Untangling the Agency Codes
by Melody Fee

Sometimes, untangling the information we are bombarded with in our industry feels like standing in the middle of a big bundle of tangled-up holiday lights. Where is the beginning and where is the end of this stuff?

Well, it is not only agents who get overstimulated with new information. Suppliers are also in the middle of trying to get a handle on this explosion of information, especially as it applies to all of the ways that home-based agents are starting up their new travel businesses.

Recently, I had a discussion with several tour operator and cruise line executives who were working very hard to understand all of the unique ways that home-based professionals do business in our industry. With the various codes that are being accepted throughout the travel industry (and also new types of "agencies" in the business), it is not surprising that suppliers need an occasional update to keep them "in the know" of how agents are setting up their businesses.

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