Travel Planners International

What Travel Planners International does

Travel Planners International (TPI) is a US-based host travel agency founded in 1988 by Anthony and Marietta Gagliano, headquartered in Maitland, FL, and serving 5,800+ independent travel advisor 'Rockstars' nationwide. The company operates a B2B platform-as-a-service model in which it onboards, trains, and supports independent travel agents — primarily home-based entrepreneurs, career changers, and experienced agents switching from other host agencies — by providing the operational infrastructure they need to run their own travel businesses under the TPI umbrella.

TPI's core product is its proprietary cloud-based Agent Portal, an integrated back-office system combining a point-and-click booking engine, CRM, email marketing platform, accounting software, and a marketing asset bank. The portal is augmented by the AXUS itinerary builder partnership, Signature Travel Network consortia membership (which provides exclusive supplier deals, a booking engine with cruise price tracking, and marketing resources), and preferred supplier relationships with 380+ travel providers including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Delta Vacations, and Allianz. The company also supports CLIA and IATAN certifications, runs 30+ events annually, and is beta-testing Tern's financial platform for commission management and general ledger functionality.

TPI generates revenue through a hybrid transaction-fee plus subscription model. Agents pay monthly membership fees of $40–$60 depending on tier (Side Hustle 70/30 split, standard 80/20, In It to Win It 90/10), and TPI retains a commission share on every booking routed through its preferred suppliers, with agents earning an average 16% commission versus 10% for solo agents. A 100% commission tier is available for high-volume agencies exceeding $500K in annual sales. The company paid $75M in agent commissions last year across 200,000 booked travel experiences, indicating substantial transaction throughput through its network.

Name

Travel Planners International

Legal name

Travel Planners International, Inc.

Website

https://travelplannersinternational.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Travel Planners International is a US host travel agency operating since 1988, serving 5,800+ independent travel advisors with an integrated Agent Portal (CRM, booking, accounting), 380+ preferred supplier relationships, and Signature Travel Network consortia membership in exchange for commission splits and monthly membership fees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Host Travel Agency Services

NAICS

Travel Agencies (561510)

SIC

Transportation Services (4700)

akta.pro primary industry

Luxury Travel Agencies (THAKAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Adventure & Expedition Custom Itinerary Planning (THAKAOAC), Group, Family & Multi-Generational Travel Planning (HSACAKAK)

Keywords

• Host travel agency
• Travel agent support
• Commission split plans
• Back-office software
• Independent travel advisors

Headquarters

HQ city

Maitland

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. Commission Split: TPI operates on a commission split model where independent travel agents earn commissions on bookings and TPI retains a portion. Commission split tiers range from 70%/30% (Side Hustle, $40/month) to 90%/10% (In It to Win It, $60/month). High-performing agencies doing over $500,000 in annual sales may qualify for a 100% commission program with direct contracts. TPI also earns by negotiating preferential commission rates with 380+ preferred suppliers on behalf of its agent network.
2. Membership Fees: Monthly membership fees across three tiers ($40, $50, $60 per month) covering access to the Agent Portal, back-office software, marketing tools, and community support. Annual commitment with month-to-month opt-out flexibility. Agents also pay training costs ($295-$895) and typical business startup costs (~$500) as one-time setup fees.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Travel Planners International operates as a host travel agency supporting 5,800+ independent travel advisors ('Rockstars') with a cloud-based Agent Portal platform, 380+ preferred supplier relationships, training, marketing tools, and a community network. Agents pay monthly membership fees ($40-$60) and earn 70-90% commission on bookings across cruises, hotels, tours, and vacation packages, with optional 100% commission for top producers exceeding $500K in annual sales.

