Joining a host travel agency provides independent travel agents with valuable support, technology, and benefits. But how do you select the right host?
Outside Agents and KHM Travel Group are two top options, but they vary in their offerings for affiliated agents.
This in-depth guide examines the commissions, training, tools, and key differences between Outside Agents and KHM to help you pick the best host agency fit.
A Comparison Table
| Category | Outside Agents | KHM Travel Group |
| Overview | Top host agency since 2005 | Leading global host agency since 1997 |
| Commissions | 80-90% across suppliers | 70-80% with most vendors |
| Training | Extensive live and online training | Robust online courses and events |
| Technology | AgentPro booking, TripPro CRM | Nexion booking, integrated CRM |
| Support | One-on-one coaching and mentoring | Dedicated support team and community |
| Reputation | Rave reviews for support and earnings | Mixed feedback on tools and support |
| Pros | Highest commissions, great service | Global presence, huge marketing library |
| Cons | Smaller global presence | Lower commissions, mixed reviews |
Overview of Outside Agents
Founded in 2005, Outside Agents is a host travel agency that contracts with independent travel agents to provide them with technology, support, and lucrative commissions.
Here’s a quick look at what Outside Agents offers:
- Some of the highest commission rates in the industry
- Wide range of travel affiliate programs to leverage
- Cloud-based agent platform for booking tools
- Ongoing training programs and professional development
- Private community forums for agent networking
Outside Agents has partnered with over 5,000 independent travel professionals during the past 15+ years.
Overview of KHM Travel Group
Established in 1997, KHM Travel Group is one of the largest host agencies contracting over 50,000 independent travel agents worldwide.
KHM provides:
- Access to exclusive travel agent rates and perks
- Support team available 16 hours daily
- Cloud-based booking platform and CRM
- Marketing materials and template websites
- Rewards program for agents
- Extensive training program for professional growth
For over 20 years, KHM has provided the tools agents need to build successful travel businesses.
Also Read: Comparison Between Klook and KKday
Key Differences Between Outside Agents And KHM Travel Group
- Comparing Commission Rates
One of the top priorities for affiliated agents is how much they earn on bookings. Here is how Outside Agents and KHM commission structures compare:
Outside Agents
- Commissions from 80% to 90% across all suppliers
- Additional revenue share incentives
- Bonus commissions for reaching higher sales tiers
- One of the highest payouts among host agencies
KHM Travel Group
- Commissions range from 70% to 80% with most vendors
- Bonus commission incentives starting at just $5,000 in sales
- Rewards program for cash back on bookings
- Profit sharing when goals met
Based on their commission tiers, Outside Agents appears to offer higher earning potential for productive agents.
- Training and Professional Development
Ongoing education is key for travel agents. Here’s an overview of training with each host:
Outside Agents
- Regular live workshops and webinars
- Outside U online training program with accreditation
- Annual conference for learning and networking
- Private forum access and insider tips from top agents
- Learning incentives when completing training
KHM Travel Group
- KHM University with extensive online courses
- Annual conference and networking events
- Regional meetups for collaborating with fellow agents
- Private Facebook group for real-time advice
- Rewards for completing training benchmarks
Both hosts provide robust training resources combining online courses, live workshops, and community support. Outside Agents training may be slightly more extensive.
- Technology and Resources
The tools and resources supplied to contracted agents also matter. Here’s an overview:
Outside Agents
- User-friendly cloud-based AgentPro booking platform
- Integrates with client management system TripPro
- Templates for branded marketing materials
- Access to discounted travel agent rates
- Perks like waived fees, travel insurance, and more
KHM Travel Group
- Cloud-based Nexion booking engine
- Integrated agent management system
- Marketing templates and content resources
- Travel agent discounts on hotels, flights, tours
- Rewards program for free travel and more
The technology platforms offered by both hosts enable agents to efficiently book travel and manage their business. KHM may have a slight edge in marketing resources.
- Support for Growing Your Business
Hosts aim to provide the foundation for agents to grow successfully:
Outside Agents
- One-on-one business coaching and mentoring
- Goal setting assistance and accountability
- Ongoing support by email, phone, and in forum
- Advice on niche specialization to stand out
KHM Travel Group
- Dedicated support team available daily
- Private forum community provides guidance
- Partnerships with key vendors to drive bookings
- Assistance with marketing and business strategy
Both hosts offer significant support for taking your travel business to the next level. Outside Agents may provide more individualized coaching.
Also Read: Comparison Between Travelocity And Priceline
- Reputation Among Affiliated Agents
Feedback from contracted travel agents sheds light on their host experiences:
Outside Agents Reviews
- Many agents rave about outstanding support received
- Technology platform earns high marks for user-friendliness
- Commissions described as generous and prompt
KHM Travel Group Reviews
- Mixed feedback on support team responsiveness
- Reviews praise marketing resources and training
- Some concerns noted about outdated tech platform
Outside Agents gets stellar reviews particularly for the high service levels and earning potential. KHM earns solid feedback but has some areas agents felt needed improvement.
Watch this review video:
Pros and Cons of Each Host Agency
Outside Agents Pros
- Very high commission percentages
- Extensive training program
- Outstanding service and support reputation
- Customizable marketing materials
Outside Agents Cons
- Less global reach than larger hosts
- Higher bonus thresholds to earn
KHM Travel Group Pros
- Global presence and vendor relationships
- Huge assortment of marketing collateral
- Rewards program benefits
- Massive agent community for networking
KHM Cons
- Mixed reviews of technology and support
- Lower commission rates than competitors
- Rewards incentives could be improved
For the highest commissions and service, Outside Agents shines. But KHM’s global scale and big vendor network appeals to many agents.
Choosing the Best Host Agency
When selecting between Outside Agents and KHM Travel Group, keep these factors in mind:
- Your expected sales volume and income goals
- The commission percentage and bonus structure
- Your need for marketing materials and branding
- The technology and booking tools provided
- Your desire for community networking opportunities
- The level of one-on-one support preferred
Ideally, speak with agents contracted by each host to get insights before deciding. Ensure the host you select equips you with the resources and earnings potential to thrive as an independent travel agent.
Also Read: Comparison Between Viator And Klook
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A travel agent is an individual travel professional who offers advice and makes bookings for clients. A travel agency is a business that employs travel agents to sell vacations, trips, and other travel services. Agents can work for an agency or independently.
Outside Agents was founded in 2005, so they have been in business for over 15 years. During that time they have contracted thousands of independent travel agents to provide them with support, technology, and lucrative commissions.
An outside agent refers to an independent contractor travel agent who is affiliated with a host agency but not directly employed by that agency. Outside agents work for themselves but get access to a host’s tools, technology, and relationships in return for sharing commissions.
A host travel agency contracts self-employed outside agent travel agents to provide them with things like booking platforms, vendor relationships, training, support services, marketing materials and more. Top hosts include Outside Agents, KHM Travel Group, Travel Planners International, and Nexion.
Also Read: Comparison Between Outside Agents And InteleTravel.
Final Thought
Joining the right host agency gives independent travel agents immense value. Compare Outside Agents and KHM Travel Group side-by-side based on commissions, tools, support, and reputation. Talk to current affiliated agents before deciding to ensure the host you pick best fits your business needs and goals.