For an advisor, a good host agency can do much more than just a percentage of commissions.
Supplier access, training, back-office systems, marketing tools, and support are all things that are provided to you and can come in handy when a booking becomes difficult.
So now the question is: Which host offers the model that best suits the business you’re trying to build?
Here are five agencies that you can use to build a business
Quick Host Agency Comparison
| Host agency | Best fit | Commercial model | Development style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dugan’s Travels | Advisors focused on growth but desire guidance | Yearly Participation | Dive into a community built for growth-minded adventurers |
| Outside Agents | Advisors seeking an expansive resource network | Pay a monthly membership fee | Access to a robust set of tools, education, and peer networking |
| KHM Travel Group | Education and coaching-focused advisors | Monthly or annual pricing | Formal education along with coaching and live support |
| Nexion Travel Group | Advisors seeking plan / GDS flexibility | Tiered levels & add-ons | Solutions for newbie, veteran, and team agents |
| Travel Planners International | Advisors who believe in marketing and fostering community | Several different commission levels | Software, marketing, and community assistance |
Headline commission rates only tell half the story. Add up the fixed costs, training, technology, and support, and it can alter the worth of your hosts significantly.
1. Dugan’s Travels: Best for Growth-Focused Advisors
A business-first mentality is the foundation for Dugan’s Travels. Its current program focuses on independent advisors aiming to create an income-generating travel business complete with educational support, access to suppliers, back-office solutions, and an active community.
Travel agents thrive on building client relationships and their long-term growth. Dugan’s campaign for travel agents is built around that premise. Advisors will receive weekly training calls, supplier webinars, a CRM and back-office platform, business development resources, in-person training at Dugan’s University, FAM opportunities, and online training through MyDuOnline.
Strongest argument FOR choosing Dugan’s is probably structure + somewhat smaller pool of advisors.
Recently hired Advisors who are starting to bring in their own clients, but still need support converting those bookings into a scalable business, can take advantage of the training program to increase supplier expertise, the CRM to keep track of client movement, and the community to learn from seasoned Advisors. The host also provides commission based on production levels which creates a transparent progression system as your business grows.
Many of the current advisor reviews at Host Agency Reviews have mentioned training, support, peers, and access to leadership. Not only one comment, but the current program as well.
Selectivity is by design. Dugan’s says its model works best with advisors who are rolling up their sleeves, educating themselves, and selling, rather than someone looking for a passive host relationship. Advisors aiming for accountability and continued development are drawn to that approach.
If you are a travel advisor who is serious about growing a successful business with ongoing training, Dugan’s is your best choice out of the three.
2. Outside Agents: Best for a Large Resource Ecosystem
Outside Agents is a good choice for advisors aiming for a large host environment replete with extensive tools, training, and community.
Monthly memberships are listed on its latest HART profile along with education, marketing systems, CRM functionality, websites, and an extensive advisor network. Training, technology, and easy access support are standard topics in recent reviews.
Its clearest strength is breadth.
An advisor who chooses to have a lot of self-serve resources in one ecosystem may love that mix. The biggest decision is cultural: do you want to be part of a big network or a smaller host environment?
Outside Agents is another platform to consider if advisors desire robust infrastructure and don’t mind a larger community.
3. KHM Travel Group: Best for Structured Education and Coaching
KHM Travel Group positions learning at the heart of its host offer. It now boasts an online learning platform, live educational opportunities, marketing materials, a CRM, agent support, and personalised coaching.
KHM stands out for advisors who want education delivered through several formats.
An advisor who learns best by a mix of online coursework, live sessions, and one-on-one coaching can grow their skills through a number of channels, rather than depending on a single training library. There’s also the benefit of scale in collecting a large peer network.
KHM may be a good fit for advisors who prefer a structured learning environment and continuous support, but who still want to keep an independent brand.
4. Nexion Travel Group: Best for Plan and GDS Flexibility
Nexion Travel Group has multiple levels of membership available. They also have optional GDS packages available for advisors/agencies requiring that functionality.
It provides different programs for rookie Advisors, veteran sellers, multi-agent agencies, and corporate travel professionals as well.
The advantage is choice rather than a single prescribed path.
A seasoned advisor might value commission structure and GDS access more. A new advisor might care more about education and support. Nexion gives flexibility to pick a setup that fits those needs.
It works great for Advisors looking for a larger host platform with various commercial and operational setups.
5. Travel Planners International: Best for Marketing and Community
Travel Planners International meshes host facilitation with powerful marketing assets, technology, and community.
Its current product offering includes descriptions of CRM and back-office tools, e-mail marketing resources, supplier relationships, training seminars, online support, and more than one commission level. TPI also partners with Signature Travel Network.
The practical strength is the business-building material around the booking itself.
If you’re an advisor looking for assistance staying top-of-mind with clients, managing your marketing efforts, and accessing a large community of peers, this combination could be right for you.
TPI may work best with advisors who desire marketing support and a very social host culture.
How to Choose a Host Agency Without Chasing the Highest Split
The American Society of Travel Advisors considers working with a host as part of running an independent travel business. This falls under the proper mindset when making that decision.
Use three filters:
- Forecast the economics at your anticipated volume. How does the commission you will likely keep after the host split compare to flat membership/participation fees?
- Customize support to learning style. New advisors could learn more from formal onboarding, coaching, and readily available service than from getting the highest possible commission percentage.
- Plan for the business you want next. If you plan to add sub-agents, sell meaningful air, or grow into a bigger agency, find out if the host’s technology and program infrastructure will allow you to do that.
This is where Dugan’s uniquely fits. Dugan’s has created its model around involved agents who desire a framework, supplier partnerships, training, and a dedication to building a travel business.
Final Recommendation
Each host here solves the same main problem differently.
Outside Agents provides width, KHM offers education, Nexion brings flexibility in plans, and Travel Planners International provides heavy marketing/community.
If building a scalable, professional travel business beyond booking travel is your main goal as an advisor, start with Dugan’s Travels in this comparison.
It provides the best of continued education, back-office support, and access to suppliers while building a sales network for advisors who want to learn and do at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do host agencies work?
Ans: 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.
2. Can I scale my travel business with a host agency?
Ans: Yes, you can. The host agency model is designed for scalability. With access to enterprise-grade systems and supplier networks, agents can grow revenue, expand niches, and compete with larger travel companies.
3. How is a host travel agency different from an independent travel agency?
Ans: A host travel agency provides infrastructure, supplier access, and operational support, while independent agencies must build everything from scratch. Host models reduce startup costs and accelerate time-to-market.
