How to Choose the Right Host Agency as a Travel Advisor
Not all host agencies are created equal. Learn what to look for in a host, how to evaluate commission splits, and how Antravia helps travel advisors choose wisely.
TRAVEL AGENTS FINANCE
6/22/20254 min read
Choosing a Host Agency — What Travel Advisors Need to Know
At Antravia, we work with travel advisors at all stages — from people booking trips part-time, to experienced sellers scaling six-figure businesses. One thing they all have in common is this question: should I join a host agency? And if so, which one?
There’s no single right answer. But there are a lot of wrong ones.
Choosing the wrong host can limit your earnings, create confusion, or lock you into a structure that doesn’t support your growth. Choosing the right one can give you better commissions, smarter tools, legal protection, and community — especially if you’re just starting out or based outside the U.S.
This blog explains what a host agency actually does, when it makes sense to join one, and how to choose a host that matches your business — not someone else’s.
What is a Host Agency?
A host agency is a business that supports independent travel advisors. It provides infrastructure you might not be able to access on your own — like accreditation numbers, booking platforms, supplier relationships, commission collection, and back-office tools.
Think of it like a shared foundation. You run your own business, but under the umbrella of a larger agency that gives you leverage and support.
Hosts typically provide:
Access to IATA, CLIA, ARC, and other booking credentials
Higher commission rates through volume-based overrides
CRM systems and marketing tools
Optional training and mentoring
A community of other advisors
Legal protection and accounting support in some cases
In return, you usually pay either a monthly or annual fee, a share of your commission, or both.
Do You Need a Host Agency?
If you’re new to the industry or working solo, probably yes. Joining a host is usually the easiest way to get access to the tools, partners, and rates you need to grow.
Even experienced advisors choose to stay with a host if the support is strong and the commission split makes sense. A good host lets you focus on clients and selling, not chasing supplier payments or negotiating every contract.
But not all hosts are equal.
Some give you marketing fluff and low commissions. Others provide strong systems but very little personal support. Some are built for luxury advisors. Some focus on cruises. Some are ideal for full-time sellers, others better for part-timers. Some operate as MLMs or recruitment networks. Others are clean, service-based businesses that respect your independence.
What Should You Look For in a Host Agency?
There are hundreds of host agencies out there. Sites like HostAgencyReviews.com are a good place to start — but reading reviews is only the beginning.
We recommend looking at five key areas before making a decision:
1. Commission Structure
What percentage do you keep? Are you on a 70–30 split? 90–10? Flat fee per booking? Are you required to hit sales minimums?
Always ask what’s included and what’s extra.
2. Fees and Charges
Some hosts charge setup fees, monthly fees, per-booking fees, or annual renewal fees. These aren’t necessarily bad, but you need to know what you’re paying — and whether the value is there.
3. Support and Training
Do they offer 1-on-1 support when you need it? Are you stuck in generic training videos, or do you have access to real people who understand how to help?
4. Technology and Tools
Do they offer a CRM? Booking engine? Marketing materials? Access to their preferred supplier portal? How much control do you have over branding and client communication?
5. Fit for Your Business Model
Are they cruise-focused when you sell land? Do they push MLM recruitment when you’re trying to build real volume? Do they offer international support if you’re based outside the U.S.? The best host for someone else may be the wrong fit for you.
The Financial Side of Choosing a Host
This is where Antravia steps in. A lot of advisors focus on brand and training when choosing a host, but they don’t always calculate what it means for their earnings.
We’ve worked with advisors who:
Switched hosts and increased their net income by 20 to 30 percent without selling more
Paid thousands in hidden fees they didn’t realise they had agreed to
Got locked into low-commission tiers because they didn’t hit volume targets fast enough
Lost track of who actually owned the client relationship
You need to know what you’re actually earning after fees, splits, and time spent. And you need to know how switching hosts or staying put will affect your margins.
We help advisors model different scenarios and choose based on real numbers — not just promises or commissions that look good on paper.
Can International Advisors Join a U.S. Host?
Yes. Many international travel sellers work under U.S.-based hosts. You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen, but you may need a U.S. entity or tax ID depending on how commissions are paid.
We’ve helped advisors from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East join U.S. hosts by structuring their business the right way and handling compliance from the start.
Make sure your host understands international models. Not all do. Some will expect U.S. residency or won’t support foreign bank accounts. Ask early and get it in writing.
Final Thought
A good host agency can be the difference between chaos and growth. But the right host for you isn’t the one with the flashiest brand or the biggest override. It’s the one that supports your business model, protects your time, and helps you earn more.
At Antravia, we help travel advisors choose smarter, structure better, and stay profitable. If you’re thinking about switching hosts — or joining one for the first time — we can help you run the numbers and ask the right questions.
Want help choosing or reviewing your host agency?
We offer one-off financial reviews for travel advisors so you can make a confident, informed decision.