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17 Innovative Tourism Business Ideas and Trends for 2024

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In This Article: Trends to Inspire Your Tours and Activities

Gig-Tripping, Bleisure, and Skip-Gen Travel: From eco-conscious adventures to immersive culinary experiences, what are some of the top travel business ideas likely to appeal to travelers in 2024? And how can tour businesses capitalize on them?

It’s that time of year again; when we take a deep dive into the research into travel and tourism trends for the year ahead so you don’t have to. As well as scouring the travel press, talking to our partners, customers and contacts, and racking our own brains here at Rezgo, we’ve picked highlights from several influential research reports into tourism business trends for 2024. 

Even if you’re getting into the tour operator industry, there’s a lot of reasons to be optimistic. Read on to learn the tourism trends you can use to start your tour business in 2024.

Reasons to be cheerful about tourism in 2024

great wall of china

These findings were backed up by UNWTO’s latest Tourism Confidence Index survey of travel professionals. It found that “67% of tourism professionals indicating better or much better prospects for 2024 compared to 2023.”

According to the UNTWO, reasons to be optimistic in 2024 include:

  • An uptick in the reopening of several source markets and destinations in Asia
  • An increase in Chinese outbound and inbound tourism
  • More travel to and around the Middle East and Africa through a unified tourist visa implemented by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries
  • Strong outlook for travel to Europe, for example for the Paris Summer Olympics, and from the United States, backed by a strong US dollar

On the flip side, according to UNWTO findings, “Persisting inflation, high interest rates, volatile oil prices and disruptions to trade can continue to impact transport and accommodations costs in 2024.” In addition, if you have been having difficulties finding staff, you’re not alone. Many tourism businesses continue to face challenges filling vacancies to help them meet the steadily rising demand from travellers.

Overall though, 2024 promises an exciting array of tourism trends that cater to diverse interests and preferences. Let’s take a look at travel and tourism business ideas for 2024, with a focus on ideas for tours, events, activities and attractions that your travel business could use to attract new and existing customers alike. 

Trending tourism business ideas for 2024

1. sustainable tourism and ecotours.

According to the UNWTO report, many travellers will consider “sustainable practices and adaptability” when making their travel plans in 2024. They are not only interested in booking with tour companies that do business in a sustainable way, but they also want to travel in an eco-friendly way, seek out eco-friendly places to stay and book activities and tours with a sustainability element. This is backed up by Arival’s “ The 2024 U.S. Tour Taker ,” which found that nature tours and other “ecotours” are in high demand from US travelers in particular. 

Booking.com’s trends report for 2024 prompted the online travel marketplace to predict that ”the world of travel is poised for a sustainable makeover,” as travellers seek out eco-friendly places to stay and activities and locations with a sustainability element. TravelPulse reported that many travelers increasingly look to travel off season and seek out less well-known destinations to do their bit to try to decrease overtourism.

So-called “ecotours” let tourists enjoy a vacation while also learning about environmental and sustainability issues in a particular location. Some enable people to do something tangible to help, such as volunteering to plant trees or help to restore habitats. Many travelers these days also seek out “small footprint” or socially-responsible travel. This may not be an ecotour as such; it could just mean they favor tour companies that take steps to minimize the impact of their tours or incorporate a social responsibility element. Booking.com’s  Sustainable Travel Report 2023 found that 76 percent of travelers want to travel more sustainably in 2024. 

2. Train travel

From the “Flying Scotsman” to the “Orient Express,” there are few more romantic ways to travel than by train. However, train travel continues to overlap with other trends in our list, as it becomes more popular as a way to travel more sustainably by reducing car and air travel, traveling slower (unless we’re talking train travel in Japan) and for longer, as well as traveling to more countries on the same trip. Train travel as both a means to travel and see more of a destination continues to increase in popularity. Euromonitor International found that in 2024, “the fastest growing travel category worldwide is rail transport at 35.6 percent over 2023-2024.”

tourism based business ideas

Train travel can also offer scenic views, comfortable travel with spacious seats, sleeping accommodations for longer or overnight trips, the opportunity to socialize with other travelers, and convenient access to city centers. Again overlapping with other trends, train travel also offers more immersive travel experiences and lets travelers see more of a country while mixing with locals. Many countries and rail companies, especially in Europe, offer passes that let travelers visit multiple places in one trip without leaving the ground.

3. Food and drink experiences 

Food and drink experiences 

Many of the reports we looked at highlighted culinary experiences as a trend for 2024. After all, who doesn’t like a good meal or drinks with friends? Many travellers want to combine their love of food with their love of travel. Food tours allow travellers to savour the authentic flavours of a destination while discovering, and literally getting a taste for, its cultural heritage. Activities such as cooking classes let travelers enjoy an even more immersive culinary experience. 

While winery tours have long been a favourite travel activity for wine lovers, an explosion of craft beer, vodka, gin and other drink producers provides a multitude of other opportunities for drink-related tours activities. They can cater as much to enthusiasts looking to indulge in the finer things in life, as true connoisseurs. Booking.com found that 78 percent of travellers want to experience new foods, and half go to the length of organizing trips around specific restaurants or dishes, including iconic dishes of particular destinations. And keep an eye on “wild-feasting”—a new trend where you not only eat locally-grown ingredients but forage for, and even cook, them in the wild.

4. Sports tourism

Sport is a passion for many people around the world, and travelers often like to combine their love of a particular sport or sports team with their passion for travel. In 2024, Europe hosts the Paris Summer Olympics and the soccer UEFA Euro 2024, while soccer lovers often travel to see their favourite team in England, Spain, Germany and the top European leagues. However, even smaller teams get a look in. The Netflix show Welcome to Wrexham has put the small Welsh town on the map after Hollywood stars Rob Mcelhenney and Ryan Reynolds bought the local soccer team.

crowd-watching-sports

As well as events like the Olympics, there are also annual events that attract global interest, such as the Super Bowl, the Tour de France and Formula One, which also has a hit TV show, Formula 1: Drive to Survive . A sporting, or other, event can provide a reason for people to visit a particular location, even if they don’t have tickets, to sample the atmosphere and explore the sights. 

5. Tours and experiences with locals

toten

Immersing oneself in the local culture is made possible through tours or experiences led by knowledgeable locals. These insiders offer unique insights, hidden gems, and authentic encounters that enhance the overall travel experience. They help meet a growing demand for more immersive experiences that take travelers inside a location and culture and deepen their understanding of it. Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report  found that many travellers will prioritize experiences (85%), exploring the unknown, trying local food, and learning about the local culture.

Indigenous experiences are still a growing trend. Countries around the world, such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand, are making an increased effort to reverse past wrongs when it comes to treatment of Indigenous peoples, while also empowering Indigenous communities to take a lead in areas like travel and tourism. 

6. Transformational trips

A buzz phrase you heard a lot of in 2023 was “transformational retreat,” and 2024 looks likely to continue the trend. Booking.com’s 2024 travel trends report prompted them to label 2024 as a year that reinforced that “travel isn’t just an escape, but a catalyst for experiencing our best lives.”

relaxing activities

A transformational trip is a travel experience designed around a specific activity, personal goal, or mental or physical health need. They can include retreats that cater to people who want to undergo a significant personal or spiritual transformation, or at least get away from it all in order to return refreshed. Retreats and activities include meditation, yoga, therapy, workshops, and other experiential practices. Most promote self-awareness, personal growth, and positive change, typically taking place in a secluded and peaceful setting and led by experienced facilitators or coaches. 

Wellness vacations have been a growing tourism business trend for some time, with demand accelerated by the pandemic. Tours that offer people the chance to pamper themselves and generally recalibrate are likely to be extremely popular for the foreseeable future.

7. Quiet travel

Not everyone is looking for a transformational outcome from their vacation; many simply want to unwind and enjoy some quality “me time.” Continuing the 2023 trend, many people still want to unplug and undertake a “digital detox.” They could be seeking respite from “doom scrolling” through social media and news feeds on their digital devices, or they just want a break from the glowing screens so prevalent in their day-to-day. 

spa treatment

Trips that encourage travelers to leave their devices at home will be popular, whether to a wellness retreats that bans or discourages digital devices, or an out-of-the-way destination that makes electronic communication extremely difficult. As well as digital detoxing, an example of a trend that is still going strong is forest bathing. This involves becoming immersed in nature to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It can be as simple as going for a long walk through a forest, or sitting by a lake and taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural surroundings. Research has shown that forest bathing can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even boost the immune system and reduce blood pressure and heart rate.

8. Skip-gen travel

Deloitte’s “2024 travel industry outlook” report found that the baby boomer generation is getting back into the swing of things when it comes to traveling. This could be a factor in the emergence of a trend towards “skip generation trips” or skip-gen travel. This is when grandparents take their grandkids on vacation as a way for these two generations to bond and create some memories. Boomers can have more disposable income and more time, and parents with kids that can travel in this way appreciate the chance to travel on their own or just enjoy a break at home. All-inclusive resorts and other places with lots of activities for different generations are popular skip generation trips.

9. Solo travel 

Of course, not everyone has a posse to travel with or wants to travel with others. Solo travel continues to be very popular and has moved from a niche to a mainstream market. A Skyscanner report found that 40 per cent wanted to travel solo for mental health wellness reasons, while singles and divorcees ranked highly for being ready to take a solo trip. The report concludes: “There is no longer any stigma attached to taking a trip on your own, and many tour companies cater specifically to this market.”

Arival ’s 2024 U.S. Tour Taker report found that the preference for independent travel increases with age, with 38 percent of people over 55 preferring to go it alone, compared with 26 percent of the 18-34 group. ​This indicates that older, more experienced travelers, who are often more affluent, prefer small group and independent travel. ​Women travelling on their own or with other women also continues to be a growing trend, with a number of tour operators dedicated to women-only trips.

10. Frontier travel

people kayaking around glacier

While it may sound like something out of the script for the TV show Westworld , frontier travel is a new travel trend for 2024 that takes travelers into wilder, more unusual destinations off the beaten track. This could mean grand adventures like following in the footsteps of great explorers across the Drake Passage to Antarctica or up Everest. Or it could mean taking a guided group trip to hike to and camp in a remote location or journey down a river by kayak or canoe.

These trips need a certain element of adventure and excitement, challenging travelers to get out of their comfort zone. This ties in with the transformational trip trend above, as people seek experiences that they will not only remember forever, but that could change them forever.

11. Hush trips, workcations, and micro-cations

In our 2023 report we highlighted the trend toward “hush trips” (when remote workers take a workcation without telling their boss) and workcations, when people travel abroad with the intention of combining a vacation with work. This kind of travel continues to be popular, and accommodation providers—from hotels to Airbnb apartments—often boast of dedicated work areas and other facilities for remote workers.

Many such trips are “micro-cations,” short trips often taken close to home, often at the last minute. The micro-cation trend has continued to grow for the last few years, as people look for quick, convenient, and often budget-friendly getaways that don’t require a lot of planning. When you combine the acceptance of remote working among many more employers with a large number of people who left the office behind and didn’t miss it for a second, you have an opportunity to create workcation and hush trip experiences for digital nomads and remote workers.  

12. Traveling for “bleisure”

The tourism industry and travel press do love a good old portmanteau to describe the latest trend. Hot on the heels of workcations, the related trend of “bleisure” shows no sign of letting up. Bleisure is a name coined to describe the trend of business travellers tacking on some leisure time to the end of business trips or just taking their family along with them. Where a workcation is often a longer trip designed around work, the growth of bleisure trips reflects the fact that as business travel bounces back, people still want as much vacation time as they can get. 

Deloitte’s “2024 travel industry outlook” report found that corporations are more concerned with costs than COVID now, but “trips to build client relationships and support team collaboration remain key to business success.” In fact, the report found that “US corporate travel spend is still likely to finally pass the pre-pandemic line within the next year.”

13. Set-jetting

city by the ocean

If you’ve ever wanted to visit the set of your favourite movie or TV show, you’re not alone. A top travel trend for 2023 that is continuing in 2024 is “set-jetting,” when travelers visit destinations primarily because they were featured in a popular movie, TV show, or book. According to research, 39 percent of travelers have booked trips to places featured on shows or movies ( Expedia ). While people have long been drawn to iconic movie locations, perhaps the earliest example of mass set-jetting was New Zealand’s tourism industry getting a huge boost after the country played a leading role in the “Lord of The Rings” movies. Fans of the “Outlander” books and TV series have also been making pilgrimages to Scotland to see the country that provides the backdrop for their favourite show.

People don’t just want to visit the actual physical set and filming location, but also just the cities or countries featured in a particular production. Popular shows where the location is as much the star of the show as the actors, such as “The Crown” (England,) “Emily in Paris” (Paris,) and “The White Lotus” (Sicily), have been credited with triggering a surge in demand for particular locations and experiences relating to the shows, such as a themed tour. And tour companies like Black Tomato have jumped on the trend to offer set-jetting itineraries .

14. Destination dupes

The economic upheaval we saw through 2022 and 2023 looks set to continue through 2024, . Inflation and cost of living rises mean while the desire to travel is still strong, many travelers will still have at least one eye on their budget. This has led to a new trend called destination dupes,  when people seek out trips to locations that offer similar experiences to well-known or preferred locations, but that are more cost-effective. 

Hotel giant Marriott commissioned a survey of over 14,000 travellers , and over 25 percent said they were choosing destination dupes in 2024. Examples of dupes include someone who lives in the US choosing a Canadian lake resort over an Italian Lakes destination. Here’s a good guide to popular holiday swaps for 2024 .

15. Coolcations

In the wake of rising temperatures and an increase in the number and intensity of wildfires in parts of North America, Europe and around the world, keeping cool is likely to be top of mind for many travelers in 2024—even among those who typically seek out the sun for their vacation.

Enter the “colocation.” Marriott’s survey found that over half of respondents would be considering climate change when planning their trips. Fifty-six percent said they were more interested in cooling down than baking in the sun. This makes areas like northern Europe a popular destination dupe as people look for similar attractions, such as culture, scenery, etc., to the hotter locations they might have chosen in the past but with a cooler climate.

16. Gig tripping

Just as the trend of people taking trips to sports and other events has grown, so too has this travel trend that is music to the ears of the travel industry. For example “swifties” from around the world are flocking to Taylor Swift concerts abroad, especially if tickets in their home country, especially the US, are hard to come by. CN Traveler called this the Swift Effect, as people travel to one-off gigs to see their favourite performer, as well as established (Glastonbury in the UK and Coachella in the US) and new (Untold in Romania) multi-day music festivals.

17. Sleep retreats

person happily waking up

As we highlighted in our 2023 trends, everyone likes a good night’s sleep, especially on vacation, and the travel industry is waking up to the opportunities offered by a rise in “sleep tourism.” This trend continues to grow. Some travelers simply want a relaxing holiday with a comfortable bed and in an environment conducive to getting plenty of rest. For example, the Park Hyatt New York offers a stay in their  One Bedroom Sleep Suite by Bryte . Others are taking advantage of a growth in technology geared towards helping people get their eight hours a night, and are booking “sleep retreats.” Swedish bed brand Hastens opened a branded Sleep Spa , and the  HOTEL de LËN offers guests a “regenerative sleep experience.” Good night, sleep well.  

