For decades, the travel industry has trained independent agents to measure success by one number above all: their commission split. On paper, its an easy metric bigger is better, right? But in 2025, as global market forces transform how advisers are valued and compensated, that old logic is fast becoming obsolete.
Todays most profitable and resilient independent travel businesses are succeeding because theyve shifted focus to what truly grows their bottom line: professional fees, premium services, repeat clients, and smart use of network resources.
In fact, new research from the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance WTAAA shows that markets leading this transition are seeing up to 20 higher profit margins and a dramatic boost in business stability.
