What Is WorldVentures?

WorldVentures is an Internet travel company and agency for home-based travel agents, begun by Wayne Nugent and Mike Azcue in 2005. Its focus is its customized software called "PowerSearch™," which is reported to search more than 200 travel-related sites at one click and finds consumers the best deal. It has freelance agents recommend its resources and pay by commission.

Reported Growth

Within its first nine months of operation, WorldVentures announced sales of more than $2.6 million, and claims $150 million over the past three and a half years. It has grown to 165 in-house staff and an untold number of agents that refer services.

Products

WorldVentures technology combines word-of-mouth marketing, user reviews and information for travel research and booking. It offers two products. The first, "DreamTrips Membership," requests a sign-up fee and monthly fee to access vacations at discounted prices. The second product is the "LTC Package," where it is looking for agents to sell its products. WorldVentures provides a customized travel portal for agents to refer clients and then receive commission. The LTC (Leisure Travel Consultant) Package includes 24-hour roadside assistance and a tax advice hot line. Perhaps most useful is the Rovia Concierge Service, available all day, every day that will provide flight information, directory assistance, entertainment recommendations, driving directions and even make dinner reservations.

Training

After an agent takes continuing education classes offered by WorldVentures and passes several levels of accreditation, he or she can become a Travel Reservation Specialist or Booking Travel Agent, which qualifies for higher commission and added benefits. Training is done via online interactive video and can be watched at any time. There are live workshops on weekends, as well as longer ones, that help agents in business and personal endeavors via small and large group discussions.

Reports to Take Heed

There are many reports of WorldVentures not living up to the many promises it makes to agents. Though actual employees do concur they are getting their commission, there are several organizations and private citizens that feel the products offered or people involved with WorldVentures are not up to par.

Investigate Before Investing

It is important to note that if people are going to purchase the training material and become an agent, they are involved in multi-level marketing or MLM. They are not really selling a product, but membership. Once a person signs up with WorldVentures, the referring agent does get a reported $99. There are people who claim to have become wealthy by constantly referring people, who in turn refer others. People have found cheaper fares and hotel accommodations by spending time online and researching the most popular and reputable travel sites. Before investing your money, it is important to talk to others who have used the company and investigate before purchasing.