These are just a selection of travel business trends for 2024 that could open up new opportunities for your tour business. For example, we haven’t even touched on how technology is changing the travel industry. And don’t forget traditional travel experiences, or in-destination activities. The Arival report highlighted that sightseeing tours, “hop-on, hop-off” experiences, and other tried and tested travel experiences and ways of seeing the sights are still going strong.

How to take advantage of innovative tourism business ideas

In an ever-evolving landscape of travel and tourism, the trends for 2024 reflect a desire for authenticity, sustainability, and immersive experiences. From eco-conscious adventures to culinary escapades and everything in between, travelers are spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring the world in new and exciting ways. Embracing these trends promises to enrich the travel experience and create lasting memories for adventurers of all kinds.

The key to taking advantage of these innovative tourism business ideas and other tourism industry trends is to always be thinking of your next profitable business opportunity. Here are a few ways to keep on top of what’s new and interesting in the travel business:

Maintain an ideas file

Include those “out there” trends that seem absurd the first time you hear them. Think about some recent innovations that would have been dismissed with a laugh not that long ago: Self-driving cars, passenger space travel, drone deliveries… Even that Holy Grail of futuristic inventions, the personal jetpack, is getting closer to reality. All but the most outlandish trends are worth tracking in case there’s a germ of an idea for a new business opportunity in there.

Listen to your audience

Hang out in online travel discussion forums, on social media, and in other places where travelers gather to swap notes and ideas or express needs and dreams. You might uncover a new business idea no-one else has come across yet.

Follow your competitors

Monitor what your direct competitors and others in the tourism business are up to. Subscribe to every industry newsletter you can, including those of your competitors, to keep up with emerging trends and help with your business idea generation.

Solicit customer feedback

Be proactive in asking your customers for feedback. Don’t just ask them what they liked and didn’t like about their experience with your company; ask them if there’s anything they would like to do that they currently can’t. 

Invest in the right booking system

tourism based business ideas

It goes without saying that every tour operator should offer online booking and take a mobile-first approach. Not doing both of those things makes taking advantage of the above trends very difficult. The customer experience starts the moment they enter your website. Online booking enables them to easily browse, book, and pay for tours anytime and from is anywhere. Learn more about how Rezgo booking software is  tailor-made for adventure companies.

At Rezgo, we always have our ear to the ground when it comes to the latest tourism trends and business opportunities. The Rezgo booking system is a comprehensive platform that enables you to become a more

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Written By | Rob Mathison

Rob Mathison is a Vancouver-based freelance writer focusing on tech, travel, digital marketing, and education. He is a co-author of The Complete Resident’s Guide to Vancouver.

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50 travel and tourism business ideas

50 Travel & Tourism Business Ideas

Introduction

Wanderlust! The urge to travel, explore new places, and experience different cultures is deeply rooted in the human spirit.

As the world becomes more interconnected, the travel and tourism industry continues to thrive, presenting numerous opportunities for entrepreneurial minds.

In this blog post, we’ll embark on an exciting journey, exploring 50 creative business ideas that cater to the ever-growing demand for unique and memorable travel experiences.

Accommodation

1. tiny house rentals.

Offer a unique and eco-friendly accommodation experience by renting out tiny houses in scenic locations. Tiny houses are not only charming but also appeal to travelers seeking a minimalist and sustainable lifestyle.

2. Glamping Retreats

Combine the luxury of a hotel with the adventure of camping by setting up glamorous camping sites in picturesque natural settings. Provide luxurious tents, high-end amenities, and personalized services for a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience.

3. Homestay Network

Create a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, allowing them to experience authentic cultural immersion by staying in a family’s home. This concept promotes cultural exchange and provides an affordable alternative to traditional accommodations.

4. Treehouse Resorts

Tap into the childlike wonder of tree-dwelling by constructing eco-friendly treehouse resorts. These unique accommodations offer guests a chance to reconnect with nature while enjoying modern amenities.

5. Houseboat Rentals

Capitalize on the growing trend of water-based accommodations by offering houseboat rentals in scenic waterways or coastal regions. Houseboats provide a unique way to explore destinations while enjoying the comforts of home.

Transportation

6. electric bike tours.

Offer eco-friendly and active tours of cities or natural landscapes using electric bikes. This concept appeals to travelers seeking sustainable and engaging ways to explore their destinations.

7. Luxury Coach Service

Provide a high-end transportation service for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Offer luxurious coaches with amenities like Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, and gourmet snacks for long-distance travel or city tours.

8. Vintage Car Rentals

Cater to the nostalgia and charm of classic automobiles by offering vintage car rentals. This unique transportation option can be a hit with travelers seeking a retro experience or those attending special events.

9. Private Aviation Services

For affluent travelers, offer private aviation services, such as charter flights, helicopter tours, or private jet rentals, providing a luxurious and convenient way to travel.

10. Campervan Rentals

Capitalize on the growing trend of road trips and van life by offering campervan rentals. These versatile vehicles allow travelers to explore destinations at their own pace while enjoying the freedom and convenience of a mobile home.

Tours and Activities

11. virtual reality tours.

Leverage the power of virtual reality (VR) technology to offer immersive tours of destinations, historical sites, or even outer space. This innovative concept appeals to tech-savvy travelers and those seeking unique experiences.

12. Food Truck Tours

Combine the love for food and exploration by organizing tours that guide participants through the local food truck scene, sampling diverse culinary offerings along the way.

13. Experiential Workshops

Offer hands-on workshops that teach travelers new skills or crafts, such as pottery, painting, dance, or cooking classes, allowing them to immerse themselves in the local culture while acquiring new knowledge.

14. Adventure Sports Tours

For thrill-seekers, organize tours that incorporate adventure sports like rock climbing, zip-lining, surfing, or skydiving, catering to travelers seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences.

15. Sustainable Ecotours

Promote responsible tourism by offering sustainable eco-tours that educate travelers about conservation efforts and sustainable practices while exploring natural wonders and wildlife habitats.

Food and Beverage

16. pop-up dining experiences.

Create unique and temporary dining experiences by setting up pop-up restaurants in unconventional locations, such as rooftops, abandoned buildings, or scenic outdoor spaces.

17. Craft Brewery Tours

Tap into the growing popularity of craft beer by offering guided tours of local breweries, providing insights into the brewing process and allowing visitors to sample unique flavors.

18. Farm-to-Table Dining

Collaborate with local farmers to create a farm-to-table dining experience, offering fresh, locally sourced ingredients and promoting sustainable food practices.

19. Wine Tasting Tours

Organize tours that take visitors through local wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms, providing an educational and indulgent experience for wine enthusiasts.

20. Street Food Tours

Guide travelers through the vibrant street food scene of a destination, introducing them to authentic local flavors and culinary traditions while exploring the city’s cultural fabric.

Retail and Souvenirs

21. artisan marketplace.

Curate a physical or online marketplace that showcases unique and handcrafted products from local artisans, providing travelers with authentic souvenirs and supporting local economies.

22. Sustainable Fashion Line

Tap into the growing demand for ethical and sustainable fashion by creating a clothing line using eco-friendly materials and promoting fair labor practices. Offer stylish and responsible travel apparel and accessories.

23. Personalized Photo Books

Offer a service that creates personalized photo books, allowing travelers to capture and preserve their journey’s memories in a beautifully curated keepsake.

24. Local Artisan Workshops

Organize workshops where travelers can learn from local artisans and create their own souvenirs, such as pottery, jewelry, or woodcarving, providing a hands-on experience and a unique keepsake.

25. Virtual Museum Tours

Leverage technology to offer virtual tours of museums, allowing travelers to explore exhibits and collections from anywhere in the world, catering to those seeking cultural experiences without the need for physical travel.

Technology and Apps

26. travel planning app.

Develop a comprehensive travel planning app that assists users in researching destinations, booking accommodations and activities, and creating personalized itineraries based on their preferences and interests.

27. Augmented Reality City Tours

Enhance the traditional city tour experience by incorporating augmented reality (AR) technology, overlaying historical information, interactive visuals, and storytelling elements onto the real-world environment.

28. Language Translation Earbuds

Offer innovative language translation earbuds that provide real-time translation, enabling travelers to communicate effectively and break down language barriers during their journeys.

29. Travel Insurance Comparison Platform

Create a user-friendly platform that compares and recommends the best travel insurance options based on specific trip details, destination, and traveler needs, ensuring peace of mind for adventurers.

30. Contactless Payments for Tourism

Develop a contactless payment solution specifically designed for the tourism industry, allowing travelers to make secure and convenient payments for attractions, tours, and services without the hassle of carrying cash or cards.

Wellness and Relaxation

31. yoga retreats.

Offer immersive yoga retreats in serene locations, combining physical and spiritual practices with healthy cuisine, meditation sessions, and access to natural surroundings for a holistic wellness experience.

32. Digital Detox Getaways

Create a sanctuary for travelers seeking to disconnect from technology and reconnect with themselves by offering digital detox getaways in remote or nature-focused destinations.

33. Spa and Wellness Resorts

Establish luxurious spa and wellness resorts that provide a tranquil escape, offering various treatments, fitness programs, and healthy dining options for travelers seeking rejuvenation and self-care.

34. Mindfulness Retreats

Organize mindfulness retreats that combine meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness practices with scenic locations and expert guidance, catering to travelers seeking inner peace and personal growth.

35. Forest Bathing Experiences

Capitalize on the growing interest in the Japanese practice of “Shinrin-yoku” or forest bathing by offering guided nature walks and immersive experiences that promote relaxation and connection with the natural world.

Sustainable Tourism

36. eco-friendly tour operator.

Establish an eco-friendly tour operator that prioritizes sustainability and minimizes the environmental impact of travel. Offer responsible tours that support local communities and promote conservation efforts.

37. Upcycled Lodging

Create unique accommodations by repurposing and upcycling materials from various sources, such as shipping containers, abandoned buildings, or recycled materials, promoting sustainable and innovative lodging options.

38. Carbon Offset Travel Services

Offer a service that calculates and offsets the carbon footprint of travelers’ trips by investing in verified carbon offset projects, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

39. Sustainable Souvenir Marketplace

Establish an online or physical marketplace that curates and sells sustainable souvenirs, locally made products, and ethical handicrafts, promoting responsible consumption and supporting local artisans.

40. Eco-Tourism Consultancy

Provide consulting services to travel companies and destinations, helping them implement sustainable practices, reduce their environmental impact, and promote responsible tourism initiatives.

Niche Experiences

41. pet-friendly travel services.

Cater to pet owners by offering pet-friendly accommodations, activities, and travel services, allowing furry companions to accompany their owners on adventures.

42. Accessible Travel Solutions

Create travel solutions that cater to individuals with disabilities or special needs, offering accessible accommodations, transportation, and tailored experiences that ensure comfort and inclusion.

43. Genealogy Tourism

Tap into the growing interest in ancestry and family history by offering genealogy tourism services, assisting travelers in tracing their roots, visiting ancestral homelands, and connecting with their heritage.

44. Dark Tourism Experiences

For those interested in the macabre and historical tragedies, offer curated tours and experiences focused on dark tourism sites, such as battlefields, cemeteries, and sites of significant historical events.

45. Culinary Immersion Tours

Organize in-depth culinary immersion tours that go beyond traditional food tours, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in the local food culture, from farm visits to cooking classes and dining with local families.

46. Literary Tours

Create literary-themed tours that take book lovers on a journey through the settings of famous novels, visiting locations that inspired authors, and exploring the literary heritage of destinations.

47. Spiritual Pilgrimage Tours

Offer guided tours to sacred sites and spiritual destinations, catering to travelers seeking personal growth, spiritual enlightenment, or a deeper connection with their faith or beliefs.

48. Astro-Tourism Experiences

Capitalize on the growing interest in astronomy and stargazing by offering astro-tourism experiences, including dark sky observatories, guided night sky tours, and stargazing retreats in remote locations with minimal light pollution.

49. Adventure Wedding Services

Cater to adventurous couples by offering unique and memorable wedding experiences in stunning outdoor locations, such as beach ceremonies, mountain elopements, or adventurous honeymoon packages.

50. Gaming and Esports Tourism

Tap into the rapidly growing gaming and esports industry by offering tailored travel experiences for gaming enthusiasts, including attending major gaming events, visiting gaming-themed attractions, or participating in gaming-related activities and competitions.

  • The travel and tourism industry offers a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs to tap into unique niches and cater to diverse traveler interests.
  • From accommodation options like tiny houses and treehouses to experiential tours and sustainable tourism initiatives, the possibilities are endless.
  • Technology plays a crucial role, enabling virtual reality tours, augmented reality city experiences, and innovative travel planning apps.
  • Wellness and relaxation-focused offerings, such as yoga retreats and mindfulness getaways, cater to travelers seeking rejuvenation and self-care.
  • Niche experiences like pet-friendly travel, accessible tourism, and dark tourism experiences cater to specialized interests and needs.
  • Sustainable and eco-friendly practices are becoming increasingly important, with opportunities in eco-tourism consultancy, upcycled lodging, and carbon-offset travel services.

Q: What are some unique accommodation ideas for travelers? A: Tiny house rentals, glamping retreats, treehouse resorts, and houseboat rentals offer unique and memorable accommodation experiences for travelers seeking something out of the ordinary.

Q: How can technology enhance the travel experience? A: Technology can enhance the travel experience through virtual reality tours, augmented reality city experiences, language translation earbuds, travel planning apps, and contactless payment solutions for tourism.

Q: What are some sustainable tourism business ideas? A: Sustainable tourism business ideas include eco-friendly tour operators, upcycled lodging, carbon offset travel services, sustainable souvenir marketplaces, and eco-tourism consultancy services.

Q: What are some niche travel experiences that cater to specific interests? A: Niche travel experiences include pet-friendly travel services, accessible tourism solutions, genealogy tourism, dark tourism experiences, culinary immersion tours, literary tours, spiritual pilgrimage tours, astro-tourism experiences, adventure wedding services, and gaming and esports tourism.

Q: How can wellness and relaxation be incorporated into travel business ideas? A: Wellness and relaxation can be incorporated through yoga retreats, digital detox getaways, spa and wellness resorts, mindfulness retreats, and forest bathing experiences, catering to travelers seeking rejuvenation and self-care.

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51 Tourism and Travel Business Ideas to Start in 2024

Home » Blog » 51 Tourism and Travel Business Ideas to Start in 2024

The travel and tourism business provides a wide range of services with the following different ideas to make sure that every traveler finds the right trip.

Most travelers or customers are looking for a beautiful adventure journey to fulfill their achievements. 

So, the travel business spends a lot of effort applying several techniques to build relationships with customers and local communities peoples.

The travel industry wants to become a top expert on changing travel experiences by focusing on smart marketing and customer happiness which help people go on the memorial journey and never forget.

