How to Become a Sandals Travel Agent
Do you love Sandals resorts so much that you’d like to help others discover how fun they are? Here’s all you need to know about how to become a Sandals travel agent.
While there are some steps you have to take, it’s not a difficult process as long as you are already a travel agent. If you’re not, you’ll need to become one first and get an IATA accreditation. Then you can follow the steps below to become a Sandals travel agent.
Tip: Join an established travel agency that is already a preferred Sandals travel agency, as they will have relationships and expertise to help you succeed more quickly. They also get higher commission rates.
Become a Certified Sandals Specialist (CSS)
First you need to complete the Sandals training program to become a Certified Sandals Specialist. This is a convenient self-paced online program with four modules that delivers all the information you need to know about booking Sandals travel.
While it is possible to do it in as little as one day, it’s recommended to break it up over multiple days.
Once you’re certified, you can register with the Sandals Travel Advisor Portal, which gives you access to helpful tools and support. This includes:
- Business Development Managers to help you with marketing and growing your business
- Marketing materials
- A booking platform
- Bonuses and an additional commission on bookings
You can also go on FAM trips, which is short for “familiarization”—these are trips to Sandals resorts for travel agents so you can learn all about the different locations. Usually the only cost for these is your airfare to and from the resort.
Maintain CSS Status
To maintain your Certified Sandals Specialist status, Sandals requires you to complete an online workshop every year.
You also need to book at least one Sandals or Beaches vacation per year and register it with the Sandals Travel Advisor Portal.
That is actually all you need to do to become a Sandals travel agent.
However, there are different levels that you can achieve if you want to.
Optional Additional Certifications
Wedding Moon Specialist
This is for travel advisors who want to specialize in destination weddings at Sandals resorts. It requires a training program as well, where you learn about the different wedding packages, venues, and services that Sandals offers. To maintain this certification, you need to book at least 3 weddings at Sandals a year.
Sandals CRC
The Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club is an invitation-only group that recognizes and rewards the most successful Sandals travel agents. To be eligible, you need to book a minimum number of nights annually and deliver excellent service.
Within the CRC there are additional tiers: Elite level and Platinum Elite level, each based on minimum bookings. These unlock extra benefits for you and perks you can offer your customers. We are proud to be Sandals CRC Diamond Elite agents, able to provide the highest level of expertise and VIP service for our clients.
How to Become a Successful Sandals Travel Agent
Just becoming certified isn’t enough to ensure success. Constantly educate yourself about the resorts and any new developments that are happening. Visit as many resorts as possible so you learn all about their differing characteristics and can educate your clients.
Take advantage of the FAM trips that Sandals provides, and while you’re on resort be sure to take plenty of pictures and videos to share with your audience.
The more knowledge you have, the better travel agent you will be. The best Sandals travel agents are able to help clients navigate the many choices and decisions that need to be made, resulting in the best possible experience for their honeymoon or romantic getaway.
You’ll also need to consistently market yourself and your services, utilizing all the resources that Sandals and your host travel agency can provide. These can include branded marketing materials, both print and digital, as well as social media channels, email lists, and events like wedding conventions.
Your Business Development Manager can be a huge help with this.
Being part of a travel agency that does a lot of business with Sandals will also help you succeed.
