what is a travel agency business plan

Travel Agency Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Travel Agency Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Travel Agency business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their travel agencies.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Travel Agency business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

My Itinerary Travel Agency is a new travel agency located in Boca Raton, Florida. The company is founded by Sandra Rodriguez, an experienced travel agent who has gained valuable knowledge on how to run a travel agency during the past ten years while working at Fun Destinations Travel Agency. Now that Sandra has experienced managing a travel agency, she is ready to start her own company, My Itinerary Travel Agency. Sandra is confident that her organizational and communication skills, combined with her understanding of business management, will enable her to run a profitable travel agency of her own. Sandra is recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day-to-day complexities of running a travel agency – sales and marketing, vendor relationships, customer relationship management, budgeting, and financial reporting.

My Itinerary Travel Agency will provide a full suite of travel planning services for individuals nationwide through its sophisticated online platform and accompanying customer app. My Itinerary Travel Agency will be the go-to travel agency for personalized service, convenience, and expertise of its travel agents. The company will be the ultimate choice for customer service while offering the best travel accommodations available.

Product Offering

The following are the services that My Itinerary Travel Agency will provide:

• Airline travel bookings
• Tour and travel package sales
• Accommodation reservations and bookings
• Cruise bookings
• Car rental reservations
• Travel ticket sales and reservations
• Tour ticket sales and reservations

Customer Focus

My Itinerary Travel Agency will target individuals nationwide who are looking for personalized and convenient travel planning services. The company will target vacationers, tourists, and business travelers who are seeking the best deals on premium accommodations. No matter the customer, My Itinerary Travel Agency will deliver the best communication, service, and the best prices.

Management Team

My Itinerary Travel Agency will be owned and operated by Sandra Rodriguez. Sandra is a graduate of Florida University with a degree in business. She has over ten years of experience working as a travel agent for another local agency. Sandra will be the company’s chief executive officer. She will oversee the travel agency staff, manage customer relationships, and build vendor relationships.

Sandra has recruited sales and marketing expert, Sara Anderson, to be the company’s chief marketing officer and help oversee travel agency’s sales and marketing activities. Sara will handle all branding, marketing, advertising, and outreach for the company. She will also create and maintain the company’s online and social media presence. Sara has a Master’s degree in Marketing and has nearly ten years of experience working as a marketing director for a leading travel industry corporation.

Success Factors

My Itinerary Travel Agency will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Skilled team of travel agents combined with the latest technology in the industry will allow the company to provide its clients with personalized service and modern convenience to make planning their trip easy and efficient.
• The members of the leadership team have long standing relationships with a large pool of vendors, allowing them to provide clients with the best deals possible on premium accommodations.
• The company offers a variety of modes of communication to better serve more clients’ preferences. Customers can speak with a travel agent in person, via telephone, video call, email, or chat through the website or app. Support is available 24/7 to ensure all clients’ questions and concerns are promptly attended to.

Financial Highlights

My Itinerary Travel Agency is seeking $290,000 in debt financing to launch its travel agency. The funding will be dedicated towards securing the office space, and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated towards three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff and marketing expenses. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office build-out: $110,000
• Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $70,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, utilities): $90,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for My Itinerary Travel Agency.

Company Overview

Who is my itinerary travel agency.

My Itinerary Travel Agency is a newly established travel agency in Boca Raton, Florida. My Itinerary Travel Agency will be the first choice for anyone seeking a personalized approach, 24/7 support, and streamlined technology to make trip planning easy. The company will serve customers nationwide from their headquarters in Florida.

My Itinerary Travel Agency will be able to guarantee the best deals possible thanks to the leadership team members’ long standing relationships with a large network of vendors in the hospitality, transportation, and entertainment markets. The company’s team of highly qualified travel agents will provide personalized service to each client, removing the uncertainty and hassles associated with finding and booking the right accommodations.

My Itinerary Travel Agency History

My Itinerary Travel Agency is owned and operated by Sandra Rodriguez, an experienced travel agent who has gained valuable knowledge on how to run a travel agency during the past ten years while working at Fun Destinations Travel Agency. Now that Sandra has experienced managing a travel agency, she is ready to start her own company, My Itinerary Travel Agency. Sandra is confident that her organizational and communication skills, combined with her understanding of business management, will enable her to run a profitable travel agency of her own. Sandra is recruiting a team of highly qualified professionals to help manage the day-to-day complexities of running a travel agency – sales and marketing, vendor relationships, customer relationship management, budgeting, and financial reporting.

Since incorporation, My Itinerary Travel Agency has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered My Itinerary Travel Agency, LLC to transact business in the state of Florida
• Has identified the ideal location for the company’s office and is in the process of securing a lease
• Reached out to numerous contacts to include transportation, hospitality, and entertainment companies to begin securing vendor contracts
• Began recruiting a staff of accountants, travel agents, and other office personnel to work at My Itinerary Travel Agency

My Itinerary Travel Agency Services

• Airline travel comparisons and bookings

Industry Analysis

The U.S. travel agency industry is valued at $48.5B with more than 90,600 businesses in operation and over 318,600 employees nationwide. Factors currently driving industry growth include an increase in domestic tourism and travel for overnight trips, vacations, and business purposes. More domestic travel typically results in more consumers using travel agencies to book their trips. The travel agency industry can be segmented by brick-and-mortar establishments or online businesses. The global market size for the online travel agency segment reached $432B last year and is expected to rise as more people use the internet to book their trips. The travel agency industry relies heavily on the use of technology. Industry operators must stay up-to-date on the latest travel technology in order to remain competitive in the market.

One of the most significant hurdles for travel agency operators is attracting customers in the age of do-it-yourself booking. Now that customers are able to book many of their travel accommodations themselves, travel agents must be able to demonstrate why booking with them is a better option. Some ways industry operators can add value are by providing personalized services, promotional discounts, and helpful information about accommodation options.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

My Itinerary Travel Agency will target individuals nationwide who are looking for personalized and convenient travel planning services. The company will target vacationers, tourists, and business travelers who are seeking the best deals on premium accommodations. No matter the customer, My Itinerary Travel Agency will deliver professional communication, service, and the best prices.

The precise demographics for Boca Raton, Florida are:

Customer Segmentation

My Itinerary Travel Agency will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Individuals and families planning a vacation
• Business travelers
• Individuals and families in need of accommodations for events such as weddings, reunions, or conventions

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

My Itinerary Travel Agency will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Fun Destinations Travel Agency

Fun Destinations Travel Agency is one of the largest and oldest travel agencies in Florida. The company was founded in 1958 in Boca Raton with one small office location. Now, the company has over 50 locations throughout multiple states. Fun Destinations specializes in booking accommodations for family vacationers. The company books accommodations near key family destinations such as theme parks, resorts, and tourist attractions. Fun Destinations is family owned and operated so the founders are familiar with the hassles associated with planning a family vacation. For this reason, Fun Destinations focuses on booking the best family-friendly accommodations so its clients can relax and enjoy the family fun.

Best Fit Vacations Travel Agency

Best Fit Vacations Travel Agency is a small travel agency catering to Boca Raton locals from its central office and nationwide clients via its online booking platform. The company was established in 1995 with the mission of providing vacation accommodations that will be “the best fit” for every client. Best Fit Vacations is owned and operated by industry professionals that have extensive experience working with vendors to negotiate the best deals for clients. The company strives to get the lowest prices for every booking and regularly finds additional savings and discounts other agencies might not know about.

Trustworthy Travel Agency

Trustworthy Travel Agency is a Boca Raton, Florida-based travel agency that provides superior service to its consumers. The company is able to provide a wide variety of travel accommodation bookings for customers in the area. Trustworthy Travel Agency has three locations throughout the state and operates an online booking platform for nationwide travelers. Customers can book online or over the phone at their convenience. The company uses an algorithm that finds the lowest prices on travel, lodging, and other accommodations across the country.

Competitive Advantage

My Itinerary Travel Agency will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

My Itinerary Travel Agency will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• My Itinerary Travel Agency offers the best deals through its extensive vendor network.
• The company offers personalized customer service, a variety of communication modes, and 24/7 support.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for My Itinerary Travel Agency is as follows:

Social Media Marketing

The company’s chief marketing officer will create accounts on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. She will ensure My Itinerary Travel Agency maintains an active social media presence with regular updates and fun content to get customers excited about traveling.

Professional Associations and Networking

My Itinerary Travel Agency will become a member of professional associations such as the Travel Agency Association, American Travel Agents Society, and the Florida Travel Industry Association. The leadership team will focus their networking efforts on expanding the company’s vendor network.

Print Advertising

My Itinerary Travel Agency will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in programs or flyers at industry networking events. The company will also invest in professional ads to place in travel magazines and local publications.

Website/SEO Marketing

My Itinerary Travel Agency’s chief marketing officer will design the company website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all the services that My Itinerary Travel Agency is able to provide. The website will also list testimonials from happy customers.

The chief marketing officer will also manage My Itinerary Travel Agency’s website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that when someone types in a search engine “best travel agency” or “travel agency near me”, My Itinerary Travel Agency will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of My Itinerary Travel Agency will be on par with (and often lower than) competitors so customers feel they receive value when purchasing the company’s services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for My Itinerary Travel Agency.

Operation Functions:

• Sandra Rodriguez will be the chief executive officer for the company. She will oversee the travel agents, vendor relationships, and customer relations. Sandra has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Sara Anderson – chief marketing officer who will oversee all marketing strategies for the company and manage the website, social media, and outreach
• Tom Brown – accountant who will provide all accounting, tax payments, and monthly financial reporting for the company
• Christopher Jones – lead customer support manager who will directly oversee all customer support activities

Milestones:

My Itinerary Travel Agency will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

12/1/2022 – Finalize contract to lease the office

12/15/2022 – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the My Itinerary Travel Agency management team

1/1/2023 – Begin build-out/renovation of the office, and purchase office equipment and supplies

1/15/2023 – Begin networking at industry events and implement the marketing plan

2/15/2023 – Finalize contracts for initial vendors

3/15/2023 – My Itinerary Travel Agency officially opens for business

Financial Plan Business Plan FAQs

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for My Itinerary Travel Agency are the commissions earned as a percentage of bookings from vendors and fees charged to customers for consultations and services.

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff a travel agency firm. The expenses will be the payroll cost, utilities, greenhouse equipment and supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Average accommodations booked per month: 9,000
• Average commissions per month: $15,000
• Overhead costs per year: $640,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, what is a travel agency business plan.

A travel agency business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your travel agency business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your travel agency business plan using our travel agency Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Travel Agencies?

There are a number of different kinds of travel agencies , some examples include: independent agency, host agency or franchise.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Travel Agent Business Plan?

Travel agencies are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.  This is true for a travel agent business plan and a tour and travel business plan.

What are the Steps To Start a Travel Agency Business?

Starting a travel agency business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Travel Agent Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed business plan for your travel agency  that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your travel agency business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your travel agency business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Travel Agency Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your travel agency business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your travel agency business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Travel Agency Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your travel agency business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your travel agency business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful travel agency business:

• How to Start a Travel Agency Business

How To Write a Travel Agent Business Plan + Template

Creating a business plan is essential for any business, but it can be especially helpful for travel agency businesses who want to improve their strategy and/or raise funding.

A well-crafted business plan not only outlines the vision for your company, but also documents a step-by-step roadmap of how you are going to accomplish it. In order to create an effective business plan, you must first understand the components that are essential to its success.

This article provides an overview of the key elements that every travel agency business owner should include in their business plan.

Download the Ultimate Business Plan Template

What is a Travel Agency Business Plan?

A travel agency business plan is a formal written document that describes your company’s business strategy and its feasibility. It documents the reasons you will be successful, your areas of competitive advantage, and includes information about your team members. Your business plan is a key document that will convince investors and lenders (if needed) that you are positioned to become a successful venture.

Why Write a Travel Agency Business Plan?

A travel agency business plan is required for banks and investors. The document is a clear and concise guide of your business idea and the steps you will take to make it profitable.

Entrepreneurs can also use this as a roadmap when starting their new company or venture, especially if they are inexperienced in starting a business.

Writing an Effective Travel Agency Business Plan

The following are the key components of a successful travel agency business plan.

Executive Summary

The executive summary of a travel agency business plan is a one to two-page overview of your entire business plan. It should summarize the main points, which will be presented in full in the rest of your business plan.

• Start with a one-line description of your travel agency
• Provide a short summary of the key points in each section of your business plan, which includes information about your company’s management team, industry analysis, competitive analysis, and financial forecast among others.

Company Description

This section should include a brief history of your company. Include a short description of how your company started, and provide a timeline of milestones your company has achieved.

If you are just starting your travel agency, you may not have a long company history. Instead, you can include information about your professional experience in this industry and how and why you conceived your new venture. If you have worked for a similar company before or have been involved in an entrepreneurial venture before starting your travel agency firm, mention this.

You will also include information about your chosen travel agency business model and how, if applicable, it is different from other companies in your industry.

Industry Analysis

The industry or market analysis is an important component of a travel agency business plan. Conduct thorough market research to determine industry trends and document the size of your market. 

Questions to answer include:

• What part of the travel agency industry are you targeting?
• How big is the market?
• What trends are happening in the industry right now and, if applicable, how do these trends support the success of your company?

You should also include sources for the information you provide, such as published research reports and expert opinions.

Customer Analysis

This section should include a list of your target audience(s) with demographic and psychographic profiles (e.g., age, gender, income level, profession, job titles, and interests). You will need to provide a profile of each customer segment separately, including their needs and wants.

For example, a travel agency’s customers may include individuals, families, or corporate clients.

You can include information about how your customers make the decision to buy from you as well as what keeps them buying from you.

Develop a strategy for targeting those customers who are most likely to buy from you, as well as those that might be influenced to buy your products or travel agency services with the right marketing.

Competitive Analysis

The competitive analysis helps you determine how your product or service will be different from competitors, and what your unique selling proposition (USP) might be that will set you apart in this industry.

For each competitor, list their strengths and weaknesses. Next, determine your areas of competitive differentiation and/or advantage; that is, in what ways are you different from and ideally better than your competitors?

Marketing Plan

This part of the business plan is where you determine and document your marketing plan. Your plan should be clearly laid out, including the following 4 Ps.

• Product/Service : Detail your product/service offerings here. Document their features and benefits.
• Price : Document your pricing strategy here. In addition to stating the prices for your products/services, mention how your pricing compares to your competition.
• Place : Where will your customers find you? What channels of distribution (e.g., partnerships) will you use to reach them if applicable?
• Promotion : How will you reach your target customers? For example, you may use social media, write blog posts, create an email marketing campaign, use pay-per-click advertising, launch a direct mail campaign. Or you may promote your travel agency via word of mouth or PR.

Operations Plan

This part of your travel agency business plan should include the following information:

• How will you deliver your product/service to customers? For example, will you do it in person or over the phone only?
• What infrastructure, equipment, and resources are needed to operate successfully? How can you meet those requirements within budget constraints?

The operations plan is where you also need to include your company’s business policies. You will want to establish policies related to everything from customer service to pricing, to the overall brand image you are trying to present.

