tour company registration

How to Start a Tour Company

Tour guide services are most often offered in cities large, world-famous cities and cities that have rich historical backgrounds. Guests can be taken on a tour by foot or by vehicle, depending upon the distance that will be covered during the tour.

Learn how to start your own Tour Company and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a tour company by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Tour Company
• Form your Tour Company into a Legal Entity
• Register your Tour Company for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Tour Company
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Tour Company
• Get Tour Company Insurance
• Define your Tour Company Brand
• Create your Tour Company Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your tour company. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Tour Company Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your tour company?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a tour company.

Unlike many start-up businesses, your tour guide business will require very little starting capital. Many owners start out running the business out of their home, investing in a small storefront or kiosk in the heart of the city, as revenue starts to come in. Those who choose this path report start-up costs of under $2,000.

A few items you’ll need to figure into your budget are:

• Scheduling software
• Marketing materials - business cards and pamphlets

If you plan to offer tours that transport customers from one site to another, a vehicle should be factored into your budget. Options include vans, trolleys, bicycles, and scooters.

What are the ongoing expenses for a tour company?

Until you invest in a workspace, ongoing expenses will be minimal. Payroll will represent the greatest portion of your budget and will vary depending upon the number of guides you employ. If you transport guests, vehicle maintenance and fuel costs should also be considered.

Who is the target market?

While you might get an occasional local customer, the bulk of your business will come from travelers visiting your area on vacation or from students on educational trips.

How does a tour company make money?

A tour guide business makes money from each tour given. Guests are typically charged at a group rate or per individual. The price of each tour also depends on the length of each tour.

Unless your tours offer a unique experience that others cannot, pricing is a critical component to your organization’s success. Keep pricing competitive with others in your area that offer similar tours. Pricing is defined by a number of factors, including: walking or driving tour, destinations and entry costs, and number of people in each party. Half-day tours average $125, while full-day tours average $200, plus the cost of admission to any attractions that you will tour. Align yourself with management at each attraction to ensure affordable entry and maximize profits.

How much profit can a tour company make?

While this can be a very profitable business, experienced owners caution against expanding too quickly. When a tour isn’t fully booked, it can eat into your profits. Each tour that you offer comes with its own set of costs; however, with a properly designed marketing strategy, your tour guide business stands to draw in a considerable profit in the first year.

How can you make your business more profitable?

Try implementing some of the below strategies to maximize profits:

• If you live in an area that offers a variety of sightseeing activities, consider expanding to a full-service business. Offer packages that include: hotel accommodations, meals, travel arrangements, sightseeing arrangements, and information for downtime.
• Offer packages that include two or more of your local tours.
• Research all that your community has to offer. This will help in designing creative, unique tours that will give your customers an unforgettable experience.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your tour company is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a tour guide business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a tour company

Your marketing strategy should cater to each demographic your business is targeting. Team up with travel agents from across the country and share with them the services you offer, highlighting how your business stands out above the rest. To further reach tourists from across the globe, invest in Internet advertisements through search engines and banner ads on popular websites and social media platforms. Additionally, consider purchasing ad space in restaurants, bus stations, airports, hotels, and other tourist attractions.

Participation on travel blogs and tourist/travel forums will also gain exposure for your business, as will listings in various directories. The World Federation of Tour Guide Associations , National Federation of Tourist Guide Associations , and American Tour Guide Association host conferences for networking and learning everything there is to know about the industry.

How to keep customers coming back

In this industry, repeat customers aren’t the norm. However, it’s important to remember that each customer will share their experience with others. Word of mouth is your most powerful marketing tool, so make sure each guest has a safe, entertaining, and educational experience.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

The self-motivator with a thirst for knowledge who enjoys sharing what they’ve learned with others would do best owning a tour guide business.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a tour company?

In addition to the standard administrative tasks that go with running a business, your day-to-day tasks will include:

• Answering emails and phone calls from current and potential customers
• Scheduling tours
• Fostering relationships with those in the community whose interests you share
• Routinely maintaining vehicles if you transport customers
• Checking in with any staff members who might have questions
• Interacting with customers, taking them on scheduled tours, and answering questions
• Brainstorming and planning new tour ideas
• Maintaining a presence within the community
• Building on your marketing strategy

As your business starts to grow, you’ll want to add different tours and services. Tour guides should interact with customers regularly, gathering feedback and listening to any suggestions they might have. For long-term success you’ll want to continuously evolve your business, coming up with innovative ways to entertain guests.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful tour company?

While this profession does not require any professional qualifications to get started, there is a high level of skill necessary for success. Whether marketing, scheduling, or guiding, a majority of your time will be spent with people. Thus, it’s critical that you’re skilled at connecting with people. You’ll be guiding individuals from a variety of different backgrounds, so it is important that you make each of them feel comfortable and welcome on your tours.

Your city’s history and entertainment is what connects you to your customers. Those who are most successful are passionate about their city, and they strive to continue learning more about it so they can share their knowledge with others. They have a knack for finding and presenting interesting, little-known facts, and they have a way of making even the most boring subject sound interesting. To remain relevant in the industry, it’s also important that you maintain a certain level of awareness of emerging trends.

When interacting with a large group of people, as tour guides often do, emergencies are bound to happen. You should be able to handle such situations with ease while always maintaining an air of professionalism.

There are a number of companies that offer the training necessary to set your business up for success.

What is the growth potential for a tour company?

As the growth rate in the tour guide industry nears 21.2%, tour guides are poised to be one of the fastest growing industries. Your business’ success will rely on the tourist attractions your area has to offer and your ability to creatively maximize the number of attractions you are able to cover in each tour.

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Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a tour company?

Successful tour guide owners offer the following advice:

• Before getting started, contact your local agencies to identify any rules and regulations specific to your industry.
• One of the biggest challenges you’ll have in the beginning is tour scheduling. Research other companies’ schedules when creating yours, taking into account variations in location, time of day, tour length, etc. It can help to give several practice tours before committing yourself to starting a tour guide business.
• Offer a variety of tours that appeal to the different types of people you’ll encounter.
• When first starting out, don’t try to do too much. Offer a few tours and use that time to feel out your customers, identifying what other parts of the city might interest them most.

How and when to build a team

As the business starts to grow, it's time to start building your team. Each team member must be able easily to walk the scheduled route, on their feet for much of the day. Scripts should be memorized, but your guides should also have the ability to go off script, answering questions, adding appropriate jokes, etc. An older guide is often more well-received, as guests are under the impression that they have more experience in the area.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• World Federation of Tour Guide Associations
• National Federation of Tourist Guide Associations
• American Tour Guide Association

Real World Examples

• Classic Journeys
• G Adventures
• LA Bus Tour

Further Reading

• Tips for Starting Your Tour Business
• How To Start A Successful Tour Operator Business
• Explore more Entertaintment based Business Ideas

Entrepreneur Interviews

Read Interview

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

Want To Know The Journey Of Registering Your Travel Business?

How-to • Operations • August 16, 2018 • Vacation Labs

India has seen a sharp spike of startups over the last decade. Thanks to the ease of doing business through technology. According to a recent report , India is set to host 10,500 startups by 2020 making it one of the largest ecosystems for startups. Well, good luck to those who thought that the startup ecosystem is just a bubble waiting to burst.  In fact, the travel and tourism industry will be adding $11,512.9 billion* to global GDP by 2027. So, everyone in the travel startup space is looking to share a part of the pie.

(*As per a 2017 report by the World Travel And Tourism Council)

Here are some stats that’ll open your eyes:.

95% of consumers search online before making a travel purchase. Now that’s an insight

Social media affects purchase decisions of 48% consumers

41% consumers make a purchase after receiving a promotional offer/discount

25% consumers make a purchase after receiving it over SMS

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Are You Missing The Point?

Though, there’s something, which is mission critical even before you get that website up. That’s actually registering your business and making it legal and operational. After all, you don’t want to make headlines in the tourism industry for all the wrong reasons.

So How Do You Start Your Travel Business ?

There are plenty of ways to start a travel company . The question is whether you want to go the traditional way or do it the smart way (more on that later). First, let’s look at the traditional way of registering a travel company. The first thing you’d do is contact your CA and set up an appointment. Then he would ask you for a bunch of documents time and again to submit and then give you an approximate date of registering your company. Then the wait starts for you. In this process, two things do not go in your favour. That’s convenience and accountability.

Remember, we mentioned a smart way for travel company registration . There are plenty of startups out there including those that would be a one-stop shop solution for all your legal and financial needs to start your travel business in India.

There are companies like:

VakilSearch

Startupwala

These companies ensure that you can start your travel company without running around to multiple places for documents. After all, you have a busy life and are on the go. Through these companies, you are saving time and money. And we all know time is money. So now that we’ve made a case for going online, here’s another important question:

That totally depends on how you want to start your travel company. A majority of travel entrepreneurs start solo, while others usually team up with family or friends to begin with. Very rarely people start with a full-fledged travel company. 

Does A Sole Proprietorship Make Sense For You?

Yes, it does. In fact, it is the easiest way to start your travel company . That’s because you’d be managing the whole show as the principal decision maker and owner of your travel company. The best part is that you could have a proprietorship company up and running in a fortnight. No wonder, it is the most popular way to start a business, particularly for new entrepreneurs and establishments.

Here are some of the pros of going solo or rather with Sole Proprietorships:

Get a head start

15 days is all you need to start a travel company . That includes your GST registration. It’s fairly a straightforward process. All you need is a:

• Identity proof  
• Address proof
• Shops & Establishments Act Registration
• Current Bank Account

And you’re almost done.  

Less compliance. More ease.

The compliance required for running your travel business or tour operator business is uncomplicated. All you’ve got to do is file the taxes of your service or profession.

Easy on the pocket

Not only do you require less paperwork and compliances for Sole Proprietorship firms, but you have to pay less to get started. One can start with as low as Rs. 1,499 . Now, that’s even less than a meal at a restaurant in most urban cities in India.

Tax is on your side

Since you are the sole owner of a travel company, you do not need to show a distinction between your income and the company’s income. Therefore, you’d be taxed according to the rates applied to personal income tax rates, and not corporate tax. That means, no hiring expensive auditors. You can breathe easy. 

How Do You Go About Registering The Company?

You must be thinking that you can do it yourself. But first, this is all that you have to go through:

• Choose possible names for your company. Here’s what you need to know about naming your company
• Apply online on with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for the DIN (Director Identification Number)
• Register online for a DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)
• Gather your application materials
• Complete e-Form 1A
• File Form 1A online to apply for company name
• Draft the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)
• Print the MoA and AoA.
• Have the MoA and AoA notarized
• Pay the registration and filing fees online
• Find the corresponding RoC office to file your application
• Gather your completed application documents
• File your application one with the RoC
• Collect the Certificate of Incorporation
• Ready to do business

It ends up something like this:

Not your idea of forming a company, right?

There’s a better way to do it by using online platforms such as Vakil Search, Venture Easy and IndiaFilings.

Let’s look at Vakil Search

A floating box with a call-to-action window  

They even have a chat window powered with a Bot called TARS to assist you 

The chat window is extremely user-friendly by clearly defining the special offers and options in the chat window 

Apart from the initial form and chat window on the right side, there is also the option for the user to ask a question with their name and phone number.Vakil Search arranges for a call back to the user to answer their queries.

Once you choose an option, a representative from Vakil Search will send you a dashboard for all the following details.

Make sure you fill in all your details and make the payment. Next, wait for a few days and voila, you are all set to roll. Therefore, sites like these become a one-stop shop solution for starting your travel company.  

Thinking About The Paid-up Capital?

There is none in the case of the Sole Proprietorship as is the case with the One Person Company or Private Limited Company which is usually Rs. 1 lakh.

Are There Any Downsides?

Though a Sole Proprietorship is fairly easy to set up, it’s not all rosy when your business suffers losses. That’s because Sole Proprietorship comes with the unlimited liability clause, which means in case the business goes into a loss, the business, as well as the personal assets of the proprietor, can be used to pay debts or recover losses. That can seriously dent a proprietor’s financial goals. That’s also one of the major reasons why it becomes difficult to raise funds or lend funds to assist sole proprietors.

What Is A One Man Company?

2013 saw a new form of business introduced according to the Companies Act. It was brought in to help sole proprietors and new entrepreneurs who would like to start a business with limited liability and yet have the business as a separate legal entity. Want to know the other features and differences between OPC and Sole Proprietorship, this will help .

What If Two People Or More Wish To Start A Travel Business Together?

That’s always a question running in an entrepreneur’s mind especially if he or she wants to start the travel business with a friend or family member. For this modus operandi, we’d suggest you register your tour operator or travel business with a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).

What Is An LLP?

It is a legal corporate entity in which a firm enjoys the partnership with limited liability yet the business has all the features of a company. It means, the best of both worlds when it comes to a partnership and a limited company. That’s because a partner does not take responsibility for the decisions and the wrongdoings of other partners. Plus, they enjoy limited liability when it comes to their business.

What About Expansion?

Yes, we can understand a lot of entrepreneurs have registered a travel company but are looking to take the next step of expansion. After all, everyone would like to make it big when it comes to their business. For these entrepreneurs, it is time for them to register their company as a Private Limited Company.

What Is A Private Limited Company?

A private limited company is a legal corporate entity with a limited liability incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013. It should have a minimum of two directors and a maximum of 15 directors. A director can also be a shareholder. It also allows foreign nationals, foreign entities or NRIs to be the Directors as well as shareholders.

What Are The Advantages Of A Private Limited Company?

Having your own travel business private limited means you’ll get the boost and funds available to scale-up your business. That’s because, there will be shareholders as well as investors who’d take interest in your company provided on your profitability and returns. This means some serious investment and opportunities to see your travel business take-off.

OK, Now That You Have Registered, What Next?

Yes, that’s a very valid question for starting a travel company in the new GST era. The Goods or Services Tax is applicable to you if you have an annual turnover of more than 20 lakhs. Since we are also talking about taking your business online, you will also require a GST number for selling travel services or products online. Again, it’s a hassle-free and paper-free process as the Government of India has made it easy to apply for GST. There is even a GST portal .

GST registration can be done via the GST portal.  All you’ll need is:

• PAN card, Photo and Aadhar Card of the proprietor
• Address proof of business (Electricity bill/ rent agreement)
• A copy of your bank statement, which clearly shows your bank account number and IFSC code

Normally, the GST number is received within 3-4 days of submitting the application.

While it is not mandatory to be approved by the Government of India to be a travel agent, it has its advantages. It means you are maintaining certain checklists and quality standards. Plus, you become a credible travel business or tour operator, which is important in the eyes of the international tourist. To become an approved travel agent or tour operator, you’ll need to apply to the Ministry of Tourism with certain information like capital invested, a certain number of staff employed, maintenance of minimum office space and other stipulations.

Are There Any Guidelines From The Government For Entrepreneurs Who’d Like To Register Their Travel Business? Yes, the government has put together certain guidelines for inbound tour operators. You can view them here .

Is There Any Tour Operator Body In India That Is Helpful For A New Tour Operator Business?

Yes, there is. There is an Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India or ADTOI as it is called. While starting a tour operator business , it makes perfect sense to be a part of this organization. There is also the Indian Association of Tour Operators or IATO , which is also an apex body of inbound tour operators. Here are some of the advantages of becoming a member of IATO.  And you have ATOAI , that stands for Adventure Tours Operators Association Of India. If you cater to airline ticketing getting registered with IATA (International Air Transport Association) is a must.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:   What is a Tour Operator Software? Tour Operator Fundamentals

We have shared a step-by-step process with specific guidelines to help you get your travel start-up the initial formalities and recognition to perform business. However, one thing is clear, for any travel business to even survive, they have to get online.

How Can We Say This?

Vacation Labs has helped more than 200 tour operators and travel companies go online from scratch. That too, in a short span of time. We are a testimony to their start-up experience and success. So, once you get your company registered, don’t look further. Contact us to get your travel website up and running in no time with powerful travel commerce capabilities. One thing is clear, for any travel business to even survive, they have to get online. Here are some of the fundamentals of setting up your tour operator business online. If you’d like to get started or want to know anything else, we are waiting.

Vacation Labs has helped more than 200+ tour operators and travel companies go online from scratch.

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How to start a Tour Operator business in 2024: A step-by-step guide

By Brieanne Biblow

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There are so many benefits of being a tour operator , but taking the first step to start your own tour company? That can feel daunting. Like any start-up business, there are lots of pieces that need to come together before you welcome your first customers. With countless resources out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’ve asked yourself “How do I start an online tour operator business?” We’re here to give you more than just a few tips on starting a travel and tour company. Dive into our practical step-by-step guide on how to start your own tour company.

How to start a Tour Operator business in 2024

1. choose a business niche, 2. register your tour company, 3. design your tour, 4. build relationships  , 5. market your tour, 6. launch your tour, choose a business niche.

Find your passion

The first step to becoming a tour operator is to know what you’re passionate about. If you survey a handful of happy tour guests, do you know the number one thing they’ll say makes a difference between a good tour and a tour they’ll recommend to all their friends? A passionate tour guide.

Your passion for cooking could translate into delicious food tours, or your love of the outdoors could turn into hiking tours, even a passion for all things spooky could transform into starting a ghost tour business. So, take some time to find your passion that you can’t wait to share with others every day.

Evaluate your city

Once you have your passion in mind, it’s time to take a look at your city. Is it a popular tourist destination? Is there anything that’s not being explored? While passion is key, it’s equally important to identify if there’s an opportunity. Passion without opportunity is just a hobby. Check in with your local tourism board to see if they have any market research reports that outline the opportunities and challenges in the industry.

Dig into travel and tourism trends

The travel and tourism industry, like any industry, can see larger trends in pop culture trickle down and open up entirely new business opportunities. Your potential customers are being influenced by trends, so why not do some research, incorporate ones that feel like a fit for you, and watch more bookings roll in.

Some 2024 tourism trends that will be influencing travelers:

• Multi-generational tours : Post-retirement boomers will be looking to travel with their entire families. So creating a tour offering that has something for the whole family could be a great idea.
• Cultural connection : More and more, savvy travelers are always looking for something truly authentic to the destination they’ve traveled to. That doesn’t mean you have to be the authentic expert. Instead, think about exploring opportunities to partner with other start-up businesses in your community that could add this element to your tour offering.
• From screens to reality: Keeping a pulse on popular TV shows and movies can be a great way to come up with unique tour ideas that can target new customers for your business.

Identify your target market

Now that you have innovative tourism ideas , you need to map out what your ideal potential customer looks like. Think about the types of people that will be attracted to your tour.

• What’s their age demographic?
• Where are they coming from?
• What language(s) do they speak?
• What interests do they have?

Who your customers are will determine many of the decisions you make later. This information will also be crucial when you create your marketing strategy. So, take the time to get to know your target market.

Research your competitors

Having found your tour idea and evaluated the market in the previous section, you’re almost ready to register your tour company. But first, you’ll need to research your competition, so you know what you’re up against. Head to Google and search simple like “tour operators near me” and ask yourself:

• What are they doing well?
• Where are their gaps?
• What are their price points like?

Then, find ways to differentiate yourself and stand out.

Register your tour company

With your research complete, now is a good time to consider your options for registering your business. Go to your local tourism board and find out the requirements for starting a tour company in your area. Here are some of the legalities you might have to go through.

Name your tour business

The first thing you need to do is name your business. Your tour name will be used in all of your documentation. Make sure your name is both memorable and descriptive. The most important is if the website domain is available. If your name checks all the boxes, go to your local Registrar of Companies to get it approved and then purchase your domain.

Register your business

Now that you have a name you’re ready to make things official by registering your business. There are different options for how you register— sole proprietorship, partnerships, corporations. Speaking to a small business accountant is a great idea to understand the tax implications of each option. Then, evaluate the pros and cons of each before you make your decision.

Get your business license and permits

Once you’ve registered your business, you’ll need to get a local business license. Check in with your local municipality to do this. You might need to obtain additional permits and licensing based on where you are operating and if you have any vehicles.