Table of contents

Overview of the travel and tourism industry, 1. adventure tourism company, 2. tour guides business, 3. eco-tourism resort, 4. accommodations and breakfast business, 5. wellness retreat center, 6. cultural immersion tours, 7. vehicles rental business, 8. sustainable travel agency, 9. travel photographs business, 10. wildlife safari, 11. boutique hotel chain, 12. language learning travel program, 13. pet-friendly accommodations, 14. health tourism agency, 15. travel blogging/ vlogging, 16. adventure the sports events, 17. destinations wedding planning, 18. outdoor education programs, 19. cultural exchange programs, 20. digital travel marketplace, 21. historical recreation events, 22. luxury train journeys, 23. sustainable farm stays, 24. adventure training courses, 25. wildlife conservation tours, 26. travel safety consulting, 27. travel technology solutions, 28. virtual reality travel experiences, 29. cultural heritage preservation, 30. family adventure travel, 31. backpacker hostel chain, 32. outdoor adventure gear manufacturing, 33. destination accessibility consulting, 34. sustainable tourism certification, 35. adventure sports instructions.

  • 36. Agritourism Experiences 

37. Adventure Travel Media Production

38. travel tech startups, 39. pet transportation services, 40. remote work retreats, 41. art and culture tours, 42. community tourism initiatives, 43. sustainable travel education, 44. water taxi services, 45. glamping resort, 46. sustainable souvenir shop, 47. coffee shop, 48. event planning, 49. translation services, 50. culinary tourism agency, 51. medical tourism, comparison of travel business ideas concepts, identity your passion and expertise, research the market trends, evaluate competitor landscape, assess resource requirements, seek mentorship and advice, the travel and hospitality industry, small tourism business ideas concepts.

travel and tourism industry

The travel and tourism industry is very broad and includes many different types of action to connect travelling for work, pleasure and other reasons. 

You can explore and test the best travel agency themes to find the one that perfectly fits your suitable business concepts.

The travel business creates jobs, builds infrastructures and shares culture between local communities and travelers which helps to the growth of the world travel economy.  

The tourism industry serves a wide range of travelers, from backpackers on a budget to tourists who want to live a luxurious life.

The way of travelers study schedules, and book their trips has improved with the technology change so, travel agencies take more ideas and features to attract more customers.

You can Get WP Travel Pro to add features to your travel website.

51 Tourism and Travel Business Ideas

Nowadays, most of the travel business than just opening travel agencies. Many tour business plans can make travel and tourism businesses more profitable. Let’s explore some travel business techniques.

travel and tourism business ideas

The adventure tourism company organizes adventure trips like hiking, rock climbing, and rafting which is considered as popular travel business ideas to start in 2024.

This company specializes in leading outdoor adventure experiences for tourists and people who like thrills and nature.

If you want to open a travel agency currently to find ways to start and grow your travel business, then choosing the ready-made travel plugin saves a whole lot of time, effort, and resources.

You can try WP Travel, trusted by 6000+ travel business owners to launch their travel booking website right away without any hassle of a highly paid bunch of developers and coding stuff.

First, you have a business idea but don’t have any money to invest in it – at least in the beginning phase. 

If you want to be successful, you should know lots of places where you can start your business.

If you are in out the cities areas it is best for your Eco-tourism business. It helps to promote and utilization of safe and responsible tourism that reduces bad environmental effects and encourages the well-being of local communities. 

For those people who want to use their home as a business like a homestay, or motel. This is best for accommodations and breakfast . 

You have to make it popular to get a lot of travelers to come, and you need to give them a great experience.

Most people become increasingly aware of their physical and mental well-being, you can start the wellness retreat centre to provide physical and mental health sessions and classes.

Traveler are curious about the local community traditions, and religions. So, you have to provide the travel experiences with a deeper, more supportive and more authentic connection to the destination.

It is the easy way to operate the travel business by tasting local foods, joining in cultural events, and selling your travel-related local products.

car rental business

Several travelers and tourists depend on cars to get around when they want to travel in local areas. For this purpose, a Car Rental is the best choice for running the travel business.

This business suits you if you have any skill and knowledge with care and motorbike.

The sustainable travel industry plays a vital role in promoting ethical and ec-conscious tourism behaviour in the travel field.

If you love nature wildlife and ecosystems, the sustainable travel business is environmental conservation.

Let’s launch your travel booking website today!

Trip photography companies are one of the apparent choices if you are a solopreneurship. You have the option and freedom to travel, take pictures and make money as a travel photographer.

In addition, if you’re truly skilled, you may earn a lot of money through the different photography websites.

wildlife safari-travel business idea

Wildlife safari offers tourists unique and memorable moments and provides them to watch wild animals in their native environments.

If you have knowledge about wildlife or work in any park or zoo it helps you to grow the travel business.

Boutique hotel companies help you to work in a unique atmosphere design and decor, giving visitors a pleasant break from regular accommodations which helps to grow your travel business.

Most travelers learn the other country and community languages, which helps them survive there easily. 

You can start different country language tutorials to earn money for the growth of your travel business. 

You can build your hotel, motel and rooms suitable for customers’ pets. That helps you get more booking chances and get the best reviews and ratings.

Health tourism companies connect tourists with specialist medical treatments and health services that may not be accessible in their home countries.

You have to provide advanced medical treatments, or special surgeries to travelers when they are in any health issues.

tourism based business ideas

Travel blogging/vlogging is often regarded as one of the famous travel business ideas to earn a living . You can write or create travel-related content and make vlogs where you can earn money. Also, it supports travelers in finding out the best destinations.

You can organize adventure sports tournaments and competitions to support the travel industry and grow your travel business. 

Destination weddings offer couples stunning and romantic settings, like tropical beaches, historic sites, green parks or mountain hills. 

These beautiful places provide wedding, and party events and make memorable memories for couples and their guests.

You can link with colleges and schools to offer educational trips focused on nature and sustainability.

A cultural exchange program offers you a variety of benefits within the travel business, promoting culture, understanding, and teamwork between people of different countries.

You can create a platform that connects travelers with local guides. Today most travel companies connect on digital platforms and promote their business. 

The historical recreation events provide an engaging and informative experience for travelers. You can create a project related to historical events and promote your travel business.

Luxury train travel provides travelers with comfort and luxury, offering well-appointed rooms, soft furniture, and helpful services. 

Where you can provide sleeping accommodations for elegant dining cars and lounges. 

sustainable farm stay-travel business ideas

Sustainable farm stays on of the travel business where you can provide the accommodations on working farms. 

Like in Pokhara, where you can fishing the fish in a pond and then you have it with other food items.

Adventure training classes provide several benefits to the travel business, like teaching individuals seeking outdoor experiences, skill development, and personal growth. 

Wildlife supports guide tours, conversion, and engaging activities, customers gain the value of nature, the risks facing wildlife, and the role of conservation in saving natural environments. 

You can provide wildlife conservation tour packages to wildlife photographers and travelers.

Provides risk assessment and safety training for travelers to earn money and growth the travel business. 

Travel technology solutions have many tasks, like booking management, planning, and handling the payment process. 

It helps you to book hotels, plane tickets, and other services which improve your travel business.

It has many benefits for your travel business, like making decisions easier, accessibility, and improving marketing and training.

It helps travel agencies with personalization, saving travel costs, and making them a valuable asset for the travel industry.

Cultural heritage protection makes society better in different ways, by promoting cultural education and identity, driving economic growth, supporting intercultural understanding, and community empowerment.

You can add the family-friendly adventure vacation travel package to promote your travel business.

Establish budget-friendly accommodations for travelers as they feel like their home.

Manufacture equipment for outdoor adventure tours and travel and sell them to travelers and travel agencies.

This a smart way to make destinations more inclusive, profitable and long-lasting in the global tourist market, which is good for everyone involved with the destinations.

You have to certify businesses committed to sustainability in the travel markets.

For travelers or adventurous persons, you can teach outdoor activities like surfing or skiing.

36. Agritourism Experiences 

 You offer the tourists or visitors farm tours and agricultural experiences.

Establish the travel media productions to produce content focused on adventure travel.

Travel tech companies are very important for innovation, competition, and change in the travel industry. Where you can develop innovative solutions for the travel business.

Provides transportation services for travelers or customers’ pets. 

You have to host retreats for digital nomads and remote workers to build your travel business.

Travel companies, travelers and target communities can benefit from art and culture trips. It makes them very useful in the tourism industry’s desire to provide sustainable travel experiences.

Support the local communities through the establishment the travel companies.

It is a strong way to encourage responsible tourism, empower the people and communities, protect nature and cultural assets make the tourism business more sustainable in the long term.

tourism based business ideas

You can offer water taxi services to your customers depending on where you are for travel business to work.

Making the glamping resort to a tour business can provide unique experiences, and help the business stand out in the market. So, it is suitable for you to start the travel business.

Operating a sustainable souvenir shop in the travel business, including promoting sustainable consumption, preserving cultural heritage, and protecting the environment for the tourism industry’s long-term sustainability.

As a place where travelers can stop and relax in a friendly and fun environment, a coffee shop helps the travel business’s overall success and sustainability of the travel business.

Another business model, corporate event planning plays a pretty good role in the travel business. You will be responsible for designing unique corporate events as an event planner.

Translation services are another popular choice for travlers and other people who want to run their own travel business. 

This skill will also support you when you have to deal with people from outside your business. 

It helps food tourism and cultural exchange because agencies put travelers in touch with the unique tastes and cooking customs of places all over the world.

In recent times, medical tourism is one of the feasible travel business ideas, that has grown in popularity all over the world. Most the people are interested in both modern medicine and natural, traditional treatment options. 

medical tourism-travel business ideas

Explore the features and pricing of top tour operator software

It is the idea for tourism industry owners to choose the best travel business concepts, we have made a table that compares different travel business ideas based on capital requirement, potential profitability, and global market sizes.

Over time, the market size of the travel business might change. We request everyone to review individual businesses’ market size change log for better understanding.

This data is taken from trusted and relevant sources.

How do you choose the best travel business ideas?

The best travel industry ideas for your company depend on your goals, hobbies, and market opportunities.

There are several things to choosing the best travel business idea to ensure its viability and potential for success.

These are some steps to help you to choose the best tour business ideas.

You can think about the parts of the travel business that interest you the most and your experiences. 

If you want success in travel business, make a business around which you are most interested and fulfill your requirements. 

Most travel businesses keep up with the latest trends to find out about the needs of the market and customers, new fields, and area growth with potential. 

Always find out the gaps or underserved markets where you can fulfil the customer’s needs by taking something new and valuable. 

The travel industry analyzes your competitors for your business and includes both direct and indirect competitors. You can figure out how can make your business stand out and provide extra value to attract customers.

While opening the travel business you think about the startup costs, running the business, following the government rules and regulations, and technology needs.

You can focus on seeking guidance from mentors, people who work in the industry, or business advisers who have experience in the travel industry. 

These ideas and suggestions can help your business to improve its business plan and raise your chance of success.

The travel and hospitality field meets the needs of travelers, tourists and guests. 

It includes everything from transportation and lodging to dining, pleasure and recreational activities.

These are the main components of the travel and hospitality industry business.

  • Transportation Services
  • Accommodation 
  • Food and Beverage Services
  • Attractions and Entertainment
  • Travel agencies and tour operators
  • Travel Technology and Online Booking Platforms
  • Hospitality Services and Facilities Management

The travel and hotel industry is made up of many different types of companies and services that all play a part in the travel economy and travel experience. 

These companies work together to meet the needs and expectations of travelers. 

The travel and hospitality industry has unique experiences, and they help to target economic growth and development within destination fields.

Useful for you: Future of Travel and Tourism Industry

small travel business

Small tourism companies that offer unique experiences and target specific groups in the travel industry can be very profitable.

In the competitive travel market, small tourism companies can provide excellent customer service. Small tourism businesses can provide the best services at low prices.

These are some technics for starting a small travel and tourism business.

  • Culinary Tours
  • Adventure Tourism
  • Ecotourism and Sustainable Tours 
  • Cultural Immersion Experiences
  • Bike or Segway Tours
  • Photography Tours
  • Wellness and Yoga Retreats

These are just a few small tourism and business ideas that people who want to start their own business. 

In the tough travel market, small tourism companies can stand out by catering to specific groups of people, providing different events, and giving great customer service.

If you want to start a small travel business, WP Travel is the best travel plugin . You can also try WP Travel Pro to add more features and functionalities to your websites.

The best business for travel and travel depends upon different factors. These are some best tourism businesses: Tour Operators, Travel agencies, Luxury Travel Companies, and Transportation Companies.

A good tourism business must provide a memorable experience for your customers . Therefore, it‘s important to keep this in mind while you are starting a travel business.

The 3 positives of the tourism industry are boosting the revenue of the total economy, providing several jobs, and developing the infrastructures of the tourism field.

tourism based business ideas

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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Financial Model, Business Plan and Dashboard Templates - FinModelsLab

42 Business Ideas In Travel And Tourism To Start In 2024

By henry sheykin.

Embarking on a new business venture is both thrilling and daunting, where the right idea can catapult one to the heights of success, and the travel and tourism sector is ripe with opportunity. The industry is a mosaic of cultures, experiences, and services that cater to the wanderlust of an ever-globalizing population. For aspiring entrepreneurs, the key lies in crafting a unique value proposition that not only stands out in a bustling market but also taps into the evolving needs of modern travelers. Whether it's reimagining lodging, creating immersive local experiences, or offering innovative travel tech solutions, the potential avenues are as varied as they are exciting. This sector demands creativity, cultural sensitivity, and an unwavering commitment to service excellence. As you consider the vast landscape of possibilities, weigh the trends, examine the gaps, and prepare to embark on a journey that could redefine the way people explore the world. The right business idea in travel and tourism has the power to not just navigate the currents of an ever-changing industry but also to steer these currents in new, uncharted directions.

1. Acquiring A Hotel

Acquiring A Hotel

Introducing Grandeur Hotels , a startup hotel business located in the bustling city of New York, New York. We specialize in providing exceptional hospitality services to business and leisure travelers, event organizers, and local residents who seek a luxurious and comfortable experience. Our services include elegant rooms for rent, delectable food and beverage options, event spaces for all occasions, and spa services for the ultimate relaxation. Our primary business goal is to become the leading hotel in the city by providing unparalleled customer service and experiences that exceed our guests' expectations. Learn more about how to open Acquiring A Hotel

We are seeking financing of $10 million to cover the costs of property acquisition or financing, staffing and employee expenses, marketing and advertising expenses, and cost of goods sold. Our key partners will be financing institutions, suppliers for food and beverages, and staffing agencies to ensure we have the best talent in the industry. With Grandeur Hotels, accessible through online booking platforms, our value proposition includes a tangible asset with potential for long-term growth, as well as revenue generated through room rentals, restaurant, and bar sales, event bookings, and other sources of income. Learn more about the profitability of Acquiring A Hotel

In summary, this business plan outlines the framework for Grandeur Hotels , a top-tier hotel business that seeks to establish its place as a leading hotel brand in the city of New York, New York. Our unique value proposition, customer focus, and strategic partnerships will ensure our long-term success. Get a Business Model Canvas example Get a SWOT analysis example Get a Business Plan sample

2. Adaptive Reuse Hotel

Adaptive Reuse Hotel

If you're considering opening an adaptive reuse hotel , you're tapping into a growing market for unique, experiential accommodations in the US. Boutique and lifestyle hotels are in high demand, offering travelers a chance to stay in small, independently owned properties with a focus on personalized service and authentic experiences. This business model is not only profitable but also fulfilling, as you have the opportunity to revive historic architecture and provide a one-of-a-kind setting for your guests. To learn more about how to open an adaptive reuse hotel, check out this comprehensive guide here .

