Ways of Finding a Host Travel Agency for Your Business
If you’re an independent travel agent, partnering with a host travel agency can help you grow your business.
These agencies offer support and opportunities that independent travel agents often cannot find on their own.
Host agencies also provide access to accredited credentials and Errors and Omissions insurance (E&O). This makes it easier for suppliers to recognize your business as legitimate.
This blog will discuss ways by which you can find relevant host travel agency for business.
1. Fees
If you’re considering finding a host travel agency for your business, it is important to understand the fees associated with doing so.
The fees can range from a start-up fee to a monthly fee and often include commission splits based on your sales volume.
Host agencies also offer training and product access to help their agents sell more travel. This can include technology solutions that make it easier to manage bookings and client information.
Additionally, many host agencies will provide marketing programs to help promote your travel business and maintain relationships with existing clients.
This can be especially helpful for agents that are new to the industry.
Many hosts also offer mentoring to their agent affiliates. This is invaluable for anyone who is new to the travel business and can be an excellent way to get a head start on your sales.
2. Commissions
When a travel agent works with a host agency they are often able to negotiate higher commissions on the products they sell.
This can be a great benefit for independent agents because it will help them earn more money in the long run.
A host agency typically splits the commissions that their agents receive with vendors based on a percentage of sales volume.
This can range from a 70/30 ratio to a 100% commission structure, and it will depend on the host agency.
Working with a host travel agency is an excellent way for new and seasoned agents to get their travel business off the ground.
It typically offers lower start-up costs, no hassles with getting and staying certified and a lot of internal support to help you make the most of your time and sales.
3. Technology
Host travel agencies provide a wide range of technology for their agents.
This includes sales and marketing options, business bookkeeping, commission tracking and client relationship management tools.
These tools help you work smarter and faster and make your life easier as an independent travel agent.
You can use these to increase your client base, generate more revenue and improve your marketing efforts.
A host travel agency can also assist you in building your own website and identity. They can even offer a branded consumer website for your clients.
In addition, they can give you access to air ticketing services. This means that you can sell and manage airline tickets for your clients without ever leaving the comfort of your home office.
Today, hosts are an increasingly important support option for those wishing to enter the travel industry as an independent agent.
Their sophisticated programs and considerable support services have made them the most preferred choice for newcomers and those looking to grow their book of business.
4. Networking
Host agencies provide a wealth of networking opportunities for travel agents to build relationships with fellow agents, and even with suppliers.
These connections can help you navigate sales volumes and negotiate better numbers for your clients.
Many host travel agencies also offer a wide range of training programs to keep agents up-to-date on the latest technology, supplier products and business practices.
Most offer both online and in-person learning experiences that will help you learn the skills you need to become a successful travel advisor.
Another major benefit of working with a host agency is access to all of their preferred suppliers and vendors, including cruise lines, tour operators, hotels, resorts and more.
This will save you time and effort when it comes to booking your client’s travel.
Most host agencies also have back room accounting support and commission tracking to help you manage your business efficiently and effectively.
This will save you time and money that can be spent on growing your business and selling more travel!