Key Differences Between a Travel Franchise vs Host Agency

Woman holding tickets helping prospects weigh the benefits of a travel franchise vs host agency

Traveling is once again on the rise and everybody has the travel itch these days! This leads to many enthusiastic entrepreneurs wondering how they can make some money from the lucrative travel industry. In a recent interview in Travel Weekly, you can find some of the differences between a travel franchise vs host agency. There are many ways to get started in the travel world, and it’s important that you take a deeper dive into all the business models out there before choosing the right one for you.

When you first begin your journey as a travel franchise owner, you may become confused with some of the options out there. Below, we’ve broken down some of the key models you can choose from when you’re first getting started as a travel agent.             

What Is a Host Agency?

A host travel agency is a business that hires travel agents as independent contractors. This means that someone can work for you as a travel agent and be affiliated with a you, the host agency. The independent agent remains the owner and operator of their own business (e.g., self-employed) and is not considered an employee of the host agency.

Each host agency can have different rules for contracting independent agents. Although, they regularly serve as mentors for their agents and provide them with resources such as marketing, training, technology and a network to introduce them into the travel industry. In exchange for the mentorship from the host agency, the independent agent can pay the agency fees or a commission.

What Is a Travel Franchise?

Travel franchises are when you own a travel agency, whether the franchise is a storefront or a home-based business, under an established brand. Travel Weekly calls the travel franchise model a “success in a box” thanks to how affordable, profitable and easy it is to run.

Franchises are heavily regulated through the federal government, as well as at the state level for some. This regulation makes it a very reliable way to get started in the travel industry as a business owner while still getting the support of an established name. It also means there are only a few travel business franchise opportunities, which includes Dream Vacations Franchise. A brand established in 1992, Dream Vacations Franchise has more than 30 years of experience in the business and consistently ranks as the number one travel agency franchise.

How Does Dream Vacations Franchise Work?

As a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner, you get to be your own boss! To begin, you pay a one-time fee starting as low as $3,500. Since owners can work from anywhere with an internet connection, there is very low overhead and no inventory required, making this one of the most affordable franchises.

You only need an entrepreneurial spirit and love for travel to become a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner. Prior experience or travel education is not required to be a Franchise Owner. Dream Vacations Franchise provides you with all the necessary support and training to get started, giving you the resources to help you grow your business and help to set you up for success. As an independent franchise owner, we can assist you in recruiting a Dream Vacations travel agent (known as Advisors) to work for your franchise. This means your franchise will be operate as a host travel agency and have its own independent contractors. Advisors help grow your business and allow you to reach its full potential.

If you have a passion for travel and an entrepreneurial spirit, becoming a Dream Vacations Franchise Owner may be your next calling! Become your own boss and begin your thrilling career as a travel agent by signing up for our free webinar. Get started by filling out this form or give us a call at 800-892-3928.