Wondering just how profitable an adaptive reuse hotel can be? With the right location, unique offerings, and strong marketing, you can generate substantial revenue from room rates, food and beverage sales, and event space rentals. Curious about the potential profitability of this business model? You can find a detailed analysis of the adaptive reuse hotel profitability here . Plus, you can get a clearer understanding of the startup costs involved in opening an adaptive reuse hotel here .

If you're ready to dive into the nitty-gritty details of starting an adaptive reuse hotel, it's essential to have a comprehensive business plan, complete with a SWOT analysis and a clear business model canvas. You can access examples of a SWOT analysis and a business model canvas for an adaptive reuse hotel here and here , respectively. These tools will help you strategize and plan for the success of your unique hotel concept.

So, if you're ready to bring your vision of an adaptive reuse hotel to life, start by gaining a comprehensive understanding of the business model and market potential. Dive into a sample business plan for an adaptive reuse hotel here to help guide you through the process of creating a successful, profitable, and fulfilling hotel business.

3. Adults-Only Hotel

Adults-Only Hotel

Are you looking to open a niche hotel business that caters to affluent couples seeking a romantic getaway or honeymoon experience? Look no further than Blissful Retreats, a comprehensive business plan for an Adults-Only Hotel in the US to be opened in 2023. The hotel will be located in Aspen, Colorado, offering premium amenities and partnering with local activities and attractions to provide guests with personalized experiences during their stay. If you're interested in learning more about the potential market size for this business idea in the US, check out this guide on how to open an Adults-Only Hotel .

Our primary business goal is to provide our customers with a one-of-a-kind experience that surpasses their expectations. We aim to become the leading boutique hotel in the luxury hospitality and tourism space, known for our world-class facilities and attentive service. If you want to understand how much you can make and how much it costs to start an Adults-Only Hotel, check out this article on Adults-Only Hotel Profitability and Adults-Only Hotel Startup Costs .

Once we achieve profitability, we will consider additional revenue streams, such as the acquisition of similar properties in other locations, and strategic partnerships with leisure and tourism businesses to drive brand awareness and customer loyalty. To help with the development and execution of an effective business strategy, make sure to check out these examples of an Adults-Only Hotel SWOT Analysis , Adults-Only Hotel Business Model Canvas , and Adults-Only Hotel Business Plan .

4. Adult-Only Hotel

Adult-Only Hotel

Are you considering opening an adult-only hotel in the US? This niche business model offers a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to cater to the growing demand for luxury travel experiences among adults. By focusing on high-end amenities such as spa treatments, fine dining, and exclusive access to local events and attractions, adult-only hotels can attract a discerning clientele looking for a romantic getaway or a more sophisticated travel experience. To learn more about how to open an adult-only hotel, visit this link .

When it comes to profitability, the potential market size for an adult-only hotel in the US is substantial. With a well-executed business model that optimizes occupancy and maximizes revenue through upsells and premium features, adult-only hotels can generate significant income. To understand the potential profitability of an adult-only hotel, check out this resource . As for startup costs, the amount required to launch an adult-only hotel can vary depending on location and scale, but it's essential to have a clear understanding of the financial investment needed. For insights into startup costs, visit this link .

Building a successful adult-only hotel takes time and strategic planning. It's important to develop a robust business model that accounts for market reach, awareness, and revenue streams. To help with this process, consider using a business model canvas to visualize the key elements of your business model. For an example of an adult-only hotel business model canvas, take a look at this resource . Additionally, conducting a SWOT analysis can provide valuable insights into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your adult-only hotel business. For an example of an adult-only hotel SWOT analysis, check out this link . Lastly, a well-crafted business plan is essential for outlining the strategic direction and operational details of your adult-only hotel. To access a sample business plan for an adult-only hotel, visit this resource .

5. Adventure Gear Rental

Adventure Gear Rental

Introducing Adventure360, a dynamic adventure gear rental company based in Denver, Colorado. Our goal is to deliver affordable and convenient adventure gear rental services to adventure enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts in the US. As a pay-per-use rental company, we provide flexible pricing options and offer additional services like delivery, setup, and sales of complementary items like snacks, water, and maps. To learn more about the costs of starting an Adventure Gear Rental business, check out this Adventure Gear Rental Startup Costs resource.

Our primary customers are adventure enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts who love exploring nature and experiencing exciting outdoor activities. Our value proposition lies in our ability to provide a hassle-free rental experience and flexible pricing that caters to our customers' needs. We aim to build a loyal customer base by offering repeat rental discounts and referral programs, as well as providing excellent customer service. For more insights on the profitability of an Adventure Gear Rental business, take a look at this Adventure Gear Rental Profitability resource.

To reach our target audience, we will leverage online and offline rental booking platforms, social media marketing, and partnerships with travel agencies and tour operators. Our focus on customer service will create strong relationships with our customers and incentivize their loyalty. If you want to learn more about business plans and strategies for an Adventure Gear Rental business, you can find a comprehensive Adventure Gear Rental Business Plan on FinModelsLab.

6. Adventure Golf Course

Adventure Golf Course

Are you looking to start a unique and exciting business in the heart of Orlando, Florida? Adventure Golf Course Inc. offers an opportunity to tap into the thriving market for family-friendly entertainment. With a focus on providing an immersive experience for customers of all ages, our themed miniature golf course is designed to attract both locals and tourists, making it a must-visit destination in Orlando. To learn more about how to open Adventure Golf Course, check out this helpful guide .

With potential revenue of $1,200,000 in the first year of operation and a net profit of $500,000, Adventure Golf Course Inc. offers a lucrative business opportunity. However, starting a business like this requires careful planning and financial investment. To get an idea of the startup costs involved and the potential profitability of this venture, take a look at this detailed analysis on Adventure Golf Course.

For startup founders and business owners interested in developing a strategic plan for Adventure Golf Course Inc., it's important to consider the business model canvas and a SWOT analysis. These tools can provide valuable insights into the structure and potential challenges of the business. To access a business model canvas example and a SWOT analysis example tailored to Adventure Golf Course, visit the following links: SWOT analysis and business model canvas . Additionally, for a comprehensive business plan sample, check out this resource .

7. Adventure Hotel

Adventure Hotel

Are you an adventure enthusiast with a passion for the great outdoors? Then Adventure Hotel is the business idea for you. Our startup company aims to provide accommodation and outdoor activities to adventure seekers and travelers looking for a memorable experience. With the potential market size for this business idea in the US estimated at over $700 million, there is a huge opportunity for growth and profitability. If you're interested in opening an Adventure Hotel, check out this guide on how to get started .

With an estimated startup cost of $2 million, Adventure Hotel provides an exciting business opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to invest in the travel and tourism industry. The potential for profitability is high, with the opportunity to generate a return on investment (ROI) of 20% within the first three years of operation. If you're curious about the profitability potential of Adventure Hotel, take a look at our analysis.

Building an Adventure Hotel business takes time and careful planning. However, with the right business model and strategy in place, you can establish a successful and profitable venture. If you're looking for a business model canvas example or a SWOT analysis example to help you get started, we've got you covered. Our comprehensive business plan sample can also guide you through the process of building your own Adventure Hotel.

8. Adventure Park

Adventure Park

Adventure Park USA is an exciting new business venture that will offer thrilling outdoor activities and experiences to adventure seekers, families, tourists, and groups. With a primary goal of becoming the leading adventure park in the region, Adventure Park USA aims to capitalize on the growing demand for adventure-based recreational activities in the US. To learn more about how to open Adventure Park, check out this helpful guide .

The financial and funding goals for Adventure Park USA include raising $2 million to cover the cost of land acquisition and maintenance, equipment purchase and maintenance, payroll, marketing, and insurance costs. If you're interested in understanding the startup costs for opening an adventure park, you can find more information here . The park's revenue strategy will include entrance fees, activity fees, merchandise sales, food and beverage sales, and equipment rentals. For insights on the potential profitability of an adventure park business, check out this resource .

Adventure Park USA will be located in Denver, Colorado, and aims to provide a memorable and engaging experience in a natural setting. To achieve this goal, the park will focus on providing safe and exciting activities, maintaining high-quality equipment and facilities, and ensuring excellent customer service. If you're interested in exploring a business model canvas example or a SWOT analysis example for an adventure park business, you can find helpful resources here and here . For a comprehensive business plan sample, click here .

9. Adventure Race

Adventure Race

Introducing Thrillseeker Adventures, Inc., the premier adventure race company based in Denver, Colorado. Our mission is to provide physically and mentally challenging races that offer unique and enjoyable experiences for participants, as well as the opportunity to connect with others in the adventure community. With a focus on providing top-notch events, training programs, equipment rental, and merchandise sales, Thrillseeker Adventures, Inc. is set to become the leading adventure race company in the US. Learn more about the potential market size for this business idea by visiting How to open Adventure Race .

Seeking $300,000 as seed funding, we aim to cover the initial setup costs of approximately $500,000. With projected revenues of $1 million in the first year, increasing to $5 million in the third year, the financial potential for Thrillseeker Adventures, Inc. is significant. To understand more about the profitability of an adventure race business, check out Adventure Race Profitability .

In conclusion, Thrillseeker Adventures, Inc. is on a mission to transform the adventure race industry in the US, creating opportunities for growth and success. For more information on adventure race startup costs, business model canvas, SWOT analysis, and business plan samples, visit Adventure Race Startup Costs , Adventure Race Business Model Canvas , Adventure Race SWOT Analysis , and Adventure Race Business Plan .

10. Adventure Room

Adventure Room

Welcome to the Adventure Room Business Plan, a top-tier business plan built for startup founders and business owners who are seeking to venture into the adventure room industry in the US. Our proposed business model canvas is designed to provide you with a clear framework that outlines the essential components of a successful adventure room business. If you are interested in opening an adventure room, you can find a step-by-step guide on how to open one here .

Our proposed company name is 'Adventura,' and we plan to operate in California's Silicon Valley region, specifically in the city of San Francisco. Our primary services will include a unique and exciting adventure room experience with various themes and difficulty levels, offering team building exercises and catering services to customers. If you are interested in the profitability of the adventure room business, you can find more information here .

Our business's key resources will include an adventure room facility, themed and challenging puzzles, catering partners, and transportation partners. Our key activities will consist of room preparation, customer service, marketing, and promotion. You can find examples of Adventure Room SWOT Analysis, Business Model Canvas, and Business Plan templates here , here , and here .

11. Adventure Sports E-Commerce

Adventure Sports E-Commerce

Are you a passionate adventure sports enthusiast looking to turn your love for the great outdoors into a thriving business? Look no further than Adventure Hub! Our comprehensive market analysis has shown that the Adventure Sports E-Commerce market in the US is a lucrative industry with a potential market size of over $20 billion. With the right business plan and strategy, there is a huge opportunity for success in this industry. Find out how to open Adventure Sports E-Commerce and take advantage of this exciting market now!

Starting Adventure Hub will require an initial investment of $1.5 million to fund equipment purchases, personnel hiring, and marketing efforts. However, the potential return is substantial, with the goal of achieving gross profits in excess of 50% within the first three years of operation. To understand the financial aspects of starting an Adventure Sports E-Commerce business, check out our detailed breakdown of Adventure Sports E-Commerce startup costs and learn about the potential profitability of this venture from our analysis of the industry.

If you're ready to dive into the world of Adventure Sports E-Commerce, Adventure Hub is here to guide you every step of the way. Get started with a comprehensive business model canvas and SWOT analysis to develop your strategy and understand your market. Click here for an example of an Adventure Sports E-Commerce business model canvas , and here for a detailed SWOT analysis . Take the first step towards success and explore our Adventure Sports E-Commerce business plan sample to see how you can turn your passion into a profitable venture.

12. Adventure Sports Hotel

Adventure Sports Hotel

Are you looking to capitalize on the growing demand for adventure sports experiences in the US? An Adventure Sports Hotel could be the perfect business opportunity for you. By offering high-end services, accommodations, and recreational activities, you can attract adventure enthusiasts looking for a luxurious and immersive experience. Leverage partnerships with prestigious sports equipment manufacturers, adventure guides, and local operators to provide guests with the necessary resources to engage in activities. Additionally, offering world-class spa, dining, and entertainment services can supplement the adventure sports experience.

With the potential market size for this business idea in the US, the profitability of an Adventure Sports Hotel is substantial. You can find more information on Adventure Sports Hotel Profitability to gain insights on the potential earnings. To get started, you can also learn about the startup costs and necessary investment amounts. Business model canvas, SWOT analysis, and business plan samples can be found on Adventure Sports Hotel SWOT Analysis , Adventure Sports Hotel Business Model Canvas , and Adventure Sports Hotel Business Plan .

Don't miss out on the opportunity to enter the adventure sports market with a premium pricing model. By providing a top-notch experience for adventure enthusiasts, you can generate substantial revenue while fulfilling the growing demand for immersive adventure sports experiences. Learn more about how to open an Adventure Sports Hotel on FinModelsLab to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.

13. Adventure Sports Resort

Adventure Sports Resort

Are you ready to take on the challenge of launching an Adventure Sports Resort? Look no further than ThrillQuest Adventure Sports Resort in Park City, Utah. We offer a wide range of thrilling activities such as zip-lining, rock climbing, and river rafting, along with comfortable lodging and delicious dining options. Our goal is to become the go-to destination for adventure sports enthusiasts and thrill-seekers in the US, and we are committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences. To learn more about the potential market size for this business idea in the US, check out our how to open Adventure Sports Resort guide.

If you're curious about the financial side of things, the potential to make a profit is significant. We are seeking funding of $5 million to cover costs of property acquisition, construction, and equipment purchase, with the aim of achieving a return on investment of at least 15% within the first three years of operation. To get a better understanding of the startup costs and profitability of running an adventure sports resort, take a look at our Adventure Sports Resort Profitability and Adventure Sports Resort Startup Costs resources.

To successfully launch and operate ThrillQuest Adventure Sports Resort, we will be developing a comprehensive business plan and utilizing various strategies and tactics to achieve our business goals and financial objectives. If you're interested in examining a SWOT analysis, business model canvas, or business plan sample for an adventure sports resort, we have created resources specifically for you. Check out our Adventure Sports Resort SWOT Analysis , Adventure Sports Resort Business Model Canvas , and Adventure Sports Resort Business Plan for valuable insights and examples.

14. Adventure Supplies Store

Adventure Supplies Store

Introducing the Adventure Hub, an Adventure Supplies Store Business Plan startup that will be based in Seattle, Washington. The Adventure Hub will be offering premium and high-quality outdoor gear and equipment at competitive prices, catering to a broad range of activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor pursuits.

At Adventure Hub, we aim to provide our customers with exceptional customer service through our knowledgeable and friendly staff. We will also offer a seamless online ordering and delivery process to ensure a hassle-free shopping experience for our customers. Alongside our retail stores, we will also be partnering with excursion companies to offer package deals to further enhance our customer's outdoor experience. To learn more about the startup costs for an adventure supplies store, visit Adventure Supplies Store Startup Costs .

Our ultimate goal is to become the one-stop-shop for all adventure enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We plan to achieve this by building a strong outdoor community and collaborating with influencers to market our products. To understand the profitability potential of an adventure supplies store, visit Adventure Supplies Store Profitability .

