Ever wondered what really goes into running a high-performing host agency? Keith Walden, founder of Departure Lounge, shares how he built a values-driven agency that empowers over 320 advisors across 13 countries and why mentorship, collaboration, and kindness are non-negotiables. With nearly four decades of experience, Keith reveals the secrets behind Departure Lounge’s explosive growth, what he looks for in advisors and partners, and how he’s blending innovation with human connection to build a business on track to exceed $500 million in annual sales.

About Keith Waldon:

A native Texan, Keith Waldon began his career in luxury travel while still in college in Dallas as an intern for Rosewood Hotels, where he continued his career as a marketing manager after graduating from Southern Methodist University. Keith later spent 16 years as a senior executive for the international luxury travel network Virtuoso, where creating the Virtuoso brand and elevating the awareness of travel advisors were among his accomplishments. With 27 years in the luxury travel industry, Keith launched Departure Lounge in 2013, first as a specialty retail storefront travel agency. Since then, the agency has organically grown into an international luxury host travel agency with more than 320 travel advisors reaching more than $340 million in annual sales in 2024. Keith was voted Most Innovative Travel Advisor by the Virtuoso network in 2019. He is honored to be featured on Travel+Leisure Magazine’s A-List of travel experts as a family and Italy travel specialist, and he serves on the magazine’s Advisory Board. He also serves on advisory boards for Marriott luxury brands, Hilton luxury brands, IHG luxury brands, Corinthia Hotels, Lindblad Expeditions, Truevail and the British Virgin Islands. Keith now calls northwest Tuscany home, where he is renovating an old estate built between 1550 and 1700.

DepartureLounge.com

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Today we will cover:

(02:00) Keith’s journey from college internship to luxury travel leader
(04:30) The birth of Departure Lounge and the innovative model behind its success
(14:20) Keith’s approach to mentorship, community building, and advisor empowerment
(22:30) How to grow a host agency without losing the human touch
(30:15) How transparency and trust drive long-term success
(36:20) How Departure Lounge structures earnings and supports advisor success
(44:35) Why education and mentorship are the core business strategies
(51:45) Keith’s board involvement; advocating for advisors on a global level

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140. Behind The Scenes Of A Host Agency with Keith Waldon

TIQUE Talks: The Business Podcast for Travel Advisors