What's a Host Agency?

The inner-workings of the travel industry can be a little overwhelming to the beginner. Travel terminology as well as the license requirements and business options can intimidate anyone from taking the plunge and doing what they love.

We would like to inform you on what exactly a Host Agency is so you can better understand the valuable role it can play in your "taking the plunge" in the travel industry!  

Travel Agencies offer direct services to those seeking to travel. The Travel Agencies goal is to meet all the needs of their client including setting up itineraries, searching for the best rates, making transportation and entertainment arrangements and much much more!

In contrast, the Host Agency does not service travel clients but the travel agent or those wishing to sell travel. Host Agencies take care of ALL the needs the Travel Agent may have including E&O insurance, travel licenses, supplier relations, CRM Software, accounting, industry accreditations, as well as setting up FAM Trips to ensure education on destinations is strengthened and perfected.  In effect, the Host Agency becomes an advocate for the Travel Agent ensuring they are able to do their job and provide the fullest benefits and resources for their cliental without having so much back office adminstration. 

The Travel Industry isn’t the only place you will see this mentality of business which offers superior services and support enabling the utmost success for the agent and client. This business model is also found in the Financial Advisory circuit by using independent-broker dealers such as H.Beck Inc.  These independent-broker dealers take care of legality issues as well as licenses and security needs in order to protect the Financial Advisor as he works on behalf of his clients. Just as the independent-broker dealers protect the financial advisor from lawsuits as well as their clients from security infringements, a “Host Agency” protects the travel agent from law suites or doing business with improper licenses.  The bottom line is Host Agencies such as Gateway Travel are here to serve the Travel Agent and insure their business can grow and they look like a super-hero to their cleints!   

Check our our packages or give us a call to discuss how we can help you grow your business today!