing all these robust IT-Tools sometimes might take a lot of money and time, however a Consortia has all these ready.
4. Do they have preferred supplier deals?
The basic benefit one gets while joining a Consortia is the preferred supplier deal. Every Consortia has different sets of preferred suppliers with super deals. A good consortia should have different range of suppliers from Air to Hotel, Cars, GDS, Tour Operators, Website Technology Providers etc.
5. What is the commission structure from your preferred suppliers?
With the right consortia the margins can be bigtime. An international brand can generate manifold benefits from the suppliers.
6. Do you offer training programs and workshops?
An international network will keep you updated with current trends and advancements through webinars and other training programs. It is good to keep a track and stay ahead with knowledge.
7. Do you organise FAM trips or educational travel?
You would like to get associated with a consortia that plans your growth. With FAM trips and educational travels, you can transmit the international culture in your own organisation.
8. Do you conduct national and international conferences?
These conferences help in exchanging ideas, sharing of knowledge and creating business opportunities. No doubt, they will help you earn more revenues.
9. How involved is the management?
The right people would take interest in your goals and objectives and help you to achieve that.
10.What is the size of the network?
A big, international network will support you in many ways.
The above questions will clarify your thoughts on joining a Consortia or remaining as a stand-alone entity in this dynamic travel industry. Moreover, it is always wise to clear your doubts before taking a major decision and if you are still perplexed then we are always there to help.
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