Natonal Travel Systems Corporation

Based in Lubbock, Texas, National Travel Systems Corporation, often referred to as NTS, has positioned itself as a comprehensive travel agency with a history dating back to 1980. The company asserts a dual focus, catering to both the intricate needs of corporate travel and the diverse desires of leisure vacationers. This dual specialization allows them to manage a wide spectrum of travel requirements, from government and business accounts to individual vacation packages and honeymoons. The agency operates with a model that combines the personalized touch of a local business with the purchasing power and global reach of larger travel consortiums, stemming from its partnership with the Signature Travel Network.

Corporate and Government Travel Services

A significant portion of National Travel Systems' operations is dedicated to corporate travel management. The agency recognizes that business travel often ranks as a company's third-largest controllable expense and tailors its services to manage and reduce these costs effectively. They create customized programs for businesses, assigning dedicated agents who are well-versed in each client's specific travel policies to ensure compliance and maximize savings. Testimonials from corporate clients suggest tangible results, with one company reporting a nearly $100 reduction in cost per trip due to NTS's in-depth analysis. Their approach involves a blend of experienced human agents and technology, offering online booking engines like Certify Travel to provide clients with cost-saving options and detailed data visibility.

Furthermore, NTS has a strong foothold in government travel, holding a contract with the State of Texas. They have developed a specialized full-service system for government entities that aims to provide a dedicated travel team at a lower service fee than industry averages. This division handles everything from group air contracting to providing VIP services and traveler profiles tailored to individual needs, showcasing a robust infrastructure for managing large-scale, policy-driven travel.

Leisure and Vacation Planning

On the other side of their business is the leisure travel division, which operates under the name "Take A Vacation." This branch focuses on planning personal holidays, including cruises, tours, honeymoons, and various all-inclusive resort packages. They emphasize using only reputable cruise lines and tour companies to ensure a high-quality experience for their clients. The staff includes agents with extensive experience, such as one specialist who has been in the industry since 1990 and has expertise in destinations like Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. As part of the Signature Travel Network, they can offer clients exclusive perks, unique experiences, and complimentary benefits that might not be available otherwise.

Strengths and Potential Advantages

One of the primary strengths of National Travel Systems is its extensive experience and diversified service portfolio. Having been in operation since 1980, the agency has navigated decades of industry changes. Their ability to serve distinct markets—corporate, government, and leisure—demonstrates a high level of adaptability and expertise.

• Dedicated Service: For corporate and government accounts, the model of assigning dedicated agents who understand specific company policies is a significant benefit, promoting efficiency and compliance.
• Technological Integration: The provision of online booking tools like Certify Travel allows for a "touchless" reservation process, giving clients flexibility and control while aiming for cost reduction.
• Global Reach with Local Service: Despite being based in Lubbock, their partnerships provide the global purchasing power of a larger corporation, offering competitive pricing and exclusive amenities for leisure travelers.
• Emergency Support: NTS offers after-hours emergency services, ensuring travelers have access to assistance 24/7, which is a critical feature for both business and leisure clients facing unexpected travel disruptions.

Areas for Consideration and Potential Drawbacks

While the agency presents a strong profile, potential clients should consider a few points. The company is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), although it holds an A+ rating on the BBB website. For some consumers, BBB accreditation is a benchmark for trust and accountability. The lack of accreditation may be a point of consideration, though it doesn't necessarily reflect negatively on their service quality.

Another aspect is the structure of their service fees. Detailed fee schedules, such as those for their Texas Tech University travel services, indicate specific charges for different types of bookings, exchanges, and after-hours calls. For instance, an after-hours call incurs a $20.99 fee per passenger record. While transparent, clients should be fully aware of these ancillary costs when engaging their services, particularly for complex or frequently changing travel itineraries. The focus on structured, policy-driven corporate and government contracts might also mean that individual leisure travelers seeking highly flexible, unconventional adventure travel might need to ensure the agent's approach aligns with their more spontaneous travel style.

Conclusion

National Travel Systems Corporation stands out as a well-established and highly structured travel management company. Its key strengths lie in its specialized services for corporate and government clients, where cost management, policy compliance, and dedicated support are paramount. The positive testimonials and long-standing presence in the industry speak to a history of reliable service. For leisure travelers, the affiliation with the Signature Travel Network provides access to valuable perks and a wide range of vetted travel deals.

Potential customers should weigh the benefits of their structured, experienced approach against factors like the lack of BBB accreditation and a clear understanding of the service fee structure. For businesses and government entities in Texas and beyond, NTS offers a compelling, results-oriented partnership. For individuals planning a vacation, it provides the assurance of a professional travel consultant with significant industry leverage. Ultimately, the decision to use their services will depend on matching the client's specific needs—be it rigid cost control for business trips or curated experiences for a personal getaway—with the agency's demonstrated capabilities.