CCRA News

Unveiling the “CCRA Forest” biodiversity project, planting 1,200 trees this year with a project goal of 53,000 trees total

PowerSolutions participating suppliers advance efforts with trees planted in their company name as part of CCRA’s commitment to sustainability.

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – November 10, 2023 – CCRA Travel Commerce Network icontinues to drive its commitment to sustainability with the announcement of a new biodiversity project launched this year coined the “CCRA Forest.” As part of the project, CCRA has already planted more than 1,200 trees this year with a project goal of covering 48 hectares in total.

TRUE Ramps Up Training and Development Programs – Setting a New Standard in Travel Agency Accreditation

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – October 4, 2023 – CCRA Travel Commerce Network is proud to announce the official launch of TRUE's dynamic suite of new and enhanced training and development programs. These initiatives are designed to propel the success and growth of TRUE member travel agencies and their advisors, setting a new standard in travel agency accreditation benefits. Emphasizing the unique attributes of TRUE Accreditation, CCRA's President and CEO Dic Marxen said, "TRUE delivers a comprehensive range of benefits designed for travel agency members beyond any other agency accreditation. TRUE is not just a code; it's an investment in the success and growth of your travel business. TRUE is the only travel agency accreditation that not only provides industry recognition, but also offers unparalleled training and development opportunities to help our members thrive. This commitment to ongoing education is a key differentiator, and it's a valuable distinction that underscores a prime reason why travel agencies should choose to be accredited with TRUE."

New and Enhanced Training and Development Initiatives Now Offered by TRUE include:

"At CCRA, we believe in empowering our members with the tools they need to thrive,” said Margie Jordan, CCRA’s Vice President of Membership Services. “Our commitment to training and development is not just a service; it's a testament to our dedication to the success of our TRUE travel agency partners."

"As the only industry accreditation developed and managed by travel advisors and experienced travel industry executives – not airlines, cruise lines, or companies with other interests – TRUE is all about making travel agencies successful and supporting members as they scale and grow their travel business," continued Jordan.

TRUE offers easy steps for registration, while ensuring that the highest standards are maintained in the vetting process. For additional information, visit www.ccra.com/join/true-options/.

About CCRA: Established nearly 50 years ago, CCRA International, Inc. continues pioneering novel and creative platforms and programs that connect travel professionals and suppliers with the products and services they need to drive revenue, relationships, and brand recognition in the travel marketplace.

CCRA features an International Air Division focused on providing access to exclusive international air commissions; a 24/7 Travel Industry Call-Center Division staffed with expert travel advisors; a Membership Services Division that encompasses: the TRUE code agency accreditation and identification program, Travel Advisor Global Network (TAGN) – CCRA's host agency; and a powerful Global Supplier Network that includes PowerSolutions LIVE travel advisor training and supplier networking events. The company is dedicated to sustainability for our planet. For more information, visit www.ccra.com.

Media Contact:
Marlene Oliver, APR
NJC Communications
Email:moliver@njccorp.com
Direct: 305-491-0512

CCRA Brings in Record Attendance to PowerSolutions LIVE 2023 Travel Advisor Events

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – July 31, 2023 – CCRA Travel Commerce Network recently completed its first two PowerSolutions LIVE regional training and networking events of 2023 for travel advisors, drawing a record number of participants that even topped 2019's banner attendance. The company has also reached maximum capacity for its upcoming PowerSolutions LIVE in Puerto Rico, the first of its regional showcases to be held outside the continental US that will additionally feature a three-day destination FAM slated for next month. Turnout of just these three regional events exceeds previous attendance records with several hundred travel advisors participating, plus dozens of top industry executives, travel suppliers, and destinations.

“We are thrilled with the outstanding results of our PowerSolutions LIVE events that keep growing in popularity among both travel advisors and suppliers. “More and more advisors and suppliers are realizing that our PowerSolutions LIVE events are one of the best channels for agency owners and advisors to fuel business growth, and form more meaningful connections,” said Dic Marxen, President and CEO of CCRA. “At our most recent event in Washington, D.C., we actually had to expand our roundtables session, adding an extra room to ensure that all attendees and suppliers were able to benefit fully this from face-to-face interchange opportunity – one of PowerSolutions’ most highly anticipated segments.”

Rave reviews continue rolling in from travel agency owners, advisors, and suppliers about the most recent PowerSolutions LIVE held on July 18, 2023.

