Uncategorised

New Leadership Spotlight: OTN Welcomes Shemain Grasso as VP to Transform the Host Agency Landscape Oasis Travel Network (OTN), a leader in the host travel agency industry, is excited to announce the appointment of Shemain Grasso as Vice President of Business Development. With more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry, Shemain brings a wealth of knowledge, a proven track record of success, and a bold vision for the future. Her appointment is set to elevate OTN and reshape the host agency space, offering new opportunities and innovative solutions for modern travel advisors. A Visionary Leader for a Dynamic Industry Shemain’s career is built on driving growth, building strategic partnerships, and delivering results. She spent 22 years with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, where she played a pivotal role in driving innovation and expansion. More recently, Shemain contributed to the growth of Travel Industry Solutions, focusing on strategic initiatives that helped the company scale. At OTN, Shemain’s leadership philosophy is centered on empowering travel advisors. "Travel is a constantly evolving industry, and host agencies play a pivotal role in shaping its future," Shemain said. "I’m thrilled to join OTN, a company that shares my passion for innovation and advisor success." Revamping the Host Agency Experience As Vice President, Shemain is focused on revolutionizing the host agency experience for OTN advisors. Her priorities include: Advisor-Centric Programs: Developing new initiatives that prioritize advisor success, from streamlined onboarding to advanced training and mentorship programs. Cutting-Edge Technology: Leveraging state-of-the-art tools to simplify [Read More...]

Get ready to supercharge your travel business with the Chairman’s Club program at Oasis Travel Network (OTN). Designed to reward excellence and drive success, this game-changing initiative is redefining what it means to be a top-performing travel advisor. From unmatched earning opportunities to exclusive rewards, OTN’s Chairman’s Club is your ticket to the top. How to Earn Chairman’s Club Points Building your points is simple, exciting, and rewarding! From October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, you can rack up points through multiple avenues: Event Attendance: Attending OTN events in 2025 earns you points for every dollar of commission: 2 points per dollar with preferred suppliers. 0.5 points per dollar with non-preferred suppliers. Mark your calendar for these key events: 2024 OTN Conference (NCL): 2 points (preferred) / 0.5 points (non-preferred). 2025 Top Associate Appreciation & Rising Star (Celebrity): 2 points / 0.5 points. 2025 Member Appreciation (Amadeus): 2 points / 0.5 points. 2025 OTN U: 2 points / 0.5 points (details coming soon). Webinar Attendance: Stay informed and earn! Attend at least two live OTN-hosted supplier webinars monthly (24 annually) or 30 webinars throughout the year to earn 1 point per commission dollar paid. Referrals: Help grow the OTN family and get rewarded: Refer advisors earning $100K-$50K: 1 point per commission dollar for two years. Refer advisors in other plans: 0.5 points per commission dollar for two years. Incredible Rewards Await OTN’s Chairman’s Club is all about celebrating your success. Here’s what’s in store: Zero Fees for Top [Read More...]

In a world filled with host agencies, one name consistently rises to the top: Oasis Travel Network (OTN). Known for its innovative approach, OTN has redefined what it means to support travel advisors. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, OTN offers an unparalleled experience that truly sets it apart. Why OTN? A Host Agency Like No Other At its core, OTN is more than just a host agency—it’s a partner in your success. From offering 100% commission opportunities for top producers to acting as a pseudo-consortium with incredible supplier relationships, OTN empowers its advisors to reach new heights. Here are the standout features that make OTN the go-to choice for travel advisors: Top-Tier Commission Opportunities: OTN rewards its top producers with the ability to retain 100% of their commissions. With no membership fees for top earners, advisors can focus on growing their business without financial hurdles. Preferred Supplier Connections: OTN boasts a strong network of preferred suppliers, allowing advisors to earn higher commissions while accessing exclusive perks for their clients. This emphasis on supplier relationships means you’ll have the tools to deliver exceptional value and experiences. Recognition and Support: From prompt commission payments to high-level recognition programs like the Chairman’s Club, OTN ensures that advisors feel appreciated and supported every step of the way. A Sneak Peek at Industry Recognition OTN’s success speaks volumes. With $265.6 million in sales in 2024, it has earned a coveted spot on Travel Weekly’s Power List. The network's commitment to fostering [Read More...]

