Tina, I think you are somewhat unfamiliar with Travel Agencies and the way in which we are paid. Unlike yourself, who has an actual product in which consumers stay - we as Travel Professionals earn our living by offering advice based on our expertise in dealing with various vacation components. I am a 40 year Travel Agency Veteran, and have seen many changes in the way we do business. As a rule, domestic Airlines do not compensate agents any longer. Thus, when putting our neck on the line with regard to advising clients of flight number, flight time changes, cancelled flights, schedule changes, baggage and seat fees, re-booking seats when there IS a change ... the list is L-o-n-g! ... we have Earned what small service fee we add for our professional services!

The same amount of planning goes into working with clients interested in a cruise or tour. We are however compensated by the vendors for sales in those realms. However, if a client takes a 3 day budget cruise, I do charge a fee - as the $37.85 commission earned does not compensate for the time involved in 'searching for the lowest rate, booking with the vendor, making bank deposit(s), advising clients of all documentation required to travel, applying deposit, applying final payment, obtaining emergency contact information, input all client documentation and passport numbers to the vendor, printing documents and presenting clients with a suitably prepared document holder ... NOT provided by the Cruise Line. I am not in the least bit ashamed to charge for the valuable service which I provide to my clients! Yes, I treat all clients the same and value the business of each - but I will be compensated for my time and priceless experience & advice.

Many of the VRBO's, Air B & B's and small rentals are open to paying a commission to our agency for the referral of clients. You should consider doing the same with your property. I don't know where you advertise, but if other than local - I'll bet you would certainly see an increase in rental revenues.

Tina - a travel agent can help a potential new guest find out about your property. Last week I had a client who gave me her budget and was open to going anywhere. I ended up booking her a cabin near a state park she had never heard of (in another state). A good travel agent knows about many more destinations than their clients even know exist. And so that we don't have to charge higher planning fees to our clients, we look for properties that have our commissions built into their pricing structure.