Finally, and most importantly, in your Operations Plan, you will lay out the milestones your company hopes to achieve within the next five years. Create a chart that shows the key milestone(s) you hope to achieve each quarter for the next four quarters, and then each year for the following four years. Examples of milestones for a travel agency include reaching $X in sales. Other examples include adding new products/services, hiring new employees, and so on.

Management Team

List your team members here including their names and titles, as well as their expertise and experience relevant to your specific travel agency industry. Include brief biography sketches for each team member.

Particularly if you are seeking funding, the goal of this section is to convince investors and lenders that your team has the expertise and experience to execute on your plan. If you are missing key team members, document the roles and responsibilities you plan to hire for in the future.

Financial Plan

Here you will include a summary of your complete and detailed financial plan (your full financial projections go in the Appendix). 

This includes the following three financial statements:

Income Statement

Your income statement should include:

• Revenue : how much revenue you generate.
• Cost of Goods Sold : These are your direct costs associated with generating revenue. This includes labor costs, as well as the cost of any equipment and supplies used to deliver the product/service offering.
• Net Income (or loss) : Once expenses and revenue are totaled and deducted from each other, this is the net income or loss

Sample Income Statement for a Startup Travel Agency

Balance sheet.

Include a balance sheet that shows your assets, liabilities, and equity. Your balance sheet should include:

• Assets : All of the things you own (including cash).
• Liabilities : This is what you owe against your company’s assets, such as accounts payable or loans.
• Equity : The worth of your business after all liabilities and assets are totaled and deducted from each other.

Sample Balance Sheet for a Startup Travel Agency

Cash flow statement.

Include a cash flow statement showing how much cash comes in, how much cash goes out and a net cash flow for each year. The cash flow statement should include:

• Cash Flow From Operations
• Cash Flow From Investments
• Cash Flow From Financing

Below is a sample of a projected cash flow statement for a startup travel agency.

Sample Cash Flow Statement for a Startup Travel Agency

You will also want to include an appendix section which will include:

• Your complete financial projections.
• A complete list of your company’s business policies and procedures related to the rest of the business plan (marketing, operations, etc.).
• Any other documentation which supports what you included in the body of your business plan.

Writing a good business plan gives you the advantage of being fully prepared to launch and/or grow your travel agency. It not only outlines your business vision but also provides a step-by-step process of how you are going to accomplish it. This will give you a much better chance at success than going into business blindly.

While it may seem like a daunting task, if you take it step-by-step and include all of the necessary information, you will be well on your way to having a successful travel agency.  

Finish Your Business Plan in 1 Day!

Wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With our Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Upmetrics AI Assistant: Simplifying Business Planning through AI-Powered Insights. Learn How

Entrepreneurs & Small Business

Accelerators & Incubators

Business Consultants & Advisors

Educators & Business Schools

Students & Scholars

AI Business Plan Generator

Financial Forecasting

AI Assistance

Ai pitch deck generator

Strategic Planning

See How Upmetrics Works  →

• Sample Plans
• WHY UPMETRICS?

Customers Success Stories

Business Plan Course

Small Business Tools

Strategic Canvas Templates

E-books, Guides & More

• Sample Business Plans
• Transportation, Logistics & Travel

Travel Agency Business Plan

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free travel agency business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

2. Draft an Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first and foremost section of any business plan. It offers a quick overview of your entire travel agency business plan.

If your first few pages are compelling enough, potential investors or loan officers will find the document intriguing and delve further into your plan.

Your executive summary should be clear, concise, and engaging if you’re looking for investors or loan sanctions, as it will grab their attention and make a strong impression.

To draft an effective summary, start with a concise description of your travel agency business, covering its name, concept, location, objectives, and unique aspects. Refer to the below example:

Next, explain what sets you apart and share insights about your service offerings, target market, and ideal customer base. Also, highlight marketing materials, current trends, and potential growth opportunities.

Lastly, give a summary of critical financial figures in terms of projected revenues, profits, and cash flows for the initial 3-5 years. From that, you can address funding needs and resources.

A business plan is a professional, living document that you should update regularly to reflect changes in your business.

3. Provide a Company Overview

Now, it’s time to draft a company overview section that provides a more detailed description of your travel agency.

It could be commercial travel agencies or online travel agencies. Share your agency’s founding story and the individuals behind its inception.

Try to explain your business legal structure(S-Corp, Limited Liability Company, or sole proprietorship), and describe the physical location of your travel agency.

Subsequently, highlight your vision and mission statement in this section to define your identity and core values. This serves as a brand story that your customers can connect to.

Take reference from the below example describing the mission statement of the travel agency:

• Internally we intend to create and nurture a healthy, exuberant, respectful, and enjoyable environment, in which our employees are fairly compensated and encouraged to respect the customer and the quality of the service we intend to provide.
• In addition, follow-up will be mandatory to ensure customer satisfaction and make any improvements as recommended by the customers in the future. 
• We seek fair and responsible profit, enough to keep the company financially healthy for the short and long term and to fairly remunerate employees for their work and effort.

Discuss a little bit more about your business background information and how your travel agency works. Try to give answers for when you start your business and how you have set your office space.

In addition, highlight any milestones you have accomplished, such as the number of clients served, positive reviews, new travel agency openings, etc.

4. Conduct an Industry and Market Analysis

An industry and market analysis section is one of the most important ones in your travel agent business plan. It explores your specific niche within the industry and the geographic background where you wish to operate.

So, take some time to go further and find more accurate information, such as who are your target customers & top competitors, what are the current trends, and whether the tourism market is increasing or decreasing.

Market Size and Growth Potential

Conduct a complete market analysis to study the market size and explore growth potential areas for travel agencies. Assess the total revenue generated within the travel industry and identify the emerging trends.

Customer Analysis

Examine your target market in detail, including demographics, travel behaviors, and customer preferences. Understand your ideal clients and tailor your services to satisfy their specific needs.

Do thorough customer research and understand how your target audience plans and experiences trips. This can help better customize packages and offerings to meet your clients’ needs.

Want help writing a target customer segmentation for your travel agency business? Use Upmetrics AI writing assistant now and easily draft your business plan sections:

Competitor Analysis

As a travel agent, assemble a list of direct and indirect competitors in the travel agency industry. You can consider both classic brick-and-mortar travel agencies and online travel agencies.

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each competitor, including service offerings, tour packages & quality, customer reviews, and marketing strategies.

Understanding these competitor factors will help you determine areas where your travel agency can differentiate itself and stand out in the competitive landscape.

Execute a SWOT analysis to find internal strengths & weaknesses of your travel company and external opportunities & threats in the travel industry.

Take reference from the below example showing a SWOT analysis for an XYZ travel agency business:

Based on SWOT analysis, formulate strategies to capitalize on opportunities and mitigate threats to outline competitive advantage.

Some extra tips for drafting this section of your travel company business plan:

• Use reputable sources to gather data, including industry reports, market research studies, and surveys.
• Be specific and provide detailed info wherever possible.
• Include charts and graphs to demonstrate your key points.
• Keep your target audience in mind while documenting the business plan.

5. Propose Your Service Offerings

Next, define the scope of your service offerings and clarify how they meet the diverse needs of your clients.

It must be informative, precise, and client-focused, as it is a detailed breakdown of different services that your travel company offers your customers.

As a travel agency, detail your service offerings, such as bookings, accommodations, vacation packages, international/domestic trips, custom-made business trips, or any cruise bookings.

Effectively disseminate your travel services with a detailed description of what it entails, service specifications, precise pricing plans, or any client reviews.

Here, you can take a reference from the below example to illustrate travel agency services:

1 . Guided Tours

Our guided tours are led by knowledgeable local guides who provide valuable insights into the culture and history of each destination.

Price: Varies by destination, starting at [$50] per person

Specifications: Group sizes are limited to 15 people, and tours typically last 2-3 hours.

2. Accommodation Booking

We offer a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, ensuring our clients have a comfortable stay.

Price: Varies by location and accommodation type, starting at [$100] per night

Specifications: Accommodations are vetted for quality, safety, and comfort.

Not only that, describe any specialized services in your travel agency business plan template that set your travel agency apart so investors can quickly understand your business scope.

In addition to planning & booking, highlight additional services (trip consultations, wedding planning, speaking at industry events, providing training to other travel agents) and mention third-party partners(if any).

6. Outline a Sales and Marketing Plan

Comprehensive sales & marketing efforts can help your business grow by leaps and bounds. Carry out market analysis and develop clear sales and marketing strategies for reaching your target customers.

For travel agency businesses, explain your preliminary approach and promotion tactics to acquiring either local or international customers.

Also, discuss affordable/high-quality travel packages you provide, their prices, and hassle-free transactions at the point of sale. Here are some of the sales and marketing strategies for travel agencies:

Unique selling proposition

Emphasize the agency’s capability to offer personalized customer service, a variety of communication modes, and 24/7 customer support. Present exclusive access to unique destinations, experiences, and special perks.

Pricing Strategy

Implement a flexible and competitive pricing plan that caters to a diverse client base. It allows the agency to adapt to market dynamics, provide value to customers, and uphold a profitable business.

Take reference from the below example written using Upmetrics’ travel agency business plan template:

Offline strategies

Create visually appealing brochures and distribute print materials to local businesses, travel agencies, and strategic locations. Implement a referral program and try to provide discounts or exclusive festive offers.

Social Media Marketing

Utilize social media platforms(Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) to highlight travel packages, engage with the target audience, and build a community around travel enthusiasts.

Content Marketing

Create a content marketing strategy comprising blog posts, travel guides, and visually appealing content to encourage potential customers to consider your agency for their travel needs.

Collaborations

Partner with local businesses, hotels, and travel-related service providers to promote your service offerings. Attend travel fairs, trade shows, or community events to network with potential clients.

7. Introduce Your Team

The management team section offers an opportunity to showcase your strength as a travel agent. It should include a thorough plan for your travel agency’s key managers, employees, or sub-travel agents.

Mention their roles & responsibilities or relevant experience in the related fields or travel agency industry. Also, highlight their expertise that contributes to your agency’s success.

Try to break down overall payroll expenses, such as how much their compensation, commission split, base salary, or whether you will give any bonuses or benefits to your employees.

If you need to hire employees or a travel agent, emphasize how many individuals you will need and how much you will pay them.

This can provide brief details to the investors and help them understand what exactly you plan to staff your agency and pay your employees.

If applicable, you can also design an organizational chart for your travel agency. This can help you demonstrate who your key members are and what roles they serve in your travel agency.

8. Outline Business Operations

Now, it’s time to develop an in-depth look into the day-to-day functions of your travel agency. Paint a picture of seamless operations and ensure that your business runs smoothly.

Describe the entire operational cycle of the tour business, including staffing, how bookings are managed, customer service procedures, technology used, and safety measures for handling unforeseen circumstances.

Include the below subsections in your travel agent business plan operations section:

Highlight the number of employees required, and opening hours, and briefly outline the responsibilities of each team member and training programs. Refer to the below example written using Upmetrics AI assistant :

Customer Service Procedures

From pre-travel assistance to emergency response, prioritize customer satisfaction, efficient techniques, and effective client communication to ensure a positive and stress-free travel journey.

Equipment & Technology

Explain what kind of equipment & technology you will need to run your travel agency. Include a brief idea of how you will reach some travel agency milestones and look forward as your business grows.

You might consider below things:

• Office equipment(Telephone, fax, or scanner)
• Travel agency website
• Booking tools
• Itinerary builders
• Customer Relationship Management(CRM)
• Invoicing and payment processing tools

9. Prepare Financial Plan

Currently, you are in a business planning stage, but dedicating some time to putting together the most realistic financial projections is very crucial.

Having a well-structured and in-depth financial plan will help you show the tentative spending as well as the revenue forecasts and budgets if your travel company is seeking funding from investors.

In this section, you will need to make a few assumptions that will greatly affect the financial statements of your agency. Take a look at the below table to make important assumptions:

Mention all the below financial aspects in your travel agency business plan:

• Income statement (Profit and loss statement)
• Cash flow statement
• Balance sheet
• Sales forecast
• Break-even analysis
• Business ratios
• Investment strategies
• Exit strategy

From the above financial statements, you can identify the startup funding needs and evaluate the funding resources for your agency, such as bank loans, angel investors, crowdfunding, or personal savings.

Well, keeping a realistic financial report in your hand not only helps you demonstrate your agency’s fiscal health but also emphasizes its sustainability.

However, calculating all the financial elements from scratch can be overwhelming. But don’t worry; consider Upmetrics’ financial forecasting tool .

All you have to do is fill in all the details you have and let the tool calculate financial factors, and create visual reports for you. No manual data entry, placing Excel formulas, or designing graphs—nothing.

Here’s an example of a projected balance sheet for the next 3 years using Upmetrics:

Download a travel agency business plan template

Need help writing your travel agency business plan from scratch? Well, here you go; download our free travel agency business plan template now and get started.

This modern, user-friendly business plan template is specifically designed for travel agencies. With a step-by-step guide and example, it helps you write a professional plan without missing any crucial steps.

Simply import data into your preferred editor and start writing!

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Start preparing your business plan with AI

Finally! With the help of our sample business plan template, you know how to write a travel agency business plan. So, you are one step closer to starting your travel agency business confidently- pretty exciting, right?

But you know what else is more exciting? Your business planning process can be even smoother than this. Yes, you heard it right; it’s possible with the help of Upmetrics AI Assistant.

So, don’t wait, and start planning now !

Related Posts

RV Park Business Plan

Airline Business Plan

Business Plan Writing Guide

Successful Business Plan Examples

Car Rental Business Plan

Airbnb Business Plan

Frequently asked questions, where can i find a free travel agency business plan template.

There are various online platforms where you can find free travel agency business plan templates. Consider a reputable business planning website—Upmetrics, which offers free templates to help you get started.

What Should Be Included in a Travel Agency Business Plan?

A comprehensive travel agency business plan should include below key components:

• Executive summary
• Company overview
• Market research and industry analysis
• Services offered
• Sales and marketing strategy
• Management team
• Operational plan
• Financial plan

How Often Should I Update My Travel Agency Business Plan?

It is advised to regularly update your travel agency business plan to reflect changes in the market, industry trends, and business growth. Review and update your plan at least once a year or more often if there are significant changes in your business.

What Financial Projections Are Necessary for a Travel Agency Business Plan?

Make sure that you include the following financial factors in your travel agency business plan:

• Startup costs
• Revenue projections
• income statement (Profit and loss statement)
• Projected cash flow

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

Plan your business in the shortest time possible

No Risk – Cancel at Any Time – 15 Day Money Back Guarantee

Popular Templates

Create a great Business Plan with great price.

• 400+ Business plan templates & examples
• AI Assistance & step by step guidance
• 4.8 Star rating on Trustpilot

Streamline your business planning process with Upmetrics .

