FACTORS DETERMINING SELECTION OF SUPPLIER [I like] working with suppliers that know their product, have a quality team of advisors that can answer questions I might have competently and accurately. With the volume of work going up, one thing that travel advisors appreciate in a supplier is the quality of call center operations. From wanting call centers that are available in their time zones to ones that are quick at resolving issues, advisors have in the last few outlooks detailed issues that they wish are resolved quickly. Client needs are of course priority for the advisors too, as are booking tools and business development support. As more advisors demand commission on NCFs, a supplier’s policy on the same is also becoming an important consideration. In the TMR River Cruise Outlook 2023, 37% of advisors said they wanted NCFs, and that share has risen to 41%. One advisor shared, CHART 14 | 21 Customer support/call center operations Suits my clients’ needs Booking tools provided Expertise in the destination Stronger BDM support Fam trip/Personal experience traveling with them Clear communication on all policies Part of my consortium/host agency network Booking incentives Commission on non-commissionable fees (NCF) Aligns with my specialization Supplier participation in events I attend Clients come in asking for it Access to revenue credit 75% 71% 66% 60% 59% 55% 53% 51% 51% 41% 39% 32% 31% 9% DISTRIBUTION TRENDS