A 1-year, step-by-step training and mentoring program to fast track your thriving travel agent career
Question for ambitious & passion-driven future travel pros:
If you had a proven system and supportive community to not just show you the path toward sustainable success in travel, but lead you right to it—with full appreciation of your unique gifts, skills, and ambitions …
… Would you finally feel ready to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams, without holding anything back?
Here’s Why NOW Is the Best Time to Answer “Yes!” to That Question
There’s never been a better time to start selling travel.
The recent market disruption has further shined a light on the true value of travel advisors, as more consumers than ever now recognize the importance of having a professional who can advocate for them. What’s more, the travel industry is the second-fastest growing sector in the world*.
You know this. You’ve done the research already.
But if you’re anything like the thousands of new travel agents we’ve coached, then there’s still one little word that might be holding you back:
Doubt.
It creeps in whenever you float your idea to start your own travel business past your spouse, your family, or your well-meaning-but-concerned colleagues, and they ask:
Are you sure?
Can you really make a full-time career selling travel?
Can you really replace your previous (plush) income—and not have to spend every waking moment dreading coming into work to do it?
Can you really create more space in your life for freedom—the freedom to spend time on what matters most to you, with your family, pursuing your passions, traveling more? And the freedom from worrying about monthly cash flow, or depleting your retirement savings too early?
We already know the answer (which is: of course you can!).
But for prospective agents who are still struggling with that 5-letter word …
… there’s usually one of three things holding them back.
3 Myths That Hold Would-Be Travel Entrepreneurs Back From Creating Thriving, Profitable Businesses
Myth #1: “I need someone to show me how to be a travel agent.”
Most host agency trainings do an adequate job teaching you the ins and outs of the travel industry. You’ll get plenty of guidance on suppliers, back-end systems, and consortia relationships.
You do need that—but you need so much more. Because owning your own travel business isn’t just about booking clients and handling commissions.
It’s about strengthening your skills as an entrepreneur. You can be fantastic at serving your travel clients, but if you don’t know how to run a business, and if you don’t have clients—then you don’t have a business.
What you need? Both industry and business training. Proven strategies on how to organize, market, and scale your travel business—so you’re not just treading water as an order-taking travel agent, but flourishing as an in-charge travel entrepreneur.
Myth #2: “I can figure it out on my own.”
There’s a LOT of free information out there about how to become a travel agent.
And that info is a fine place to start for individuals who’re just looking to tinker, to add another activity to their list of hobbies.
But serious travel entrepreneurs in search of a career don’t have that kind of time to waste.
What you need? A clear path and supportive community that flattens the learning curve and expedites profitability —and that’s flexible enough to tailor that path to your particular vision.
Myth #3: “I just need to find a silver-bullet solution to fast track my success.”
There’s certainly an allure to thinking there’s just one thing you need to nail this whole travel entrepreneur business—and once you find (and pay for) it, everything will fall into place.
Like a franchise that gives you a business in a box, or a leads program that drops ready-to-book clients in your lap.
There’s just one problem … there’s no such thing as a silver-bullet solution.
You don’t need an expensive “business in a box,” one that doesn’t allow you to flourish according to your own unique passions and skills.
You don’t need leads-on-demand, when those leads represent low-quality clients looking for bottom-dollar deals.
What you need? A holistic system that helps you position yourself as an expert, under your own brand, and teaches you to attract your own highly qualified leads—so you get to fill your days working with perfect-fit clients.
How the Travel Industry Is Failing New Travel Agents
As would-be travel entrepreneurs fall prey to these myths, they miss crucial steps in the business-building process. That’s because the industry is not set up to holistically support driven travel entrepreneurs.
Most new travel agents are left with a patchwork approach to building their businesses—picking up crumbs of knowledge from many different sources in a desperate attempt to eke out a respectable income.
Inevitably, things fall through the cracks. And new travel agents end up barely scraping by.
Which is why we developed the Successful Travel Entrepreneur Ecosystem™, a three-pronged, nuts-to-bolts approach to coaching and supporting you toward owning a thriving travel business.
When you’re supported by the Successful Travel Entrepreneur Ecosystem™, you’ll get:
like choosing the right brand name, defining your target audience, and developing marketing strategies—so you set yourself up for long-term success right from the beginning.
Industry insights and “how to” support
that clarifies exactly how you should run your travel business day-to-day, so you’re not left floundering during the “start up” phase of your travel business.
A “lift all boats” community
that fosters connection over competition. Starting your own travel business is a HUGE step—we want to make sure you never feel like you’re in it alone.
You shouldn’t have to wait years—or even decades—to become a top-producing agent, to build a thriving base of repeat clients, and to finally have a career that fulfills and fuels you.
