Cabra Collection Top Tips |
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Maybe you’re ready to expand into a new destination, or you’re looking for a change. Either way, choosing to partner with a DMC is a big decision, and stakes are high as they will carry your brand’s reputation on the ground. Before we became reps, vetting DMCs was a challenging and rewarding part of our jobs as advisors and Heads of Product. We’ve already covered why and when advisors should work with DMCs, and what makes a partnership work; here we’re offering our tips on how to vet and choose a DMC for your travel business. |
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1. Business Fit & Scale – Know Yourself First
Before evaluating a DMC's operations, make sure you thoroughly understand your agency's booking volume, client profile, your personal region expertise, and your operational style. Think critically about your needs, and the qualities that you most appreciate in DMCs you already work with.
2. Multi-Country Operations vs. Boutique Specialism
In Latin America, we do a lot of multi-country trips. It can be tempting to go for a DMC who covers much of the continent. This often comes at the expense of true specialism and proximity to guides, drivers, and hotel owners. It's often the personal connection with those providers that makes solving on-the-ground issues seamless.
3. Operational Systems & Ground Presence
Verify how the DMC manages safety, licensing, and client support in-destination. A 24/7 support chat is a must in Latin America, where the unpredictable happens quite predictably. When possible, put these systems to the test with a FAM trip.
4. Sales Team & Itinerary Design
Interviewing a DMC owner is great, and will tell you a lot about the ethos and ethics of the company, but you may not be dealing with them on a day-to-day basis. When relevant, meet with the sales team to understand their level of expertise. A top-tier trip designer should actively enhance your itinerary using local insight; expect them to push back rather than blindly accepting every request. Be wary of "lazy luxury" product and look for signs of real specialism.
5. Terms & Pricing
Set clear expectations before submitting your first itinerary request. Be upfront if you need a white labelled itinerary or itemized pricing. Understand their booking terms, and typical turnaround times. Analyze net rates to ensure they are reasonable for the level of service provided.
6. Representation & Partnerships
Get to know their reps! Bring sales representation into your vetting workflow. Once reps understand your business and client profile, they can make more tailored recommendations and help smooth out the evaluation process. |
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Our standards are as high as yours. We know what makes DMCs easy and inspiring to work with. Before partnering with any DMC, we ensure they meet the same criteria we looked for as advisors:
Locally owned & owner-run
Unique product offerings
Thorough white labeling
Sustainable travel model
24/7 concierge for traveling clients
Ability to book everything
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| Ecuador Beyond the Checklist
Amazing Ecuador skips off-the-shelf itineraries to design creative, deeply personal journeys across Ecuador and Galápagos. Founders Paúl and Santi serve as expert partners for advisors, delivering rich destination education and exceptional on-the-ground support.
Signature experience: Sail to hidden coves in the Galápagos for a day of coastal fishing, snorkeling, and a sea-to-table lunch
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| Argentina: Sustainable DNA; Luxury Execution
Onesixth's research-led work is matched by a rigorous commitment to sustainability; every trip they run is carbon-neutral and leaves a net-positive impact. They are a high-integrity, tech-forward partner capable of delivering on both the highlights and deep-cuts, all with the help of a friendly team of industry veterans.
Signature experience: Puma tracking in Patagonia National Park |
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| A Colombian Love Story
The Colombian Trip is a certified B-Corp DMC delivering sustainable, highly personalized itineraries backed by proactive advisor communication and seamless ground operations. They prioritize one-on-one connections, not just with travelers, but with the local communities, farmers, and artisans they support.
Signature experience: Coral reef restoration SCUBA diving in San Andrés |
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| Panama for a New Generation
Ogaya is a family-owned DMC redefining luxury in Panama through intentional, regenerative travel. Specializing in tailor-made journeys across wild coastlines, rainforests, and indigenous communities, their meticulous team delivers deeply immersive, responsible experiences.
Signature experience: Immersion in indigenous communities throughout Panama |
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Would you like an introduction to any of our DMCs, either for an active quote, or to lay the groundwork for future interest? |
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Road Shows: New York & Boston |
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Anakonda Amazon Cruises VP Diego Garcia will be in NYC on October 5-6 and Boston on October 7-8. Fill in this form to schedule a meeting with Diego.
Meet Cabra founders Olivia and Emma in Boston on September 28 and 29. We'd love to meet and chat Latin America. Fill in this form to plan a meeting with us.
Ogaya Travel's Ivan and Maria Amelia will be in Boston October 14-15. Email us to schedule a meeting. |
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| Here's the latest from our partners across Latin America:
- Colombia: There are a few rooms open in Cartagena's Casa Carolina and Osh Getsemani for travelers still wanting a coastal+cultural holiday.
- Errante Ecolodge Patagonia: availability for most festive dates.
- Anakonda Amazon Cruise: Special departures available over the holidays. Reset your nervous system with an Amazonian NYE.
- Argentina: Scattered Patagonia availability for flexible travelers.
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Register for our Colombia webinar on October 22 at 12pm EST.
It will give you a practical understanding of the country, tips for pitching and selling it effectively, and an understanding of what makes The Colombian Trip so special.
Click here to register. If you can't make it live, you will get the recording in your inbox. |
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Our curated portfolio of DMCs and lodges represents what we love about Latin America. They are owner-run, locally-owned, sustainability-minded, and fun to work with. |
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The representation company dedicated to Latin America |
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