travel website 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

Travel Agency Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their travel agencies. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a travel agency business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Travel Agency Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your travel agency as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Travel Agency

If you’re looking to start a travel agency or grow your existing travel agency you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your travel agency in order to improve your chances of success. Your travel agency business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Source of Funding for Travel Agencies

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a travel agency are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a travel agency is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

Your travel agency business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of travel agency business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a travel agency that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of travel agencies.

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the travel agency industry. Discuss the type of travel agency you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of travel agency you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types:

• Commercial Travel Agencies : this type of travel agency caters to business travelers. These agencies specialize in tracking down deals for business travelers to help companies manage travel costs.
• Online Travel Agencies : this type of travel agency exists only in cyberspace. They provide clients with the convenience of online booking and discounts that are available only to professional travel agencies.
• Niche Travel Agencies : this type of travel agency provides clients with specialized knowledge of a region.
• Membership Associations : Memberships associations give travelers access to the organization’s travel planning services for the cost of an annual membership rather than charging per transaction. This type of agency offers the most benefit to frequent travelers.

In addition to explaining the type of travel agency you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include sales goals you’ve reached, new location openings, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the travel agency business.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the travel agency industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy particularly if your research identifies market trends. For example, if there was a trend towards glamping, it would be helpful to ensure your plan calls for plenty of luxury camping packages.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your travel agency business plan:

• How big is the travel agency business (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your travel agency. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your travel agency business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: sports enthusiasts, soccer moms, baby boomers, businesses, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of travel agency you operate. Clearly baby boomers would want a different atmosphere, pricing and product options, and would respond to different marketing promotions than businesses.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most travel agencies primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other travel agencies.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes customers making travel arrangements themselves at home. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone who travels uses travel agency services.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other travel agencies with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be travel agencies located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What products do they offer?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide better travel packages?
• Will you provide products or services that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you make it easier or faster for customers to book your offerings?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a travel agency business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of travel agency that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to regular accommodation and transportation booking, will you offer items such as tour packages and excursions?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the packages you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your travel agency. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your travel agency located next to a heavily populated office building, or highly trafficked retail area, etc. Discuss how your location might provide a steady stream of customers.

Promotions : the final part of your travel agency marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Making your travel agency’s storefront extra appealing to attract passing customers
• Distributing travel brochures outside the travel agency
• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local bloggers and websites
• Social media advertising
• Local radio advertising
• Banner ads at local venues

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your travel agency such as serving customers, procuring supplies, keeping the office clean, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to serve your 1,000th customer, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to hire your Xth employee or launch a new location.

Management Team

To demonstrate your travel agency’s ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in the travel agency business. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in travel agencies and/or successfully running retail and small businesses.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you serve 50 customers per week or 100? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : While balance sheets include much information, to simplify them to the key items you need to know about, balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. For instance, if you spend $100,000 on building out your travel agency, that will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $100.000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a travel agency:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment like computers, website/platform, and software
• Cost of marketing materials and maintaining an adequate amount of supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your store design blueprint or location lease.

Travel Agent Business Plan Template PDF

You can download our travel agent business plan PDF to help you get started on your own business plan.  

Travel Agency Business Plan Summary

Putting together a business plan for your travel agency is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the travel agency business, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful travel agency.

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

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.  

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Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Free Travel Agency Business Plan Template

This article contains affiliate links. It won't cost you anything extra, but we may be compensated a small amount for referrals. You can read our full (and I daresay the most fun)  affiliate disclosure here .

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?

Where did that $1,000 number come from? Not from thin air . . . find HAR's data here!

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).

Read here if you want help developing a niche of your own!

• 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?

If you are just starting and aren’t sure what type of business you want, check out this resource on how to choose a travel agency business structure

• 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?

You can see how Madeline Jhawar breaks down her earnings by services in this article here

• 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:

It’s important to avoid misclassifying employees as independent contractors because it can get you in deep trouble with IRS. Read up here to learn the difference .

• 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.

Not sure where to start with fees? Go here first

• 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?

We have a few forms resources to help you with your workflow!

• What are your marketing priorities ? Networking? Referral? Online? Social media?

If you’re not sure where to start, this is the way into our rabbit hole of marketing resources .

• 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
• 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

See our updated list of travel industry lawyers here!

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!

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Travel Agency Business Plan Template

If you want to start a Travel Agency business or expand your current Travel Agency, you need a business plan.

The following Travel Agency business plan template gives you the key elements to include in a winning Travel Agency business plan.

You can download our Travel Agency business plan template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Travel Agency Business Plan Example

I. executive summary, business overview.

[Company Name] is a travel agency that offers U.S. and international travel packages for travel enthusiasts living and working in [Location]. It offers a wide selection of travel services for top national and international cities, island getaways and small, hidden gem vacation spots.

Founded by best friends, [Founder 1] and [Founder 2], who love to travel, [Company name] was established by true travel enthusiasts with a deep passion for travel. It aims to satisfy the travel needs of any traveler and aspires to have travel packages for trips to North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Pacific Islands.