As for financial and funding goals, we aim to generate revenue through sales of adventure supplies and equipment online and in stores and revenue from partnerships with excursion companies. Our primary focus will be on strong financial performance, including profitability, sustainability, and growth. To achieve our financial and funding goals, we will be seeking investors that share our vision for Adventure Hub. To get a comprehensive business plan sample for an adventure supplies store, visit Adventure Supplies Store Business Plan .

15. Adventure Tour Company

Adventure Tour Company

After conducting extensive research and analysis of the adventure tour industry in the United States, we propose the launch of AdventureWise, an adventure tour company based in Denver, Colorado. Our company will offer customized and curated adventure tour packages for individual clients or groups of clients seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.

AdventureWise will partner with local experts and providers to offer a range of activities, including hiking, rafting, zip-lining, and camping. Our goal is to tailor each package to the specific needs and desires of our clients, ensuring they have an unforgettable adventure experience. Our primary channel for marketing and attracting new clients will be through social media and technology. We believe that leveraging these platforms will enable us to reach our target audience of customers seeking adventure tours within the United States.

At AdventureWise, we aim to create lasting relationships with our clients by personalizing their experience and ensuring their satisfaction with our services. Our key resources will include local partners and experts, technology and social media platforms, transportation, lodging, and food providers. Our revenue streams will come from charging clients a fee for the tour package. This fee will cover all expenses related to the activities, food, lodging, and transportation during the tour. Our cost structure will include expenses related to transportation, lodging, food, activities, marketing, and labor costs for employees. Our initial funding goal is $500,000, which will go towards setting up our operations, hiring employees, and marketing our services. Our financial goal for the first year is to generate $1 million in revenue, with a projected growth rate of 25% over the next three years. Adventure Tour Company Business Plan

16. Adventure Tourism

Adventure Tourism

We are thrilled to present our new business idea, an adventure tourism company named 'Peak Adventures' located in the beautiful state of Colorado, USA. Peak Adventures will offer a range of adventurous activities and experiences, including hiking, camping, rock climbing, rafting, and zip lining, to customers seeking active and immersive holidays. How to open Adventure Tourism

Peak Adventures will provide its customers with a comprehensive package of activities, accommodation, and transportation. Our adventure package will offer personalized and engaging experiences, exceptional customer service, and unique and high-quality adventures led by skilled and qualified guides. Adventure Tourism Startup Costs

At Peak Adventures, our primary goal is to provide customers with memorable and authentic experiences that exceed their expectations. We aim to develop long-term relationships with our customers, local suppliers, and tour operators, resulting in repeated and loyal customers and increased revenue streams. Peak Adventures' financial goals are to achieve profitability within the first two years of operation, generate a minimum of $500,000 in revenue, and obtain a 20% market share within our first five years of operation. Adventure Tourism Profitability

For funding, we plan to secure a $500,000 loan from a bank or private investor, which will cover our initial expenses such as salaries, transportation, and accommodation costs, marketing and advertising expenses, and the cost of developing and designing unique adventure experiences. We are excited to begin our journey and provide customers with an unforgettable adventure tourism experience. Adventure Tourism Business Model Canvas

17. Adventure Travel Agency

Adventure Travel Agency

Welcome, adventurous travelers and business enthusiasts! We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Adventure Travel Agency, 'Off-Beaten Trails,' in Denver, Colorado. Off-Beaten Trails comes with a vision to provide the adventure-seeking travelers of the US with an exceptional experience of personalized and highly-tailored adventure trips with a focus on responsible and sustainable travel practices. Our team of experienced travel agents and strong network of local guides and operators will ensure our clients a unique and off-the-beaten-path adventure that cannot be found elsewhere. Learn how to open an Adventure Travel Agency

Off-Beaten Trails will offer a range of personalized adventure trips and experiences that will leave our clients awestruck. We will provide tailor-made packages to our clients based on their choices and preferences. We will incorporate outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, camping, rafting, rock-climbing and cycling in our packages. We will also provide cultural tours, wildlife and bird-watching tours, and marine tours to make the experience more opportune. Additionally, we will highly prioritize sustainable and responsible travel practices in all our services. Check out the Adventure Travel Agency Business Model Canvas

Our main business goals include providing exceptional adventure trips and experiences to our clients by a personalized and highly-tailored approach. We will strive to make our operations as eco-friendly as possible to maintain sustainable and responsible travel practices. We want to achieve customer satisfaction through regular communication and dedicated customer service throughout the trip planning process. Our ultimate goal is to become a leading adventure travel agency in the US by providing top-notch service and unique experiences to our clients. Find the Adventure Travel Agency SWOT Analysis here

Off-Beaten Trails aims to reach a revenue of $1.5 million in the first year of our operations with an average of 100 clients per month. We plan to charge a premium for our highly personalized adventure trips and experiences and expect a revenue of $5,000 per client on average. We will have a cost structure of $1,200 per client, including staff salaries, marketing and advertising expenses, travel-related expenses, and technology costs. Additionally, we will need to invest a considerable amount in setting up our office, marketing and advertising, and technology requirements. We aim to secure funding of $500K in the form of a combination of loans and equity investments to meet our financial needs. Download a sample Adventure Travel Agency Business Plan

Off-Beaten Trails is set to become a top-tier adventure travel agency in the US by providing highly personalized, tailor-made trips, and experiences. We aim to deliver experiences that will leave our clients awestruck and provide them with an opportunity to explore unique, off-the-beaten-path destinations with a focus on sustainable and responsible travel practices. With our experienced travel agents, strong network of local guides and operators, and a passion for adventure, we are confident in delivering a service that will stand out in the adventure travel industry. Discover the profitability of an Adventure Travel Agency

18. Adventure Travel Company

Adventure Travel Company

Are you passionate about adventure and travel? Do you dream of creating unforgettable experiences for thrill-seeking travelers? An adventure travel company in the US could be the perfect business opportunity for you. By acting as an intermediary between consumers and various travel service providers, you can offer customized adventure travel packages that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, eco-tourists, and adrenaline junkies. With a commission-based revenue model, every adventure package sold means profit for your business. Partnering with local travel companies, accommodation providers, and outdoor activity organizers will allow you to offer unique and exciting customer experiences. The potential market size for this business idea in the US is substantial, with the outdoor recreation economy generating over $427 billion in consumer spending annually.

If you're wondering about the financial potential of starting an adventure travel company, you can learn more about it here . Startup costs for this type of business may vary, but you can get an idea of the potential expenses involved here . Building a successful adventure travel company may take time, but with the right strategy and business model, you can create a thriving enterprise. You can find a business model canvas example for an adventure travel company here , as well as a SWOT analysis example here , and a business plan sample here .

19. Aeronautical Hotel

Aeronautical Hotel

Are you looking to break into the luxury hospitality market in the US? Consider opening an Aeronautical Hotel, a premium experience for high-end clientele. By offering private jet services, personal concierge, and curated experiences, you can cater to the exclusive tastes of your guests. Strategically located near airports, these hotels also provide amenities such as rooftop lounges or indoor/outdoor pools, attracting discerning travelers. Partnerships with private jet companies and event planners can ensure a steady stream of revenue, making the Aeronautical Hotel a lucrative business opportunity.

With the potential market size for this business idea in the US, the revenue could be substantial. Room rates, room service, and package deals for corporate events or weddings can bring in significant profits. In terms of startup costs, you can find detailed information on how much it costs to start an Aeronautical Hotel here . Additionally, you can explore a business model canvas example here , a SWOT analysis example here , and a business plan sample here .

If you're interested in learning more about the profitability of opening an Aeronautical Hotel, you can find valuable insights here . With the right approach and attention to detail, you can establish a successful Aeronautical Hotel in the US, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for luxury travelers.

20. Agritourism Hotel

Agritourism Hotel

Introducing Harvest Haven Agritourism Hotel in San Luis Obispo, California! Immerse yourself in a unique and authentic agricultural experience at our hotel, offering farm-to-table dining, educational classes, and the opportunity to participate in animal husbandry, crop harvesting, and food preparation activities. Our on-site restaurant serves seasonal farm-fresh ingredients and provides a rustic location for weddings and events. Join us at Harvest Haven to connect with nature, learn about sustainable farming, and indulge in delicious, locally-sourced cuisine.

Curious about the financial potential of opening an agritourism hotel? Learn about the revenue potential, startup costs, and profitability of this venture here . Reach your financial goals and secure funding for expansion plans with a comprehensive business plan and financial model. Click here to discover how to open an agritourism hotel and find a business model canvas example, startup costs, and more.

Explore a SWOT analysis example and a detailed business plan sample for an agritourism hotel here , and here . Maximize your business potential and make your vision a reality with Harvest Haven Agritourism Hotel!

21. Air-Filled Hotel

Air-Filled Hotel

Welcome to the future of luxury accommodations with Sky Suites . Our air-filled hotel in the heart of New York City, New York, will redefine the travel experience for guests seeking the ultimate in comfort and sophistication. With our state-of-the-art air filtration systems and advanced climate control technology, guests can rest assured that they will enjoy the highest level of comfort during their stay. In addition to our exclusive amenities and customized packages, Sky Suites will provide an unparalleled experience for travelers looking for something truly extraordinary. Learn more about how to open an air-filled hotel here .

As a startup founder or business owner, the potential market size for an air-filled hotel in the US is significant. According to industry reports, the average revenue for a luxury hotel in the US is approximately $214,000 per room annually. The startup costs for launching an air-filled hotel are estimated at $10 million, with a projected break-even point within the first two years of operation. Learn more about the profitability of an air-filled hotel here , and the startup costs here .

To help you get started, we recommend using a business model canvas to outline your strategy and a SWOT analysis to evaluate your business's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Find examples of an air-filled hotel business model canvas here and a SWOT analysis here . You can also access a comprehensive business plan sample to guide you through the process of launching your own air-filled hotel here .

22. Airport Hotel

Airport Hotel

Are you considering opening an airport hotel in the US? This business model could be a lucrative opportunity, with a potential market size of over $20 billion in annual revenue. To learn more about how to open an airport hotel, check out this helpful guide here .

When it comes to the potential profitability of an airport hotel, you might be wondering how much you can make. The typical annual revenue for an airport hotel in the US ranges from $2 million to $10 million depending on location and size. To see a breakdown of airport hotel profitability, visit this link here .

Curious about the startup costs for an airport hotel? The initial investment to start an airport hotel can range from $5 million to $50 million , depending on factors such as location, amenities, and branding. For a detailed overview of airport hotel startup costs, you can find more information here .

For a comprehensive analysis of the business model, SWOT analysis, and a business plan sample for an airport hotel, you can find examples and templates at the following links: - Airport Hotel Business Model Canvas - Airport Hotel SWOT Analysis - Airport Hotel Business Plan

23. Airstream Hotel

Airstream Hotel

Introducing the latest trend in luxury accommodation - Airstream Hotels . Imagine owning a boutique hotel chain nestled in premium outdoor locations like national parks and seaside getaways. This business idea caters to the growing demand among Millennials, adventure-seekers, and digital nomads for unique and experiential lodging. Each location will feature distinctively designed and furnished luxurious Airstream trailers, offering guests a one-of-a-kind stay. With a focus on marketing, branding, in-house concierge services, and curated experiences, this venture promises to be a lucrative investment.

Curious about the potential market size for Airstream Hotels ? Wondering about the profitability, startup costs, and timeline for building this business? Look no further! We've got you covered with comprehensive resources on how to open Airstream Hotel , Airstream Hotel Profitability , Airstream Hotel Startup Costs , Airstream Hotel SWOT Analysis , Airstream Hotel Business Model Canvas , and Airstream Hotel Business Plan . Dive into these details and take the first step towards making your Airstream Hotel dream a reality!

24. Animal Hotel

Animal Hotel

As a top-tier business consultant, I would like to present a comprehensive business plan for the Animal Hotel Business to be launched in 2023. The company will be headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and will cater to pet owners in the state by offering easy and convenient temporary accommodation options for their furry friends. If you are interested in starting an Animal Hotel, you can find a detailed guide on how to open an Animal Hotel .

The potential market size for this business idea in the US is substantial, with over 67% of households owning at least one pet. The Animal Hotel Business aims to tap into a growing market segment with significant revenue potential. Find out more about the profitability of an Animal Hotel.

The business model is designed to produce a steady stream of recurring revenue, with the primary financial goal being to break even in the first year of operation. The funding goal of the company is to raise $500,000 to acquire the necessary equipment, hire staff, and carry out marketing activities. For a detailed breakdown of the startup costs for an Animal Hotel, you can refer to this article on our website.

If you are interested in examining the business model canvas and a SWOT analysis for an Animal Hotel, you can find examples on our website. These tools will help you understand the key components of the business and analyze its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

In conclusion, the Animal Hotel Business aims to provide high-quality, professional pet care and temporary boarding services to pet owners in Washington through a robust and sustainable business model. The proposed business plan provides an actionable road map for entrepreneurs looking to enter the pet care market while catering to the evolving needs of pet owners in the US. You can find a comprehensive business plan sample for an Animal Hotel on our website.

25. Animation Hotel

Animation Hotel

Introducing the next big innovation in the hospitality industry - the Animation Hotel. This unique luxury resort is designed to offer an unparalleled entertainment experience for individuals and families alike. Imagine staying in a world-class facility that features state-of-the-art animation studios, cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, interactive exhibits showcasing the latest advancements in animation technology, and exclusive access to entertainment industry events. The Animation Hotel will not only provide top-tier accommodations but also offer customized animation workshops, tours of nearby production studios and museums, and a variety of ancillary services such as dining, transportation, and retail sales. This business idea presents a lucrative opportunity to tap into the growing demand for immersive entertainment experiences, making it a potentially profitable venture for savvy entrepreneurs.

The US market for an Animation Hotel is ripe for the picking, with the potential to generate significant revenue through room bookings, event packages, and ancillary services. According to industry reports, the average revenue per available room (RevPAR) for luxury hotels in the US was approximately $194 in 2019. This presents a substantial earning potential for the Animation Hotel, given its unique offerings and premium experience. When it comes to startup costs, a comprehensive business plan and financial model are essential for understanding the investment required. For a detailed breakdown of the startup costs and profitability analysis, check out the resources provided below.

Ready to turn this innovative business idea into reality? Start by exploring a business model canvas, SWOT analysis, and a comprehensive business plan to guide you through the process. These invaluable tools can help you visualize the key aspects of your business, assess its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and create a roadmap for success. Don't miss the chance to delve into the specifics of opening an Animation Hotel and uncover the potential it holds by clicking on the links below:

  • How to open Animation Hotel
  • Animation Hotel Profitability
  • Animation Hotel Startup Costs
  • Animation Hotel SWOT Analysis
  • Animation Hotel Business Model Canvas
  • Animation Hotel Business Plan

26. Animation Resort

Animation Resort

Are you ready to revolutionize the theme park and hospitality industry? Introducing Animate Resort, the ultimate destination for families, animation enthusiasts, and theme park goers. Located in the heart of Orlando, Florida, our unique combination of an amusement park and a hotel offers a variety of animation-themed rides and attractions, character meet-and-greets, interactive experiences, live shows, multiple dining options, themed accommodations, and a gift shop. With an initial investment of $50 million, including $30 million in loans and $20 million in equity investments, we aim to reach breakeven in the second year of operation and generate a profit of $15 million annually.

