Changing host agencies is a common part of growing a travel business. Transitioning can take a few months, depending on your current contract and how much of the work you can do in parallel.
The key is knowing why you want to switch and having a plan to keep your business running while you make the switch, so you’re set up for success with your next host.
1. Decide if you should switch
Switching agencies can’t solve every issue. Before you start, make sure your decision is based on something your host can control before you dedicate the effort to a move.
You might consider switching hosts if:
Commission disputes or payment issues are common
You need access to more or different suppliers
The technology is too slow for your booking volume
Support and training aren’t keeping up with your needs
For example, Fora Advisor Nancy Vuletic switched to Fora and found the technology and community her previous agency didn't offer.
“Fora handles my accounting and takes care of a ton of the administrative work. It’s incredibly organized,” Nancy said, describing Portal as “a semi-personal assistant that helps manage all the back-end details.”
There were so many benefits to what Fora was offering, and I loved how cutting edge it felt.
Nancy Vuletic
joined February 2024However, if you’re hoping that switching hosts will turn around a bookings slump or haven’t given all of the support and tools a genuine try, consider looking for solutions at your current host first.
2. Review your current contract
Read your agreement with your current host agency before you do anything else. You’ll want to know:
Is there an exclusivity or non-compete clause?
How much notice do you need to give before making a switch?
How does your host agency handle commissions that aren’t due until after you leave?
How do they handle overlap with your new agency?
Are there any restrictions once you notify your host that you’re leaving?
Do you get to keep your client contacts when you leave?
Which supplier contacts and consortia memberships can you keep?
If you have questions about your contract terms, see if your host agency can help first. If you’re still unsure or want neutral guidance, reach out to a legal professional for support.
3. Know what you’re looking for
Most travel advisors switch in order to access better booking technology and training, stronger supplier relationships, or higher commission splits. Take inventory of what’s driving your exit from your current host and turn it into an evaluation checklist for your next host agency. Before you make a choice, get a sense of:
Commission split: Is it comparable to your current one, or can you join at a higher tier based on your sales? For example, at Fora, new advisors start at a 70/30 split, but established advisors already booking $100k or more per year can come in at 80/20.
Commission management: Will they handle invoices for you, and what are payment timelines? Fora invoices for you and has a dashboard to track payouts.
Technology platform: What tech do they offer as part of your subscription, and what will you have to source yourself?
Partnerships: Do they have strong relationships with major suppliers? Do your current supplier contacts, business development manager (BDM) relationships, and consortia access transfer?
Training: Do they offer advanced and supplier-led training to keep your knowledge current? For example, Fora offers live supplier and destination-specific training.
Exit terms: What are your obligations if you were to leave this agency?
Pay attention to any red flags. Look for unclear responses to any of the above or details specific to why you want to switch. For example, if commission is a main motivator for your exit, focus on the nuances. An agency with preferred partner relationships and hands-off invoicing could earn you more overall, even at the same split as your old agency.
4. Build a transition plan
Create a timeline to keep yourself accountable and avoid rushing into a new setup. Here’s an example of what that might look like:
Week 1–2: Review current contract, create shortlist of new host agencies, and reach out.
Week 3–4: Choose new host, give notice to current host, start training and offboarding.
Week 5–8: Update your supplier accounts and licensing, and start client outreach.
Week 9–12: Migrate client details or trips, reconcile commissions.
If your current host doesn’t allow dual affiliation—overlap between one agency membership and the next—you’ll need a definitive switch-over date to plan migration and training around. This will be a busy period, so time it during a slower season if you can.
5. Protect your client relationships
Back up any client information that’s stored with your host agency, like contact details and trip preferences. Then, prepare a template message to send to your clients letting them know about your transition. Focus on the information that’s most important to them, like what this means for upcoming or future trips they have planned. For example:
“Hi [NAME],
I wanted to share that I’m moving to a new host travel agency. Nothing will change on your end—this move gives me access to [better tools/exciting partners/more training], which means better support for your trips. I’ll still be your travel advisor, and nothing about your upcoming trip will change. I’ve included my new contact information below.
I’ll be in touch with any updates. Please reach out if you have any questions!”
Wait until you’ve signed with your new agency and given notice to your current host before informing any clients.
6. Reconcile your commission
If you don’t already have one, set up a commission tracker for every pending booking with your old host agency. Track the supplier, booking reference, travel dates, expected commission, and anticipated payment date, and attach relevant confirmation or contact details.
This can be a lengthy process, so log earnings as they come in. Set reminders for when you expect them to land and when to follow up if they haven’t, so you don’t lose out on income.
7. Set yourself up for success
Immerse yourself in your new host agency as soon as you can. Get trained on the platform and make your first booking in the first 30 days to pressure-test the setup. Engage with the advisor network to connect with peers.
Check in with yourself after the first 60 days. Is your new host delivering on the things you hoped it would? Is there anything you’re still not sure about that you can address now? Look back at your first few bookings to see how the day-to-day is holding up.
Frequently asked questions
Should I go independent or join a new host agency?
Going independent is a much different path than joining a new host agency. As an independent advisor, you need your own licensing and accreditation, supplier relationships, and technology setup. Consider whether going solo would address your top concerns, and whether you’re prepared for the overhead.
How much notice do I need to give my current host?
Most host agencies require 30 to 90 days’ notice. Check your contract for the timing you’ll be held to.
How much does it cost to switch host agencies?
Switching costs can start as low as $25 per month, but it depends on the cost of joining your new host agency. You may also pay more if you get a legal consult to review your contracts or if either of your hosts charges a dual affiliation fee.
Will my IATA or CLIA number change if I change hosts?
This depends on the number you use to book. If you use your own IATA or CLIA number, it’ll stay with you. If you use your host agency’s IATA or CLIA, you’ll need to start using your new host agency’s credentials.
Will I lose clients if I switch host agencies?
No—as long as your old host agency contract states that your client list is yours, you won’t have to leave clients behind with your previous agency.
Do I still get paid for bookings I made at my old host agency?
Yes. Most contracts confirm you'll be paid for any bookings made before you leave. But track and follow up on payments yourself to ensure you collect everything you’re owed.
Do I keep my supplier, BDM, or consortium relationships?
This will vary depending on your host agency. Preferred partner access and consortium access are tied to your host agency’s affiliation. Ask which relationships will carry over when you’re deciding where to switch to, so you know which you’ll have to start fresh.