Products Served

Below is [Company Name]’s initial offerings:

• U.S. Travel Packages
• International Travel Packages
• Sightseeing and Food exploration packages
• Luxury Travel
• Group and Solo Packages

Customer Focus

[Company Name] will primarily serve residents who live in [Location]. The demographics of these customers are as follows:

• 92,500 residents
• 32,863 children
• Average income of $86,500
• 69% married
• 54% in Management/Professional occupations
• Median age: 33 years

Management Team

[Founder 1] will serve as the overall head of the business. He has a degree in Business Management from [University] with years of previous experiences in managing businesses. [Founder 2] is a graduate of [University] with a degree in Accounting. He has been working for big accounting firms and banks in the city and will serve as the company’s accountant.

Success Factors

[Company Name] is uniquely qualified to succeed for the following reasons:

• There is currently no other travel agency in the community we are entering that offers such a wide variety of travel packages
• Our vacation packages are highly customized and customer-centric to ensure satisfaction
• Travel Itineraries are crafted based on personal experiences to ensure authenticity
• The management team has a track record of success in the business
• Travel agencies are a proven, successful business concept in the U.S.

Financial Highlights

[Company Name] is seeking total funding of $350,000 to launch. The capital will be used for funding capital expenditures, salary, marketing expenses and working capital.

Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

• Travel related expenses: $115,000
• Design/build: approximately $85,000
• Working capital: approximately $150,000 to pay for marketing, salaries, and lease costs until [Company Name] reaches break-even

Top line projections over the next five years are as follows:

II. Company Overview

Who is [company name].

[Company Name] offers international travel packages for travel enthusiasts living and working in [Location]. The company offers a wide selection of vacation packages, from adventures to sightseeing to food-themed trips. [Company Name] aims to satisfy the travel needs of any traveler.

It offers a wide selection of destination services from top national and international cities, island getaways and small, hidden gem vacation spots. Its services will span North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Pacific Islands.

[Company Name] is a travel agency that prioritizes the needs of its clients and focuses on providing the best, most authentic travel experiences. The company’s service offering will hinge around quality service and product offerings.

[Company Name]’s History

[Company Name] was founded by best friends, [Founder 1] and [Founder 2] who love to travel. [Founder 1’s first name] and [Founder 2’s first name] have been travelling together for years and found a common denominator to all the travel agencies they have tried. They were either overpriced and not really worth it, or didn’t offer exciting deals. This is when they realized that a lot of people have been travelling without truly fully experiencing the place and the culture.

In [Month, Year], [Founder 1] and [Founder 2] launched [Company Name], creating travel experiences based on their personal experiences and were carefully curated to meet the most lofty expectations.

Since incorporation, the Company has achieved the following milestones:

• Found office space and signed Letter of Intent to lease it
• Developed the company’s name, logo and website located at [website]
• Established an online presence on major social media networking sites
• Developed service menu and pricing model
• Recruited full-time assistant

[Company Name]’s Products/Services

[Company Name] will be able to provide the following services:

III. Industry Analysis

In recent years, many travel agency franchises have grown primarily due to their specialization in selling cruises and other complex travel packages that often cannot be booked directly online. Also, over 60% of travel agents are now home-based, a trend that has increased industry profit, as home-based operators have fewer expenses than traditional brick-and-mortar businesses. The industry’s key drivers include:

– International trips by US residents: The departure of US residents to international destinations is a key driver of this industry. US residents use travel agencies to book airfare, cruise ships, accommodations and tour packages, driving industry growth.

– Consumer spending: Changes in consumer spending affect how much individuals spend on travel-related expenses. As consumer spending increases, travel spending is likely to increase as well, which bolsters demand for the travel agencies that book those trips.

– Domestic trips by US residents: Trends in residents traveling within the United States on overnight trips for vacations, business or other purposes are key factors influencing revenue for this industry. An increase in domestic trips by US residents typically benefits travel agencies, since they may use travel agencies to book those trips.

IV. Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Company Name] will serve the residents, workers, and travel enthusiasts in [company location] and the immediate surrounding area.

The area we serve is a city with a very diverse population group. The city has mostly moderate to high income families and individuals who can afford to avail the services of a travel agency. Most of the population are working individuals with disposable income, but little free time, so they need someone to help plan their vacations.

The precise demographics of the town in which our location resides is as follows:

Customer Segmentation

The company will primarily target the following customer segments:

• Families: This segment makes up the bulk of leisure travel in the U.S. We aim to provide these families with travel services that will give them unique and affordable vacation experiences
• Individual and couple travelers: Our unique, highly customized travel itineraries will be targeted specifically towards this market. Individuals and couples without children tend to have more disposable income and appreciate curated experiences.
• Businesses: Some companies travel with their employees for team building activities and the like. We plan to contact these companies and provide them travel packages for groups.

V. Competitive Analysis

Direct & indirect competitors.

Travel Planner Inc. Travel Planner Inc. was founded in 1994 and offers home-based franchises, with franchisees selling leisure cruises and other packaged vacations full- or part-time. The company offers land excursions and cruise ship vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii and the South Pacific, the Mediterranean, Mexico and the Panama Canal. Cruise Planners also offers wedding planning services for shore-side ceremonies in the United States. Travel Planner Inc. now has an estimated 3,266 franchisees in the United States.

The company’s growth strategy relies on competitive pricing, quality, reputation and service. Travel Planner Inc. also specializes in group travel, such as destination weddings and associations, which could attract consumers willing to spend more.

Travel with Thomas Established in 2012, Travel with Thomas is a cruise travel planner specializing in Europe, Mexico, and The Caribbean. In addition, this full-service travel agency offers a variety of other travel arrangements, such as Destination Weddings and Missionary / Faith Tourism.

