PRO
TRAVEL, the host agency based in Fresno, Calif., has some
ambitious goals for 2006, including doubling the number of its
independent agents, an effort that would boost its ranks to nearly
10,000. President Paul Henderson said the firm is debt free and
profitable and will be publicly traded by March or April. Henderson
says Pro Travel, which was built around the premise that we wanted
to become one of the largest host agencies in North America, has
4,800 agents. All independent agents are required to participate in
comprehensive training sessions, and must be booking travel prior
to issuance of any industry ID cards, Henderson said. Agents have
continuous access to our support and training staff, headed by
Michelle Lowery, the firms vice president of travel operations.
THE
COMMISSION SPLIT is 75% to 85% based on production levels,
and there are no monthly fees for access, Henderson said. Pro
Travel aims to significantly increase production per agent with
increased training and powerful marketing tools. Travel revenue at
the agency is up 700% percent compared to last year, he said.
Agents can learn more at www.protravelnetwork.com.
IN YOUR
POCKET: Qantas Vacations and its sister brand, Jetabout
Vacations, launched the FamFund agent incentive program. Agents
enrolled in the program can accumulate the equivalent of 2% of
their land sales as travel credits into special FamFund accounts.
Each travel credit is worth $1 toward the purchase of Qantas
Vacations products. Visit the travel agent section of www.qantasvacations.com.
FAM OF THE
WEEK
Israel
Departure: Feb. 24 from any Continental
gateway to Tel Aviv.
Length: Nine nights.
Sponsor: Yalla Tours USA,
Portland.
Cost: From $1,495 to $1,695 per person,
double. Includes air, lodging, transfers, most meals, sightseeing
and entrance fees.
Trip: Visits the Dead Sea, Galilee,
Jerusalem, Masada and Tel Aviv.
Noteworthy: Trip is aimed at agents
organizing Christian pilgrimage groups.
Contact: (800) 644-1595 or (503) 977-3758;
fax: (503) 977-3765; e-mail: [email protected].