Industry Insights
The Melrose Georgetown Hotel
Timeless Elegance in the Heart of Washington, DC Welcome to the Melrose Georgetown Hotel, where classic refinement meets modern comfort in one of Washington, DC’s most distinguished neighborhoods. Just steps from Georgetown’s historic charm and the city’s most...
Travel Advisor Secrets: 5 Practical Tips to Help Clients Expedite Travel Insurance Claims
Let’s Be Real — Even the Best-Laid Travel Plans Can Go Sideways Despite months of detailed preparation, travel doesn’t always go according to plan. Unexpected weather, flight disruptions, lost luggage, or medical issues can derail even the most carefully crafted...
Why In-Person Connections in the Travel Industry Matter
In-Person Connections in the Travel Industry: Why They Still Matter for Independent Travel Advisors There’s something truly special about meeting face-to-face — and in the travel industry, those personal connections can make all the difference. While independent...
Your Best Defense Against Fraud and Chargebacks? Strong Terms and Conditions
For travel advisors, the joy of planning unforgettable experiences for clients often comes with an undercurrent of risk—last-minute cancellations, supplier changes, and, increasingly, fraud and chargebacks. If you've ever had a client say, “I didn’t realize that...
One Destination, Different Ways to Travel: 5 Inspiring Approaches for Travel Advisors
Modern travelers are no longer content with simply picking a destination—they want to craft a story. The conversation has shifted from “Where should I go?” to “How do I want to experience it?” As a travel advisor, your role is to translate that question into...
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...
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.