How to Start a Travel Business in Canada (Step by Step)

Dreaming about becoming a travel advisor but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone. Many Canadians who love travel wonder how to turn that passion into a real business. The good news is, it’s simpler than you think—especially when you partner with a Canadian host travel agency like GOwithHIPPO Travel.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you start your travel business in Canada:

Step 1: Choose a Host Travel Agency

Starting from scratch can feel overwhelming. That’s why most new advisors partner with a host agency. A host travel agency provides the infrastructure you need—industry credentials, booking systems, supplier relationships, training, and support.

Why does this matter? Without a host, you’d need to set up supplier accounts, negotiate commissions, and figure out complicated industry regulations all on your own. With a Canadian host agency, you can skip the red tape and get straight to building your business.

Step 2: Understand How You’ll Get Paid

Travel advisors earn money through commissions. Every time you book a flight, hotel, cruise, or tour, the supplier pays a commission—usually a percentage of the total cost. Your host agency passes these commissions on to you (minus a small host fee).

Tip: Look for a host agency that’s transparent about commission splits and payouts. The clearer the structure, the easier it will be for you to set income goals.

Step 3: Register Your Business

Even though you’ll work with a host agency, you’re still running your own business. That means:

Choosing a business name (if you want one) Registering with your provincial or territorial business registry Setting up a simple system for tracking income and expenses

Don’t worry—you don’t need to incorporate or hire an accountant to get started. Many new agents begin as sole proprietors and grow from there.

Step 4: Get Training & Tools

The travel industry is always evolving. Training helps you stay confident and credible with clients. A good host agency provides:

New agent training programs Access to supplier webinars and certifications (Disney, Marriott, etc.) Booking platforms and client management tools

This is where you’ll learn how to create seamless trips, find the best deals, and wow your clients with expertise.

Step 5: Land Your First Client

Once you’ve got your foundation in place, it’s time to book your first trip! Many agents start with friends and family—people who already trust their travel advice. From there, word of mouth spreads quickly.

Pro tip: A strong thank-you and follow-up after every booking goes a long way in building repeat clients.

Step 6: Grow at Your Own Pace

One of the best parts of being a travel advisor is flexibility. Maybe you want to book a few trips on the side for extra income, or maybe you dream of going full-time. With a host agency, you set your own pace—we’ll be here to support you at every stage.

Ready to Start?

Starting your travel business in Canada doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right host agency behind you, you can focus on what you love—helping people explore the world—while we handle the details.

👉 Join Our Canadian Host Agency Today