Product overview

Travel Planners International (TPI) operates as a host travel agency offering a cloud-based platform built around the proprietary Agent Portal. The platform integrates back office software (accounting, CRM, email marketing), a booking engine with AXUS itinerary builder, and access to the Signature Travel Network consortia for exclusive supplier deals and cruise price tracking. Additional services include CLIA card assistance, a marketing asset bank, and a comprehensive events program. Commission structures range from 70-90% with monthly fees of $40-$60, with a 100% option available for qualifying high-volume agencies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Agent Portal Cloud-based proprietary platform providing independent travel advisors with an integrated Agent Portal featuring accounting software, point-and-click booking engine, email marketing platform, CRM technology, commission tracking, client management, sales reporting, customizable invoices and quotes, and a marketing asset bank.
• CLIA Card Program Assistance program helping travel advisors obtain CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) cards. TPI waives the $5,000 commission requirement and offers a $50 discount on the annual card fee ($65 total), making certification accessible to new and small-volume agents.
• TPI Events Program Annual and regional events program including the TPI Rocks annual conference, Wave Rave virtual sessions, Learn Market Sell online events, Rock Your Travel Biz regional conferences, TPI Cruise Symposium, TPI Luxury Symposium, Top Producers retreat, Advisors on the Rise Symposium, and Platinum Symposium. 30+ events per year supporting onboarding, training, supplier networking, and community building.
• Host Travel Agency Membership (Side Hustle / 80-20 / In It to Win It Tiers) Three tiered monthly membership plans ($40, $50, $60) for independent travel advisors, structured as commission splits of 70/30, 80/20, and 90/10 to the agent. Month-to-month contracts with no initiation fee. Includes access to the Agent Portal, 380+ preferred suppliers, training, marketing tools, and the Rockstar community. A 100% commission option is available for agencies exceeding $500,000 in annual sales.

Quantifiable outcome

• TPI agents earn an average of 16% commission compared to 10% for solo agents — more than double the commission rate
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 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

