We Think Travel

We Think Travel, located at 12100 W Olympic Blvd in Los Angeles, presents itself as a travel agency, but it operates on a business model that is crucial for prospective clients to understand. This is not a traditional storefront where the public can book a simple vacation. Instead, We Think Travel functions primarily as a host agency, a B2B entity that provides infrastructure, support, and industry connections to independent, home-based travel advisors. A significant aspect of their identity is their affiliation with Virtuoso, an exclusive, invitation-only network of agencies specializing in luxury travel and experiential journeys. This positions them as a key player for travel professionals aiming to cater to an upscale clientele.

The Value Proposition for Travel Professionals

For an independent travel advisor, choosing a host agency is one of the most critical decisions for their business. The primary appeal of partnering with a firm like We Think Travel is gaining access to the immense resources and prestige of the Virtuoso network. This membership is a powerful tool, instantly providing an advisor's clients with a range of exclusive benefits that would be impossible to secure independently. These perks often include complimentary room upgrades, daily breakfast, resort credits, and other special amenities at thousands of high-end hotels worldwide. This access allows an advisor to offer tangible, added value, a key differentiator in a competitive market. Beyond hotels, the Virtuoso connection opens doors to elite tour operators, on-site destination contacts, and luxury cruise lines, enabling the creation of truly unique and custom itineraries.

The support structure offered by We Think Travel extends beyond supplier relationships. A major challenge for independent travel planners is managing the administrative side of the business. We Think Travel aims to alleviate this burden by providing comprehensive back-office support. This typically includes services like commission tracking and collection, accounting, and the management of industry accreditations (such as IATA/CLIA numbers). By outsourcing these time-consuming tasks, advisors can focus more of their energy on what they do best: sales, marketing, and designing exceptional travel experiences for their clients. The agency also provides access to technology platforms for booking, invoicing, and client relationship management, which are essential for operating efficiently.

Operational Structure and Support

The company’s operating hours are particularly noteworthy and reflect its business-to-business focus. They are open from 4:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays and from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays, Pacific Time. The unusually early start time of 4:00 AM is a strategic advantage for the advisors they support. It allows professionals on the West Coast to be immediately responsive to East Coast clients who are starting their day. More importantly, it provides a crucial window for communicating with European suppliers, such as hotels and tour operators, during their business hours. This demonstrates a clear understanding of the logistical needs of planning complex international travel.

Furthermore, We Think Travel offers professional development and training opportunities. For new advisors, this can be invaluable for learning the intricacies of the industry, from mastering booking systems to understanding the nuances of different destinations. For established advisors, ongoing education helps them stay current with travel trends, new properties, and marketing strategies. This commitment to growth suggests a partnership model rather than a simple transactional relationship, where the success of the host agency is directly tied to the success of its affiliated travel consultants.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Despite the significant advantages, there are important factors that potential advisors must weigh. The benefits of a Virtuoso-affiliated host agency come at a cost. Professionals looking to join should be prepared for a fee structure, which could include a startup fee, recurring monthly or annual fees, and a commission split arrangement. It is essential for an advisor to perform a detailed cost-benefit analysis to ensure the fees are justified by the expected increase in sales and efficiency. The commission split, in particular, should be scrutinized to understand how it compares to other host agencies in the market.

Another point of consideration is the potential for sales quotas or performance expectations. High-level consortia like Virtuoso often require their member agencies and, by extension, their advisors, to meet certain sales targets to maintain their status. Prospective advisors should inquire about any such requirements to ensure their business plan aligns with these expectations. For a new advisor or one with a smaller, niche client base, a high sales threshold could create undue pressure. The agency's focus is squarely on the luxury market, which may not be a good fit for advisors who specialize in budget travel, backpacker tours, or certain types of niche group travel. The tools, supplier relationships, and training will all be geared towards the high-end consumer, potentially leaving an advisor focused on other market segments without the right resources.

Making the Right Choice

Ultimately, the decision to partner with We Think Travel depends on an advisor's specific business model and goals. This is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Below is a summary of points to consider:

• Specialization: The agency is ideal for professionals who are focused on or want to pivot into the luxury travel market. The Virtuoso affiliation is their strongest asset.
• Business Needs: Advisors who need robust back-office support and want to offload administrative tasks will find their service model appealing.
• Financials: It is crucial to have a clear understanding of all associated fees and the commission split structure before committing. Compare these costs with the value of the provided tools, support, and the potential for increased earnings through Virtuoso's programs.
• Independence vs. Support: While they support independent contractors, advisors are still operating under the We Think Travel umbrella and its standards. Those who desire complete autonomy over all aspects of their brand and operations might find the structure of a host agency somewhat restrictive.

In conclusion, We Think Travel stands out in the Los Angeles area as a gateway for independent travel professionals to the lucrative world of luxury travel. Their value lies in the powerful combination of Virtuoso membership, comprehensive administrative support, and a deep understanding of the industry's operational demands. However, this partnership is best suited for ambitious, sales-driven advisors whose niche aligns with high-end vacation packages and bespoke journeys. For the right travel entrepreneur, it can be a launchpad for significant growth, but a thorough vetting process is essential to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship.