Travel advisors have several ways to join the travel industry; one way is by joining a host travel agency. So, how do you find and choose the right host agency, and what happens when you are no longer happy with your host and want to go elsewhere?
When choosing a host travel agency, you should start by considering the following factors—
Reputation: Research the host agency’s reputation by reading reviews and testimonials from past clients. Aside from Google or social media, you can browse places like www.findahosttravelagency.com and www.hostagencyreviews.com.
Commission rates/fees: Compare commission rates and fees offered by different host agencies to find the one that best fits your needs.
Support, training, and business development: Choose a host agency that provides ongoing training and support to help you grow your business. Make sure they have great relationships with supplier partners who can help with business development opportunities.
Technology and tools: Look for a host agency that offers the latest technology and tools, such as a CRM, itinerary builder, or user-friendly booking platform to ensure efficiency for your business.
Specializations: Consider if the host agency specializes in a particular type of travel, such as adventure, romance, or luxury travel.
Consortia membership: Find out if the host agency is a member of a consortium, which can provide additional benefits and discounts for you and your clients.
Customer service: Check the quality of the host agency’s customer service and ensure they are available to answer your questions and provide assistance when needed.
When finding a host agency, it’s a good idea to interview multiple agencies, and speak with current agents of the host agency to get their perspective of it as well!
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN INTERVIEWING HOST AGENCIES
Whether you are new to the industry, or you are an experienced veteran, we’ve crafted a list of 25 questions for your to prepare you for your interview with a host agency.
- What commission rates do you offer?
- What type of training and support do you provide for your agents?
- What technology and tools do you offer for booking and managing travel?
- Are you a member of any consortia and what benefits does that provide to your agents?
- What is the host’s policy on working with other host agencies?
- How do you handle customer service and support for your agents and their clients?
- Can you provide details on any specialization or niche areas you focus on?
- Am I able to grow my agency or business under your brokerage? If so, how many additional agents can be part of my team?
- Can you describe your process for onboarding new agents?
- How do you stay current with industry trends and changes, and how do you pass that knowledge on to your agents?
- How do you handle commission payments to agents?
- Can you provide any marketing materials or resources to help agents promote their business?
- How do you handle customer complaints or disputes if clients reach out to you?
- Can agents book travel for clients directly with suppliers or do all bookings go through the host booking platform?
- Are there any restrictions on the types of travel products or suppliers that agents can sell?
- What type of errors and omissions (E&O) insurance do you provide for agents?
- Are there any annual or ongoing fees for agents to maintain their affiliation with the host?
- Will we have direct contact with our supplier representatives or do we need to go through the host first?
- What type of reporting and tracking systems do you offer for agents to manage their business?
- Do you offer any exclusive or preferred partnerships with travel suppliers?
- How do you handle commission disputes between agents and suppliers?
- Does the host agency have a mentor or coaching program for new agents?
- Can agents use their own branding and logo or are they required to use the host agency’s branding?
- How do you handle lead generation and/or distribution among agents within the agency?
- Can you provide any references or testimonials from current agents regarding their experiences with the host agency?
Choosing the right host travel agency can make a significant impact on the success of your travel business. By taking the time to research and interview potential host travel agencies, you can find the one that best fits your needs and goals. Asking the right questions and gathering information on commission rates, support, technology, specializations, customer service, and more can help you make an informed decision. With the right host agency by your side, you'll have the tools and resources you need to grow your business and provide exceptional service to your clients.