Purchase liability insurance

Protect your business, yourself, and your guests by getting liability insurance. Accidents happen, that’s a given. But to ensure that you aren’t held personally liable, you’ll want to meet with an insurance company to learn about what coverage your business needs. Some commonly required in the tourism industry are:

• Commercial General Liability (CGL)
• Property Insurance
• Accounts Receivable Insurance

Register as a tour guide

If you are guiding, you might need to complete a course to become a licensed tourist guide. This allows you to take tourists around a designated geographical area. To find out if you need to register as a guide, check in with your local tourism board.

Open a business bank account

Now that you have a business license, you’ll want to open a corporate bank account. This will help you keep track of all your expenses and revenue and make accounting a lot easier.

Design your tour 

Write your business plan

With all the legalities taken care of, it’s time to write your business plan.

A business plan is a document that holds all of your ideas. It’s your roadmap that helps you determine how you’ll move forward. Include your company description, market analysis, partnership opportunities, and small business goals . It should also include your marketing plan, operations plan, and a list of your vendors, products, and services. It should also contain a variety of financial projections for your first 1-5 years of business. Remember: it’s okay if you don’t have all the answers right away, but it’s good to know what to focus on as you grow.

Side note: once you get up and running, you should learn how to develop a strategic plan to help you reach your ultimate vision for your tour operator business.

Create your Unique Selling Proposition

With your business plan in hand, it’s time to lock down your unique selling proposition.  This explains what makes your tour better than the competition. It’s the benefit that travelers can only get by booking with you — like that you provide ethical travels & tours .  You should be able to define this in one sentence.

Set your tour pricing

Now that you’ve evaluated your market it’s time to determine the value of your tour and choose what you will charge. It’s important to consider your operating costs and market value as well as what you think customers are willing to pay. This part often feels overwhelming for a lot of start-up businesses, which is why we’ve created our free Tour Operator Costing Sheet .

Craft your brand story

Now comes the fun part—it’s time to create a compelling story for your tour. Make sure it has a definite beginning, middle, and end. Find themes that you can carry through the entire experience. A clear narrative makes your tour more memorable.  The goal is to have your guests telling their friends all the neat things they learned in the weeks that follow.

Design a tour logo

Once you’ve created a story for your tour, it’s time to design your brand around it. The first step is to create a logo. Your logo is the visual representation of your business. It will be used in all of your marketing collateral. You can choose to work with a graphic designer, or give free tools like Canva a try. Lookin for some inspiration? Check out more ideas for branding your business .

Build a travel website

Alright! You’re finally ready to create an online presence for your business . This is how many travelers will find you when researching their trips. If you don’t know how to build a website you have a few options; you could hire a contractor, or try your hand with tools like: Wix , Squarespace , or WordPress . Whatever you choose, make sure your website works with online booking system (like Checkfront 😉).

Set up an online booking system

You don’t just want travelers to find you online; you want them to make, and pay, for reservations right on your website. To do this, you need an online booking system . Your booking system can also be used to process your in-person and over the phone reservations. Here are a few links that will help you find the platform that’s right for you.

• What is an Online Booking System?
• How to Create an Online Booking System in 24 Hours (or Less)
• Start Using Checkfront’s Booking System for Free

Build Relationships 

Talk to other tour guides

When starting a business, many entrepreneurs think they need to do everything on their own. This can lead to loneliness and frustration. But, you don’t have to do it alone. Many guides would be happy to share their knowledge with you. Go out and build relationships with other operators in your city, who aren’t direct competitors. Online communities like Tourpreneur are an invaluable resource for tour operators at any stage of their business.

Connect with the local tourism community

Take any opportunity you have to build relationships with local business . While it’s difficult to walk into a room full of strangers and feel like an outsider, you won’t regret pushing yourself to meet other business owners. You’ll feel connected to people in the same boat as you and get a lot from the relationships you make. Just don’t forget to give back. Here are a few key relationships you should build locally:

• With your local city council
• Your local tourism or destination management organization (DMO)
• Your local tourist information office
• Hotel front desks and tour desks

Market Your Tour

With your target market defined and your marketing strategy ready to go, it’s time to get the word out about your amazing business! From online travel agents to social media to email marketing, we’ll cover it all:

List your tours on OTAs

Make it easy for travelers to find you by listing your tour on online travel agents (OTAs). OTA’s like Viator, Expedia Local Expert, Google Things To Do and GetYourGuide already have experience in digital advertising and have built up a mass following. While they will take a commission from your sales, they also have a significant amount of marketing spend at their disposal that your business can benefit from.

Think about it like selling vegetables — while you could set up a booth at a local farmer’s market, you’ll probably get far more customers by selling in a grocery store.

Implement SEO best practices

Now that you’re tour is listed with a couple online travel agents, it’s time to start driving traffic to your website. The best long-term strategy to do so is through search engine optimization (SEO). You can use SEO best practices to optimize your site for Google and other search engines. One of the best things to do is to SEO optimize your product descriptions . That way when someone searches for something related to your tour, your website shows up in search results.

Buy Google Adwords

While SEO is great, it’s a long-term strategy and can takee time to crawl up Google or Bing’s search rankings. To get immediate results you can buy AdWords. Instead of waiting for Google’s algorithm to show your website on the results page, you bid on specific keywords related to your business so your site shows up on top of the page.

Start email marketing

With steady visitor traffic coming to your website, you’ll want to capture their emails so you can stay in touch with them. Email marketing is a powerful tool when done right but it will take some work to stand out in your customers’ inboxes. Our Complete Guide to Email Marketing for Tourism Operators is a great place to start.

Get on Facebook and Instagram

Social media is where your customers are likely spending most of their time online, so you should be there, too. Creating a Facebook page and Instagram account will let you connect to your customers, post pictures of your tours, and make your company information easy to share and recommend. Plus, you can use Facebook Messenger or Instagram’s Direct Messages to answer questions and use the ad network on both platforms to help more people discover your tour.

Launch Your Tour

Host Your Friends and Family

As you prepare for a successful business launch , you’ll want to do a few test runs. We recommend a pre-launch buzz campaign or hosting a few friends and family first. Think of it as your dress rehearsal. Go through the tour from start to finish and collect as much feedback as you can. Once you feel confident that you’ve worked out the kinks, you’re ready to launch! 

Final thoughts

Building your own tour business is no easy feat. From designing a tour and evaluating your market, to building relationships, your brand, your online presence, and getting those first customers through the door. There’s a lot of pieces to put together. However, following this step-by-step guide and your intuition you’ll have a successful tour operator business in no time.

Want to get your tour business off to a running start?

Join the 30 Day ‘Things to Do’ Challenge for Tour Operators.

Tackle one small task a day and watch your business grow.

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How to Start a Tour Company with (Almost) No Money

Table of Content

How to start a tour company: before you start, designing your tour, testing the waters, taking care of the legal stuff, open for business, how to start a tour company in case you can’t do everything yourself, launching and beyond.

Starting a tour company is tough work.

There are many steps involved and it’s important to sequence them in the right order. Otherwise, you risk losing money and time working on the wrong things.

To make it easier, we created this article to guide you through the process of starting a tour company.

Among other things, you’ll find what are the crucial first steps to start a tour company off the ground. You’ll find ways to test your ideas without spending lots of money up front and get early sales before you even launch your business.

You’ll also find tips for designing your tour and positioning yourself in the market so that you have a clear differentiator from existing competitors.

Lastly, you’ll gain an understanding of how to market and grow your tour company so that you have a solid basis for success.

Ready? Let’s go.

Before going further, you need the most important ingredients for starting a tour company – skills and passion.

Just kidding.

You really don’t need skills and passion at the beginning because you can acquire these as you go along.

But you do need to make a commitment.

Make a commitment to yourself

Starting a tour business is like everything else in life that’s worth pursuing – you’ll get out of it whatever you put in it. So it’s best to approach the whole venture with a long-term mindset. It’s hard to get started and it won’t get easier over time. Before even starting, make sure you’re truly committed to spending days, months and years on growing this venture.

Now, on to the more practical stuff.

Check the requirements

The first thing you’ll want to do is check the requirements with your local tour body. There may be specific health and safety regulations, depending on your city and the type of tour you want to start. For the most part, these should be relatively easy to fulfill but in some cases, you might have to take a special course to start trading legally.

If you find that it takes time to obtain the necessary documents, skip to the part about registering your business and take care of that first. This way, you can do all the work around designing your tour while waiting for the registration documents.

So now you’ve made a commitment that you’re in it for the long run.

You’ve also checked the regulations with your local tourism body and you have a good idea of what’s to come from a legal standpoint.

That’s all you need to go forward and design your tour – including how you will make money and stand out from the competition.

Choose your target market

If you’re sure you can meet all requirements of starting a tour company and you’re in it for the long run, it’s time to do a little market research .

The most important thing to do at the beginning is to choose your market and niche down. That’s because you likely have limited resources and you don’t want to waste them on activities that won’t get your results. To get results, you need to know who you’re targeting, what your potential customers need, and how they acquire information.

So how do you choose your niche?

There are many ways to go about this and below are just a few best practices:

1) Scratching your own itch A tried and tested method is to build a tour for people like yourself. This means people that are in your age group, share your interests and, ideally, you know a lot of them.

Taking this approach is great because it will be easier for you to “get in the shoes” of your customers.

2) Take advantage of a market trend Is there a factor that makes targeting one group a really good idea?

Perhaps a new law reduced travel restrictions for another nation and you expect many people will come and visit?

Or maybe there’s a new initiative in your city that’s likely to attract many new visitors?

It’s important to stay on top of local and international tourism trends because you might spot a pattern before everyone else and take advantage of it.

3) Look at your competition before starting a tour company Is there a gap in the market that you’ve spotted? Something that’s missing in the region for you personally, that you’d like to introduce? Check out Viator or GetYourGuide to make sure it’s really missing.

If you’re lucky, all 3 factors above will work in your favor. You should ideally be in a growing market that you understand and is underserved by existing competitors.

Develop your Value Proposition

Once you’ve chosen a target market, it’s time to figure out what type of tour you’re going to sell them and why they will buy it.

How do you go about that?

A good approach is to list out your ideal customer’s pains and gains .

How can you help them solve their problems or reach their goals with your tour? Answer this question to figure out what type of tour you can offer and how to tailor it for your customers.

For more information on developing an effective value proposition, check out our article on how to conduct market research for tours and activities .

Identify your Unique Selling Point (USP)

The USP or Unique Selling Point is the answer to the following question: why would anyone choose you over competitors?

Getting your USP right is important because you’ll need to communicate it often and everywhere you can.

Is your tour the only one of its sort in your city? Are you giving more value at the same price? Increasing the duration (though not always), giving out freebies or adding a tour theme are all good examples of differentiation.

Devise a go-to-market strategy on how to start a tour company

So you know who you’re going to target and what you’re going to offer them. Now it’s time to think about how you’re going to reach your audience in a cost-effective way .

Below are some of the best channels for selling tours (you can click on each to read more):

• Your website
• Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube…)
• Destination Management Organizations (DMOs)
• Review sites like TripAdvisor

We’ll speak more about these channels later. For now, think about how your target audience acquires information so you have a rough idea of how you’re going to reach them.

Set your price

Pricing is a tough subject to master.

But it’s important to get it right because it directly affects your revenue, the perceived value of your tour and, most importantly, the type of customers you attract.

The most important thing is to avoid underpricing. Just because you’re starting out doesn’t mean you should be lower cost. If you compete on price, it’s going to be hard to get the initial profit you need to grow and provide a better service.

Think about it this way – the higher the price, the more value you can provide to your customers.

In fact, you can have several tiers of pricing to control demand and allow people different types of experiences.

That said, it’s worth checking out competitors so you have a rough guideline of the average price others are charging.

Identify the resources you’ll need

Now it’s time to think about what you’ll need in order to deliver your tour.

It’s good to have an idea of the required resources so you can estimate your costs and avoid unexpected surprises.

These could be things like special equipment, assets, and employees. Or maybe you need to find a great office location?

Whatever it is, keep that in mind so you can budget for it later.

Visualize a day running the tour

By now you should have a good idea of how your tour is going to function.

In order to clarify what it means to do this, try and visualize a normal day running the tour.

• When do you wake up?
• What do you do first in the morning?
• How does your workday go by?
• How does it end?

Visualizing your day will help you spot any gaps or things you’ve missed. You’ll also get a rough idea of the more repetitive and mundane tasks you’ll have to do – hopefully, this will not put you off!

Make a list of people who can help you

We’ve covered some ground now and you’re probably thinking “that’s a lot of work”!

Once you have a rough idea of what you’ll need and the ongoing activities, think about who can help you with starting and running the tour.

Do you know people who can provide you with any resources , guidance or support? Or maybe there are specific organizations that you can partner with or even pay to massively increase your chances of success?

Think about this early and you’re likely to find that things are much more realistic than you thought at the beginning.

Estimate your costs

As with any business, you also need to keep an eye on the costs.

After putting in the work in the thought exercises above, you should be able to estimate some rough number – both a monthly overhead and the cost of starting up. Try and make a few notes right now.

Now double the number you got for both the upfront and monthly costs.

The reason for this is to avoid “ optimism bias ” – we are wired to underestimate the likelihood of things going wrong in the future.

So stay on the safe side and, as they say, “expect the unexpected”.

Source: TNW

Most articles online will suggest you register a company, find an accountant, build a content-heavy website and all sorts of useless things – before even knowing if people want your tour.

Here, we take a slightly different approach.

While you need to get the formalities right (like your license, registration, and insurance – but more on this later), you should try and collect as much information as possible to validate your assumptions before spending lots of time, effort and money.

Here, we’ll look at the first steps you can take to prepare your tour for success and get online as quickly and cheaply as possible.

Choose a name for your tour

This should embody your core differentiator and make clear what you do. Here are a few good examples:

• Seaplane Adventures
• BrewCycle Portland *
• Boston Lobster Tours

All 3 examples give you an idea of what to expect – but they are not obvious.

This is also a good time to check if there’s a suitable domain name for your business – later on, you’ll need it for your website. Plug your ideas into this domain name generator to get some killer suggestions.

*Please note: We don’t support drinking craft beer before getting on your bicycle.

Create a logo

Ok, so you have an idea of your tour design, pricing, and USP. Now it’s time to get to the visuals.

The first thing to think about is a basic logo to use across various sales channels – like your website and social media.

You can create a free logo here or hire someone to do it for you on places like 99designs .

Try to get the colors right and make it represent what you stand for. But don’t worry too much about it – the logo is important but not the main reason people will come and buy from you.

Take some photos and videos

Source: GofreeDownload

Yes, I know you still haven’t launched your tour and don’t have any photos of happy people with stunning views behind them.

But that’s no reason to exclude visuals from your marketing materials.

Go around and take some photos in your city. Or record a video of the equipment you’ll use – even before you have it. This will come in handy when you start building your online presence (we’re getting there).

Decide on your opening hours and launch date

What? Opening hours?

Yes, you’ll need to present a fully operational page in a moment that assures people the tour will go live.

This is also the time to decide on your official launch date so you can start generating some buzz ahead of that.

Make sure to stay on the safe side and expect that there will be delays. There’s no need to rush (unless you have a really good reason for it).

As a rule of thumb, give yourself at least 30 days for promotion ahead of the launch date.

Set up your contact details

You’re about to start interacting with a lot of people – now’s the time to set up your business contact number and email address.

No need to use a website domain name for your email or setting up a long-term contract for a mobile phone. People don’t really care about that.

A simple [your_tour_name]@email.com and a prepaid SIM card should be enough at this point.

Create a Facebook page

Source: Sprout Social

You were probably wondering why you need to do all these stuff above.

Well, the reason is your Facebook page (or in rare situations – some other social media where your target audience hangs out).

A Facebook page is one of the fastest ways to get online and gain the capacity to reach many people.

It can host all the information people care about when booking your tour – including pricing, address, reviews and so on. They can even get in touch with you directly via chat.

Best of all, your friends and family can share it and generate awareness.

There’s only one setback – you need a way to capture people’s email addresses to tell them about your launch date. That’s where your website comes in.

Create a basic website

Your website should be the primary online channel you use for acquiring new customers. The reason is you have full control over your website which is not always true when using other online channels. You can control things like the branding and messaging, but more importantly – you will not pay any commission fees to resellers.

At this point, you don’t need an elaborate website with all the bells and whistles. You just need a simple page with the following elements:

A ttention: Create an exciting headline that captivates your visitors once they arrive at your website.

I nterest: Describe the key benefit of your tour, making sure to mention who it’s best suited for.

D esire: Highlight the best parts of your tour using both words and images to instill a desire to act in your visitors.

A ction: Provide a clear call to action to submit an email address so you can save them a spot for launch date (or directly purchase your tour or activity once you have a booking system in place ).

Like with the logo, avoid spending too much time on this and make sure it’s just out there. There are many cheap options for building a basic website such as WordPress or Drupal .

You can learn how to build your own website with built-in booking system here .

Once you set up your website, take a minute to check its performance in terms of SEO, page speed and keywords. You can use this free SEO grader tool to perform the test.

So, you’re officially online and well on your way to launching a tour business. Now it’s time to get involved in the industry and talk to the most relevant people you can find.

Talk to people in the industry

Talking to tour guides and operators that have done what you want to do is probably the fastest way to a successful start. Ask for advice, ask for their stories and learn from their successes and failures.

Just search for tours that don’t directly compete with you and get in touch with one or more of the tour guides. Explain that you’re just starting out and that you want to meet other people in the field to bounce ideas and experience off each other.

Follow the influencers

There are many influencers in the tour industry that you can turn to.

Even if you can’t directly talk to them, you can follow their blogs and social channels to stay in touch with what’s going on in the tour industry.

Of course, keep a close eye on the Regiondo blog too – we cover the most important aspects of starting and running a leisure business with topics ranging from sales and marketing to leadership and important tourism events.

Get involved in events and meetups

Source: Local Guides Connect

Another easy way to develop the network you need is to join existing events, conferences and regular meetups near you. These should be related to the industry but don’t necessarily have to be just for tours.

A lot of groups exist where business owners can share ideas and experience to get more profitable and grow. These are also people that can refer you more business and, of course, buy from you.

Just go to Meetup.com or your local DMO too see if there are any good events happening nearby.

Stay active in these fields and you’re bound to get a lot of benefits and have fun along the way – while meeting new people and acquiring friends.

As you can see, your goal when starting out should be to generate bookings as quickly as possible.

However, there are a few things to take care of so you can trade legally. It’s best to do this early to avoid potential bottlenecks later down the road.

Register your business

The first thing you need to do is to register your business name so you can legally start making sales. The name doesn’t have to be the same as your tour name so you can use whatever makes sense for your business structure and future plans.

Just go to your local business registrar office or call them up on the phone to save time (if available).

Open a business bank account

There are many ways to get paid, but you always need a place where the money ultimate goes. So opening a business account is one of the first things you need to do. This will let you keep track of expenses while having a place to take payments.

Get a tour operator license

Once your business is officially registered, it’s time to obtain your tour operator license or (or equivalent in your country). The process for this should be detailed in your local government’s or tourism body website.

Set up liability insurance

Liability insurance will protect you in case something goes wrong and a guest or employee has an accident. You can also cover any potential legal costs. Make sure to go online and search for quotes from local insurance companies.

Well, not exactly. While your business is not fully operational yet, there’s no reason why you’d turn down bookings.

In fact, you have every reason to start getting pre-sales and booking your tour in advance. Not only is this the best way to validate your ideas, but it’s also great to fund your startup costs for launch day.

Start taking online bookings

Ok, now that your website is up and running, you’ll need a way to get bookings through it .

To do that, we recommend choosing a booking software like Regiondo that will take care of the hard work for you. You can   book a live demo with Regiondo experts who will guide you through the platform and help you start getting online bookings.

Once you have your website and booking system implemented, you can manage all your sales in one place using your Regiondo dashboard.

Your website visitors can also see a live booking calendar on your website and you’ll be able to manage multiple sales channels – like Viator and  GetYourGuide  among others.

Register with Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)

Once you’re ready to take bookings, online travel agencies can be the best place for getting early sales. These sites have grown tremendously in recent years. They often list thousands of tours and activities and sell them to their visitors in exchange for a commission.

You can learn more about the top online travel agencies in our dedicated post on the topic .

Get on review platforms

Eventually, reviews will be a key part of your tour business and it’s never too early to start thinking about building your presence on review platforms .

The biggest name here is TripAdvisor so we have a whole article on building your TripAdvisor ranking .

As a best practice, try to build your reviews in a single platform, preferably TripAdvisor, so that you don’t spread your attention across multiple platforms. But there are other important places too – like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. If people prefer to use these platforms, you should give them a way to leave a review there as well.

Sign up for the relevant social media platforms

Hopefully, you already have some social media presence, such as a Facebook page .

But depending on who you target, you might also look into other channels.

For example, younger people tend to spend more time on Instagram and Snapchat.

And Pinterest is one of the most visual places to hang around on the web – ideal to post the photos you’ve taken in the steps above.

YouTube is the king of video – and it’s a great channel for many people to drive traffic to their website.

Twitter can be a good option too – especially if your target market hangs around there. Twitter’s users are from a varying background but you will often find influencers there – who can help you grow your business tremendously.

Finally, despite its status as a professional network, Linkedin can be a good channel for selling to businesses. If you plan to introduce teambuilding offers and group events for companies, this social network can be a good option.

Tell your story

Now it’s time to add a more personal touch to the places where you have a presence.

Like the USP, your story will do much of the selling for you.

• Why did you decide to start this tour?
• How did you come up with the idea?
• What problems did you encounter?
• Who was there to help you?

These are just some questions that help you define your brand story.

You may think that there’s nothing special to your tour – but I encourage you to sit down and think deeply about this.

Were you fed up with your 9-5 job? Or maybe you’ve always been fascinated with the subject of your tour? Did you grow up in the city, knowing all of its ins and outs? Or maybe you stumbled upon the location and fell in love with it?

Whatever the background, you surely have a good reason to be where you are. If you get to a point where you actually launch a tour, you will have something interesting to say about it. And people like interesting stuff. It’s why they buy tours and activities. And it’s why young people today prefer spending on experiences rather than things .

Do email marketing

Source: Depositphotos

Hopefully, your website is working well and generating a consistent flow of emails by now.

Email marketing is one of the best ways to reduce reliance on first-time customers.

It’s also a great way to generate more online reviews by contacting people after an event.

At this early stage, email will help you update customers and potential customers when the tour becomes available.

Advertise (if you can afford it)

Advertising is not crucial before launching but could help if you have the budget for it.

Depending on your target market, you could go for offline advertising or online advertising. And in some cases – both.

You might be tempted to go for modern approaches like Facebook ads or Google ads, however, traditional print media can also be a good choice.

As more people get their news and info online, you can strike some pretty good deals with local magazines or newspapers.

Another option is sponsoring travel bloggers and other influencers who can promote your upcoming tour in their content.

And if you don’t want to spend cash on advertising, check out our post with  10 ways to get free advertising for tours and activities .

Set up analytics

To be frank, sophisticated stats are not what you want to spend your time on so early.

However, it’s good to have a basic idea of where bookings are coming from (and hopefully you’ll get enough bookings to justify it).

Knowing this will guide you about where you should spend time later on when growing your tour.

Is your website working well? What about Facebook ? And maybe some of the OTAs are kicking in…

These are things you need to keep an eye on so you spend your time in the most effective way.

The important thing right now is to keep things simple.

Track a few KPIs and make sure you always have a specific question you want to answer before getting buried in data.

You can learn more about this topic in our post about Google analytics .

Do a test run

If you can, get some friends together and run the tour with them. This will help you spot potential bottlenecks ahead of launch day so you are prepared to tackle them.

You will also be able to make any changes to the tour based on your guest’s reactions and feedback.

In some cases, you might need staff or special equipment to start operations. This section is here for a reason – you will ideally confirm all your ideas and make sure there is high demand for your tour before investing serious resources.

But if needed, here are some tips on finding the right suppliers and hiring your first employees .

Find suppliers (and possibly funding)

Do you need some special equipment? Any assets that are crucial to the operation?

There are 2 aspects here – one is sourcing them and the other is getting the money to fund your purchases.

But this is a post about starting a tour company on a tight budget. If you don’t have all the cash upfront, check out our article on business funding so you can take care of this too.

For supplying the assets, it’s usually best to source locally .

You may be tempted to order from China or other places where you can get a cheaper offer.

But this way you increase the likelihood of problems and complications.

Despite major platforms like Alibaba that make it easier to trade wholesale, it can still be difficult to acquire assets this way, especially if you don’t speak the language.

It’s also much more difficult to get support later.

And in many cases, you will be surprised that there is not that big of a difference between wholesale prices. So sourcing local is a good step if you can afford it.

Another tip here is to start small .

Avoid ordering big batches but rather start with the minimum needed to make your tour a reality. Try and get it on credit and form a deal where it’s possible for you to return the equipment if you don’t manage to take off as quickly as you’d hoped for.

It’s good to do the job yourself first – at least for a little while. This will help you understand the processes and the type of people you need to hire.

But sometimes, you will need to hire from the get-go.

Needless to say, you should aim to get the best people you can. Whether it’s seasoned professionals or people with lots of potential whom you can train.

This is not the place for making compromises. Who you hire will have a great impact on your success or failure.

This is obviously a big topic and there’s no way to capture it here. If there’s one thing to take away, it’s this:

Find great people and treat them well – that’s one good recipe if you need staff early on.

Source: Pexels

The day you and the entire city have been waiting for…

Make it special

Ok, so you’ve designed and tested a great tour, people know about you and you’re confident things will go right. Or maybe you’re not – it doesn’t matter because it’s time to launch officially!

Get everyone you can – family, friends, family friends, friends of friends, the media – everyone should know about it.

If you used all of the tactics above, you might find that you’re booked well in advance!

Provide world-class customer service

Once you start getting some customers, make sure you treat them well. That’s the most important thing from now on – creating passionate, happy customers and treating the people around you well.

By giving people great service, you reduce the reliance on first-time visits and so you can build a sustainable business where you don’t have to grind all the time.

Sure, the odd bad review will come along, but there are good ways to deal with negative reviews.

The important thing is to be willing to sacrifice the short-term for the long run. You may have to swallow some pride and give a few refunds at first. You may have to sell some promotions that are not perfect revenue-wise. But it will pay off because people will spread the word and come back again and again.

Start managing for growth

Well, you’re hopefully in a pretty good spot right now. But the hard work has just started.

You will face many difficult choices from now on – bad economy, good economy, expanding and reducing sales. Plan and research every step carefully – but don’t overthink it. It’s a tough balance to accomplish.

Use your vision as a guide and you will make decisions easier. Go back to your brand story and the reason why you’re staring. Keep this in mind and use it when you have to make a hard decision.

Whatever happens, make sure you have fun and stay true to your vision.

Well, that’s one huge topic, isn’t it? Of course, there’s no way to capture everything you need to know in one article. It could well be a subject of a book or even many books.

But we hope this article will act as both a handbook and an inspiration for you to act and start your tour company.

The crucial things to remember are as follows:

• Do your research
• Test the waters so you don’t spend cash up front
• Start marketing early
• Analyze the best channels for you
• Start small and don’t buy expensive resources
• Hire after you’ve done the job yourself
• Expand carefully, staying true to yourself and your values

So there you have it – that’s how to start a tour company without breaking the bank.

If you want to learn more about the topic, check out these articles:

• How to Conduct Market Research for Tour and Activity Companies
• 9 Ways to Get Business Funding for Tours and Activities
• How to Sell Tours and Activities with Facebook
• The Top Online Travel Agencies for Selling Tours and Activities

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How to Start a Tour Company? (Definitive Guide:2024)

Home » Blog » How to Start a Tour Company? (Definitive Guide:2024)

Start a Tour Company

• Do thorough market research and develop a solid business plan
• Create a unique brand identity and effective marketing strategy
• Develop tailored tour itineraries by collaborating with local experts
• Prioritize safety protocols and staff training
• Integrate technology like online booking and tour management software

To start a tour company could be the best decision if you are a traveler and simply good at organizing things.

Regardless of how you want to initiate the business, extending the steps below is advisable while crafting a satisfactory plan.

A business owner covers everything from market research and developing a good business plan to acquiring necessary licenses and insurance.

The tour operator sector has rapidly flourished recently, largely attributable to the surging demand for authentic and involving travel.

This diverse industry offers adventure tours, cultural exploration, and well-planned experiences for all travelers.

The growing demand for expert guidance and local knowledge creates better opportunities for startups.

Table of contents

Importance and benefits of starting a tour company, step 1: research and planning, step 2: legal and financial considerations, step 3: branding and marketing, step 4: operations and logistics, step 5: technology integration, step 6: hiring and training staff, step 7: launch and growth strategies.

Starting a tour company lets you pursue your passion, make money, support your local economy, and connect cultures.

Beyond that, several tour companies will permit you to enjoy time freedom and financial security.

In this way, you can develop your travel business based on excellence and long-term relationships with clients.

Steps to Start a Tour Company : Comprehensive Guide

Firstly, when starting a tour company, it needs proper market research, including the tour industry.

Start by researching the local and regional tourism market, identifying popular spots, visitors to these places, and competitors.

Collect information on the age bracket, gender, preferences, and the latest trends for these tourists for awareness of what will guide your tactics.

Consider your target community and competitive advantages, knowing the market well, to gain an edge over competitors.

Think of these aspects as age, interests, budget, and travel style, which can appeal to a specific audience for your tour packages.

Finding a diverse audience through adventure tours, food experiences, or cultural immersion can attract loyal followers.

A detailed business plan developed in advance acts as a guideline to sustain your business and thrive in the tourism sector.

But your mission, vision, and objectives include a strong financial and operational plan with a detailed marketing strategy.

Here’s the 8 Steps to Launching a Travel Agency: The Beginner’s Guide

Accordingly, decide what type of business entity is most suitable for launching a tour company, whether it be a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation.

For each of those buildings, such as partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies, there are pros and cons concerning liability, tax factors, and operational requirements.

Also, research the legal and financial aspects deeply with the help of experts so that it is easy for you to make a sound decision.

As soon as you have chosen the business entity, you must proceed and register your tour agency with the right government entities.

The need for that may require securing licenses, permits, and certain certificates for the tour and travel business sector from within your geographic zone.

Get familiar with local procedures and, above all, fulfill all obligations.

The appearance of strong financial systems is an asset for processes of cost reduction and management of cash flow.

Allocate the budget for the accounting software and seek the professional help of an accountant to have effective record-keeping, manpower management, and tax return preparation.

However, you should look for other solutions, for example, mini-credits from banks or investors, to have enough funds for your future company.

Following, the market’s distinctive brand identity directly affects the company’s brand; it might be distinctive from the competitors. 

Choose a name and create a logo and visual identity that is appealing and, at the same time, reflects your customer’s expectations of what you give them.

As the brand goes through different channels and touchpoints in marketing, a consistent message will be key to building brand recognition and loyalty. 

Work out an integrated marketing strategy that will utilize both the digital and physical spaces of marketing.

Define your USP and manage its promotion across various channels like social media, email campaigns, content marketing, and traditional advertising.

By using customer content and positive reviews from other customers, your brand seems more reputable and credible to new customers.

The internet’s essential role in modern society makes it crucial. Improve your ranking by using the right SEO, staying active on social media, and trying online advertising like PPC.

Expand your reach through offline marketing channels such as trade shows, local events, and partnerships with hotels, restaurants, and related businesses.

Create Your SEO-Friendly Travel Agency Website in Simple Clicks…

If you favor written guidance, then please continue reading: How to Create a Travel Website with WordPress

Create tailored itineraries and packs that authentically cater to your target market’s preferences and opinions.

Work out jointly with local specialists, tour operators, and adventure service providers to develop tailored, exciting tags that bring to mind your location’s iconic things.

Make sure every itinerary includes well-planned active and cultural activities, along with time for rest.

A successful tour starts with solid and safe transportation and the perfect accommodations.

Align with well-known conveyance companies of a reasonably good reputation, which will provide your customers with preferable rates.

Search for and judge accommodations that correspond with your brand and aim to afford high-quality and diverse services and facilities.

When running a tour company, safety concerns are the number one thing to consider. Establish safety protocols, conduct risk assessments, and make sure to follow industry regulations.

In addition, consider the necessary permits; for example, agree on fully training your employees in emergency protocol, first aid, and crisis management.

Moreover, keep in mind proper coverage that caters to the protection needs of your company as well as those of your clients while starting a tour company.

Meanwhile, establishing a sophisticated booking and reservation system is one way to automate the operations of the company.

Invest in simple software or an app that customers can use to book the tour, make payments, and update reservations for them.

Integration of online booking systems can boost the customer experience and make your clients more comfortable by providing you with more convenience.

Do not isolate this in a single location, as inspired by the site’s well-being. Make your online visibility wider through various channels as well.

In the same way, use social networking sites to promote your tours and keep your current and potential listeners informed with informative posts. 

As you are considering expenditures for tour management software to improve efficiency, you can see an amazing outcome.

Use these instruments to better plan routes, manage inventory, allocate resources, and communicate with customers.

The benefits of a unified workflow are the improvement of customer service and employee satisfaction, both for customers and employees.

Many travel agency owners use WP Travel to start their tour companies. As they provide these features …

Features of WP Travel

• Easy Booking System: User-friendly interface for booking tour packages
• Multiple Payment Gateways: Many online payment options for booking tours
• Supports Integration: Integration with woo-commerce and Zapier
• Booking Management: Advance dashboard for managing bookings and payments
• Email Notifications: Automatic confirmation emails to customers after booking trips

The tour guides and support personnel who represent your company and provide unique experiences are core elements of your facility.

Choose professionals who deeply understand your product, are passionate about your brand, embrace customer service, and embody your brand’s values.

Take a deep dive into backgrounds and interviews precisely to make sure you’ve got the best possible staff.

Invest in a training program that your employees can use as a reference as they learn the skills and knowledge.

Put topics such as client care, language and culture awareness, secure methods, and tour planning, among others.

Emphasize continuing education to provide them with an opportunity to both expand their expertise and broaden their skills.

Create a tour company where employees interact and express themselves in an environment emphasizing collaboration, open dialogue, and performance.

Encourage outstanding performance by being rewarded for it, while also providing opportunities for improvement and careers.

Learn More: 5 Ways to Grow Your Travel Business with Technology

Finally, set up a quality, carefully thought-out launch activity so you can create an atmosphere of hype surrounding your tour company.

Invite local media personnel, notable figures, and future buyers to a tasting tour or a launching seminar.

Use social media and other marketing tools to announce the launch and welcome people for an unforgettable experience.

Constantly ask for client and industry partners’ feedback to identify our stumbling blocks and clarify the evolving trends.

Conduct surveys, monitor online reviews, both actively and proactively and maintain communication with the team.

Use the findings to improve your services and work methods for total customer satisfaction.

Repeating the same marketing campaign pays off once you have proven yourself in the market.

Discover new tour routes, expand into new regions, and collaborate with businesses like yours to seize opportunities.

Regularly assess your growth potential and seize opportunities aligned with your long-term goals and vision.

This business employs effective management tactics and a dedicated implementation process to provide customers with the best experiences.

To succeed, conduct market research, create a business plan, build a brand, optimize operations, and create a positive culture.

Starting a tour company offers opportunities for travel lovers to bring happiness through good experiences to the public choosing the top WordPress tour operator software .

Be flexible, and take the opportunity to improve to maintain competitiveness.

Only with compliance with ethics and principles, careful planning, and a strong will can you bring to life your vision to open a well-performing tour company.

Following our strong manual, focusing on pride and quality, and attracting loyal travelers who leave with great memories of success.

Let’s launch your travel booking website today!

Let it be your charming location and professional ability that will lead you through its meal tours, horror stories, and street art, just to mention one. Besides, be aware of what you are committing and not more than what you can successfully execute.

Utilize social media platforms, conduct local giveaways, and don’t forget to offer some free tours.

Illustrate your brand as much as possible, but make sure you don’t stretch yourself too thin. Before starting a tour company, keep enough time to maintain your brand image quality. Recruit dynamic staff who reflect the ideals of your organization, especially when it comes to delivery.

At a minimum, allocate 15-20% of that revenue into the budget. Though the bed and breakfast offers travelers a friendly place to sleep, the business will not be sustainable if guests do not book regularly.

You can get  WP Travel Pro  to start creating your travel and tour booking website within minutes without any hassle of coding.

Yam Bahadur Chhetri is a content writer and vivid contributor to the WordPress community and a WordPress enthusiast with an experience of 7+ years in the relative field. He also loves to develop WordPress Themes, Plugins, and custom WordPress development for clients.

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How to start a tour business

By Kevin Tjoe — 9 Jul 2021

booking system   online booking software for tours   tour operators

Updated March 2023 – Considering how to set up a tour operator business in your area?

You could be about to launch into one of the most exciting industries around and give people amazing lifelong memories – but the nitty gritty of getting started can still be a little daunting! We’ve covered some of the essential steps that will help you steer and launch your tour business ideas successfully.

Here are 6 steps on how to start your tour and travel company the right way.

First, starting a business in a commitment

Starting a tour business requires a lot of time, effort, and dedication. Before diving in, it is important to understand that starting any business is a commitment. It requires a significant investment of time, money, and energy. You need to be passionate about what you do and prepared to face challenges and setbacks.

But with the right planning, strategies, and mindset, you can overcome any obstacle and fully understand how to start a tour guide business that is successful and enjoyable to run.

1. Getting started

Identify your target market and niche.

The first step in starting a tour operator business is to identify your target market and niche. Who are your ideal customers, and what types of tours and activities do they enjoy? Are you targeting adventure seekers, families, or history enthusiasts? Once you have identified your target market, you can develop tours and activities that cater to their needs and interests.

Develop a business plan

A business plan is a crucial document that outlines your company’s mission, goals, strategies, and financial projections. It serves as a roadmap that guides your business decisions and helps you stay focused and organized. A good tour operator business plan should include an executive summary, market analysis, marketing and sales strategies, operations plan, financial projections, and funding requirements. It will also take into account the permits and licenses you may need to apply for.

When finalized, your business plan will set out your roadmap for success , and minimize wasted time and resources as you build your business. 

Secure financing for your business

Starting a tour business can be expensive, and you will need to secure financing to cover your startup costs. Whether you are starting with a modest budget or have a large amount of money to invest, there are various options for financing your business, including personal savings, bank loans, crowdfunding, and angel investors. Before choosing a financing option, it is essential to have a clear understanding of your business’s financial needs, cash flow, and revenue projections. You should also research the pros and cons of each financing option and choose the one that best suits your business’s needs and goals.

2. Legal requirements 

Get your business registered.

Before launching your tour business, you will need to register your company with the appropriate government agencies. This process may vary depending on your location but typically involves registering your business name, obtaining a business license, and registering for taxes. You may also need to obtain permits or licenses specific to your industry, such as a tour operator license or transportation permit.

Check local and national regulations

In addition to registering your business, you will need to ensure that you comply with local and national regulations. These regulations may include safety standards, environmental regulations, insurance requirements, and labor laws. It is crucial to research and understand the regulations that apply to your business to avoid legal issues or fines down the line.

Consider liability insurance

Liability insurance is essential for any tour business. It protects your company from financial losses in the event of accidents, injuries, or property damage during your tours. Liability insurance can also help build trust and credibility with your customers, as it shows that you take their safety and well-being seriously.

3. Building your tour

Establish your tour’s unique selling point.