“I really enjoyed being a part of this very successful event. The quality and the level of engagement from the advisors was quite impressive,” said Alex L. Pinelo, CTC, MCC Senior Vice President, Sales for AmaWaterways, presenting sponsor of PowerSolutions LIVE Washington, D.C. “I must say I loved every minute of it!”

"I feel that meeting face-to-face with the suppliers (at PowerSolutions LIVE) was delightful. The intimacy of the number of suppliers and the industry colleagues being approachable enabled me to be intentional with my connections. Meeting with them helps me advance my business by establishing new connections and building my group travel business with different travel styles for my clientele. I am so happy I attended. These relationships are already blossoming in complimenting my business and adding additional revenue. I am in the happiness business and the vetted and hand-selected folks CCRA introduced me to are pure sunshine vibes all around. I highly recommend it. I love that this was a one-day event. Amazingly done!" said Luxury Travel Advisor Larissa Parks of Hitched 360.

Each regional PowerSolutions LIVE event features a full day of scheduled professional development and networking programming. Recent events in Washington, D.C. and Chicago included three main sections. First, travel advisors joined in educational sessions led by industry leaders. Next advisors created valuable connections with top travel suppliers at interactive roundtables. Then, after lunch, advisors cultivated key relationships with suppliers and industry colleagues at an interactive trade show.

“Not only are we beyond pleased with the attendance achievement that our team has attained, but we are also ecstatic to hear and see all of the outstanding comments and reviews from both the travel advisor community and our valued supplier partners, many who have already committed to participating in and sponsoring future CCRA events due to their success at this year’s PowerSolutions events,” said Peter Pincus, CTC, Chief Commercial Officer of CCRA. “Presenting the most beneficial opportunities for both travel advisors and travel suppliers is truly what makes our PowerSolutions LIVE platform a tremendous success!”

The next PowerSolutions LIVE event, which is now sold out, will be taking place in Puerto Rico and will include a three-day familiarization trip co-hosted by Discover Puerto Rico. With the sell-out status of PowerSolutions LIVE Puerto Rico, travel agency owners, advisors, and suppliers can look forward to CCRA expanding its future PowerSolutions LIVE events to include more FAM opportunities for further in-depth training in travel destinations.

In Q4, PowerSolutions LIVE New York will be held on December 5, 2023, at Bohemian National Hall, 321 East 73rd St. New York, NY 10021. Additional details will be offered at https://www.ccra.com/powersolutions/ -- registration opens soon.

PowerSolutions LIVE events are open to travel advisors of all experience levels who are members of TRUE, ARC, IATA, CLIA, and ASTA. Travel advisors are encouraged to register early to guarantee their spot at these popular events.

About CCRA: Established nearly 50 years ago, CCRA International, Inc. continues pioneering novel and creative platforms and programs that connect travel professionals and suppliers with the products and services they need to drive revenue, relationships, and brand recognition in the travel marketplace. CCRA features an International Air Division focused on providing access to exclusive international air commissions; a 24/7 Travel Industry Call-Center Division staffed with expert travel advisors; a Membership Services Division that encompasses: the TRUE code agency accreditation and identification program, Travel Advisor Global Network (TAGN) – CCRA's host agency; and a powerful Global Supplier Network that includes PowerSolutions LIVE travel advisor training and supplier networking events. The company is dedicated to sustainability for our planet. For more information, visit www.ccra.com.

Media Contact:
Marlene Oliver, APR
NJC Communications
Email:moliver@njccorp.com
Direct: 305-491-0512

CCRA Celebrates Two Successful Power Solutions LIVE Events and Largest Recruiting Month for TRUE and TAGN

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – October 27, 2022 – CCRA Travel Commerce Network is celebrating the success of its two recent PowerSolutions LIVE events that were met with rave reviews from both travel advisors and suppliers. As well, the company is thrilled to share that last month reigned as one of the company's largest recruiting months ever for both CCRA's host agency – Travel Advisors Global Network (TAGN) and for TRUE Accreditation Code membership.

“We certainly have much to celebrate with the immense turn-out at our in-person PowerSolutions LIVE events in Philadelphia and Tampa as well as the outstanding successes we are seeing in member growth for both of the two unique tracks our company offers to become either individually accredited via TRUE or to become a member of our Host Agency TAGN. Last month was one of the best recruiting months our company has seen in our nearly 50-year history,” said Dic Marxen, President and CEO of CCRA. “Further, we are thrilled to be able to gather once again sharing the unparalleled value of meeting live and in-person to make the connections that will help grow business for both travel advisors and suppliers as we move into a bright new era of travel."

