If travelling is something you like, especially the organizing part of it, opening a travel agency might just be right up your street. Travel agencies help clients purchase airline tickets, plan cruises and holidays. Remember, the more experience and knowledge you have, the better your travel agency will be. Here’s how to get started:
- You must have your high school diploma or at least have completed the high school equivalency test before deciding to enter the travel industry.
- Prior experience at a travel agency would be helpful to learn the mechanics of it before you decide to open your own travel agency.
- Obtain a travel agent certificate.
- If you have time on your hands, perhaps a few college courses in business, marketing, communications and basic computer skills would be a good idea. Also consider learning a few foreign languages such as Spanish, French or Chinese.
- When opening your own travel agency, you will need to apply for a loan. To obtain a loan, you will need to have credit and a good, solid credit history. A business plan must be drawn up and collateral, ready. To start up your own travel agency you will need roughly around $20,000.
- Next, choose a good location that is visible from the roadways, maybe even in a shopping centre.
- Advertise your travel agency. Remember, you will need a good mix of new customers as well as repeat customers. You can promote your travel agency by placing classified ads, building a website, maintain a facebook fan page and much more.