To stand out in the crowded tour industry when starting a tour business, it is essential to establish a Unique Selling Point (USP) for your tours. Your USP is what sets your tours apart from your competitors and makes them more attractive to your target customers. It could be anything from a unique itinerary, a particular theme, or an exclusive experience that only your company can offer.

Develop tour pricing strategies

Pricing your tours correctly is crucial for the success of your business. You need to find the right balance between profitability and affordability to attract customers and generate revenue. Researching your competitors’ pricing strategies can help you set competitive prices, but it is also essential to consider your costs, profit margins, and customer value.

Build relationships with suppliers

To provide high-quality tours and experiences, you need to build strong relationships with your suppliers when starting a tour guide business, such as hotels, transportation providers, and activity operators. Building long-term relationships with your suppliers can help you negotiate better prices, ensure availability, and provide a seamless customer experience.

4. Your brand identity and store

Develop a brand that resonates with your target audience.

Your brand image can make all the difference to whether and how your customers book with you. First, check out our guide to creating the right name for your tourism business. 

Consider how you want to come across to your customers. Are you a warm and welcoming family company, or would you like to exude a sense of exclusivity and luxury? These decisions will shape how you design your visual branding, tell your brand story, come up with tour package name ideas and build your online presence over web, social media, and reseller websites. 

Build a user-friendly website to market your tours

In today’s digital age, having a user-friendly website is essential for marketing your tours and reaching your target customers. Your website should be visually appealing, easy to navigate, and optimized for search engines. It should also provide all the necessary information about your tours, such as itineraries, prices, and booking options.

Learn how you can improve your website’s health by following these steps in our FREE website health checklist .

Promote your tours on social media

Social media is a powerful marketing tool for tour businesses. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok can help you reach a broader audience, engage with your customers, and promote your tours. You can use social media to showcase your tours’ unique features, share customer testimonials, and run promotional campaigns.

Partner with DMOs and travel agencies

Partnering with Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and travel agencies can help you reach a broader audience and increase your bookings. DMOs and travel agencies have established relationships with tourists and travelers, and they can help you market and promote your tours to their clients.

To begin with, you should identify the DMOs and travel agencies in your area that cater to your target market. Once you have a list, reach out to them and set up a meeting to discuss your partnership. Highlight your unique selling points, tour offerings, and target audience to them. It’s important to showcase the value that you bring to the table and how your partnership can benefit both parties.

5. Customer service and operations

Hire knowledgeable and friendly tour guides.

Your tour guides are the face of your business and can make or break the customer experience. Hire guides who are knowledgeable about the destinations you visit, passionate about their work, and have excellent communication skills.

Train guides to handle complaints effectively

No matter how well you plan, unexpected situations can arise during a tour, and complaints can happen. Train your guides to handle complaints effectively and to find solutions that can satisfy customers.

Ensure smooth tour operators

Before every tour, make sure that everything is in order, such as transportation, tickets, and reservations. Communicate any changes or delays to your customers promptly and professionally.

Collect customer feedback

Feedback will help you to really understand and refine your offerings both before and after you launch your tourism business. Take your friends and family on your tours and activities before you launch and gauge their responses. Consider offering local concierges or travel agents a free version of the experience, then gather their feedback and ask for recommendations. And most importantly, request and respond to customer feedback and analytics once you launch. Success all comes down to your customer experience ! 

6. Launch and beyond

Expand your tour business.

As you begin growing your tours and activity business , consider expanding your tour offerings to attract new customers and increase your revenue. You may even be able to add new destinations, activities, or packages that cater to your target market!

Invest in technology

Investing in technology can help tour operators save time, streamline operations , and enhance customer experiences. With the right technology, tour operators can automate their booking process, manage inventory, and stay organized.

One tool that can help with this is tour booking management software, such as Rezdy. Rezdy allows tour operators to manage their bookings and inventory in one central location, automating much of the administrative work that comes with running a tour business. Additionally, it allows tour operators to create and manage tour schedules, set up payment processing, and track their performance in real-time.

Nurture your network

Networking can be a large part of how tour operators work and thrive as distribution and referral channels are key. Are there local hotels that could benefit by recommending your tours or activities to guests? Could you offer delectable treats from a local food producer in the middle of your tours to enhance your customer experience?

It may be worth connecting with your local chamber of commerce or business network, and almost certainly reaching out on Rezdy Marketplace to see which resellers you can connect with in the area. The platform makes it easy to set custom commission rates for each travel agent.

Build a loyal customer base

Building a loyal customer base is essential for any tour business. A loyal customer base can provide a steady stream of revenue and act as advocates for your business, referring new customers and leaving positive reviews.

To build a loyal customer base, tour operators should focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences. This means going above and beyond to meet customer needs, answering their questions, and providing a memorable experience that they will want to share with others. When customers have a positive experience with a tour operator, they are more likely to return and recommend the business to others.

One way to build a loyal customer base is to offer personalized experiences tailored to individual customer preferences. This means taking the time to get to know your customers and their interests and providing customized recommendations for tours and activities. Tour operators can also offer loyalty programs, such as discounts for repeat customers or incentives for referrals, to encourage customers to return and refer others.

Start your tour and activity business with Rezdy

When learning how to start a business within the tours and activity space , the right support and resources can be key. Book a personalized product demo  of Rezdy today, or get started with a free 21-day trial of our powerful booking software.

If you enjoyed this article then make sure to follow the  Rezdy blog . There are a lot of marketing, business & industry tips for operators and resellers.

Start your free trial today

Enjoy 21 days to take a look around and see if we are a good fit for your business.

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Manage high-volume walk-up customers effortlessly with POS, ticketing, and gated entry.

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A DIY Guide To Starting a Tour Company

Whether you’re passionate about showing visitors the very best of your city or inspiring locals to explore their own backyards, having a tour company allows you to do both.

Starting a tour company can be overwhelming — especially if you don’t know where to begin.

Between setting up the proper licenses and finding the ideal booking software , you might be wishing you had someone to walk you through it all.

With that in mind, we’ve put together an in-depth guide to help you check all the boxes.

From creating your company website to completing your first tour, here is everything you need to know to get your tour company off the ground.

How do I start a tour company with little money upfront? 

Starting a tour company isn’t as costly as you might think.

Unlike many other businesses, a tour company can be created from the comfort of your own home, local cafe or anywhere with decent WiFi.

This allows you to save on office rent, typically a significant overhead expense for a new business.

So, how much does it cost to set up a tour company?

Startup costs for a tour company typically fall under $2,000 . In fact, there have been companies launched for far less.

Your initial costs will likely include a computer or laptop, your website, marketing materials, scheduling software , company registration and insurance .

If your plan is to transport guests around, however, you’d have to make a larger upfront investment in a company car. This would put your budget well over $2,000, so your overall budget will depend on the type of tour business you’re creating.

Now that you have a better idea of your start-up costs, you can begin creating an initial budget for your new tour business.

What are a tour company’s ongoing expenses?

If you’re running your tour business from home, your ongoing expenses may be less since you don’t have to worry about rent and other venue costs.

They’ll include your website, insurance policy, scheduling software and advertising. They can also include car payments if you invested in a company car.

If you plan on hiring tour guides or other employees, that’ll be an additional ongoing expense.

Hiring tour guides as contractors vs. employees

There are pros and cons to hiring tour guides . Many times you’ll find a high turnover rate since they tend to come and go depending on the season. If you’re working with freelance guides, for example, you’ll likely have to find replacements often.

With all the constant training required , this could take up a lot of time and effort. The pro here is that you won’t need to provide benefits such as health insurance or paid time off, which is especially helpful for a start-up business.

You could also find tour guides looking for full-time work — you just need to know where to look. Quality tour guides are likely searching top-level travel job boards like Travel Massive and CoolWorks, as well as professional boards like LinkedIn.

Hiring full-time employees means having loyal workers that will hopefully stay with your company for a long time.

On the other hand, if you’re operating in a place that has very defined peak and low tourism seasons, hiring seasonally would work in your favor.

How should I price my tours?

Tour operators make money from selling unique tours and experiences — and pricing is a crucial part of that business plan.

If you’re feeling a little lost, here are some tips to help you price your tours:

• Premium – You can offer unique tours that differentiate your company from others, allowing you to charge more for them.
• Competitive Analysis – How much you charge depends on what similar operators are charging in your area. You want your company’s prices to be competitive with other tours available around you.
• Packages – You can combine two or more of your tours into a package deal.
• Group Rates – You can charge a group rate or an individual rate for your tours.

How to get a tour operator license for my business? 

Before you book your first tour, you want to make sure you have the proper licenses in place .

Licensing requirements vary from state to state, so it’s important to do some research on your state’s regulations. You should also consult with your local county and city government to see if they require anything else.

If you plan on operating as a tour guide, you might need to complete a course or get a special certification . It’s best to check in with your local tourism board.

You can avoid legal troubles down the line by getting the proper licenses from the start. You definitely don’t want the city or state knocking on your door a few months from now when that can be easily avoidable.

Properly registering your business will also notify local officials that a new tour company is in town, and maybe they can help spread the word.

More importantly, it also makes your business look more legitimate to your guests.

How to launch your website 

You’ll need to decide on a company name before registering your business and launching a website.

By now, you probably have a few ideas floating around. Remember that your company name will impact your visibility on Google and even help you attract the right audience. You want it to be catchy and hint at the nature of the experiences you offer .

Once you’ve chosen a name, do a bit of research to make sure it’s available. It’s a good idea to look through your state’s business records, search for different versions of the name on social media, and check if the website domain is available.

The domain is the URL of your site, such as “www.cindystours.com.” You can buy a domain through registrars like GoDaddy, Namecheap or Bluehost. You’ll also need to host your site with a hosting provider and design your site on a website builder.

Many times you can find platforms that offer all of the above. Squarespace and Wix, for example, are two website builders that also offer domain registration and site hosting. A business plan with either ranges from $18 to $23 per month. Both offer free domain registration for a year, but domains typically range from $9 to $15 per year.

Most hosting providers also offer free installation of an SSL certificate, which secures and protects your site.

The process of getting a website up and running can be fairly quick. You’ll likely spend more time designing your site than registering its domain, finding a hosting provider and so on. That part of the process can be done in just a few days.

Yet it can take a couple of weeks to design your site, connect your booking software and set up your online payments.

Why you need a website for your tour business

Your website will be your most powerful booking tool .

You could offer the best tours in the world, but without a place to showcase them, how would anyone find out?

Your site is where your customers will learn about your services and book their tours. It’s also a great platform to share your story, company values, and showcase positive customer reviews.

Another major benefit of having a website is the ability to attract new customers online through content marketing . Anyone who lands on your site has the potential to become a new guest.

It’s actually never been easier to create a site, so there’s no excuse not to make one. Today, website builders like Squarespace or Wix make the design process easy.

Pro Tip: Make sure your website is mobile-friendly since many of your guests will be researching and booking your tours on their phones.

Choosing online booking software 

Remember when we said that your site is your most powerful booking tool? That’s only true if you have the right online booking software .

As with most things, you can try to handle your bookings yourself . But we firmly believe that efficient booking software can save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

Your best bet is to find customizable and powerful software that grows with you, like Xola, for example. With Xola, guests can book a tour or experience right on your website 24/7. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

There are three things to keep in mind when choosing your booking software:

• Make sure your site offers a positive guest experience. Booking a tour should be quick and seamless.
• Things should also be simple for you on the back end. Your software should make managing your tour listings and communicating with guests stress-free.
• A great booking system will also offer plenty of app integrations so that you can connect to all the tools and software you’re already using.

When it comes down to it, your booking software will free up time for you to focus on other aspects of your business.

7 web design best practices to get more bookings 

Designing a website can be as easy as slapping a logo and a quick description on a page. But designing a site that leads to more bookings takes a bit more work.

Here are seven design tips to drive more bookings on your site:

1. Clearly state what you’re offering Make sure your tours and experiences are clearly described to your guests, whether it’s a virtual cooking class or a local walking tour.

2. Keep it simple. Don’t overwhelm your guests with too many menu options. Make your site straightforward and easy to navigate.

3. Show real customer photos. People love seeing real people enjoying themselves. Consider adding real photos and reviews from past tours to your site.

4. Feature customer reviews. When your guests read positive reviews on your website, their experience with you automatically begins on a positive note.

5. Be upfront about pricing. No one wants to be surprised at checkout.

6. Use a “Book Now” button and accept mobile payments. Make life easy for your customers. Allow them to book their tours immediately through a simple click, even from their smartphone .

7. Write engaging copy. Describe your tours i n a fun and engaging way . If writing isn’t your expertise, consider hiring a sales copywriter.

How do I get my first customers?

Getting your first customers is one of the most exciting moments of opening a tour business.

To begin marketing your new tour company, think about who your ideal customer would be.

Ask yourself the following questions: Who’s your target audience? Is it groups of tourists, or individuals? What’s their age range? Income level?

Your marketing strategy should appeal to your ideal guest. Let’s dig into how you’re going to attract your very first customers.

Best practices for marketing your new tour business

A solid marketing strategy happens both on and offline. Not sure where to begin? Here are nine ways to successfully market your new tour business.

• List your experiences on OTAs. Online travel agencies like Expedia and Viator can increase your visibility to the millions of people searching their sites daily.
• Market your company on social media . Instagram is one of the best platforms for companies in the travel niche. You can use Instagram to post photos from your tours and experiences, connect with new customers and further establish your company’s brand. You can also reach a new audience through paid ads . If you’re targeting the millennial generation, for instance, having a presence on Instagram is key.
• Start building a brand. Speaking of having a presence on social media, this is a great place to begin building your brand , and start making your company stand out from the rest.
• Invest in paid advertising. Online advertising can include paid search ads on Google, banner ads on popular websites, and social media ads on platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
• Create content about your tours. One of the best ways to attract your first customers is to provide them with great visuals. Upload professional photos of your tours on social media and your website to give people an idea of what to expect. Once customers begin going on your tours, encourage them to share their own photos online . You can even create a personal hashtag on social media so that you can easily find the photos. User-generated content is a great tool to attract new customers, too.
• Use SEO to drive new customers to your website. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization . This refers to your website’s ability to rank for specific keywords on Google. You can create a blog section on your site, where you’ll write articles that are optimized for specific keywords. For example, if you’re based in Philadelphia, you can write a post about the “top things to do in Philadelphia” — and include your tours on that list. The higher you rank on Google, the more traffic your site will receive. And with every reader that lands on your site, there’s a possibility of turning them into a customer.
• Introduce your company to your local community. Have your elevator pitch ready, and start telling local business owners, neighbors and friends about your new tour business. You can also call or email your local conventions bureau and chamber of commerce to announce your business and seek any potential partnership opportunities.
• Partner with travel bloggers in your area , or pitch your services to travel journalists. You can find local travel bloggers in your area by searching for keywords like “Miami blogger” on Google. You can also search for “Miami” and “travel blogger” on Instagram. It’s acceptable to reach out via direct message on Instagram or by email. You can find local journalists by skimming your local paper. The writer who covers travel and lifestyle stories is most likely your best contact — and you can often find their email on the article itself or on Twitter.
• Purchase physical ads . If you operate in a highly visited destination, you might look into placing physical ads in hotels, airports and other top tourist attractions.

Legal, Tax, and Health & Safety Best Practices

Let’s talk about the nitty-gritty of starting your own tour business.

A lot goes into figuring out how to keep your business and your guests safe. Here, we’ll walk you through the processes of protecting yourself, your business and your customers, especially during times like these.

Structuring your business

It’s best to consult with your tax accountant or lawyer to assist you in setting up the best legal structure for your business.

If you’re the sole owner of your company, a sole proprietorship is the easiest to set up. The downfall is that you won’t be protected from litigation, meaning that if someone chooses to sue your company, they can come after your personal assets.

Most tour companies will evolve into an LLC as they grow. Setting up an LLC will cost more, but it’ll protect you from being personally liable for litigation.

As far as taxes go, in an LLC they are passed onto you as the owner, so you’ll report your earnings on your personal tax returns.

It’s important to note that most LLC owners must also pay self-employment taxes directly to the IRS.

When your business grows beyond the startup stage, it might benefit you to have your LLC taxed as an S Corp. As an S Corp, you’ll pay yourself a salary, which will be deducted from your earnings as a business expense.

Obtaining licenses and permits

You should check in your local government about the licenses and permits needed to operate in your state and city. You’ll certainly want to register your business and seek the proper tour guide certification if you decide to become one.

Why you need liability insurance 

Every business should have liability insurance. You might one day have to deal with a guest getting injured or damaging property. It’s important to invest in general liability insurance to keep yourself and your business protected against these risks.

Use digital waivers

A digital waiver is a legal consent form between you and your guests. It’s used as a way to have your guests acknowledge any risk associated with joining your tours and experiences. If you’re working with a booking platform like Xola, for example, these fundamental waivers are already created for you .

Health and safety best practices 

Now more than ever, the health and safety of your guests need to be taken into consideration at all times.

You’ll likely work closely with your booking software company to ensure your tours and experiences are complying with new social distancing rules.

Xola, for example, offers several health and safety solutions ranging from booking limits to health questionnaires.

You may also need to create new custom offerings like private tours and experiences that minimize the risk of exposure. Booking limits will help you control the number of people who sign up for a tour, and custom scheduling will let you space out tours to allow for necessary sanitation in between groups.

We know that implementing new safety measures can be overwhelming. One of the many benefits of working with a booking software company is that they have the resources to quickly adapt to the new travel landscape. That way, you don’t have to go at it alone.

Are you now ready to start your tour company?

We hope this guide can serve as a blueprint for your new tour business — from building your site to booking your very first tour.

Here’s to having your new business up and running in no time.

Ready to launch your new tour business? Get started on Xola for free.

Writer Carla Vianna

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How to Start a Tourism Business from Scratch

Dreaming of starting your own tourism business? Imagine leading exciting tours, sharing beautiful destinations with others, and building a business around your love of travel. But how do you begin?

In this guide, we'll show you the essential steps to get your tourism business off the ground. We'll explore practical strategies and key considerations to help you turn your passion for travel into a successful business venture. Get ready to embark on an entrepreneurial journey and learn how to start your tourism business, one step at a time.

1. Start with Market Research

Conduct thorough market research to identify your target audience, competition, and potential niches in the tourism industry.

Market research helps tourism businesses identify their target markets. This involves understanding potential customers' demographics, interests, and preferences.

For example, research may reveal that a particular destination is popular among adventure-seeking millennials, while another attracts retirees looking for relaxation.

Here's how to research the market:

• Identify Target Audience : Determine the demographics, interests, and travel preferences of potential customers.
• Utilize Online Tools : Use Google Trends, social media insights, and travel forums for data on popular destinations and trends.
• Analyze Competitors : Research competitors’ offerings, strengths, weaknesses, and customer reviews.
• Attend Trade Shows : Gain insights into industry trends and network with professionals.
• Test Concepts : Run pilot tours and gather feedback before full-scale launch.

2. Create a Business Plan

Create your own business plan from your market research. What should it include? A comprehensive business plan outlining your business goals, strategies, financial projections, and marketing strategies.  

Create your own tour business plan with these steps:

• Set Clear Goals : Outline specific, measurable objectives for your business.
• Outline Strategies : Define key strategies for operations, customer service, and tour development.
• Financial Projections : Include startup costs, revenue forecasts, and break-even analysis.
• Marketing Plan : Identify your target audience and marketing channels.
• Market Analysis : Summarize findings about customer needs and competitors.
• Operational Details : Describe daily operations, staffing, and tour schedules.
• Risk Management : Identify potential risks and mitigation strategies.
• Sustainability Practices : If relevant, include eco-friendly operational plans.
• Funding Needs : Detail required capital and potential funding sources.
• Exit Strategy : Plan for future business transitions or sale.

3. Choose a Legal Structure

Choosing the right legal structure for a tourism business is crucial. Sole proprietorships and partnerships are simpler but have personal liability.

LLCs offer balance, while corporations provide extensive liability protection, but involve complexity.