CCRA recently hosted two successful PowerSolutions LIVE events attracting more than 300 travel advisors ready to connect with the products and solutions they need to power up their travel agency business. The events that were held in Philadelphia and Tampa featured valuable education and training sessions by industry experts and business development specialists, empowering speakers, face-to-face round table meetings between advisors and suppliers, and an interactive trade show for building key supplier relationships and networking with industry colleagues.

Asked how PowerSolutions LIVE went, Johanna González, Leisure Sales Manager, Discover Puerto Rico said,"(It was a) great event with quality travel advisors from Philadelphia! During Philadelphia Power Solutions, I was able to interact with a significant number of travel advisors that were eager to learn about my destination. The Power Solutions team did a great job with the organization and agenda, and the roundtables were a fun way to engage with smaller groups, teach them about the Island, and receive their feedback in a comfortable setting.”

Yolanda Carneiro, Vice President, Travel Industry Partnerships and Inside Sales for Carey International, said, "It's always exciting when you hear 'I need to use your service' or 'I didn't realize Carey was worldwide' ...Everyone was so attentive, positive about travel, and hopefully ready to book Carey and earn commission!” Deanna Reilly, owner Deanna's Travel said, "Power Solutions was a great way to reconnect and learn! It was a powerful event filled with networking, learning about destinations, suppliers and some new trends coming our way. I even learned about a fantastic new tool to use to capture data seamlessly. The Legal update was a priceless seminar filled with so much useful information and updates." Company executives say CCRA is poised for continued success in 2023. “Our goal is to continue on our growth trajectory and to bring even greater opportunities for agencies and advisors that we support as TRUE and TAGN members as well as to new advisors we introduce to the travel industry via our new Travel Advisor StartUp program,” said Marxen.

The next two PowerSolutions LIVE events will be held the December 1, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia and December 7, 2022 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Travel Advisors can register for the events online at: www.ccra.com/powersolutions/

About CCRA:
Based in Ft. Worth, Texas, CCRA Travel Commerce Network is a global hub for travel technology, marketing, accreditation, and education. For nearly fifty years, CCRA has connected travel professionals and suppliers with the products and services they need to drive revenue, relationships, and brand recognition in the travel marketplace. CCRA features a robust Global Air Division, 24/7 Call-Center Division, and a comprehensive Global Leisure Division that includes: its host agency called CCRA Travel Advisor Global Network (TAGN), the TRUE code platform for individual agency accreditation and identification, CCRA Global Supplier Network, PowerSolutions LIVE travel advisor training and networking events, and CCRA Travel Advisor StartUp (TAS) program for those looking to become new travel advisors. Through its partnership with Etherio Group, CCRA provides a full complement of meetings and incentive services. For more information, visit www.ccra.com.

Media Contact:
Marlene Oliver, APR
NJC Communications
Email:moliver@njccorp.com
Direct: 305-491-0512

CCRA Launches New Travel Advisor StartUp Program

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – August 23, 2022 – CCRA today announced the launch of its new Travel Advisor Startup program designed as the go-to guide for prospective new travel advisors on how to start a successful travel business. The company is kicking off the new Travel Advisor StartUp program with FREE seminars held in conjunction with CCRA's PowerSolutions LIVE in-person events. These full-day seminars present prospects new to the travel industry with the A-B-C’s of becoming a professional and profitable travel planner…and participants can attend for FREE!

For 2022, CCRA is pleased to offer four of our complimentary Travel Advisor Startup program seminars to choose from:

• • September 8, 2022 – Philadelphia, PA: Loews Philadelphia Hotel
• • September 20, 2022 – Tampa, FL: Doubletree by Hilton
• • December 1, 2022 – Atlanta, GA: Hilton Atlanta
• • December 7, 2022 – Scottsdale, AZ: The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton

During these full-day in-person Travel Advisor StartUp seminars CCRA's team of experienced travel professionals will teach participants about: how to set up a travel business; tools they’ll need; how to earn money, building relationships with travel suppliers, avoiding fraud and why this is important; travel styles and niches; plus much more. Beyond all of that, prospective new travel advisors will also get to join in presentations from travel suppliers, enjoy lunch where they can mix and mingle with mentors, create new contacts directly with suppliers at round table sessions, and learn more about the travel industry in an afternoon tradeshow where they can meet new suppliers and experienced travel advisors.

To participate in one of CCRA's new free Travel Advisor StartUp program seminars, prospective new advisors can visit https://www.ccra.com/travel-advisor-startup/ref/149/ for full details and event registration.

