How to Verify a Travel Agent’s Credentials

How do you verify the qualifications of an Abu Dhabi travel agent? There are several ways to do so, including the Verified Travel Consultant (VTC) program. Membership in ASTA and IATA accreditation are also important criteria to look for. The travel agent should be able to provide a recommendation letter from their previous employer and documentation of their employment. You can also check their social media accounts to see if their previous clients post any recent comments.

ARC’s Verified Travel Consultant program:

ARC’s Verified Travel Consultant (VTC) program recognizes agents who have passed an in-person interview and completed the application process. After the application is reviewed, an ARC specialist will contact the agency owner to schedule an interview. Once the interview has taken place, the application process can take anywhere from 10 to 90 days. The VTC program is an excellent option for independent travel agencies that do not have any branches or don’t book air much but still want to be recognized by suppliers.

IATA accreditation:

While the process of IATA accreditation is complicated, the benefits outweigh the costs. This award helps you distinguish yourself from competitors and gain credibility in the travel industry. If you’re a newbie in the industry, you may wonder if you should get this accreditation. If you’re interested in earning this award, you should read the steps below. There are many benefits of IATA accreditation for travel agents. This accreditation is valid for three years.

Membership in ASTA:

The ASTA logo on a travel agent’s website may indicate that they are a serious, ethical, and experienced travel agent. While an ASTA logo does not indicate a high-quality travel agent, it indicates that the travel agent has agreed to adhere to a code of ethics. If the travel agent is not a member of ASTA, it’s still worth asking.

ARC’s TRUE Code:

One of the best ways to verify a travel agent is to use the ARC’s TRUE Code. This code recognizes reputable travel agencies and is a useful resource for boutique and niche travelers. However, independent travel agencies are not required to use it. This accreditation is based on the IATA’s Outside Sales Support Network and was developed to benefit independent travel agents. It allows travel agents to receive commissions directly from airlines and other suppliers and be recognized as legitimate travel sellers. ARC, like IATA, is a respected travel industry cooperative.