Press Release: Travel Retailer Identification Program (TRIP) Launches Web Site in The Biz Forum

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Press Release: Travel Retailer Identification Program (TRIP) Launches Web Site

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Bruce Bishins	Press Release: Travel Retailer Identification Program (TRIP) Launches Web Site	Lead	[-]
Posts: 46 (04/27/08 20:34:57) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Tags : trip Remove this ad TRIP Launches Web Site for Agents and Suppliers Orientation Meeting Set for Atlanta: All Are Welcome! Scottsdale, Arizona, 28 April 2008: The Travel Retailer Identification Program (TRIP) announced the launch of its web site today (www.tripcorp.org) and outlined the key components of the Accredited Travel Retailer (ATR) designation and the TRIP Travel Agent ID Card. TRIP's ATR designation and Travel Agent ID Card have been designed to foster new and more accessible ways for travel suppliers to reach and communicate with better identified and legitimate professional travel retailers by the use of innovative, patent pending business processes unique to TRIP. Structured as a non-profit corporation, with a governing board of directors composed of both travel agents and travel suppliers, TRIP will be the industry's standard-bearer for maintaining and implementing an accreditation program for travel agencies which do not participate in either the ARC or IATA BSP settlement plan system. Rigorous, but attainable criteria will be required to obtain the new ATR designation; a clear and vetted set of credentials identifying legitimate, professional travel sellers. A new Travel Agent ID Card will be introduced for all qualifying travel agents, regardless of whether or not the agent is affiliated with an ARC or BSP-participating travel agency. The TRIP Travel Agent ID Card contains high-level security and recognition features to assure proper acceptance throughout the industry and to guard against tampering. Both the ATR and the Travel Agent ID Card criteria are fully detailed on the TRIP web site. Fees will be competitive with other programs and will be finalized by the TRIP Board of Directors in the Fall 2008. "After 18 months of consultation with the industry and lots of hard work led by the Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA) in devising and structuring a sound and equitable program, we are now ready to unveil the results of these efforts to the industry-at-large. TRIP is not just another card and not just another set of credentials in an agency distribution channel already crowded with all too many people neither prepared nor committed to being professional and legitimate sellers of travel. TRIP will be the high bar which the industry has sought for so long, and now, finally has", said Bruce Bishins, CTC, President of TRIP. Travel agencies, travel suppliers, travel agency associations, and travel agency marketing and franchise groups are invited to attend the TRIP Industry Orientation Meeting on Tuesday, 19 August 2008, from 10:00AM-4:00PM, at the Atlanta Airport Marriott Hotel. Complete details and registration procedures are available on the TRIP web site at www.tripcorp.org. Early registration is encouraged. About TRIP The Travel Retailer Identification Program (TRIP) is the travel industry's first and only jointly-managed travel agency accreditation and identification program. Setting itself apart from other accreditation and credentials programs, TRIP is a supplier-agent operated, non-profit corporation. The corporation will establish a more effective and thorough system of providing recognition to accredited travel retailers in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, including the implementation of a new travel agent ID card. Other countries will be added to TRIP in 2009.
Kevin La Van		#1	[-]
Posts: 811 (04/28/08 07:38:56) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I'm sorry but do we need another one.....next they will be printing up ID cards. Kevin.
gerr64		#2	[-]
Posts: 1360 (04/28/08 10:59:41) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	http://www.tripcorp.org/?page=CARD yes, you do need it
Kevin La Van		#3	[-]
Posts: 812 (04/28/08 18:43:14) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	gerr64 wrote: http://www.tripcorp.org/?page=CARD yes, you do need it I dont think so..... it's just a way for useless ARTA to reach into agents pockets to get twenty bucks a year or whatever they are going to charge for the useless card. ARTA has not done ANYTHING useful for agents in years. Kevin.
