RLewis
Nov 17, 03, 7:45 pm
I am currently in the process of trying to plan a trip to China. As much of the tourism has previously run by government agencies, there seems to be little to differentiate services that might be offered by any US booking company. I am trying to weigh and validate the credentials of US tour/travel agencies. There are 2 that I like OK that are "American Express" travel agencies.
I would like to find out what the requirements are for an agency to become an "American Express" travel agency.
Also, by becoming an AE agency, what benefits can be offered to the customer that otherwise could not be offered?
As far as I can see, they may sell AE travelers checks, but I do not see this as being a huge, unique benefit.
The branding of American Express (at least to me) with the agencies name seems to give name recognition credentials which is not backed by anything really significant and concrete. Am I missing something??
I called American Express 3 times last night, and none of the people that I spoke with could shed any light on this question.
I would like to find out what the requirements are for an agency to become an "American Express" travel agency.
Also, by becoming an AE agency, what benefits can be offered to the customer that otherwise could not be offered?
As far as I can see, they may sell AE travelers checks, but I do not see this as being a huge, unique benefit.
The branding of American Express (at least to me) with the agencies name seems to give name recognition credentials which is not backed by anything really significant and concrete. Am I missing something??
I called American Express 3 times last night, and none of the people that I spoke with could shed any light on this question.