Agents and others who apply for Travel Retailer Universal Enumeration (TRUE) codes and agent identification cards no longer automatically belong to TRUE’s sister organization, the Outside Sales Support Network (OSSN), the Florida-based trade association for independent agents.
The change became effective at the start of the new year with the rollout of TRUE’s new website, www.true.travel. The change was made to expand TRUE to more travel professionals, said Gary Fee, TRUE president.
“There are people out there, like meeting planners, who are really not agents and not interested in [OSSN] benefits, but they would like a TRUE code,” he said.
TRUE codes are recognized by cruise lines, tour operators, hoteliers and car rental companies. The code system was designed to enable agencies and agents to book travel products and services with travel industry suppliers and receive commissions. The code and photo ID cards are also used for industry discounts and agent rates.
Qualification for TRUE codes remain the same: Applicants must show copies of a travel agency checking account statement, demonstrate that they have sold travel for at least six months and that they comply with state seller of travel laws. There are no minimum sales requirements.
About 2,200 travel sellers are accredited by TRUE, which was launched 11 years ago. TRUE was started as a booking ID system managed by travel agents with OSSN was its primary partner, Fee said. The two organizations, however, operate as separate entities, he said.
On the revamped TRUE website, agents apply for a TRUE code, which costs $325 for 12 months ($280 for annual renewals). They can opt for a TRUE code combined with OSSN membership for $304 for 12 months ($240 for annual renewals). A TRUE photo ID card is an additional $25.
The vast majority of TRUE code applicants will opt for OSSN membership because the combination of TRUE and OSSN costs less and provides more benefits, said Fee.
"Obviously, there are great advantages for agencies joining OSSN and
taking advantage of the many benefits and savings our members enjoy," Fee
said. "However, some TRUE applicants simply want the code, and TRUE now
recognizes this with the revised application process."
TRUE’s revamped website features easier navigation tools, an
expanded section identifying travel suppliers that accept TRUE codes and
more information about TRUE's free marketing support programs.