Travel Agent Chatter | Friday 15

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Jenn Lee from TPI and Vacation Planners! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! I'm trying to decide between joining a host agency or a franchise. They both seem to offer training, support, and supplier relationships, so what are the biggest differences that someone new to the industry should really understand before making that decision?How much technology should I expect my host agency to provide versus what I should expect to purchase myself? I'd love to know what's typically included and what's considered part of running my own business.When I look at host agency websites, almost everyone talks about community, training, and support. Beyond those things, what are some questions I should be asking that many new advisors don't think to ask before signing a contract?RESOURCES:https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-franchise-or-host-agencyhttps://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-agency-softwarehttps://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agency-back-office-front-office-softwarehttps://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/independent-travel-agent-contractshttps://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-lawyers

This week’s Friday 15, Steph Lee is back! She’ll be cohosting with Andrea of Outside Agents! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!1. How does an agent who doesn’t travel in luxury themselves, break into the luxury market? I’m not understanding how I can visit the properties and know about them if I’ve never traveled there. —anonymous2. I’m interested in hearing HAR’s and the co-host’s views on how to use AI as a travel advisor. Is there a certain area where AI should be used and another where it’s not? – Cindy3. Thanks so much for taking my question. It’s less of a question and more I need some inspiration. Would love to hear an inspirational story of an advisor who made it and what they did to make that happen. — KenyaRESOURCES:https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/what-is-dmc-destination-management-companyhttps://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-training-travel-agent-educationhttps://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/find-a-travel-nichehttps://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-agent-fam-triphttps://hostagencyreviews.com/travel-conferences-eventshttps://hostagencyreviews.com/har-wiredhttps://hostagencyreviews.com/travelagentchatter

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming Dugan’s Travels! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us! How common is it for a Host Agency to take a commission on the planning/consulting/concierge/other fees I charge my clients? Is it even okay to charge commission on my planning fee given that I am an IC? For this question, I'm not asking about a payment processing fee if you use the Host payment processor. Rather, I'm talking about applying the same commission split to both sales and any fees I generate. Obviously, this would significantly impact my total profit if I have to give my HA 20 or 30% of my fees.What do you think is the most valuable certification? Travel Institute offers the CTA, CLIA has certifications as well as my Consortium Travel Leaders offers Leisure Travel and Luxury travel certificates. - ReginaI'm a newbie to the travel industry and I just started my business. I'm getting very close to choosing a host agency and I’m super excited to get started. I have a question about marketing on Facebook. Is it more beneficial to have a company page or group? Or both? I know the FB algorithms can be wonky, so I want to make sure I'm reaching a wide audience. - Shelly

This week’s Friday 15, we're welcoming NEST Plus with April! Let’s have some fun, plus some questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST. Join us!When choosing a supplier to work with, what are some questions to ask them about their support given to you and your clients. Same question for host agencies. It gets expensive trying so many only to discover the fit is not right. Thanks - BarbaraHi!!! I have basically been binge listening to the podcast for about a month now and I've enjoyed everything thus far!!I am a (fairly) new advisor. I've been under my host since November 2024 but I wasn't taking my business as serious as I wanted. I've rebranded and now I've launched with more confidence and have been showing up more now that I feel like my new business aligns with what I'm trying to do. My question is, since I've rebranded I know I want to add to my specialization or niche is cruising (small ships, river, ocean) BUT i am unsure of how to add this to my marketing when ny current focus is on slow travel. What would be any recommendations or insight into adding a new niche/specialization to my marketing? - SimoneThere seems to be more and more fraud in the travel industry. I am interested in knowing if TAs do more to screen clients before initiating a conversation with them - if so, what. Personally, I google prospects, and check social media. - LeneRESOURCES:Learning more about Preferred Suppliers https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/travel-preferred-supplierhttps://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-consortia-education#sts=Part%202:%20Questions%20to%20ask%20the%20hosts/consortiaWe have an article about rebranding - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/when-rebrand-travel-businessTIS article on fraud and fighting chargebacks - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/tis-q1-2025