Becoming a Marriott travel agent might be an excellent opportunity if you love to travel, enjoy helping people, and are interested in working from anywhere. Marriott is among the largest hotel companies in the world. Their hotels range from affordable to luxury, offering something for every type of traveler.
As a travel agent working with Marriott, you help clients find and book the perfect Marriott hotel for their trip. You can also earn a commission and access special training and travel benefits. You just need the right steps, tools, and motivation.
Let’s walk through how to become a Marriott travel agent, even if you’re starting without experience.
What a Marriott Travel Agent Does
A Marriott travel agent helps people find and book stays at Marriott properties. Marriott owns and operates more than 30 hotel brands around the world. Some are high-end, like The Ritz-Carlton, while others are more budget-friendly, like Courtyard or Fairfield Inn. The flexibility makes it perfect for people who enjoy working from home. Your job is to:
- Understand the needs of your clients (location, budget, travel dates, and preferences)
- Recommend suitable Marriott hotels or resorts
- Make bookings on their behalf
Step 1: Work With a Host Agency
To work as a travel agent, you need something called industry accreditation. The easiest way to get started is to join a host agency. Working under a host agency gives you instant credibility and the tools to begin booking travel legally and professionally. When you join them, you get access to:
- Travel booking systems
- Commission tracking tools
- Mentorship and support
- Supplier relationships (including Marriott)
Step 2: Complete Marriott’s Travel Agent Training
You must complete a training course to become an expert in Marriott’s hotel offerings. This training is free and available online if you join a host agency. It teaches you about:
- Marriott’s hotel brands (from economy to luxury)
- How to recommend the right hotel for different types of travelers
- Marriott’s customer service standards
- How to book client stays efficiently
After completing the training, you’ll earn a Marriott Hotel Sales Specialist certification. It makes you more knowledgeable, more professional, and more confident.
It also gives you access to special discounted rates that allow travel agents to stay at Marriott hotels for personal or business travel. These rates help you familiarize yourself with Marriott properties so that you can better recommend them to clients.
Step 3: Learn How to Make Bookings and Earn Commissions
Once trained and registered, you can start booking Marriott hotels for your clients.
- Search for hotels by city or region
- See availability and room types
- Book rooms on behalf of your clients
- Apply special rates or offers
- Track your bookings and commissions
When your client completes their stay, you earn a commission based on the rate paid.
Your host agency manages commission payments, or you may receive them directly, depending on your setup.
Step 4: Keep Learning and Growing
The travel industry is constantly changing. New hotels open, loyalty programs get updated, and client expectations evolve. To stay ahead, keep learning. The more you learn, the better service you can offer—and the more trust you’ll build with your clients. Here are some simple ways to keep growing as a Marriott travel agent:
- Take refresher courses or new training when available
- Attend travel webinars or virtual events
- Subscribe to Marriott newsletters for advisors
Step 5: Promote Your Services
Remember, many people still prefer working with a real person to book travel—especially for special occasions like honeymoons, birthdays, or business trips. Use your service and Marriott knowledge as your biggest selling points. Once you’re confident in your skills, start promoting yourself as a Marriott travel expert.
- Create a social media page for your travel services
- Share photos, travel tips, and hotel reviews
- Tell your friends, family, and coworkers you book travel
- Ask satisfied clients for referrals or testimonials
- Join local networking groups or online travel communities
Final Thoughts
Becoming a Marriott travel agent is a smart way to turn your love of travel into a career or side business. You don’t need experience or expensive schooling to start.
Build a flexible and rewarding business with proper training and tools, helping people discover the perfect Marriott stays. From luxury travelers to budget-conscious families, your guidance can make a real difference in their experience.
So, if you’re ready to begin a journey into the world of travel—and enjoy some perks along the way—becoming a Marriott travel agent could be the perfect first step.