How to start a travel agency?
A travel agency is actually one of the easiest businesses to start, regardless as to whether or not you are new to the industry. There really is very little training necessary to start this business and very little cash is needed too. Some people have even been able to start up their travel agency for less than $500. Once your business is up and running you will also find that it is easy to get customers. This is because there is always someone who is interested in booking a hotel, going on a cruise or taking a vacation. Here are the steps that you will need to take to get started.
Licensing
Make a phone call to find out whether or not you are required to have a special license. This is something that your state’s Department of Licensing will be able to tell you. There are a lot of states that don’t require any licensing but if your state does, you should expect that you will have to pay a small fee for it. You should also find out whether or not you need a business license. Oftentimes, even home businesses will require this type of licensing.
Working With A Host Agency
Take some time to find a host agency to work with. They will allow you to use their established accounts to book travel for your customers. In turn, you will earn commission for these bookings. However, you will have to pay a percentage of these commissions for the privilege of using these accounts.
Training
It is a good idea to get some training to ensure that you will be successful and that you avoid any common pitfalls. This is important because just one mistake can really inconvenience your customers. Therefore, you will really want to know what you are doing before you start booking any trips. There are both online and traditional courses available. You will also find that a lot of host agencies will offer you free training whenever you sign on with them. Free information is also available from both OSSN (the Outside Sales Support Network) and NACTA (the National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents).
Advertising
Make sure that you advertise your new travel agency. Have a grand opening celebration, get involved in travel-based message boards so that people will see your link and get your website listed in the Search Engines. You should also post flyers and newspaper ads.
Start Booking
Now you can start booking reservations for clients. Since most travel suppliers want your business, it should be relatively easy to contact them. Your host agency will also provide you with a list of suppliers and their contact information in order to make this job easier for you to do.
A Final Word On Starting Your Own Travel Agency
You will find that your competition can be fierce. With this in mind, if you want to get a leg up, you may wish to consider specializing. There are numerous ways to do this, such as specializing in the singles or senior market, honeymoons or adventure travel.
Here is how to start a travel agency….. Hello, I am excited to announce that my husband and I are Certified Referring Travel Agents with YTB International. YTB International was founded in February 2001 a leading internet provider of online travel stores for travel agencies and home-based independent business individuals in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. http://www.cheapplaneandcruisetickets.or… It is experiencing an in creditably fast growth rate and would be happy to help you and any questions you may have. YTB, International (YTBL.PK) a publicly traded company recognizes the changes and trends of the travel industry. The travel industry pulls in approximately $1.3 trillion annually in the United States and almost 7 trillion worldwide. Now over 71,000 travel agents…Up over 300% from January 2006 (21,000) and Up 750% from 2005 (8,400) are taking note of the following trends: (1) Baby
You have two choices. First you can consider a traditional travel agency. You will have to find a location for your business and take some courses for certification.You may want to consider that most people are booking their travel on the internet and the “bricks and mortar” travel agents are losing business to the internet. Your second choice is to become a referring travel agent. Referring travel agents all have a company website that we send people to our own site so they can book their travel. We also assist our clients in booking their travel when needed. It is a great part time or full time business. You can also save money on your own travel and make 60% commission when others book travel on your site. The travel industry is a great business to be in now. Good luck in your career.
Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you’ll inevitably have as well as many you haven’t anticipated yet. http://www.astanet.com/ — American Society of Travel Agents http://www.wata.net/ — World Association of Travel Agencies http://www.nacta.com/ — The National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant: * How to Start a Home Based Travel Agency by Tom Ogg, Joanie Ogg, * Start Your Own Specialty Travel & Tour Business by Entrepreneur Press * Start Your Own Travel Agency by Adam Starchild * Home-Based Travel Agent, 5th Edition by Kelly Monaghan Check out these free articles too:
