Among the 700 advisors who participated in
the survey, those working in a retail location
accounted for a slightly higher share at 53%
as compared to the independent contractors
at 46%. Independent contractors (ICs), both
those who work from home and those who
work in an agency, make up a dominant
force of 38% of our respondents (see Chart
1). Polar cruising will appeal to retail agency
employees and ICs alike who are looking to
grow their business in niche areas that are
both in high demand and profitable. It’s clear
that the entrepreneurial front line is here to
make its mark on this segment.
A majority of the advisors were less than 65
years of age. One in five of all cruise-only
agents recorded annual gross bookings of
more than $2 million. One in three respondents
were agency owners while the remaining two-
thirds were advisors.
Advisor Demographics
8
|
CHART 1
Travel Advisor
– Independent
Contractor
Travel Agency
Owner/ Manager
Travel Advisor –
Employee
38%
35%
27%
The Shift to the Entrepreneurial Advisor
Four in Ten Identified as Independent Advisors
Business Type, Share (%)