Travel agents are the magicians of the travel industry for business travelers, couples, singles and family travelers. Each day, they face the never-ending battle of rate negotiations, travel information requests and unpleasant communication with customers. For some consumers, a travel agent can be a valuable information resource for weather conditions, local currency rates, travel requirements and travel laws. According to the United States Department of Labor, there are more than 100,000 travel agents working throughout the country. Being a travel agent has many perks, with one being discounted hotel rates.
Hilton hotels offer up to a 50 percent discount for certified travel agents. At Hilton hotels and Hilton family brand hotels, a travel agent hotel reservation must be for leisure travel and not for business. To receive the discount, the stay date must be within 30 days of the travel date during low demand periods. Rates are subject to availability, and a credit card guarantee may be required. Travel agents are required to present their travel agent identification at check-in. Otherwise, they will be subject to paying the standard rate of the room. For more information and to make a travel agent discount reservation, visit www.hilton.com.
Worldwide Headquarters
7930 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 1100
McLean, Virginia 22102
703 883-1000
Carlson hotels offers a travel agent loyalty program called “look to book.” The loyalty program offers 50 percent discounts at hotels worldwide. Travel agents who are members of ARC/IATA and make reservations through CRS/GDS or with the CHW family website can enroll in the program. Travel agents earn loyalty points when they make reservations at CHW family hotels. Agents receive 10 points per U.S. dollar. Points do not expire as long as the travel agent has activity during a 12-month period. To enroll in the points program, visit www.looktobook.com.
Carlson Hotels Worldwide
Look to book Program
11340 Blondo Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68164
800 333-5600
HotelClub is an online reservation service that works with hotels directly for travel agent discounts. The online services was created in 1996 and it offers choices of hotel reservation in more than 5,600 cities throughout 126 countries. The reservation service offers discounted rooms for travel agents as well as an additional 20 percent discount. To access these discounted rates, travel agents must register with HotelClub by using their travel agent employee identification. For more information and to register, visit www.hotelclub.com/travelgent.asp