The agency works to stay current in the world of travel, and cultivate relationships with Preferred Suppliers. They also offer exclusive American Express Card member benefits.

Travel Network Established in 1998, Travel Network is a travel agency that bills itself as a “personal travel concierge.” To do this, it helps customers find the destination and resort that meets their expectations. In addition, someone from the agency is always on call when for traveling clients.

The agency specializes in Destination Weddings and Honeymoons; Sandals & Beaches Resorts; Karisma Hotels GIVC; Princess and RCCL Cruises; Disney Family Adventures & Disney Vacations; European Tours, Independent Travel and River Cruising. Furthermore, it is certified for these destinations: Jamaica, Las Vegas, Mexico, Aruba, Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, New Zealand and many more.

Competitive Pricing

Competitive advantage.

[Company Name] enjoys several advantages over its competitors. These advantages include:

• Location: [Company Name]’s location is near the center of town, in the shopping district of the city. It is visible from the street where many small business owners and managers walk to and from work on a daily basis.
• Client-oriented service: [Company Name] will have a full-time assistant to keep in contact with clients and answer their everyday questions. The founders realize the importance of accessibility to their clients, and will further keep in touch with their clients through monthly webinars on topics of interest.
• Management: The founders have been extremely successful working in this industry and will be able to use his previous experience to craft customized travel packages that suit their every need.
• Relationships: Having lived in the community for 25 years, The founders know many of the local leaders, newspapers and other influences.

VI. Marketing Plan

The [company name] brand.

The [Company name] brand will focus on the Company’s unique value proposition:

• Client-focused service and product offering
• Travel packages that suit any travel styles
• Affordable and high quality travel packages
• Hassle-free transactions

Promotions Strategy

Social Media and Online Marketing With the majority of the people now online, the company will invest resources in online ads for different social media platforms to reach potential clients. We will create ads that will successfully create positive conversions. A company website will also be developed. This website should be able to direct traffic from search engines as much as possible. In order to do this, the company will use highly-focused, specific keywords to draw traffic to its website, where potential clients will find a content-rich site that presents [Company Name] as the trustworthy, well-qualified travel agency that it is.

Publications [Company name] will place print advertisements in key local publications, including newspapers, area magazines, and local sport programs. Additionally, the Company will print brochures and place them in specific locations frequented by target individuals, such as supermarkets and real estate offices.

Major Publications We will make careful use of advertising in selected larger publications. [Publication or newspaper name] has a circulation of xyz, and we can expect to reach a wider geographic region of customers on a limited basis. Advertisements with major publications will be used selectively, based on cost-effectiveness. These ads will include discount coupons so that response to the ads can be tracked.

Commute Advertising We will drive attention toward [Company name] by hiring workers to hold signs alongside [route or highway]. Advertising on heavily traveled commute routes are an opportunity to alert large numbers of working individuals with disposable income of our opening.

Direct Mail [Company Name] will blanket neighborhoods surrounding its locations with direct mail pieces. These pieces will provide general information on [Company Name], offer discounts and/or provide other enticements for people to purchase our services.

Ongoing Customer Communications [Company Name] will maintain a website, social media accounts, and publish a monthly email newsletter to tell customers about new offers and more.

VII. Operations Plan

Functional roles.

The Company intends to employ [X] travel leaders, [Y] administrative assistants, and [Z] Accounting and management staff. The company may have to add more people during peak seasons. [Company name] anticipates having [X] customers on a weekly basis.

In order to execute on [Company Name]’s business model, the Company needs to perform several functions. [Company name] anticipates using the services of X employees, divided into the following roles:

Service Functions

• Travel Agents
• Customer Service

Administrative Functions

• Administrative Assistant

[Company name]’s long term goal is to become the go-to travel agency in the [city] area, its surrounding cities and even nationally. We seek to the standard by which other providers are judged.

The following are a series of steps that lead to our vision of long-term success. [Company Name] expects to achieve the following milestones in the following [xyz] months:

VIII. Management Team

Management team members.

[Founder 1] will serve as the overall head of the business. His degree in Business Management from [University] and his previous working experience with managing businesses gives him the knowledge and the know-hows on running [Company Name]

[Founder 2] is a graduate of [University] with a degree in Accounting. He has been working for big accounting firms and banks for over 10 years. At [Company Name], he will serve as the head Accounting Manager who will handle all the finances of the company.

Hiring Plan

In order to launch, we need to hire the following personnel:

• Accounting associate
• Marketing Associate

IX. Financial Plan

Revenue and cost drivers.

[Company Name]’s revenues will come from the sale of travel packages and individuals travel components i.e.- flights, hotels, rental cars.

The major costs for the company will be the salaries of the staff, and rent for an office location and travel. In the initial years, the company’s marketing spend will be high, as it establishes itself in the market.

Capital Requirements and Use of Funds

[Company Name] is seeking a total funding of $350,000 to launch. The capital will be used for funding capital expenditures, salary, marketing expenses and working capital.

Key Assumptions

The following table reflects the key revenue and cost assumptions made in the financial model:

5 Year Annual Income Statement

5 Year Annual Balance Sheet

5 Year Annual Cash Flow Statement

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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.

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Travel Agency Business Plan

Are you a travel enthusiast and want to establish your own travel agency?

Well, if yes, then it’s an exhilarating journey of stepping into a world brimming with adventure and discovery.