Our primary goal is to create a one-of-a-kind immersive experience that will attract visitors from all around the US and the world. With a strong emphasis on customer experience, personalized service, and loyalty programs, Animate Resort is well-positioned to build a loyal fan base and generate a substantial profit. We are confident that our business model, as exemplified in our business model canvas example , and our SWOT analysis example , will ensure the success of our venture. To learn more about the potential market size for this business idea in the US, check out our Animation Resort Profitability .

If you are interested in opening your own Animation Resort, visit our detailed guide on how to open Animation Resort and learn about the startup costs involved. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive business plan sample to help you get started on your journey to creating a successful and profitable animation-themed resort.

27. Armed Forces Hotel

Armed Forces Hotel

Armed Forces Hospitality Inc. is a startup hotel business that will operate as a government contractor, providing lodging and other services to military personnel and their families in the United States. Our headquarters will be located in Washington DC, with operations spanning across the country to cater to the needs of our customer segment.

Our primary product & service will be providing clean, safe, and comfortable accommodations for service members and their families at locations throughout the country, along with additional amenities such as on-site dining, fitness facilities, and recreational activities. We will work hard to foster a sense of community among our guests and provide them with high-quality, reliable services at a competitive price while adhering to all relevant regulations and contractual requirements.

Our financial goal is to generate a steady stream of revenue from government contracts and achieve profitability within the first two years of operation. We plan to obtain funding through venture capitalists, angel investors, and government grants to support our startup costs and operational expenses. For more information on how to open Armed Forces Hotel, visit here.

Our main focus is to develop a comprehensive business plan that details all aspects of our business, including our market analysis, marketing strategy, financial projections, and operational plan. We will ensure that our business plan adheres to the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism while showcasing the potential of our business to investors and stakeholders. For a sample business plan for Armed Forces Hotel, visit here.

28. Art Hotel

Art Hotel

Looking to open an Art Hotel in the US? Partnering with local artists to feature their works throughout the hotel can provide guests with a unique and creative experience. The hotel can offer art tours, workshops, and events to showcase the art and provide guests with the opportunity to engage with the artists. Revenue can also come from commission on sales of the artwork and increased room rates for the themed guestrooms, all while supporting the local arts community. Learn how to open Art Hotel

A popular and profitable business model for Art Hotels in the US is partnering with local artists to feature their works throughout the hotel. The potential market size for this business idea in the US is significant, with art-focused tourism on the rise. For more information on the potential profitability of an Art Hotel, you can find out more here .

With the potential for high profitability, it's important to consider the startup costs for opening an Art Hotel. The costs to start can vary, with real-life examples and breakdowns available here . Additionally, you can find a business model canvas example, a SWOT analysis example, and a business plan sample specifically tailored for an Art Hotel at the following links: Art Hotel SWOT Analysis , Art Hotel Business Model Canvas , Art Hotel Business Plan .

29. Artistic Hotel

Artistic Hotel

Introducing the Artistic Hotel Business Plan, a unique startup idea that aims to offer high-end travelers a personalized and immersive experience in the United States. Our proposed hotel, located in Miami, Florida, will showcase local artists and their work throughout the premises, hosting art events and exhibitions, and offering tailored packages to our guests.

Our goal is to create a luxurious experience for our guests, offering premium pricing for our high-end services. We will seek funding through equity investments and venture capital, aiming to raise $5 million to finance the development of our hotel and initial operations. To learn more about how to open and the profitability of an Artistic Hotel, click here and here .

Our key resources include partnerships with local artists, event coordinators, and online reservation platforms. We will invest in luxurious amenities and exceptional customer service to create memorable experiences for our guests. To find examples of a business model canvas, a SWOT analysis, and a business plan sample for an Artistic Hotel, click here , here , and here .

30. Astronomy Hotel

Astronomy Hotel

Founded in 2023, the Astronomy Hotel is a unique hospitality experience that aims to provide guests with an unforgettable stargazing experience in the United States. Founded by a group of astronomy enthusiasts, the hotel aims to bring the beauty and wonder of the night sky to the masses through personalized services and engaging activities. If you're interested in opening an Astronomy Hotel , our comprehensive guide can help you get started on the right foot.

The Astronomy Hotel provides a one-of-a-kind stargazing experience to customers, with a focus on providing quality equipment and knowledgeable staff. In addition, the hotel offers a variety of activities including lectures, workshops, and guided stargazing sessions, led by experts in the field of astronomy. To learn more about the Astronomy Hotel profitability and startup costs, visit this link and this link .

The primary goal of the Astronomy Hotel is to establish itself as the premier stargazing destination in the United States. The hotel aims to break even within the first two years of operation and achieve profitability within the first five years, generating an annual revenue of over $20 million. To access a Astronomy Hotel SWOT analysis and business plan sample, visit this link and this link .

31. Battery Innovation

Battery Innovation

Are you ready to revolutionize the battery industry? Look no further than Volt Innovations, based in San Francisco, California. Our company specializes in the design and manufacture of high-performance, safe, and durable batteries. Whether you're a technology company, a government agency, or a hospital, we offer custom battery designs and licensing agreements to meet your specific needs. With our technical and customer support, you can trust in the reliable and optimal performance of our batteries.

Our goal at Volt Innovations is to establish ourselves as a leading battery manufacturer in the US, offering innovative and eco-friendly battery solutions to expand our reach and explore new markets. To achieve this, we are seeking $5 million in funding to support our research and development, manufacturing equipment, marketing and advertising, and overhead costs. We are committed to providing a strong return on investment (ROI) for our stakeholders and aim to achieve profitability within the first two years of operations.

If you're interested in learning more about the potential market size for battery innovation in the US, as well as how much you can make, how much it costs to start, and how long it takes to build, check out our detailed guide on opening a battery innovation business . You can also explore our profitability analysis , startup cost breakdown , SWOT analysis example , business model canvas example , and business plan sample to get a comprehensive understanding of the potential of this business idea.

32. Beach Hotel

Beach Hotel

Are you looking to break into the hospitality industry with a lucrative and exciting business venture? Consider opening a luxurious beach hotel that caters to both leisure travelers and event planners. With luxury accommodations, on-site dining and activities, and event space for weddings and corporate retreats, a beach hotel offers a wide range of revenue streams and opportunities for growth.

The market size for beach hotels in the US is substantial, with an annual revenue of over $19 billion. While the initial startup costs for such a venture can be significant, the potential for profitability is high, with average annual revenues reaching $3-5 million. With the right location and amenities, a beach hotel can quickly become a popular destination for both tourists and event planners.

If you're interested in exploring the idea further, you can learn more about how to open a beach hotel , the profitability of such a venture, the startup costs involved, as well as access to a SWOT analysis , business model canvas , and business plan examples to help guide your decision-making process.

33. Beach Resort

Beach Resort

Introducing Beachside Resort & Spa, a luxury beachfront vacation destination located in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Our resort offers premium hotel rooms and vacation rentals, ranging from cozy beach cottages to lavish suites, to cater to the needs of both short-term and long-term guests.

Our mission is to provide exceptional hospitality and customer service, offering personalized experiences based on our guests' preferences. We aim to create a full vacation experience, providing on-site amenities such as restaurants and spas, as well as water sports rentals and access to nearby tourist attractions.

As a startup business, our primary goal is to establish ourselves as a leading vacation destination in the area, generating a positive reputation and revenue stream through our high-quality services and exceptional customer satisfaction. We are seeking funding of $5 million to cover the costs associated with our pre-launch activities, such as property acquisition, construction and establishment of our resort, as well as marketing and promotional efforts to establish our brand and draw in customers. With the help of our key partners, including vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO and local tourism offices for promotion and marketing efforts, we are confident in our potential to achieve our financial goals and establish ourselves as a leading vacation destination in the US. For more information on how to open a Beach Resort, Beach Resort Profitability, Beach Resort Startup Costs, Beach Resort SWOT Analysis, Beach Resort Business Model Canvas, and Beach Resort Business Plan, click on the respective links.

34. Biker Hotel

Biker Hotel

Introducing RoadPavilion Biker Hotel, the ultimate destination for bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable travel experience. Based in Austin, Texas, our hotel will provide a unique combination of services and amenities, including secure motorcycle parking, on-site maintenance and repair, organized rides and tours, a bar and grill, a pool, a biker gear shop, and much more. In addition, we will offer packages that include tickets to local attractions and events, as well as hosting bike rallies and club meetups. With a goal of becoming the leading biker hotel in the US, we aim to build a community of loyal customers who return to our hotel year after year for their travel and adventure needs.

Our projected revenue for the first year of operation is $1,500,000, with an annual growth rate of 10-15%. To kickstart this exciting venture, we are seeking an initial funding of $750,000 to cover the costs of property acquisition, renovation, and startup expenses. With the expectation to break even within the first two years and become profitable by year three, RoadPavilion Biker Hotel presents a promising investment opportunity.

If you are interested in learning more about how to open a biker hotel, the potential profitability of this business idea, the startup costs involved, or accessing essential business analysis tools such as SWOT analysis and business model canvas, visit the following links: How to open Biker Hotel , Biker Hotel Profitability , Biker Hotel Startup Costs , Biker Hotel SWOT Analysis , Biker Hotel Business Model Canvas , Biker Hotel Business Plan .

35. Board Game Hotel

Board Game Hotel

Are you looking for a unique and profitable business idea? Consider opening a Board Game Hotel! One potential business model for a board game hotel could be a pay-as-you-go café format. Typically, customers would come in and purchase food and drink while renting board games to play while they are there. The hotel would have a pricing structure in place based on the number of people in a group and the amount of time they spend playing. The hotel would likely make the most profit from food and drink sales, with the game rentals serving as an additional source of income. Additionally, the hotel could offer special events and tournaments to attract customers and promote the use of the hotel as a community gathering place. Want to learn more about how to open a Board Game Hotel? Check out this guide .

But just how profitable is a Board Game Hotel? It's important to consider the potential market size for this business idea in the US, and the real-life amounts you can make from it. For information on the profitability of a Board Game Hotel, take a look at this analysis . If you're curious about the startup costs for such a venture, you can find valuable information here .

Before diving into this business venture, it's essential to have a clear plan in place. You can get a sample of a Board Game Hotel Business Model Canvas here , and a full business plan sample here . Additionally, conducting a SWOT analysis is crucial for understanding the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of a Board Game Hotel. You can find a comprehensive SWOT analysis example here . With the right tools and information, you can turn your dream of opening a Board Game Hotel into a successful reality.

36. Board Game Themed Hotel

Board Game Themed Hotel

Welcome to the future of hotel entertainment with D20 Hotel, the Board Game Themed Hotel opening in Seattle, Washington in 2023. Our unique and fun hotel experience is designed to appeal to families, groups of friends, and individual gamers alike. With a variety of board games and a pay-per-play model for game access, guests will enjoy hours of entertainment alongside food and drink options while they play. Find out how you can open your own Board Game Themed Hotel here .

At D20 Hotel, our primary goal is to cater to the growing demand for board games and gaming-related activities. With a potential market size of over $11 billion in the US, our unique and welcoming hotel experience is set to make its mark. Discover the profitability of a Board Game Themed Hotel here .

To launch and sustain your own Board Game Themed Hotel, you will require significant funding. With a startup cost of approximately $2 million to cover initial expenses, it's essential to have a solid business plan in place. Get an example of a Board Game Themed Hotel Business Model Canvas here , a SWOT analysis example here , and a business plan sample here .

37. Boat Tour

Boat Tour

Introducing SeaQuest Tours, LLC, the premier boat tour company based in the beautiful city of Miami Beach, Florida. Offering a variety of tour options, including sunset tours, wildlife tours, and historical tours, SeaQuest Tours aims to provide an unforgettable experience for both tourists and locals. With exceptional customer service, knowledgeable tour guides, and high-quality amenities on board, such as snacks, drinks, and restrooms, SeaQuest Tours is committed to creating a positive and memorable experience for each customer.

SeaQuest Tours has set ambitious business goals, including establishing itself as the top boat tour company in the local area, achieving revenue of $500,000 in the first year of operations, and increasing revenue to $1 million by the third year. To reach these goals, SeaQuest Tours is seeking funding to cover startup and operational costs, and has a clear plan to use this funding to purchase and maintain a fleet of boats, hire and train tour guides, and launch a marketing campaign to attract customers. (How to open Boat Tour)

If you're considering entering the boat tour industry, it's essential to understand the potential market size and profitability of the business. SeaQuest Tours is poised to capture a significant share of the market, with the potential to generate substantial revenue. For more information on the profitability of boat tours and startup costs, you can refer to Boat Tour Profitability and Boat Tour Startup Costs . To get a clear understanding of the business model and a comprehensive SWOT analysis, you can access Boat Tour SWOT Analysis and Boat Tour Business Model Canvas . Additionally, if you require a sample business plan, you can download the Boat Tour Business Plan .

38. Boat Trip

Boat Trip

Are you ready to make a splash in the boating industry? Introducing a pay-per-use boat rental service that offers a wide variety of boats for different durations and destinations. From sleek speedboats for a day of excitement on the water to luxurious yachts for a weekend getaway, our boat trip rental service provides customers with the freedom to explore the open seas at their leisure.

With the boating industry in the US generating approximately $42 billion in annual revenue, the potential market for a pay-per-use boat rental service is vast. For entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on this lucrative opportunity, our how-to guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for launching a successful boat trip business. In addition, our business model canvas example , SWOT analysis example , and business plan sample offer valuable insights for developing a winning strategy.

With the potential for high profitability and relatively low startup costs, a boat trip rental service is an attractive business opportunity. Our profitability analysis reveals the earning potential of this venture, while our startup cost breakdown provides a clear picture of the initial investment required. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a first-time business owner, the boat trip rental service offers an exciting pathway to success in the boating industry.

39. Body Contouring Clinic

Body Contouring Clinic

Are you ready to tap into the booming beauty and wellness industry? Look no further than Body Contouring Clinic , a pay-per-session clinic offering a variety of non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures to help clients achieve their desired body shape. With the increasing demand for non-surgical body contouring solutions, now is the perfect time to capitalize on this trend and start your own clinic.

According to recent market research, the body contouring market in the US is expected to reach a value of $3.9 billion by 2027. With such a lucrative market size, the potential for profit in this business is substantial. If you're wondering how much you can make and the startup costs involved, check out our detailed resources on Body Contouring Clinic Profitability and Body Contouring Clinic Startup Costs .

For a comprehensive guide on how to open a body contouring clinic, including a business model canvas example, SWOT analysis example, and a business plan sample, visit How to open Body Contouring Clinic . Take advantage of our resources to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey in this thriving industry.

40. Body Contouring Clinic

Are you passionate about helping people achieve their dream body shape? Open a Body Contouring Clinic and make a difference in people's lives. Our pay-per-session clinic will offer a variety of non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures to help clients achieve the body they've always wanted. With the growing demand for body contouring procedures in the US, now is the perfect time to get into this lucrative industry. You can learn more about how to open a Body Contouring Clinic here .

