How to Start a Travel Agent Business

 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.