But in the midst of this excitement, it’s necessary to lay the groundwork for a successful business out of a hobby. It demands a strategic roadmap – writing a proper travel agency business plan .

So, our travel agency business plan serves as the compass that directs you through all the intricacies of the industry and helps you pay attention to every detail of the business plan.

As you delve into this step-by-step guide, you can explore how to write your own business plan that sets the stage for sustainable growth and leaves a mark on potential investors or readers.

Without further ado; let’s dive into the art of crafting your travel agency business plan.

Key Takeaways

• Create a compelling executive summary for your travel agency’s identity, vision, mission statement, and core values.
• Showcase your business goals, market opportunities, and marketing plan to attract potential investors or partners.
• Highlight the range of travel services you’ll provide, including specialized offerings that place your agency ahead of competitors.
• Give valuable insights into everyday business operations, from booking management to customer service protocols.
• Provide a detailed financial plan to illustrate a clear understanding of your travel agency’s financial health and expected growth trajectory.
• Thoroughly analyze the industry and competitive landscape to uncover the latest trends and customer preferences.
• Utilize modern and cost-effective business plan software for writing and maintaining business plans.

Why do you need a travel agency business plan?

In reality, every established or emerging business requires a well-written business plan. It is not just a document; it’s a strategic blueprint, offering you a roadmap to make informed business decisions.So, starting your travel agency business greatly benefits from having a well-thought-out business plan like any other business.

Attracting Investors

Whether you’re looking to secure a loan or attract potential investors, a detailed business plan is truly helpful. It shows your agency’s capital cost & revenue potential and summarizes the profitability for angel investors.

Strategic Direction

An actionable plan provides a comprehensive view of your travel agency’s goals, offered services, and strategic steps you will take to achieve success. Also, it indicates a thorough understanding of your target audience and top competitors.

Risk Mitigation

Drafting a professional business plan serves as a foundation for a successful business and helps you identify potential risks & challenges in the market. Through careful planning, you can create effective strategies to overcome obstacles.

Operational Guidance

A well-crafted business plan offers an internal guide that ensures your team understands and aligns with the overarching business objectives, encouraging a cohesive and immersed work environment.

Now, let’s move forward to write a successful business plan for a travel agency.

How to write a business plan for a travel agency?

1. get a business plan template.

Before you start writing a travel agency business plan, it’s highly advisable to get a business plan template first!

It’s like having a valuable toolkit for your business planning endeavors. It not only streamlines the business plan writing but also ensures that you describe all the essential sections.

It offers a structured framework that helps you organize your thoughts effectively to draft a strategically sound business document according to your specific needs and preferences.

Beyond that, a quality business plan template lays the foundation for a comprehensive, professional business plan that highlights your business idea and vision to attract potential investors.

If you’re in search of a polished template, consider Upmetrics’ sample business plan template and ensure that you won’t overlook any essential points in your 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 travel agency 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 !

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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

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Travel Agency Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide & Free Template (2024)

Published Sep.25, 2024

Updated Oct.04, 2024

By: Jakub Babkins

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Table of Content

If you’re starting a travel agency, preparing a business plan is the first thing you need to do. This article will help you understand the essential steps of writing a travel agency business plan. You’ll learn how to make a travel agency business plan, why it’s crucial to have one, along with a travel agency business plan template.

Our travel agency startup business plan sample covers:

• Executive Summary
• Company Overview
• Industry Analysis
• Customer Analysis
• Target Market
• Competitive Analysis
• Marketing Plan
• Operations Plan
• Organization and Management
• Financial Plan

By the end of this article, you will have a solid understanding of how to create a business plan for a travel agency yourself that sets your business up for success.

What Is a Travel Agency Business Plan?

A travel agency business plan is a clear, step-by-step professional document that explains how you will start and run a profitable travel agency. It helps you set goals and outline how you will handle important areas like marketing, day-to-day operations, finances, and managing your team. 

Tour and travel agency business plan acts as a guide, helping you move from your business idea to a fully functioning and successful travel agency. A strong business plan helps in staying organized, making better decisions, and attracting potential investors or partners. Including information about any EB2 business visa considerations can also show investors that the business has plans for future growth and international market expansion.

Why You Need a Business Plan Sample for a Travel Agency

A sample business plan, like our Airbnb Business Plan , gives you a simple way to see what you need for a successful business. A sample travel agency business plan helps you:

• Show you how your travel agency will work, what services you’ll offer, and who your customers will be.
• Get easier financial assistance as banks and investors usually want to see a solid plan before giving money.
• Identify potential problems ahead of time and think about how to handle them.

Let’s explore the key sections to be included in a business plan for travel agency along with a sample and PDF template:

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary is one of the most important parts of your online travel agency business plan. It gives a quick overview of the key details, helping readers understand your business right away. Even though it’s at the beginning of the plan, it’s better to write it last. This approach allows you to highlight the most important details and ensures consistency with the rest of the plan.

Here’s an executive summary for a small travel agency named “Global Horizons Travel Agency.”

1.1 Business Overview

Business Name: Global Horizons Travel Agency

Location: 1234 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL

Legal Structure: Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Owner: Ellie Kool

Global Horizons is a full-service travel agency in Miami. We provide complete travel solutions for both individuals and companies. Miami is a perfect location since it brings in tourists, business travelers, and locals looking for vacations. Our agency is close to popular hotels, tourist spots, and business centers, making it easy to attract customers.

