Last updated:: 8:00 PM ET, Tue November 4, 2025
Even the most efficient travel agencies leave money on the table. Commissions get delayed, lost or overlooked somewhere between the checkout and the payout.
Over time, those small gaps can add up—often to thousands in missed income for smaller agencies, and to millions for larger agencies.
This is where supplemental hotel commission recovery comes in. It is the process of finding and collecting unpaid commissions after the initial payment cycle has closed. Think of it as a "second sweep"—the follow-up that ensures no earned revenue goes unclaimed.
The challenge isn't just effort—it’s logistics.
Major hotel brands structure their commission programs in ways that make payments dependent on multiple conditions. Hilton, for instance, clearly states that "hotels are solely responsible for all payments due," placing ultimate responsibility on each property.
Yet even within that framework, Hilton—like Marriott, IHG, and other major brands—also requires agencies to meet a combination of criteria, including correct booking codes, valid agent registration, and participation in centralized payment systems.
While these systems are designed to streamline payouts, the practical result is that many legitimate commissions go unpaid or unresolved. Data errors, system mismatches, and timing gaps—even when a booking fully qualifies—can prevent agencies from receiving the money they earned. Add strict deadlines, often three to six months after checkout, and the reality is that hundreds of thousands (perhaps millions) in earned commissions quietly go unpaid each year.
Commtrak (Photo Credit: Commtrak)
For agencies operating on thin margins, those missed commissions aren't minor—they represent real lost revenue. And for the largest agencies, they represent a hard kick in the KPl's. That's why many agencies have turned to specialized recovery service companies like Commtrak.
With nearly forty years of experience, Commtrak helps travel advisors pursue missing commissions up to 4 years old. They contact hotels and commission groups directly to verify records and to secure payment.
By combining proven reconciliation tools with industry expertise, Commtrak ensures agencies have an advocate that can take over the burden of tracking down what they've earned—accurately, professionally, and with zero upfront fees.
In an industry where commissions often slip through the cracks, supplemental recovery isn't optional—it’s essential. Travel advisors have earned every dollar, and with a trusted partner like Commtrak, agencies can reclaim what's rightfully theirs—efficiently, accurately, and without adding to internal workload.
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