If you are a new travel agent, getting started on your own can be daunting. Partnering with the right host travel agency will help you gain confidence, provide you with educational opportunities, and help your business become successful. New travel agents often aren’t sure how to get started, while experienced travel agents are often concerned about how changing host agencies will affect their day-to-day processes, supplier relationships, and commission levels.
How do you know which host travel agency is the best for you?
First of all, remember that the term “best” is subjective. A host agency that works well for one agent may not be the right fit for another. Think about the goals you have for your travel business, your personal strengths and weaknesses, and which tools you need to get started—or to keep growing. As you compare host travel agency options, research the answers to these important questions:
What am I getting for my money?
All host travel agencies will require some type of payment, whether in the form of membership fees, a commission split, or both. Understand the fees and percentages involved, but also consider what each membership package includes so you’re not comparing apples to oranges. A basic plan may only include the ability to make travel reservations at the minimum commission percentage, while other programs may include valuable benefits like a client management system, higher commission levels, and access to marketing tools.
Here are some questions to consider:
- Do they pay commissions timely?
- Do they offer bonus commission and booking incentives?
- What kind of ongoing education do they offer?
- What type of database management system (if any) is included?
- Do they provide ways to connect with other travel agents?
- What industry associations do they belong to?
- How long have they been in business?
- If there are start-up fees, what do they include?
Where is the agency located?
Partnering with a local host agency offers some potential geographic advantages, but many national-level agencies are skilled at providing excellent support to agents across the country. Near or far, it’s important to be able to easily contact your host agency whenever you have questions or concerns. Do they offer multiple methods of communication like phone, email, or live chat? Which days and hours do they offer support? If the agency’s main office isn’t located near you, do they host local events or provide a regional representative for your area?
What type of travel will I sell?
If you plan to specialize in a particular type of travel—such as cruises, Disney vacations, or destination weddings—you want to join a host agency that provides the tools you need to support that type of business. Inquire about their current commission levels for the main suppliers in that specialty. Do they offer industry connections to assist you in serving that niche? Do they provide education that will help you to grow this part of your business? What marketing resources are available to help you reach clients interested in this type of travel?
How much education is available?
For a new travel agent, understanding the basics of booking travel and how to set up your business will lay a solid foundation for a career as a travel agent, but a constantly evolving travel industry means even experienced travel agents need ongoing learning opportunities. Staying current on booking technology, marketing trends, destinations, and supplier updates are just a few of the topics that require regular assessment. Does the host agency offer learning opportunities that meet your needs, both now and in the future?
What do other agents think?
Feedback can help you compare host agencies, and most travel agents are happy to share their personal experience with a particular company. Ask the host travel agency to provide references from current members. Websites like Host Agency Reviews and Find a Host Travel Agency offer access to agent reviews and advice on how to compare agencies to find the best fit for you.
Ready to get started? We invite you to find out why over 6,000 travel agents have chosen to partner with KHM Travel Group as their host travel agency. Give our Membership Team a call at 888.611.1220 to learn how our comprehensive education program, marketing resources, and support staff can help you build a successful travel business.