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A career in travel is no longer just about booking trips. Today’s travel advisor is an entrepreneur, a curator of experiences, and a trusted guide in a world that feels increasingly complex. Some people are just beginning to imagine this life.Others are already in it and feel under-supported, stuck, or stretched too thin. Wherever you are on your journey, one decision shapes everything that follows: Do you build your travel business entirely on your own, or do you partner with a host agency? This isn’t about right versus wrong. It’s about alignment. The path you choose determines how fast you grow, how supported you feel, and how sustainable your business becomes. The Independent (DIY) Path: Total Control, Total Responsibility Going fully independent means you build everything from the ground up. You create your brand, your systems, your supplier relationships, your training plan, and your workflow piece by piece. On paper, it sounds empowering. And for the right person, it can be. What Independence Really Involves As a fully independent advisor, you are responsible for: Forming and maintaining a legal business entity Securing licensing and insurance Obtaining accreditation (CLIA, IATA, ARC, etc.) Applying to suppliers one by one Negotiating commission levels Selecting and paying for CRM and booking tools Building your website, funnels, and brand Designing your marketing strategy Training yourself on destinations, systems, and sales Troubleshooting every challenge alone You are not just an advisor. You are the operations department, the tech team, the marketing lead, and the strategist. [Read More...]

Launching a career as a travel advisor is an exciting opportunity — but knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. That’s why Oasis Travel Network is proud to introduce OTN Academy, our newly launched New to Travel Program designed to help brand-new travel advisors start their business with clarity, confidence, and long-term support.  OTN Academy provides the education, structure, and industry access new advisors need to build a successful travel business from day one — no prior travel experience required.  What Is OTN Academy?  OTN Academy is Oasis Travel Network’s refreshed New to Travel Program, created to support individuals who are new to the travel industry and ready to build a professional travel business.  This self-paced, guided program removes the guesswork by combining industry-recognized education, supplier access, and ongoing mentorship — all in one place.  Developed by the Oasis Travel Network team in collaboration with The Travel Institute, ASTA, and CLIA, OTN Academy delivers a strong foundation backed by trusted travel industry organizations.  Who OTN Academy Is Designed For  OTN Academy is ideal for individuals who are:  Brand new to the travel industry  Looking for a structured, step-by-step learning path  Serious about building a long-term travel advisor business  Seeking flexibility, community, and professional support  Whether you’re changing careers or starting a business for the first time, OTN Academy is designed to meet you where you are.  What Makes OTN Academy Different?  Unlike programs that expect new advisors to “figure it out as they go,” OTN Academy provides a guided start with ongoing support — not just [Read More...]

As 2025 comes to a close, many travel professionals are taking time to reflect on their journey. This year has been filled with growth, transformation, and incredible opportunities across the travel industry. But for many experienced advisors, one question remains: Is it time to make a change? If you’re ready to take full control of your business, increase your earnings, and align with a luxury host agency that truly puts agents first, this is your moment. The travel industry is evolving faster than ever, and the advisors who thrive are those who partner with a network built on innovation, integrity, and support. That’s exactly what you’ll find with Oasis Travel Network. As 2025 comes to a close, many experienced travel advisors are looking ahead and thinking about making a change — a change that offers more freedom, more earning potential, and a true partnership with a host agency that puts advisors first. If you’re ready to elevate your business and take full control of your success, Oasis Travel Network (OTN) invites you to explore a unique opportunity designed specifically for experienced, independent travel advisors. Earn 100% Commission for 18 Months For a limited time, qualified travel advisors can join Oasis Travel Network and earn 100% commission for 18 months — with no monthly fees and no commission splits. That means: You keep 100% of what you earn. You can reinvest your income directly into your business. You gain the flexibility to grow your luxury travel brand your way. This [Read More...]

