Home based travel agent?

Question

Is this a real business? is it profitable and which site do you recomend? Thanks

Answer 1

It is a real business. The only difference is instead of operating from an office space, you're actually doing it from home (saves on rental & is actually a tax deductibe item).
I suppose you can do it like you're an independent operator, in which case you have to go thru the registration process and hook up directly with the people in the tourism industry (airlines/cruises/hotels/car rentals/etc.). The other way (& the kind I'm more familiar with) is to be a sub-operator --- this means, you are operating like a branch of an established travel agency. There is less profit this way (got to share with the mother company) but the set-up is hassle-free because the support system is already in place.

Is it profitable? I suppose so....my next door neighbor here at the shopping center is a travel agency and they have been in business for over 10 yrs. so I'd say yes. However, I honestly think the volume of business isn't what it used to be. Nowadays, the Internet has made it so easy for people to do exactly what a travel agent can do. Of course, there are still those who can't or won't so they still need the services of a travel agent.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Answer 2

With all the Internet travel sites why would most people need a travel agent?
The travel agent field is declining as we speak.
Sign on to the Department of Labor's web site for more statistics.
http://www.dol.gov/