Travel Agency Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Whether you are looking to start a travel agency from the ground up or simply update your current business plan, the #1 Travel Agency Business Plan Template & Guidebook provides a comprehensive resource for entrepreneurs. The intuitive step-by-step guidebook walks through the process of creating and organizing a business plan that will make launching and running a successful travel agency easier than ever before. With expert tips, financial analysis templates, and more, this Travel Agency Business Plan Template & Guidebook provides all the tools necessary to create the perfect business plan.

Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

• How to Start a Profitable Travel Agency Business [11 Steps]
• 10+ Best & Profitable Travel Agency Business Ideas [2023]

How to Write a Travel Agency Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your travel agency business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your travel agency business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a travel agency business:

Our mission at [Travel Agency] is to provide customers with the hassle-free and cost-effective travel experience that best meets their individual needs and exceeds their expectations. We strive to make travel an enjoyable and memorable experience for each and every one of our customers.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Travel Agency Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your travel agency business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your travel agency business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your travel agency business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your travel agency business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a travel agency business?

To run a Travel Agency business, you will need the following equipment, supplies, and permits:

• Computer and/or laptop with internet access
• Printer/copier/scanner
• Travel Agency Software
• Stationery Supplies (envelopes, notepads, pens, etc.)
• Business cards
• Business License/Permit from your local government
• Travel Accreditation (IATA / CLIA)

5. Management & Organization of Your Travel Agency Business.

The second part of your travel agency business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your travel agency business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Travel Agency Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a travel agency business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a travel agency business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your travel agency business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your travel agency business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your travel agency business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Agency Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a travel agency business.

A business plan for a travel agency is essential for a number of reasons. It will help you to define your objectives and strategies, identify your target market, and assess the potential profitability of your business. It also serves as a roadmap for establishing key relationships with vendors, creating operational structures, and setting budgets. A business plan can also be used to demonstrate your commitment to potential investors or lenders, showing them that you have taken the time to understand the industry and create a realistic plan for success.

Who should you ask for help with your travel agency business plan?

You should ask a professional business consultant or accountant for help with your travel agency business plan. They will be able to provide the knowledge and experience necessary to develop a successful plan that meets your goals and objectives.

Can you write a travel agency business plan yourself?

Yes, it is possible to write a travel agency business plan yourself. Writing a business plan requires in-depth research, a clear understanding of your industry and the ability to articulate your strategies and objectives. This includes creating an executive summary, market analysis, details on the services you offer and a financial forecast. Additionally, you need to clearly define your travel agency’s mission statement and list out any unique features or goals. Once you have researched your industry and developed these key elements of the plan, you may be able to create an effective business plan on your own. However, it may be beneficial to consult with an expert in the field or hire someone to assist in the process.

Related Business Plans

Home Inventory Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Home Inspection Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Home Decor Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Health And Wellness Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Hauling Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Hardware Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Handyman Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Hair Extension Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Handbag Business Plan Template & Guidebook

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

How to Start a Travel Agency

ON THIS PAGE

How To Start a Travel Agency

How to start a travel agency faqs, helpful slideshows, videos & images.

• Additional Resources in the Travel Agency Industry

Starting a travel agency can be very profitable. With proper planning, execution and hard work, you can enjoy great success. Below you will learn the keys to launching a successful travel agency.

Importantly the most important step in starting a travel agency is to complete your business plan. To help you out, you should download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template here.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here

17 Steps To Start a Travel Agency

• Decide Which Type of Travel Agency To Open
• Choose the Name for Your Travel Agency
• Develop Your Travel Agency Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Travel Agency
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Travel Agency (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Travel Agency With the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Travel Agency
• Buy or Lease the Right Travel Agency Business Equipment
• Develop Your Travel Agency Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Travel Agency
• Start Building Partnerships
• Hire Employees (If Needed)
• Open for Business

1. Decide Which Type of Travel Agency You Want To Open

There are a few decisions to make when choosing which type of travel agency you want to open. You might want to consider starting a specialty travel agency focused on business travel or another specific niche market, or a more general agency that works with all types of travelers.

You will also need to decide if you want to operate an independent agency or join a host agency or franchise.

An independent agency will give you the most freedom and flexibility when it comes to running your business and is a popular choice for travel agents who work from home but can be more challenging to get off the ground.

A host agency is a business that works with independent agents and can provide them with resources, partnerships, and clients. You will often have to pay a fee to join a host agency.

Finally, joining a franchise will give you access to more training and support, but will also require fees to join and may limit how you run your business. If you choose to go the franchise route, be sure to check with your desired franchise to determine what they provide before completing steps like picking a name or building a website.

Deciding whether or not to join a host agency or franchise really depends on how much training and support you need, and whether or not you feel that the fees that a host agency or franchise will charge are worth it to you.

2. Choose the Name for Your Travel Agency

The next step to starting a travel agency is to choose your business’ name.

This is a very important choice since your company name is your brand and will last for the lifetime of your business. Ideally, you choose a name that is meaningful and memorable. Here are some tips for choosing a name for your travel agency:

• Make sure the name is available. Check your desired name against trademark databases and your state’s list of registered business names to see if it’s available. Also check to see if a suitable domain name is available.
• Keep it simple. The best names are usually ones that are easy to remember, pronounce and spell.
• Think about marketing. Come up with a name that reflects the desired brand and/or focus of your software company.

3. Develop Your Travel Agency Business Plan

One of the most important steps in starting a travel agency is to develop your travel agency business plan . The process of creating your plan ensures that you fully understand your market and your business strategy. The plan also provides you with a roadmap to follow and if needed, to present to funding sources to raise capital for your business.

The following are the key elements of a business plan :

• Executive Summary – this section should summarize your entire business plan so readers can quickly understand the key details of your travel agency.
• Company Overview – this section tells the reader about the history of your travel agency and what type of travel agency you operate. For example, are you a business travel agency or a special interest travel agency?
• Industry Analysis – here you will document key information about the travel industry. Conduct market research and document how big the industry is and what trends are affecting it.
• Customer Analysis – in this section, you will document who your ideal or target customers are and their demographics. For example, are they in a specific income bracket?
• Competitive Analysis – here you will document the key direct and indirect competitors you will face and how you will build competitive advantage.
• Marketing Plan – your marketing plan should address the 4Ps: Product, Price, Promotions and Place.
• Product : Determine and document what products/services you will offer
• Prices : Document the prices of your products/services
• Place : Where will your business be located and how will that location help you increase sales?
• Promotions : What promotional methods will you use to attract customers to your travel agency? For example, you might decide to use pay-per-click advertising, public relations, search engine optimization and/or social media marketing.
• Operations Plan – here you will determine the key processes you will need to run your business operations. You will also determine your staffing needs. Finally, in this section of your plan, you will create a projected growth timeline showing the milestones you hope to achieve in the coming years.
• Management Team – this section details the background of your company’s management team.
• Financial Plan – finally, the financial plan answers questions including the following:
• What are your travel agency startup costs?
• How will your travel agency make money?
• What are your projected sales and expenses for the next five years?
• Do you need to raise funding to launch your business?

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

4. choose the legal structure for your travel agency.

Next you need to choose a legal business structure for your travel agency and register it and your business name with the Secretary of State in each state where you operate your business.

Below are the five most common legal structures:

A sole proprietorship is a business entity in which the owner of the travel agency and the business are the same legal person. The owner of a sole proprietorship is responsible for all debts and obligations of the business. There are no formalities required to establish a sole proprietorship, and it is easy to set up and operate. The main advantage of a sole proprietorship is that it is simple and inexpensive to establish. The main disadvantage is that the owner is liable for all debts and obligations of the business.

2) Partnerships

A partnership is a legal structure that is popular among small businesses. It is an agreement between two or more people who want to start a travel agency together. The partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The advantages of a partnership are that it is easy to set up, and the partners share in the profits and losses of the business. The disadvantages of a partnership are that the partners are jointly liable for the debts of the business, and disagreements between partners can be difficult to resolve.

3) Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company, or LLC, is a type of business entity that provides limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners of an LLC are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The advantages of an LLC for a travel agency include flexibility in management, pass-through taxation (avoids double taxation as explained below), and limited personal liability. The disadvantages of an LLC include lack of availability in some states and self-employment taxes.

4) C Corporation

A C Corporation is a business entity that is separate from its owners. It has its own tax ID and can have shareholders. The main advantage of a C Corporation for a travel agency is that it offers limited liability to its owners. This means that the owners are not personally responsible for the debts and liabilities of the business. The disadvantage is that C Corporations are subject to double taxation. This means that the corporation pays taxes on its profits, and the shareholders also pay taxes on their dividends.

5) S Corporation

An S Corporation is a type of corporation that provides its owners with limited liability protection and allows them to pass their business income through to their personal income tax returns, thus avoiding double taxation. There are several limitations on S Corporations including the number of shareholders they can have among others. Once you register your travel agency, your state will send you your official “Articles of Incorporation.” You will need this among other documentation when establishing your banking account (see below). We recommend that you consult an attorney in determining which legal structure is best suited for your company.

Incorporate Your Business at the Guaranteed Lowest Price

We are proud to have partnered with Business Rocket to help you incorporate your business at the lowest price, guaranteed.

Not only does BusinessRocket have a 4.9 out of 5 rating on TrustPilot (with over 1,000 reviews) because of their amazing quality…but they also guarantee the most affordable incorporation packages and the fastest processing time in the industry.

5. Secure Startup Funding for Your Travel Agency (If Needed)

In developing your travel agency plan, you might have determined that you need to raise funding to launch your business.

If so, the main sources of funding for a travel agency to consider are personal savings, family and friends, credit card financing, bank loans, crowdfunding and angel investors. Angel investors are individuals who provide capital to early-stage businesses. Angel investors typically will invest in a travel agency that they believe has high potential for growth.

6. Secure a Location for Your Business

Operating a travel agency gives you some flexibility in where you do business. If you plan to work from your own home, then you will not need to find an office space to rent or buy. Even if you hire other team members, you can still all work remotely if you choose. You can meet with clients virtually from home, or have them come into an office location.

If you do want to find another physical location for your travel agency, consider:

• Driving around to find the right areas while looking for “for lease” signs
• Contacting a commercial real estate agent
• Doing commercial real estate searches online
• Telling others about your needs and seeing if someone in your network has a connection that can help you find the right space

7. Register Your Travel Agency With the IRS

Next, you need to register your business with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which will result in the IRS issuing you an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Most banks will require you to have an EIN in order to open up an account. In addition, in order to hire employees, you will need an EIN since that is how the IRS tracks your payroll tax payments.

Note that if you are a sole proprietor without employees, you generally do not need to get an EIN. Rather, you would use your social security number (instead of your EIN) as your taxpayer identification number.

If you’d like to quickly and easily complete your business plan, download Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template and complete your plan and financial model in hours.

8. Open a Business Bank Account

It is important to establish a business bank account in your travel agency’s name. This process is fairly simple and involves the following steps:

• Identify and contact the bank you want to use
• Gather and present the required documents (generally include your company’s Articles of Incorporation, driver’s license or passport, and proof of address)
• Complete the bank’s application form and provide all relevant information
• Meet with a banker to discuss your business needs and establish a relationship with them

9. Get a Business Credit Card

You should get a business credit card for your travel agency to help you separate personal and business expenses.

You can either apply for a business credit card through your bank or apply for one through a credit card company.

When you’re applying for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide some information about your business. This includes the name of your business, the address of your business, and the type of business you’re running. You’ll also need to provide some information about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, and date of birth.

Once you’ve been approved for a business credit card, you’ll be able to use it to make purchases for your business. You can also use it to build your credit history which could be very important in securing loans and getting credit lines for your business in the future.

10. Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits

Every state, county and city has different business license and permit requirements.

Nearly all states, counties and/or cities have license requirements including:

• General Business License – This license is required for most any business operating in the United States.
• Seller of Travel License – A Seller of Travel License allows you to legally sell travel services such as airline tickets, hotel rooms, and car rentals.
• Permits To Sell Insurance – Some states may require travel agents to obtain a special license to sell travel insurance.

Licenses and permits required for travel agencies vary from state to state, so be sure to check your state and local guidelines to determine exactly what you need.

11. Get Business Insurance for Your Travel Agency

Business insurance is important for any business, and a travel agency is no exception. There are several types of insurance that a travel agency should consider, including:

• General Liability Insurance – This insurance protects your agency from lawsuits alleging bodily injury, property damage, personal injury, and advertising injury that occur on your premises or because of your business operations.
• Professional Liability Insurance – This insurance protects your agency from claims arising out of errors or omissions in the performance of professional services.
• Product Liability Insurance – This insurance protects your agency from claims arising out of injuries or damages that occur because of a defect in a product that your agency sells or rents.
• Errors and Omissions – This insurance protects your agency from claims alleging that you have failed to provide the services that you promised to provide, or that you have provided those services in a substandard way.

Find an insurance agent, tell them about your business and its needs, and they will recommend policies that fit those needs.

12. Buy or Lease the Right Travel Agency Business Equipment

Most travel agencies don’t need much equipment to start. All you really need is a computer, business phone line, printer, and fax machine. If you are operating from a location outside of your home with additional employees, you might also need to provide basic office equipment and reception furniture.

13. Develop Your Travel Agency Marketing Materials

Marketing materials will be required to attract and retain customers to your travel agency.

The key marketing materials you will need are as follows:

• Logo – Spend some time developing a good logo for your travel agency. Your logo will be printed on company stationery, business cards, marketing materials and so forth. The right logo can increase customer trust and awareness of your brand.
• Website – Likewise, a professional travel agency website provides potential customers with information about the products and/or services you offer, your company’s history, and contact information. Importantly, remember that the look and feel of your website will affect how customers in your target market perceive you. Make sure to optimize your website so that you rank well on search engines.
• Social Media Accounts – Establish social media accounts in your company’s name. Accounts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and/or other social media networks will help customers and others find and interact with your travel agency. Social media is also a great place to run promotions and generate new business.

14. Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Travel Agency

Travel agencies require software that can do a few things.

First, you will need software for booking and making reservations. Popular options include Rezdy and TravelPerk.

Next, you will want accounting software to handle invoicing, commissions, and any bookkeeping tasks. You can use more general software like Quickbooks or FreshBooks.

Having software like TripActions or TripCreator that can quickly create itineraries for your clients is also very helpful.

Lastly, a good customer relationship management tool will help you stay in touch with existing customers and bring them back in for more services. Many businesses use options like HubSpot and ActiveCampaign.

Be sure to check the features of any software that interests you as some might do more than one of these things. Research the software that best suits your needs, purchase it, and set it up.

15. Start Building Partnerships

Before you start your own agency, it’s important to have industry relationships in place. You’ll need a travel wholesaler, as well as preferred supplier agreements with airlines, hotels, car rental companies, and tour operators. These partnerships will give you access to the best rates and products so that you can offer your clients top-notch service.

You can start building relationships by attending trade shows and other networking events, joining online communities for travel industry professionals, and simply reaching out. If you decide to join a host agency or franchise, you may already have access to some partnerships.

Another great way to find support is to join one of the popular travel associations. Groups like the American Society of Travel Advisors require some fees to join but give you access to training and other helpful resources.