1.2 Mission Statement

At Global Horizons, our mission is to simplify travel planning and provide our clients with unforgettable travel experiences. We are committed to delivering exceptional customer service and offering competitive pricing through our extensive network of travel partners.

1.3 Vision Statement

Our vision is to become the preferred travel agency for clients seeking personalized and hassle-free travel experiences. We strive to build a reputation for reliability, trustworthiness, and excellence in the travel industry. Additionally, we support businesses in need of tailored travel solutions, including those seeking assistance for E2 visa requirements.

1.4 Objectives

Our key objectives for the first three years of operation are:

• Serve 100,000 clients in the first year and reach 500,000 by the end of year three.
• Make $750,000 in revenue during the first year, increasing by 20% each year.
• Partner with at least 15 major airlines and 100 hotels worldwide.

1.5 Services Offered

Global Horizons offers a wide range of services designed to meet the varied needs of our clients:

• Domestic and international flight bookings
• Budget and luxury hotel reservations
• Car rentals
• Custom vacation packages with guided tours, adventure trips, and cultural experiences
• Travel insurance for individuals and groups

1.6 Market Opportunity

The travel industry is growing, especially in areas like personalized trips and eco-friendly tourism. The travel sector currently makes up about 10.4% of the world’s GDP, and it’s expected to grow by 3.5% each year. With more people using online booking platforms and having more disposable income, there’s a great opportunity for Global Horizons to tap into this market. This presents a perfect chance to showcase our unique travel services in our pitch deck when seeking partnerships or investment.

1.7 Target Market

Global Horizons targets a diverse market, including:

• Leisure travelers like families, couples, and individuals who want vacations, cruises, and luxury travel.
• Corporate clients that need travel plans for their employees, both domestic and international.

Niche markets like anyone looking for eco-friendly travel or high-end, unique experiences.

1.8 Demographic Profile

1.9 financial highlights, a. funding requirements.

To successfully launch Global Horizons, we require a total of $100,000 in startup capital. The funding will be sourced through a combination of owner investment and a small business loan.

This pie chart shows how the initial startup cost will be utilized:

B. Financial Projections

In our first year, we project $709,000 in revenue with a net profit margin of 10%. These estimates are based on conservative assumptions about bookings, transaction values, and customer growth.

The chart below provides a snapshot of our financial projections:

2. Company Overview

The company overview section of a travel tour agency business plan provides an in-depth look at the structure, mission, and operational focus of your business. Company overview lays the foundation for understanding how your travel agency is set up to achieve its goals.

2.1 Business Structure

Global Horizons operates as a Limited Liability Company (LLC). LLC protects the owner’s personal assets and separates the business legally from its owner. An LLC is a good choice for small businesses. LLC combines the advantages of both corporations and partnerships. Hence, it’s easier to manage taxes and legal matters.

2.2 Business History

Global Horizons was founded by Ellie Kool, who has more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry. Before starting Global Horizons, Ellie worked as a senior travel consultant in Miami. Ellie decided to create her own agency in 2023. Global Horizons has quickly built a reputation for providing excellent service and unique travel packages in Miami.

2.3 Location and Facilities

Our office is located in downtown Miami, in a modern space that’s easy to reach by public transportation and offers parking for visitors. The office has a friendly and welcoming design. There are comfortable seating areas for consultations. We also have private cabins for our travel experts.

2.4 Ownership

Global Horizons is wholly owned by Ellie Kool, who makes all major business decisions. Ellie is supported by a team of experienced professionals who handle the day-to-day operations. Ellie’s goal is to create a trusted brand that clients depend on for all kinds of travel.

2.5 Key Milestones

Since launching, Global Horizons has made significant progress:

• We gained more than 5,000 clients in just three months.
• We built strong partnerships with major airlines, hotels, and tour companies.
• We put in place a top-tier booking system to improve efficiency.

2.6 Future Plans

As part of our long-term strategy, Global Horizons plans to expand its service. We will be offering more specialized travel options, such as launching a new vacation rental business . We also aim to open additional branches in key markets across the United States, with the first expansion planned for New York City in 2025.

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3. Industry Analysis

The industry analysis in an international travel agency business plan offers a clear look at the travel and tourism industry. It highlights key trends, growth factors, challenges, and competition. Understanding the industry is essential to make smart decisions, spot opportunities, and succeed in the long run.

3.1 Overview of the Travel and Tourism Industry

Travel and tourism is a huge and fast-growing global sector. The World Travel & Tourism Council says the Travel and tourism industry contributed $9.9 trillion to the global economy, which is 9.1% of the world’s total GDP. Growth comes from people having more disposable income, improved travel technology, and a rising interest in unique travel experiences.

In the U.S., the travel and tourism industry is expected to generate $2.144 trillion in 2024 and is expected to grow by 6.9% each year, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis . Domestic travel is the biggest segment, but international travel is growing too, especially as more borders open after the pandemic. Miami is a top travel destination where millions of tourist visit each year.

Image Credit: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis

3.2 Market Size and Growth

Over the past decade, the travel industry has grown a lot due to higher disposable income, more budget airlines, and the rise of online booking sites. According to Statista , the travel and tourism market is expected to reach $9.16 trillion in revenue in 2024 and grow at an annual rate of 3.99%. By 2029, the market volume could reach $11.14 trillion.

