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Digital transformation proved to be a good friend for travelers. Popularizing alternative transportation and lodging services – such as Airbnb or Uber, makes it easier and cheaper to travel that was previously a dream for many people. In this context, opening a travel agency becomes more challenging, and you need to think of innovative strategies so you don’t miss out.
The World Tourism Organization reported that in 2018 more than 1.3 billion people around the world packed their bags and traveled, representing a 7% growth in this sector compared to the previous year. This shows a favorable scenario for many tourism service companies around the world.
With this new opportunity scenario, we will show in this article 5 important steps to opening a travel agency and how to make it successful.
Travel Agency: Business in Decline or Up?
Travel agents have traditionally been the main intermediaries between tourists and companies in the industry – such as airlines, road transportation, hotels and restaurants. Technology has facilitated access to a variety of choices and values for travel and lodging, but travel agents remain strong in the market because of the difference in having professionals who qualify, save time, money and produce more comfort and safety for clients.
If you are thinking of investing in this industry and don’t know where to start, see our tips below.
Here are 5 steps to open a travel agent:
1. Commercial consultation: First, it is necessary to know whether the chosen business place is suitable for commercial activities.
- Search for names and brands: If a brand name has been determined, look to see if there are companies listed with the same name as you want. You must consult the Commercial Board, Notary or in agencies related to Intellectual Property;
- Business formalization: You should make a social contract submission or an individual company statement. At this stage, requests must be made with Federal Revenue Services and state registration requests for Revenue from the company’s operating conditions;
- Promotion: Even for consumers who prefer the convenience of having a special company when planning their trip, it is necessary to think about differences to attract and retain customers – who are increasingly demanding. For this, a good alternative is to invest in a promotional campaign. One of the main advantages of closing a package with an agent is the possibility of dividing the trip. Thinking about smart pricing strategies and promotions is an action with a good chance of success. Using affordable brochures is recommended.
- Your blog. Customers become more demanding and connected, so it is very important that the company is present on social networks and develop marketing strategies to increase revenue. This branch allows blogging about travel, for example, which might be the customer’s first contact with the brand when looking for curiosity about their goals.
If you can go through the 5 steps above well then your chances of success in this sector will be even greater.
These steps are essential if you want to open a travel agency quickly. I followed these steps, and it was one of the best things I did. As a result, my travel agency business is going well now.