What KHM Travel Group does

KHM Travel Group, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Brunswick, Ohio, is a privately held host travel agency that supports a network of more than 5,000 independent home-based travel agents across the United States. The company, operating under parent entity KHM Consulting Inc., provides its agents with a proprietary technology stack built around MyTravelAgentPortal (an online office and classroom housing courses, a preferred-supplier database, event calendars, and marketing resources) and myTravelCRM (a client relationship management system for managing leads, bookings, commissions, and trip proposals). Additional infrastructure includes a Commission Automation system launched in January 2025 that links unclaimed commissions bi-weekly, and a third-party confirmation automation that runs every 15 minutes year-round.

KHM makes money through two principal streams: recurring membership fees ($64.95/month or $649/year plus registration fees) and a 10-20% retain on supplier commissions earned on agent bookings, after paying agents 80-90% of those commissions. In 2025, the network is on pace to drive $430 million in travel sales, with 17-20 weeks of weekly commission payouts exceeding $1 million. The company segments its agent base across new entrants, experienced agents migrating from competitors, military and first responder "Heroes," and cruise specialists, supported by tiered programs (Basecamp, Pinnacle) and an education ecosystem spanning online LMS courses, Boot Camps, regional "On the Concourse" events in 18+ U.S. states, and the annual Crystal Conference cruise. KHM holds preferred-supplier relationships with major cruise lines (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, NCL, Celebrity, Princess, Viking, Disney) and consortium affiliations with Travel Leaders Network, ASTA, CLIA, ARC, and IATAN, and is registered as a seller of travel in California, Florida, Hawaii, and Washington.

Name

KHM Travel Group

Legal name

KHM Consulting Inc.

Website

https://khmtravel.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

KHM Travel Group is a US-based host travel agency that supports over 5,000 independent home-based travel agents with proprietary CRM and education technology, supplier relationships, and membership-based and commission-based revenue streams.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Host Travel Agency Services

NAICS

Travel Agencies (561510), Travel Agencies (56151)

SIC

Retail-Catalog & Mail-Order Houses (5961)

akta.pro primary industry

Inbound/Local Retail Travel Agencies (Destination Booking Offices) (THAKABAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Wholesale Groups, Series & Allotments (Group Blocks/Charters/Allotment Contracting) (THAKAJAH)

Keywords

• Host travel agency
• Independent travel agents
• Travel commission processing
• Travel agent education
• Travel industry training

Headquarters

HQ city

Brunswick

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: KHM Travel Group charges monthly ($64.95) and annual ($649) membership fees to independent travel agents. These fees provide access to education, technology tools, marketing resources, support, and supplier partnerships. Registration fees of $149 (monthly) or $50 (annual) are also charged.
2. Commission Revenue: KHM Travel Group earns commissions from travel suppliers (typically 10-16%, up to 20%) on bookings made by their network of agents. The company retains 20% of commission initially, dropping to 10% once agents earn $5,000 in paid commissions within a calendar year (90% payout tier). The company processes weekly commission payouts to agents.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

KHM Travel Group is a host travel agency that provides independent home-based travel agents with membership access to education, proprietary technology (myTravelAgentPortal and myTravelCRM), supplier relationships, marketing resources, E&O insurance, and commission processing. Agents join via monthly ($64.95) or annual ($649) subscriptions and earn 80–90% commissions on bookings made through KHM's preferred supplier network, while KHM retains 10–20% of commissions.

