![\"Jamie](\"https:\/\/ik.imgkit.net\/3vlqs5axxjf\/TW\/ik-seo\/uploadedImages\/All_TW_Art\/TWSTF\/T0831JBIESIADA\/Jamie-Biesiada.jpg\" "\\"Jamie")
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What’s your niche? Is it selling adventure travel? Corporate?<\/p>\n
Your answer could have a big impact on your earning potential, according to new data from Host Agency Reviews (HAR).<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, HAR released its 2023 Hosted Travel Advisor Report, which contains a slew of information on the 2,068 advisors who responded to the survey. Of those, 85% were hosted advisors or independent contractors affiliated with a host agency.<\/p>\n
The average income of a hosted advisor in 2022 was $47,179, according to the report. That was an increase of 26% from 2021, great news and more evidence of the agency channel’s continued prosperity as the pandemic wanes.<\/p>\n
Unsurprisingly, full-time advisors with more experience under their belt generally saw higher incomes than those who work part-time or were just starting out in the industry. At the high end of the spectrum, HAR found that full-time advisors with 15-plus years of experience earn $67,436 annually.<\/p>\n
But the report also took a closer look at niches. The vast majority of experienced hosted advisors, 91%, said they had a niche.<\/p>\n
HAR ranked those niches by average annual income generated. This data was compiled from 451 responders, who reported being full-time advisors with more experience. Generalists were not included.<\/p>\n
The highest-earning niche was corporate travel, with an average income of $107,768 in 2022. Following close behind was adventure travel at $97,532, a fast-growing segment worth a look from any advisor. Rounding out the top three was luxury, with an average income of $87,346.<\/p>\n
Rounding out the top 10 were river cruises ($69,558), groups ($64,573), destination specialist ($58,347), wedding\/honeymoons ($53,949), family travel ($53,126), ocean cruises ($45,018) and Disney ($38,982).<\/p>\n
Several categories — accessible travel, heritage travel, LGBTQ travel, medical tourism, wellness and MICE — didn’t have a high enough response rate to be included, HAR said.<\/p>\n
It goes to show that niches can pay off. And it’s important to remember that these are averages: A niche doesn’t guarantee success, but it certainly can’t hurt.<\/p>\n