OLA Vacations, a Fort Lauderdale-based online travel agency and member of Signature Travel Network, announced on Tuesday the launch of the OLA Host Network (OHN), a new host agency program that offers independent travel advisors up to 100% commission, a $99 annual membership and a $15 per-booking fee. The program also provides access to OLA’s proprietary technology, AI-powered tools, supplier relationships, training and seven-day support.
The launch matters because it introduces some of the industry’s most aggressive economics for a host agency, potentially allowing independent advisors to retain a larger share of their commissions while gaining technology and support typically associated with larger travel organizations. The program is initially focused on experienced travel advisors and is designed to evolve alongside their businesses, with OLA planning to add more AI capabilities, marketing resources, travel products and advisor tools.
“Travel advisors work incredibly hard to build their businesses and earn their commissions. We wanted to create a model that allows them to keep more of what they earn while also giving them the technology, products and support they need to grow,” said Anthony Hamawy, CEO of OLA Vacations and a longtime travel industry executive. Hamawy added that the network was built around simplicity: a low annual membership cost, a straightforward per-booking fee, competitive commission economics and access to the technology and support of a larger travel organization. “We think it is time for a different kind of host agency,” he said.
OHN was developed by a team with over 100 years of combined travel industry experience, bringing together traditional travel expertise with OLA’s growing investment in technology and artificial intelligence. Hamawy emphasized that while technology and AI will change many aspects of how travel is researched, marketed and sold, the travel advisor will remain a critical part of the industry. “Our goal is to combine the best of both worlds — the knowledge and relationships of experienced travel professionals with the technology & economics that can help independent advisors compete and grow,” he said.
Travel advisors can learn more about OLA Host Network and apply to join via OLAHostNetwork.com. The company also operates a consumer-facing travel platform at olavacations.com, which offers preferred pricing, exclusive privileges and curated experiences from five-star resorts to ocean and river cruises.
The announcement signals a potential shift in the host agency landscape, where independent advisors may increasingly expect higher commission splits and modern technology as table stakes. If OHN gains traction, it could pressure other host agencies to adjust their fee structures and service offerings, ultimately benefiting advisors who seek to keep more of their earnings while growing their businesses.
