Industry Insights
Travel Industry Buzzwords Cheat Sheet for Travel Advisors
Travel advisors, stay ahead with this buzzwords cheat sheet! Learn the hottest terms like bleisure, workations, and regenerative travel to connect with today’s travelers. As a travel advisor, you know your clients are savvier than ever. They scroll TikTok for...
Crisis-Proofing Your Travel Business: 4 Ways to Stay Strong in Any Market
If there’s one lesson the last few years have taught us, it’s that the travel industry can change overnight. Advisors who thrive long-term are the ones who plan for uncertainty and build resilience into their business model. Diversify Your Client Base Running a travel...
Onyx & Hotel Commissions: Myths vs. Facts Every Advisor Should Know
Most of the time, a travel advisor does not need to proactively register with Onyx in order to receive commission payments. Hotels that use Onyx will typically pay your commission automatically, as long as: Your booking includes a valid agency ID either TRUE, IATA,...
Money Matters: Smarter Ways to Maximize Your Commission as a TRUE Advisor
Commission Is Just the Beginning Yes, keeping 100% commission is a game changer—but smart advisors know that commissions are just one piece of a profitable business. To truly grow, you want to layer in multiple streams of income that reflect your expertise and the...
The Power of Partnership: Why USTOA and Certified Suppliers Matter
In the ever-evolving world of travel, partnering with credible, trustworthy suppliers is essential to building a successful and sustainable travel business. That’s where USTOA—the United States Tour Operators Association—comes into play. This prestigious organization...
Tren Maya Exclusive Benefits For Tour Operators and Group Planners
For Tour Operators and Group Planners Tren Maya also offers exclusive benefits: groups of 11 or more travelers can enjoy special discounts starting at 5% when booking in advance.It’s a great opportunity for those who organize trips and want to provide unique...
All Aboard Profits: How Travel Advisors Can Sell Luxury Train Journeys with Confidence
In an age where travelers rush from airport to airport, luxury train travel offers something rare: a chance to slow down, savor the journey, and indulge in an experience as memorable as the destination itself. For you as a travel advisor, luxury rail isn’t just a...
Register Your TRUE Accreditation with Suppliers Today!
Achieving your TRUE accreditation is a major milestone in establishing yourself as a recognized and independent travel professional. Once accredited, one of the most important next steps is registering your TRUE number with travel suppliers so you can access industry...
Errors & Omissions Insurance: A Non-Negotiable for Every Travel Advisor
As a travel advisor, your reputation is everything. Clients trust you to design seamless, memorable journeys—and most of the time, you deliver. But what happens when something goes wrong outside of your control—or even due to a small oversight? Errors & Omissions...
Selling Travel Legally: What Advisors Need to Know About Seller of Travel SOT States
If you’re a travel advisor operating in the U.S., you may already know that certain states have what’s called Seller of Travel or SOT laws. But too often, advisors either misunderstand or overlook these requirements—leaving their business at risk of fines, penalties,...
Events You Don't Want To Miss!
Join us as we bring the industry’s top suppliers together in an intimate environment so you can spend some quality time with them, get to know their offerings and establish real relationships to help your travel business grow. You’ll experience unique travel industry discussions with some of the best and brightest in the industry, and get the training you need from the suppliers you want. See where we’re going next!
The TRUE Code Explained
The TRUE Code is a unique travel accreditation number issued by CCRA to identify independent travel advisors and agencies who operate outside of the traditional host agency model. It allows travel professionals to book directly with suppliers and receive commission payments without middlemen.
Why the TRUE Code Matters
As the travel industry evolves, more advisors are choosing independence. But working without a host agency doesn’t mean working without credibility or support. The TRUE Code provides:
- Direct supplier access
- Commission payments made directly to your agency
- Industry recognition and legitimacy
- A unique accreditation number you own
Whether you’re starting your own travel business or breaking away from a host agency, the TRUE Code is your key to unlocking a fully independent business.
How the TRUE Code Works
Once approved, your agency receives a unique TRUE number that suppliers around the world recognize. You can book travel, manage reservations, and earn commissions—all under your own brand.
TRUE is accepted by hundreds of global travel suppliers, including tour operators, cruise lines, hotels, consolidators, and more. These suppliers verify your credentials using the TRUE database and remit payments directly to your business.
Who Should Apply for a
TRUE Code?
- Independent travel advisors ready to work solo
- Travel agency startups seeking industry legitimacy
- Advisors leaving a host agency for more freedom
- Professionals looking to build a brand they fully own
How to Get Started
Applying for TRUE accreditation is simple:
- Set up your business entity (LLC or sole proprietorship)
- Submit an application with basic business info
- Pay a low annual fee
Once approved, you’ll get your TRUE number and be listed in the supplier database.