b plan travel agency business plan

Travel Agency Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Travel Agency Business Plan

Launching or expanding a travel agency requires a strategic business plan. This sample travel agency business plan, developed by PlanBuildr.com, offers a proven guide, backed by over 20 years of experience. From market research and customer acquisition to financial projections, this plan is built to help you create a thriving travel agency.

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 Plans

International travel agency business plan.

Adventure Travel International (ATI) is a start-up travel agency that specializes in adventure tourism and travel.

Tourism Website Services Business Plan

Spanish Resources will use its marketing resources to provide website design and overall Web strategy for resort operators and other tourist destinations in Mexico.

Travel Agency - Upscale Business Plan

Panache Travel Group is a travel agency providing exclusive travel experiences to discerning wealthy, and corporate clients.

Travel Agency Business Plan

Adventure Excursions Unlimited provides upscale hard-adventure sport/travel arrangements and packages to wealthy clients.

Travel Tour Agency Business Plan

Sephats Tours intends to provide individual and group travel to leisure clients.

Travel and tourism is a fun and rewarding industry. Starting with a good business plan will help you succeed in this exciting field. To get started, check out a sample business plan for an upscale travel agency, international travel agency, sightseeing tours business, and other travel related business.

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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?

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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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