A few years ago, most travel advisors had complaints about customer support of host agencies, which many TMR Outlooks have highlighted. Their voices have been heard and there has been a consistent effort to improve and upgrade back-office services which can be seen in the current TMR Outlook. Compared to 82% in the 2024 Distribution Outlook, only 69% of the advisors in the current Outlook shared that the support/customer service of host agencies was a factor while choosing which one to affiliate with. Commission with suppliers (84%) and exclu- sive promotions (66%) are two other important factors determining the advisors’ choice. Help in digital marketing has made a leap with 6 out of 10 advisors sharing that it’s an important factor while picking a host agency, compared to 5 out of 10 advisors in the previous Outlook. One advisor said, FACTORS DETERMINING THE CHOICE OF HOST AGENCY ADVISOR AFFILIATIONS 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% Minimum sales threshold for members Data sharing and back office Awards and recognition by suppliers Overrides or profit sharing Leads or lead-gen programs Group Programs Fam Trips Reputation, skill of owner/management team Technology, booking platforms Print Marketing Marketing (Digital) Training programs Exclusive promotions Support/customer service Preferred commission with suppliers 2023 2024 A sense of community is the most important feature in a host agency. 14 | CHART 6