Features & Benefits of being in the NEST
1. The NEST supports the independent, home-based travel agency community exclusively.
2. The NEST enables the home-based agency to maintain the true independence they desire, serving as a membership organization and not a franchise nor host agency.
3. The NEST enables members to book directly with suppliers so that they receive 100% of commissions earned and 100% recognition as the agency of record.
4. The NEST offers a wide variety of preferred suppliers including cruise lines, tour operators, hotels and resorts so that selling opportunities are virtually unlimited and all are financially rewarding. To see a current list of NEST suppliers, click here.
5. The NEST negotiates higher commissions for members, delivering higher profits on every sale.
6. The NEST negotiates exclusive discounts, value-added amenities, and bonus commission opportunities to further increase competitiveness and profitability. NESTRewards is an exclusive program which allows you the opportunity to earn exciting incentive Rewards just by booking your preferred Suppliers. Each time you make an eligible booking, you will make extra Cash.
7. The NEST offers turn-key sales promotions as part of an aggressive marketing calendar so that members always have advertising opportunities.
8. The NEST designs sales tools to help members cultivate repeat & referral business. Our NESTDirect mail program is perfect - members receive 150 pieces FREE!!!
9. The NEST respects the privacy and confidentiality of the agency's customer database and does not require nor request access at any time.
10. The NEST provides members with CruiseNEST, a direct-connect/real-time cruise booking engine, CruiseNEST (powered by TravStar Technologies), for tremendous office productivity efficiencies and competitive advantages.
11. The NEST does not charge members user-fees nor monthly fees for the use of CruiseNEST.
12. The NEST offers database management tools within CruiseNEST to further reduce the agency's costs, yet add essential, simple to use marketing capabilities.
13. The NEST does not charge franchise fees, does not collect a percentage of sales, and does not charge a menu of administrative fees, requiring only a low annual membership fee.
14. The NEST connects members to members via inthenest.com, establishing a strong sense of community amongst members by encouraging best practice sharing, destination expertise assistance, even business-sitting support.
15. The NEST connects members to essential information including sales promotions and training events via inthenest.com.
16. The NEST connects members to suppliers via Virtual Sales Calls, for timely product training and distribution of essential competitive information. Sit back and watch the screen for training brought right into your home, twice weekly.
17. The NEST connects members to continuing education designed and delivered by experts through NEST Virtual Trainings.
18. The NEST connects members to hands-on training with ongoing FAM trips and Seminars at Sea.
19. The NEST communicates essential information uniquely by filtering out duplication to reduce clutter, virtually eliminating paper communications and utilizing compelling video messaging.
20. The NEST staffs a member support desk committed to personable, friendly, responsive service.
Membership Fees
You pay a $149 ONE-TIME application fee to get you started. NEST annual memberhsip fee is $225 which is being WAIVED for the first two years of membership!!!
Here's What Our Preferred Suppliers are Saying about the NEST
Joe Jiffo, CTC, Director, National Accounts, Norwegian Cruise Line & Orient Lines:
"With the growing number of Home based agents and the increased productivity we have experienced with this segment of the Travel Industry, NCL is excited to be partnering with the NEST, and we look forward to a long lasting relationship with Stu Cohen and his innovating marketing approach."
Bob Binder, Executive Vice President, Oceania Cruises
"Home based agents are one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry and Oceania Cruises is very excited about the dynamic new program Stuart and his team has produced. A cornerstone of our business philosophy is that we will do everything possible to work closely with home based agents and Oceania Cruises is proud to be a partner with the NEST. Together, we will provide innovative new marketing programs, cutting edge technology and an unprecedented level of support to ensure the success and prosperity of home based agents."
Anne Watson Henry, CTC, Vice President Travel Industry Relations/ National Accounts, Trafalgar Tours
"Trafalgar believes in qualified home based agents and we are excited to be partnering with the NEST knowing they have built a program that will meet the needs of their agents and preferred supplier partners."
Jim Baer, Vice President of Sales, Princess Cruises:
"The NEST's focus on helping home-based agencies grow and prosper is right on target. Princess is experiencing tremendous capacity growth today and I am confident our aggressive partnership with the NEST will take full advantage of these selling opportunities."