How to Start a Travel Agent Business
Travel agents provide a variety of
services to clients that include purchasing airline tickets, making hotel and
resort reservations, creating itineraries for tour or cruise packages and providing
information about specific destinations. These days, travel agents may work
from home or at an office as most travel arrangements are made online. To start
a travel agent business, it is helpful to have a working knowledge of travel
agent software, customer service experience and experience in traveling to
different parts of the world.
Step 1
Decide whether to become an
independent travel consultant for a travel agency, franchise owner of an
established travel agency or start your own agency. Independent travel
consultants earn commissions for the work they do for a travel agency.
Consultants may work from home or in an agency's office. Start-up costs are
usually minimal because computer software; IATA number, which is needed to book
flights with airlines; and office space are typically provided by the travel
agency. A client list may also be provided. As a consultant, you may be limited
in the types of travel services you can provide clients. Purchasing a franchise
allows you to build a business on an already successful brand, but you may
still be limited in the types of services you can provide. Starting your own
agency allows you to sell a wider variety of travel services while allowing you
keep all the proceeds from each sale. Startup costs tend to be higher if
purchasing a franchise or starting a business because you will have to finance
equipment, such as a phone, computer and software, Internet service and
marketing materials needed to run the business. You will also be responsible
for building a client list.
Step 2
Determine the types of travel
services to offer clients. Travel services include transportation arrangements
(air, train, boat, car), hotel and resort reservations, cruise packages and
specialized tour packages such as eco-tours or city-based tours. You may also
want to specialize exclusively in family travel, senior travel, corporate
travel or academic travel to set your business apart from other travel
agencies.
Step 3
Lease a space for your travel agency
or work from home. Contact local commercial real estate agents to find
available retail space. Choose a space in a busy retail area with ample
parking. The space should be large enough to meet with clients while housing
computer equipment, furniture and marketing materials. If working from home,
create a space that allows you to work comfortably at your computer while
providing adequate storage for computer equipment and software, marketing
materials and files.
Step 4
Create a website that includes a
description of travel services, contact information and on-line booking
options. Invest in computer software programs that process client bookings and
payment from your website, track online marketing campaigns and captures email
addresses. Visit websites, such as Capterra or GetApp, to read reviews about
various travel agency software. Include testimonials of satisfied clients on
your website. Update your website often by providing interesting content that
clients will find useful when planning a vacation or traveling for business.
Step 5
Purchase general liability or
home-based business insurance to protect your business in the event of a
lawsuit or settlement. Worker's compensation insurance may be necessary if
hiring employees. This insurance helps pay the costs incurred through an accident
or injury at the workplace.
Step 6
Create marketing materials, such as
brochures, business cards and flyers to promote your travel agency. Join the
Greater Houston Partnership to meet business owners and others in need of your
services. Build a client list that includes email addresses, travel
preferences, past travel destinations. Send email updates of travel specials,
events or other information of interest to clients each business quarter to
encourage sales.
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