16. Hire Employees (If Needed)

If you plan to run a small travel agency by yourself, then you will not need to hire additional travel agents or other team members. A larger travel agency will need a few different types of employees. You might need a sales team to book trips and sell products, customer service representatives to assist clients, and marketing professionals to promote your company and generate new leads.

If you do need additional employees, consider posting job openings in the local community or online. Make sure that your candidates’ backgrounds are a good fit for the job descriptions you create and that the individual is a good match for the brand you want to build.

17. Open for Business

You are now ready to open your own travel agency. If you followed the steps above, you should be in a great position to build a successful business and know everything you need about how to start your own travel agency. Below are answers to frequently asked questions that might further help you.

How to Finish Your Travel Agency Business Plan in 1 Day!

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your business plan?

With Growthink’s Ultimate Business Plan Template you can finish your plan in just 8 hours or less!

Click here to finish your business plan today.

Where Can I Download a Travel Agent Business Plan PDF?

You can download our travel agent business plan PDF template here. This is a business plan template you can use in PDF format.

How Can I Start a Travel Agency With No Experience?

One of the first things you should do is research the travel industry and important travel agency trends. You can also speak with travel agents and travel agency owners to get their insights and helpful tips. In addition to degrees from 2 and 4-year colleges that focus on travel and tourism, there are also a number of shorter online training programs for getting a travel agent certificate.

What Type of Travel Agency Is Most Profitable?

There is no definitive answer as to which type of travel agency is most profitable. However, many experts agree that the most successful travel agencies are those that can offer a comprehensive range of services. This may include everything from booking airfare and hotel reservations to arranging car rentals and guided tours. By being able to provide a one-stop shopping experience for their clients, travel agents can increase the likelihood of completing a sale and improving customer satisfaction.

How Much Does It Cost To Start a Travel Agency?

In order to start a travel agency, you will need to invest money in licenses, marketing, and travel software. The cost of starting a travel agency can range from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000, so it's important to do your research before getting started.

One of the biggest expenses you'll incur when starting a travel agency is the cost of purchasing or licensing travel software. This software is essential for managing your reservations and bookings, so it's important to choose a reputable provider. Other costs you'll need to consider include website development and design, marketing materials, and employee salaries (if you're not doing all the work yourself).

Before starting a travel agency, be sure to do your research and crunch the numbers to make sure it's the right decision for you. There are many things to consider before making such a large investment.

Is It Hard To Start a Travel Agency?

Generally speaking, starting a travel agency is not difficult. Your biggest early challenges when starting your own travel business will most likely be developing industry relationships, generating clients, and funding your launch. Following the steps we have outlined will help you get started successfully.

What Are the Ongoing Expenses for a Travel Agency?

There are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to the expenses of running a travel agency. The three main areas of ongoing costs will be staffing, marketing, and operations. Staffing costs can vary greatly depending on the size of your agency and the number of travel agents and other employees you have. Marketing costs can range from online advertising and website development to tradeshows and print advertising. And finally, operational costs can include everything from licensing and insurance fees to office supplies and rent. By understanding these three areas of expense, you can create a budget for your travel agency that is realistic and sustainable.

S ome key costs to keep in mind include:

• Wages – 35.4% of the industry’s revenue is allocated to wages.
• Depreciation – Only 0.4% of the industry revenue is accounted for depreciation.
• Other – Advertising and marketing costs account for 4.3% of revenue.

How Does a Travel Agency Make Money?

There are numerous ways for a travel agency to make money. The most common way is through commissions on airline tickets, hotel rooms, and other travel-related services. Travel agencies can also charge a fee for their services. Some agencies may also sell souvenirs or other travel-related products.

Is Owning a Travel Agency Profitable?

Owning a travel agency can certainly be profitable, but how much profit your business earns will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and location of the business, the type of services offered, and the level of competition in the area.

How Much Do Travel Agency Operators Make?

A travel agency manager's salary ranges from $30,000 to $78,000 per year.

Why Do Travel Agencies Fail?

A travel agency can fail for a number of reasons. One reason is that they may not be able to generate enough business. This could be due to a poor marketing strategy, or because the agency is not offering appealing products or services. Another reason a travel agency might fail is if they are not well managed. This could lead to financial instability and a loss of customers. Finally, an agency might fail if it is not properly organized and lacks clear goals. Without a strong plan in place, it can be difficult to succeed in the travel industry.

How Big Is the Travel Agency Industry?

There are 11,108 travel agencies in the U.S. and they generated $34.0 billion in revenue last year. This represents an annual growth rate of 2.5% over the last five years.

What Are the Key Segments of the Travel Agency Industry?

Travel agencies are segmented by their bookings. The main segments of the industry are tour and packaged travel bookings, followed by cruise bookings and International and domestic airline bookings. Accommodation bookings and other bookings account for the remainder of the industry’s revenue.

What External Factors Affect the Travel Agency Industry?

A number of factors affect the performance of the travel agency industry. These drivers include:

• International Trips By US Residents - A lot of international trips by US residents are made through travel agencies. This year, international trips are expected to increase as well as the travel agency industry.
• Consumer Spending - Travel spending is counted as a consumer expense. An increase in the consumer’s tendency to spend money affects the industry positively.
• Domestic Trips By US Residents - Domestic trips are also booked through travel agencies. The travel agency industry is affected by domestic trips in the US in the same way as international trips.
• Percentage of Services Conducted Online - Availability of online travel arrangements reduces the number of consumers booking their travels in actual offices of travel agencies. This year, there’s been an increase in services conducted online.
• Consumer Confidence Index - High consumer confidence index also means that consumers have a higher tendency to spend on travel.

What Are the Key Customer Segments in the Travel Agency Industry?

Leisure travelers are, by far, the top key customer segment for the travel agency industry. Corporate travelers make up the next largest segment of the market and other travelers account for just 4%.

Social Media Tip for Travel Agents

Tips for Finding a Good Travel Agent

Travel Tips & Jobs: How Do Travel Agencies Work?

Top 5 Trends Shaping the Travel Industry Today

21 Tips for Marketing Your Travel Company Online

For additional information on the travel agency market, consider these industry resources:

• US Census Bureau: www.census.gov
• Office of Travel & Tourism Industries: www.tinet.ita.doc.gov
• Travel Pulse: www.travelpulse.com
• American Society of Travel Agents: www.asta.org
• Travel Agency Mavericks

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.

Click here to see how Growthink’s professional business plan writers can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

We earn commissions if you shop through the links below.  Read more

Travel Agency

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Travel Agency

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on December 13, 2021 Updated on March 13, 2024

Investment range

$2,150 - $10,600

Revenue potential

$78,000 - $300,000 p.a.

Time to build

0 – 3 months

Profit potential

$62,000 - $90,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Who doesn’t love to travel? But most of us do not love the endless research, planning, and booking required, which sometimes feels like it takes more time than the vacation itself. This is precisely why the $35 billion US travel agency industry has been booming of late, and why it offers a real opportunity for the travel-minded entrepreneur.

By starting your own online travel agency, you can shoulder travelers’ burden and ease their anxiety, allowing them to enjoy their holiday while you make a healthy profit. And thanks to the post-pandemic boost, now is a great time to get in on travel.

Of course, starting a travel agency will not be a vacation – it will take diligence, patience, and strong guidance. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place, as this step-by-step provides all the information you need to develop and launch your new travel agency and give you a head-start on your entrepreneurial journey.

Step by Step Business values real-life experience above all. Through our  Entrepreneur Spotlight Series , we interview business leaders from diverse industries, providing readers with firsthand insights.

Uncover the secrets to building a thriving travel agency with our interview with Casey Halloran of Costa Rican Vacations .

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

Every business has its pros and cons, and a travel agency is no exception. You should weigh these carefully to decide if the business is right for you.

• Flexibility – Work from anywhere, even while traveling!
• Minimal Training – Get accredited for free online
• Travel Discounts – Travel agents get top deals and reduced prices
• Demanding Work – With clients around the world you’re on call 24/7
• Fierce competition – Top sites like Expedia, travel networks, advisors, and more

Travel agency industry trends

The US travel agency industry expanded an impressive 75% in the decade leading up to 2020, which saw a massive pandemic-driven downturn. 

In 2021, many travel agents saw a surge in business as travelers unsure of all the constantly changing Covid-19 rules and restrictions turn to them for help, rather than booking their own trips. Global travel advisor InteleTravel experienced a 35% increase in business, not from the disaster year of 2020, but from 2019, which had set records.(( https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/14/travel/summer-vacation-travel-agents.html ))

Consumers are also turning more and more to online travel agencies, with a study by Expedia showing a 25% increase in the use of online agencies in 2020 alone. Brick-and-mortar agencies seem to be a dying breed, with British travel icon Thomas Cook closing in 2019.(( https://advertising.expedia.com ))

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – Market research firm IBISWorld values the industry at nearly $48 billion in 2022.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/travel-agencies-united-states/ ))  
• Growth forecast – The industry is expected to grow further as the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a 5% annual growth through 2030 in the employment of travel agents.(( https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/travel-agents.htm )) 
• Number of businesses – More than 73,000 travel agencies are operating in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/travel-agencies-united-states/ ))
• Number of people employed – The industry employs more than 250,000 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/travel-agencies-united-states/ ))

Trends and challenges

Trends in travel agency industry include:

• Home-stay rentals like Airbnb(( https://stepbystepbusiness.com/business-ideas/start-an-airbnb-business/ )) outperformed hotels in 27 top markets during the pandemic
• Book-now-pay-later options, such as those offered by Expedia and Booking.com, are gaining popularity
• Travel agencies undergoing digital transformation in response to the growing demand for online services

Challenges in travel agency industry include:

• Rising gas prices are impacting travel behavior
• Compliance with global Covid-19 protocols
• Keeping up with digital marketing opportunities

What kind of people work in a travel agency?

• Gender – 76% of travel agency managers in the US are female, while 24% are male. (( https://www.zippia.com/travel-agency-manager-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics ))
• Average level of education – 64% of travel agency managers hold a bachelor’s degree.(( https://www.zippia.com/travel-agency-manager-jobs/demographics/#degree-level-types ))
• Average age – The average age of a travel agency manager is 51 years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/travel-agency-manager-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics ))

How much does it cost to start a travel agency?

The startup costs for a travel agency range from about $2,000 to $10,000, with an average of around $6,000. The high-end includes the rental of office space and a larger marketing budget, but you could easily run your online travel agency from home to cut costs.

How much can you earn from a travel agency?

The commission paid to a travel agency by travel vendors such as airlines and hotels is generally about 10%. Some travel agents also charge a nominal consultation fee for each booking, typically between $30 and $50. Those will be your two revenue streams.

The average cost of a one-week domestic vacation is $1,500 per person. The profit margin for a home-based travel agency is usually about 80%. With an office and staff, your margin will likely drop to about 30%.

In your first year or two, you could work from home and sell five two-person vacations each week. At a 10% commission, this would mean $78,000 in annual revenue. You’d have about $62,000 in profit, assuming an 80% margin.

As your brand gains recognition, sales could climb to 1,000 two-person vacations a year. At this stage, you would rent an office and hire staff, reducing your profit margin to 30%. With expected annual revenue of $300,000, you would make about $90,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a travel agency. Your biggest challenges will be:

• Competition – Big and small online firms; self-booking travelers
• Client Acquisition – Time and marketing will be required to build a reputation

Related Business Ideas

How to Start an Airbnb Business

How to Start a Bed & Breakfast

How to Start a Glamping Business

Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a travel agency, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market.

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

As a travel agency, you need to find a way to differentiate yourself from the competition. Research online travel agents and booking platforms to see their offerings and prices, while keeping an eye out for something that might be missing.

Perhaps you could specialize in travel to an under-appreciated region, such as Southeast Asia, and build a network of relevant contacts and vendors. Or you could focus on finding travelers the most incredible home-stay rentals at the best prices.

You could specialize in family vacations, corporate retreats, or honeymoons. The potential niche options in the travel industry are nearly endless.

What? Determine your products or services

Travel can involve many facets, and you can handle some or all of them, in addition to flights, lodgings, and car rentals. These might include:

• Booking tours and excursions
• Dining recommendations/reservation
• Travel insurance
• Visa and emergency services

How much should you charge for travel agency services?

Travel vendors, such as hotels, airlines, and car rental firms, pay a commission to travel agents that’s generally about 10% of the booking. For instance, if you book a $1,200 flight on Turkish Airlines for your client, Turkish Airlines will give you, the travel agent, a $120 commission.

As a result, booking flights with a travel agent sometimes costs the traveler slightly more than booking directly with the airlines or through a travel site like Expedia or Orbitz. Thus, to attract customers and boost sales travel agents rely on discounted travel packages.

For instance, a return flight from Chicago to Cancun and a 6-day stay at a four-star all-inclusive resort, plus ground transport, might cost a traveler $1,000 or more to book directly. But travel agents get significant discounts from vendors because they place volume orders, so you’d be able to offer this trip as a $599 package deal.

Even after paying your commission, the traveler still saves a chunk of money by using your services, rather than booking themselves. And keep in mind, the discounts offered by vendors are likely to increase as you become a more established agent. You may be able to negotiate commissions from tour operators and excursion companies as well.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market will depend on the concept you’ve chosen for your agency. If you’ve decided to specialize in family vacations, you’ll be targeting parents. You might find them on sites like Facebook or LinkedIn, rather than Instagram or TikTok.

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your travel agency grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers and may need to rent out an office. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on Craigslist , Crexi , and Commercial Cafe .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Travel Agency Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better
• The name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “travel” or “bookings”, boosts SEO
• Choose a name that allows for expansion: “Wanderlust Adventures” over “Beach Bum Vacations” or “Honeymoon Haven Agency”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step business name generator . Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

Powered by GoDaddy.com

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that set your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Travel Agency Business Plan

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• Executive Summary: Present an overview of your travel agency, highlighting its focus on providing personalized travel planning and booking services for various types of travelers.
• Business Overview: Describe the services of your travel agency, including custom travel itinerary planning, booking accommodations, flights, and special experiences.
• Product and Services: Detail the range of travel packages offered, such as luxury vacations, adventure tours, and corporate travel services.
• Market Analysis: Assess the current travel market, identifying target customer segments like families, honeymooners, or business travelers.
• Competitive Analysis: Compare your agency to others, focusing on your unique offerings like specialized destinations, personalized service, or exclusive deals.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline your strategy for attracting clients, using methods like online marketing, partnerships with travel providers, or attending travel expos.
• Management Team: Highlight the experience and expertise of your team in travel planning, customer service, and business management.
• Operations Plan: Describe the process of service delivery, from client consultation to trip execution and post-travel follow-up.
• Financial Plan: Provide an overview of financial aspects, including startup costs, pricing strategy, and anticipated income.
• Appendix: Include supplementary documents such as travel industry certifications, partnership agreements, or detailed client testimonials to support your business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business!

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to travel agencies.

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state.

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your travel agency will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely.

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just needs to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2023

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN.