3.3 Future Outlook

The future looks bright for the travel industry, with steady growth expected. But businesses must adapt to new consumer preferences, technological changes, and regulations. For Global Horizons, this means staying updated on trends like sustainable travel and digital services, while continuing to build strong relationships with clients and partners.

3.4 SWOT Analysis

This SWOT analysis shows Global Horizons’ competitive position within the industry.

4. Customer Analysis

Understanding your customers is essential for building a successful business. This analysis helps identify target markets, tailor marketing strategies, and ensure that our services meet the expectations of our clients. In this section, we will analyze the customer base for Global Horizons, focusing on demographics, psychographics, and customer needs.

4.1 Customer Segmentation

To serve customers better, we need to divide them into different segments. Global Horizons has identified these main customer groups:

A.  Leisure Travelers

Leisure travelers make up about 70% of our customers. These are people and families looking for vacation packages, weekend trips, or fun travel experiences. They usually want a break from daily life and are interested in visiting new places, learning about different cultures, and trying new activities.

B. Corporate Clients

Corporate clients make up around 20% of our customers as showcased in our corporate travel business plan. These businesses need services for work-related travel, such as booking flights, hotels, or organizing events like conferences. They typically look for affordable, reliable, and time-saving options.

C. Niche Market Travelers

Niche market travelers are a growing group and make up about 10% of our customer base. These customers want specialized travel, such as eco-friendly tourism, luxury trips, or adventure experiences. They look for unique and often high-end services.

Here’s a table showcasing the demographics, needs, preferences, and behaviors of each of our targeted customer segment:

Graph: Market Growth Forecast

The graph below shows how much each customer segment is expected to grow over the next five years. Leisure travel should see steady growth, while niche markets like eco-friendly and luxury travel are expected to grow even faster.

5. Target Market in Travel Agency Business Plan

The target market section in a small travel agency business plan will explain who our customers are, what they prefer, and how the agency plans to connect with them. Unlike the earlier general customer analysis, this part will focus on specific groups, why they are important, and how they fit into the overall business plan.

Here’s a breakdown of the key groups Global Horizons will focus on:

A. Millennial and Gen Z Travelers

Millennials (born 1981-1996) and Gen Z (born 1997-2012) are a large part of the travel market. These generations value experiences and are influenced by social media, making them a major target group for travel agencies.

Together, Millennials and Gen Z travelers make up almost 50% of the global travel market. Their spending on travel is expected to grow by 30% over the next five years, with an annual growth rate of 7%.

B. Luxury Travelers

Luxury travelers are individuals or groups who seek premium travel experiences. They often prefer first-class flights, high-end hotels, and exclusive tours. Luxury travelers have higher incomes and are willing to pay more for top-tier services.

The luxury travel market is growing. It’s due to the rise of affluent individuals and the trend of seeking high-end experiences. It is projected to reach $1.2 trillion by 2028, with an annual growth rate of 6%.

C. Sustainable/Eco-Conscious Travelers

Sustainable or eco-conscious travelers are those who prefer environmentally friendly and socially responsible travel options. This market is expanding quickly as people become more aware of climate change and seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint while traveling. We will be preparing a separate green travel agency business plan to cover this segment in detail.

The sustainable travel market is expected to grow by 9% each year, reaching $340 billion by 2028. This growth is driven by increasing environmental awareness and consumer demand for responsible travel options.

6. Competitive Analysis

Competitive analysis section of Global Horizons’ home based travel agency business plan looks at our competitors—what they do well, where they fall short, and how we can stand out. By understanding our competition, we can find ways to offer better value to our customers and strengthen our position in the market.

6.1 The Competitive Landscape in Miami

In Miami, there are hundreds of travel agencies, from small, specialized ones to large, full-service agencies. Online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia and Booking.com have changed the game by giving customers more choices and transparent pricing.

6.2 Direct Competitors

Below is a table comparing Global Horizons with key competitors. It highlights our strengths and areas where we can improve.

6.3 Strategic Focus

Global Horizons will focus on improving our online presence, building strong relationships with suppliers, and delivering excellent customer service. By standing out with our hybrid travel agency business model, we aim to reach a wide range of customers and build a loyal client base.

7. Marketing Plan for Travel Agency Business

A solid marketing plan in a travel agent business plan helps travel agents to attract and retain customers, build a strong brand, and drive profits. Below is the marketing plan for Global Horizons. This plan outlines how to reach the right customers, use effective marketing strategies, and track progress to ensure ongoing growth and success.

7.1 Marketing Goals

Global Horizons has set clear marketing goals to align with its business objectives:

• Increase brand awareness in Miami and online by 20% within a year.
• Acquire 50,000 new customers by focusing on specific traveler groups.
• Boost repeat bookings by 15% through loyalty programs.
• Grow social media followers by 25% and enhance website traffic by 30%.

7.2 Marketing Channels and Strategies

Global Horizons will use both digital and traditional marketing to achieve these goals. Here’s how:

A. Digital Marketing

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – We will optimize our website to rank higher on search engines like Google using keywords such as “best travel agency in Miami” to attract more visitors.
• Content Marketing – We will create informative blog posts and articles on topics like “planning a budget-friendly trip to Miami” or “top travel destinations for families” to engage potential customers.
• Social Media Marketing – We will actively use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to engage with customers, share travel tips, promote deals, and showcase customer reviews.
• Email Marketing – We will send weekly newsletters featuring special offers, travel ideas, and updates, personalized based on customer preferences and past bookings.
• Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising – We will run targeted ads on Google to draw specific customer groups to our website, focusing on relevant search terms like “affordable travel packages.”

