What is the primary role of a host agency in the travel industry?

The primary role of a host agency in the travel industry is to support independent travel agencies. Host agencies provide various resources, tools, and services that enable independent agents to operate their businesses more effectively. This support often includes access to booking systems, marketing materials, training, and even client support services. By partnering with a host agency, independent agents can leverage the collective buying power of the host agency, which might offer them better commission rates and more extensive travel options than they could access on their own.

While providing travel packages might be a component of what some host agencies do, their main focus is really on empowering and supporting independent agents. Running travel blogs and conducting travel research can be part of a travel agency's broader marketing strategy, but these activities do not represent the core function of a host agency within the travel industry.