Seasoned Leader to Drive Growth, Innovation, and Advisor Success Boca Raton, FL – October 1, 2025 – Oasis Travel Network (OTN) proudly welcomes Erwing Hernandez as its new Executive Vice President (EVP), marking a pivotal addition to the company’s leadership team. With nearly three decades of proven leadership in the host agency and travel sectors, Hernandez brings unmatched expertise in growth strategy, advisor engagement, and innovative technology solutions. A Proven Leader in Travel Hernandez has spent more than 28 years guiding large-scale growth initiatives, building advisor-first programs, and implementing cutting-edge technology platforms. Throughout his career, he has been widely respected for his ability to bridge strategy with execution and for creating models that allow travel advisors to thrive. “I am honored to join OTN at such an exciting time,” said Hernandez. “The host agency landscape is evolving quickly, and advisors deserve innovative tools, meaningful support, and a community that champions their long-term success. I look forward to working with the OTN team to build on their strong foundation and deliver even greater value to our advisors and partners.” Building on Momentum Hernandez’s appointment follows a year of transformational growth and recognition for OTN. In September 2025, the company announced the promotions of Kameish Stanley to Chief Commercial Officer and Sylwia Klimczak to Chief Financial Officer, joining President Kirsi Kiviranta and Chairman & CEO Lee Smolinski to form a dynamic leadership team focused on strategic expansion. This strengthened executive team positions OTN to build on its recent achievements, which include [Read More...]

OTN Poised for Strategic Expansion as Kameish Stanley is Promoted to CCO and Sylwia Klimczak to CFO. Boca Raton, FL, September 25, 2025 – Oasis Travel Network (OTN) is proud to announce the promotion of Kameish Stanley to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Sylwia Klimczak to Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Kirsi Kiviranta will continue to serve as President, and Chairman & CEO Lee Smolinski will remain the driving force behind OTN’s overall strategy and vision. These new leadership roles reflect an exciting step forward as OTN prepares for strategic growth in 2026 and beyond. Leadership for the Future Kameish Stanley, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO): Kameish brings more than a decade of leadership at OTN. She began her career in travel at just 16 years old and has built expertise across operations, marketing, sales, and product development. At OTN, she advanced through leadership roles including Vice President of Marketing and Executive Vice President of Marketing & Partnerships. With her proven track record in partnership development and sales strategy, Kameish will now focus on guiding OTN’s commercial vision, strengthening supplier relationships, and leading revenue initiatives. Sylwia Klimczak, Chief Financial Officer (CFO): Klimczak has guided OTN’s financial operations for more than a decade, steadily advancing through key leadership roles. With a strong background in accounting and finance, she pairs her expertise with an in-depth understanding of OTN’s advisors and their business needs. This unique perspective allows her to connect financial insight with commercial strategy, ensuring that OTN’s growth plans are both ambitious and [Read More...]

Choosing the right host agency is one of the most important decisions you can make as a travel advisor. You need a partner that not only provides strong commissions but also offers resources, training, marketing, and a sense of community that helps you thrive in the long run. At Oasis Travel Network (OTN), we have built our foundation on community values and a belief that advisors succeed when they are supported, empowered, and connected. As a proud member of the Signature Travel Network, we provide our advisors with the industry’s leading tools, top-tier commissions, and exclusive perks that set them apart from the competition. Here is why advisors across the country choose Oasis Travel Network as their host agency. Community at the Core Unlike many host agencies that operate with a “sink or swim” mindset, Oasis was designed around collaboration and support. We believe in one team, one vision, where every advisor has access to the resources and encouragement they need. Our leadership team began their own careers as travel advisors, so we understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities you face. That experience shapes everything we do. From day one, you will find a supportive community of peers who are eager to share strategies, celebrate wins, and collaborate instead of compete. When you join Oasis, you are not just signing up with a host agency. You are becoming part of a family of travel professionals committed to seeing one another succeed. The Power of Signature Travel Network Our affiliation [Read More...]

When travel advisors choose Oasis Travel Network (OTN), they aren’t just joining another host agency. They are joining a family, a community, and a network that values them as individuals. That truth was once again confirmed when Oasis Travel Network was honored as CLIA 2025 Hall of Fame Agency of the Year, a recognition that reflects not only industry success but also the personalized support and growth opportunities that advisors consistently find here. As we close in on the end of the year, Oasis is charting an ambitious course filled with education, recognition, and events that continue to deliver on our promise: Your Agency. Your Vision. Our Support. (left to right: Sylwia Jankiewicz, SVP of Finance; Lee Smolinski, CEO; Kirsi Kiviranta, President; and Kameish Stanley, EVP of Marketing and Partnerships.) Unparalleled Support: Training That Transforms At the core of OTN’s success is a commitment to hands-on support and world-class training. A shining example comes from Andria Fredrickson, VP of Insurance Operations, who has built an insurance program that is second to none. This program combines top-tier training with one-on-one support, ensuring advisors not only understand insurance products but also feel confident in positioning them as a value-added service for their clients. As Andria puts it: “I am here to take the confusion out of trying to navigate through insurance policies. I can help explain exclusions, pre-existing conditions, and the nuances of different policies—while helping you earn more money and giving the best options for your travelers.” By providing clarity and [Read More...]

