Before joining a host agency, ask about commission splits and payment timing, training and community, preferred partner access, technology and tools, and contract terms, including what happens if you decide to move on.
What you focus on depends on your priorities. If you have a travel niche in mind, preferred partners matter more, whereas someone new to the industry would prioritize training.
Commission and payment questions
The starting commission split is the easiest number to compare between host agencies, but also the least useful detail on its own. The benefit of more support or preferred partnerships can outweigh a high starting commission split, especially if supplier access or manual invoicing start to detract from your business.
To get a more complete picture, ask:
What’s the commission split, and how does it change as I grow? Ask for the exact starting percentage and whether sales, earnings, or subscription tier trigger increases. Then clarify the specific thresholds and scale at each level.
When do I get paid, and on what schedule? Payment timing affects your cash flow more than commission split does, especially early on.
Who handles supplier invoicing and following up on unpaid commissions? Many agencies leave this entirely to advisors, which adds up in time lost as your booking volume grows.
Which preferred partner programs are you part of? If you’re focused on a specific niche, dig into the suppliers you care about. A luxury-focused advisor needs different partnerships than a corporate-focused one.
Do your preferred partnerships come with a higher base commission in addition to benefits for my clients? Preferred partners can offer a higher overall commission on bookings under specific host agencies, like 15% vs. the standard 10% on a hotel. An advisor with a lower split but more opportunities to book under enhanced commission rates can outearn an advisor with a higher split but fewer preferred partners.
For example, Fora advisors start at a 70/30 split, which increases based on their calendar-year sales, and average 12% commission across all supplier and booking types thanks to over 5,000 preferred partnerships. Fora handles all supplier invoicing and tracking for advisors, and pays out by direct deposit after suppliers pay.
Read our full guide to how advisor commission works
Training and mentorship questions
Get a sense of what training the host agency offers and whether it comes at an additional cost. Training quality is hard to evaluate from a sales call, but you can gather important details by asking:
What does initial training cover? Training on an agency’s platform won’t cover learning the business. Ask if basic training includes guidance on booking different types of travel, building supplier relationships, and getting clients.
Is there training available once I’m past onboarding? Destinations and suppliers change constantly, and you’ll encounter new challenges and learning opportunities as your business matures.
What does in-person learning look like? Many host agencies organize conferences, intensives, local events, and familiarization trips for advisors. Find out what they cover and which advisors are eligible.
Is there a mentorship or peer learning program? Ask whether there are formal learning cohorts or mentorship opportunities and who’s eligible. For each program, find out who mentors are and how often you’d get to meet.
Learn more about Fora’s training curriculum
Technology and booking questions
The tools your host agency provides impacts your overall cost of doing business and whether you can work from one platform or need multiple subscriptions to operate. Ask:
What’s included in the membership and what do I have to buy separately? Ask about CRM, an itinerary builder, invoicing, and commission tracking. Some agencies charge additional fees for some of their tools. If they don’t provide them, you’re responsible for those costs.
Is there a booking portal, or do I need a supplier’s site for every reservation? Having to compare and book across booking websites eats up your time with admin, and makes it harder to make choices that could save your client money or come with higher commission.
Are there other features I should know about? A host agency with modern tooling will have less common features, like the ability to book directly from a proposal, automatic price tracking, or AI assistants.
Portal having multiple avenues to book all in one location, where you can compare everything [...] My overall commission has increased, just because I’m able to be more strategic.
Seasen Acevedo-Zullo
joined August 2024Business terms and flexibility questions
Every host agency has its own business terms, which often determine who’s able to join each host. To find out whether you’re a fit, ask:
Is there a minimum experience level required to join? Some traditional agencies require you to have a book of business before joining, with specific sales thresholds.
Are there booking minimums or annual quotas I need to hit? Quotas can put pressure on a part-time advisor or anyone experiencing a slow season.
Can I work part-time? Most host agencies allow part-time advisors, but check if the flexibility is important to you.
Am I required to work exclusively with you? Some host agencies allow advisors to book under multiple agencies, but many don’t. For example, Fora doesn’t allow dual affiliation.
Do you provide errors & omissions insurance? Most, but not all, advisors are covered under their agency’s E&O policy. Get a sense of the limits and any costs, or if you need to get your own coverage.
Community and support questions
In a 2025 Host Agency Reviews survey, most advisors who switched agencies said that culture and support were the top reasons they left. That makes sense—once you understand how the business works, the support influences your day-to-day the most.
Ask host agencies:
Is there an active advisor community, and where do they interact? Ask how advisors communicate day-to-day, and common topics of discussion.
Do you offer Fam trips or other ways to experience destinations and suppliers firsthand? These affect how confidently you can sell a destination you haven't seen.
Are there in-person events, or is everything remote? There’s no bad answer, but being an advisor often means working solo. Consider how you like to work and how often you like to engage with others.
Does the agency offer live support? In addition to phone and email support, some host agencies, like Fora, host working sessions to bring your questions up in a live forum.
Is there marketing support for advisors? Some agencies provide a website or landing page, as well as customizable materials that can save you time. Some agencies also provide client leads, but restrictions may apply.
Contract and exit questions
Ideally you’ll be with your chosen host agency long-term. But it’s worth asking about contract exit terms early in case it’s not the right fit.
What’s the notice period if I want to leave? A period of 30 days is standard, but depending on the business model and agency, notice periods can be longer or shorter.
What happens to my client relationships and any pending commissions if I leave? Usually your contract states when and how your host will pay any pending commissions and any rules around client ownership. It’s common to keep your clients, but some agencies retain ownership of leads they provide to you.
Is everything in this conversation also in the written agreement? It’s important to ensure exit terms—and anything else you’re promised—is reflected in your agency agreement.
Read our full guide to choosing a host agency
Frequently asked questions
How do host agencies work?
A host agency gives independent travel advisors the infrastructure to run their businesses, like the agency’s IATA number, preferred partner programs, booking technology, and training. In exchange, you split a portion of every commission you earn with the agency.
What’s a red flag when interviewing a host agency?
The biggest concern is a host agency that can’t give a clear answer to your questions, especially on contract terms or ongoing support.
How much can you expect to earn through a host agency?
Travel agent salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median annual wage of $50,160 in 2025, with the top 10% earning more than $76,660, which covers W-2 employees only. A Host Agency Reviews survey of hosted advisors found average full-time income of $68,310 in 2025. Your own income depends on your niche, hours, and the agency’s commission structure—top Fora advisors earn six figures each year.
How long does it usually take to switch if the fit is wrong?
It takes 30–90 days for most advisors to switch host agencies. The exact timing depends on how long it takes to choose your new host, your required notice period, and how long it takes you to transition your business and clients over.