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans : This is the most common method, but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Venture capital : Offer potential investors an ownership stake in exchange for funds, keeping in mind that you would be sacrificing some control over your business.
• Friends and Family : Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding : Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal : Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a travel agency. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.

Step 8: Apply for Travel Agency Licenses and Permits

Starting a travel agency requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your travel agency business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account.

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of any of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business.

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.

You may want to use industry-specific software to manage bookings and scheduling, such as TravelPerk , TravelCEO , and TravelOperations .

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero .
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

Your website should showcase your offerings, customer testimonials, and detailed information about destinations.

Your clients are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google.

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Leverage Social Media : Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to share stunning travel imagery, customer stories, and travel tips. Engage with your audience through regular posts, stories, and responses to comments.
• Content Marketing : Start a blog or a YouTube channel providing valuable content like travel guides, tips, destination reviews, and travel trends. This not only helps in SEO but also establishes you as an expert in the field.
• Build Partnerships : Collaborate with local businesses in your chosen travel destinations, such as hotels, tour operators, and local attractions. This can lead to exclusive deals or packages that you can offer to your clients.
• Email Marketing : Collect emails through your website and social media channels and send out regular newsletters with travel tips, special offers, and new package announcements.
• Customer Reviews and Referrals : Encourage your clients to leave reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor or Google. Word-of-mouth referrals are powerful, so consider offering incentives for referrals.
• Attend Travel Expos and Events : Participate in travel expos, seminars, and networking events to build contacts and stay updated on the latest industry trends.
• Offer Personalized Services : Tailor your services to meet individual client needs. Personal touches can make a big difference in the travel industry.
• Utilize Paid Advertising : Invest in targeted ads on social media and Google to reach potential clients. This can be particularly effective when you have special offers or new packages to promote.
• Stay Informed and Flexible : The travel industry is dynamic, so it’s important to stay informed about global travel trends, destination updates, and customer preferences.
• Sustainable and Responsible Travel : With growing awareness about environmental and cultural impacts, promoting sustainable and responsible travel practices can set your agency apart.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your travel agency meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire.

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your travel agency could be:

• Travel to Asia’s best secret destinations
• The best local insights and insider adventures
• Vacations for the whole family, from grandma to the baby!

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a travel agency, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in travel agencies for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in travel. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a travel agency would include:

• Travel Agents – sales and bookings
• General Manager – scheduling, accounting, staff management
• Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media, other marketing

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need.

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent.

Step 13: Run a Travel Agency – Start Making Money!

Owning a travel agency means sharing the joy of travel for a living. What could be more fun? It’s also a huge, high-growth industry that you could tap into and grow a profitable business. Startup costs are low, and all you need is a simple accreditation — there’s no real training required. You just need a good concept for your agency and a great marketing plan. Having a strong online presence in this digital age is also an absolute must.

You’ve started off on the right foot by reading this guide, and now you’re ready to begin your trip to entrepreneurial success!

• Travel Agency Business FAQs

If you run your online travel agency from home, you could have profit margins of up to 80%. Costs to run your travel agency are very low, and you’re paid around a 10% commission on everything that you book. As a home-based, one-person show, you could make $60,000 per year to start, and much more once you’re established.

Consumers are turning to online travel agencies more and more, which you could easily run from home. If your business grows fast and you need to add staff, you may want to have an office.

Some consumers prefer the personal service of a smaller online agency that can offer more local, personal insights about travel destinations. The key is to differentiate yourself in some way. You could specialize in certain locations, a specific type of lodgings, such as cabins, or in a type of vacation such as corporate retreats.

Travel agencies engage in activities such as providing travel advice, booking travel arrangements, managing logistics, and offering specialized services tailored to clients’ needs.

Effective marketing strategies for a travel agency include building a strong online presence, targeted advertising, content marketing, collaborations and partnerships, and leveraging customer referrals and reviews.

Running a travel agency can have challenges due to intense competition, evolving industry dynamics, regulatory considerations, seasonal fluctuations, and the need for customer satisfaction and crisis management. 

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Travel Agency Name
• Create a Travel Agency Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Travel Agency Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Travel Agency - Start Making Money!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Featured resources.

21 Agency Business Ideas

David Lepeska

Published on August 11, 2022

Dreaming of running your own agency? There are a lot of possibilities out there, from travel to advertising and marketing, to recruiting, SEOconsult ...

14 Best Luxury Business Ideas

Published on July 29, 2022

People love a bit of luxury in their life, which is why high-end goods are always in demand. You’ll need a sizable investment to get started, buty ...

21 Tourism and Travel Business Ideas

Carolyn Young

Published on July 21, 2022

With the pandemic winding down, countless Americans are getting back to traveling! That means now is a great time to establish a travel-relatedbusin ...

No thanks, I don't want to stay up to date on industry trends and news.

• Host Agencies
• Accelerator Course
• Travel Jobs
• Travel Agent Chatter
• Etiquette & Rules
• Privacy Policy

Free Travel Agency Business Plan Template

Okay, okay. I know you’re crazy thrilled that you’ve found a free travel agency business plan template for your agency! I promise we’ve got a super razzly-dazzly one that will help you craft THE BEST travel agency business plan out there. So we’ll have you download your free travel agency business plan template in just a second, and then we’ll walk you through the different pieces of the business plan in the article.

Sound like a (business) plan?!

What Is the Purpose of a Travel Agency Business Plan?

Here's a sneak preview of what you can expect from HAR's business plan below. (Need no convincing? Download it here .)

Business plans got their start as a way for banks to vet new businesses before deciding to give them a loan. After all, people that have thought long and hard about their business and taken the time to painstakingly write down all the steps and intricacies have a higher likelihood of success.

Now when it comes to travel agencies, you may think having a business plan is overkill or outdated. Sure, if you’re opening a storefront agency or a franchise you may need some capital from the bank/investor so a business plan may be a necessity. But now that most agencies are home-based, the median start-up cost for a non-franchise travel agency is $1,000 . If you’re not getting a loan, do you really need a business plan?

If you’re starting a travel agency, here’s a few reasons why creating a travel agency business plan might be helpful to you:

• Practical: it will help you feel prepared and confident as you make important business decisions.
• Inspirational: it will help remind you what it is that inspired you to start a travel agency and what kind of impact you hope to have on your clients. The kinds of things that will remind you why you started all these shenanigans when logistical tasks like taxes get boring or complicated.

The other thing a travel agency business plan can do? It will help you describe your agency—the service you provide (do you have a niche?), the market in which you’re operating, the money you need to get started and keep going, and the people you need to help you get there (accountants? Sub agents? Bookkeeper? Web Developer?) In short, it can help you feel prepared and confident, and our free travel agency business plan is going to help you with that!

Download HAR’s Free Travel Agency Business Plan Template

We have a handy dandy (and free) travel agency business plan template for YOU, dear reader! Yay, it is the companion to this article.

We’re offering our travel agency business plan template free (no catch) because we want your new business to be off to the best start possible!

Alright, now you’ve downloaded our free travel agency business plan template, great! We’ve already filled it out for our fictional travel agency, Corona Travels , and now we need to work on personalizing this business plan to your travel agency.

To update your personal business plan template with your brilliant ideas, all you'll need to do is delete the sample description provided in the template and add in your own material! In the next section, we walk you through each part of the business plan. I recommend that as you read through the article, you compare the sections of the travel agency business plan template. That way, you'll have an explanation for each part with an example.

Let’s jump in and start tailoring the business plan template to your travel agency!

Hold up. Still need to get your agency set up? We have just the thing.

Now, a business plan template may feel like you're getting ahead of yourself if you haven't named and/or registered your business yet! If you still need to take strides to get your agency off the ground (your agency, name, niche, registration, host affiliation etc.) we have a course that will fast-forward that process.

Check out HAR's 7 Day Set Up Accelerator course to get your agency set up faster so you can start monetizing sooner! The course is written and taught by HAR Founder, Steph Lee, and professional Educator, Bridget Lee. It includes nine chapters with 70+ instructional videos, course quizzes, peer accountability, and monthly meet-ups with HAR members and industry experts.

Now, let's go over the business plan!

Travel Agency Business Plan, Part 1: Overview

The overview is like an executive summary that briefly summarizes all aspects of your travel agency business plan. You can think of this as the “elevator pitch” of your travel agency business plan. Oddly enough, I like to do these summaries last, since then you’ll have all the info at your fingertips that you'll need to summarize.

So what details are you filling out in this first part of the travel agency business plan?

• Name of Your Business: Not sure what your travel agency name is yet? We can help you with that .
• Location: Is it your house? A PO box? A storefront? Your sister’s basement?
• Your Travel Niche: Specializing as a travel agent is more important than ever. Selling travel is about much more than booking. It’s also about bringing knowledge, expertise, access, and resourcefulness to the table—all the qualities that help separate you from an OTA (online travel agency).
• Your Target Client: Luxury? Families? LGBTQ? Cruisers? Boomers or Millennials? Honeymooners? Foodies? Who do you imagine your client to be and how will this shape the way you develop your travel agency?
• Your Competition: Another way to look at this is, who are your industry peers? What might your customers consider if they don’t use you as a travel agent? (Try to think beyond OTAs like Expedia.)
• The expertise of Management Team: Okay, so your management team might be you and the office dog (we know who’s the alpha in the office!). But even if that’s the case, this section is an opportunity to reflect on your strengths as a travel agency owner.
• Financial Projections: Unless you’re coming into the industry with a book of business, this might seem intimidating. It’s hard to know what to expect right? But the good thing is we have an amazing resource for you: “ Travel Agency Startup Costs and Earnings: What to Expect ” Wow! Who knew?!
• Travel Agency Mission Statement: This will help you remember why you did this in the first place, and remind you what kind of impact you hope your business will have on others! Warm fuzzies, right?!

And hey, we’re done with Part 1!! Just like that. ;)

I know you can barely contain your excitement to start reading about our next section, business foundations !

Travel Agency Business Plan, Part 2: Business Foundations

This section of your travel agency business plan provides background information on your agency. If you’re brand-spanking new, much of this information will be provided in the overview. If your business has roots, it may be a little more complex.

This section can include:

• Legal Structure : What type of business is your agency? LLC? Sole Prop? S Corp? Has it changed over time?
• Agency Founders and Their Role in the Formation of Your Travel Agency : Who are the founders and what are their roles?

Ah, that was a nice and easy section, wasn’t it? Now we need to start getting real. Yes, folks, the well-loved travel agency business plan template goes OCD in the next section!

Travel Agency Business Plan, Part 3: Product or Service

This section is where the rubber hits the road with your niche and will help you begin to think about developing preferred supplier relationships with your travel agency.

• Products/ Services Provided: This may seem obvious—you sell travel! But if you’re considering providing other services (even if it’s a future goal), it will be important to consider that too. In addition to planning and booking travel, this may include: Coaching clients to book their own trips; trip consultations; wedding planning; providing education, training or mentorship to other agents; facilitating educational webinars (etc.); speaking at industry events.
• Sales Projections: This is hard if you haven’t booked any travel yet. But consider what kind of travel you want to sell. How many clients are you booking? How many trips do you aim to sell weekly/monthly/annually?

This is a good opportunity to make financial goals for your travel agency. What kind of annual income are you aiming for? How much would you have to sell in one year to reach that?

If you are providing multiple services as a part of your travel agency business, what is the breakdown among those different services?

• Industry Projections for Your Travel Services: We’ve done a lot of legwork for you on this one in our travel agency business plan template. But, if you want to add more, imagine this as describing the industry viability to someone who is not within the industry. What influences demand for your travel services? How is the health of the travel industry overall? Check out HAR's latest income survey results !

Now that you’ve dug into the details in this section, let’s move into the next section of your travel agency business plan that doesn’t tax your brain. It’s about management structures and it’s equal parts easy and boring (#honest).

Travel Agency Business Plan, Part 3: Management Structures

This will be a very fast exercise if you are opening your agency alone :). If you’re working for yourself, you may also want to consider outside organizations that influence your business:

• If applicable, which host agency/franchise do you belong to?
• If you or your host belongs to a consortium, which one?
• What travel organizations are you a part of? (i.e. ASTA, IGLTA, PATH, CCRA etc.)
• Since you are an independent agent, these outside organizations won’t have a direct stake in your business, but they may influence your day-to-day operations in some way.

If you're flying solo, you can probably stop here! But if you have or want to take on sub agents or employees you’ll want to do the above, and you’ll also need to go into more depth with your travel agency management structure below:

• If applicable, create an organizational chart of your travel agency. You can think of this as a business version of a family tree. This will help you visualize who the players are and what roles they serve to your agency.
• What value do the different management positions add to your travel agency?
• What are the responsibilities of their positions?
• Describe other ICs or employees/ positions and their responsibilities. How will they complement what you do for your agency? (i.e. Sell a different type of travel under your brand? Work on sales? Bookings only? Administrative assistant?)
• If you have sub agents or employees, break down overall payroll expenses. What is their compensation? A commission split? A base salary? A combination of the two? Will you provide any bonuses or benefits if you have employees?
• Do you anticipate future additions to your staff?

Phew! That was a long one. Well, you certainly nailed it. Kudos!

Travel Agency Business Plan, Part 3.2: Who Is Your Office Mascot?

This is probably the most important factor in building a business plan. How the heck are you going to get up and work every morning without a dog pushing their cold nose into your face, or a cat trying to use your neck as their personal radiator?

Still with me? Okay, no more goofing off. Just wanted to throw in a fun interlude . . . I’ll get back to business now.

Travel Agency Business Plan, Part 4: Marketing Strategy

This section of your travel agency’s business plan will help you clarify some of your marketing goals in the long term.

• Who are your major clients? Include names, location, and what kind of travel they prefer. What was the sales volume for each customer? Have they provided referrals for your business?
• Who are prospective clients? Who might be other potential travel clients for you? Parenting class members? Your yoga class? Regulars at your favorite bookstore? Do you have a way to informally see how they might respond to your travel services?

Marketing Plan

What is your marketing plan? Consider things such as:

• Your pricing. For example, if you want to charge fees.
• How do you want to market to clients? Online, at wedding expos, in line at the grocery store?
• What region do you want to target and if you want to target clients outside your locale, how do you plan to do so?
• What is the flow of your services during planning, travel and post-trip? How do you plan on getting feedback from your customer once the travel is complete?
• What are your marketing priorities ? Networking? Referral? Online? Social media?
• Sales Strategy: Now that you have a list of potential clients and a marketing plan, how will you reach out to prospective clients? Host a cocktail hour? Send a mailing? Go to networking meetings? Do you need to outsource or delegate any tasks to help you with your sales efforts?

Are you ready to head on over to that travel agency business plan template you have a love-hate relationship with? Good, because you’re gonna read all about Corona Travels marketing strategy and how they plan on closing the leads they get . . . and maybe you can steal some of Sol’s ideas for your agency. :)

Travel Agency Business Plan, Part 5: Technology

What kind of tech do you need to help your agency get up and running, and what technology will you need to keep your travel agency machine humming? You don’t need everything at once, but you’ll want to have an idea of what you need to reach some travel agency milestones you’re going for.

