What is a Host Agency

If you have researched joining a travel agency or starting your own, you’ve probably read “host travel agency” a good bit. Becoming a travel agent, or as we say travel advisor, may seem pretty straight forward, but when you research you realize there is so much more to know. So what is a host agency? We share all the details below.

HISTORY

With the rise of the Internet, many brick-and-mortar travel agencies went the way of the dinosaurs. These travel agents provided more transactional services for clients rather than expertise. Today’s travel advisors do more than book hotels — they use first-hand knowledge and their global contacts to design custom itineraries that you can’t find on Google.

This new business model allowed for the home-based travel advisor. These entrepreneurs open their own travel agencies and affiliate with a host agency as an independent contractor. They are then able to gain access to the many resources of the host agency that allow them to build a successful business.

WHAT IS A HOST AGENCY

The host agency acts an umbrella for the independent contractors (ICs). While all the ICs in the host agency have their own businesses, travel suppliers see them as one company, resulting in many benefits that you’ll see below. The host agency also offers accounting, marketing, and technical support, although the level of support varies between host agencies.

BENEFITS OF A HOST TRAVEL AGENCY

There are many benefits of using a host travel agency! Below are three key benefits, but read a more extensive list here.

COMMISSION

Vendors recognize the ICs in a host agency as one business, so the host agency as a whole has a higher volume of sales. That means that the agency can negotiate higher commission levels with top partners, and you will be paid more! Even if you are with an agency that has a commission split, you still take home more:

$10,000 booking with 10% commission = $1000 for you
$10,000 booking with 15% commission = $1500. At 75%, you get $1125!

SUPPORT

You started your own travel agency to sell travel, not to do accounting or marketing. A host agency can provide crucial support that allows you to spend time doing what you love (selling travel!) rather than chasing down your commissions.

GLOBAL NETWORK

When you’re new to the travel industry, you might specialize in a certain destination but clients will want to travel all over the world. That’s when joining a host agency with a global network of travel partners is key. You can ask your trusted partners for advice and look to other advisors who have personally been to the destination. Plus, you clients will feel like they have a friend of a friend everywhere they travel!

Click here for more information about the Brownell Hosting Program.

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Testimonials

Constant support, encouragement and super-fast response times

“The best things about the Brownell Hosting are the constant support, encouragement and super-fast response times. And, of course, the hosting team. LOVE.THEM.ALL!!! Brownell is so special and the support IC’s receive is unbelievable!! I feel so immensely blessed to be a part of the Brownell family!!!”

Martha King, Signal Mountain,TN

I have reached goals beyond my expectations

“I wanted to convert my love for travel, marketing skills, client service skills, and technology background into a career. Fortunately, Brownell’s mentoring program allowed me to do just that and allowed me to reach goals that were beyond my expectations. An unexpected bonus of joining Brownell has been becoming part of an organization where each part of the team is truly supportive of my efforts and is interested in my ongoing success. Brownell’s methods and techniques serve as a daily inspiration.”

Linda Terrill, Atlanta, GA

Brownell is the best in the industry

“Brownell is the best in the industry. The staff, back end support, superlative processes and response times are tops.”

Jennifer Royster, Clemmons, NC

My clients are spoiled because I am part of Brownell

“I found my family when I found Brownell. Just having their name behind me brings enthusiastic greetings (and sometimes hugs) from hoteliers, and suppliers when I first meet a new partner. The support and values are truly outstanding and I couldn’t imagine being with another host agency. My clients are spoiled because I am part of Brownell.”

Catherine Parkin, Denver, CO

The best support an IC could ask for. Bar NONE.

“Brownell Hosting offers the best support an IC could ask for. Bar NONE. They make me feel like there is no stupid question and help me feel like i’m actually working in the office instead of from my home. They actually listen to suggestions and implement changes.”

Louisa Gehring, Cincinnati, OH

Brownell ICs are the Best

Your Brownell IC’s are the very best I have ever met. Congratulations on your excellent Brownell program.

Evelyn Weber, Manager, Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France

Susan-Teeple-Brownell-Independent-Advisor

I don't know how you do it

“I really don’t know how you do it, but the common denominator in all Brownell Advisors is that they are all the BEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD!!!!!!”

Susan Teeple, Amarillo, TX

The sky is the limit here!

“Brownell Hosting is the gold standard in host agency programs. From the onboard training to the day-to-day support, the hosting team offers best practice strategies and industry insight to ensure I stand apart in the marketplace. Even as a home-based advisor, I feel incredibly connected with not just the hosting team but the entire Brownell Family. There is a collaborative and supportive environment among the advisors which truly gives me an advantage in designing client travel experiences. I am so proud to be affiliated with such a prestigious agency. The sky is the limit here!”

Irene Quisenberry, Tampa, FL

Beyond Helpful

“Wow – seriously yall, this is amazing! We are all so lucky to have such a proactive and innovating hosting team. Thanks so much for continually evolving and assisting us to the best of your ability. Seriously, what yall think of and how organized you are is beyond helpful! Yall are awesome!”

Blaire Kochar, Houston, TX

The support when I travel gives me great peace of mind

” Brownell Hosting offers support to IC’s that are traveling and need assistance with coverage. This gives me great peace of mind!”

Stephanie Miller Murphy, Mandeville, LA

I am loving every minute of my new career

“The Mentorship program is amazing! I am loving every minute of my new career.”

Kristen Nix, Whitefish, MT

I count my lucky stars that I work with Brownell

“There is no agency better than Brownell! Our Hosting Team is there to hold our hands through the good and the bad. What a huge support group we have! I count my lucky stars every day that I am fortunate to be working for Brownell. The hosting staff is such a comforting and hands on team. They are positive reinforcements of acknowledging when we excel and encourage us to grow our business by having the opportunities to travel and experience the wonderful hotels and resorts we sell worldwide.”

Caroline Wallace, Richmond, VA

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The Leading Host for Successful Travel Advisors