For travel professionals looking to enhance their profitability when booking accommodations, understanding Marriott Hotels Travel Agent Rates is crucial. Marriott International recognizes the value of travel agencies and offers a tiered commission structure to reward their partnerships. This guide delves into Marriott’s Preferred Travel Agency (PTA) program, designed to provide agencies with enhanced commission rates and benefits.
Unlocking Preferred Marriott Commissions: The PTA Program
Established in 1999, Marriott’s PTA program offers accredited travel agencies a Preferred 10% commission on transient commissionable bookings across Marriott’s extensive global portfolio. This higher commission rate, compared to the standard offering, is a significant advantage for agencies aiming to maximize their revenue. To qualify for the Preferred commission, agencies must meet two key criteria:
- Program Commitment: An agency owner or manager must electronically agree to the terms and conditions of the Preferred Travel Agency program. This signifies a commitment to the partnership and understanding of program guidelines.
- Qualified Travel Advisor(s): Agencies must have at least one qualified travel advisor for each IATA/ARC/IATAN/TIDS/CLIA number associated with their agency. A “qualified advisor” is defined by specific Marriott requirements, ensuring a knowledgeable and engaged agent is managing Marriott bookings. These requirements include:
- Marriott Bonvoy® Membership: The advisor must be a member of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program. This integrates the advisor into the Marriott ecosystem and provides access to resources and benefits.
- MI Partner Privileges Profile: Advisors need to create or update their MI Partner Privileges profile. This online platform is essential for accessing program benefits and managing Marriott agency resources.
- Hotel Excellence! Training: Completion of the Hotel Excellence! Core training and the latest Continuing Education modules is mandatory. This ensures advisors are well-versed in Marriott’s brands, policies, and best practices, enhancing their service quality and booking efficiency.
- Valid ID (US-based Agencies): Travel advisors associated with US-based IATA/IATAN or CLIA locations must have a valid IATA/IATAN VER# or CLIA EMBARC ID on their profile. This verification step is specific to US agencies and ensures compliance within the program.
Agencies that do not meet these outlined criteria will receive Marriott’s Standard commission of 8%. The transition to the Preferred 10% commission occurs as soon as the agency fulfills all program requirements, starting from the date of compliance. It’s important to note that rebates are not permitted within this program structure.
Navigating Marriott’s Ratio Policy for Travel Agent Discount Rates
Beyond standard and preferred commissions, Marriott also provides Industry Discount Rates (Fam-Tastic, Plan-Tastic, and Travel Agent rates) to travel professionals. To ensure fair access and prevent misuse of these discounted rates, Marriott has implemented a Ratio Policy.
This policy stipulates that the number of room nights booked under Industry Discount Rates by an individual agency location (identified by ARC/IATA/TIDS/CLIA number) over a three-month period must not exceed one-third of the total room nights booked by that location during the same period.
Agencies exceeding this ratio will be notified by Marriott and, from a specified effective date, will have their access to Industry Discount Rates suspended. This suspension applies to all Travel Advisors/Meeting Professionals associated with the violating location. Reinstatement of access to Industry Discount Rates is at Marriott’s sole discretion and will only occur once the agency demonstrates compliance with the Ratio Policy.
Understanding both the Preferred Travel Agency Program and the Ratio Policy is key for travel agents to effectively leverage Marriott hotels travel agent rates, maximize their earnings, and maintain a beneficial partnership with Marriott International. By adhering to the program guidelines and qualification criteria, agencies can unlock higher commission rates and ensure continued access to valuable industry benefits.