You might want to consider things like:

• Travel Agency Website
• Read up on different website options for agencies
• Customer Relations Management (CRM):
• ClientBase Online
• Online Scheduling Tools:
• Itinerary Builders:
• Axus Travel App
• IT Explorer
• Payment Processing (for fees)
• Quickbooks Payments (use this link for 50% off first SIX months -- normally it's 3 months)
• TESS (built into CRM)
• Travel Joy (built into CRM)
• WixPayments
• Bookkeeping and Accounting
• Google Sheets ( part of Google Workspace )
• Mac Numbers
• Quickbooks Online / Quicken (use this link for 50% off first SIX months -- normally it's 3 months)
• Quickbooks Online (use this link for 50% off first SIX months -- normally it's 3 months)
• Booking tools
• Google Workspace : We have an exclusive 10% off promo code for Google Workspace! Just fill out the form and we'll send you the code.
• Office equipment
• Fax: FaxZero
• Scanner: Scanner Pro ($3.99 in Apple App Store)
• Scanner: Tiny Scanner (Google Play Store)
• Business Card Scanner: CamCard (Free on Apple App Store | .99 on Google Play Store )
• Forms / E-signatures*
• JotForm (free plan allows e-signatures)
• RightSignature
• Email Automation
• Sendinblue (that's what we currently use, and I highly recommend it!)
• Active Campaign
• Constant Contact
• Online Meetings / Video Conferencing
• Google Meet (part of Google Workspace )
• Secure Password Manager (also known as The Handiest Thing Ever )
• Mileage Tracking
• MileIQ (Free but if you ever decided to upgrade, use this link for 10% off paid plans)

Just because it’s technology, it doesn’t mean it has to be state of the art or über fancy. You can pick and choose where you want to allocate your financial resources on tech: I’ve spoken with several travel agents who swear by a combination of sticky notes, physical calendars, and Excel spreadsheets.

Think about which of these technologies you really need. If you go with a host agency or consortium, which of these technologies do they provide? Looking forward as your business grows, which technologies do you anticipate you’ll want to phase in?

Choosing those technologies was fun, wasn’t it? But now we need to iron out how you’re going to run the agency. So let’s move into the next section of your travel agency’s business plan template and make sure you’re running a tight ship!

Travel Agency Business Plan, Part 6: Operations

Developing a plan for travel agency operations will help you understand how to ensure your business runs smoothly, in addition to understanding the capacity of your travel agency. For this section of your travel agency business plan you’ll want to consider:

• What is your sales volume compared to your sales capacity? How much travel can you actually sell in the time you want to spend working to sell travel?
• Who are your preferred suppliers? Who are your host or consortium’s, preferred suppliers? How do these suppliers (and your host) disburse commissions and on what timeline? How does this impact your bookkeeping and workflow?
• If you are booking groups, plan ahead. Are there any special cruise sailings or new ships you want to block space for? Is a resort opening a new property that you’re excited about and might be in high demand? Is there a new exciting product coming up that you want to get ahead of?
• In order to find out about some of these opportunities, what travel publications do you want/ need to subscribe to? (*Ahem* Make sure HAR is one of them!!) How are you utilizing your host or consortium resources to stay ahead?

OMG. OMG!!! That’s right, keep that grin plastered on your face because we’re entering the final leg. You did it!

Travel Agency Business Plan, Part 7: Administrative Support

As a business owner, there will be a lot of external organizational support as you go. First, we’ll focus on financial logistics. What are the business names (or contacts) and addresses of some of your administrative support? This may include:

• Your bank/ banker
• Accountant and/or Bookkeeper
• Host agency or consortium
• Legal counsel/ lawyer

Congratulations. You Have a Travel Agency Business Plan!

Seriously, that was INTENSE. Give yourself a huge pat on the back. Creating a business plan for your travel agency ain’t for the faint of heart, but you did it.

Go ahead and tell us about your process. Was our free travel agency business plan template helpful? Did it help to think things through and write a business plan for your agency? Was it a waste of time? Most importantly, what kind of office pet do you have and what sort of moral support do they provide?

Comment below!

*Editor's Note: This article was originally published on April 16th, 2019. We updated it on the publish date listed on the article!

About the Author

Mary Stein has been working as a writer and editor for Host Agency Reviews since 2016. She loves supporting travel advisors on their entrepreneurial journey and is inspired by their passion, tenacity, and creativity. Mary is also a mom, dog lover, fiction writer, hiker, and a Great British Bake Off superfan.

• Business Development
• Resource Downloads
• Starting Up
• Travel Agent Basics

Travel agency business plan template

Download this travel agency business plan template in PDF or Word format, or tailor it to your project directly in our business plan software.

Discover our travel agency business plan template

Our travel agency business plan template gives you the structure to write a professional plan.

Not accustomed to writing business plans? Our travel agency business template will turn a typically challenging process into a total breeze.

Modelled on a complete business plan of an travel agency in Trouville sur Mer, our template features both the financial forecast and the written part that presents the project, its team, the local market and the business strategy implemented by the management.

Cast your eyes on this template to achieve a better understanding of what your bank and investors would like to see, so that you can create a business plan that meets their expectations.

7 day free trial. No credit card required. Travel agency business plan template available with paid plans only.

How to use this travel agency business plan template

Edit the travel agency business plan template online, or download it.

There are 3 ways to use this template:

• Edit it online: you can adapt this template to your business idea by changing the text or the financial forecast directly in our business planning software
• Download in PDF: if you're just after a little inspiration, you can download the travel agency business plan template in PDF to read over it
• Download in Word format: want to edit your plan on Word? Simply export the travel agency business plan template to Ms Word (.docx) format

Travel agency business plan template content

This template includes a complete travel agency business plan example, with a financial forecast and the following sections:

• Executive summary: the executive summary gives the reader a clear and concise overview of your business idea
• Company: this section lays out the structure of your business, including its location, management team and legal form
• Products and services: here, you'll give an overview of the services offered by your travel agency (excursions, business trips and international trips)
• Market analysis: the market analysis is where you’ll demonstrate that there is a strong demand for your travel agency through a thorough assessment of the industry (customer profile, hot trends, regulation, competition, etc.)
• Strategy: this section highlights your travel agency's game plan when it comes to pricing, marketing and mitigating risks along the way
• Operations: this step lays out your travel agency's operational organisation, including the recruitment plan
• Financial plan: the financial plan includes a table of sources & uses (initial funding plan), and complete financial statements (P&L, balance sheet and cash flow statements).
• Appendices: this part provides the opportunity to include multiple financial appendices generated by our software (debt maturity profile, monthly financial statements, financial analysis, etc.).

Executive summary for a travel agency business plan

The executive summary gives the reader a clear and concise overview of your business idea.

Our travel agency's executive summary is formed of the following subsections:

• Business overview: in this subsection, we outline who the travel agency founders are, what legal form they've chosen for the business, and the rationale behind the choice of their location
• Market overview: in this subsection, we summarize the conclusions of the market analysis performed by the travel agency's owners and explain what age groups they aim to target (our travel agency business plan template targets locals, tourists passing through Deauville-Trouville as well as small and medium-sized businesses in lower Normandy and Paris)
• Financial highlights: in this subsection, we give an overview of the forecasted financial performance of the travel agency over the first 3 years of operation
• Our ask: in this subsection, we outline the amount of financing required to start the travel agency and how it's going to be funded (the founders are seeking a bank loan to start their travel agency)

Company overview included in our travel agency business plan sample

This section lays out the structure of your business, including its location, management team and legal form.

Our travel agency business plan template's company section is formed of the following subsections:

• Structure & Ownership: in this subsection, we outline who the travel agency's shareholders are and what legal form they've chosen for the business
• Location: in this subsection, we present the area surrounding the location chosen for the business and the layout and main features of the premises
• Management Team: in this subsection, we give an overview of the background of each of the travel agency's founders, explain how they met and why they decided to start a company together

Products and services offered by the travel agency

The products and services section is where you will state the different services that your travel agency will offer (trips abroad, excursions and business trips).

In our travel agency business plan template products and services section, we cover:

• Excursions in Normandy: a choice of short trips including both the D-Day beaches tour and cider distillery tour
• International trips: departure from either Deauville or Caen
• Custom-made business trips: a selection of seminars and team-building events in Normandy

Market analysis for the opening of the travel agency

The market analysis is where you’ll demonstrate that there is a strong demand for your products and services through a thorough assessment of the industry (customer profile, hot trends, regulation, competition, etc.)

Our travel agency business plan example's market analysis section is formed of the following subsections:

• Demographics and Segmentation: in this subsection, we explore the market in depth. We look at the supply and demand sides both at the national and local level, analyse the hot trends perceived by the founders, and the key statistics that will help the founders build their positioning
• Target market: in this subsection, our founders explain who they view as their ideal customer (our travel agency business plan template targets locals, tourists passing through Deauville-Trouville as well as small and medium-sized business in Lower Normandy and Paris)
• Competition: in this subsection, we take a look at the direct (independent or franchise travel agencies nearby) and indirect (travel agencies and tour operators online) local competition to ensure we have a differentiated positioning and that the market is large enough to accommodate the arrival of a new travel agency
• Regulation: in this subsection, we give an overview of the main regulation applicable to our travel agency

Setting the strategy for our travel agency

This section highlights the company's game plan when it comes to pricing, marketing and mitigating risks along the way.

Our travel agency business plan template strategy section is formed of the following subsections:

• Pricing: in this subsection, we explain how service rates are decided (our travel agency earns a 13% base rate commission through selling trips for network partners such as Tourcom) and the rationale behind our choice
• Marketing plan: in this subsection, we explain what action we'll put in place to build awareness and loyalty among our travel agency customers
• Milestones: in this subsection, we give an overview of the main goals we set for ourselves for the next 3 years
• Risks and Mittigants: in this subsection, we perform an assessment of the medium and long-term risks that could jeopardize the financial viability of our travel agency and outline how we intend to mitigate them

Operations section of the travel agency business plan template

This part lays out the company's operational organisation, including the recruitment plan.

Our travel agent business plan operations section is formed of the following subsections:

• Personnel plan: in this subsection, we explain what our opening hours will be and explain the responsibilities of each of staff member in our travel agency
• Key assets and IP: in this subsection, we list the assets and intellectual property rights which are critical to our business operations and explain how we will secure and protect each of these
• Suppliers: in this subsection, we give an overview of the main suppliers we will use our what commercial terms have been negotiated with them

Financial plan included in our travel agency business plan template

This section presents the expected financial performance of the travel agency over the next 3 years.

Our travel agency business plan example's financial plan is formed of the following subsections:

• Start-up funding: in this subsection, we list the cost of each item required to launch the travel agency
• Important assumptions: in this subsection, we explain the methodology and the main assumptions used to build the travel agency's financial forecast
• Sales forecast: in this subsection, we detail the expected revenues and growth rate for our travel agency in the coming years
• Cost structure: in this subsection, we list all the expenses required for our travel agency to operate smoothly
• Projected Profit & Loss statement: in this subsection, we analyse our forecasted P&L and comment on the expected profitability of our travel agency over the next 3 years
• Projected cash flow statement: in this subsection, we analyse the expected cash generation of the travel agency
• Projected balance sheet: in this section we give an analysis of the liquidity and solvability implied from our balance sheet

Appendices of the travel agency business plan template

This part provides the opportunity to include multiple financial appendices generated by our software (debt maturity profile, monthly financial statements, financial analysis, etc.).

Our travel agency business plan template's appendices include:

• A maturity profile chart showing the principal repayments of their loans over the next 3 years
• A monthly cash flow forecast: showing how much cash is being generated or consumed each month over the first 3 years of operations

Travel agency business plan template sample

Executive summary, business overview.

Bersara Travel Agents will be a travel agency based in the heart of Trouville sur Mer, close to the tourist office.

Our primary aim is to help tourists experience the very best Normandy has to offer.

We will offer customers:

• Excursions within Normandy
• International trips from Deauville or Caen
• Business trips and seminars

Bersara Travel Agents is a limited liability company managed by its two partners - Mrs Sarah F and Mr Bernard T.

Market Overview

National Market

Key figures from the French travel industry

Tourism was France's leading industry in 2014 - comprising 7.4% of the economy's total GDP.

Whilst the French travel market was dynamic at the time, it was also on the cusp of change.

In 2013, 8,122 travel agencies generated a combined turnover of €13.7bn (8.6% of the industry's total turnover).

It's estimated that French residents booked 15.4% of their trips through travel agencies or tour operators (including online bookings) in 2014. The market share of travel agencies reached 39.5% of all overseas trips booked by the French.

Local Market

With over 4 million trips made each year, Calvados is the 8th most visited region in France.

Calvados' main areas of attraction include:

• The 1944 landing sites and corresponding Battle of Normandy tours
• Sites linked to the history of William the Conqueror
• Local produce (visits to cider distilleries and cheese factories)
• Leisure activities (seaside activities, sailing, horse riding, tennis and golf)

The Coeur Côte Fleurie collection of villages, of which Trouville Sur Mer is included, has a year-round population of 20,582. This figure is, on average, six to eight times higher in the summer.

The Trouville Sur Mer tourist office, located near the agency's premises, welcomes an estimated 20,000 people in July.

Business tourism is also very prevalent within Coeur Côte Fleurie, thanks to the Centre International de Deauville (CID). The convention centre is occupied 300 days a year, hosting 150 events and accommodating 200,000 visitors.

Financial Highlights

We expect our travel agency to be profitable from year 3.

We anticipate that our turnover will increase from €488,025 in year 1 to €789,000 in year 3. The gross margin is expected to remain stable (12%) throughout.

We expect to generate an EBITDA of €-31,222 in year 1, €-13,995 in year 2 and €5,110 in year 3.

Despite the company's loss-making situation in the first two years, the business should be sufficiently capitalised to enable us to meet our loan repayments while retaining sufficient headroom to deal with unforeseen circumstances.

Bersara Travel Agents has a negative working capital requirement, which should give our startup further leeway during the first two years.

Bersara Travel Agents will require an initial investment of €55,000.

Our partners will contribute €50,000 (€25,000 in share capital and €25,000 in directors loan) i.e. 91% of the amount. We would like to obtain a bank loan of €5,000 to complete the financing.

500,000+ entrepreneurs have already used The Business Plan Shop

Easy to get started with and well-guided throughout. Lots of business plan templates to help you and writing is easy because there are explanations at each step of the process.

Quite frankly excellent because I was able to finalize my business plan in less time than expected. This software offers a very coherent and complete approach to writing your project.

It is a very well designed software that allows you to visualise each step of your project, understand if the idea is viable or not and think about the steps needed to start your business.

The software is just impeccable. Of course, it meets the requirements of people starting a business. In addition to having a tool for putting together a proper financial forecast, there is also a tool to help write the business plan.

Try The Business Plan Shop before you buy

There’s only one way to make up your mind about a new service - by trying it out for free. So we’re offering a free trial run on our platform for 7 days.

Learn more about The Business Plan Shop

Travel agency business plan template faq.