Bruce Bishins		#4	[-]
Posts: 47 (04/28/08 20:00:22) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Mr. La Van: I will ignore your comments about ARTA as most on this forum know that ARTA's 45-year history of defending agencies has a very impressive track record. As for TRIP, ARTA served as the catalyst and incorporator of TRIP, but it does not run TRIP nor earn so much as a penny from TRIP which is itself incorporated as a non-profit organizaton. TRIP will be governed by a board of directors composed of both agency and supplier representatives. With all the angst about card mills, MLMs, and other vehicles which have given rise to our industry being inundated with all types of would-be so-called "travel agents", a subject often debated on this very forum, one would think that most all agents would support any credible initiative which was put forth to address and resolve the problem. To date, not one party other than the TRIP initiative has a well-structured, logical plan to deal with this matter. I am pleased to advise that following today's announcement about TRIP and the launch of the TRIP web site, I have received hundreds of e-mails from agencies and suppliers alike commending and supporting the implementation of TRIP. The industry is pleased that at long-last, someone is finally tackling this problem with a viable plan. Before you go off baselessly criticizing the 18 months of hard work which ARTA and many travel suppliers have devoted to the TRIP program, perhaps you should take a moment to familiarize yourself with the facts. Clearly, you have not done that. Best regards, Bruce Bishins, CTC President and Chief Executive Officer TRIP www.tripcorp.org
nccnyc		#5	[-]
Posts: 319 (04/29/08 05:38:52) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	What should one expect from a curmudgeon?
Kevin La Van		#6	[-]
Posts: 813 (04/29/08 07:11:05) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Bruce Bishins wrote: Mr. La Van: I will ignore your comments about ARTA as most on this forum know that ARTA's 45-year history of defending agencies has a very impressive track record. As for TRIP, ARTA served as the catalyst and incorporator of TRIP, but it does not run TRIP nor earn so much as a penny from TRIP which is itself incorporated as a non-profit organizaton. TRIP will be governed by a board of directors composed of both agency and supplier representatives. With all the angst about card mills, MLMs, and other vehicles which have given rise to our industry being inundated with all types of would-be so-called "travel agents", a subject often debated on this very forum, one would think that most all agents would support any credible initiative which was put forth to address and resolve the problem. To date, not one party other than the TRIP initiative has a well-structured, logical plan to deal with this matter. I am pleased to advise that following today's announcement about TRIP and the launch of the TRIP web site, I have received hundreds of e-mails from agencies and suppliers alike commending and supporting the implementation of TRIP. The industry is pleased that at long-last, someone is finally tackling this problem with a viable plan. Before you go off baselessly criticizing the 18 months of hard work which ARTA and many travel suppliers have devoted to the TRIP program, perhaps you should take a moment to familiarize yourself with the facts. Clearly, you have not done that. Best regards, Bruce Bishins, CTC President and Chief Executive Officer TRIP www.tripcorp.org Bruce, sorry I've been in the travel business for 20 years and I personally think ARTA is a waste of space....That's my feeling...I cant name one think in the last 10 years that they have done for the BM agents. And I still think there is no use for another agent card....someone somewhere is going to make money off this..I'm sure thats the bottom line. Kevin. P.S. NCCYC....coming from you -- the person that thinks ARC is "unpatriotic" because they didnt give you a holiday because your an idiot and cant follow the rules.... your petty insults are kinda funny. Last Edited By: Kevin La Van 04/29/08 07:16:05. Edited 1 times.
mencik		#7	[-]
Posts: 59 (04/29/08 08:03:07) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	The main problem I have with the TRIP initiative is the need to either be affiliated with an ARC accredited agency or an ATR. For those of that are OSSN members and use a TRUE number for booking, we are not eligible even if we meet all other requirements. We must go through the expense of getting ATR. I do not see the cost/benefit for doing that. I find it insulting that TRUE and OSSN were not even mentioned among those not eligible. It's like TRIP doesn't even acknowledge they exist. Whether this is to enrich ARTA or TRIP makes no difference to me. If at some point I see a benefit to my agency to become an ATR, then I will. At this point all I see is spending more money for something nobody will care about. Steve Mencik The Vacation Stop http://thevacationstop.com
nccnyc		#8	[-]
Posts: 320 (04/29/08 08:10:12) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	P.S. NCCYC....coming from you -- the person that thinks ARC is "unpatriotic" because they didnt give you a holiday because your an idiot and cant follow the rules.... your petty insults are kinda funny. Your insults just follow through on the definition of curmudgeon - I am glad I have inspired your humorist side I have been in the industry for over 30 years and find your opinions to be meaningless - but then again calling me an idiot means we can identify with each other - Nicholas Rules defined by a corporate entity are not always correct or just - I happen to be their client - not their corporate Minion - you sir have no sense of humor. A simple definition of curmudgeon is 'killjoy' - but by your constant negative posting you must already know that.
