What is the difference between an ARC Accredited Agency and a Verified Travel Consultant (VTC)?

What is the difference between an ARC Accredited Agency and a Verified Travel Consultant (VTC)?

• A. An ARC Accredited Agency can issue tickets for air and rail carriers, while a VTC can only book tickets.
• B. A VTC can issue tickets for air and rail carriers, while a ARC Accredited Agency can only book tickets.
• C. Both can issue tickets for air and rail carriers.
• D. Only corporate accounts can issue tickets.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is who has the authority to actually issue tickets. An ARC Accredited Agency is a business that has met ARC’s requirements and is licensed to issue airline tickets, including tickets that involve rail carriers when supported. A Verified Travel Consultant is an individual who is verified to work under an accredited agency, but does not have standalone ticketing authority—they can research, price, and book itineraries, but the actual ticket issuance is done by the accredited agency. That’s why this option reflects the correct distinction: the agency can issue tickets for air and rail, while a VTC can only book.

The key idea is who has the authority to actually issue tickets. An ARC Accredited Agency is a business that has met ARC’s requirements and is licensed to issue airline tickets, including tickets that involve rail carriers when supported. A Verified Travel Consultant is an individual who is verified to work under an accredited agency, but does not have standalone ticketing authority—they can research, price, and book itineraries, but the actual ticket issuance is done by the accredited agency. That’s why this option reflects the correct distinction: the agency can issue tickets for air and rail, while a VTC can only book.