Wondering about the potential profitability of a Body Contouring Clinic? With the average price per session ranging from $200 to $3,000 and the market size in the US reaching $9.5 billion, the earning potential is significant. To learn more about the profitability of a Body Contouring Clinic, you can check out this detailed article here .

Curious about the startup costs and the process of building a Body Contouring Clinic? The startup costs can range from $150,000 to $350,000, and the time it takes to build can vary depending on your location and other factors. You can find more information about the startup costs here . Additionally, you can access a business model canvas example, SWOT analysis example, and a business plan sample specific to a Body Contouring Clinic here , here , and here respectively.

41. Book Hotel

Book Hotel

After conducting thorough research and analysis on the hotel booking industry in the US, we are excited to introduce the Book Hotel Business startup in Orlando, Florida, set to open in 2023. Our business will operate under the Online Travel Agency (OTA) model, which has proven to be a widely popular and demanded business model in the US for booking hotels. Our cost structure will comprise marketing and technology development costs. Our online marketing efforts will be focused on search engine optimization, social media marketing, and paid advertising. As for technology development, we'll be continually upgrading our platform and refining our algorithms to better serve our customers. If you want to learn more about how to open Book Hotel, check out this resource .

Book Hotel's value proposition is to provide a convenient and cost-effective way for travelers to compare prices and book hotel rooms online. This model has been proven to be effective and has resonated with travelers who demand a seamless and simplified booking process. Our target customers will be travelers looking to book hotel rooms, ranging from millennials to baby boomers. Book Hotel's business goal is to become the go-to OTA for hotel bookings in the US. To understand the potential profitability of Book Hotel, you can take a look at this resource .

Our revenue streams will be generated by charging hotels a commission on each booking made through our platform. This commission will cover the cost of our operations as well as further investment in online marketing and sophisticated algorithms to personalize the search process and recommend hotels based on the user's preferences and history. In terms of funding, we are seeking $2 million in seed funding to cover initial development costs, marketing efforts, and operational expenses. If you want to get a better sense of Book Hotel's startup costs, you can find more information here .

Our main resources will be our online platform and technology. As for key partnerships, we will be working closely with hotels to ensure that we provide the best possible booking experience for our customers. We will also forge partnerships with online marketing firms and other companies that can help us reach our target customers and enhance our online presence. To get a clear idea of Book Hotel's business model and its SWOT analysis, you can refer to these SWOT analysis and business model canvas examples.

42. Architectural

Architectural

Introduction: We are thrilled to present our business plan for the establishment of an architectural firm, named 'DesignWave' in Los Angeles, California in 2023. With the increasing demand for architectural services in the United States, we aim to provide high-quality design, project management, and construction documentation services to our commercial and high-end residential clients. Our team of experienced architects, project managers, and construction professionals are determined to exceed our clients' expectations by delivering timely and budget-conscious projects. How to open Architectural

Product and Services: DesignWave is dedicated to providing full-service architectural services, including design, project management, and construction documentation necessary for the successful completion of building or renovation projects. Our portfolio of services comprises building and landscape architecture, interior design, sustainable design, and feasibility studies for new projects. We believe designing and building projects that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable is crucial for the success of our clients' projects. Our company will ensure that we stay up-to-date with technological and industry advancements related to architectural services, to provide the best solutions for our clients. Architectural Business Model Canvas

Business Goals: Our primary aim is to become a leading architectural firm in Los Angeles, California, by providing exceptional services and building a strong reputation for delivering on-time and on-budget projects. As we grow, our objective is to expand services in other states in the US, with the potential to expand globally. We want DesignWave to be synonymous with quality, innovation, and reliability in the architectural industry. Also, we are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in support of our clients and employees. Architectural SWOT Analysis

Financial and Funding Goals: Our projected revenue for the first year of operation is $1.5 million, with an estimated profit margin of 25%. Our primary funding goal is to secure a $1 million loan from investors to cover operational expenses, rent, equipment, and employee salaries for the first year. Our projections for the first year of operation suggest that we can repay this loan in approximately two years. Our secondary financial goal is to explore revenue-generating opportunities, such as investing in real estate development or introducing new service offerings. Architectural Profitability

Conclusion: DesignWave aims to provide exceptional architectural services to our clients, delivering timely and budget-conscious projects while building a robust reputation for quality and innovation. With the right resources, partnerships, and funding, we are determined to achieve our business goals and reach new heights. Architectural Business Plan

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

11 travel business ideas to get you started

travel business ideas

Starting a business  in the travel industry can be a lucrative opportunity where you’ll provide travel services to individuals and groups looking to get away, celebrate a milestone or travel for work. As people increasingly prioritize experiences over material goods, demand is consistently on the rise  for travel-related services. The consistent demand makes a travel business an appealing recession-proof business idea  as well. 

11 travel business ideas to inspire you

Here are eleven travel business ideas  to help you choose the right niche.

Travel agency services

Adventure travel planning

Luxury travel planning

Cruise planning services

Business travel management

Destination wedding planning

Cultural and historical tours

Family vacation planning

Eco-friendly travel services

Solo travel planning

Group travel packages

01. Travel agency services

Provide comprehensive travel planning services, including itinerary creation, accommodation bookings and transportation arrangements. This type of service is usually on a commission basis, earning you a percentage of the total travel cost.

02. Adventure travel planning

Specialize in planning adventurous trips, such as hiking expeditions, wildlife safaris and extreme sports vacations. This niche can attract clients seeking unique and exciting travel experiences.

03. Luxury travel concierge

Offer premium travel concierge services for high-end clients, including luxury accommodation, private transportation and exclusive experiences. This niche can be lucrative but requires attention to detail and a network of luxury service providers.

04. Cruise planning services

Focus on planning cruise vacations, including cruise line selection, itinerary planning and shore excursions. Cruises are popular among various demographics, providing a broad client base.

05. Business travel management

Specialize in managing corporate travel needs, including booking flights, accommodations and coordinating business events. This type of service requires a strong understanding of business travel requirements. This can be a great scalable business idea , as you can work with multiple businesses around the world or big corporations with multiple locations.

06. Destination wedding planning

Provide destination wedding planning services, helping couples organize and execute their dream weddings in exotic locations. This niche combines travel planning with event coordination.

07. Cultural and historical tours

Design and organize tours focused on cultural and historical experiences, catering to travelers interested in learning about different cultures and exploring historical landmarks.

08. Family vacation planning

Tailor travel packages for families, including child-friendly accommodations, activities and transportation. This niche can be rewarding, catering to families looking for stress-free travel experiences.

09. Eco-friendly travel services

Differentiate your business by offering eco-friendly travel solutions, appealing to clients with a focus on sustainable and responsible travel practices.

10. Solo travel planning

Cater to solo travelers by providing customized itineraries, safety tips and group travel opportunities. Solo travel is a growing trend, and this niche can tap into a lucrative market segment.

11. Group travel packages

Create and organize group travel packages for various interests, such as culinary tours, wellness retreats or photography expeditions. This niche can attract like-minded individuals looking for shared travel experiences.

How to get started with your travel business idea

Apply your industry knowledge and experience.

Develop a deep understanding of various travel destinations, accommodations, transportation options and industry best practices, depending on the travel services you offer.

Choose your specialization or niche

Consider specializing in a specific travel niche or industry to provide tailored services. This can help you gain a professional reputation in a particular niche, attracting repeat business and new clients. Pro tip: Create a business plan  to map everything out.

Build a professional network

Establish connections with travel service providers, hotels and other industry professionals to enhance your offerings. Consider creating a website  to expand your online presence and market your travel services.

Choose a legal structure for your business

Decide on the legal structure of your business, such as a sole proprietorship , LLC  or corporation . Ensure you comply with any regulations or licensing requirements in the travel industry.

Determine your pricing strategies

Choose your pricing model, whether it's service fees, commission-based or a combination. Research local market rates and competitors to ensure your pricing is competitive and reflective of the value you provide.

Travel business examples (built on Wix) to inspire

Wanderlust adventures.

This travel agency offers a variety of adventure travel packages, including hiking, wildlife safaris and cultural experiences.

Luxe Life Ventures

A premium travel concierge service providing exclusive luxury travel experiences for discerning clients.

CruiseDreams Planning

Specializing in cruise vacation planning, CruiseDreams helps clients find the perfect cruise experience tailored to their preferences.

most popular business ideas in the US - travel business ideas

Travel business ideas FAQ

What types of travel services can i offer in my travel business.

The travel industry offers a wide range of services. You can consider offering general travel planning, adventure travel, luxury travel concierge, cruise planning, business travel management, destination wedding planning, cultural and historical tours, family vacation planning, eco-friendly travel services, solo travel planning and group travel packages.

How can I attract clients to my travel business idea?

What equipment and supplies do i need to get my travel business idea off the ground, how do i determine pricing for my travel services, how can i ensure the safety of my clients during their travels, how can i differentiate my travel business idea from competitors, how can i expand my travel business idea as it grows, other business ideas to consider.

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Home-based businesses

Mobile business ideas

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Business ideas for couples

Rental business ideas

Small town business ideas

Wedding business ideas

Print on demand business ideas

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12 Travel Business Ideas

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If there is one thing most people can agree on, it’s that traveling is one of life’s great pleasures. Exploring new cultures, visiting the world’s great wonders, spending days following your instincts and trying exotic foods — there’s a lot to love about discovering new places.

If you want to take your love of travel to the next level and start a business to serve your like-minded wanderlusters, you should consider these fun and profitable travel business ideas.

tourism based business ideas

What is a travel business?

There are two overarching types of travel businesses worth considering. First, you could think about starting a business that provides services or goods for travelers — running a hotel, for example. The second option is to start a business that you can run from anywhere in the world while you yourself travel. In many cases, this type of business revolves around travel, such as working as a travel writer and writing stories about your latest adventures.

What makes a travel business idea a good one?

A good travel business should combine two things: reliability and excitement. When you run a travel business, your clients need to be able to trust you. They need to feel confident that the tour group you run is legitimate and will show them the best sites. Or that the blog you run about the best inns on the east coast actually gives honest reviews.

At the same time, you need to offer services or create content that excites your customers. Introduce them to sights off the beaten path. Help them unwind and relax while on their vacation. Find a way to create trust amongst your customer base while offering them an experience they can’t find anywhere else.

How much do you need?

with Fundera by NerdWallet

We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

12 travel business ideas for 2021

If you’re unsure of what type of travel business ideas could work for you, keep reading for some popular options. These ideas range widely and you should put your own creative spin on them. At the end of the day, think back to your passion for traveling. What services or products have made the most difference to you on past trips? What did you feel was missing? Can you find a way to make a living on the road while capitalizing on your skillset? Chances are, you have more ideas at the ready than you think.

1. Modernized bed and breakfast

B&Bs have been popular for decades — they outlive trends and are clearly here to stay. But why not step things up a notch and find a way to modernize the bed and breakfast experience a little bit? Make sure your rooms are outfitted with nice televisions so guests can enjoy a movie night in their cozy room. Offer unique culinary experiences. Decorate in a way that feels timeless but fresh at the same time. A bed and breakfast is a smaller operation than a hotel and is a great way to break into the hospitality business. If you need a little help funding your bed and breakfast, consider one of these financing options.

2. Off-the-beaten-path tour guide

Tour groups are a dime a dozen. But if you can offer a unique tour, you’ll be able to stand out from the competition. What do you love about your city? Maybe you can find the best coffee, chocolate, or salty treats at your local shops and restaurants. Organize a foodie tour of your town that highlights how your local delicacies are made. Of course, you’ll have to include tastes of all the local treats.

Or consider organizing a tour of some lesser-known sites. Surely there is a natural activity or historical site that tourists haven’t caught onto yet. If you can give your travelers a taste of local life or make them feel like they’ve uncovered something special, then your tour guide business will thrive. Maybe some locals will even join in on the fun.

3. Glamping

Here’s a fun fact for you: By 2025, experts estimate the glamping market in the United States alone is projected to reach a revenue of around $1 billion. It sounds like the great outdoors is getting a little fancier. What exactly is glamping? Glamorous camping.

Glamping combines nature with the comforts of home, and usually Champagne. That’s right, after a long day of hiking or river rafting, campers can return to decked-out campsites that offer spa treatments, wine and gourmet meals. The perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. If you can create a campsite that melds the best parts of nature with resort living, you’ll be in business.

4. Remote travel agent

Long gone are the days of travel agent offices. The truth is, thanks to the internet it’s easier than ever to plan a trip. Anyone with a computer can choose between hundreds of flights, hotels and restaurant reservations. The ease of access is great, but the time it takes to weed through those options might not be available to everyone. This is where a remote travel agent comes in.

You’ll work out of your own home which saves the customer costs on overhead expenses. For a more affordable price, remote travel agents can help busy travelers plan their next vacation from anywhere in the world. Help them book the best hotels, unique activities and provide them with all of their important travel bookings and documentation.

5. Travel consultant

Even though their job titles sound similar, a travel consultant is different than a travel agent. A travel consultant usually specializes in solving complex travel issues. For example, they may specialize in helping adoptive parents travel abroad to make the task of adopting a child from a foreign country run smoothly. Or they might assist businesses with complex assignments like learning how to cater to new cultures during business deals. Travel consultants generally focus less on tourism and more on helping iron out logistical issues.

6. Travel photographer

As a travel photographer, you’ll have plenty of options for making money off your passions for travel and photography. You can sell photos taken while traveling to newspapers, magazines and websites. Or you can sell your favorite shots in your own online shop. You could license your gorgeous photos of Paris or Peru to companies that create goods like calendars or art prints. Perhaps you want to help create stock photography for big companies like Getty Images. Point being, we live in a very visual world and there are plenty of options for starting a travel photography business.

7. Create a haunted attraction

Want a surefire way to make sure your hotel or guided tour drum up enough business? The solution is easy: Make it haunted. This may seem like a business better suited for Halloween time, but people are ready to get their scare on year-round. These haunted attractions do particularly well in historic locations like towns on the east coast where there are plenty of ghost stories to go around. Do some research and then let your imagination take care of the rest. You might want to load up on business insurance just in case your haunted attraction is too scary.

8. Teach cultural classes

It’s time to share your unique culture with the world. Offer fun classes for tourists that will make them feel like locals, whether that be a Creole cooking class or an art class that captures a local style of painting. Help tourists pick up a skill that they won’t learn anywhere else, like how to make an authentic cup of Turkish coffee or bake a truly Parisian croissant.

9. House or pet sitting

Sometimes a travel business does its best work when helping travelers look after what they left behind. House or pet sitting can be a great side hustle to take on if you’re looking for a little extra cash. Of course, you could always start a larger business like a kennel that takes care of beloved pets while their owners are jet-setting around the world. Some people are even willing to pay for plant hotels that keep their plants in tiptop shape until they return from vacation. Consider a travel business that will give your customers peace of mind while they are far from home.

10. Travel blogger

You’ve traveled the world and, boy, do you have some good stories to tell. So why don’t you then? By starting a travel blog, you can make money by sharing your experiences. You can offer up travel advice, share photos from your journey and review restaurants and hotels. Once your blog picks up some steam (aka gets a decent amount of pageviews and monthly visitors) you’ll be able to make money from ads hosted on your website, sign up for affiliate programs, or create sponsored content for brands. If this sounds like your ideal business, this guide can help you start a travel blog.

