Being a Sandals travel agent can be a dream job if you love travel and planning all-inclusive vacations. From honeymoons to destination weddings to romantic escapes, being a Sandals travel agent allows you to help couples create magical memories.
We have been certified Sandals specialists for years and love it. Here is a simple guide on how to become a Sandals travel agent.
Become a Licensed Travel Agent
Before you can specialize in Sandals, you need to become a licensed travel agent. This means joining a host travel agency or starting your own travel business and then obtaining an industry credential, like IATA accreditation.
We recommend joining a host agency that is already a preferred Sandals agency. This gives you access to higher commissions, insider info, and experienced mentors who can help you grow faster.
Get Certified as a Sandals Travel Specialist
Once you’re officially a travel agent, your next move is to complete the Certified Sandals Specialist (CSS) training.
This is a free, self-paced online course that teaches you everything about Sandals and Beaches Resorts. You’ll learn about the resort layouts, room categories, amenities, booking tools, and more.
It usually takes from one to four days to complete this training, depending on your pace.
Once you’re certified, you get access to the Sandals Travel Advisor Portal, with support from Business Development Managers (BDMs), marketing materials, a dedicated booking platform, bonus commissions, booking incentives, and opportunities for FAM trips (free or low-cost resort visits so you can learn more about them).
Keep Your CSS Certification Current
To stay certified, Sandals requires that you complete an annual online workshop and book at least one vacation at a Sandals or Beaches resort each year, registering it in the Advisor Portal.
Grow Your Expertise with Advanced Certifications
Once you’re confident booking Sandals vacations, you can take things to the next level by specializing in certain areas like weddings and/or achieving membership in the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club (CRC).
The Sandals CRC is a group for top Sandals travel agents that unlocks special perks and higher commission rates. There are several levels within the CRC based on performance; we are proud to be the highest level, CRC Diamond Elite.
How to Succeed as a Sandals Travel Agent
A continued focus on growing your expertise, active marketing, and building relationships with current and potential customers will help you succeed.
The more you know about all the Sandals resorts, the better, so visit them (this is where FAM trips are invaluable) and keep up-to-date on new developments, additions, changes, promotions, and new offerings.
Marketing is key, and Sandals provides a wide range of tools to help you including branded digital and print materials, email campaigns and newsletters, social media content, and more. Going to wedding expos and local travel events plus maintaining an active social media presence is vital.
Work with your Business Development Manager to create customized strategies to keep your business growing.
If you still have any questions about how to become a Sandals travel agent, feel free to reach out to us!