Summary
Fora advisors use multiple booking systems depending on travel type
Hotel systems include direct supplier portals, luxury consortia, and Fora tools
Cruise bookings use individual cruise line engines and agency portals
Tour operators have their own portals or work via email/phone
Fora provides proprietary management and tracking tools
Training covers each system step-by-step
No GDS (Global Distribution System) certification or specialized hardware required
Overview
Fora advisors use different platforms depending on what you're booking:
Travel Type | Primary systems |
Hotels | Fora's advisor portal, direct supplier portals, luxury consortia |
Cruises | Cruise line booking engines |
Tours | Tour operator portals, email/phone |
Management | Fora Portal, commission dashboard |
Hotel booking systems
Direct supplier portals
Access booking systems directly from major hotel brands:
Marriott
Hilton
Hyatt
IHG
Accor
And others
These portals let you search availability, book rooms, and manage reservations.
Luxury consortia platforms
Access to premium programs that provide VIP amenities:
Program | Benefits |
Virtuoso | VIP amenities, preferred rates |
Signature Travel Network | Exclusive perks |
Preferred Partner programs | Marriott STARS/Luminous, Hyatt Privé, Hilton Impresario, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, etc. |
These programs provide upgrades, breakfast, property credits, and other perks for your clients.
Fora tools
Fora Reserve: Fora's in-house preferred program with VIP perks and strong commissions
Booking management tools: Track quotes, bookings, and client information—everything you need to book and manage trips.
Cruise booking systems
Individual cruise line engines
Each cruise line has its own booking system:
Royal Caribbean
Celebrity
Viking
Seabourn
Norwegian
And others
Agency portals
Cruise lines provide agency-specific portals for:
Group space management
Promotions and inventory
Pre/post-cruise packages
Excursions and add-ons
Guest management
Each cruise line's system is different. Training covers how to navigate each one as you begin working with specific suppliers.
Tour operator booking systems
Direct portals
Some tour operators have their own booking portals for packaging itineraries, checking availability, and managing bookings.
Email/phone booking
Many tour operators work directly with advisors via email, phone calls with supplier BDMs (Business Development Managers—dedicated supplier reps who support advisors), and custom quote requests. This is especially common for complex or customized itineraries.
Management & tracking systems
Your central hub for managing your business:
Feature | Function |
Training access | On-demand lessons and resources |
Resource library | SOPs, templates, guides |
Commission dashboard | Track pending and paid commissions |
Booking management | Centralized booking tracking |
Itinerary & proposal builder | In-house tools to build deliverables |
Commission dashboard
Track your earnings:
Pending travel (booked, awaiting travel)
Pending commission (travel complete, awaiting supplier payment)
Received commission (supplier paid Fora)
Payment history (what you've been paid)
What you DON'T need
Not required | Notes |
Software downloads | Most systems are web-based |
GDS certification | GDS (Global Distribution System—software used by traditional travel agents to search and book travel inventory) is not required for most Fora bookings |
Specialized hardware | Standard device and internet |
Prior system experience | Training assumes you're starting fresh |
Training approach
Fora's training covers each system: how to access supplier platforms, where to book specific travel types, how to navigate hotel, cruise, and tour systems, and how to manage bookings within Fora's tools.
You don't have to master everything on day one. Learn systems as you need them.
Common scenarios
If you're booking... | You'll likely use... |
A luxury hotel | Fora's advisors portal, luxury consortia platform, or direct supplier portal |
A Caribbean cruise | Cruise line's agent booking engine (via Fora's portal) |
A multi-country tour | Tour operator portal or direct communication |
Disney | Disney Travel Agent portal (via Fora's IATA) |
Universal | VAX (via Fora's IATA) |
FAQs
Do I need to learn all systems at once?
No. Start with the systems relevant to your first bookings. Expand as you book different travel types.
Are there login credentials I need to set up?
Yes. You'll register with various supplier portals using your @fora.travel email and Fora's IATA.
What if I can't figure out a system?
Use Forum community support, office hours, or supplier BDMs for help.
Is there a single system that does everything?
No. The travel industry uses many specialized systems. Fora's Portal helps centralize management, but you'll book across multiple platforms.