Integration2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• AXUScoreTechnology or IntegrationTPI has partnered with AXUS itinerary builder to enable advisors to create and deliver professional, visually rich travel itineraries to clients. AXUS provides itinerary creation tools that enhance the client experience and allow agents to present polished, customized trip plans.
• Signature Travel NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTPI is a member of Signature Travel Network, one of the industry's leading travel consortia. This affiliation provides TPI agents with exclusive supplier deals, group space sharing, enhanced marketing resources, and a booking engine with cruise price tracking — all built into the TPI membership at roughly half the cost of joining directly.
• TIMA (Travel Industry Marketing Association)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerTPI has partnered with TIMA to provide digital marketing assistance to its network of travel advisors. TIMA supports TPI advisors in areas such as graphic creation, social media strategy, and content marketing, helping them build their individual brands and businesses.
• TernsupportingTechnology or IntegrationTPI is beta-testing Tern's expanded platform, which includes commission invoice generation, advisor payout management, commission splits, service fees, membership dues, and upcoming chart of accounts and general ledger support. This technology partnership aims to automate and streamline TPI's financial operations and agent commission management.
• Travel Agent CampussupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTPI's preferred training provider for new agents entering the travel industry. Travel Agent Campus provides the foundational industry training required before agents can begin booking travel. Training costs range from $295–$895 depending on the program selected.
• CLIA (Cruise Line International Association)coreOthersTPI is a Premium CLIA-affiliated host agency, providing its agents with access to CLIA certification and accreditation. TPI waives the standard $5k commission minimum for CLIA cards (regularly $115/year) and offers a $50 discount to agents ($65/year). CLIA cards verify cruise expertise and grant access to exclusive training, marketing tools, FAM trips, and cruise line discounts.
• IATAN (International Airlines Transport Association Network)supportingOthersTPI provides a dedicated department to help agents obtain their IATAN card, which requires earning $5k in commissions before application. IATAN accreditation provides additional credibility and supplier access for travel advisors.
• Carnival Cruise LinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred supplier partner displayed prominently on TPI's website. TPI agents receive exclusive promotions, commissions, and marketing support from Carnival as part of the preferred supplier relationship.
• Royal Caribbean InternationalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerKey preferred supplier partner providing TPI agents with commission opportunities and exclusive booking benefits. Featured as a top partner on TPI's website alongside other major cruise lines.
• Celebrity CruisescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred supplier partner featured on TPI's website, providing agents with cruise booking commissions and access to promotional deals for clients.
• Norwegian Cruise LinecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred supplier partner enabling TPI agents to book NCL cruises and earn commissions. Included in TPI's preferred supplier network displayed on the website.
• Princess CruisescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred supplier partner included in TPI's network of 380+ preferred suppliers, offering agents commission opportunities and client booking benefits.
• Holland AmericacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred supplier partner in TPI's network, providing agents with access to Holland America cruise bookings and associated commissions.
• Ama WaterwayscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRiver cruise preferred supplier partner, expanding TPI's cruise offering beyond ocean cruising to include luxury river experiences.
• Delta VacationscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred airline and vacation package supplier, enabling TPI agents to book Delta flights and vacation packages with commission earnings.
• Disney DestinationscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred supplier for Disney travel including Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line vacations. TPI agents receive commissions and access to Disney's promotional offers for clients.
• Sandals & Beaches ResortscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred supplier for all-inclusive Caribbean resort vacations. TPI agents can book Sandals (couples) and Beaches (family) resorts and earn commissions through the preferred supplier relationship.
• CollettesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerTour operator preferred supplier providing TPI agents with access to guided tour packages and associated commission opportunities.
• ALG VacationssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerApple Leisure Group Vacations providing all-inclusive resort booking capabilities for TPI agents, expanding the range of vacation package options available to clients.
• Vacation ExpresssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred supplier partner for vacation package bookings, offering TPI agents commission opportunities on last-minute and value-oriented vacation deals.
• Avanti DestinationssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred supplier providing independent travel advisors with access to FIT (Foreign Independent Traveler) vacation packages and travel planning tools.
• Allianz Travel InsurancesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPreferred travel insurance supplier, enabling TPI agents to offer and earn commissions on travel protection plans for their clients' bookings.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Nexion Travel Group: Nexion Travel Group is one of the largest host travel agencies in the United States, providing independent agents with back-office technology, supplier relationships, and commission processing. Closest direct competitor to TPI in terms of business model, scale, and target customer.
• Avoya Travel: Avoya Travel is a prominent host travel agency network that supports independent travel advisors with technology, supplier access, and marketing support. Directly competes with TPI for independent travel agent recruitment in the US market with similar commission-split and subscription models.
• Vincent Vacations: Vincent Vacations is a host travel agency network serving independent advisors with commission splits, supplier relationships, and back-office support. Comparable mid-sized host agency competing for the same SMB travel agent segment as TPI.
• KHM Travel Group: KHM Travel Group is a US-based host travel agency specializing in supporting new and career-changer travel agents with training, technology, and supplier relationships. Direct competitor to TPI in the new-agent recruitment segment.
• CruiseOne / Cruises Inc. CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. operate as host agencies under the same parent, specializing in cruise-focused independent travel advisors. TPI explicitly targets the cruise vertical through its TPI Cruise Symposium and dedicated Cruise Group Analyst role, making CruiseOne a direct vertical peer.
• Travel Leaders Network: Travel Leaders Network is a large US-based host travel agency consortium serving thousands of independent advisors with technology, supplier access, and marketing resources. Operates a similar commission-split and subscription model to TPI and competes for the same agent population.
• Uniglobe Travel: Uniglobe Travel is a global host travel agency franchise providing independent agents with back-office infrastructure, supplier access, and marketing support. Comparable business model to TPI and is even named alongside TPI in the Tern beta program for new platform features.
• Outside Agents: Outside Agents is a US-based host travel agency providing independent travel advisors with technology, marketing, and supplier access. Comparable commission-split and subscription model positioning, competing with TPI for the home-based independent advisor segment.

Broad incumbents

• Expedia Group: Expedia Group is a major online travel agency platform that competes for consumer travel bookings that might otherwise flow through TPI's agent network. As a broad incumbent in travel distribution, it represents the structural disintermediation threat that TPI's agents are positioned to defend against.

Emerging players

• Signature Travel Network: Signature Travel Network is the travel consortia of which TPI is a member. It is relevant as both an enabler of TPI's value proposition and as a potential competing path—agents could in theory join STN directly rather than through TPI, making it a partial competitor in the host/consortia space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/embed/qTYqyYE3z-Q
• Xx.com/TP_Intl

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

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 Travel Planners International