FAQs

A host agency is an organization that partners with independent, home-based travel agents through contractor agreements. These agents maintain full ownership and operation of their businesses, not becoming employees of the host agency. The host agency provides benefits such as improved commissions, supplier relationships, and marketing and technology tools. The key distinction is that hosted agencies utilize the host travel agency's accreditation number instead of obtaining their own.

Experience is not a prerequisite for our independent contractors. We welcome individuals at all levels of expertise in the travel industry.

To become an independent travel agent, you'll need to establish a business name and create a business email address. Depending on your location, you may need to register a 'doing business as' (DBA) name with your local county clerk's office. Alternatively, you might choose to form a corporation or LLC. Additionally, errors and omissions (E&O) insurance is required. Some host agencies offer this insurance at a discounted rate, while others may require you to obtain your own coverage.

Our fee structure includes an initial enrollment fee of $175.00. There's also an annual renewal fee of $100.00, which we waive if the independent contractor earns at least $600.00 in commissions during the year. We offer E&O insurance at an annual rate of $100.00.

To join our agency, you must complete the online 'New Travel Agent & Owner Class' through our International Travel Institute. Following this, you'll need to pay the necessary fees, sign a contract, submit an enrollment form, and provide documentation of your business structure (such as DBA, LLC, or corporate structure).

Submitting the online form does not constitute joining our agency. This form is used to collect basic information about you. After submission, we will reach out to discuss our programs. If there's mutual agreement that we meet each other's criteria, we will guide you through the process of completing our full membership application.

The online course is self-paced, allowing you to complete it at your convenience. Once you've finished the course, paid the required fees, and submitted all necessary documents, it typically takes 24-48 hours to complete your registration and grant you access to travel suppliers' agent portals.

LTA Central provides a variety of training opportunities. Following the initial 'New Travel Agent & Owner Class' course, we offer supplier 'Travel Talk' webinars throughout the year. You'll have access to training programs through suppliers' agent portals, and we host an annual conference for both our host agency and consortium. We encourage participation in supplier-hosted agent events throughout the year. Once registered as a travel advisor, you can access trainings from ASTA, CLIA, and The Travel Institute, though some may involve additional fees.

LTA Central provides support via email and phone during our office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. We maintain an exclusive Facebook group for our independent contractors, where we share information and facilitate peer-to-peer discussions. For emergencies, we provide the cell phone numbers of our General Manager and Vice President.

Yes, we offer marketing programs through our parent company, Leisure Travel Alliance (LTA), a travel consortium. Their free marketing program includes customized email projects for individual agencies. LTA manages the design, production, and distribution of these materials. To participate, you'll need to provide a list of your contacts or clients with their email addresses.