For those who cannot attend an in-person Travel Advisor StartUp program seminar, CCRA will be providing an online option that starts with a training course designed to provide the foundational education one needs to start a career as a travel advisor. The self-paced course covers cruises, tours, airfare, industry terminology, marketing, working with clients and much more. After the training and successful assessment completion, participants will earn their Recognized Travel Advisor certification. From there, participants will get training on how to use CCRA's CRM that travel advisors use to manage their travel business and clients, learn about the industry with preferred supplier trainings, and get support to get their new agency portal set-up to start booking travel.

About CCRA:
Based in Ft. Worth, Texas, CCRA Travel Commerce Network is a global hub for travel technology, marketing, accreditation, and education. For nearly fifty years, CCRA has connected travel professionals and suppliers with the products and services they need to drive revenue, relationships, and brand recognition in the travel marketplace. CCRA features a robust Global Air Division, 24/7 Call-Center Division, and a comprehensive Global Leisure Division that includes: its host agency called CCRA Travel Advisor Global Network (TAGN), the TRUE code platform for individual agency accreditation and identification, CCRA Global Supplier Network, PowerSolutions LIVE travel advisor training and networking events, and CCRA Travel Advisor StartUp (TAS) program for those looking to become new travel advisors. Through its partnership with Etherio Group, CCRA provides a full complement of meetings and incentive services. For more information, visit www.ccra.com.

Media Contact:
Marlene Oliver, APR
NJC Communications
Email: moliver@njccorp.com
Direct: 305-491-0512

CCRA Announces Expanded TRUE Accreditation Offerings as Travel Recovery Gains Momentum

-- 100 Percent Commissions Paid Directly from Even More Suppliers, as well as More In-Person Events, and Enhanced Educational Opportunities --

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – May 4, 2022 – As travel recovery continues to gain momentum, CCRA is pleased to announce updates to the TRUE accreditation, featuring the TRUE code used to identify travel agencies independently with suppliers for 100 percent direct commission payments and sales volume tracking. The company has been hard at work making TRUE agency accreditation even more powerful by enhancing global connections and support, adding more educational opportunities, and expanding live events and supplier partnerships.

In 2022, accredited agencies with a TRUE code have access to an unprecedented 100+ in-person meetings, networking events, and mentoring opportunities via CCRA's PowerSolutions LIVE as well as its dedicated Chapter events. Further, expanded partnerships and relationships are showcased by the tens of thousands of suppliers now honoring the TRUE code and paying commissions directly to agencies, including more than 30,000 branded and independent hotels, cruise lines, car rental companies, air consolidators, amusement parks, and tour operators. TRUE suppliers also include specialty providers, such as Destination Management Companies and boutique or niche tour operators that help travel advisors build their businesses in distinctive ways.

"It's the ideal time for agencies to tap into the soaring bounce-back in travel demand and to pair that with 100 percent commissions paid directly to them that TRUE accreditation provides,” said Dic Marxen, President and CEO of CCRA. “With TRUE, agencies get Independent Accreditation that is not contingent upon a host agency or tied to preferred agreements. This flexibility gives them the opportunity work directly with suppliers to access net rates. Of course, TRUE also enables travel agency owners running their businesses independently to be part of any host agency that they choose and take advantage of those preferred supplier relationships too. It is an unparalleled win-win and an unrivaled accreditation option for both veteran agencies and travel advisors looking to start their own agencies."

TRUE offers two accreditation models to help agencies grow their businesses at their own pace. Once vetted and approved, the travel agency receives a unique TRUE code. With their TRUE code travel agency owners can immediately bring up to four sub-agents under their accreditation code. The next tier model, TRUE Host, enables agency owners to bring up to 24 agents under their TRUE Host accreditation code.

“We are thrilled to see the industry taking-off and are very pleased to provide two options that give agencies the power to grow their businesses in their timeframe,” said Marxen. “Based on the model selected, you can bring agents in at the pace you wish. TRUE supports the entrepreneurial spirit and gives you total control to focus on your business of selling travel while being recognized directly - not as part of a pool of other agents.”

Beyond all of that, TRUE features a robust dashboard that offers a comprehensive range of business resources and tools for agencies including TRUE logos, TRUE certificate, and ID cards to showcase that they are a vetted and accredited seller of travel; images to market their business on social channels; a growing range of legal forms templates; a Travel Agent Survival Kit section, and Worldwide Travel Tips. The dashboard also presents TRUE University with an ever-growing range of training and educations webinars about Marketing, destinations, supplier trainings, and more.

