As demand for custom travel continues to grow, many agency owners find themselves at a crossroads: they’re maxed out, turning away opportunities, and wondering how to expand without losing control. The solution? Build a team. But not just any team, a strategic, values-aligned group of advisors who elevate your brand, not dilute it. If you’re wondering how to grow a travel advisor team without compromising quality or cohesion, these five proven strategies will help you scale with confidence.

Hire for Alignment, Not Just Experience

Technical skills can be taught, but values, attitude, and communication style are harder to change. When hiring, prioritize candidates who align with your agency’s mission and approach to client care. Ask interview questions that reveal how they handle challenges, make decisions, and collaborate with others.

Look for red flags early, such as resistance to feedback or an overly independent mindset that may clash with a team-focused environment.

Create a Clear and Repeatable Onboarding Process

Hiring doesn’t end with a signed agreement. Onboarding is where expectations are set, systems are taught, and advisors gain confidence. Build a structured onboarding plan that includes:

• Brand and process training
• Shadowing opportunities
• Defined timelines for progress and performance check-ins

This ensures consistency in client service, reduces confusion, and empowers new team members to succeed independently.

Choose the Right Team Structure

Before you hire, decide whether you’ll bring on independent contractors (ICs) or W2 employees. ICs offer flexibility and lower overhead, but less control. Employees allow for deeper brand integration and oversight, but come with added responsibilities.

Whatever route you choose, be clear about expectations, systems, and communication protocols from the start.

Delegate and Outsource to Protect Your Team’s Focus

If your advisors are bogged down with backend tasks, they won’t have the bandwidth to deliver excellent client experiences. Streamline operations by outsourcing admin, technology management, or content creation.

This frees up your team to focus on what drives revenue and loyalty: designing custom itineraries and nurturing client relationships.

Prioritize Culture, Even if You’re Remote

A unified team culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through shared rituals, transparent communication, and ongoing connection. Whether your team is fully remote or hybrid, make time for regular check-ins, group discussions, and collaboration opportunities.Culture is what keeps your team engaged, accountable, and excited to represent your brand.

Final Thoughts:

Learning how to grow a travel advisor team isn’t just about hiring more people. It’s about making intentional decisions that align with your goals, your values, and your client promise. With a thoughtful approach to hiring, onboarding, and internal systems, you can build a team that not only supports your business, but strengthens it.