How to Start an Online Travel Agency

If you want to start an online travel agency, there is a need to gather pertinent information in order to manage the agency properly. You don’t need to lease out office space because it’s enough to have an optimized website.

A travel agency is serious business and you must possess adequate knowledge and skills.

Starting an Online Travel Agency

Did you know that it’s possible to start your own travel agency from home? This is possible in the US and when done properly, it can be a very rewarding business. Still, you should be aware that it entails a lot of work. You should know how to manage schedules and time effectively. To ensure that you’re doing the right thing, you need to have a background of the market and the industry. The first thing you have to do is apply for a business license. You have to inquire if you need a state and local license, and other local permits.

You have to pick the category of travel where you want to specialize. A very good example is specializing in cruises. In the US, this is a viable option because the population of Baby Boomers loves to travel. Once you’ve decided on the category, you can now gather as much info as you can. There are online courses that you can take but spend wisely. You can also check with suppliers if they provide free training. It would be best if you have a website where you can book flights and hotels. Find a hosting site that can provide you with 24/7 reliable service.

Joining Associations

One way to obtain a list of training resources and suppliers is to become a member of the National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents. The fee is a bit hefty but you can enjoy the enormous benefits. To ensure a successful travel agency, you need to provide exceptional customer service. By doing so, you can attract more clients since all their queries are answered promptly. This is one area that you can outsource in order to cut down the overheads.

Since you will be competing with many established agents and travel agencies, there is a need to advertise regularly. This is serious business and the only way to earn great profits is to manage it effectively. If you live in Oregon, Florida, Ohio, Nevada, California, and Hawaii, you have to obtain a state registration. You should be aware of the requirements to avoid paying unreasonable fines. You don’t need to lease out office space during the startup to minimize the cost; with a highly optimized site, you can already provide great services. Create a solid plan to know the things that you need to accomplish. With a detailed guide, startup will be very easy. An online travel agency can be profitable but only if you invest time, effort, and money.

6 Comments

  • Amol Borde said on August 24, 2010
    Hi, I am planning to start travel agency business, so please guide me how to start the business with all the resources and capital. I am located in city of Pune,state-Maharashtra, country-India Thanks & regards Amol Borde
  • Shamsuddin Diwan said on September 15, 2010
    I have Business of Railway/Air E-Ticket Booking online. I am Specialist of Tatkal Ticket Fast Booking. If you want to grow this Service/Business in your Area Contact me on 91-9998776857, I am located at India, Gujarat, Bharuch.
  • vimithaa said on June 8, 2012
    Hi, i'm housewife, i am planning to do ticket booking online, pls guide me to startup this biz, i'm from malaysia, thank.
  • shah said on June 13, 2012
    hi, i have a business of travels planing to develop my business i need some investors ,i am located at india bangalore
  • buddha tandukar said on December 22, 2013
    hi i am Buddha from Kathmandu, Nepal. we have travel agency in Kathmandu. we are searching travels agency all over the world who can send tourist in Nepal. This is a mutual benefit ways. Please feel free contact us. our email address is info@buddhatravels.net
  • pravin said on March 22, 2015
    Hi My name is pravin from mumbai, maharashtra state india, i want to start an online/offline travel agency , looking for like minded partner any where in India where we can have a jv or partnership for online travel portal, if interested please write to me on pravinkamath@hotmail.com or can call me on +919004001194

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