This year, the survey saw one of the highest participation rates to date, with 865 travel agents from coast to coast sharing their expertise, challenges, and opportunities in today’s evolving market.

This year’s results highlight notable trends, from roaming agents and evolving client preferences, to the most lucrative revenue streams, offering a clear picture of where the industry is headed.

The National Travel Agent Survey was conducted by Rob Glennie Consulting on behalf of The Travel Agent Next Door, with the goal of providing valuable insights into the evolving role of travel agents in the Canadian market.

Roam-based agents

The survey revealed that the concept of home-based travel agents has transformed dramatically. It’s no longer just about working from home – it’s about working from anywhere.

Today’s agents have embraced a ʻRoam-Basedʻ lifestyle, leveraging technology to stay connected with clients while enjoying greater personal freedom.

This year’s survey revealed that many agents credit remote work for a better work-life balance.

Whether they’re working from the cottage, managing bookings while on a FAM trip, or even spending winters abroad, travel agents have redefined what it means to run a business.

The flexibility of remote work has allowed them to immerse themselves in the very experiences they sell, making them even more valuable advisors to their clients.

Surge in number of home-based agents

This year’s survey revealed a significant rise in home-based travel agents, with nearly 80% of respondents identifying as home-based – almost double the 43% recorded in last year’s survey.

This sharp increase provides insight into two key industry trends …

1.The rapid growth of independent home-based agents, as more professionals embrace the flexibility and autonomy of running their own travel businesses.

2. A stronger willingness among home-based agents to participate in industry research, recognizing the importance of sharing insights that contribute to the evolution and recognition of travel advisors in Canada.

Younger entrants attracted to home based model

This year’s survey highlights that home-based agents are younger, with an average age five years lower than their non-home-based counterparts (with a smaller portion being up to 10 years younger).

Home-based agents are newer to the industry, with 15% of respondents having entered within the last 1-5 years, compared to less than 2% of non-home-based agents.

These findings shed light on how the home-based model is attracting fresh talent, offering a flexible, low-barrier entry point for new travel advisors. As the industry evolves, home-based

agencies are proving to be a key driver in bringing in the next generation of travel professionals.

Home-based agents continue to earn more!

Year over year, the survey continues to highlight a significant income advantage for home-based travel agents, who earn over 31% more in commission than their non-home-based counterparts.

This earnings gap is driven by several key factors uncovered in the survey. One factor could be that home-based agents are increasingly specializing in higher-margin products such as river cruises, tours, and luxury travel, with many adopting a niche approach, focusing solely on these lucrative segments.

The home-based hosting model enables agents to retain a larger share of their commission, providing a significant financial advantage compared to traditional agency structures.