Help with BDMs! Group Bookings? Commission Splits?

Help with BDMs! Group Bookings? Commission Splits?

Author: Host Agency Reviews November 14, 2025 Duration: 22:35

This week for the Friday 15, Shayna co-hosts with Jennifer Dugan of Dugan’s Travels! This week we’ve got a bunch of great questions to discuss this Friday at 12 pm CST, and you know it’s gonna be good. Join us! 

  1. I worked as an independent contractor for a brick-and-mortar agency before covid. BDMs visited us regularly with updates, and stayed to chat. Their presence drew attendees and raised my credibility. Unfortunately, that agency has the worst split in the business. I switched to a host agency with a much better split and no fees or minimum sales, but they're on the opposite coast.

Now my BDMs, whom I've never met, are on the other side of the country and aren't about to co-host events or invite me to anything. BDMs based near me can't help because they work in territories. I never sold much with the new host and basically went dormant. Now, I'm planning to relaunch. However, the lack of BDM contact and support is paralyzing. How do the thousands of agents working in far-flung locations deal with this? Those I've talked with don't seem to realize the value of BDMs, both personally and professionally. Any advice? - Linda

  1. I am just starting out as a cruise specialist agent. I have seen other agents promoting group bookings that appear to be created by them with lower than advertised rates and extra perks. Can you explain how this works and the pros/cons of this? I know I am not ready for this yet, but I am very interested in how someone gets started with this and how it works. Thanks, - Travel Dad Matt
  2. I have been in the industry for just over 2 years working part time while I build up my business. I am curious about host agency commission splits and why some host agencies have higher commission splits. I notice there is a range of agency commission splits 70/30, 80/20 or 90/10.  Right now I am at a 70/30 split and I wonder if this is an average commission split?  I wonder for host agencies with higher commission splits is it because they offer more perks or benefits than host agencies with a 90/10 split. - Michelle


RESOURCES:


➡️Talking more about BDM’s when switching hosts - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/switching-host-agencies-5-things-to-consider

➡️Group booking tips directly from other travel advisors - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/group-booking-tips-travel-advisors-agents


➡️Submit questions, sign up for reminders for the F15, along with that week's questions we'll be covering! https://hostagencyreviews.com/friday15 


➡️Commission splits - https://hostagencyreviews.com/blog/host-agency-commission-plan-comparison-calculator



Hosted by the team at Host Agency Reviews, this audio channel blends two distinct formats into one practical resource. The first is Travel Agent Chatter, a quarterly series of spotlight interviews that dive deep into the experiences of working travel advisors. These longer conversations explore the real stories behind the careers, covering the nuances of building a business, personal client triumphs, and the cultural insights gained from a life in travel. The companion series, Friday 15, operates on a completely different rhythm. Every week, a focused fifteen-minute episode tackles specific questions from the travel industry, offering direct advice and timely insights that are both concise and immediately useful. Together, this podcast creates a balanced mix of inspirational narrative and actionable strategy. Whether you're seeking motivation from peer journeys or need quick answers to pressing professional questions, the channel is designed to support the daily realities of travel entrepreneurs. It’s a resource that understands the industry's blend of passion and pragmatism, delivered through the authentic voices of those who are deeply embedded in this world. Tune in for thoughtful perspectives that are as varied and dynamic as the travel profession itself.
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