#USA #Philadelphia #travel advisors #ASTA #Commtrak

Commtrak Enhances Support for Travel Advisors with ASTA Partnership

Commtrak, a leading commission recovery firm in North America focusing on travel agencies for nearly four decades, has recently announced a strategic partnership with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). This collaboration is aimed at empowering travel advisors by ensuring they receive full compensation for their work. With extensive experience in recovering unpaid hotel commissions, Commtrak is positioned to enhance the revenue streams of its partner agencies.

For many travel advisors, hotel commissions represent a significant source of income. However, issues such as unpaid commissions and discrepancies in payment have long plagued the industry. These concerns are often referred to as "commission leakage"—a troubling phenomenon where advisors do not receive payment for bookings that have been completed.

Zane Kerby, the President and CEO of ASTA, addressed the issue head-on, stating, "Commissions earned are commissions owed, period. Advisors who are owed commissions should not be ignored or forced to chase payment for work they have already completed." This sentiment reflects the frustration felt by many in the industry.

Through this newly formed partnership, ASTA members will gain access to crucial resources specifically focused on recovering aged and unpaid hotel commissions. Commtrak has a proven track record of pursuing these commissions starting from 180 days post-checkout, even for records up to four years old—something that many agencies have prematurely written off as losses.

In addition to recovery services, the partnership opens the door to developing practical tools and information-sharing resources within the industry. These initiatives aim to enhance agencies' understanding of hotel commission payment trends, emphasize the importance of suppliers who maintain reliable payment practices, and pinpoint common areas where discrepancies occur. Both organizations are committed to streamlining the reconciliation process, benefiting both the travel agencies and their hotel partners.

Marci Broumas, Commtrak's Director of Operations, stated, "By collaborating with ASTA, we hope to help agencies recover earned revenue while also making the reconciliation process smoother and more collaborative for hotel partners." She emphasized that improved communication and tool development could lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

As it stands today, Commtrak proudly partners with twelve of Travel Weekly's Top 40 Power List agencies and twenty-one of the Top 70 agencies. This association reflects a growing recognition within the travel industry that protecting earned revenue is crucial—just as important as generating new bookings.

In summary, the partnership between Commtrak and ASTA aims to address the issues surrounding unpaid commissions and foster a healthier commission ecosystem that benefits travel advisors and agencies alike. With a strong focus on accountability and complication-free processes, this collaboration stands to reinforce the financial stability of travel advisors in an increasingly challenging market.

About Commtrak

Commtrak, established in 1987, is headquartered in Philadelphia and specializes in the recovery of unpaid hotel commissions for North American travel agencies. Its structured, contingency-based approach has helped many travel advisors reclaim lost revenue.

About ASTA

The American Society of Travel Advisors is the foremost advocate for travel advisors, the travel sector, and the public. Its commitment to improving the industry's standards ensures that travel advisors have the resources they need to serve their clients effectively.