And, with our support, you don’t have to …
Meet Your Mentor, Lisa Fletcher
A 30-year travel industry veteran, Lisa Fletcher has seen it all—and she’s here to share her insights with new agents just like you. From a marketing role with American Express Hawaii Vacations to owning her own successful home-based travel business, Lisa has been on multiple sides of the travel industry—and she can quickly distill the inner workings for agents who feel overwhelmed with new systems, technology, and industry terms.
As the Travel MBA mentor, Lisa shepherds new agents through every step of building their businesses and servicing clients—from researching your first trip request, to making your first booking, to answering every question you have along the way. You don’t have to worry about knowing it all, because you have an experienced mentor who you can ask for help. In fact, Travel MBA students often cite Lisa’s mentorship and accessibility as the most valuable part of the program!
Support & Guidance from the Entire GTN Team
When you enroll in the Travel MBA, you’re not just getting access to a program—you’re joining the GTN family. As a host agency, we’re guided by a simple-yet-profound motto: Your vision, our mission.
And as a GTN member, you get access to not only robust and proactive back office support, but ongoing training from our leadership team to make your businessbetter. Hop on the line with GTN’s Chief Sales Officer, Vanessa McGovern for her monthly Sales IQ calls, join GTN’s VP, Sandy Saburn on her weekly Client IQ calls, and take advantage of the numerous supplier trainings, in-person events, and our annual conference. We’re here to support you, throughout every growth phase of your business. Welcome to the family.
It’s been almost a year since I decided to make one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life and that was joining GTN Travel MBA Program. After speaking with the staff and attending my first Conference I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. Although I came into the industry with many years of business travel experience. The training, support and insight I received this year has been invaluable. I’m so grateful and blessed to have this opportunity to do something I love and learn from the BEST. GTN teaches us to think outside the box and to celebrate our uniqueness. You will receive the BEST mentoring, life and business coaching, providing you with all the tools you need in every aspect to start your Travel Business. Even if your ready to start the program and not sure of your business name or what your niche will be. GTN can assist you with this, through their coaching process seamlessly. The Travel MBA Program was so worth it!! I’m overwhelmed with joy from my experience and the amount of wisdom I’ve received. I can’t wait for everything I’ve learned to manifest into a new level of greatness in my New Business. Delane Mitchell
What a great group of ladies to host with. They are committed to giving you the tool you need to make a successful travel business. I started with their Travel MBA which gave me all the building blocks to not just sell travel, also the tools to create, build, and run my own business. Their commitment and passion for seeing their advisors thrive and grow shines through in all their communications. They have also created a great FB forum where you don't feel alone and you can always find an answer to your questions. If you are new to the Travel Advising world or looking for a supportive fun group of advisors to work with this is your host agency.Emily Kimmel
My journey towards creating my own travel business and becoming a luxury travel advisor began 2 months ago as I was doing my due diligence to find a host agency, and thanks to HAR, came across one I had not yet been aware of. Having worked for more than a decade and a half for one of the world's premier luxury hotel collections, I was familiar with most of the top agencies within the Virtuoso network, but Gifted Travel Network was new to me. I quickly came to find out that though GTN is a youngster in the industry, it is wise well beyond its years. Thanks to the leadership team (Meredith, Vanessa and Jen), and an extremely dedicated and talented staff (Lisa and Sandy among many others), the responsiveness, guidance and business creation path (not to mention near-limitless educational opportunities) that GTN provides was just the right combination for me. Though my business formation is still in its early stages, I am well-reminded by my Mentor and the other leaders at GTN that there is no benefit to jumping the gun or putting the cart before the horse. If my business doesn't first have a firm foundation, all the product knowledge and booking prowess in the world will mean nothing. Another key ingredient to my happy experience with GTN is that they first and foremost want me and MY brand to be successful with MY clients; then, of course, the GTN brand will naturally succeed when all my fellow ICs and I succeed with our individual brands. I remain very pleased with everything about GTN's yearlong Travel MBA program, and I heartily look forward to a long and prosperous affiliation with Gifted Travel Network!Philip James
I joined Gifted Travel Network's Travel MBA program and it has been the best decision I made when launching my travel business. Not only did I join an inspiring women led business, but I am gaining so much knowledge and friendship in the process. I am proud to be able to list them as my hosting agency and I am looking forward to our new partnership with Virtouso while I launch my business. Being brand new to the travel business, I feel like a giant team behind me, rooting me on the whole way and there to lend a hand when I fall. The weekly calls are always a learning experience to add to my list of things gained from joining. Thanks to all of them at GTN!Cathy Rowland
