How to Start a Travel Business
No matter what your needs are, we have a membership proposition that is perfectly suited to your business.
The Travel Network Group
How to Start a Travel Business
The great thing about the travel market is that consumers want what we provide. If you are reading this then you probably want to run your own travel business, in which case you’re in the right place! This guide has been created to provide you with sufficient knowledge and guidance to successfully run your own travel business.
Here at the Travel Network Group, we are genuine experts on helping other people set up and run their travel business. We have over 1,000 travel business members, some small and niche, some large and more mainstream.
We have outlined seven topics below which believe will best help you to develop your business further.
1. Travel
market
Like any market, the travel industry has divided itself into different sectors and has different types of companies. The first section introduces you to the travel market and its lingo. It then helps you think about what your business will do for your customers.
2. Travel regulation
and legalities
The founders of The Travel Network Group set up a travel business many years ago. At the time, it was quite a difficult process. That inspired them to set up a company that helped others set up their own travel businesses, and navigate through the regulation and legalities. While this might look like one to skip, there are some big costs to consider here. This section will make you aware of the regulation and how it impacts the way you set up and run your business.
3. Cash, surviving
the first year
The immediate question for you to answer is: ‘How many bookings do I need to sell per month to survive?’ This section helps work through to the answer. It then helps you model cash flow to understand any borrowing requirements you might have for your first year of operation.
4. Marketing
and sales
We live in a cluttered world with consumers being bombarded by marketing messages every day. Unfortunately, the travel market can deliver far more bookings than customers want to buy. As a small business you are likely to need marketing and sales knowledge to stand out.
5. Travel business
operations
This section helps you understand what is required to fulfil the sale and deliver the holiday to the customer.
6. Travel business
network
You will need to decide which parts of the customer proposition to deliver yourself (in-house), and which to get other companies to deliver for your customers (out of house). Similarly, which parts of the operation will be performed in-house, and which out of house. For some of these components there is little or no choice, like a credit card facility to take customer payment which is going to be out of house as it will be performed by a financial services company.
7. Travel business
leadership
Many people decide to set up their own travel business as they want to enjoy how they make their living. A big factor on enjoyment and success is who you choose to work with. Deciding on what sort of people to hire and your approach to managing them is worth thinking through.
Tailored Training
Program
Empower your team with our customised training programs, through a mix of face-to-face events, virtual webinars and our Online Training Academy, where you can learn at your own pace.
Cruise Club
Membership
Gain access to The Cruise Club, our exclusive in-house cruise tour operator, offering exclusive cruise deals, resources, and insights to keep you competitive in the cruise market.
The Travel Network Group
Find what you’re looking for
Each of our four membership brands provides one products and services that enable travel in and in businesses to grow, operate and achieve and regain.
Travel Trust Association
The Travel Trust Association (TTA) was set up over 30 years ago to provide a flexible, low cost solution for travel businesses looking for an alternative to bonding arrangements…
Worldchoice
Established in 1978, Worldchoice is one of the travel industry’s most trusted High Street brands. As a Worldchoice member, you can use the Worldchoice brand alongside…
Independent Travel Experts
Independent Travel Experts provides a homeworking option to travel professionals. Whether you are new to homeworking or already have an established travel homeworking…
Managed Services
The Travel Network Group Managed Services offers two robust service options tailored to support travel agencies: Global Travel Group and Worldchoice Plus…
The Travel Network Group
Authoritative Content Section
We understand how unique your business is, and that’s why we provide flexible solutions to help you grow. So if you need strong commercial terms, financial solutions or expert marketing support, we can help.
Why become a member of the Travel Network Group?
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Which proposition is the right fit for my travel business?
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Why become a member of the Travel Network Group?
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How to apply to become a member of the Travel Network Group?
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How long does the application process take?
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The Travel Network Group
Our Latest News & Insights
We understand how unique your business is, and that’s why we provide flexible solutions to help you grow. So if you need strong commercial terms, financial solutions or expert marketing support, we can help.
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The Travel Network Group
Interested in becoming
a Member?
To find out more about how the Travel Network Group can support your business, call us on
0800 680 0707 / 01483 545783 or email us on joinus@thetravelnetworkgroup.co.uk.
Already convinced,
why not apply today?
Please fill in the application form on the right to apply to become a member with us today and start your travel business. A member of the team will get back to you as soon as they can.