Marriott International offers various programs and rates for travel agents, aiming to foster strong partnerships within the travel industry. Among these, understanding Marriott Travel Agent Rates, particularly the Preferred Travel Agency (PTA) program and policies around industry discount rates, is crucial. This guide breaks down these key aspects to help travel professionals maximize benefits and remain compliant.
Marriott’s Preferred Travel Agency Program: Earn Higher Commissions
The Marriott Preferred Travel Agency (PTA) program is designed to reward accredited travel agencies with a higher commission rate. Participating agencies can earn a preferred 10% commission on transient commissionable bookings across Marriott’s extensive global brand portfolio. This is an increase from the standard 8% commission, making the PTA program a valuable incentive. Established in 1999, the program has specific criteria to ensure qualified agencies benefit from these enhanced rates.
PTA Program Eligibility: Meeting the Criteria
To qualify for the Marriott PTA program and receive the preferred 10% commission, agencies must meet two key requirements:
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Agency Commitment Agreement: An agency owner or manager must electronically agree to the Preferred Travel Agency program’s terms and commitments. This signifies the agency’s understanding and agreement to participate in the program.
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Qualified Travel Advisor(s): Each agency location (identified by IATA/ARC/IATAN/TIDS/CLIA number) must have at least one qualified travel advisor. A qualified advisor is defined by the following:
- Marriott Bonvoy® Membership: The advisor must be a member of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.
- MI Partner Privileges Profile: The advisor must create or update their MI Partner Privileges profile, ensuring their details are current within Marriott’s system.
- Hotel Excellence! Training: Completion of Hotel Excellence! Core training and the latest Continuing Education modules is mandatory. This ensures advisors are knowledgeable about Marriott properties and services.
- Valid ID (US-based advisors): Travel advisors associated with a US-based IATA/IATAN or CLIA location must have a valid IATA/IATAN VER# or CLIA EMBARC ID on their profile for verification.
Agencies that do not meet these PTA criteria will receive Marriott’s standard 8% commission. The preferred 10% commission rate will be applied from the date the agency fulfills all requirements. It’s important to note that rebates are not permitted within this program.
Understanding Marriott’s Ratio Policy for Industry Discount Rates
Beyond standard and preferred commissions, Marriott also offers industry discount rates (Fam-Tastic, Plan-Tastic, and Travel Agent rates). However, the use of these rates is governed by Marriott’s Ratio Policy. This policy states that the total room nights booked using these industry discount rates by an agency location over a three-month period should not exceed one-third of the total room nights booked in aggregate by that location during the same period.
Agencies exceeding this ratio will be notified and may face temporary suspension from booking industry discount rates. Marriott holds sole discretion over Ratio Policy violation decisions, including suspensions and the process for reinstatement. Travel advisors should be mindful of this policy to ensure continued access to industry discount rates and maintain program compliance. For detailed information, refer to the Ratio Policy document.
Conclusion: Navigating Marriott travel agent rates involves understanding both the benefits of the Preferred Travel Agency program and the guidelines surrounding industry discount rates. By meeting the PTA program criteria, agencies can unlock higher commission earnings. Simultaneously, adhering to the Ratio Policy ensures continued access to valuable industry discount rates. Staying informed about these policies is key for travel agencies to thrive in partnership with Marriott International.
