TORONTO — Host Agency Reviews has launched its annual Travel Agent Income Survey. While Host Agency Reviews is based in the U.S., the survey is open to Canadian travel agents as well – and input from north of the border helps create a clearer snapshot of the home-based agent sector, says Host Agency Reviews founder Steph Lee.

Lee tells Travelweek: “While there are surveys with data on U.S.-based agent income, it’s important to recognize there are differences between the U.S. and Canadian market.”

Her message to Canadian agents? “We need your help to ensure Canadian agencies’ voices are heard. Having hard numbers helps agencies, suppliers, and other industry partners make data-driven decisions about the direction of the industry.”

HAR’s annual survey provides a data-driven overview of income trends among hosted and independent travel advisors, “a more fragmented segment of the travel industry,” she adds.

More than 900 advisors took part in the 2019 survey. Results of the 2020 survey are slated to be released this September. The survey will cover everything from income according to education, experience, region, and niche; new agent startup costs and income; correlations between income and demographics; and more.

As always Host Agency Reviews will thank agents for their participation by offering a chance to win one of eight $25 gift cards via a random drawing. Canadian agents qualify for the prize draw, with gift cards from amazon.ca, says Lee.

To take part in the survey, click here.