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Travel Agent Resources

What is a Host Travel Agency?

By Courtney Eisen

January 9, 2024

Have you ever dreamed of planning trips and helping others make their vacation dreams come true? If so, you might be interested in becoming a travel agent. But starting from scratch can be tough. That's where a host travel agency comes in!

The Basics


A host travel agency is like a helpful partner for people who want to sell travel but don't have the resources or desire to handle all the behind-the-scenes work. These agencies are established businesses with lots of experience and connections in the travel world.


Think of it this way: if you wanted to open a store, you'd need a place to set up shop. A host travel agency gives travel agents a "space" in the industry without the cost and hassle of starting their own business from the ground up.


How It Works



When you work with a host travel agency, you're basically running your own business, but with a big team supporting you. You get access to:


  • Travel booking systems: These are fancy computer programs that let you book flights, hotels, cruises, and more for your clients.

  • Industry connections: Host agencies have relationships with airlines, cruise lines, and resorts, which can mean better deals for your clients.

  • Support and training: They'll teach you the ropes and help you out when you have questions.

  • Marketing tools: Some host agencies provide websites, business cards, and other marketing stuff to help you look professional.


Suggested Article: What is GDS?

Benefits



Working with a host agency has some cool perks:


  1. Less startup cost: You won't need to spend as much money to get started because the host agency already has the tools and systems you need.

  2. Earn commissions: When you book travel for someone, the host agency gets a cut, and so do you.

  3. Flexibility: You can often set your own hours and work from home.

  4. Grow at your own pace: You can start part-time and grow into a full-time gig if you want.



Choosing the Right Host



Not all host agencies are the same. Here are some things to think about when picking one:


  • Reputation: Look for agencies with good reviews and happy agents.

  • Support: Make sure they offer travel agent training and will provide help you'll need.

  • Costs: Understand what fees you'll pay and what you get in return. Our host agency is free to our agents.

  • Commission split: Find out how much money you'll make from your sales. Our commission split starts at 80/20, meaning you keep 80%.

  • Priorities: Some host agencies prioritize recruitment over development. Make sure you are not signing up for a Travel MLM. They unfortunately exist in many shapes and sizes in this industry.



Our Host Travel Agency



If you've found us, you likely already know we are a host travel agency with competitive commission splits and free travel agent training. You may have already read some of our LuxRally Travel Reviews, but if not, give them a gander. We also have this handy chart so that you can easily compare us to the competition.





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