Kevin La Van		#9	[-]
Posts: 814 (04/29/08 08:41:20) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	.......but by your constant negative posting you must already know that. My only negative post here are in regards to YTB and ARTA. And as much as I dislike ARTA I think YTB is a bigger problem to the industry. I think MENCIK said it best ......At this point all I see is spending more money for something nobody will care about..... until ARTA can show me and others why this card is needed it's just another cardmill card.....with a respected logo. Kevin.
eurosnob		#10	[-]
Posts: 655 (04/29/08 10:51:02) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Remove this ad IATAN/TSI/TIDS/TRUE/TRAVELSELLERS/CLIA/TRIP - anyone have any more ID cards for the list? It's time for federal licensing...
Bruce Bishins		#11	[-]
Posts: 48 (04/29/08 12:29:36) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Hello everyone: I would like to address some of the comments made. First, may I respectfully state that some of you are seemingly confused as to the difference between "accreditation" and an ID card. This is part of the problem which TRIP has prioritized to address. 1. There is only one ID card currently recognized throughout the industry ... IATA/IATAN. CLIA may issue a membership/ID card, however, outside the cruise industry, there is relatively little acceptance of this credential. 2. TSI, TIDS, Travelsellers, and TRUE are not ID cards. They are vehicles for a non-ARC, non-BSP 8-digit identification number for use in supplier reservations and compensation systems. These credentials are offered to businesses, not individuals, and individuals affiliated with businesses holding these latter credentials (Travelsellers and TRUE) are not entitled to the IATA/IATAN card. 3. There is no attempt to disparage OSSN or the TRUE number which it issues. However, the vetting process and prerequisite to join OSSN and obtain a TRUE number has very few requirements, and several suppliers told us that because there are no significant requirements that they do not recognize OSSN per se. The TRUE number is in fact a TSI number, branded for OSSN. If you visit the TRIP web site, the requirements for travel agency businesses to apply for ATR standing (the TRIP version of TSI, TIDS, TRUE, Travelsellers) is a significantly higher threshold and better vetted and scrutinized than any other set of credentials. The intent of TRIP is to move away from the weak, airline-centric system which got us into the card mill and MLM problem, and to establish an industry-wide-governed accreditation and identification system. In the end, it will be the suppliers which will determine which form of accreditation and identification they are willing to honor and accept. To date, the suppliers in the TRIP focus groups universally agree that the current airline-operated system is flawed, and something else is needed. That's why TRIP has been launched. It is in all of our interests to tighten the policies and processes by which we recognize professional sellers of travel. Suppliers are fed-up with the status quo and agents are not much happier. It is indeed time for TRIP. Best regards, Bruce Bishins, CTC President and Chief Executive Officer TRIP www.tripcorp.org Last Edited By: Bruce Bishins 04/29/08 22:37:00. Edited 3 times.
Kairho		#12	[-]
Posts: 1595 (04/29/08 13:20:52) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	2. TSI, TIDS, Travelsellers, and TRUE are not ID cards. They are vehicles for a non-ARC, non-BSP 8-digit identification number for use in supplier reservations and compensation systems. These credentials are offered to businesses, not individuals, and holders of these credentials are not entitled to the IATA/IATAN card. Incorrect, insofar as TSI credentials are concerned. Granted the agency holds TSI credentials, but then all agents working for that agency are able to qualify for a regular IATA/IATAN card just as if they were working for a "regular" IATA/IATAN and ARC agencies. The "IATA list" for a TSI looks identical to a regular list.
