Survey Shows New Advisors Heading Straight to Home-Based
The National Home-Based / Hosted Travel Agent Survey conducted by Rob Glennie Consulting on behalf of The Travel Agent Next Door reveals how a new generation of advisors is entering the industry differently – and providing a much-needed infusion of new blood – since many experienced agents are nearing retirement and this has caused concern in the industry.
Until recently, the traditional pathway into the travel industry followed a familiar route — retail storefronts, call centers, or office-based environments. But new data from the National Home-Based / Hosted Travel Agent Survey suggests that model is rapidly evolving.
The results reveal a clear shift: new-to-industry advisors are increasingly choosing the home-based, hosted model as their starting point, not as a later career move.
In other words, home-based is no longer an alternative path — it’s becoming the default entry point for modern travel professionals.
A New Pipeline of Travel Professionals
According to the survey, 27.4% of respondents have been travel advisors for three years or less, including 7.7% who are brand new to the industry. Even more telling, 25.2% have been home-based and hosted for the same timeframe, demonstrating that many are entering the industry directly into this business model.
Rather than viewing independence as something to earn later, new advisors are choosing to launch their careers with flexibility, autonomy, and entrepreneurial ownership from day one.
This shift reflects a broader change in how professionals view career success — choosing models that prioritize personal brand building, client relationships, and business control.
No Storefront Required
One of the strongest takeaways from the survey is that new advisors no longer see a traditional office or retail setting as a prerequisite for professionalism.
Hosted home-based models provide the infrastructure, supplier access, technology, and support systems needed to start strong — without the financial and operational barriers associated with opening or working within a storefront environment.
For many newcomers, this structure removes friction:
- Lower startup barriers
- Access to professional tools and training
- Immediate connection to supplier networks
- Flexibility to build a niche or specialization early
The result is a faster entry ramp into the industry, where advisors can focus more on serving clients and less on overhead.
Confidence Built into the Model
Perhaps most notable is the level of confidence new advisors feel inside the hosted environment. Overall host satisfaction among survey respondents scored an exceptional 9.82 out of 10, reinforcing the idea that new entrants feel supported — not isolated — as they build their businesses.
This satisfaction level challenges outdated perceptions that home-based means working alone. Instead, the modern hosted model combines independence with community, mentorship, and scalable business support.
Home-Based Isn’t the Future — It’s Now
What emerges from the data is a clear narrative: a new generation of travel advisors is entering the industry already thinking like entrepreneurs.
They’re not waiting to “graduate” into independence. They’re starting there.
As the travel industry continues to evolve, the home-based and hosted advisor model is proving to be more than a trend — it’s a professional pathway that aligns with today’s expectations around flexibility, ownership, and career growth.
And if this year’s survey results are any indication, the pipeline of future travel professionals is already flowing in that direction.
The last word
Here’s some comments from the new advisors themselves:
“Starting home-based gave me control from day one without the pressure of a storefront environment.”
“The hosted model let me focus on building relationships instead of worrying about infrastructure.”
“I didn’t see retail as necessary — going independent felt like the smartest way to go and grow.”