Product overview

KHM Travel Group operates as a host travel agency providing a comprehensive platform for independent travel agents. The core system consists of myTravelAgentPortal (online office and classroom for courses, supplier database, events, and marketing materials) and myTravelCRM (client relationship management for leads, bookings, and commissions). Additional modules include Agent Orientation courses, a Learning Management System (LMS) with structured educational content, recognition programs (Pinnacle and Basecamp for top and emerging agents), regional events (On the Concourse, Boot Camps 1.0 and 2.0), and the annual Crystal Conference cruise event. The company also provides commission automation technology, marketing resources, and a dedicated agent website. Programs like Savings for Heroes extend specialized support to military and first responders. Together, these components form an integrated ecosystem enabling agents to build and manage their travel businesses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• KHM Travel Agent Membership (Monthly & Annual) Subscription membership granting independent travel agents access to KHM's proprietary technology, Learning Management System, supplier partnerships, marketing resources, E&O insurance, myTravelCRM, myTravelAgentPortal, and an agent website; priced at $64.95/month with $149 registration fee or $649/year with $50 registration fee, with an 80% commission payout.
• Experienced Agent Program Premium membership tier for established travel agents offering up to 90% commission payouts, potential waiver of the registration fee, an Agency Program, and a 100% Commissions Program, dependent on the agent's prior commissions earned.
• Savings for Heroes Program Specialized membership offering for active or retired military, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMTs/paramedics, 911 dispatchers, and their spouses, providing waived first-month membership fee and an extended annual membership period, with the same benefits as standard membership.
• myTravelAgentPortal Proprietary web-based portal serving as agents' online office and classroom, providing access to online courses, the Preferred Supplier database, event calendar, marketing materials, and Agent Orientation, accessible to all KHM members.
• myTravelCRM Proprietary client relationship management system provided to all KHM agents for managing clients and leads, tracking commissions, creating trip proposals, generating reports, and sharing trip details and invoices via a Client Portal; mobile-friendly and accessible on desktop, tablet, or mobile.
• Learning Management System (LMS) Online educational platform structured into courses and lessons, accessible 24/7 through MyTravelAgentPortal, covering the basics of becoming a travel agent, business setup, working with clients, compliance, and simple marketing techniques, with content led by Education Manager Carolyn Orf.
• Boot Camp 1.0 and Boot Camp 2.0 Multi-day hands-on training events for KHM agents: Boot Camp 1.0 is entry-level for new agents learning directly from KHM team and supplier partners, while Boot Camp 2.0 is an advanced training for agents looking to grow their business. Available in person or via livestream/virtual format.
• Pinnacle Agent Program Recognition and development program for KHM's top-producing agents, currently comprising 1,200 of the agency's highest-earning independent travel advisors.
• Basecamp Program Agent recognition and development program for emerging KHM agents, serving as part of the Agent Journey progression that feeds into the top-tier Pinnacle Agent Program.
• Marketing Hub Marketing resources hub included with KHM membership, providing agents with marketing tools, supplier partnership content, social media content, and email templates to promote their travel business.
• Travel Agent Connection Website Dedicated agent website provided to each KHM member as part of their membership, enabling independent agents to establish their own web presence for clients.
• Cruise Travel Agent Program Specialty cruise-focused program for KHM agents, providing cruise-specific education, Seminars at Sea, the annual Crystal Conference held aboard a cruise ship, and preferred supplier partnerships with major cruise lines.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80-90% commission payout rates, compared to industry average of 50%
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCLIA recognizes KHM Travel Group as a Premier Agency Member. KHM agents benefit from CLIA's credibility, resources, and educational opportunities including discounted individual CLIA membership.
• Travel Leaders NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKHM Travel Group's consortium partner providing access to preferred supplier relationships, resources, and networking. KHM has received the Golden Legacy Award for U.S. Affiliates.
• IATAN (International Airlines Travel Agent Network)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKHM Travel Group is a member of IATAN, providing agents with industry credentials for booking travel and accessing supplier resources.
• ARC (Airlines Reporting Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKHM Travel Group is a member of ARC, enabling agents to process airline tickets and access airline commission programs.
• ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKHM Travel Group is an Emerald Level Proud Partner and has won ASTA's Host Agency of the Year award.
• Royal Caribbean InternationalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreferred cruise supplier with high commissions and exclusive offers. KHM agents participate in Vicki Freed's monthly Coffee Talk webcasts and access exclusive incentives.
• Carnival Cruise LinemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreferred cruise supplier offering high commissions and travel advisor resources. KHM Travel Agent Kimberly Stanley won Carnival's 2023 'Your Winning Plan' competition grand prize.
• Norwegian Cruise LinemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKHM Travel Group is hosting its 2026 Crystal Conference on Norwegian Encore with NCL. Preferred supplier with dedicated support and travel agent incentives.
• Celebrity CruisesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreferred supplier with Celebrity Rewards loyalty program for agents. KHM Travel Group was Celebrity Cruises' Central Region Partner of the Year 2024.
• Princess CruisesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreferred cruise supplier and #1 cruise line in Alaska. Provides stellar support for KHM agents and unique sailing opportunities.
• Viking CruisesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKHM Travel Group is in Viking's Platinum Circle, recognizing high sales volume. Viking was first cruise line to always offer no NCFs (non-commissionable fares).
• Virgin VoyagesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreferred supplier with strong partnership with Virgin Voyages' leaders including founder Sir Richard Branson.
• Avalon WaterwaysmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreferred river cruise supplier with innovative Suite Ships and all-inclusive packages. Part of Globus family of brands.
• Disney DestinationsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreferred supplier for Disney vacation packages and travel bookings.
• Holland America LinemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreferred cruise supplier with strong partnership history. Ship features innovative retractable roof over pool deck.
• ALG VacationsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreferred supplier partner for vacation packages and travel services.
• Globus family of brandsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPreferred tour operator partner including Avalon Waterways for river cruises.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Avoya Travel: Avoya Travel is one of the largest U.S. host travel agencies, operating a similar model of supporting independent travel agents with preferred supplier relationships, proprietary technology, commission splits, and education/leads programs. Directly comparable in business model, target agent persona, and revenue mix of memberships plus commissions.
• Nexion Travel Group: Nexion is a host travel agency subsidiary of Internova Travel Group that provides independent travel advisors with back-office, supplier access, education, and commission processing. Directly comparable in agent-supported host agency model and supplier aggregation approach.
• Travel Planners International: Travel Planners International is a long-established U.S. host travel agency offering independent agents supplier relationships, commission splits, technology, and training. Directly comparable in target market (independent home-based agents) and service stack.
• Outside Agents: Outside Agents is a U.S. host agency providing independent travel agents with supplier access, commission splits, marketing tools, and education. Directly comparable in business model and target customer segment.
• Dream Vacations / CruiseOne: Dream Vacations (formerly CruiseOne) is a home-based travel agency franchise under World Travel Holdings focused heavily on cruise and vacation sales. Highly comparable to KHM's cruise agent segment and Pinnacle-style recognition programs.

