TORONTO — There’s a new host agency in town.

Geared to existing home-based agents as well as new-to-industry members, ONVIGO says it is committed to providing a barrier-free path for individuals seeking a fulfilling career in the travel industry, while also addressing the challenges faced by independent travel advisors (ITAs).

There are some familiar names at ONVIGO, including Shean Carmichael, Director of Host Agency Operations, who worked for many years at a major host agency. Joey Chau, ONVIGO’s Marketing Coordinator, has worked for American Express Travel, among others. Angela Bokma, ONVIGO’s Director of Marketing, worked at The Travel Corporation.

Meanwhile the Canadian owned and operated ONVIGO was founded by Chippy Jegathesan, who is the CEO of consolidator Voyzant Inc.

ONVIGO is all about personalized support and a strong commitment to

inclusivity, says Carmichael. “At ONVIGO, we believe that there has never been a better time to join the travel industry,” he said. “We are passionate about

supporting travel advisors every step of the way, whether they are just starting out or looking to take their business to the next level. Our personalized approach ensures that each agent receives the assistance they need to achieve their goals.”

ONVIGO’s key tenets include …

•  A no-fees approach: “ONVIGO is focused on creating a barrier free path for everyone who wants the opportunity to find a rewarding career in travel. With dedicated support, training, tools and technology, lucrative commission structure and our NO FEES approach, ONVIGO puts the Independent Travel Advisor FIRST.
• Invoicing help: “At ONVIGO, we take care of the invoicing process on

behalf of our agents, allowing them to focus on what they do best: creating unforgettable travel experiences for their clients.”

• Chasing down commissions: “Chasing commission payments can be a

frustrating task for travel professionals. ONVIGO takes this burden off their shoulders by proactively chasing commissions on their behalf, ensuring that they receive the payments they deserve in a timely manner.”

•  Technology: “We are dedicated to staying ahead of the curve when it comes to

technology. ONVIGO provides travel advisors with access to cutting-edge tools and automation.”

Q&A WITH SHEAN CARMICHAEL

Travelweek connected with Carmichael for an interview, to find out more about ONVIGO.

Travelweek: There’s been so much growth in the home-based sector in Canada, even during the pandemic when record numbers of new-to-industry people expressed interest in becoming a travel agent. Is ONVIGO looking to capitalize on this growth and demand, and what goals does the company have for its first year?

Carmichael: “It’s indeed an exciting time for the travel industry and ONVIGO is the brainchild of Chippy Jegathesan, CEO of Voyzant Inc., one of Canada’s leading travel consolidators. Every host agency has something unique to offer, Onvigo is no different. We want to empower those individuals who have always wanted the chance to get into the travel industry, without having the expense associated with starting up.

“Most host agencies have start-up fees, putting the ITA in a position of having to sell to recoup their investment. ONVIGO aims to put the ITA first.

Shean Carmichael, Director, Host Agency Operations, ONVIGO

“ONVIGO is strategically positioned to capitalize on the burgeoning growth and demand within the home-based travel sector. Our unique approach, characterized by a no-barriers, no-fees philosophy, is tailored to cater to the surge of new-to-industry individuals expressing interest in becoming travel agents. We see this as an opportunity to empower aspiring travel advisors by providing them with the support, training, and cutting-edge technology necessary to thrive in this dynamic industry.

“As for our goals, our primary focus is to establish ONVIGO as a leading host agency that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our valued travel advisors. We aim to foster a vibrant community, actively contribute to the industry’s growth, and create a platform where diversity, inclusivity, and personalized support are at the forefront of our operations.

“The host agency is not just a business expansion; it represents a natural evolution in Chippy’s strategic vision for the travel industry. Chippy envisions the future of travel resting in the hands of knowledgeable advisors who can book the world for their clients.

“We’re excited about the journey ahead and the positive impact we believe ONVIGO will have on the Canadian travel advisory landscape.”

Travelweek: Will ONVIGO be working with existing home-based agents, or new-to-industry professionals, or both?

Carmichael: “Both. Our free 2-week training program is geared towards new to the industry participants. Our Experienced Agent Journey is asynchronous learning that an experienced ITA can complete in about 40 hours. These courses and modules are designed to show an experienced ITA how to use ONVIGO’s leading edge technology and systems to sell to their book of business.”

Travelweek: There’s no shortage of competition when it comes to host agencies in Canada. What gap is ONVIGO looking to fill?

Carmichael: “It’s true; the Canadian travel industry is dynamic and competitive. At ONVIGO, our primary focus is on breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive platform that empowers travel advisors across all backgrounds and experience levels. Our unique no-barriers, no-fees approach is designed to provide an accessible path for individuals seeking a rewarding career in travel. We believe in the potential of every aspiring travel advisor and want to ensure that they have the support, training, and technology needed to succeed.

“Additionally, we understand the challenges faced by travel consultants, from managing invoices to chasing commissions. ONVIGO aims to fill the gap by alleviating these burdens, allowing our advisors to concentrate on what they do best – creating unforgettable travel experiences for their clients.

“Not every host agency is right for every type of agent. ONVIGO is designed to support ITAs in a more personalized way. We also attract people from all walks of life. Canada is a very diverse nation with many cultures represented. ONVIGO’s ITAs are a beautiful mosaic of those cultures who are looking to provide support for travellers representing similar backgrounds and cultures where they can get support from an ITA who speaks the same language they do and can advise based on a deeper understanding of those cultural needs.

“We aim to fill the gap by providing a comprehensive and empowering environment for travel advisors to thrive.”

Travelweek: One of ONVIGO’s brand identifiers is its commitment to inclusivity. Has there been feedback that this is something lacking in the host agency sector currently?

Carmichael: “Indeed, one of ONVIGO’s core brand identifiers is our unwavering commitment to inclusivity. While the travel industry is diverse and dynamic, feedback we’ve collected has indicated that there is room for improvement in terms of inclusivity within host agencies.

“Through our interactions and market research, we have noted that some individuals, especially those new to the industry, face barriers and challenges in finding a supportive and inclusive community that values diversity. ONVIGO was conceived with the intention of addressing this gap by providing an environment where travel professionals from all backgrounds feel welcome, supported, and empowered.

 “Our unique no-barriers, no-fees approach is a testament to our commitment to breaking down obstacles that may hinder aspiring travel advisors. We aim to create a community that celebrates the diversity of our industry and ensures that everyone, regardless of their background or level of experience, has an equal opportunity to thrive.

“The same can be said with regards to the shift in representation in advertising. Think back just 3-4 years ago and most of the ‘travellers’ represented were a narrow cross-section of the population and not a true representation of who Canadians truly are. The same could be said of many of the ITAs across Canada. As the demographics of Canada has changed over the last decade, the people providing travel services should reflect the kind of travellers looking for support. ONVIGO simply wants to ensure that everyone can be successful selling travel to the Canadian public.”

More information about ONVIGO is at www.onvigo.com.