Are you planning to start your own travel business at home but need help figuring out how to begin? We’ll help you get the right headstart to become a successful travel agent from home.
Thanks to technology, becoming a freelance or online travel agent is now easy. No matter where you are, you can run a travel business at the tip of your fingers! All you need is the right guidance and be aware of the pros and cons that you may come across on your journey to becoming a travel agent.
In this blog post, we have 7 expert-backed tips on how you can start a B2C or B2B travel agency at home.
How to start a travel agency at home?
1. Find your niche
It could be a specific travel type (family-friendly, honeymoon, business, or adventure), or product type (flight, rail, cruise, bus, etc). This will help you structure your business and find the right audience.
2. Set up a workstation
A laptop + stable internet connection and you are all set. No matter where you plan to work, having a stable internet connection is necessary for a seamless booking experience.
3. Get a travel & tourism diploma
Although optional, we highly recommend it. A certified course in travel and tourism will give your thoughts and business a direction. It will guide you on how to grow and operate your business successfully.
If interested, the Riya Institute of Hospitality offers two certified courses the Global Tourism Management + IATA (International Air Transport Association).
4. Make a budget & business plan
- Do I have enough funds to sponsor the business?
- Do I need to reach out to investors?
- How will my business structure flow?
- What will my annual budget be?
Find solutions to all such questions, before you become a travel agent from home.
5. Get IATA certificate
For flight ticketing, it’s necessary to get an IATA certificate. It gives your company credibility and a certified status in the market. Travellers or corporates are more likely to do business with you if you have an IATA seal.
6. Manage your finances
Set up a separate bank account to handle your funds and cash inflow. This will help you streamline your finances and manage them better.
7. Choose between self-accreditation or ticket aggregators
You can collaborate with independent vendors or choose a ticket aggregator (established ticketing platforms) and take advantage of their aggregate ticket volumes to get competitive deals and commissions.
If you are looking for an aggregator or travel agency, Riya Connect has an expansive network of airlines offering competitive deals and offers for their travel partners. Check out the website here:
There you go! Those are some helpful tips, but becoming a travel agent from home may require more than these. Having a passion for travel and an in-depth knowledge of how the industry works is a great advantage too. Get on that research and make sure to network before you take the plunge and start your own travel business.
Check out Riya Connect, a platform built exclusively for travel agents to start your travel business from home.
Follow our blog for more helpful guidance on how to run and grow your travel business.
