Marriott International values its partnerships with travel professionals, and the Marriott Preferred Travel Agency (PTA) program is designed to reward accredited agencies. This initiative, established in 1999, offers a significant benefit: a preferred 10% commission on all transient commissionable bookings made across Marriott’s extensive global portfolio. For travel agents looking to maximize their earnings and offer clients exceptional hotel experiences, understanding and participating in the PTA program is key.
Marriott’s Preferred Travel Agency Program: Key Criteria
To access the enhanced 10% commission, Marriott Travel Agents must meet two straightforward criteria. These are designed to ensure a baseline level of engagement and product knowledge within participating agencies:
- Agency Commitment: An agency owner or manager is required to formally agree to the Preferred Travel Agency program’s commitment electronically. This step acknowledges the agency’s understanding of and agreement to the program’s terms.
- Qualified Travel Advisor(s): Each agency location identified by an IATA/ARC/IATAN/TIDS/CLIA number must have at least one qualified travel advisor. This requirement ensures that agencies have knowledgeable staff capable of effectively selling Marriott properties.
Defining a Qualified Marriott Travel Advisor
Becoming a qualified advisor within the Marriott PTA program involves a few essential steps focused on brand familiarity and professional development. Each advisor must:
- Be a Marriott Bonvoy® Member: Personal experience with the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program enhances an advisor’s ability to recommend and sell Marriott properties effectively.
- Create or Update MI Partner Privileges Profile: This profile likely provides access to resources, tools, and program updates specifically for travel professionals.
- Complete Hotel Excellence! Core and Continuing Education Training: Marriott’s Hotel Excellence! training program is crucial for equipping travel agents with in-depth knowledge of Marriott brands, properties, and service standards. Completing both the core and latest continuing education modules ensures advisors are up-to-date.
- Valid ID for US-Based Advisors: Travel advisors associated with a US-based IATA/IATAN or CLIA location need to have a valid IATA/IATAN VER# or CLIA EMBARC ID on their profile. This is likely for verification and identification purposes within the travel industry framework.
Standard Commission and Marriott’s Ratio Policy
Agencies that do not fulfill the PTA program criteria will receive Marriott’s standard commission rate of 8%. The preferred 10% commission becomes applicable from the date the agency meets all requirements. It’s important to note that rebates are not permitted within this program.
Furthermore, Marriott operates a Ratio Policy to ensure fair access to industry discount rates. This policy stipulates that the number of Fam-Tastic, Plan-Tastic, and Travel Agent room nights booked by an agency location over a three-month period should not exceed one-third of the total room nights booked by that location. Violation of this policy can lead to temporary suspension of access to Industry Discount Rates for all advisors associated with the agency. Marriott retains sole discretion over Ratio Policy violations and the reinstatement of discount rate access.
Maximize Your Marriott Partnership
The Marriott Preferred Travel Agency program offers a valuable opportunity for travel agents to increase their commission earnings while deepening their expertise in selling Marriott properties. By ensuring compliance with the program’s criteria and focusing on continuous learning through resources like Hotel Excellence!, travel agents can solidify their partnership with Marriott and deliver exceptional value to their clients.