Here's what you can do.

• Evaluate Liability and Complexity : Consider sole proprietorships and partnerships for simplicity with personal liability, LLCs for balanced liability protection and ease of operation, and corporations for extensive liability protection but with more complexity.
• Assess Ownership and Taxes : Choose a structure based on the number of owners, preferred tax treatment, and financial practices.
• Plan for Growth : Select a structure that aligns with your future growth plans and scalability.
• Understand Legal Implications : Recognize how each structure affects legal responsibilities and operational procedures.
• Consult Experts : Seek advice from legal and financial professionals to make an informed decision.

4. Obtain Business Licenses and Permits

Obtain the necessary licenses and permits required for your tourism business, which may vary by location and the type of services you offer.

• Research Local Requirements : Investigate the specific licenses and permits required in your area and for the type of tourism services you plan to offer.
• Check with Government Agencies : Contact local, state, and federal agencies to understand all regulatory requirements.
• Prepare Documentation : Gather all necessary documents, such as identification, business plans, and insurance proof, required for the application process.
• Apply in a Timely Manner : Submit your application well before your planned start date to avoid any delays in launching your business.
• Stay Updated on Renewals : Keep track of expiration dates and renew licenses and permits as needed to ensure continuous compliance.

These steps help ensure that your tourism business meets all legal requirements and operates smoothly.

5. Select a Location

Choosing the right location for a tourism business is crucial. It can affect visibility, accessibility, and target customers.

Here are some points to consider:

• Consider Proximity to Attractions : Select a location close to popular tourist destinations or areas of interest to attract more customers.
• Evaluate Accessibility and Visibility : Ensure the location is easily accessible by public transport or has ample parking, and is visible and easy to find for tourists.
• Understand Local Regulations : Research local zoning laws and regulations to ensure your business can operate smoothly in the chosen area.

6. Acquire Resources

Secure the necessary resources, such as vehicles, equipment, technology, and skilled staff, to deliver your services effectively.

• Invest in Essential Equipment : Invest in the necessary vehicles, equipment, and technology tailored to the type of tours or services you offer.
• Hire Qualified Staff : Recruit skilled and experienced staff to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Utilize Efficient Technology : Adopt relevant technology solutions for bookings, operations, and customer management to streamline your business processes.

7. Develop Branding

Develop a strong brand identity, including a memorable name, logo, and tagline that resonates with your target audience. Strong brands not only attracts customers but also foster loyalty and trust.

• Craft a Unique Brand Identity : Select a name, logo, and tagline that embody your business's spirit and appeal to your target market. Tools like Canva for design, Shopify 's Business Name Generator for name ideas, and Looka for logo creation can be very helpful.
• Ensure Brand Consistency : Maintain a uniform brand appearance and tone across all platforms. Use tools like Adobe Spark for creating consistent marketing materials and Buffer for cohesive social media management.
• Leverage Brand in Marketing Strategies : Base your marketing efforts on your brand identity to strengthen your market presence. Tools like Hootsuite for social media management and Mailchimp for email marketing can integrate your branding into various marketing channels effectively.

Branding is the guiding compass that will shape your marketing strategies, customer interactions, and the overall reputation of the business in the competitive world of tourism.

8. Boost Online Presence

Create a professional website and establish a strong online presence through social media, online advertising, and search engine optimization (SEO).

• Create a User-Friendly Booking Website : Use platforms like WordPress or Squarespace to build a website that showcases your tours, optimized for mobile users.
• Use Social Media Wisely :
• Instagram & Pinterest : Post beautiful photos and videos of destinations.
• Facebook : Share updates and ads, and engage with customers.
• Twitter : Tweet quick updates and respond to customer inquiries.
• YouTube : Upload virtual tours and customer testimonials.
• Optimize for Local Search Engines (SEO) : Improve your website's ranking in local search results, like 'near-me' searches, by using relevant keywords and creating quality content.
• Try Online Advertising : Use Google Ads for targeted advertising to reach potential clients.
• Keep Content Fresh : Regularly update your website and social media with new and engaging content.

9. Expand Marketing Strategies

Implement marketing strategies to attract tourists, such as content marketing, partnerships with travel agencies, and targeted advertising.

• Engage in Content Marketing : Develop and share engaging content such as travel blogs, videos, and social media posts that highlight your tours and destinations.
• Collaborate with Travel Agencies and Resellers : Build partnerships with travel agencies and tour resellers to expand your market reach and visibility.
• Utilize Targeted Advertising : Employ targeted online advertising through platforms like Google Ads and social media to attract specific customer demographics.
• Partner with Local Hotels and Accommodations : Establish partnerships with local hotels and accommodations to create joint packages or promotions.
• Connect with Tour Affiliates : Work with affiliate marketers who can promote your tours to their audiences for a commission. TicketingHub gives this option to tour operators and even enables resellers to track their own bookings in a dashboard.

10. Build Tour Packages

Design and package your tour offerings, considering factors like itinerary, pricing, inclusions, and customer experience.

• Design Attractive Itineraries : Create engaging tour itineraries that cover key attractions and unique experiences.
• Set Competitive Pricing : Determine pricing that offers value to customers while remaining competitive in the market.
• Define Package Inclusions : Clearly specify what is included in each package, such as meals, transportation, and entry fees.
• Focus on Customer Experience : Ensure each tour package offers a memorable and satisfying customer experience.

11. Choose a Booking and Reservation System

Set up an efficient booking and reservation system to manage bookings, payments, and customer information.

Why do you need a booking system?

• Streamline Bookings and Payments : Automates the booking process, making it easier for customers to book tours and for businesses to manage payments.
• Organize Customer Information : Centralizes customer data, enabling better customer relationship management and personalized service.
• Improve Operational Efficiency : Reduces manual workload, minimizes errors, and enhances overall operational productivity.

12. Develop Customer Service Guidelines

Develop excellent customer service protocols to ensure tourists have a positive experience and receive timely support. Tourism businesses strive to provide personalized assistance to travelers.

This involves understanding the unique needs and preferences of each customer and tailoring services accordingly.

Here are suggestions for what these protocols could include:

• Personalized Interaction : Training staff to recognize and adapt to individual customer preferences, tailoring services like tour customization accordingly.
• Prompt Communication : Establish standards for swift and clear communication with customers across various channels (email, phone, social media).
• Comprehensive Training for Staff : Develop thorough training programs focusing on customer interaction, problem-solving, and knowledge about destinations and services offered.
• Effective Feedback System : Set up a process for collecting and responding to customer feedback, using insights to improve services and address concerns promptly.
• Emergency Response Protocol : Includes guidelines for handling emergency or unexpected situations, ensuring customer safety and satisfaction.

In wrapping up our guide to starting a tourism business, remember that your journey is filled with opportunities and challenges. Key steps like market research, choosing the right business structure, getting licenses , and picking the right location lay the foundation for your success.

Focus on creating appealing tour packages, setting up an easy booking system, and building a strong brand and online presence. Don't forget the importance of having a skilled team and providing excellent customer service to make each tourist's experience memorable.

Stay adaptable and responsive to market changes and customer needs. With determination and a well-planned approach, you're well on your way to launching a successful tourism business that delights travelers and stands out in the market. Good luck on your exciting new venture!

FAQ Section

1. how do i start my own tour company.

To start your own tour company, follow these steps:

• Research the Tourism Sector : Understand your market sector, focusing on local tourism and high-demand areas like guided winery tours or airport transportation services.
• Develop a Unique Selling Proposition : Identify what sets your tour company apart from others in the local tourism community.
• Secure Operating Capital : Gather the necessary funds, possibly from business partners or potential lenders, to cover business costs and operating capital.
• Handle the Legal Stuff : Obtain a tour operator license, register your business to trade legally, and ensure you have proper insurance, including liability insurance.
• Set Up a Business Bank Account : Separate your personal and business finances.
• Create a Strong Brand Story : Use free social networking sites, like Facebook page, to build your site's online presence and connect with your customer base.
• Plan Your Services : Whether it's guided tours, rental houses, or transportation services, ensure they align with local tourism needs and safety regulations.

2. How does a tourism company work?

Tourism companies operate within the hospitality industry, providing guided tours, package deals, and transportation. It generates revenue by offering these services directly to customers or through collaboration with local bed and breakfasts and other business owners.

Success relies on understanding customer needs, offering a personal touch, and efficiently managing operating and monthly costs.

3. How do you plan a tourism business?

Planning a tourism business involves:

• Market Analysis : Spend time understanding leisure capacity and preferences within your local tourism body and the broader market sector.
• Financial Planning : Calculate business costs, including potential rental fees, and plan for enough operating capital to cover your business until it grows to attract more business.
• Operational Planning : Consider viable business options, from guided winery tours to airport transportation services. Ensure compliance with all local safety regulations.
• Marketing Strategy : Utilize applicable online directories and review platforms to enhance your tourism company's online presence. Consider purchasing ad space or creating an executive summary to attract new customers.
• Network and Collaborate : Connect with local tourism communities, engage with other tour guides, and explore partnerships for package deals.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance : Register your business, understand the necessary legal stuff, and secure a tour operator license and proper insurance.

Do I need prior tourism industry experience to start my own tourism business?

While prior experience can be beneficial, it's not always necessary. A passion for travel and a willingness to learn and adapt are equally valuable. You can gain experience and knowledge through research, networking, and relevant courses.

How can I secure funding for my tourism business, especially if I'm just starting out?

Securing funding can be done through various means, including personal savings, loans, grants, or seeking investment from partners or investors. Creating a solid business plan and financial projections can help attract funding.

What marketing strategies are most effective for promoting a new tourism business?

Effective marketing strategies include building a professional online presence, leveraging social media, collaborating with travel influencers or agencies, and offering promotional deals or packages. Identifying your target audience and crafting compelling content are key to successful marketing.

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How To Start A Tour Company Step-By-Step [Ep. 39]

Wondering how to start a tour company ?

Then you’re in the right place, as that is exactly what we’ll be covering in this episode of The Profitable Travel Blogger Podcast!

Whether you’re a travel blogger or simply someone who is passionate about tourism, selling tours offers an excellent opportunity to monetize your passion.

Specifically, you’ll learn:

• How to create an incredible tour itinerary
• Important considerations before launching your tour
• My favorite tour booking software
• How to sell tours to your audience and beyond
• Ways to increase your tour company income

Basically, if you’re interested in successfully starting a tour company, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Table of Contents

How To Start A Tour Company As A Travel Blogger – Podcast Episode Audio

Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts/iTunes

Click here to listen on Spotify

Click here to listen on TuneIn

Prefer video? Here you go:

Free How To Start A Tour Company Cheat Sheet

To help you better implement what you learn in this episode, here is my free how to start a tour company cheat sheet .

Once you grab the cheat sheet, you’ll also receive a series of emails sharing strategies and tips for successfully starting your own tour company and maximizing profits.

Selling Tours As A Travel Blogger – Podcast Episode Transcript

One of the top ways to monetize your travel blog is to create and sell tours.

This is actually one of the top ways I earn an income through my blog Jessie on a Journey.

I’ll share my story of how I got into doing this as I provide a step-by-step strategy for how you can do it, too. In fact, you’ll be able to use these tips to create your own tour operator business plan PDF .

But, first, I want to direct your attention to the show wheres where I’ve shared a link to my free Tour Company Creation Cheat Sheet .

This printable is meant to help you take what you learn in this video to create and sell profitable tours faster and easier.

Feel free to even pause this episode to go grab the free cheat sheet.

Then let’s kick things off with…

Step #1: Pinpoint the general theme of your tours

When it comes to how to start a tour guide business , the first thing you’ll want to do is consider the mission and branding of your blog and let your tours be an extension of that.

For instance, if your blog aims to help people discover local cuisine, you might create a food tour that supports local businesses and shares the story of the destination through food with guests.

Or, if your blog is focused on active adventure, you might put together hiking or cycling tours.

Step #2: Flesh out the tour itinerary

I recommend starting with one tour. This way, you can really put your all into the itinerary of your first tour and spend time creating the perfect experience.

Really think about what you want the experience to be. Is it a bunch of stops tied together by a theme? Is there a larger story you’ll be weaving into the itinerary?

What I mean by this is, are you creating more of a “Local eateries in the West Village” or “Telling the story of Italian immigrant history through food in the West Village.”

As you map out the stops and script, make sure that the route makes logistical sense.

There may be two stops that are both perfect for your tour, but if to get to them then guests will need to sit on a bus for 30 minutes or take three different trains, it’ll likely be frustrating for most people.

Finally, consider how you can add in some VIP experiences.

This doesn’t need to be anything flashy or over-the-top but should be something that they couldn’t do on their own.

One example would be going behind the counter of a coffee shop to learn how they make a special drink or getting to go into the kitchen to meet the chef of a local restaurant to learn more about the food.

Step #3: Gauge interest in your tour

When it comes to how to start a tour business , one important thing to realize is that you might have the best tour idea in the world, but that doesn’t mean your audience will book it.

For me, I was lucky that I regularly had readers emailing me and asking me if I could show them around New York. This made it much easier to launch a successful tour operation.

That is actually how I got the idea to get licensed as an NYC tour guide , work for other tour operators to gain experience, learn from other seasoned tour guides, and then start creating and selling my own tours.

If you don’t necessarily have people asking you to be their guide, another idea is to survey your audience.

You could share your idea with your community and ask if they’d be interested, and potentially even get their input on what they’d find valuable.

Moreover, if you find there is interest, you might consider holding a launch event where you promote a tour at a specific date and time

Just keep in mind here that:

a) having people tell you they’re interested doesn’t guarantee they’ll pay money, but

b) even if your audience doesn’t fill up all of the slots and sell out your tours you can always promote and reach your target market elsewhere, too.

Step #4: Set up your tour pricing

As you continue creating the tour experience, one important consideration is what you’ll charge.

A good starting point is to look at what other tour operators are charging for similar tours — though keep in mind you don’t need to charge the same.

It’s really about value.

For instance, you might have more VIP moments on your tour, which adds value.

Or, maybe you’re a historian leading a historic tour or you have a fine arts degree and you’re leading an art gallery crawl. These are things that can allow your price to go up.

Step #5: Set up your sales page and software

Of course, you need a way for people to book your tour.

I personally have a sales page on my blog, as well as a dedicated tour website at nycphotojourneys.com (under the business name NYC Photo Journeys).

Both connect with my booking system software, PeekPro.

PeekPro handles the calendar, online bookings, secure payments, and even liability waivers.

There is a fee to get set up with them, but if you send me an email to jessie (at) jessieonajourney (dot) com I can get you a discount of $100 off since I’m a PeekPro user myself — which I believe will cover the cost of the setup.

Step #6: Launch your tour company

Now it’s up to you whether you want to have a soft launch and just sort of promote the tours without any big event tied to the opening or a larger event, which can be a great way to build excitement.

There are many ways to do this, but one idea is to host a discounted launch tour on a set date and time and put effort into promoting this one event.

You might even consider inviting bloggers, journalists, and influencers to the event to get some early press.

Step #7: Take steps to increase tour profits

Along with promoting the heck out of your tour and regularly getting the word out about it, I recommend offering add-ons and upsells.

Add-ons are extra products and services that pair with your tour to enhance the experience or make things easier for the guest.

For instance, if your experience ends with yoga in the park you might have the yoga mat rental be an upsell.

Another popular one is cancellation insurance.

Personally, since I offer NYC photo tours , one of my add-ons is a bonus folder of black and white photographs.

In terms of upsells, once you create other tours and experiences you can either bundle them together or pitch other products at checkout for additional sales.

PeekPro makes this super easy to set up in just a few clicks, too.

Step #8: Pinpoint legal considerations when it comes to selling tours

This is one of the most important aspects of how to start a walking tour business !

I do recommend that you consult with a lawyer before leading tours to make sure you’re set up for success.

Here in NYC, there are actually free legal services for small business owners through the Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project, so it may be worth checking in your area if there is anything similar.

At a minimum, you’ll definitely want to have liability insurance as well as a liability waiver that guests sign.

Step #9: Scale your tour business

One of the best ways to increase your bookings is to list your tours on tour aggregators like Viator, Expedia, and Get Your Guide.

Sure, you’ll need to give them a cut of your profits — typically 20%-30% — but it’ll bring in customers you wouldn’t have had in the first place.

Make sure you’re also growing visibility by building reviews.

After every tour, I personally reach out to guests and ask for a review, letting them know I’m donating $3 per review to a local charity as a little incentive. This is also a nice way to give back through tourism.

Now I hope you enjoyed this episode on how to start a tour and travel business .

I hope you feel inspired and empowered to create and sell profitable tours through your blog. Yes, it’s hard work, but it can absolutely pay off. Plus, being a tourist guide can be a lot of fun!

Don’t forget to grab access to my free Tour Company Creation Cheat Sheet .

And of course, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes sharing these bite-sized strategies for bloggers who want to turn their blogs into profitable full-time businesses.

Happy blogging!

Create A Tour Company With These Helpful Past Episodes:

Create Your Travel Blog Business Plan

How To Map Out & Crush Your Blogging Goals

How To Make Money Travel Blogging With Online Courses

Create A Challenge That Grows Your Email List & Income

Blogger Brand Collaborations: 3 Ways To Get Paid When There Isn’t A Budget

How To Create A Profitable Affiliate Strategy For Your Blog

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Complete Guide to How to Start a Tour Company Post-Pandemic

It's a new era for travel. People have changed how they live and travel because of the pandemic. Tour operators who are prepared to capitalize on these changes can find success in the coming years.

Here's what you need to know about starting a tour business after the pandemic.

Why Consider Tourism Business in 2023

There are still plenty of reasons to start a tour operator business in 2023, despite the pandemic. 

In 2023, international travel is expected to rebound. Check out these stats.

Global Market Demand

"People around the world are feeling overwhelmingly more optimistic about traveling in 2023 compared to 2022"- Booking.com ’s Seven Predictions for the Creative Reimagination of Travel in 2023 by HospitalityNet.Org

Travel Revenue Growth

"Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2022-2026) of 8.46%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$992.10bn by 2026."- Travel & Tourism - Worldwide by Statista

Global Tourism to Grow by 30% in 2023

"The report finds that global tourism arrivals will increase by 30% in 2023, following growth of 60% in 2022, but will remain below pre-pandemic levels. The economic downturn, sanctions on Russia, and China’s zero-covid strategy will delay recovery."- Global tourism arrivals will increase by 30% in 2023: EIU by Travel Daily Media

Planning Is the Key

Having a plan is essential to business success. The tourism industry is no exception.

The global tourism industry is predicted to grow in 2023, so now's the time to start planning.

But where do you start?

You'll bid smarter on your business if you have a clear business structure based on solid data about market trends.

Let us walk you through the entire tour business planning process. We'll also provide you with market trends data so you can make smart business decisions.

How Can I Start a Tour and Travel Business?

There is no shortcut but there is a roadmap.

Here's how to make your ultimate tour business in 2023 in six steps.

Step 1: Choose a business niche

Think: "What can I offer?"

Depending on your interests and expertise, as well as what's popular near you, you'll decide for your tour idea.

Based on Booking.com's predictions, here's what's going to be hot in 2023 travel industry:

• Nature-tripping and eco-friendly tours
• Virtual reality tours
• Unique cultural tours
• Thoughtful pilgrimage tours

See the full report here with statistics per niche.

Choose a niche that you're passionate about if you want to offer tours and activities. Providing your customers with a memorable experience is the key way to keep them coming back!

Other factors to consider when choosing a travel niche:

Examine your locality.

• What does your city have to offer? Is there anything you can do to leverage local travel niches? Could travelers be interested in a specific asset of the city? Can you partner with small business owners and offer new local tours?

Know your target market

• Is there a tour company in your area that caters to the same niche? If so, how is it going? Is their business growing? If not, what factors might have contributed? Is there anything you can learn from growing your own tour company?

You can tell if a niche you're planning will be a profitable business by knowing your competitors. You can also use their weak points to your advantage.