B. Traditional Marketing

• Print Advertising – We will advertise in local newspapers, travel magazines, and brochures to reach customers in Miami.
• Partnerships and Collaborations – We will partner with local businesses, hotels, and airlines to expand our reach.
• Events and Trade Shows – We will participate in travel expos, trade shows, and community events to connect with potential customers and partners.

7.3 Marketing Budget

Global Horizons has allocated an annual marketing budget of $90,000. The budget will be distributed across different marketing activities as illustrated in the accompanying pie chart.

7.4 Performance Metrics and KPIs

To evaluate the effectiveness of the marketing plan, Global Horizons will monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across all marketing efforts. These include:

• Website Traffic
• Conversion Rate
• Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
• Return on Investment (ROI)
• Social Media Engagement
• Email Open and Click-Through Rates

8. Operations Plan

Operations plan section explains how Global Horizons will manage daily operations to keep the travel agency running smoothly. It covers the basic steps and tools needed to ensure everything works efficiently, from partnerships with suppliers to customer service. The goal is to keep the business well-organized and aligned with our company objectives.

8.1 Location and Facilities

Global Horizons will operate from an office in Miami, Florida, which will serve as the main headquarters for management, customer service, and marketing teams.

Office Details:

• Address: 1234 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL
• Size: 2,500 sq. ft.
• Lease: 5-year lease with a renewal option

The office will have reliable high-speed internet, up-to-date communication systems, and a dedicated meeting room for client discussions. A comfortable reception area will welcome clients, and workstations will be arranged for the staff.

8.2 Vendor and Supplier Relationships

Global Horizons will establish key partnerships to offer a wide range of travel options:

• Partnerships with Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
• Contracts with chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, as well as boutique hotels.
• Car rental agreements with Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise.
• Collaborations with local and international operators to offer diverse travel experiences.

These partnerships will allow us to offer competitive pricing, special deals, and diverse travel packages to our customers.

8.3 Technology and Systems

Technology will be essential for running Global Horizons efficiently. The agency will use the following tools:

• Travel Management System (TMS)
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Online Booking Platform
• Payment Processing Gateway

These systems will help improve efficiency and provide customers with a smooth experience.

8.4 Service Delivery and Quality Control

Maintaining high-quality service is a top priority for Global Horizons. We will ensure consistent quality by implementing the following measures:

• Regular customer surveys and feedback forms
• Periodic reviews of customer service performance
• Monitoring key metrics like booking accuracy
• Following industry regulations and standards

8.5 Operational Timeline

9. organization and management.

A clear organizational structure and strong management team ensure the business runs effectively. These travel agency business plan examples provide a detailed overview of the company’s organizational structure, the roles and responsibilities of key personnel, and the management team’s qualifications.

9.1 Organizational Structure

Global Horizons is structured for efficiency and teamwork. The key roles are:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Chief Operations Officer (COO)
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Marketing Director
• Sales Director
• IT Director
• Human Resources (HR) Manager
• Customer Service Manager

9.2 Organizational Chart

Below is the company’s organizational chart, showing who reports to whom and the flow of responsibilities.

10. Financial Plan

The financial plan provides a detailed overview of the company’s financial projections, including revenue, expenses, and profit margins. A well-structured financial plan not only guides the business toward its financial goals but also serves as a roadmap for growth and sustainability.

10.1 Revenue Model

Global Horizons will generate income from three main areas:

• Commissions from travel bookings
• Service fees for planning and consultations
• Selling special travel packages.

10.1.1 Commissions from Travel Bookings

Global Horizons will earn a percentage of bookings made through airlines, hotels, and tour operators. The rates are as follows:

• Flight Bookings: 12% commission
• Hotel Reservations: 15% commission
• Tour Packages: 20% commission

10.1.2 Service Fees

Global Horizons will charge service fees for trip planning, consultation, and booking management.

• Consultation Fees: $50 per hour
• Booking Management Fees: $100 per booking

10.1.3 Income from Niche Market Packages

Global Horizons will offer specialized travel packages, such as eco-tourism, luxury travel, and adventure tours. These packages have higher profit margins due to their unique appeal.

• Eco-Tourism Packages: 25% markup
• Luxury Travel: 30% markup
• Adventure Tours: 20% markup

10.2 Financial Statement

This section summarizes the financial performance of Global Horizons, including the projected balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and cash flow over the next three years.

10.2.1 Profit and Loss Statement (Income Statement)

10.2.2 balance sheet (as of year-end), 10.2.3 cash flow statement.

These financial projections indicate that Global Horizons is on track for steady growth, with increasing revenue, profit, and market presence over the next three years.

At OGScapital, we know starting a travel agency is tough, especially writing a travel agency business plan. Our expert team helps you through every step, from market research and financial planning to writing a strong business plan. We offer personalized support to make sure your plan is professional, attractive to investors, and set up for long-term success. If you’re ready to start your travel agency, reach out to us at OGScapital. You can also check out our resort business plan for more ideas on how we can support your travel business.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what software do i need to start a travel agency.