(Pictured left to right: Olivia Rodriguez, Senior Manager, Sales Development. Garth Laird, VP trade sales, Kameish Stanley, EVP of Oasis Travel Network | SmartCruiser.com and Ashley Beede, director of national accounts.) We’re proud to share that Oasis Travel Network (OTN) has been awarded the Top 2024 Growth Percentage Award at this year’s Sandals and Beaches Resorts National Account Summit, recognizing OTN as the fastest-growing national account in the Sandals portfolio. This recognition celebrates more than just numbers. It’s a reflection of the meaningful relationships we’ve built, the exceptional performance of our advisors, and our commitment to creating an environment where travel professionals thrive with the support and attention they truly deserve. Competing at the Highest Level on Our Own Terms OTN continues to prove that success isn’t about size. It’s about focus, connection, and results. We’ve chosen to remain intentionally close-knit so that every advisor in our network receives hands-on support, direct access to leadership, and personalized business guidance. That focus allows us to go toe-to-toe with some of the largest host agencies in the industry while maintaining the kind of service that feels personal, nimble, and highly effective. This award is proof that our model works and that our advisors are achieving real, sustainable growth with us. A Standout Partnership with Sandals and Beaches Our long-term relationship with Sandals and Beaches Resorts has been a major driver of advisor success across the network. This partnership is not just a supplier relationship but a true collaboration based on shared [Read More...]

If you’re an independent travel advisor researching the best host agency to align with, you’ve likely compared commission structures, marketing tools, training options, and support levels. But one powerful differentiator is often overlooked: a host agency’s relationships with travel suppliers. The strength of those relationships can directly impact your ability to close sales, access exclusive promotions, and deliver added value to your clients. That’s where Oasis Travel Network (OTN) sets itself apart. Why Supplier Relationships Matter for Independent Travel Advisors A host agency’s supplier partnerships can make a significant difference in your business by offering: Access to exclusive offers, promotions, and added-value perks Higher base commission levels with preferred travel partners Priority access to limited inventory, cabins, or departures Direct support from supplier reps who know your host network Stronger professional credibility with both clients and vendors A well-connected host agency opens doors—and creates opportunities that solo advisors often can’t access on their own. The OTN Advantage: Real Supplier Access, Real Results At Oasis Travel Network, we’ve made supplier partnerships a cornerstone of our advisor experience. Our goal is to give independent travel professionals the tools and access they need to sell with confidence, stay informed, and grow their business. Here’s how OTN delivers unmatched supplier support: ✅ Live Supplier Trainings Nearly Every Day OTN offers live, interactive supplier webinars almost daily, covering cruise lines, tour operators, all-inclusive resorts, insurance, luxury brands, and more. These trainings are led directly by supplier reps who are invested in our network—and tailored [Read More...]

2025 has been a defining year for Oasis Travel Network (OTN). From major industry accolades to internal growth that strengthens the core of who we are, this year has been about more than numbers. It has been about momentum, the kind that builds through shared purpose, consistent support, and real results. While our goal has always been to serve our advisors first, recognition from across the travel industry confirms that we are moving in the right direction. And this year, that recognition has been especially meaningful. Honored as CLIA Travel Agency of the Year In one of the year’s biggest highlights, Oasis Travel Network was named Travel Agency of the Year by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). This award is a significant honor in the cruise space and one we do not take lightly. It reflects our dedication to advisor education, supplier relationships, and the hands-on support that helps our members grow their cruise business. More importantly, it speaks to the strength of our advisor community, professionals who continue to raise the bar for service and sales every day. CLIA’s recognition is more than a badge. It is a testament to the way we work together and the results that come from that collaboration. Ranked on the 2025 Travel Weekly Power List We are also proud to once again be featured on the Travel Weekly Power List, which ranks the top-performing travel agencies in North America based on total sales, influence, and innovation. Being on this list places [Read More...]