I have been with GTN for 1 1/2 now and I love everything about it. I had some industry experience with another very weak host along with real brick & mortar travel school classes before I started the MBA program. I wanted to delve into a new career but was finding it very confusing and didn't care for the franchise model. The travel industry isn't so easy to navigate, I wasn't getting any traction with my decision making, until I found the MBA program. The membership in The Global Institute for Travel Entrepreneurs, was also a much needed find. I found my place to thrive. GTN and GIFTE answered so many of my questions and provided the support I needed to forge my way into being a travel entrepreneur! The camaraderie, level of support and positive nature of all involved is something I know I don't want to live without. We have fun, there's lots of energy, someone is always there when you need them, the suppliers are top notch and the leadership team has their pulse on what works in this industry. Marketing insights (especially social media), lead generation ideas, mindset, and unique/trending business strategies are always fresh and current. There is so much content consistently provided I'm always finding new tools and viewpoints to explore. I feel supported, valued and while I'm not a top earner (yet), as long as I'm engaged and doing my best I feel an equal to my fellow colleagues. If you are looking for a new host agency, where you still wear the pants because it's your own business or you are brand new and don't know where to put yourself, please give GTN a try. You won't be disappointed!Celeste Auger-Munshi
Introducing
The Travel Marketing & Business Academy
The travel industry’s most comprehensive, strategy-backed 12-month mentorship and hosting program that positions new travel entrepreneurs like you for both immediate and long-term success.
54+ self-paced program modules
that walk you step-by-step through how to build your travel business the smart, strategic way.
12 monthly Live Classes
to forge face-to-face connections virtually
12 Q&A coaching calls
with members of the GTN team, including the leadership team
1 vibrant community
of go-getter travel entrepreneurs here to cheer you on every step of the way.
100+ mentoring calls
with your mentor Lisa Fletcher that de-mystify every aspect of the travel industry.
Add it all up and you get: An easy-to-follow yet flexible Ecosystem that supports every prong of your entrepreneurial journey during your critical first year.
Here’s how your comprehensive Successful Travel Entrepreneur Ecosystem™ stacks together inside the Travel MBA:
Stack #1—Setting Up Your Travel Business With Your Step-by-Step Blueprint
Once you join the Travel MBA, you’ll get immediate access to 54+ on-demand program modules that walk you through how to start, scale, and grow your travel business. Inside, you’ll discover:
The essential first steps you need to take to ensure your travel business is built on a solid foundation—we’ll guide you on how to get your financials, messaging, and business structure in order upfront
The nuts-and-bolts break down of the entire industry landscape and sales cycle, giving you the confidence you need to find and book your very first clients
How to future-proof your travel business so you can flourish beyond your first year
You get: 54+ self-paced modules with video training, worksheets, sample contracts and templates, and examples
Stack #2—Building Your Travel Business on Your Own Terms
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to running a profitable travel business—because every travel entrepreneur brings a unique set of skills, passions, and life experiences to the table.
That’s why the Travel MBA program provides you with coaching and support that allows you to forge your own proven path to profitability, including:
A one-on-one “Nail Your Niche” coaching session with GTN co-founder Meredith Hill, so you can get laser focused on what makes your unique travel brand magnetic
Q&A coaching calls that give you individualized advice on your biggest marketing and branding questions and growth challenges
A variety of cutting-edge and time-tested marketing strategies to build your client list on a consistent basis—choose the marketing tactics that best align with your individual skills
Stack #3—Supporting Your Growth, Every Step of the Way
As a Travel MBA student, you’re never left to figure out the next step on your own. We know that, without a robust and welcoming support system, too many new agents succumb to overwhelm in their first year.
That’s why your Travel MBA membership comes with:
A dedicated program mentor—Lisa Fletcher provides email support and bi-weekly mentoring calls to answer all your questions as you build your travel business (and no question is too small for Lisa!)
A private, active FB community just for Travel MBA students and graduates, where you can share your successes, seek feedback in a safe and supportive atmosphere, and cheer each other on
Monthly Virtual Live Classes and invitations to in-person events and workshops so you can forge face-to-face connections with your tribe
BONUS: One Year of Hosting with Gifted Travel Network
All Travel MBA students get access to their travel agent credentials and powerful back-office support through our host agency, Gifted Travel Network (GTN). You can leverage GTN’s exclusive industry relationships to provide your own clients with best-in-class service on their own travel journeys.
With GTN hosting, you get:
The ability to earn top-tier commissions with leading travel suppliers
An online client-management system
A cutting-edge marketing and development system
Access to an online research and itinerary-building tool
Assistance in collecting your commissions
Virtuoso perks and benefits to pass onto your clients
Ready to Fast Track Your Success as a Travel Entrepreneur?
