The Travel Agent’s Secret to Bigger Income (That Hardly Anyone Talks About)
Jul 31, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered how some travel agents grow faster, earn more, and fill their calendar with dream clients...
Here’s the not-so-glamorous but incredibly powerful secret:
👉 Group travel.
It’s not about going viral.
It doesn’t require a big audience.
And it’s one of the smartest ways to build real, sustainable income as a travel advisor. Especially when you’re just getting started.
Let’s walk through why it works so well (and how to get started).

1. One Planning Process = Multiple Commissions
When you plan a group trip (like a cruise, tour, or resort stay) you’re doing one trip setup but earning multiple commissions.
Think:
- A family of 12 traveling to Mexico
- A 50th birthday friend group cruise
- A group of teachers on a guided European tour
- A church retreat to the Caribbean
One itinerary, one set of bookings, and you’re paid for each person traveling.
The result? A massive return on your time, and a deeper impact with every trip you plan.
2. Suppliers Offer Serious Group Perks
Cruise lines and tour operators love group business AND they reward it.
When you book into or create groups, travel agents often get access to:
- Reduced pricing that isn’t available directly to clients
- Onboard credit or amenities such as free specialty dining, spa treatments, etc.
- Free traveler spots after the group reaches a certain number of guests (called tour conductor credits)
- Exclusive booking windows or upgrades
And when you pass those perks along to your clients? They feel valued, supported, and seriously excited to book with you again.

3. Group Clients = Future Clients
Here’s the part that’s easy to miss: every group trip is a lead-generating machine.
Each traveler on that group cruise or resort vacation is a future 1:1 client. They’ve already seen your work in action, felt your support, and enjoyed a trip you planned.
When you serve a group well, you’re not just booking one trip.
You’re planting seeds for dozens of future bookings.
That’s how smart agents turn one group cruise into a full schedule and a steady stream of referrals.
Want Help Finding Group Leads?
You don’t need a huge network to get started with groups. You just need to know where to look.
I put together a free guide with 15+ Places to Find Group Travel Opportunities—from small community circles to unexpected local partnerships.

You Don’t Have to Be Big to Book Big
Group travel isn’t just for the seasoned pros or “super sellers.”
It’s for any agent who’s ready to work smart, serve well, and build income that actually grows.
Inside Travel Genius Coaching, I’ll teach you exactly how to find group leads, structure group bookings, communicate clearly, and manage everything with ease. From that first inquiry to the final thank-you note, there’s a clear path to success with groups.
One group trip really can change your year and your business.
Click here to join the course and start building a smarter, more sustainable travel business today.
You bring the heart. I’ll give you the tools. Let’s build something powerful together.