Is owning a travel agency a good business?

Starting a travel agency can be a fun, fulfilling and profitable career, and with the number of resources available today, anyone with a passion for travel can start a travel agency. That said, as with any new business, there is a substantial amount of work needed to get your travel agency off the ground.



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Approach it as a side hustle with the potential for growth. Being a travel agent can be a great way to make extra cash, especially if you already have other businesses or entrepreneurial ventures. If you're a serial entrepreneur, juggling multiple ventures might come naturally to you.

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As a UK travel agent, you'll likely operate on a commission-based pay structure, so you'll only earn money when you sell a travel product or service. While this can be a great motivator to sell as much as possible, it can also lead to pressure to upsell or add on extras that may be outside your client's best interests.

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If you want this to be a six-figure income career for you, then you need to invest in yourself. This may include things like education, FAM trips, marketing, websites, associated costs to branding, a CRM or a travel agent portal to manage your business. Many host agencies will even provide some of these tools for you.

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Many travel professionals have adapted to this new environment by working for independent contractor companies or choosing to join host agencies. So it seems in one form or another, travel agents will survive! It's likely they will continue to evolve and serve an ever-changing world of travel.

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  • Low average salaries. One of the biggest drawbacks of the field is the pay travel agents receive. ...
  • It can be a demanding job. Travel agents with clients traveling worldwide often have to be on call pretty much 24/7 due to the vast time differences. ...
  • Online booking/job security.


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On the other hand, self-employed travel agents have a slightly different model of income generation. Their earnings primarily come from commissions they receive from suppliers or by imposing specific fees for their planning and consulting services.

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– but with the right mindset, hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit, you can begin your journey to becoming a successful travel agent. It's not easy, but there are few barriers, and the industry is so big you'll be sure to find a niche to fit into.

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Employment of travel agents is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 8,600 openings for travel agents are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

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The long-term prospect of the travel agency business is positive, with emphasis on the advisors who know their clients and provide expert consultation and support, making travel easier, more enjoyable, and more accessible.

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Generally, leisure travel agencies' main revenue is from commissions vendors pay on vacation packages, cruises, air, and other add-ons. However, consultation fees and service fees are becoming more common as agencies try to diversify income sources to become less dependent on supplier commissions.

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It varies; but usually between 10 and 15% of the total booking cost. And thanks to Fora's preferred partnerships with hotels and other travel companies around the world, our advisors are often paid more than that (known as 'enhanced commission').

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You can start as a trainee travel agent and receive on-the-job training from your employer. There are no set entry requirements, but a good general standard of education is expected. Some employers may ask for English and maths GCSEs or equivalent. Good geographical knowledge will also be helpful.

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The most attractive part of starting your own independent travel agency is the freedom to work for yourself, on your own hours, with your own clients, in your own home. But like all good things, independence comes with risks. As an independent travel agent, you have to assume the risks of entrepreneurship.

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How much does a travel agent cost? The cost of using a travel agent is generally marginal, and often, they won't charge you at all. Much of their money comes from commissions the hotels and wholesalers pay them. Before you decide to book with a travel agent, inquire whether or not they charge fees.

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To book airline flights, for example, you'll need an ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence), and for non-flight-based holidays, ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) bonding is advisable. The size of the ATOL licence can vary depending on the amount you'll need to reimburse consumers (see below).

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There is a large earning potential for independent travel agents since your income is comprised of commission, service fees, and consultation fees. Also, as an at-home agent, you are eligible for tax deductions. Travel perks: Also known as FAM trips.

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