Research your competitors

You can tell if a niche you're planning is profitable by knowing your competitors. You can also use their weak points to your advantage.

Step 2: Determine the costs and budget

In order to design a tour business plan that works, you have to figure out how much each niche will cost.

Here's how tour operators can calculate start up costs.

Equipment costs

Equipment is a big expense for any tour business. This can be anything from vehicles to camping gear to audio-visual equipment.

When planning your budget, make sure you factor in the cost of renting or buying this equipment.

Staff Costs

Staff costs are another big expense for tour companies. There can be drivers, guides, marketing people, and accountants. Estimate how much your staff will need to be paid in order to keep your business running smoothly.

Other Operating Costs

Besides insurance, license fees, and travel expenses, there are a lot of other costs you'll need to consider when starting a tour company.

Having a solid understanding of all these costs before you launch your business will help you stay on budget.

Step 3: Register your Tour Company

You've picked a travel niche, done your research, and calculated the costs- now it's time to register your business.

Name your tour

Come up with something catchy and memorable when naming your tour business. Make sure the name fits your niche, too.

You might consider using words like "eco-friendly" or "adventure" in your business name if you sell a nature-tripping tour experience.

Register your tour

Getting your tour company registered with the government is important. It lets you operate legally and declares your business as an official legal entity.

You have to register your business, and each step depends on the local tour body and the country you live in. To ensure a smooth registration process, do your research beforehand.

When registering your tours, keep these things in mind:

• Make sure you name your company appropriately and choose a relevant domain name
• Include keywords related to your niche in your business name
• Register with the local government and get all necessary permits and local business license
• Have a solid understanding of how much it will cost to start up and maintain your business; factor this into your budget
• Create a brand that represents who you are as a tour operator
• Open your tour business bank account
• Separate your personal and business accounts to mitigate future risks to your personal assets
• Get liability business insurance to safeguard your company and yourself

Register tour guide business

Most likely, if you want to guide your own tours or start a tour guide business, you'll need to learn the professional qualifications and take a course on the area's history, culture, and attractions.

During the course, you'll also learn how to handle groups, handle customer questions, and keep everyone safe.

You'll need to register with your local tourism board once you're done. After you register, you can start showing visitors around.

Step 4: Set Up your Tours

Setting up your tours is one of the most important parts of starting your own tour company. Make itineraries and packages that appeal to your target audience and fit your budget. Here's how.

Creating itineraries

Create itineraries with creativity and think outside the box. Design unique tours that showcase your area's coolest bits, and make sure they're interesting enough to grab people's attention.

Also, make sure your tours meet your target market's needs. Try offering affordable tour packages that include transportation, food, and lodging if you're targeting budget travelers.

Packages vs Individual Tours

You have two options when it comes to packaging your tours: individually or bundled together.

• If you sell individual tours , you'll have to create detailed itineraries for each one, so it's generally more profitable.
• Package tours can be less labor-intensive, but less profitable if customers don't buy everything.

Choose what works for you, but make sure you understand how it will affect your bottom line.

Build your Travel Website

You've got all the permits and licenses, so now you've got to set up your travel website.

Why should you invest in a travel website?

Because here is where you will sell tours, promote your brand, tell your brand story, and connect with people.

It's your online storefront. It represents your tours.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when building your website:

• Make sure it's easy to navigate
• Use attractive visuals for selling tours
• Include testimonials from happy customers
• Provide detailed information about each tour, including what's included
• Accept online bookings

You'll get more conversions if your website is well-designed. It's either you keep them browsing or you keep them away. Plus, it's the first impression potential customers get of you, so make sure it counts!

Hire tour managers and local tour guides

It's a good idea to hire local tour guides who know the area well if you're offering tours in a specific area. Your guests can get valuable insights into the history and culture of the area and stay safe while exploring.

Hiring a local tour guide involves a few things:

• Make sure they have a thorough understanding of the history and culture of the area
• Check their references and make sure they have a valid license or certification
• Have a solid contract in place that outlines their responsibilities and how they will be compensated

Hiring local tour guides is a great way to connect with the local tourism community and showcase your area.

Here are tips on how to manage tour guides .

Step 5: Market and Promote your Tour

As soon as your tours are set up, it's time to launch your business marketing campaign. In order to do this, you'll have to market and promote your tours a lot.

Leverage social media presence

Take advantage of social media to reach potential customers. It is a powerful marketing tool for travel companies! So make sure you're on all the major networks. Use eye-catching visuals, share behind-the-scenes content, and post photos about your tours regularly.

Advertise online

Investing in online ads, like Google AdWords , is another great way to promote your tours. It's a cost-effective way to get more bookings and reach potential customers.

Partner with travel influencers

Find local travel influencers to work with. With their help, you can promote your tours and reach a broader audience than you could on your own.

Sell with online travel agencies (OTAs)

Online travel agencies (OTAs) sales channels are another way to promote your tours. You'll get more visibility and it'll be easier for people to book your tours.

Be sure to count the costs before partnering with travel agents. Some OTAs charge more, and some charge less. Besides, partnering with these agencies can affect your booking process, refunds, and cancellation policies.

As much as it counts to integrate with an OTA, this comes with a cost as well.

We wrote a guide about OTA partnerships to help you decide: Advantages Of Online Travel Agency For Tour Operators

Here are some other ways to market your new tour business:

• Optimizing your social media and travel website for search engines (search engine optimization)
• Listing your tours on Google Business
• Collect leads and start email marketing strategy
• Expose your tours on the right travel review websites (like TripAdvisor)

Step 6: Launch Your Brand-New Tour and Activity Business

There's a lot at stake when you launch a business. So make sure you do a few test runs before your big day.

Do a test tour first!

There's a lot at stake when you launch a business. So make sure you do a few test runs before your big day. This is your dress rehearsal, so go through the whole thing from beginning to end.

Get as much feedback as you can so you can make any changes you need.

Whenever you're confident everything's ready, you're ready to open!

Keep on Growing

Track your progress.

Don't forget to keep track of your progress and how your tours are doing. You can track how many people have visited your own website, how many bookings you've had, how much revenue you're generating, and more with market analytics via analytics tools like Google Analytics or Facebook Insights.

Having this data will give you a better idea of what you need to do to improve and how you can market and promote your tours better.

Attend travel conferences and network

Travel conferences and networking events are a great way to stay up-to-date with emerging trends in the tour business.

Not only will you meet potential guests, but you'll also meet other professionals who can help you grow your business and be your business mentor.

You'll learn about the latest trends in travel, and hear from experts about how to run a successful tour company at these events.

Optimize with an Online Tour Booking and Reservation System

Make sure you choose the right online booking system before you start marketing your tours.

Your online booking system will be your business' backbone, so choose one with all the features you need. Choose a system with an easy-to-use booking widget , a live calendar, and a solution with multiple payment gateways .

Make sure the system can handle reservations and send customers automatic confirmation emails. Also, if you need help down the road, you'll want a system that offers excellent customer service.

Every tour business needs an online booking system. So take your time, do your research, and choose a system that helps you grow your business.

Final Takeaways

Starting a tour company after the pandemic doesn't have to be hard. Anyone can get tour businesses off the ground by following these steps.

Make sure you do your research, create an attractive website, partner with an OTA if you can, attend travel conferences and network, track your progress, and use an online booking system.

Your preparation and dedication can lay the foundation for a successful tour operator business.

Happy growing!

TicketingHub for Tour Operators

It was common for other tour operators to list their tours and handle bookings on third-party websites in the past. Getting started with this option might be a great option, but it's not ideal for building a brand or establishing direct relationships with your guests.

This is where TicketingHub comes in.

With TicketingHub, tour and activity operators can take bookings directly from their own websites. As well as providing a frictionless ticket-buying experience for guests, it also allows you to manage your bookings in one place.

Our easy-to-use platform lets you add tours and activities, set tour pricing, manage your calendar, and track payments- all for a minimal fee per successful booking.

As well as helping you get started, our team of experts is always available to answer any questions you may have.

Click here for a free demo .

Get the latest news and stay in touch with the industry secrets.

By clicking "Subscribe", you agree to our Privacy Policy and the data we do collect.

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Find out how mobile SEO can help increase your tour bookings - and learn the basics of how to do it yourself!

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Want to learn how to create a travel email marketing campaign that will boost your bookings? Check out these seven tips!

We earn commissions if you shop through the links below.  Read more

Tour Operator Business

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Tour Operator Business

Written by: Carolyn Young

Carolyn Young is a business writer who focuses on entrepreneurial concepts and the business formation. She has over 25 years of experience in business roles, and has authored several entrepreneurship textbooks.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on May 17, 2023 Updated on May 23, 2024

Investment range

$2,300 - $10,300

Revenue potential

$108,000 - $360,000 p.a.

Time to build

0 – 3 months

Profit potential

$86,400 - $144,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Are you an entertainer? One of the ways you could use your skills is by starting a tour operator business. You could offer tours to see the main attractions in your city, tours of natural areas, or even tours of the food scene in your city. The tour operator industry took a hit during the pandemic, but it’s coming back strong in 2023 and is worth more than $10 billion, so there’s money to be made.

But first, you’ll need some business know-how. Luckily, this step-by-step guide details all you need to know to start a successful tour operator business.

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Pros and cons.

• Meet lots of people and show them a good time
• Good profit potential
• Growing market
• Business needs to be based in an area with attractions of some kind
• Can be somewhat seasonal

Tour operator industry trends

Industry size and growth.

• Industry size and past growth – The U.S. tour operator industry is worth $10.3 billion in 2023 after declining an average of 3.4% annually for the last five years due to the pandemic.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/tour-operators-industry/#:~:text=Tour%20Operators%20in%20the%20US%20industry%20trends%20(2018%2D2023),falls%20to%206.6%25%20of%20revenue. ))
• Growth forecast – The U.S. tour operator industry is projected to grow an impressive 19.4% in 2023. 
• Number of businesses – In 2023, 10,286 tour operator businesses are operating in the U.S. 
• Number of people employed – In 2023, the U.S. tour operator industry employs 44,534 people.

Trends and challenges

• Many tourists are seeking tours to “hidden gems” rather than the normal tourist spots.
• Many people are booking their travel activities, including tours, on mobile apps.
• Technology is playing an increasing role in the tour operators industry, requiring tour operator business to make an investment in technology.
• Current economic conditions may negatively impact the travel industry in general. 

Demand hotspots

• Most popular states – The most popular states for tour guides are Alaska, California, and Oregon. (( https://www.zippia.com/tour-guide-jobs/best-states/#oregon ))
• Least popular states – The least popular states for tour guides are Minnesota, Michigan, and Louisiana.

What kind of people work in tour operator businesses?

• Gender –  53% of tour guides are female, while 47% are male. (( https://www.zippia.com/tour-guide-jobs/demographics/ ))
• Average level of education – T he average tour guide has a bachelor’s degree.
• Average age – The average tour guide in the US is 34.3 years old.

How much does it cost to start a tour operator business?

If you’re going to do walking tours, your startup costs should be around $2,000. Costs include a computer and a website. If you plan to give tours in a vehicle like a trolley, your costs will be closer to $10,000.

How much can you earn from a tour operator business?

You can probably charge about $120 per person for a half day tour or $200 for a full day tour. Your profit margin should be about 80% if you run your business from home.

In your first year or two, you could work from home and have 30 customers a week, 30 weeks a year, at $120, bringing in $108,000 in revenue. This would mean $86,400 in profit, assuming that 80% margin. 

As you gain traction, you might have 100 customers a week, 30 weeks a year.  At this stage, you might have a kiosk and hire staff, reducing your margin to around 40%. With annual revenue of $360,000, you’d make a tidy profit of $144,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a tour operator business. Your biggest challenges will be:

• Being in a good location where people will pay for tours
• Having extensive knowledge of your tour area

Related Business Ideas

How to Start an Airbnb Business

How to Start a Travel Agency

How to Start a Bed & Breakfast

Step 2: hone your idea.

Now that you know what’s involved in starting a tour operator business, it’s a good idea to hone your concept in preparation to enter a competitive market. 

Market research could give you the upper hand even if you’ve got the perfect product. Conducting robust market research is crucial, as it will help you better understand your customers, your competitors, and the broader business landscape.

Analyze your competitors 

Research tour operator businesses to examine their services, price points, and customer reviews.

• Make a list of tour operator businesses that offer similar services. 
• Review your competitors’ services – their features, pricing, and quality – and marketing strategies.
• Check out their online reviews and ratings on Google, Yelp, and Facebook to get an idea of what their customers like and dislike.
• Identify your competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. 

This should identify areas where you can strengthen your business and gain a competitive edge to make better business decisions.

Why? Identify an opportunity

You’re looking for a market gap to fill. For instance, maybe the local market is missing an inbound tour operator, or a tour guide business that offers travel agency services as well.

You might consider targeting a niche, such as food scene tours or adventure travel tours.

This could jumpstart your word-of-mouth marketing and attract clients right away. 

What? Determine your services

You’ll need to determine what kind of tours you want to give. Consider what’s in your area that might be of interest to tourists. Your best bet is to pick a niche that other tour companies are not targeting. You could also offer travel agent services like booking hotel accommodations or flights.

How much should you charge for tours?

Your prices should be based on market prices in your area, but also on your operating costs.

Once you know your costs, use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

Your target market is likely to be tourists, and the tourists who participate in tours are often older, but it will depend on the type of tours you offer. If your tours are likely to appeal to older tourists, you can market to them on Facebook. However, your best bet is to partner with travel agencies who can promote and book your tours. 

Where? Choose your business premises

In the early stages, you may want to run your business from home to keep costs low. But as your business grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers for various roles and may need to rent out an office or a invest in a kiosk to set up in high traffic tourist areas. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist , Crexi , and Instant Offices .

When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Tour Company Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• Name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “tours” or “guided tours”, boosts SEO
• Name should allow for expansion, for ex: “GlobeStride” or “Boundless Journeys” over “EcoTreks” or “Dive Quest”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

Powered by GoDaddy.com

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead and reserve your business name with your state, start the trademark registration process, and complete your domain registration and social media account creation. 

Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick a name, reserve it and start with the branding, it’s hard to switch to a new name. So be sure to carefully consider your choice before moving forward. 

Step 4: Create a Tour Operator Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary: Summarize your tour operator business, highlighting the unique travel experiences you offer and your target market.
• Business Overview: Describe your tour operator business, including the types of tours you provide, destinations you cover, and the travel niche you specialize in.
• Product and Services: Detail the tour packages and services you offer, such as guided tours, transportation, accommodations, and any unique experiences or add-ons.
• Market Analysis: Analyze the demand for travel and tours in your chosen destinations, considering factors like tourism trends, customer preferences, and competitor offerings.
• Competitive Analysis: Identify other tour operators in your target locations, their strengths and weaknesses, and explain how your tours will differentiate themselves through quality, pricing, or unique experiences.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline your strategies for reaching and attracting customers, including digital marketing, partnerships with hotels or travel agencies, and promotions to drive bookings.
• Management Team: Introduce key team members responsible for running the tour operator business, highlighting their experience in the travel industry and customer service.
• Operations Plan: Describe the logistics of running your tours, including itinerary planning, tour guides, transportation, safety measures, and quality control.
• Financial Plan: Present financial projections for your tour operator business, including startup costs, revenue forecasts based on anticipated bookings, expenses for tour logistics, and expected profitability.
• Appendix: Include any relevant documents, such as tour itineraries, partnerships with hotels or attractions, insurance policies, and marketing materials.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to tour operator businesses. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your tour operator business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company ( LLC ) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.  Here’s how to form an LLC .
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.  Read how to start a corporation here .
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have. 

Form Your LLC

Choose Your State

We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like  Kickstarter  and  Indiegogo  offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like  Fundable  and  WeFunder  enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a tour operator business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.  

Step 8: Apply for Tour Operator Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a tour operator business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money, you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your tour operator business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You may want to use industry-specific software, such as  Flybook , FareHarbor , or Resmark , to manage your bookings, email communications, and customer lists.

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial.

Create a website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism. You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

Your customers are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. SEO will help your website appear closer to the top in relevant search results, a crucial element for increasing sales. 

Make sure that you optimize calls to action on your website. Experiment with text, color, size, and position of calls to action such as “Book Now”. This can sharply increase purchases. 

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Leverage Social Media Influencers: Collaborate with travel influencers on platforms like Instagram and YouTube to showcase your tour packages, tapping into their engaged audiences and fostering trust through authentic experiences.
• Run Targeted Online Ads: Utilize platforms like Google Ads and social media advertising to target specific demographics interested in travel, ensuring your ads reach potential customers who are more likely to engage with your tours.
• Create Compelling Visual Content: Invest in high-quality photos and videos of your tour destinations, sharing them across social media, your website, and promotional materials to evoke emotions and entice potential customers.
• Implement Referral Programs: Encourage satisfied customers to refer friends and family by offering incentives such as discounts or exclusive perks, amplifying your customer base through word-of-mouth marketing.
• Collaborate with Local Businesses: Partner with local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses to cross-promote services, creating mutually beneficial relationships that expand your reach within the travel community.
• Host Virtual Tours: Capitalize on the growing trend of virtual experiences by offering online tours or live-streamed previews, allowing potential customers to get a taste of your offerings before committing.
• Optimize for Local Search: Ensure your business appears in local search results by optimizing your Google My Business profile, collecting positive reviews, and providing accurate information, making it easier for customers to find and choose your tours.
• Offer Limited-Time Promotions: Create a sense of urgency by periodically offering limited-time promotions or exclusive deals, encouraging potential customers to book your tours sooner rather than later.
• Attend Travel Expos and Events: Participate in travel expos and events to showcase your offerings directly to an audience interested in travel, allowing you to engage with potential customers face-to-face and establish personal connections.
• Focus on Customer Experience: Prioritize exceptional customer service and personalized experiences to build a positive reputation, as satisfied customers are more likely to become repeat clients and ambassadors for your business.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your tour operator business meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your tour operator business could be: 

• Discover the extraordinary with our immersive and personalized tours
• Leave no stone unturned with our comprehensive and authentic tour itineraries
• Discover the hidden gems with our knowledgeable tour guides

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a tour operator business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in tour operator businesses for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in tour operator businesses. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership.

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from a home office, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a tour operator business include:

• Tour Guides – give tours, customer service
• Marketing Lead – create and implement marketing strategies
• General Manager – scheduling, accounting

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Tour Operator Business – Start Making Money!

The tourism industry has bounced back in a big way since the pandemic, so now could be a great time to start a tour operator business. It’s an exciting way to share the highlights of your area, have some fun, and make some money. You could eventually hire a whole team of tour guides to take your business to the next level.

Now that you understand the business, you’re ready to plan your itineraries and get your successful tour operator business on the road!

• Tour Operator Business FAQs

A tour operator business can be profitable depending on various factors such as market demand, pricing strategies, operational efficiency, and the ability to provide exceptional customer tour experiences.

During a typical day at a tour operator business, various activities take place to ensure smooth operations and high-quality service. These include responding to customer inquiries and booking requests, designing and customizing tour itineraries, coordinating with suppliers, managing reservations and payments, addressing customer feedback, conducting research on new destinations, and collaborating with marketing and sales teams.

The growth potential of a tour operator business is significant, with opportunities to expand services to new destinations, diversify tour offerings, enhance customer experiences, and leverage digital marketing strategies. Developing partnerships with other businesses in the travel industry can also contribute to growth and increased revenue potential.

A tour operator business falls under the travel and tourism industry and operates as a service-based business that organizes and arranges travel experiences for individuals or groups. The business acts as an intermediary between customers and various suppliers, providing comprehensive and well-planned travel experiences through pre-packaged tours or customized itineraries.

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Tour Company Name
• Create a Tour Operator Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Tour Operator Business Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Tour Operator Business - Start Making Money!