We’re ready to show you the path, and support you every step of the way.
We’re so passionate about helping you build a successful travel business that will support your long-term dreams, we want to make it as EASY as possible for you to say “yes” to joining the Travel MBA Program.
That’s where our 30-day money-back, no-strings-attached guarantee comes in.
Take a FULL 30 days to dive into the program modules and join your mentor Lisa Fletcher on the twice-weekly Q&A calls … and if you’re not fully convinced that this program is your key to building a profitable travel business in 12 months, simply reach out to our team at info@giftedtravelnetwork.com for a full refund, minus a $249 admin fee for setting up your user licenses for hosting.
I'm new to the travel industry but have professional experience in sales, consulting, HR and entrepreneurship. I evaluated numerous host agencies and felt that Gifted Travel Network and their Travel MBA program was the best fit for me. The key reasons were the business focused model, commitment and talent of the leadership team, highly supportive community and confidence that GTN would best position me for success and profitability. My experience over the past three months has been inspiring and so much fun! The Travel MBA program and our mentor's expertise and support have been key in guiding me through a quick ramp up. The recent award of the 'best new advisor training program' is very well deserved!!
Susan Wilson
Making the decision to change careers and become a full time Travel Advisor was the easiest decision I ever made in my life because I LOVE everything travel and when your job is doing something you LOVE it is no longer a job :) However, finding a Host Agency that knows how to support someone that is not familiar with the travel industry AND not familiar with being an entrepreneur. Well, that is another story...... In less than a year, I have interviewed many and even tried a couple of different agencies before Gifted but was still totally lost. I was actually ready to give up and feeling discouraged but saw a posting about the Gifted Travel MBA program on Host Agency Reviews and decided to join it as a last resort. Wow, this decision has been a great business investment for me. The program delivers individual customized support, all types of on demand learning content (live webex Q&A for travel related questions; marketing, CRM, etc... all week long), video tutorials on EVERYTHING which are super easy to find when there are not live calls in process and you need to figure something out quickly after hours, vendor training that is actually helpful, Facebook forum to interact with the team, etc... All formatted in a really easy to understand format for the beginner. I am finally on my feet, booking travel and feeling very confident about my future :) As an IT professional in my prior profession, the technology is solid. On a personal level, the entire group is wonderfully supportive. Oh, and did I mention Gifted is Virtuoso? I wish I had more than 5 stars to give!!! Thank you GTN.
Diane Brunkhorst
I spent a lot of time researching host agencies before jumping into this business about 9 months ago and GTN was the clear standout. After speaking with a few current advisors, I quickly made my decision to join GTN. The support and structure sounded almost too good to be true, and I was blown away by the people who run this agency. They truly care about each and every one of their advisors and it feels like a community more than just a host agency. Part of the reason I joined GTN was for the Travel MBA Program and I cannot say enough good things about this program - as someone brand new to this industry, it has been incredibly helpful to learn the ins and outs of the travel business as well as learning how to set myself up for success. The TMBA mentor, Lisa Fletcher, is always there for you when you have a question or need help troubleshooting something. As a part of GTN, I've also learned so much more about mindset and business development that go way beyond the travel industry. Meredith, Vanessa, and Jen lead this host agency with compassion and inspiration. Even in these troubling times, they are there to answer questions, support advisors, and keep spirits up. I feel so fortunate to have found GTN at the beginning of my career!
Erin Camin
I joined GTN and their Travel MBA program because I was looking to build my own business and brand. Through the different coaching calls (Travel MBA, Business Development, monthly mentoring calls etc.) they get to know you very well and provide solid advice on building a successful business.
Marija Bumgarner
I joined GTN as a newbie with less than a year of experience in the industry. Before joining GTN I had shopped around for different host agencies, but rather than feeling relieved and excited to join them, I kept on feeling overwhelmed and lost. When I spoke to the ladies at GTN, I immediately felt drawn to their agency and their vision. I joined the Travel MBA program as I was very thirsty for knowledge about the industry. Their program exceeded my expectations. I feel very confident when I know I can always rely on GTN. They provide a lot of support for new and experienced agents. The team is always there when you need them and they do more than just "customer service". They really go above and beyond when it comes to making you feel confident in pursuing your vision. There are many other services that GTN offers that I didn't see anywhere else - and above all, they provide MANY opportunities for professional development. Truly special community!Srdana Pokrajac
Ready to Fast Track Your Success as a Travel Entrepreneur?
We’re ready to show you the path, and support you every step of the way.