A travel agency business plan is a written document that sets out the commercial, operational and financial objectives of the company over the next 3 to 5 years.

It consists of two main parts:

• A written part that presents, in detail, your travel agency business, the team, your strategy, and your medium-term objectives.
• A financial forecast that highlights the expected profitability of the travel agency and the initial funding requirements.

The lack of business planning is one of the main reasons why more than 50% of startups fail within 5 years. If you're starting a travel agency, writing a business plan is a must-have in order to reduce the risk of failure of your project.

Business plans are also required by most lenders and investors in order to secure financing, therefore a business plan is also highly recommended if you're seeking a loan or equity investment for your travel agency.

Writing a travel agency business plan without The Business Plan Shop can be both error-prone and time-consuming - whether you're new to entrepreneurship or experienced:

• You'll need to research the structure of a business plan, what to include in each section, and what key elements investors and lenders expect to see
• You may encounter writer's block (especially if it's the first time you're writing a business plan for your travel agency)
• You'll need to create a financial forecast on a spreadsheet which requires a solid understanding of accounting and financial modelling in order to be done without error
• You'll need to spend hours formatting financial data on Excel or Sheets before it's ready to integrate into your business plan
• Any updates to your travel agency business plan or financial forecast will need to be done manually

Luckily for you, The Business Plan Shop's online platform and travel agency business plan template guide you through every stage of writing a business plan, so that you can spend more time managing and growing your business instead.

Our editor follows a best-in-class structure for professional business plans. Each section and subsection includes examples and instructions to help you, while our business plan templates provide further inspiration if you're stuck.

Our financial forecasting software helps you create a forecast and integrate it into your business plan with ease. Anytime you update your data, your business plan automatically updates.

And with our forecasting software all the calculations are done for you, without errors.

The budget to start and run a travel agency will depend on the exact concept and location.

If you're starting an online travel agency, your costs are likely to be much lower than if you are going to use a physical location. This is because you will save on rent and overheads amongst other expenses.

If your travel agency is located in the city centre or on any busy high street, you're likely to incur much higher expenses than if you are on the outskirts of a town or city.

A stylish website, that's well designed (professionally), will likely increase your startup costs, in comparison to a simple, yet workable website.

As an example, in our travel agency business plan template the total initial funding requirement amounted to €55,000, with the founders contributing €50,000.

In order to assess the exact budget for your travel agency idea, you need to do a financial forecast using a financial projection tool such as the one we offer .

The package we offer at The Business Plan Shop goes way beyond a simple blank template you need to fill. With our platform you get:

• Access to one of the best business plan software on the market
• Access to our travel agency business plan template which contains a complete example of a written business plan and financial forecast to start a travel agency
• Access to our entire business plan templates library - giving you dozens of examples to take inspiration from
• Access to our financial planning and analysis platform so that you can track the actual performance of your business against what you had planned in your business plan and re-plan easily

But you shouldn't take our word for it: try our solution for free and make your own opinion!

The free trial enables you to try the software for free during 7 days in order to verify that it meets your requirements before buying.

Some features are limited during the free trial, the main limits are:

• You can only create one business plan
• The financials of the first year are visible, but data for other years are hidden
• You can export your plan in PDF but not in Word or CSV
• No access to our business plan templates

You can create your account and start your free trial here .

Access to our template is included with all our paid subscriptions.

Please visit our pricing page to learn about this in more detail.

Other business plan templates and resources to discover

Search Travel Market Report

• Packaged Travel
• Hotels & Resorts
• Destinations
• Retail Strategies
• Niche & Luxury
• Training & Resources
• Brian Israel
• Briana Bonfiglio
• Dan McCarthy
• Dori Saltzman
• Jennifer Arango
• Kelly Fontenelle
• Keri-Anne Slevin
• Louis Intreglia
• Sarah Milner
• Tom McCarthy

Why Every Travel Advisor Needs a Business Plan…And How to Start One

Photo: Shutterstock.com

When you venture out on a trip by car, plane, or cruise ship, the operator uses a map or GPS for directions, right? The most effective way to get from point A to point B is by setting a clear pathway in advance and planning for any potential obstacles. This is equally true in running a travel agency business. Having a solid business plan helps you steer your time, energy, and resources from where you are now to where you want to be. We spoke to a few travel advisors who recently had the experience of learning from small business experts about the importance of creating a business plan for their travel agency. Here is what they had to say. A critical tool of empowerment “A business plan is important in that it helps you get a clear overview of your goals and objectives for your travel agency. Having a travel agency business plan is truly essential, whether starting a new agency or having been in the business for years … I think of it as a blueprint that will help me navigate through the travel industry, all while achieving my goals of doing the one thing that I love the most, and that’s helping my clients make memories,” says Gwen Johnson, CTC, owner and travel advisor, GMN Vacations, LLC. Paula McDonald, owner and travel advisor, of Family 1 st Travelers, LLC, says: “A business plan is not just a document; it's your compass, blueprint, and guiding star. It's the tool that empowers you to define your goals, identify your audience, and navigate through challenges.”

McDonald is experienced in the task of creating a business plan. She already had a business plan in place for her agency before participating this summer in a program to help travel advisors develop one. But she says she reviews it often, and the course facilitators encouraged her to revisit her goals. She has a clear understanding of why every travel advisor needs a business plan, which she eloquently shared with us.

“Having a business plan is crucial for travel advisors for several compelling reasons,” explains McDonald. “For example, it provides a roadmap for travel advisors and outlines specific goals, objectives, and strategies, giving a clear sense of direction. The business plan ensures the advisor focuses efforts and resources on activities aligning with the vision. It is essential to determine the business's financial stability and growth, and set realistic expectations for growth and profitability.  “A business plan challenges travel advisors to define their target market and niche. Knowing who the ideal customers are helps tailor services and marketing efforts to meet their needs and preferences. A business plan outlines marketing strategies, which are essential for attracting clients. “Additionally, with a business plan, travel advisors can allocate resources wisely. A well-structured business plan reflects professionalism and commitment. Without a business plan, a travel advisory business may lack direction and struggle to reach its full potential.”  What to include in the plan A well-thought-out business plan sets you up for success. There are several components to include in a winning business plan that - when crafted with deliberation, understanding, and commitment - can help travel advisors fast-track their sales and income.

As for what to include in a business plan, the mission statement clearly defines what your business is, what you offer, and what differentiates your products/services from others in the marketplace. The marketplace analysis section delves into who your target customer(s) are, including demographics (such as age, economic status, where they live, their travel styles), their hobbies, what motivates them, etc. Also key is to identify what the growth potential is for reaching that target audience within your sphere of influence. The financial section is crucial. This includes a plan that sets sales goals that are clear and realistic; pinpoints where target customers will come from; describes sales activities to reach the objectives of the business; addresses staffing needs and costs; and lays out monthly and yearly cash flow projections. The marketing component is critical. It is the roadmap to organize, execute, and track marketing strategies. This includes the different types of marketing tactics (such as website, email, social media posts and ads, events, word-of-mouth, and co-op marketing with suppliers); how to implement them; what it will cost; and how to track results and make relevant adjustments. The executive summary of a business plan is positioned first in the final document, but is often written last. It provides a short summary of the agency’s mission, growth goals for the coming year(s), and how those goals will be achieved. There are many courses led by small business associations and business coaches, both online and in person, that travel advisors can tap into for help in crafting a great business plan. Local community colleges often have classes, as well. And some travel industry partners assist in this regard, which is perhaps the most effective approach, since they understand the travel industry inside and out. Travel advisor aha moments Leigh Lee, owner and travel advisor, Our Next Adventure Travels, had an aha moment during the process of creating her business plan. It was “when one of the instructors told us to think outside the box and think how your business can be different. If it is a niche, then you can charge more because not everyone can do what you do. I always plan trips for my mom, who is a disabled veteran, and I realized that I love helping people who have disabilities. This is when I realized my passion for travel and my passion for helping people with disabilities can come together to make a successful business.

“This program made me realize that I have a niche market, and I have more value to offer to my clients because of my education and training.” Exactly the opposite, Johnson says: “When I was building my business plan, my aha moment was when I realized I didn't have to limit myself to a specific niche. I'm passionate about creating a memorable experience for my clients, and technology has helped me make that happen. For example, the digital itinerary product I use includes a chat feature that allows me to automate tasks and provide a more personalized touch.”

There are no correct or incorrect answers. Wherever the business planning process leads is valuable and unique to each travel advisor, and to achieving the business of their dreams. McDonald’s aha moment was “realizing the importance of understanding our target audience intimately. This ‘aha’ moment went beyond knowing that our focus was on our travelers; it meant diving deep into their unique needs and preferences. Through extensive market research and customer surveys, we unearthed invaluable insights. We discovered that the travel community sought convenient travel options and experiences catering to all age groups. This revelation led us to develop tailored packages incorporating activities for our business partners who travel with family and our families traveling with children, parents, and extended family members. This ‘aha’ moment fundamentally keeps us focused on the fact that we are in the business of creating unforgettable travel memories and experiences.”   

And their challenges As many of her peers would undoubtedly agree, Johnson describes: “The most challenging part of a travel business plan for me is the financial section. I’ve never been a fan of crunching numbers, but I understand how important it is to have a solid financial plan in place. The travel industry has so many factors that can affect the demand for travel, and it is constantly changing; therefore, you must be prepared for anything, including economic conditions, natural disasters, and competition. A strong financial plan will help you weather the storms.” For Lee, the challenge was “finding the statistics that supported the need for travel agents that assist people with disabilities. I needed to see the numbers before I changed my whole business around to mostly serve people who have disabilities. I overcame this obstacle by reaching out to other travel agents who have been in the travel business longer. The second thing was looking at my sales in the last year, and realizing I could have done more sales if I had written this business plan sooner.” McDonald explains that, for her, the most challenging aspects in creating the business plan “were undoubtedly patience and learning about our target audience. Developing a business plan requires careful thought, research, and deliberation. Creating a business plan is a process that can take time, as it lays the foundation for the entire venture. We overcame that by establishing a structured timeline and task list, allocating specific timeframes for each business plan section. Setting a structured time helped manage expectations and prevent the urge to rush through the process. Regular check-ins and progress reviews with the team ensured we stayed on track while allowing necessary adjustments.”

McDonald also describes: “Understanding family and corporate travelers' nuanced needs and preferences was a complex task. It required in-depth market research, customer surveys, and the flexibility to adapt as new insights emerged. This process demanded keen attention to detail and a willingness to listen and learn from our potential clients. We overcame that by investing time in market research and conducting thorough surveys to gather valuable data. We also directly talked with families and business owners through focus groups and individual interviews to better understand their travel desires and needs. This hands-on approach provided invaluable insights for our business plan, ensuring it was finely tuned to cater to the specific needs of our target audience.”

Take the first step How do you begin the considerable task of formulating a business plan? Just take the first step. “Start by envisioning where you want your travel business to be, then break it down into achievable milestones,” suggests McDonald. She also stresses: “Remember, patience is key. Building a thriving travel advisory business takes time. Take the time to research, learn, and refine your plan. Each adjustment brings you one step closer to your vision. And don't be afraid to seek guidance. Connect with mentors, attend workshops, and engage with the travel community. Their experiences can offer invaluable perspectives and steer you away from common pitfalls.”  FROM THE SPONSOR: This summer, Carnival Cruise Line conducted a nationwide "Your Winning Plan" roadshow and competition for travel advisors. The educational initiative gave travel advisors the opportunity to learn from business experts from the U.S. Small Business Association, while at the same time competing for $20,000 worth of prizes. Carnival encouraged the participating advisors to develop business plans with a tool created in cooperation with America’s Small Business Development Centers, a partner of the U.S. Small Business Association. The advisors were then invited to submit their plans and compete for cash to use toward implementing them. More than one thousand plans were submitted during the program. One of the semi-finalists will be named as the grand prize winner when celebrated entrepreneur Daymond John, star of ABC’s “Shark Tank,” helps to conclude the series at a grand finale event in Houston on September 27. Carnival President Christine Duffy will join John during the event to discuss tips for entrepreneurial success, and he will name the grand prize winner during an onstage celebration. For more information call 800-CARNIVAL or visit  www.goccl.com  or  www.carnival.com .

MOST VIEWED

• Lufthansa Strike Update for Monday
• Royal Caribbean Reverses Course, Cancels Labadee Cruise Calls
• Another Lufthansa Strike Will Impact Travel on Thursday
• Labadee Cruise Calls Unaffected by Haiti Violence, But Excursions Canceled
• Alaska Airlines Will No Longer Print Boarding Passes at Airport Kiosks
• Delta Air Lines Raises Checked Bag Fee
• Royal Caribbean Monitoring Haiti Violence
• Chargebacks: The Scourge of the Travel Advisor Business
• Amex GBT Agrees to Acquire Carlson Wagonlit Travel for $570 Million
• Here's What Each River Cruise Line Includes
• Taiwan Earthquake Update: Train Services Resume, Flights Operating Near Schedule
• Major Cruise Changes Could Come After Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses

Subscribe today to receive daily in-depth coverage, analysis of industry news, trends and issues that affect how you do business. Subscribe now for free.

Subscribe to TMR

The two companies are also launching a luggage express service to make transfering easier. 

The cruise line intends to lists its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "VIK."

Content is available on and off Holland America Line's ships.

Press coverage of the incident and accompanying commentaries are doing a disservice to travel advisors.

World Europa provides a window into what sister ship MSC World America has in store for your clients. 

Here's everything advisors should know about the ship spreading happiness on the Douro .

Free Download

Travel Agency Business Plan Template

Download this free travel agency business plan template, with pre-filled examples, to create your own plan..

Or plan with professional support in LivePlan. Save 50% today

Available formats:

What you get with this template

A complete business plan.

Text and financials are already filled out and ready for you to update.

• SBA-lender approved format

Your plan is formatted the way lenders and investors expect.

Edit to your needs

Download as a Word document and edit your business plan right away.

• Detailed instructions

Features clear and simple instructions from expert business plan writers.

All 100% free. We're here to help you succeed in business, no strings attached.

Get the most out of your business plan example

Follow these tips to quickly develop a working business plan from this sample.

1. Don't worry about finding an exact match

We have over 550 sample business plan templates . So, make sure the plan is a close match, but don't get hung up on the details.

Your business is unique and will differ from any example or template you come across. So, use this example as a starting point and customize it to your needs.

2. Remember it's just an example

Our sample business plans are examples of what one business owner did. That doesn't make them perfect or require you to cram your business idea to fit the plan structure.

Use the information, financials, and formatting for inspiration. It will speed up and guide the plan writing process.

3. Know why you're writing a business plan

To create a plan that fits your needs , you need to know what you intend to do with it.

Are you planning to use your plan to apply for a loan or pitch to investors? Then it's worth following the format from your chosen sample plan to ensure you cover all necessary information.

But, if you don't plan to share your plan with anyone outside of your business—you likely don't need everything.

