Summary
Yes, you can switch—most of what you've built comes with you
Review your current contract for non-compete and non-solicitation clauses before contacting clients
Existing bookings stay with your prior agency; new bookings go through Fora
Supplier logins and certifications transfer by updating your IATA number and email
Fora requires exclusivity—you must formally end your prior agency relationship
Advisors with $100k+ annual bookings may qualify for Pro status from day one
Yes, you can switch. Most of what you've built—your client relationships, your supplier certifications, your expertise—comes with you. If you're already doing $100,000+ in annual bookings, you may be able to join at Pro status from day one.
Switching host agencies is more straightforward than most advisors expect. The main things to sort out are your current contract, your existing bookings, and your supplier logins.
If you have an established book of business
Advisors with $100,000 or more in annual bookings may be eligible to join at Pro status—skipping the standard tier progression entirely.
Pro status from day one means:
Eligibility for Fora's client leads program
Fam trips (familiarization travel) where available
Travel agent rates at participating properties
Individual preferred partner logins (direct supplier access)
IATA card eligibility—a personal card accepted at hotels as proof of agent status for TA (travel agent) discount pricing
This is worth asking about before you apply. Contact merritt@foratravel.com with your current booking volume to discuss.
Check your current contract first
Many host agency agreements include non-compete or non-solicitation clauses that restrict when and how you can approach your current clients after leaving. Before reaching out to anyone about your move to Fora, review your existing contract for:
Non-compete clauses—may restrict working with competing agencies for a set period
Non-solicitation clauses—may limit how you approach clients you worked with at the prior agency
Client ownership terms—some contracts specify that client relationships belong to the agency, not the advisor
Fora cannot provide legal advice on your specific contract. If the language is unclear, consult a legal professional.
Existing bookings stay where they were made
Active bookings at your prior agency remain there—commission on those trips goes to the agency that processed them. New bookings, even for the same clients, should be made through Fora from the date you join. If a client needs to modify or cancel an existing reservation, they'll need to contact your prior agency for that booking.
Supplier logins and certifications transfer easily
Most supplier portals—cruise lines, the Disney Travel Agent portal, and others—let you update your agency affiliation by changing your IATA number to Fora's and updating your email to your @fora.travel address. Destination specialist certifications and cruise line credentials can typically be transferred by contacting the certification body directly. Your expertise carries over.
Fora requires exclusivity
You cannot maintain an active relationship with another host agency or book under multiple IATA numbers simultaneously (see What Are Fora's Contract Terms). You'll need to formally end your prior agency relationship before or at the time of joining Fora. This is similar to how most brokerage-model businesses work.
FAQs
Can I bring my existing clients with me?
Yes—your client relationships come with you. Review your prior contract first; non-solicitation clauses may restrict when or how you reach out to specific clients after leaving.
What happens to my in-progress bookings?
They stay with your prior agency. Commission on those trips goes to the agency that processed them. New bookings, even for the same clients, should be made through Fora from the date you join.
Do I need to retake supplier certifications?
Usually not. Most certifications transfer by contacting the certification body to update your agency affiliation (new IATA, new email). Your expertise carries over.
Can I join at Pro status if I already have an established book of business?
Potentially. Advisors with $100,000+ in annual bookings may qualify. Email merritt@foratravel.com with your current volume to ask before applying.