News Briefs
Search Your Business Name Online
Do you ever search your business name on Google, Bing, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Yelp, or other social media or other classified websites? If not, here is why you should.
When verifying information as part of the registration renewal process, TICO has come across Google business listings and social media accounts pretending to be a TICO registrant. While some of the information may be correct, such as the company name and address, other information such as the website are completely unrelated. Certain websites are for travel companies in other countries, which may potentially be fraudulent, or at a minimum, lack the consumer protections available through a TICO registrant.
As a proactive business practice, consider spending 10 minutes to search your company name across various search engines, social media platforms and classified websites. Thoroughly review the details within each listing for accuracy. If you find anything that is out of place or suspicious, be sure to flag it with the relevant platform.
Videos to Support Recruitment of New Travel Advisors
Last fall, TICO launched an informational video series for individuals considering a career in travel sales. The videos, which have been viewed nearly 60,000 times, speak to TICO certification, along with a strong focus on professionalism and consumer protection. Consider sharing the videos as part of your recruitment process. Click here for the playlist.
Check out TICO’s Summer Webinar Line-Up
TICO’s compliance department hosts free virtual webinars to help registrants better understand advertising, disclosure and invoicing requirements, trust accounting obligations, and information on how to prepare the verification statement. To sign up for an upcoming session, click here.
Are You an Independent Travel Advisor Who Switched Host Agencies?
As part of the process of changing host agencies, be sure to update your website, social media accounts and any other advertising or promotional materials to reflect your new host agency information. For more details, click here (see marketing & advertising heading).