jfrenaye		#13	[-]
Posts: 3287 (04/29/08 14:41:53) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Bruce...first thanks for agreeing to take this private over at TRO. It really should not be something out on a public board. But I do want to comment on one of your comments---do the suppliers really embrace this? Look at MLM and how many suppliers are accepting the CTA and RTA cards from Traverus and YTB respectively. Have you visited the TRO Community? MLM & travel? See what the MLM companies won't tell you! Click here to read ----MLM and travel: A bad mix! Or click here to subscribe: Subscribe to MLMs and Travel: A Bad Mix by Email
Kevin La Van		#14	[-]
Posts: 815 (04/29/08 15:43:27) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	It is in all of our interests to tighten the policies and processes by which we recognize professional sellers of travel. Suppliers are fed-up with the status quo and agents are not much happier. Bruce, I'm sorry to say this is a down right lie....maybe not your lie... but someones. If anyone has the control to stop cardmills and to change the status quo its the SUPPLIERS. But they dont...why?? Thats a question for them. I'm sure it comes down to the bottom line. I worked at Orient-Express for a few years in the Marketing department and we sold agents rates to almost anyone that was smart enough to ask for them - I almost got fired because I spoke up about this -- but is was money in the coffers that otherwise would not be there...so they turned a blind eye. So dont spout that the suppliers want to tighten up the process because if they did want to they and only they can. Kevin.
Bruce Bishins		#15	[-]
Posts: 49 (04/29/08 19:23:40) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Hello: Sorry, I should have been more clear. I was referring to the Travelsellers and TRUE designations which are TSI-equivalents, branded specifically for ASTA and OSSN. Neither of these designations are valid affiliations for the purposes of applying for the IATAN ID Card. Best regards, Bruce Bishins, CTC President and Chief Executive Officer TRIP www.tripcorp.org
Bruce Bishins		#16	[-]
Posts: 50 (04/29/08 19:30:26) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Hello again: As to John and Kevin's concerns regarding actual support by suppliers for curtailing the MLM, cardmill faction, I can only say that TRIP held four focus groups in WAS, CHI, DAL, and LAS with representatives of every sector of the travel industry. Without limitation, each representative spoke clearly and unequivocally to their concerns in preventing expansion of cardmills and MLMs. I must accept this input as fact, and it was one of the most important revelations in bolstering our belief that suppliers had reached a point of doing something about these vehicles which proliferate unqualified would-be sellers of travel. Best regards, Bruce Bishins, CTC President and Chief Executive Officer TRIP www.tripcorp.org
jfrenaye		#17	[-]
Posts: 3288 (04/29/08 19:53:53) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Me thinks the suppliers speak with forked tongue. When I started the MLM petition last year, Arnie Weissmann spoke with all sorts of suppliers and they all refused to comment on their "policies" and "thoughts" on MLM on the record. At this point, other than Perillo and RCCL, you are hard pressed to find a supplier that will disavow MLM. Have you visited the TRO Community? MLM & travel? See what the MLM companies won't tell you! Click here to read ----MLM and travel: A bad mix! Or click here to subscribe: Subscribe to MLMs and Travel: A Bad Mix by Email
Kevin La Van		#18	[-]
Posts: 816 (04/30/08 08:26:40) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	.........I must accept this input as fact, and it was one of the most important revelations in bolstering our belief that suppliers had reached a point of doing something about these vehicles which proliferate unqualified would-be sellers of travel. If this is true (and I dont really think it is.....it was lip service) then they would get behind ONE agent card and only one. All TRIP is doing is adding to the mess of cards out there and making a few bucks off it. Maybe in the end all the suppliers will get behind your card and spurn all the others but until then your card like most of the others is worthless because suppliers will give discounts and sell their product to almost anyone. Kevin.
mrjjirh		#19	[-]
Posts: 1955 (04/30/08 08:35:39) Registered User. Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I have to agree. The suppliers have been asked for years to put into place a system of verification. But like any other business they get greedy and want the business from everyone-doesnt matter how ethical or professional or legitimate they are.....They have paid the price for this...and to honest I hope they continue to pay the piper for their arrogrance and stupidy... What we dont need is anoth ID card floating out there... I also want to remind some of the people here.....Legiitmate travel agenst helped put us in this mess. Remember those days, and even now, travel agencies have every Tom, Dick and Harry on their IATA list including priests, aunts, uncles, street people, dogs etc. You get the point....
traveltool	More evidence: Bob Dickenson Joins YTB	#20	[-]
Posts: 24 (04/30/08 08:50:33) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Remove this ad TRO is reporting that Bob Dickenson is now sitting on the board of YTB.

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Press Release: Travel Retailer Identification Program (TRIP) Launches Web Site

Press Release: Travel Retailer Identification Program (TRIP) Launches Web Site