OASIS Travel Network is pleased to share that we’ve been recognized as a Travel Weekly Magellan Awards Gold Winner for Individual Travel Advisor - Overall-Virtual Experiences/Events. The honor comes as a result of our steadfast commitment to providing high-quality virtual events that spurred continued connection and advisor growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the year, OTN hosted approximately 29 live virtual events, nine of which included three new event formats. The virtual events are among the many educational opportunities we regularly make available for our members, with the most recent example being a Member Appreciation Amadeus River Cruise in Germany that offers members a chance to mingle with OTN staff, suppliers, and other advisors. “We’re honored to be recognized for our efforts in this space and want nothing more than to see our travel advisor members grow and succeed,” said Lee Smolinski, Chairman and CEO of OASIS Travel Network. “We know how absolutely crucial it is to offer frequent, high-quality programming that provides our members with the knowledge they seek, the connections they crave and the opportunities for growth necessary for moving the industry forward to a brighter future.” With entries from across the U.S. and around the world, the Magellan Award winners represent the best in the travel industry and salute the outstanding travel professionals behind it all. The awards honor outstanding design, marketing and services in a broad range of industry segments including Hospitality, Travel Destinations, Cruise Lines, Online Travel Services, Airlines and Airports, Travel Agents and [Read More...]

We’re beyond pleased to share Kelly Bergin, President of OTN, and Kareem George, Principal at Culture Traveler, LLC and OTN member, have been elected to serve as Directors-at-Large on the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) Board of Directors! Their two-year terms will officially begin at the close of ASTA’s Global Convention in Chicago in August. Among the new faces being welcomed to the ASTA Board of Directors, Bergin and George will join three newly elected Directors-at-Large and six returning Board Members, including Eddie Woodham of Palm Coast Travel, who is also an OTN member. “I am so excited that Kelly and Kareem will be joining me on the ASTA Board of Directors,” Woodham said. “I've worked with them both through OASIS Travel Network for many years and look forward to sharing time with them as fellow ASTA board members.” Bergin understands firsthand the challenges travel advisors and agency owners face. “I bring experience and perspective which will help me promote and advance the needs of independent travel agencies and professionals,” said Kelly Bergin, President of OASIS Travel Network. “I’m thrilled to be joining ASTA’s Board of Directors because I want to give back to the industry that has been so good to me and to the people that have made my journey possible. I’m ready to get to work and further expand my involvement and advocacy in the industry.” In addition to serving on several advisory boards and councils, Bergin’s more than 30 years of experience selling and [Read More...]

Recently, we were fortunate to be able to host our first in-person “Chairman’s Club” Top Producer’s Trip since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The successful gathering took place from June 5 – June 8 at the Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya Resort along the famed white-sand beaches in the heart of Riviera Maya. Our Chairman’s Club uses a points-based system to establish, recognize and rank its top performing members. Members earn points by selling OTN’s preferred suppliers, with the top point earners for the year becoming eligible for OTN’s luxurious and complimentary bonus Chairman’s Club recognition trip. “When another planned Europe trip was cancelled, our amazing partner—American Airlines—stepped up!” said Lee Smolinski, CEO of OASIS Travel Network. “They partnered with AMResorts as major sponsors to host the 2020 award winners.” The trip was an opportunity to celebrate the successes of our Chairman’s Club advisors and the challenges they were able to overcome during an undoubtedly difficult 2020. “Our top producers had a chance to connect with their colleagues, as well as develop business plans with our supplier partners, which was just the boost they all needed,” said Kelly Bergin, President of OASIS Travel Network. “Our partners—AAV, AMResorts, Chubb Insurance, TTC (Trafalgar, Brendan, Costsaver, Contiki, etc.), and Virgin Voyages—helped make this a very special Chairman's Club Trip.” John Diorio, Associate Vice President – North American Sales, Virgin Voyages, echoed that sentiment. “The OTN Chairman’s Club event in Akumal, Mexico was a wonderful opportunity to engage and build strong relationships with [Read More...]

We’re proud to share five of our members have been recognized among the top travel specialists for 2021 by Condé Nast Traveler! Those selected are chosen by the publication’s editors, who sorted through and evaluated thousands of qualified travel professionals worldwide to pinpoint the leaders in the field. OTN members who were selected are: Laurel Brunvoll of Unforgettable Trips; Sheila Cannon of Carefree Romantic Vacations, Inc.; Lauren Cardinale, CTA of Travel Design Co.; Debbi Claxton, CTA of Luxury Travel By Debbi, LLC; and Shelly Riedemann of Castaway Dream Travel. Claxton said because she has a high-end luxury clientele base—many of whom subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler—she knew recognition from the publication would be well perceived and highly respected. “My clients love seeing me thrive and succeed and be recognized for my efforts,” said Claxton, whose specialty is the British Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, Italy, Greece and Hawaii. “I’m always thinking of ways to take my clients' experience to a different, higher level and offering and executing ideas they wouldn't think of themselves. No matter what they do or where they go, I want them to come back exclaiming, ‘that was the BEST’ or ‘I had the time of my life!’” Cannon applied to be recognized because she wanted to start 2021 off with something motivating that would energize her about helping her clients travel the world in a big way. “This did the trick!” said Cannon, whose specialty is Tahiti, Fiji and Switzerland. “I strive to make my client [Read More...]