As the number of resources and business tools available to travel advisors continues to grow, navigating various sites and finding the right information can be a challenge, especially for advisors new to the industry.
The Travel Advisor Resource Center (TARC) recently launched a redesigned website to connect new and experienced travel advisors with industry resources in one centralized hub.
“It's very difficult to navigate the industry, especially when you're brand new, because there are so many things you can do,” said Steven Gould, founder of TARC. “We wanted to help create a bit of a pathway to help.”
The site features tabs with tools ranging from agency credentials and business building to Facebook groups and podcast recommendations. There are also comprehensive pages for aspiring advisors, established advisors and supplier partners with tailored information.
“If advisors are brand new, we have things like workflow templates, CRM setups and our TA Launchpad, which helps start your travel agency,” Gould said. “If they need a travel attorney, errors and omissions insurance, or a new consortium or host agency, we have different avenues to find what they're looking for.”
Founded in 2020, TARC was created to consolidate the different websites and tools meant to support travel advisors under one roof. The goal has remained the same; however, the site itself has undergone significant changes. The recent launch follows a nearly two-year overhaul and redesign intended to make the TARC website more efficient and streamlined.
What we heard over the years is that the resources are great, but the website was hard to navigate. We tore it down to the studs and rebuilt the entire thing.
“What we heard over the years is that the resources are great, but the website was hard to navigate,” Gould explained. “We went through and revamped the entire website. We tore it down to the studs and rebuilt the entire thing.”
One of the key changes to the website is a search engine that connects advisors to tools with a quick, Google-like search. The familiar format is meant to make finding resources easier.
“What we wanted to do is essentially create a Google for the travel industry,” Gould said. “You can find a track that works for you, whether you're a new advisor, an experienced advisor or if you're not sure where to go next.”
In addition to the search engine, the home page features a quiz that users can take if they are uncertain about where to start.
“You can answer the questions of what you’re looking for, and it gives you some ideas [that direct you],” Gould explained. “As a resource center, we want to have as many resources and connections as possible, so we are always growing and expanding.”
Gould sees the site complimenting and assisting advisors’ workflows, not acting as a replacement for any existing resources.
“Our goal is to close out all your bookmarks and browser tabs,” he said. “We don't want you to have to remember 300 places to go. We want to be the one place that you go, and we'll route you to those 300 places you need to end up.”
No fees or memberships are required; anyone can access the site. Since launching, executives say feedback has been positive, with many users reporting that the site is easy to navigate, especially for newer advisors.