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Travel Agency Registrations By State

Did you know that some states require you to register as a travel agent even if you don’t reside in that particular state? It’s true! States like Florida, California, Washington, Iowa, and Hawaii all require that you register your travel agency. If not, these states can issue a cease and desist letter, impose fines and fees, or worse. Keep reading to learn more about travel agent licensing by state.

Apply for your Travel Agency Registration today!

California defines a seller of travel as any person or entity that sells, provides, furnishes, contracts for, arranges, or advertises that it can or may arrange, wholesale or retail travel.

Does this sound like your business? If so, visit our California Seller of Travel License page to learn more about the state requirements.

Florida defines a travel agency as any resident or nonresident person, firm, corporation, or business entity that offers, directly or indirectly, prearranged travel or tourist-related services for individuals or groups, through vacation certificates in exchange for a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration. Further, the FLDACS indicates that any seller of travel that has a business location in Florida OR that offers to sell travel related services in Florida for individuals or groups is required to register with the state.

Are you selling travel in or to Florida? If so, learn more about the Florida travel agency licensing process .

Hawaii defines a travel agency as any sole proprietorship, organization, trust, group, association, partnership, corporation, society, or combination of such, which for compensation or other consideration, acts or attempts to act as an intermediary between a person seeking to purchase travel services and any person seeking to sell travel services.

Do you want to sell travel in Hawaii? Getting licensed in HI can be very difficult unless you live there. It requires a bank account at a local bank. Sounds easy right? Well, most of the banks on the islands won’t let you open a business account online. You must physically go to the bank, in person, to open the bank account. However, it makes a great excuse to go on a Hawaiian vacation doesn’t it? If you think so too you can apply online today !

Not only is it home to the Hawkeyes and Wartburg College but it’s also home to Iowa Code Chapter 9D. Iowa code requires travel agencies to register with the Iowa Secretary of State if the agency conducts the solicitation of an Iowa resident. Iowa defines a travel agency as a person who represents, directly or indirectly, that the person is offering or undertaking by any means or method, to provide travel services for a fee, commission, or other valuable considerations, direct or indirect.

Want to learn more about becoming a licensed, Iowa travel agent? If so, visit our Iowa Travel Agency Licensing page to learn more.

Washington defines a seller of travel as a person, firm, or corporation that transacts business with Washington consumers for travel arrangements or accommodations.

Have you sold or are you currently selling travel to a Washington State resident? Again, you probably need a license. Check out the exclusions, cost, and other important licensing information on our Washington Seller of Travel Licensing page.

Already registered? Login now

Legal Requirements and Factors You Need to Know to Register a Travel Company in India

Do you wish to pursue travel as a career because you love it? It is possible to think about creating your own travel company. There is no justification not to. There is little doubt regarding the continuous expansion of India's tourist sector with the advent of new technologies. People merely turn to the internet for all manner of travel-related needs, from buying a ticket to the airport to planning a full trip.

Given India's rapidly expanding travel and tourism industry, this trend has given all new entrepreneurs a variety of opportunities. How to register a travel company is among the first few queries that come to mind. And how can an Indian firm create a travel website?

Here are some of our best advice for starting a travel business.

How can you register a travel company in India?

Starting a travel agency involves a number of tasks, including obtaining the necessary licences, coordinating with hotels and airlines, sorting out visa requirements, and locating the best financial services alternatives.

Here, let's look more closely.

Do a significant amount of research and pick travel expertise

Investigate and comprehend the location, marketing plan, and company practices of your rivals before formulating your own business plan.

You can accelerate the growth of your firm by deciding on a particular specialisation and concentrating on all facets of it. B2B, B2C, and corporate sectors are a few examples of niches in the travel industry.

Register your tours and travel company

The next step is to pick the type of business to register. Do you currently want to register as a partnership firm, LLP , OPC , or private corporation ?

Online Legal India experts have outlined the steps that a startup should follow below to register a tour and travel business in India:

• Pick a name for your business.
• Online Director Identification Number (DIN) applications are accepted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• Application for Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) online.
• Gather the materials for your application.
• Complete e-Form 1A.
• Create draft versions of the articles of association (AoA) and memorandum of association (MoA), print them, and notarize them.
• Online enrollment and filing payments are accepted.
• Discover the proper RoC office.
• Complete and submit an application to the RoC.
• Take your incorporation certificate with you.

Necessary Legal requirements

Aside from registering the travel company, there are a few more important tasks to complete:

• GST Registration : To charge GST to customers for services rendered by the business, owners must register for GST. 
• Trademark registration: Under Indian intellectual property regulations, a businessperson must register as a trademark if they want to use a distinctive name and symbol. 
• Government-approved certified Travel Agent: The travel agency must satisfy a number of requirements, including capital investment, the number of employees engaged, and the maintenance of a minimum office area, among others, to become a  travel agent certified by the Government of India. Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism must receive an application.
• IATA Representative:   International Air Transport Association (IATA) accreditation is a highly esteemed and widely accepted seal of approval. Being a member of IATA is essential for a travel agency or travel agent offering international travel packages as it offers several advantages in the world of air travel.

Create a core team

Let's move on to the following crucial stage, which is creating a team, once you have a proper understanding of how to register a tour and travel business in India . An internal personnel and marketing team will give a travel agency a lot of flexibility and eventually allow it to go up significantly.

Building your Travel and Tourism website

You'll learn that a travel website is essential to the development of successful tourism industry as you research how to launch a travel website business in India.

As we all know, going on vacation is more of an emotional escape than a need. Numerous emotions and social factors drive it. In order to compel visitors to act, your travel website's aesthetic appeal is essential.

Consequently, the following elements are needed to construct a decent travel website:

• Attractive images of the destinations
• Information on the locations and activities at the destination and how to plan a trip
• Services for making hotel or lodging reservations
• Tour operators from the region
• Information on making reservations for local transportation, as well as restaurants in the area
• Personal stories and recommendations

You can make a travel website from scratch with the help of Online Legal India’s experts.

Build your brand reputation

The reality is that it's difficult to survive in this industry, but if you have a solid strategy in place, you might be able to stand out. Designing your website and marketing strategies around the feelings you want site visitors to have is a good idea. You may build your brand by having happy clients.

At every stage of developing your travel company, it's crucial to keep your USP in mind. In the same industry as you, there are numerous rivals. How do you plan to achieve that objective? How are you going to get that creativity? Your business needs a distinctive identity. It must be distinct from the competition. Credibility and commitment to the selected niche are prerequisites.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which websites offer services for travel company registration?

Online Legal India's portal offers the best services for travel company registration and all types of legal services .

2. What are the most crucial features for your travel website to have?

It's crucial to incorporate hotel and transportation booking services within your vacation website.

3. What advantages can a private limited company offer you?

You can expand your business by having your own travel agency private limited. This is because your profit and return will be of interest to shareholders and investors. With some significant investment, you could observe the growth of your travel company.

Conclusion 

India ranks 12th globally in terms of the GDP contribution from the travel and tourism sector, according to figures. Additionally, a 7.8% yearly growth between 2013 and 2023 is expected. It is so evident that tourism plays a significant role in the development of our nation, which is why the Indian government has provided many subsidies for new travel agency business owners. A tour company should possess the appropriate level of marketing and financial experience. Join Online Legal India to meet people who can assist you with marketing, fundraising, GST/MSME, travel company registrations , and FSSAI licence registrations .

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Travel Registration Form

A Travel Registration Form is a form template designed to collect the registration and travel preferences of clients. It serves as a convenient tool for travel agents to gather essential information from their customers, ensuring a smooth and personalized travel experience. With this form, travel agents can easily collect details such as client name, contact information, travel dates, preferred destinations, accommodation preferences, and special requests. By using the Travel Registration Form, travel agents can streamline their booking process, customize travel packages, and provide personalized recommendations based on their clients' preferences. This form template is user-friendly and can be easily customized to fit the specific requirements of travel agencies, allowing them to enhance their client management and improve overall customer satisfaction.

Jotform's Form Builder is the perfect tool to create and manage the Travel Registration Form. With its drag-and-drop interface, travel agents can effortlessly design and customize the form to reflect their branding. The form can be embedded on the travel agency's website or shared with clients via email or social media. Jotform's Form Builder also offers extensive field options and widgets, ensuring that travel agents can gather all the necessary information from their clients. Additionally, Jotform integrates seamlessly with popular apps and services, such as Google Drive, Salesforce, Dropbox, and more, allowing travel agents to streamline their workflow and automate data transfer. With Jotform's ease of use, customizable features, and integration capabilities, travel agents can efficiently collect and manage client information, providing an exceptional travel booking experience.

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Flight Reservation Form

A flight reservation form is used by an airline or travel agency to gather information needed to book air travel for clients. Ready to see your booking rates soar? Streamline the flight booking process for passengers and take your business to new heights by collecting the information you need in a single, secure online Flight Reservation Form. Form responses are stored in your Jotform account, creating an easy-to-access database of passenger information — and if you’d like to boost functionality and send form responses to your other accounts, just link your form to a few of our 130+ app integrations. Give your Flight Reservation Form a unique look with Jotform Form Builder! Add your company logo, change fonts and colors to match your branding, or include any terms and conditions your customers may need to know. If you charge a fee for your service, accept payments through your online form via trusted payment gateways like Square or PayPal. Get ready for your bookings to take off — by bringing your reservation process online with our free Flight Reservation Form, you’ll save time, reduce unnecessary back-and-forth calls and emails, and smooth out the process for your customers.

Vacation Itinerary Form

This Vacation Itinerary form is normally utilized by travel agencies or person who just wants to travel and would like to have a detailed itinerary form. This vacation itinerary form will be a great help for those who are planning for a trip or travel agencies looking for a standard template they can use when organizing a trip for their clients. The form will need information such as destination, duration of stay, arrival time, mode of transport and cost.

Guest Registration Form

A guest registration form is used to collect information from hotel guests. Whether you run a small, private bed and breakfast or an internationally renowned five-star luxury resort, get new customers and boost repeat business with our free Guest Registration Form template! All you need to do is embed the form on your website, share it with a link, or have your guests fill it out on your tablets or computers — then watch as guests submit their information directly to your booking system!If you’d like to accept card payments online, integrate with a trusted payment processor like Square, PayPal, or Stripe — we have 100+ other apps you can choose from, too. Integrate your hotel’s otherwise scattered data with a free Guest Registration Form — track guests, add notes, and stay organized with Jotform!

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Travel Booking Forms

Gather passenger information with an online Flight Reservation Form. Free to customize and embed in your website. Great for airlines or travel agencies.

A guest registration form is used to collect information from hotel guests.

Travel Agency Booking Form Template

A travel agency booking form is a service reservation form used by travel agencies to book hotels, flights, or cruise packages. It is a useful tool to improve your hotel or airline booking services. Take your services to the next level!

Travel Information Form

Collect travel requests online with a free Travel Information Form. Great for travel agencies. Easy to customize, embed, and share with your clients.

Xstream Paycation Travel Booking Request Form

For gathering clients travel booking request information.

A Travel Registration Form is a form template designed to collect the registration and travel preferences of clients.

Service Fee Agreement Template

This is for travel agents who charge fees (service fees or consultation fees) or for those who are exploring charging a fee. What it Does: The contract is not only legally binding, but it helps you be very clear about your fee structure so your clients don't get sticker shock when they book with you! It outlines what you charge for fees and when they need to pay it. Final Thoughts: This contract is thorough, and like other Jotform forms, you can modify the conditional logic to tailor it to the needs of your agency. See the whole article at HostAgencyReviews.com/blog/free-travel-agent-forms-clients

Travel Registration Form Template

Are you travel experts or do you provide travel assistance? Use this travel registration form to plan and organize your clients trip. You can provide this travel tour registration form to your clients so they can easily register their trip ahead and fill out the required information about their travel preferences. This trip registration form template asks personal information and travel information such as cruise and hotel name, cabin types, hotel bedding and emergency contact number. Send this trip registration form to your clients now to start accepting travel registrations!

EVOLUTION TRAVEL CLIENT FORM: YOU DESERVE A VACATION. I AM YOUR PERSONAL AGENT!

This template was created by Queen Raw Toni Ward. This is to qualify clients.

Travel Quote Request Form

A travel quote request form is a document that allows customers to request a quote for a travel-related product or service, such as a cruise or a flight.

Trip Details Confirmation Form

A trip details confirmation form is a travel confirmation form used by clients to receive a travel itinerary. Send a trip details confirmation form to clients with a single click and make the most of their trip with Jotform!

Travel Interest Survey

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Travel Request Form

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A Travel Agent Credit Card Authorization Form is a form template designed to authorize travel agents to charge their clients' credit cards for various travel-related expenses such as airline tickets, hotel reservations, car rentals, and more.

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Passenger Information Form

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Vacation Review Form

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Client Profile

Do you want to know about your customers what are they thinking about travel? This client profile template is really helpful for you! Travel agent client profile form has six different question group which are air travel, hotel, car rental, booking information, cruising information and travelers information. Also, this client profile form template asking for your personal information.

About Travel Booking Forms

Travel booking forms, also known as travel reservation forms, are used by travel agencies to help book travel for clients. Whether your agency specializes in planning tours, cruises, family vacations, or business travel, our free Travel Booking Forms will speed up the reservation process by collecting important travel information online. Clients can provide details about the number of attendees, arrival and departure dates, and important travel demands all at once, eliminating the need for back-and-forth phone calls and emails. Each submission will be safely stored in a single, secure Jotform account, easily accessible by staff on any device.

Your travel agency makes sure to tailor to clients’ needs, so why not tailor your travel booking forms to your needs? Our easy-to-use Form Builder only needs you to drag and drop to make modifications to any Travel Booking Form below. You can change the form fields, template layout, background image, and even upload your logo for a professional look. Need to collect reservation fees? Just integrate your form with one of our payment gateways to process fees instantly — Jotform offers more than 30 processing apps, including Square and PayPal. You can even connect the form to other online accounts, such as your Google Drive or Slack workspace, to speed up your workflow. Start booking more clients online and improve your agency’s reservation process with our free Travel Booking Forms!

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A deposit is required with the return of this form Deposit $800.00 Loss of deposit refund insurance $95.00 Total per person $895.00

The “Loss of deposit” Insurance cover applies from the date of the receipt of your deposit subject to the terms and conditions. This is independent from your overall travel insurance cover. Subject to Terms and Conditions.

Travel insurance - It is a requirement that you take out a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy for tours and cruises. This insurance is to in- clude full cover for loss of deposits as well as medical treatment and special services covers. Please note that where cover is not provided by The

Travel Warehouse and that in the case of a claim, an assistance service fee of $150 will apply where assistance is requested by the insurer or client. Travel prices advised are the discounted price for direct bank deposit. Any fees for credit card use are at buyers expense. Invoices are payable upon presentation and late payment or cancellation fees apply. Escorted group tour departures are subject to change and to minimum booking numbers. We are resellers of travel products and services supplied by other suppliers and do not accept responsibility for changes, variations in standards, errors or omissions or failure to deliver products or services. The tours do involve walking and other activities and an average level of fitness is required. In the event of limited mobility this should be declared at time of registration as it may be necessary for you to make arrangements to be accompanied by a support person. This registration is accepted subject to the full set of Terms and Conditions, available on request and as stated on our website www.theTOURCOMPANY.net The applicant confirms acceptance of the full Terms and Conditions by signing below.

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CELEBRATING THE STATION AT MICHIGAN CENTRAL

Welcome back to michigan central.

Following the restoration by Ford Motor Company, the once-abandoned train station will reopen its doors for a first look as the centerpiece of Michigan Central’s 30-acre innovation district.

From June 6-16, Michigan Central OPEN welcomes the public to celebrate this major milestone with an opening night concert featuring iconic Detroit performers and a 10-day open house for the public to see the first floor of the revitalized Station.

Live From Detroit: The Concert at Michigan Central

Michigan Central

Show Begins

Be part of the excitement as we kick-off The Station's next chapter with a once-in-a-lifetime concert that celebrates the people and stories that bring this iconic building to life, hosted by Michigan Central and Ford Motor Company. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Opening Experience at Michigan Central Station

The Station at Michigan Central

Experience the grandeur of the newly restored Station through an immersive experience of its rich history and promising future. Explore activations, storytelling, artwork and shareable moments throughout the ground floor of The Station. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

OPEN FUTURES

Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment

In partnership with the Children’s Foundation, Bill and Lisa Ford have established the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment with the goal of raising $10 million to support youth-serving organizations in the Detroit area.

OPEN OUTDOORS

Outdoor Discoveries at Michigan Central

Outside the Station on the front lawn of Newlab at Michigan Central (the former Book Depository building), you’ll be able to enjoy music and local entertainment, learn more about Michigan Central's growing ecosystem, and purchase food, beverages and Michigan Central merchandise. Registration is not needed to participate in the outdoor experience.

Stay in the Know with Michigan Central

Register for Free Tickets to Michigan Central’s Reopening Festivities, Tours

*Photo credit: Michigan Central

The Detroit News May 20, 2024 Sarah Rahal

Ticket registration for Michigan Central Station’s reopening community celebration opens online Tuesday for its kick-off concert and 10 days of open house tours next month.

After six years and $940 million invested by Ford Motor Co. to restore the massive building and surrounding structures, officials announced online registration for its open house celebrations launches at noon tomorrow through  http://michigancentral.com .

Festivities commence on June 6 with a “Live from Detroit” 90-minute outdoor concert in front of the station “headlined by some of Detroit’s biggest stars.”

The standing-room-only show will feature short films, appearances by local leaders, creators telling stories of innovation and culture.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 8:30 p.m.

Performers have not been released. The concert is produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment, an Emmy-winning production company that has produced Super Bowl Halftime Shows. The outdoor concert will also be livestreamed.

“There’s no place like Detroit, and we couldn’t be more excited to showcase the city through its own incredible artists,” Collins said in a press release. “We’re going to create an unforgettable welcome party for Michigan Central with this new chapter in Detroit history that celebrates the visions of these unique performers who are bound together by a shared love of their city.”

Starting June 7 through June 16, Michigan Central will host its Open House Tours, offering a first look inside the Station’s restored ground floor coupled with a range of exhibits, entertainment and art.

Next door, on the front lawn of Newlab at Michigan Central (the former Book Depository building), visitors can enjoy music and local entertainment, hear about opportunities for innovation, community events, and skills programming at Michigan Central. There will also be places to purchase food, drinks and commemorative souvenirs.

Free ticketed tours will be available from noon-10 p.m. June 7; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. June 8; and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 9. The open house and festival continues from noon-8 p.m. June 10-13; 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. June 14-15; and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. June 16.

“After a six-year restoration by Ford and so many others, Michigan Central Station will re-open, reimagined as a place of innovation and culture open to all,” Mary Culler, chair of Michigan Central, said in the release. “This is a historic moment not just for Michigan Central but for those near and far who love Detroit, and that’s why we’re creating an opening worthy of this achievement that invites everyone to join us for the station’s next chapter, no matter where they are located in the world.”

When the station opened in 1913, it was the world’s tallest and one of the grandest train depots in the United States.

It closed in 1988 and remained vacant until Ford acquired the 30-acre property in 2018.

Ford acquired the station and several nearby buildings for $90 million from the Moroun family, the billionaire owners of the Ambassador Bridge. With the state approving tax breaks at the time estimated at $207 million, there was the promise of a revitalization of the shuttered icon.

That year,  40,000 visitors  waited to see the vacant 1913-built rail stop before extensive renovations began. More than 60,000 people are anticipated to attend the grand opening next month over the 11 days.

More than 3,100 workers have put in more than 1.7 million combined hours to restore the station to its original architectural grandeur, while retrofitting it with modern technological infrastructure to support its next chapter, officials said.

Over time, the station’s towers will start filling with three floors of Ford employees, a potential hotel and 640,000 square feet of retail and collaborative innovation spaces. After the grand openings, the building will begin its reactivation phase over several months to bring restaurants, retail and other commercial and community-focused partners to take up the tower residency.

