“Affiliating with a Host Agency VS. Going Strictly Independent”

Probably, one of the most important decisions you will make as you start your new travel business is whether to affiliate with a host agency or to go strictly Independent securing a Travel Agent Identification Number for your agency. 

A host agency will provide you with support, backroom accounting, commission tracking and some marketing.  It is possible that a host could secure better pricing and commissions (due to their size and sales volume) and may include memberships to various consortia and other travel organizations in their fees. Some host agencies also include Error and Omissions insurance in their package.  There is normally a registration fee to join a host, a monthly charge depending on the package you select and you will split your commissions.  A host is a great choice for someone who has never owned their own business or someone who just wants to sell and not worry about the tracking and management of their programs.

A Travel Agent Identification Number allows a home based agent to be completely independent and keeping 100% of their commissions BUT you are also solely responsible  for all tracking, back-office accounting, database management, marketing, and establishing supplier relationships.  Errors & Omissions Insurance and memberships fees are your own expense.  Normally, an independent agent will receive the base commission offered by suppliers until you have established a sales record.  The Travel Agent Identification Number is a good choice for someone who has started their own business before and considers themselves outgoing and organized.

Many new agents start their travel agency using a host agency and down the road decide to go Independent.  There is no right or wrong way, you just have to decide which is the right way for you.

Travel Agent Identification Numbering System

There are only a few credible travel agency numbering systems that suppliers recognize as legitimate and this numbering system provides the home based agent with an identification number to book directly with suppliers and earn commissions.  The systems recommended by Career Quest are:

	OSSN TRUE System by IATA
	CLIA Travel Agency Membership
	ARC

Career Quest has included in their curriculum the instruction and guidelines needed by a new home based agent to set up their agency using one of the Travel Agent Identification Numbering Systems.

Recommended Career Quest Training Program : Home Based Travel Agent (You do not need GDS training when using an Numbering System)

Host Agencies

A host agency is an ARC/IATAN travel agency that provides The home-based agent with automation, ticketing, quality control, Marketing, a support center for the agent and an after hours call center for your clients.  If you decide to go with a host agency, you own your business and are an affiliate of the host agency.

Career Quest’s curriculum, recognized by the leading host agencies in the U.S., provides the knowledge and skills home based agents need to affiliate with a host agency to sell travel.

Recommended Career Quest Training Program:  Home Based Travel Agent or Independent Contractor Program (includes GDS training).

Selecting the right host can be confusing and please be very cautious as there are a lot of “scams” out there.  Career Quest will provide our graduates with a list of current host agencies we recommend that work well with new agents.