Here at GTN we are approaching a major business milestone, our 10 year anniversary! With more to come on our anniversary, we decided to begin this celebration by asking our members and partners to share the reasons why they love GTN. There was no shortage of overwhelming support and appreciation for our host agency, partners, and industry as a whole, so let's get into it.

Here are 10 Reasons Why Our Members Love Gifted Travel Network:

1. Our Supportive and Collaborative Community
GTN staff & members aboard Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas during the 2022 GTN Conference.

We are more than just a host agency. We are a community of like-minded travel advisors who share ideas, tips, and experiences with one another and embrace community over competition everyday. Our members are truly the embodiment of a rising tide lifts all boats.

“In real estate, the most valuable metric is location, location, location, but at a host agency, it is culture, culture, culture. The collaboration and support amongst advisors in our community is the silver bullet and goes hand in hand with the educational foundation of GTN," said GTN advisor Stuart Marra of The Opulent Explorer.

"Our clients are worldwide, an enviable difference. We share tips, insights, and experiences on our internal system in discussion groups that pale in comparison to snarky online forums," said Marra.

2. Our Business-Focused Content and Coaching

"GTN covers SO much more than how to book travel. It’s the complete package consisting of business education, mindset training, how-to book travel, and a caring community," said GTN advisor Dianna Hetzel of Mer Bleue Travel.

How we serve our members at the highest level is through our award-winning coaching and mentoring programs: Travel MBA, Accelerate and Top Producers Club which all fall under Travel Business University.

3. Our Partner Relationships

A host agency with well-established partner relationships showcases its credibility in the industry. At GTN, we provide access and status through our hotel-elite programs, preferred partners, and Virtuoso. These strategic relationships add value, VIP perks, and rare access to unique experiences for our advisors to provide their clients, that they could not simply get on their own. Relationships are the key to success!

“I had been with another host agency where I specialized in group cruises, but they didn’t have recognition like Gifted Travel Network and didn’t have relationships with partners. This was a big reason why I came here," said GTN advisor Natalyn Sofola.

4. Our Magellan Award-Winning Travel MBA Program

Education is at the heart of GTN as it is a big part of our story. Our Magellan Award-winning Travel MBA program is designed for new-to-the-industry advisors. This 12-month professional development program teaches you how to build the foundation for your travel business and provides you with marketing education, mentorship, and peer-to-peer collaboration. This program consists of more than just learning how to book travel.

“Not only do they have dedicated mentors for the Travel MBA program, but the continuing educational calls, partner engagement, and other opportunities are ongoing. The network is engaging and collaborative, from the newest agent to the top execs,” said GTN advisor Patricia Castoro of Acacia & Lime Travel.

5. Our Industry Reputation

“One of the things I loved about GTN is that it’s such a cohesive group of agents that really know their stuff when it comes to travel. They are a pleasure to work with and truly one of my favorites when it comes to agents that are dedicated, passionate, and really have a great eye for the types of services that we’re selling.“said Mina Agnos Founder & President of Travelive.

There is a reason why our industry colleagues say there’s something different about GTN and their advisors. Well, the GTN difference truly lies in our dedicated, engaged, and passionate community.  

“I’ve had the privilege of working very closely with GTN for a long time, and have just been blown away by the continued growth and professionalism that they have continued to build upon over the years. Not surprised – but just absolutely impressed. It’s a dynamic organization, and we at AmaWaterways are just absolutely delighted to partner with them,” said Rob Huffman, BDM AmaWaterways.

6. The Opportunity To Attend Industry Events, Hosted Experiences and FAM'S
GTN Chief Executive Officer, Jen Cochrane with a group of GTN advisors on an Aurora Expeditions FAM in Antarctica!

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From the help of our preferred partners, industry connections and brilliant executive team, we have been able to offer amazing opportunities across the world for our network of travel advisors.

"The connections a host agency has and ability to support their ICs when in need is really one of the most important things you can look for when searching for a host. GTN offers training, FAMs, vendor calls, conferences and more; all of which mean you have many opportunities to be well aware of what is the latest happenings in the industry and to better your own agency and goals," said GTN Advisor Lisa Reich of Majestic Getaway.

7. Our Responsiveness

You have a question, we have an answer. We know that even the best of plans can go array, which is why we have a dedicated support system in place to answer your pressing questions and partner escalations.

"I know I have full support from each and every GTN team member...today, tomorrow and always. GTN has provided me all the tools I need to become a luxury travel advisor. I also feel as though I have made lifetime friends. The GTN network is second to none and the partner network is superior," said GTN Advisor Erica Davies of The Well Traveled Soul.

8. We Are Elevated, and Innovative

As the travel industry evolves, so do we. To ensure the success of our advisors remains at the highest caliber, we continuously implement new strategies, resources and technology to maximize their growth. Not to mention, we completely up-leveled our brand in 2022 and recently completed major changes to our membership model for 2023.

"I am delighted and have the honor to work with Gifted Travel Network. I first met them in 2017, and to see the exponential growth that has occurred since I met them is truly remarkable and so in line with the vision of the leadership. I personally have never encountered an agency like this, neither a host nor a smaller agency where everyone is so unrelentingly positive. They are always focused on their vision, they uplift each other, and that starts at the leadership and goes through the entire organizational structure down to their advisors," said Ginny Hall, Area Sales Director, Silversea Cruises.

9. Our Commission Structure

We offer up to a 100% commission split option, which allows our members to maximize their earnings.

"Our new membership model supports an expansion of the education system with the flexibility to waive monthly fees and membership discounts based on production. Incentives drive behavior and our incredible community is only getting more robust through this structure," said Marra.

10. We Are Re-defining the Luxury Host Model

“Our Executive Team is brilliant, and they each bring complementary skillsets. Those skillsets have built a company that is collaborative, forward-thinking, and business savvy. They understand if you own a business you need to know how to run a business," said GTN Advisor, Deanna King of King Travel Design.

"GTN's organizational structure has changed in that GTN is now solely focused on the Host Agency, its members and its partners. The team at HQ has expanded 5-fold during my time and the support and opportunities given to members are both outstanding," said GTN Advisor Joan Qualls of Tasteful Voyages.

We want to take a moment to show appreciation for each of the advisors who contributed to this piece. We thank you for your kind words and appreciation for our community. We also want to thank our entire network of advisors who show us love each and everyday, your actions and words do not go unnoticed!

For more information about Gifted Travel Network, please visit our programs page. In addition to accepting new to industry advisors, we also welcome experienced advisors who are looking for the right fit, to join us, apply now!