Host Travel Agency FAQs: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Choose the Best One
Elevate Your Career with the Right Host
Becoming a travel advisor is more than a career move—it’s a gateway to crafting exceptional, life-changing journeys. But launching or scaling a luxury travel business can be overwhelming without the right foundation. That’s where a host travel agency becomes essential.
At Andavo Travel, we specialize in helping new and seasoned travel advisors grow with confidence. As a top host travel agency with over 30 years of experience, we provide the tools, connections, and support you need to thrive in the luxury market.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your business to new heights, this guide answers your biggest questions about hosted travel agencies—and shows you how to find the right fit.
What Is a Host Travel Agency and How Does It Work?
A host travel agency is a company that provides independent travel advisors with the infrastructure and support they need to run their businesses more efficiently. This includes access to booking systems, supplier relationships, training, marketing resources, and back-office support like commission processing and accounting.
Think of a hosted travel agency as your behind-the-scenes powerhouse. You remain an independent contractor—free to build your brand and clientele—but you gain the backing of a trusted, established organization.
At Andavo Travel, we offer more than just a business platform. Advisors who join our network benefit from:
- Personalized support from a dedicated team that understands the luxury travel landscape
- Exclusive access to top-tier suppliers, elite hotel programs, and VIP amenities
- Technology-driven efficiency via tools like TravelWits and Travefy to streamline operations
In short: a host travel agency like Andavo empowers you to focus on what matters most—delivering unforgettable travel experiences to your clients.
What Are the Advantages of Joining a Host Travel Agency?
Joining a host agency offers strategic advantages, especially if you’re entering the industry or expanding your luxury travel services. At Andavo Travel, our advisors gain far more than basic back-end support—they gain a competitive edge.
Here’s how we set you up for success:
Exclusive Access to Luxury Travel Partners
Gain preferred relationships with world-class vendors, hoteliers, and tour operators—often with enhanced commissions, upgrades, and VIP benefits you can extend to clients.
Tailored Support for Your Business
Our team works closely with you to provide operational and marketing assistance that fits your unique goals. Whether you’re a solo advisor or building a team, we help remove roadblocks so you can focus on growth.
Ongoing Professional Development
From onboarding to advanced training, we offer development opportunities that sharpen your expertise and expand your knowledge of destinations, products, and sales techniques.
Virtuoso® Network Membership
As a long-standing member of Virtuoso®, Andavo connects you to a powerful network of luxury travel partners and exclusive perks your clients won’t find elsewhere.
The result? Whether you’re an established independent travel advisor looking to scale, or a seasoned professional seeking elite support, joining a host agency like Andavo positions you for long-term success.
How Do Commission Rates Compare Between Host Agencies and Independent Travel Businesses?
One of the biggest questions new advisors ask is how commissions work with a host travel agency versus going fully independent.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Host agencies negotiate higher commission tiers with suppliers because of the collective sales volume generated by their advisor network.
- As a hosted advisor, you share a portion of your commissions with the host agency—but the net result often exceeds what an independent travel agent could secure on their own.
- Commission splits vary depending on the host, but Andavo offers transparent structures and opportunities to increase earnings through performance.
What’s more, we handle the complex back-end accounting, tracking, and payment logistics—freeing you to focus on sales, service, and growth.
So while you may forgo full autonomy over backend operations, the value-to-cost ratio of a host partnership—especially one rooted in luxury expertise—is often a smart investment.
How Do I Choose the Best Host Agency for My Needs?
Not all host agencies are created equal. Choosing the best host agency for travel advisors means finding a partner that aligns with your goals, values, and client experience standards.
Here’s what to evaluate:
Support Infrastructure
Look for a host that provides personalized business support, accessible staff, and advisor-first policies. At Andavo, support isn’t an afterthought—it’s our promise.
Training & Resources
Ask about onboarding, professional development, and access to destination or product knowledge. Our Advisor Advantage Program was built to help you launch successfully and grow with confidence.
Preferred Supplier Access
A strong preferred partner portfolio enhances your client offerings and boosts your earnings. Andavo’s relationships are carefully curated for luxury travel.
Luxury Brand Alignment
If you’re targeting affluent travelers, your host should reflect that focus. Andavo’s commitment to white-glove service and elevated experiences ensures you deliver on high expectations.
When you’re evaluating options, remember: you’re not just joining a platform—you’re joining a community of elite travel advisors who value excellence and integrity.
Ready to Elevate Your Career?
At Andavo Travel, luxury isn’t a service—it’s the standard. With over three decades of experience and a deep-rooted presence in the Virtuoso® network, we’re proud to support advisors who want to build exceptional, client-focused travel businesses.
Whether you’re exploring host agencies for the first time or seeking a better fit, we invite you to discover the Andavo difference.
Ready to join the best host travel agency for luxury travel advisors? Apply today.