More business planning resources

Industry Business Planning Guides

10 Qualities of a Good Business Plan

How to Write a Business Plan

How to Start a Business With No Money

How to Write a Business Plan for Investors

Simple Business Plan Outline

Business Plan Template

How to Create a Business Plan Presentation

Download your template now

Need to validate your idea, secure funding, or grow your business this template is for you..

• Fill-in-the-blank simplicity
• Expert tips & tricks

We care about your privacy. See our privacy policy .

Not ready to download right now? We'll email you the link so you can download it whenever you're ready.

Download as PDF

Finish your business plan with confidence

Step-by-step guidance and world-class support from the #1 business planning software

From template to plan in 30 minutes

• Step-by-step guidance
• Crystal clear financials
• Expert advice at your fingertips
• Funding & lender ready formats
• PLUS all the tools to manage & grow

Tax Season Savings

Get 40% off LivePlan

The #1 rated business plan software

Transform Tax Season into Growth Season

Discover the world’s #1 plan building software

Home Page › Business travel to moscow

• Our Service
• Our Photo Album

We take part in BBC series of documentaries "World's Busiest Cities"(Moscow)

Buy Tickets to the Bolshoi Theatre

Other special offers...

Interpreting and assistance at exhibitions and conferences, our garage ( vehicles+drivers), where to stay in moscow, what and where to eat in moscow, visa support, learning and discovery, our partners (trips to st.petersburg).

Copyright 2015 - Moscow Navigator

• Moscow Tourism
• Moscow Hotels
• Moscow Bed and Breakfast
• Moscow Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Moscow
• Moscow Restaurants
• Things to Do in Moscow
• Moscow Travel Forum
• Moscow Photos
• All Moscow Hotels
• Moscow Hotel Deals
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

DIY or travel agency visa application? - Moscow Forum

• Europe    
• Russia    
• Central Russia    
• Moscow    

DIY or travel agency visa application?

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Central Russia forums
• Moscow forum

I know this is an exhaustive topic, but I can't seem to find the answer in a forum search. I apologize if this has ben previously covered and I missed it.

It depends on you, not on your itinerary. Anyone able to search, read and understand written text, fill a form can DIY. If the mere idea of searching, reading and filling makes you shudder, hire a helper by all means.

Of all the things you mention, the only thing you may well need some “extra help” with is getting a reasonable set of invite docs (as you correctly state, if you are not staying at a larger, regular hotel, you will be charged maybe $20), you can do this for maybe $20 on ANY reputable site...e-mailed in PDF form back within 24 hours. no need to pay a visa agency likely at least $100 extra per visa. Once you go on the site you are directed to, you will be given all details, and then a link to a web based app completion...one you can save, come back to...if you hit questions, often we can answer here...more often, the answer is here already, just need to do a quick query in the box above...

I'm in the current visa black hole that others are in after doing it myself with ILS which suddenly ceased operations, turning them over to VFS. Read some of the threads like "Another Russia Visa via Washington DC question " below in the forum. I'd pay the extra $100 in a heartbeat for the peace of mind and speed compared to what's going on (or rather NOT going on) with our applications and passports. But that's just my humble opinion.

i believe at this point both DC and NY are fully moved over to being submitted thru VFS...I would agree that indeed back when you did this, had you used an agency, they - with the fact that the larger ones are handling maybe 10s- 100 at any point in time - might have been able to intercede. BUT, if the site now points folks to VFS, less to be gained...

As always, IMHO of course

I ended up speaking to a man with ILS today, who recommended I call World Visit Center in DC to have them handle everything. Now I'm really confused, because if ILS closed, whom did I speak with???

*Edited to say I now see the disclosure on the website about VFS. Yet, the website is the same name. It's confusing!

I spent 2 hours today just trying to get an answer to the question "Do I file for a tourist or a private visa" and even the gentleman on the phone had a few questions before he could give me a final answer. The government consulate websites are incorrect, saying that the Seattle Visa Support office is still open, despite the closure of the consulate....I think I just might spring for the extra $ to save the time and headache.

I am confused...did you end up here? https://www.vfsglobal.com/Russia/USA/

IF you did, then you can simply follow the info as to which type of visa, etc.

I got there by going to the OFFICIAL site...

https://washington.mid.ru/en/consular-services/

https://washington.mid.ru/en/consular-services/citizens-usa/

https://washington.mid.ru/en/consular-services/citizens-usa/visa-to-russia/

After this last one, I chose the FIRST option...”About Russian Visa Center” (this gets you to the first link I posted above...

As for them saying Seattle and San Fran offices are open, I did not fully check, but while the CONSULATES are closed, VFS may still have local presence and office to accept apps...

Also, as to whether tourist or private, unless you have REALLY good friends or close relatives there, you should choose tourist as, which you will find by reading further on the first site, the PRIVATE route involves quite a bit more hassle, not the least of which being you will need to get a PHYSICAL copy of the invitation documents required...what BTW is the main purpose for visiting?

Your links are so much better than what I found today! Google led me on a wild goose chase, and I ended up here, https://seattle.mid.ru/web/seattle-en/russian-visa-centers and https://ils-usa.com/news/175?domain=5&language=10 telling me that Seattle is still open, but then not being able to get through on the phone or via email. I don't even know where else I looked! Like I said, it was a 2 hour affair that just left me frustrated.

I admit it can be confusing especially with a TON of sites saying they are “Russian Consulate”. I have found as the links show IF you get to the real one, you are in pretty good shape. So, in summary, ILS is no longer in play, when in doubt, call or e-mail VFS...and, also, is Bellingham in Washington (state]...if so, then as I wrote, THEY have a physical presence, office...and presumably if you submit app and paperwork thru them (in person or via mail), then they, as the fully authorized AGENT (not simply a “visa agency”) for pretty much all Russian Consulates in the US, will handle the rest!

• Train Booking Moscow to St. Peter Mar 29, 2024
• Union Pay debit card Mar 27, 2024
• Russian trying to book a hotel in Jerusalem Mar 14, 2024
• Dual Citizen Arrested in Russia Mar 12, 2024
• about clothes Feb 27, 2024
• NOTE - border crossing from Finland into Russia closed Feb 09, 2024
• Snow boots in Red Square Feb 04, 2024
• Travelling to Moscow & Murmansk with toddle in winter Feb 02, 2024
• Anyone traveling from London to Moscow this week ? Jan 27, 2024
• Booking accommodation Jan 11, 2024
• Traveling friends (Designers preferred) :) Jan 05, 2024
• Are shops and things closed during Christmas and New Week ? Dec 15, 2023
• Traveling to Eastern Russia Nov 17, 2023
• Travel to russia september 2023 tips welcome Oct 17, 2023
• Moscow to St Petersburg train or air?? 32 replies
• New Sapsan Express Train from Moscow to St Petersburg 18 replies
• New year's in moscow 8 replies
• Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour 5 replies
• How do you purchase Bolshoi Ballet tickets at a great price? 2 replies
• Select-a-room.com Are they legitimate? 3 replies
• Weather Moscow and St. petersburg in May 8 replies
• Night train to St Petersburg 3 replies
• ATM Access 12 replies
• Visa needed if on layover at Moscow Airport??????? 15 replies

Moscow Hotels and Places to Stay

• Where can I get initial answers to ANY question?

Ukraine war latest: Moscow 'very likely' behind GPS disruptions; Russian personnel 'killed or injured' in Ukrainian strikes

Ukraine conducted "coordinated strikes" on a military airbase inside Russia overnight, a Ukrainian military source has told Sky News. The operation, which took place early this morning, included attacks against Russian SU-34 fighter-bombers.

Saturday 6 April 2024 15:30, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• Ukraine conducts 'coordinated strikes' on military airbase inside Russia, source tells Sky News 
• As many as 20 airfield personnel 'killed or injured' | 'Six Russian warplanes destroyed'
• Explained: What is the Morozovsk airfield?
• Russia 'very likely responsible' for Baltic GPS disruptions, Germany says
• Kyiv denies Russian forces have reached eastern town | Moscow claims control of another village
• Explained: How the war has strayed outside Ukraine's borders
• Big picture : What's happening with war?

We've not been able to bring you live updates on the war in Ukraine today, so here is what has been happening. 

Eight people have been killed in two Russian strikes on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, local authorities say. 

The strikes took place early this morning and in the afternoon. 

Ukraine's national police said the attack was launched by drones, but local officials said missiles and bombs were used. 

"As of this morning, there are 6 dead and 10 wounded as a result of the night strike on Shevchenkivskyi district," Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov said on Telegram. 

At least nine high-rise buildings were struck, along with administrative buildings, a shop, a petrol station, and a service station. 

Here are more updates from today: 

• Tajikistan has rejected a Russian claim that Ukraine's embassy in the Tajik capital is recruiting mercenaries to fight against Russia
• A kamikaze drone hit a military facility used by pro-Russian separatists in Moldova's breakaway region of Transnistria 
• The Ukrainian army's commander-in-chief said his forces are still in control of the town of Chasiv Yar despite attempts by Russian forces to break through their defences. 

That's it for our coverage for today, but before we go - let's recap the day's key happenings. 

Airbase strikes

By far the biggest story of the day is regarding overnight Ukrainian strikes on an airfield inside Russia - news we broke exclusively here at Sky News via our  Ukraine producer  Artem Lysak and  security and defence editor  Deborah Haynes.

Ukrainian sources have since indicated that as many as 20 Russian service personnel were killed or wounded in the attack on Morozovsk airfield in Rostov. 

Up to eight aircraft were damaged, while as many as six were destroyed completely, Ukrainian sources claimed.

The airbase has been the staging post for Russian bombings on the frontline since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

It is home to the 559th Bomber Aviation Regiment within the 1st Guards Composite Aviation Division.

This unit has three squadrons of SU-34s which are regularly used to bomb Ukrainian forces on the frontline.

Claim that nuclear plant targeted again

Russia has once again claimed that Ukraine has tried to attack the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. 

Critical infrastructure was not thought to have been damaged despite the drone attack, state media quoted the plant's Moscow-installed management as saying. 

Both Ukraine and Russia have accused the other of trying to create a nuclear disaster by attacking the plant - which has been under Moscow's control since the early days of the war.

Separately - and not thought to be linked to the war in Ukraine - authorities in the far eastern Russian city of Khabarovsk have declared an emergency after radiation was detected in the area.

No one has been injured or exposed to radiation and there is no risk to public health, TASS quoted the local branch of Russia's consumer safety watchdog as saying.

Russian advances? 

Russia reported advances in two areas of Donetsk. 

The defence ministry said Russian troops had reached the suburbs of the town of Chasiv Yar - which was denied by Ukraine. 

Kyiv did note fighting in the area, however. 

Additionally and without providing details or evidence, the ministry said troops had also captured the village of Vodyane, which is just northwest of Donetsk city and slightly southwest of Avdiivka. 

Ukraine is yet to respond to the claims regarding Vodyane.

Lord Cameron will travel to the US next week where he will urge politicians to approve a package of military aid for Ukraine.

The foreign secretary said he would meet with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson to urge him to pass the bill - which he has held up for months. 

"Britain has put forward its money for Ukraine this year, so has the European Union. America needs to do it," he said on X. 

"Speaker Johnson can make it happen in Congress. I am going to go see him next week and say we need that money, Ukraine needs that money."

The bill, worth some $95bn (£75bn), was approved by the Democrat-led Senate on 13 February, but has faced stiff opposition in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

Both houses of Congress must approve the bill before President Biden can sign it into law. 

Some $60bn (£47bn) of the package is allocated for military aid for Ukraine alone. 

However, former president Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress want funding directed toward domestic issues such as border control, rather than on foreign wars. 

Several Russian personnel have been expelled from the NATO headquarters, secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg has said. 

It is not clear when the expulsions took place. 

"We realised that they were carrying out activities that were not actually diplomatic work, but intelligence work," Mr Stoltenberg told Bild . 

He did not say how many had been expelled, nor offer any detail as to what intelligence they had gathered while at the NATO headquarters, which is located in Brussels. 

A Moscow court has placed an 11th suspect in last month's concert hall attack in pre-trial detention, Russian officials have said.

The suspect, Muhammad Zoir Sharipzoda, a Tajik national, is accused of committing a terrorist act, the court said.

At least 144 people were killed when the so-called IS-K targeted the venue - which is just outside Moscow - at the end of last month.

This morning, Russia's investigative committee claimed it had recovered images from the phone of one of the shooters, which it said may indicate a connection between the Ukraine war and the attack (see 8.29am post). 

Ukraine has strenuously denied any involvement after repeated Russian accusations, including from Vladimir Putin, that Kyiv was involved or aware of the attack in some capacity. 

The West has similarly dismissed suggestions Kyiv was involved and several leaders have accused Russia of using the attack as an excuse to expand its operations in Ukraine. 

At least two people have died and six have been injured by a Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia, the head of Ukraine's military administration for the region has said. 

A nine-year-old boy was among the injured, while the dead are a man and a woman of unspecified age, Ivan Fedorov said on Telegram.

The boy's mother, 36, was also injured, alongside young men in their 20s and a man and woman in their 50s.

Mr Fedorov did not say how the attack was carried out, and Russia has not commented on the claims. 

He shared this unverified image of the damage purportedly caused by the attack, but offered no details as to what the building was. 

As we reported in our 2.50pm post, Russia has claimed today that Ukraine has been trying to hit the nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia with drones. 

As we've been reporting throughout today, Ukraine launched a coordinated drone attack on an airbase inside Russian territory overnight. 

Ukrainian sources have indicated that as many as 20 Russian service personnel were killed or wounded in the attack on Morozovsk airfield in Rostov. 

This footage shows the attack...

In the latest in a string of accusations of a similar nature, Russia has again claimed that Ukraine has tried to attack the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. 

"The Ukrainian armed forces hit the territory of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant with several UAVs (drones)," Russian state media outlet TASS cites the station's Moscow-installed management as saying. 

However, critical infrastructure is not thought to have been damaged, it added. 

Ukraine has not responded to the latest accusations from Moscow - which are unverified.  

Russia is "very likely" to have been behind a series of disturbances affecting GPS navigation in the Baltic region, the German defence ministry has claimed. 

The ministry pointed to the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad as a source of the problem.

"The persistent disruptions to the global navigation satellite system are very likely of Russian origin and are based on disruptions in the electromagnetic spectrum, including those originating in the Kaliningrad Oblast," a spokesperson said.

However, the spokesperson did not offer any details as to how Berlin came to its conclusions and the Russian embassy in the country has not responded to a request for comment. 

Similarly last month, a government source said that Russia was believed to have jammed the satellite signal on an aircraft used by UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps when it flew close to Kaliningrad.

Kaliningrad is a Russian territory wedged between Lithuania and Poland on the coast of the Baltic Sea.

These images show Russian troops fighting in unspecified locations on the frontlines of Moscow's war on Ukraine.

The Russian Ministry of Defence has reported steady advances in recent weeks, including today when it said troops had reached the suburbs of one town (see 9.25am post) and to have captured a village (see previous post). 

Ukraine has complained of "difficult" battlefield conditions with ammunition remaining scant, but has rejected many Russian claims about advances or settlement captures. 

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free