BDW travel agents

[giraffexx]

Hi - I'm new to the forum and was wondering if anyone knew if the BDW travels agents charge a fee? If so aprox. how much? Thanks!

[TammyWright]

most TA's work on commission that the hotel/supplier pays. some TA's charge a retainer fee that is applied towards your travel, some don't.

[TheFutureWagners]

I was wondering the same- thank you!

[Vanessa C]

Is it more economical to go through a travel agent or book directly through the resort?

 

Thanks

[TA Wendy]

Actually as Travel Agents we can often save you quite a bit over what you would pay by calling the hotel directly. We can shop tour operators for you and can price match to online search engines, or by using group contract space you will be breaking into lower rates than what is available to the general public.

Plus, and this is a big plus, with using a travel agent, you have one central person who will coordinate all of your guests travel, and make sure that the hotel is aware of everyone you are bringing with you whether booked as a group or through individual bookings.

We become your go-to person for all your travel questions, and many times we are the ones who first hear about a special, or discounts being offered and can grab the deals for you!

TA Wendy

[Brenners]

Hi TA Wendy, are there retainer fees or another fees attached to using a TA?

[TA Wendy]

Hi Brenners,

No, as Travel Agents we are paid by the resorts and tour operators we book for our clients. We are paid after the completion of the trip. Some agents do charge a retainer or service fee, but that is not something that I personally do.

So it is a win/win for you!

TA Wendy

[shan0487]

Thanks, that is great to know! Do TA's honor the same types of programs resorts have?  For example with the palace resorts for x number of rooms booked, you get either a cocktail reception or private function free.  Or can you only do those types of programs if you book directly through the resort?

[TA Wendy]

Hello,

Yes, typically when booking a group we are able to access the same programs and benefits for our clients that they would get by going direct themselves to the resort, and often we are able to get lower rates than what would be offered directly. But again using the Palace resorts example, they have a program of up to $1500 credits per room to be used onsite by guests... that is something that as travel agents we are also able to pass along to our clients when they book through us. Hope that is helpful!

TA Wendy

[Brenners]

TA Wendy, you are great!  More questions!  If you are able to get us cheaper rated through online sites and not directly through the hotel, are we still able to get resort credits or other programs such as the free upgrade to a suite or free cocktail reception, etc... since we are still providing the hotel with the required number of rooms?