Becoming a travel agent is more than selling trips — it’s joining an industry where your success depends on who you partner with. For aspiring travel professionals, the travel agency you choose becomes the foundation of your business: from earning potential and training to support systems and industry reputation. This article explains why that choice matters — and why Academy Travel, a Disney Diamond EarMarked agency, is the best option.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Agency
Your Income Depends on More Than Your “Split”
Many new agents focus on their personal commission split — like 70% or 80% — but that’s only part of the picture. In reality, suppliers pay commissions to the agency, and the agency then pays the agent their portion.
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If the agency earns a low base commission from the supplier (e.g., a small or new agency with limited sales), even a high split for the agent won’t necessarily translate into strong earnings.
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Conversely, an established agency that earns higher supplier commissions — such as those with proven sales volume — can generate significantly more for agents even with a smaller split.
For example, selling a $5,000 cruise:
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A smaller agency at 10% commission and 70% agent split might earn the agent $350.
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A high-producing agency at 16% commission and 60% split could result in $480 for the agent — more income despite the lower agent percentage.
This illustrates why agency reputation, supplier relationships, and commission level matter just as much as agent splits.
What Makes Academy Travel Stand Out
Diamond EarMarked Status: A Prestigious Advantage
Academy Travel has earned Disney’s Diamond EarMarked status, the highest designation available from the Walt Disney Travel Company. This elite status, achieved by fewer than 1% of agencies, signals:
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Strong, direct supplier relationships with Disney and Universal Parks & Resorts.
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Access to higher commission levels and exclusive opportunities.
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Greater credibility with clients looking for expert vacation planning.
This level of partnership directly impacts earnings potential and credibility — two cornerstones for building a successful travel planning business.
No Fees = More Money in Your Pocket
Unlike many agencies that charge sign-up, monthly, or administrative fees, Academy Travel does not charge agents agency fees. This means:
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You can retain more of what you earn.
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Your budget goes toward building your business — not paying the agency.
(The only exceptions are separate tech platform fees billed by third-party providers, not Academy Travel itself.)
Training and Support Tailored for Success
Academy Travel offers robust training that’s crucial for both new and experienced agents:
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Disney’s College of Knowledge and Universal Specialist Training.
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Ongoing webinars and coaching calls.
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Tools and marketing resources for building your client base.
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Familiarization (FAM) trips and exclusive education events.
These opportunities not only deepen your product knowledge but also help you confidently guide clients through every step of their travel planning.
Tools, Marketing Support, and Community
Building a travel business requires more than bookings:
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Co-branded agent websites and private portal access.
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Social media marketing help and professionally designed sales materials.
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A collaborative, supportive community of experienced travel pros.
This combination of resources helps you focus on serving clients expertly and growing your business strategically.
The Right Partner Can Make All the Difference
Becoming a travel agent is an exciting way to turn your passion for travel into a career or side business. However, your success relies heavily on choosing the right agency partner, one that offers strong supplier relationships, competitive commission opportunities, education, and support.
Academy Travel’s status as a Disney Diamond EarMarked agency, its industry-leading commission structure, and its comprehensive agent support make it an excellent choice for anyone seeking to thrive in the travel industry.
Whether you’re new to travel planning or looking to elevate an existing business, aligning with a well-established and respected agency like Academy Travel can significantly boost your long-term success. Ready to apply? Get started right here.