Broad incumbents

• World Travel Holdings: World Travel Holdings is a large multi-brand travel company that owns host-agency brands (Dream Vacations, CruiseOne) and ships extensively in cruise distribution. Comparable as a broader incumbent operating multiple overlapping host/agency models including KHM's cruise specialization.
• Travel Leaders Network: Travel Leaders Network is a large U.S. travel agency consortium and corporate/franchise network that also partners with KHM. Comparable as a broader incumbent offering similar supplier aggregation and agent support across a much wider footprint.
• Internova Travel Group: Internova is a large U.S. travel distribution company owning host agency Nexion plus leisure, corporate, and luxury brands. Comparable as a broad incumbent that competes for the same independent travel advisor pool through multiple host-agency and consortium brands.
• Expedia Group: Expedia Group operates major OTAs (Expedia, Hotels.com, Vrbo) and TAAP, a third-party booking platform that KHM integrates with. Comparable as a broad incumbent influencing supplier commission economics and serving as an alternative distribution channel for KHM's agents.

Others

• Virtuoso: Virtuoso is a luxury-focused travel advisor network offering supplier relationships, training, and marketing tools to member agencies. Comparable thematically as a network of independent travel advisors but serves the luxury segment KHM does not focus on.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCcoM6xmIv-xCcHrJ4lz6snw
• Facebookfacebook.com/khmtravel
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/khm-travel-group
• Instagraminstagram.com/khmtravel
• TikToktiktok.com/%40khmtravel
• Xx.com/khmtravel

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KHM Travel Group