The first floor will be open to visitors for tours on Fridays and Saturdays through the summer. Expanded hours will be announced for fall when the first phase of commercial activations opens to the public.

 Please contact Michigan Central directly for ticket information.

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Through a series of in-person events known collectively as the New Georgia Economy (NGE) Tour, the Georgia Chamber will share data and information from our state’s communities to build a comprehensive […]

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10 Best Tour Companies That Will Make Your Next Vacation a Breeze

Shop on National Geographic

Best for history buffs

National geographic expeditions.

• Trips around the globe
• Behind-the-scenes access to NatGeo research and projects
• Highly skilled scientists, photographers and historians accompany tours
• Limited options for kids and families

For curious travelers who love to explore history, culture and archeology, National Geographic Expeditions is tops in its field. Highly trained NatGeo experts accompany trips and share their insights and insider knowledge with small groups of equally curious travelers. One recent traveler called the 10-day guided Human History trip to Spain and France to see paleolithic art and cave paintings “among the best trips of our lives,” also noting that the adults-only itinerary also felt like a romantic getaway .

• Sample trip: Human History: Northern Spain and Southwest France

Shop on Adventures by Disney

Best for families

Adventures by disney.

• Seamless transfers between locations
• Highly trained guides
• Special access to iconic sights
• Adults-only itineraries offered infrequently

First, let’s dispel any notion of Mickey driving a tour bus, and there are no costumed characters on Adventures by Disney itineraries, which include myriad global destinations including Antarctica, Africa, Japan and Europe. What these tours do have, though, is the attention to detail and planning prowess that Disney is known for, plus a unique ability to offer special access to some of the world’s most impressive sights. Plus, of course, it’s one of the best tour companies for family vacations (although there are adults-only trips as well).

My family and I have traveled with Adventures by Disney to Yellowstone National Park and to Italy. Some of my favorite moments included private access to the Sistine Chapel for our group (approximately 26 people) and a “magical” ability for our bags to be transported from one hotel room to the next, especially impressive when I checked out of a Tuscan villa one morning and my suitcase was in a room with a view of Venice’s lagoon later that day. A recent traveler called the Peru trip “super fun and impeccably run” after exploring Machu Picchu and rafting down the Urubamba River.

• Sample trip: Peru: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cusco

Shop on Backroads

Best for biking

• Range of bicycles available, including electric-assist E-bikes
• Itineraries for couples, friends or solo travelers
• Itineraries for families with older teens and 20-plus, a rarity
• “Dolce Tempo” trip options offer an easygoing pace
• Many trips are only offered seasonally, May to October

If you like active vacations and exploring the outdoors, then Backroads may be the perfect tour operator for you. They specialize in European itineraries both for adults-only and for families. Backroads also offers “multi-adventure” tours where, say, a biking trip in Spain will also offer surfing lessons and kayaking. One mom of two 20-somethings shared, “We’ve taken four multi-sport trips with Backroads, and each one was phenomenal.” The trip I have on my dream board is the “Bordeaux & Dordogne Bike Tour,” which includes stops at “grand wine estates” and Michelin-star restaurants, a perfect blend of calorie consumption and exercise.

• Sample trip: Bordeaux Bike Tour

Shop on Brendan Vacations

Best for castles and royal lovers

Brendan vacations.

• 50 years of experience
• Option for a private chauffeur for smaller group travel
• Partners with top hotels in the U.K. and Ireland
• Limited destinations

When I was ready to explore the rolling green hills of the Emerald Isle, Brendan Vacations was my first stop. They offer wonderfully immersive tours that loop you around the island, stopping at iconic sights such as the scenic Ring of Kerry, dramatic Cliffs of Moher and the Blarney Stone. Best of all, my tour stayed at Ashford Castle, a grand estate in Cong where my family and I were able to try falconry, stay in a room built in a real tower and eat our breakfast porridge in a chandelier-filled dining room, just as if we were staying as guests of a king or queen in a royal palace . Brendan also offers tours to Scotland, Northern Ireland and London and combinations of the four.

• Sample trip: Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle

Shop on Road Scholar

Best for seniors

Road scholar.

• Offers resources for at-home learning
• Special “grandparent” trips for multigenerational travel
• Solo travel options available
• Many trips are two weeks or longer

With a focus on lifelong learning, Road Scholar is for travelers who embrace slower trips and deeper cultural explorations, and the company specializes in senior travel . Road Scholar extends its focus on education to online lectures and virtual tours to educate interested travelers on a destination. For example, for the Canadian Odyssey, the company’s suggested reading list includes 19 books for the 11-day trip. Road Scholars is especially popular with retirees and seniors, who tell us they appreciate traveling with like-minded folks. Looking for more options? Here are some more trips for seniors who love to travel.

• Sample trip: Canadian Odyssey: Québec City to Toronto

Shop on Go Ahead Tours

Best for solo travelers

Ef go ahead tours.

• No additional costs for a private room
• Invite six friends on a tour, and you’ll earn a free spot
• Travels to a wide array of destinations
• The solo itineraries are so popular that most 2023 trips have a waitlist

Group tours are great for solo travelers who want the camaraderie of other travelers with the same interests for shared adventures. The one downside to most group tours is the dreaded “single supplement,” where a solo traveler might be charged a supplement that can almost double the cost. Not so with EF Go Ahead Tours, one of the best tour companies for single travelers, whose Solo Tours include a private room at no extra cost. The feedback we’ve gotten about EF is that their tours are “well-run and precisely organized.” Itineraries for their solo trips range from Egypt to Japan to most of Western Europe, like our sample Spain trip that includes both cultural and culinary highlights, including a cooking class.

• Sample trip: Spain for Solo Travelers: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville

Shop on Insight Vacations

Best for in-depth itineraries

Insight vacations.

• Comprehensive itineraries that include all major attractions
• Free time and choice of activities for a more individual feel
• Tours offered in smaller European destinations
• Larger than average group size

When you want to see the best of a destination and know you’re not missing any “must-see” spots, Insight Vacations has you covered. A recent traveler told us she picked this Best of Italy 11-day trip through Italy “to see everything” and wasn’t disappointed. Another highlight of Insight is its wide selection of tours in smaller European destinations, such as Slovenia and Finland.

• Sample trip: Best of Italy

Shop on GeoCultura

Best for getting beneath the surface

• No single supplement for solo travelers on many tours
• Shorter itineraries available for long weekend getaways
• Guides who are notable experts in their fields
• Tours only available in England, Europe and North America

GeoCultura company grabbed my interest for its focus on geology—what’s happening not only on the surface of a destination but underneath it as well. Trips led by professors and specialists in the world of geology, paleontology and archaeology “dig in” to all the layers of a destination, so to speak. For the Rockies and Badlands tour, a guide who teaches “geology for non-geologists” at Canada’s Mount Royal University leads the quest to explore sedimentology, trace fossils and traverse diverse landscapes.

• Sample tour: The Rockies and the Badlands: Geology and Dinosaurs in Canada

Shop on Wheel the World

Best for accessible travel

Wheel the world.

• Large selection of destinations
• Can plan quick trips for individual travel
• Small group size, often 10 people or fewer
• Trips fill up fast

One of the best tour companies in the accessible travel category, Wheel the World offers a platform of accessible tours , experiences and accommodations for disabled travelers. From international surf trips to rainforest tours, the company offers adventure trips in 40 destinations around the world and on every continent. Group tours are led by guides specially trained by the company to provide assistance to disabled travelers, and all itineraries have been tested to make sure they’re accessible, have adaptable bathrooms and provide the best travel experience. The Costa Rica trip, for example, includes amphibious wheelchair use in Arenal’s hot springs and use of trekking wheelchairs to explore Manuel Antonio National Park.

• Sample trip: Costa Rica, a natural paradise

Shop on Audley

Best for curated itineraries

Audley travel.

• Highly personalized trip itineraries
• Options around the globe
• Skilled in adventure travel trips
• Limited option for group trips

Not all tour operators have large group tours. Audley Travel is a good example of a company that offers full-service trips that can be individualized for independent travelers. For example, I recently explored Namibia on a bucket list eight-night itinerary to four different Natural Selection safari lodges. Audley handled all the details, including international routing that was way more involved than I could have figured out on my own. I followed their itinerary, however I didn’t travel with a group, but instead with individual travelers who were following the same itinerary. (In other words, there is no tour leader and travelers are free to customize their itineraries.) In other cases, the company will create custom itineraries, and they do have some very small (around eight people) adventure mobile safari tours too.

• Sample trip: Namibia flying safari

What to look for when booking a tour company

There are a lot of tour companies out there, so it can be difficult to find the one that’s right for you, especially if you’re traveling with a group for the first time. Here are a few factors to consider as you narrow down your search.

• Cost: Because of their all-inclusive nature, tour company vacations can be more costly than traveling on a budget-friendly trip of your own. However, you get to skip the hours of research and logistics stress, which can be well worth it. Know your budget and what you’re willing to pay for versus do yourself as you plan your trip.
• Flexibility: Some tours may be scheduled at the hour, while others may offer optional excursions or free time to explore your destination. Whether you’re ready to be chauffeured around or would rather have the opportunity to strike out on your own, there’s a tour company for you.
• Special Interests: Many tours have themes that go beyond location, whether they dive into a specific era of history , focus on a certain type of cuisine, or lean into an outdoor activity. Traveling with a tour company can be a fitting opportunity to fuel your passion for travel and any other hobbies you might have.

Why you should trust us

I’m an award-winning travel writer, covering everything from how to pack your clothes to stay wrinkle-free to the secrets of Disney World . I have 25 years of journalism experience and am a passionate traveler myself. My work has appeared in Lonely Planet, The Points Guy, Travel Agent Central, Luxury Travel Advisor, TravelAwaits and more.

How we found the best tour companies

To come up with the list of the best tour companies, we reached out to travel planners and other travel experts for their top picks. We also used our personal travel experience and checked in with travelers who have vacationed with these tour companies to get their first-hand reviews. Finally, we cross-checked our research with Tripadvisor’s star ratings to make sure we’ve picked the best of the best so that you can have the best group tour all-inclusive vacation no matter where you want to go.

Is it cheaper to travel with a tour company?

While booking a tour company can be more expensive than planning a trip yourself, it can also have financial benefits. Tour companies often have relationships with vendors, hotels and even airlines, allowing them to negotiate or get discounts on your behalf.

What is the difference between a tour company and a travel company?

Tour companies plan and package tours for travelers. In contrast, travel agents at travel companies  often serve as the intermediary between clients and tour companies, helping them to find the best fit. Travel agents may also create customized trips for travelers from transportation to lodging to itineraries.

What’s the major difference between a tour and a vacation package?

Tour packages are guided tours offered by a tour company, and vacation packages include all the logistical elements of a tour package, like transportation and lodging, without the tour guide. A vacation package is best suited for someone who doesn’t want to spend time planning a trip but also wants the flexibility to manage their own time at their destination.

Is it cheaper to book tours in advance?

Like airfare and hotels, booking a tour company earlier can save you cash. Some tour companies run early bird specials for those able to book months or even a year out. You may even see deals on Black Friday or other major shopping holidays.

Members save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide when you’re signed in

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Quick Tour: Creating a basic report in Gainsight Reports and Dashboards

Learn how to effortlessly generate an arr report in this tutorial. follow along as we walk you through the step-by-step process of selecting objects, defining fields, adding filters, and running the report to gain valuable insights into your company's arr metrics..

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Conservative candidate didn't register on time as travel nurse lobbyist

Integrity commissioner did not seek fine, says former mla brian macdonald acted in good faith.

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A Fredericton-based lobbyist and federal Conservative election candidate didn't promptly report his lobbying for a company supplying travel nurses to New Brunswick's struggling health care system.

Brian Macdonald, a former Progressive Conservative MLA, represented Canadian Health Labs in early 2023, seeking to arrange meetings with senior government officials, including his former PC caucus colleague Premier Blaine Higgs.

New Brunswick's Lobbyists' Registration Act requires a lobbyist to submit a return to the provincial integrity commissioner "within 15 days after commencing performance of an undertaking on behalf of a client."

However, Macdonald didn't register as a lobbyist for the company until this year, after it made national headlines.

His registration is dated Feb. 26, 10 days after an investigative report in the Globe and Mail newspaper revealed detailed information about Canadian Health Labs' contracts in New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Macdonald told CBC News that he tried to register when he was hired last year but the process required him to list all of the company's contracts across Canada.

"Despite my repeated requests, CHL did not provide that information," he said.

"When the Globe and Mail reported on CHL around Feb. 16, 2024, I contacted the ethics commissioner and filed a disclosure because I wanted to ensure that my involvement with CHL was on the public record."

MLA-turned-lobbyist missed 15-day deadline to register

Under the act, a lobbyist like Macdonald who violates the 15-day registration requirement can be charged with an offence and, if found guilty, fined up to $25,000.

Integrity commissioner Charles Murray said he did not contact prosecutors because Macdonald has registered properly for other clients, tried to register for Canadian Health Labs and eventually approached his office about the breach voluntarily, albeit months late.

• Travel nurse costs help push Vitalité nearly $98M over budget
• N.B. defends costly use of travel nurses as 'necessary at the time'

The law is designed "to encourage transparency. It's not designed to punish wrongdoing as much as it is to encourage [transparency]," Murray said.

"It's a voluntary scheme in many ways. So our goal is always to inform and to educate and to correct errors, rather than to punish someone. … Better to register you late than not at all, and better to register you with what information you're able to obtain than no information."

Macdonald said in his public registration that the focus of his work for Canadian Health Labs was "continuing and expanding" the company's business in New Brunswick.

In his statement to CBC News, he said no contracts resulted from his lobbying.

"I was never involved in the CHL contracting process," he said.

Two agreements were signed when Canadian Health Labs was represented by another lobbyist, Jordan O'Brien, a former chief of staff to former Liberal premier Brian Gallant.

O'Brien and Jacqueline Durnford, a colleague at the firm Porter O'Brien, registered as lobbyists for the company in May 2022.

"We undertook government affairs work for CHL beginning in December 2021 and ending in July 2022," O'Brien said in a statement.

In its February investigation the Globe and Mail revealed that the company had three contracts with the Vitalité health authority, with a maximum total value of $158 million.

The company provided travel nurses at rates of up to $300 per hour to fill shortages in provincial hospitals.

The spending pushed Vitalité $98 million over budget in the 2023-24 fiscal year, an expense the health authority has defended as "unavoidable" given its staffing crisis.

Days after the Globe story broke, the deputy minister for the health department, Eric Beaulieu, defended the agreements to a committee of MLAs.

"It is not an aspect that either the department, the minister, or the RHAs wish to continue long term, but I will say it was necessary at the time they were signed," he said.

Beaulieu said the department knew about the first contract with Vitalité when it was signed on July 29, 2022, but learned after the fact of the other two, which were dated Nov. 16, 2022, and Dec. 2, 2022.

The Department of Social Development also used Canadian Health Labs for a contract for more than $2 million to provide nurses for long-term care facilities from February to May 2022.

The Social Development contract and the first of the three Vitalité contracts were signed while O'Brien was representing the company.

"It wouldn't be my place to speak to details so I would defer to my former client in that regard," O'Brien said in his statement.

Interview request denied

Canadian Health Labs turned down a request to interview CEO Bill Hennessey and did not respond to questions about its use of lobbyists or how it chose them.

"When CHL is awarded a contract, it is a result of its track record of helping Canadians access quality healthcare by solving staffing shortages," the company said in a written statement.

The auditor-general is now examining the contracts.

• Auditor general begins probe of travel nurse contracts in N.B.
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In a statement, government spokesperson Bruce Macfarlane confirmed that O'Brien played a role in "facilitating" contracts, while Macdonald's lobbying did not lead to new agreements.

Higgs said in March that the contracts were a situation "where it seems like we could have got better value."

In his registration, Macdonald listed Higgs among the officials that he intended to lobby.

The premier's spokesperson, Nicolle Carlin, said Higgs never met with Macdonald about CHL and never met with anyone from the company.

Macdonald also listed Health Minister Bruce Fitch, Finance Minister Ernie Steeves, then-local government minister Daniel Allain, as well as Beaulieu, clerk of the executive council Cheryl Hansen and Higgs's then deputy chief of staff Paul D'Astous.

Macdonald was a PC MLA from 2010 to 2018, serving with Higgs and Fitch. 

No law against it

There is no law against a former politician lobbying former colleagues on behalf of clients, as long as they observe a 12-month "cooling off" period after leaving office and register publicly. 

The website for his lobbying company, Waterloo Strategies, includes a photo of him with Higgs, PC MLA Jeff Carr, former MLA Jody Carr and two other people. 

Macdonald has hosted at least two PC Party fundraising events for Higgs at his Fredericton home and donated a total of $1,680 to the provincial party from 2021 to 2023.

He was nominated as the Conservative Party of Canada candidate for Fredericton earlier this year.

In March, federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called corporate lobbyists "utterly useless," but CBC News recently revealed that dozens of federally registered lobbyists attended fundraisers with him.

O'Brien and Durnford did not earn commissions on the value of the contracts signed by Canadian Health Labs.

They also represented the company in Newfoundland and Labrador, where the firm signed several contracts with health authorities.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. He grew up in Moncton and covered Parliament in Ottawa for the New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. He has reported on every New Brunswick election since 1995 and won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the National Newspaper Awards and Amnesty International. He is also the author of five non-fiction books about New Brunswick politics and history.

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Multiple charges laid over fatal central Australian tour bus rollover

NT WorkSafe has laid multiple charges against an Alice Springs tour company Emu Run Tours Pty Ltd (trading as Emu Run Experience), the company director Patrick Joseph Bedford, and the company’s mechanic Ian Matthew Jackson, in relation to the 2022 tour bus crash.

In June 2022, a tour bus carrying two workers and 19 passengers was returning to Alice Springs along Larapinta Drive after a day trip when a tyre on the vehicle blew out. The incident, which occurred approximately 5km outside of Hermannsburg, caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle which overturned, resulting in the death of one passenger and injuries to all the remaining occupants.

NT WorkSafe’s investigation, which incorporated evidence obtained by the Northern Territory Police Major Crash Investigation Unit, found the tour bus had been significantly modified which would have impacted the safe operation of the vehicle, namely changing the configuration of the vehicle from operating on six wheels to four wheels.

NT WorkSafe will allege the proposed modifications to the vehicle had not been assessed and approved in accordance with Engineering and Vehicle Standards requirements.

NT WorkSafe will further allege the tyres fitted to the vehicle after the modifications had been completed were not used in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

Emu Run Tours Pty Ltd has been charged with the following four breaches of the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (the Act):

• One charge under Section 32 of the Act for breaching its primary duty of care ( Section 19(1) ) for failing to ensure the health and safety of its workers.
• The health and safety of the passengers.
• Exposing the other road users travelling on Larapinta Drive to a health and safety risk.
• One charge under Section 33 of the Act for failing to comply with the health and safety duties specified under Section 19(3)(a)(b)(c)(d) and (f) of the Act .

Patrick Joseph Bedford has been charged as an officer with the following four breaches of the Act:

• Resulted in the workers being injured.
• Resulted in the passengers being injured and killed.
• Resulting in other road users travelling on Larapinta Drive being exposed to a work health and safety risk.
• One charge under Section 33 of the Act for failing to comply with the health and safety duty ( Section 27(1) ) which required he exercise due diligence to ensure Emu Run Tours Pty Ltd complied with the work health and safety laws.

Ian Matthew Jackson has been charged as a worker with the following three breaches of the Act:

• Resulted in exposing the other road users travelling on Larapinta Drive to a health and safety risk.

If found guilty of all charges, the defendants face the following maximum combined penalties:

• Emu Run Tours Pty Ltd - $5 million.
• Patrick Joseph Bedford (as an officer) - $1 million.
• Ian Matthew Jackson (as a worker) - $ 500,000.

The matter is listed for mention at the Darwin Local Court on Tuesday 2 July 2024 at 10:00am.