To start a travel agency, you need a booking system (like Amadeus or Sabre), customer relationship management (CRM) software to manage clients, accounting software (like QuickBooks), and a website or e-commerce platform to handle bookings and payments online.

2. How Do You Make Money as a Travel Agency?

Travel agencies earn through commissions from airlines, hotels, and tour operators for bookings. They also charge service fees for planning and managing travel arrangements, and some earn from selling travel insurance and add-on experiences.

OGSCapital’s team has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with top-rated document, consultancy and analysis. They’ve helped thousands of SME owners secure more than $1.5 billion in funding, and they can do the same for you.

Any questions? Get in Touch!

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How to Create a Winning Travel Agency Business Plan: Step-by-Step Guide for Success

Oct 15, 2024 | Grow a travel business , Launch a travel business , Marketing , Operations , Sales , Scale a travel agency , Travel Business

Launching a successful travel agency starts with a solid plan. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step business plan template tailored to aspiring travel agents, so you can confidently bring your vision to life.

Originally posted December 2020; updated October 2024

Starting a travel agency can feel overwhelming, especially with the myriad of decisions and strategies involved. From navigating industry competition to understanding the nuances of customer service, aspiring travel agents often grapple with how to create a solid business plan that sets them up for long-term success.

Have no fear! Today we’re breaking down the 10 essential steps for creating a winning travel agency business plan so you can be on your way to a thriving travel business.

Rather watch than read? Check out the video below!

Step 1. Master Your Mindset

At Wanderlust Campus, we believe mindset is foundational to your success. Getting into the right headspace can help you navigate the highs and lows of starting a business. From setting clear goals to learning how to overcome challenges, mastering your mindset is a key first step.

Further reading: This post walks through some winning mindset strategies.

Step 2. Develop a Profitable Niche

One common misconception is that you need years of experience to excel in the travel industry. In reality, finding a specific niche can simplify the process and make your agency stand out. Whether you specialize in cruises, Disney vacations, or all-inclusive resorts, choosing a focused niche helps you position yourself as an expert. This will also help you waste less time as you do not have to learn the entire globe, just get knowledgable on your niche location!

Further reading: Need help picking a niche? Read this post first !

Step 3. Follow a Customized Training Plan

Once you identify your niche, it’s time to build a training plan around it. For example, if you’re focusing on Hawaiian vacations, seek out resources and certifications that provide in-depth knowledge on the destination. Our platform connects agents with extensive resources, ensuring you gain both the travel knowledge and online business skills essential for success.

Further reading: Not sure what education you need? This post walks through the different types of training for travel agents.

Step 4. Create a Memorable Brand

Your brand is the first impression potential clients have of your agency. A high-quality, professional brand builds credibility and attracts the right audience. At Wanderlust Campus, we emphasize the importance of standout branding to ensure your business attracts clients who appreciate quality.

Further reading: In this post , learn three key branding tips for attracting your ideal clients.

Step 5. Follow a Custom Marketing Strategy

Marketing is the engine of your travel business. Creating an optimized, multi-channel marketing plan will help your agency reach more people and generate leads. From social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, to email marketing, to video, each platform requires a tailored approach to reach and convert clients. We offer proven marketing strategies to help you avoid costly mistakes and maximize your return on investment.

Further reading: This post walks through our 3-step marketing strategy for new travel agents.

Step 6. Launch Your Business

When your marketing and branding are ready, it’s time to officially launch! Announce your travel agency to the world and leverage your network and social channels to spread the word. Having a structured launch plan can set you up for success by generating excitement and attracting early clients.

Step 7. Manage Your Leads

Effective lead management is crucial for converting inquiries into clients. Develop a system for responding to new leads, whether by email, phone, or online. A clear process for following up ensures no opportunity slips through the cracks, making it easier to build relationships and close bookings.

Step 8. Develop a Sales Process

Mastering sales is essential. Building a confident, effective sales process can help you close more bookings and increase your agency’s revenue. At Wanderlust Campus, we provide tools and templates to help agents address common objections, deliver compelling proposals, and confidently ask for the sale. Discovering new ways to automate some of this sales process allows you to scale to larger amounts of sales without getting overwhelmed.

Further reading: Want to close more sales? Read this !

Step 9. Provide Exceptional Customer Service

Outstanding service is what keeps clients coming back. Establish best practices for addressing customer needs, from trip planning to handling any issues that arise during travel. Providing a memorable, stress-free experience for your clients will earn their loyalty and encourage repeat business.

Further reading: Learn how our sister company, Wanderlust Social, can support you in providing excellent customer service.

Step 10. Skyrocket Your Business

The final step is turning satisfied clients into loyal, repeat customers. By consistently staying in touch with past clients, gathering feedback, and offering exciting new travel opportunities, you create a sustainable, recurring business model. This is key to scaling your agency and achieving long-term success.

In the journey to becoming a successful travel agent, overcoming challenges and honing your skills is crucial. By embracing a mindset of continuous improvement, you can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth.

Remember, the most successful agents are those who are not only passionate about travel but also committed to understanding their clients’ needs and delivering exceptional service. As you navigate your career, focus on building strong relationships, refining your sales techniques, and adapting to the ever-evolving travel landscape.

And, if you want even more support, our Careers on Vacation Mastermind program offers the instruction manual you need to build your agency with confidence. From expert guidance on branding and marketing to advanced sales techniques, our program equips you to launch, grow, and thrive.

Happy travels, and here’s to your success in the travel industry!

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