TRUE offers easy steps for registration, while ensuring the vetting process is kept to highest level. For additional information, visit www.ccra.com/join/true-options

About CCRA:
Based in Ft. Worth, Texas, CCRA Travel Commerce Network is a global hub for travel technology, marketing, accreditation, and education. For nearly fifty years, CCRA has connected travel professionals and suppliers with the products and services they need to drive revenue, relationships, and brand recognition in the travel marketplace. CCRA features a robust Global Air Division, 24/7 Call-Center Division, and a comprehensive Global Leisure Division that includes: its host agency called CCRA Travel Advisor Global Network (TAGN), the TRUE code platform for individual agency accreditation and identification, CCRA Global Supplier Network, PowerSolutions LIVE travel advisor training and networking events, and CCRA Travel Agent StartUp (TAS) program for those looking to become new travel advisors. Through its partnership with Etherio Group, CCRA provides a full complement of meetings and incentive services. For more information, visit www.ccra.com.

Media Contact:
Marlene Oliver, APR
NJC Communications
Email: moliver@njccorp.com
Direct: 305-491-0512

CCRA Announces Full Agenda for Upcoming Regional PowerSolutions LIVE Advisor Training & Networking Events

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – July 25, 2022 – CCRA Travel Commerce Network today announced the full agenda for its regional 2022 PowerSolutions LIVE events. These highly anticipated events include valuable education and training sessions by industry experts and business development specialists, empowering speakers, face-to-face round table meetings between advisors and suppliers, and an interactive trade show for building key supplier relationships and networking with industry colleagues.

“Virtually everyone is ready to get out and travel, making our PowerSolutions LIVE the perfectly timed events to help travel advisors learn how to make the most of these opportunities through training and to help them create the valuable in-person relationships with suppliers that are so essential to success,” said Dic Marxen, President and CEO of CCRA.

Designed to get travel advisors connected with the products and solutions they need to power up their travel agency business, CCRA's Regional PowerSolutions LIVE events gives travel advisors the opportunity to establish real relationships to help them grow their travel business, get face-to-face training from suppliers, and build new contacts at the supplier trade show. From social media and business training to top suppliers presenting the best of what they have to offer, participants will walk away with a refreshed strategy, new business relationships, and a roadmap to: navigate the travel industry now, benefit from pent-up demand, and boost earnings. Travel Advisors will have the opportunity to meet with and learn from acclaimed suppliers including Presenting Sponsors: Puerto Rico and Green My Experience; Gold sponsors: Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture, Bookolis.com, Bermuda Tourism Authority, Hilton, Israel, Mayan Cruise Expeditions, Melia Hotels & Resorts, Posadas, Travel Safe Insurance, Visit Tampa Bay, and Visit Anchorage Alaska; and Silver Sponsors: Asuaire Travel, Antigua and Barbuda, Carey International, Celestyal Cruises, IMG, Los Cabos, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Norwegian Cruise Line, Sandals, Sixt, St. Petersburg Clearwater, Titanium Tours, Travefy, and more.

Full agenda and registration are currently available for travel advisors to attend the following PowerSolutions events:

• • September 8, 2022 – Philadelphia, PA: Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107
• • September 20, 2022 – Tampa, FL: Doubletree by Hilton, Tampa Airport Westshore, 4500 W Cypress St., Tampa, FL 33607
• • December 1, 2022 – Atlanta, GA: Hilton Atlanta, 255 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
• • December 7, 2022 – Scottsdale, AZ: The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Paradise Valley, 5401 N Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85250

About CCRA:
Based in Ft. Worth, Texas, CCRA Travel Commerce Network is a global hub for travel technology, marketing, accreditation, and education. For nearly fifty years, CCRA has connected travel professionals and suppliers with the products and services they need to drive revenue, relationships, and brand recognition in the travel marketplace. CCRA features a robust Global Air Division, 24/7 Call-Center Division, and a comprehensive Global Leisure Division that includes: its host agency called CCRA Travel Advisor Global Network (TAGN), the TRUE code platform for individual agency accreditation and identification, CCRA Global Supplier Network, PowerSolutions LIVE travel advisor training and networking events, and CCRA Travel Agent StartUp (TAS) program for those looking to become new travel advisors. Through its partnership with Etherio Group, CCRA provides a full complement of meetings and incentive services. For more information, visit www.ccra.com.

Media Contact:
Marlene Oliver, APR
NJC Communications
Email: moliver@njccorp.com
Direct: 305-491-0512