The Host & Co FAQ
A host agency is a company that provides independent travel advisors with the resources and support needed to operate their own travel business at a low startup cost. These agencies offer advantages such as increased commission rates, industry education, marketing tools, advanced technology, and established partnerships with top travel suppliers. They also manage administrative tasks like commission processing and booking assistance, enabling agents to focus on expanding their business and earning commissions on bookings. Host agencies are particularly beneficial for remote travel consultants and independent travel entrepreneurs, serving as a valuable starting point for those entering the travel industry
Once you submit your application, you'll complete an identity verification step — a quick check that confirms you are who you say you are. From there, we review your application and, if approved, send your Independent Contractor Agreement for signature.
After you've signed and confirmed receipt of your Agent Manual, we set up your portal and your CRM access. Most agents are fully set up within 3–5 business days, depending on how quickly the steps on your side are completed.
We also register you with our suppliers under The Host & Co.'s accreditation, so you can book without holding your own credentials. From there, you work through your onboarding checklist and start booking.
Commission payments go out every Thursday — or the following Monday when a holiday falls on the Thursday.
A commission becomes payable once two things are true: the supplier has released the commission to us, and your client has completed their travel. Whichever happens later is what sets the timing. That means a booking made in March may not pay out until well after the trip, depending on the supplier's terms.
Payments are issued through Gusto by direct deposit. You can choose a mailed paper check instead, though a $25 handling fee is deducted from each mailed payment to cover the manual processing — direct deposit avoids it.
A minimum balance of $50 is required before a payment is issued. If your total for the week is under that, it carries forward and combines with your next commission.
You can check the status of any commission at any time in the CRM — what's booked, what's expected, and what's been paid.
Your commission split is set by your membership tier:
- Gold — you keep 80%
- Platinum — you keep 90%
- Diamond — you keep 100%
The split applies to the commission earned on every booking you make.
Your tier is set for your full contract year and can't be changed mid-term. If you want to move up or down, that happens at renewal — so it's worth thinking about your expected booking volume when you choose. The higher tiers cost more per month, and at a certain point the math flips in favor of moving up. If you're not sure where you land, ask us and we'll walk through it with you.
Yes! It is absolutely essential that all agents report every booking in the CRM to ensure they receive their commission payments. This process allows us to accurately track your sales, verify commissions received from suppliers, and ensure timely payouts. By entering all bookings into the CRM, you also gain access to important reporting tools that help you manage your business efficiently. Keeping your records up to date not only guarantees you get paid correctly but also helps streamline communication and support when needed.
Yes, you can, but it is important to ensure that you are adhering to the laws and regulations specific to your jurisdiction. Additionally, you should be transparent with your clients by clearly communicating any planning or research fees upfront. Providing this information in advance helps set expectations and ensures a smooth and professional booking experience.
Absolutely not! The research and planning fees you charge are entirely yours to keep. The Host & Co. does not take any portion of these fees, allowing you to set your own rates and retain 100% of what you earn. This ensures you have full control over your income and the value you provide to your clients.
There are two separate charges, and it's worth being clear about which is which.
The $100 setup fee is one-time and covers getting you established — verification, account setup, accreditation, and onboarding. It's charged once at signup and never again at renewal.
Your membership fee — monthly or annual, depending on your tier — is what keeps the platform running: the CRM, the booking and itinerary tools, training, support, supplier relationships, and the technology we keep building on.
Like any business, this one takes investment to start. What we've tried to do is keep that investment low and honest, rather than advertising a low entry price and then charging for every tool you actually need.
No, we do not offer a standardized website because we believe that each member is unique, and their website should reflect their individuality. Your brand, specialties, and personal approach to travel planning set you apart, and your website should showcase those distinct qualities. By allowing you the freedom to design and personalize your own site, you can create a strong online presence that truly represents your business and resonates with your ideal clients.
No, at The Host & Co., we do not impose a sales quota on our agents. We understand that every travel professional operates at their own pace and has unique business goals. Whether you are running your travel business full-time or part-time, you have the flexibility to grow at a pace that suits you. Our goal is to provide you with the resources, support, and training needed to succeed without the pressure of meeting mandatory sales targets. You are in control of your business, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Membership runs in one-year terms. If you leave before your term is up, the remaining months are still owed.
We say that plainly here because we'd rather you know now than find it in a policy document later. If you're not sure yet whether this work suits you, Gold is the lowest commitment — and you can move up a tier at renewal once you know what you need.
Membership fees. That's the whole model.
When a Diamond agent keeps 100% of their commission, we genuinely keep none of it. We'd rather charge a predictable fee than take a cut of your work — which also means we have to be worth that fee every month.