In a landscape where independent travel advisors often juggle countless tools, long lead times on earnings, and the demands of creating complex itineraries, a fresh approach has taken flight. Waybird, born from the team behind travel-tech company Timbuktu, is revolutionising the hosted advisor model – offering a seamless, profit-focused solution for advisors who want more control and less admin.
Launched in 2022, Waybird wasn’t initially meant to be a platform for others. It started as an internal solution to help the Timbuktu team streamline the design and delivery of multi-destination trips across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and beyond. But as the technology evolved, so too did its purpose. The realisation? Travel advisors everywhere were facing the same challenges – and Waybird could help.
A smarter way to run your travel business
Waybird is built on the simple belief that advisors should earn more, work smarter, and keep their creative edge. The platform allows independent advisors to operate like tour operators without the red tape. That means no worrying about supplier payments, currencies, licenses or insurances – Waybird takes care of the backend so advisors can focus on their clients and growth.
Rather than relying on the traditional commission model, advisors using Waybird can package itineraries at a “one-price” rate, set their own margins, and earn profit upfront. It’s a powerful shift from the industry norm, where advisors often wait months – or longer – to see returns.
Everything in one place
What truly sets Waybird apart is its fully integrated platform. Most advisor tech is fragmented – proposals on one system, payments on another, invoices somewhere else entirely. Waybird brings it all into a single workflow. Travel advisors can build beautiful, branded proposals in five minutes, accept payments, generate documents, and manage client comms – all from one place.
This streamlined process doesn’t just save time – it boosts performance. Advisors using Waybird report up to a 70% reduction in admin time and a 2x increase in booking conversion rates.
Designed for multi-destination travel
At its core, Waybird is tailor-made for complex itineraries. The platform includes live availability and dynamic pricing across hotels, flights, experiences and transfers, allowing for real-time quoting and fewer back-and-forths with suppliers. For clients, that translates to faster responses and a smoother booking journey. For advisors, it means more time to take on additional enquiries – and earn more.
Content that converts
Waybird doesn’t stop at tech. Its content library – curated by independent researchers and travel journalists – includes over 3,000 vetted hotels, experiences and sample itineraries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. It’s designed to educate, inspire, and help advisors close the sale.
What makes this content different is its focus on the “why” – why this lodge in South Africa? Why choose this camp in the Serengeti? It’s about creating connection and confidence, rather than bombarding clients with generic listings.
For advisors looking to work beyond Waybird’s core regions, the platform is fully customisable. New destinations, properties, and experiences can be added at any time, giving advisors true freedom to build their own brand and product portfolio.
Why travel advisors are choosing Waybird
Waybird is more than just a platform – it’s a partnership. By plugging into its technology and supplier network, advisors get the support of a full-scale operator, without giving up their independence. Whether it’s a solo operator scaling their business or a team of advisors looking for better systems, Waybird is built to grow with them.
The hosted model has long been due for a refresh – and Waybird delivers. It’s flexible, profitable, and built with the modern advisor in mind.