11. Ecotourism

Sustainability is all the rage right now and for good reason. It makes sense that those who value exploring the world want to keep it safe. Which is why ecotourism (also known as green tourism) is such a potentially profitable idea. Essentially, ecotourism allows travelers to learn about local culture and wildlife in a low-impact way.

Generally, these types of tours or services (like hotels) try to minimize the impact of traveling while giving tourists the education and tools to help positively impact the environment and community they visit. Many travelers are even willing to spend more on hotels if they are environmentally friendly. If you can find a way to show tourists a good time while helping them make a positive impact, you’re sure to have a popular business on your hands in no time.

ZenBusiness

Start Your Dream Business

12. Home rentals

Do you have a gorgeous pool house just waiting to be turned into an oasis for weary travelers? Consider starting a home rental business. You can list any rooms in your house that are available to rent out (or even your entire house if you’re headed out of town yourself) on home rental websites like Airbnb or HomeAway. If you live in a popular area where hotels are particularly pricey, then you may be able to fetch a pretty penny by allowing customers to rent rooms in your home.

The best part is, you get to set your price. You only have to rent to people who can meet your price and who you think would be a good tenant (Hint: They need as many good reviews as you do). This can be an ideal business for bringing in extra money to help fund your next vacation. Just make sure that your town, apartment complex, or homeowners association allows you to rent out your property and that you’re following proper regulations.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

On a similar note...

One blue credit card on a flat surface with coins on both sides.

40 Travel and Hospitality Business Ideas

From providing lodging to leading guided tours, the opportunities for success in the travel and hospitality industry are numerous. Your potential tourism business can take many different forms as the commodities of traveling are multifaceted and broad.

Whatever your motivation for wanting to begin your entrepreneurial journey T ravel business ideas and Hospitality business ideas are a great place to start!

A guest checking in with a hotel employee.

Best Travel and Hospitality Business Ideas for 2020

1. airbnb business.

Air B N B Business image

An Airbnb business supplies guests with a place to stay within a person’s home. Many travelers are looking for lodging which is a little more personal and unique. Airbnb rentals offer a home feel, versus that of a hotel or motel. Guests may stay as short as one or two days or extended stays up to two weeks.

An Airbnb is a great way to add some extra income, especially if you have unused rooms or lots of space in your house. You will have guests staying in your home, so you should be comfortable talking and interacting with guests. Some homeowners, who travel often, will also rent out their homes when they are out of town. This allows them to receive income and have someone watching their home when they’re not around.

Learn how to start an Airbnb business .

2. AIRPORT SHUTTLE BUSINESS

Airport Shuttle Business image

Airport shuttles transport people between the airport and either their homes, hotels, or where they parked their cars. Airport shuttles are used by business travelers, groups, families, and solo riders. The driver picks travelers up at a predetermined location and drops them off wherever necessary; typically with no more than two stops on each route. Vehicles are generally spacious, with ample room for riders to store their luggage.

Individuals possessing the drive to start their own travel business and the inclination to interact with people would be best suited for this business endeavor. Since much time is spent on the road, the entrepreneur that enjoys driving would be the ideal candidate.

Learn how to start an airport shuttle business .

3. AMUSEMENT PARK

Amusement Park image

Amusement, or theme, parks feature rides, games, and entertainment options in an outdoor or indoor venue. Customers typically pay a single entry fee for access to the entire park. The successful amusement park model focuses on the customer's entire experience, offering a wide range of services and entertainment options including parking, trams, restaurant options, water parks, roller coasters, live animal attractions, stage shows, arcade games, attractive interactive landscaping, and family-friendly fun. The larger the property you own, the more entertainment choices you are able to offer your customers.

You must be a highly motivated individual ready to sink a large initial investment into the concept, design, and implementation of your amusement park. You may need extensive knowledge in the operation of rides, restaurant and guest services, landscaping design, business practices, and have significant leadership skills.

Learn how to start an amusement park .

4. BED AND BREAKFAST

Bed and Breakfast Image

A bed and breakfast business offers travelers an alternative to hotels and motels, by combining sleeping quarters with a full breakfast. Most bed and breakfasts also promise more unique, intimate settings than other lodging options.

Anyone who enjoys hosting others may be well-suited for owning a bed and breakfast business because guests come to B&Bs for a level of hospitality that hotels and motels don’t provide. Business owners should like talking with people, cooking meals, and making guests feel comfortable.

Learn how to start a bed and breakfast .

5. BIKE RENTAL BUSINESS

Bike Rental Business image

Bike rental businesses give customers—who are often, but not necessarily, tourists—bicycles for a short period. Bikes are generally rented for a few hours to recreationally explore the locality. But the customer base might also consist of college students on campus or others who rent for practical reasons. Your business might be a freestanding shop, part of a bike sales and service operation or associated with a hotel or other hospitality business.

Bike rental business owners should be mechanically adept since customers can be hard on bikes. Also, since bikes are often rented to explore the immediate area, you should be highly familiar with your home base and able to suggest tourist attractions. You should have an engaging personality and be motivated to deliver exceptional customer service.

Learn how to start a bike rental business .

6. BIKE TOUR COMPANY

Bike Tour Company image

Do you love exploring your home town or popular tourist destinations on your bike? Does it really make your day when you bring a friend along to see the sights? Operating a bike tour company may be right up your alley. Whether you are simply renting bicycles and maps for patrons to use on their own or providing week-long personalized guided tours that include meals and lodging, this can be a rewarding travel business.

If you are going to run a one-man show, you will need to be physically fit, have fantastic people skills, and enjoy managing the many facets of your business. If you are operating a large tourist attraction, the right owner will have a good background in business management with a focus on the service industry.

Learn how to start a bike tour company .

7. BOUTIQUE TOUR BUSINESS

Boutique Tour Business image

This travel business idea differs from a traditional tour guide service in that the focus is not on the popular tourist destinations. Instead, it focuses more on unique and special experiences. Both local residents and tourists enjoy these types of tours/parties.

People like to do things that feel more authentic and consistent with what locals do versus just taking a sightseeing tour to see the major attractions. These can be very active experiences such as hiking, climbing, bungee-jumping, flying down a wire cable over the tree canopy, whitewater rafting and so much more. Many prefer such active experiences when compared to the traditional bus tours where tour guides describe things as the bus passes them by.

Learn how to start a boutique tour business .

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the  Top LLC Formation Services And, use our free tools to help start your business: Use our  Business Name Generator  for help brainstorming your new venture’s name Learn  how to form an LLC , one of the  best business structures  for travel businesses Use our free  business plan generator  to start planning your business today Get your unique logo with our free  Logo Maker  and start branding your business After finding your perfect idea learn how to  start a business

8. BUS TOUR BUSINESS

Bus Tour Business image

A bus tour business provides tours for tourists as well as locals. Tours of scenic and historical areas and other sites of interest are a valuable community service. Bus tours connect people with others for a shared experience. They also educate people about historical landmarks, local history, geography and other important aspects of your city and the surrounding area.

If you are looking to give people the opportunity to learn more about a locale while enjoying the company of others, a bus tour business is right for you. This is your chance to bring people closer together. Bus tours also enhance understanding and respect for cities, towns, landmarks and special sites. Bus tour customers gain a new appreciation for the area in which the tour is conducted.

Learn how to start a bus tour business .

9. CAMPGROUND

Campground image

If you love the outdoors and some hard work, you could start a campground business. Whether you have land or are purchasing land, you could start enjoying the great outdoors and working for yourself as soon as you get everything set up. You'll provide a place for people who are passing through on their way to another destination and for those who want to enjoy some time connecting with nature. Campers use all sorts of shelters from tents to fully contained RVs.

Before you start a campground business, you'll need the knowledge and willingness it takes to do many things, including accounting, repairs, road maintenance, plumbing, electrical maintenance, and management. You may be able to farm some of these things out, but it is much more cost-effective to do these things yourself.

Learn how to start a campground .

10. CANOE & KAYAK RENTAL BUSINESS

Canoe and Kayak Rental Business image

Many people enjoy being on the water, but they either do not own a boat or want to go boating where they can't bring theirs. A canoe and kayak rental business lets people rent canoes and kayaks to take out on nearby waterways. Customers can take canoes out for as little as an hour or as long as a day or more.

Anyone who enjoys canoeing and kayaking may be well-suited to open a canoe and kayak rental business. Business owners also must be strong enough to move canoes and kayaks onshore.

Learn how to start a canoe & kayak rental business .

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Powered by godaddy.com, 11. car rental business.

Car Rental Business image

Another one of many travel business ideas is a car rental company. A car rental business rents vehicles at affordable daily and weekly prices. All sorts of different parties are interested in car rentals. Common customers include business and leisure travelers, those whose vehicles are out of commission and businesses.

This business is ideal for someone who has a sincere interest in automobiles, automobile maintenance, and the driving experience.

Learn how to start a car rental business .

12. CORPORATE RETREAT CENTER

Corporate Retreat Center image

Many companies take employees on retreats for training, development, and team-building experiences. Corporate retreat center businesses offer a place for holding these company-sponsored retreats and frequently help companies plan their retreats.

Anyone who is organized and has strong interpersonal skills may enjoy running a corporate retreat center business. Hosting retreats requires balancing many different tasks, and there’s a constant conversation between the retreat center and the company sponsoring the retreat.

Learn how to start a corporate retreat center .

13. CRUISE LINE

Cruise Line image

A cruise line has one or several large boats designed to accommodate numerous fun-seeking individuals. This business is centered on providing guests with a good time. Cruise liners are a place for relaxation, socialization, and romance. Cruises are in-demand as they provide people with a fun and relaxing means of vacationing. Cruise lines offer all sorts of social activities on and off the ship. This business is a fantastic way to bring people closer to one another, bolster social ties, and provide people with a sense of belonging.

This is the ideal business or someone who is looking for a way to bring people together for a fun, rewarding and memorable experience. If you are a hospitable individual and enjoy providing people with a good time, you should consider starting a cruise line business. Furthermore, if you enjoy life on the water, good food and entertainment, a cruise ship business is worth considering.

Learn how to start a cruise line .

14. DAY SPA

Day Spa image

Day spas provide a relaxing atmosphere and a variety of treatments designed to refresh and rejuvenate. Some of the most common services offered by smaller day spas are facials, massages, manicures and pedicures, waxing, electrolysis, and aromatherapy. Larger day spas with more complex facilities are able to offer additional options such as body wraps, mud baths, or hydrotherapy treatments.

This hospitality business is ideal for those who enjoy relating with people on a personal level to provide services that reduce stress, enhance beauty, and improve health.

Learn how to start a day spa .

15. ECOTOUR BUSINESS

Ecotour Business image

Ecotourism is small scale, low impact tourism that offers travelers an opportunity to learn about the local flora, fauna, and culture. Unlike your standard tour guide service, the focus of ecotourism is to educate guests on how they can positively impact the environment and community they’re visiting. Tourists are able to immerse themselves in the culture and habitat, gaining an understanding of the positive impact each can have on the other. Ecological sustainability and responsibility are the heart of this educating and rewarding experience.

As many consumers ponder the environmental impact humans have had on our environment, there are many who have taken it upon themselves to get out and do something about it. They’ve made it their life’s mission to make positive strides, educating others along the way. Entrepreneurs who have made this their lives’ work and who truly enjoy igniting this passion in others would be best suited for this travel business venture.

Learn how to start an ecotour business .

16. FISHING CHARTER BUSINESS

Fishing Charter Business image

Many people enjoy fishing, but few people have boats, tackle, and knowledge to go fishing far from shore. Fishing charter businesses take people on fishing trips that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience. These trips may range from going into swamps to venturing far offshore. Customers are usually allowed to keep any fish that they catch (assuming the fish are legal to keep).

Anyone who is passionate about fishing and enjoys sharing that passion with other people may be well-suited for running a fishing charter business. Customers expect fishing charter captains to be knowledgeable about and have a love for fishing, and sharing that knowledge and love helps ensure customers have a great time.

Learn how to start a fishing charter business .

17. GLAMPING BUSINESS

Glamping Business image

A glamping business is next on our comprehensive list of travel startup ideas. Glamping, or "glamorous camping," has taken England by storm and is quickly becoming popular within the United States. Although there aren’t any official statistics for glamping in the U.S., industry insiders have seen a big increase in demand recently. For entrepreneurs, this demand represents an exciting opportunity.

People who enjoy connecting with others and being outdoors may enjoy running a glamping business. Interpersonal skills are necessary because much of the business involves making guests feel welcome. A passion for the outdoors is helpful, for glamping is largely about connecting with nature.

Learn how to start a glamping business .

18. GOLF COURSE

Golf Course image

Golf courses provide these people with a place to play the sport. Most courses are 9 or 18 holes, and they may have other amenities, such as clubhouses and pro shops. Anyone who is well-versed in a variety of aspects of business and enjoys golfing themselves may be qualified to run a golf course.

It’s important to have a broad business background because golf courses are multi-faceted businesses. Running one might include course maintenance, employee management, restaurant service, event hosting, and investment opportunities.

Learn how to start a golf course .

19. HAUNTED ATTRACTION

Haunted House Business image

A haunted thrill park is any space designed to entice customers by offering a scary or thrilling experience. Americans spend about $7 billion on Halloween, and $300 million on haunted houses. Haunted thrill parks may be located in makeshift, temporary houses, corn mazes, or even old prisons or asylums. Typically, workers will dress up in costumes and pop out at customers to give them a fright. Props such as fake chainsaws or straight jackets are often used alongside fog machines and soundtracks of creepy noises.

There is an art to scaring people while keeping them safe, so an entrepreneur will have to coordinate the right scenes while ensuring workers understand how to handle the guests. Those who already have a love of haunted houses likely understand what's currently out there, and what people would like to see in the future.

Learn how to start a haunted attraction .

20. HELICOPTER TOUR BUSINESS

Helicopter Tour Business image

A helicopter tour business takes customers on short flights so they can view their city from a bird's-eye view. This is typically marketed as a more expensive service for a more adventurous clientele, and it adds a touch of excitement to any community.

This business is ideal for those already licensed to fly a helicopter, as there is a significant investment of time and money required to acquire a license. As such, it typically makes a good business for retired military personnel. Aside from a knowledge of helicopters, one of the best qualities for this business is to be a “people person,” as you must be able to charm customers before, during, and after the flight.

Learn how to start a helicopter tour business .

Start a Travel and Hospitality Business In Your State

21. hotel business.

Hotel Business image

A hotel can be any commercial building that charges money to travelers who need a room to stay. This can be anything from a standard multi-unit building to luxury stand-alone villas. As airline prices drop and the economy improves, corporate and personal travel continues to increase. The hotel industry generated just under $200 billion in revenue in 2016.

This startup idea is good for someone who enjoys the hospitality business. Those who run hotels have to be adept at catering to a number of different needs, so an owner will need to be flexible when it comes to how they respond to different travelers and consistent when it comes to delivering unparalleled customer service. From business travelers to young families, each guest will have their own priorities when it comes to where they stay.

Learn how to start a hotel business .

22. HOUSE-SITTING BUSINESS

House-Sitting Business image

House sitting is a service offered to customers who are out of town or otherwise away from the home. House sitters may look after pets, plants, or just the home itself. House sitters help the community in a number of ways. They can ward off criminals by simply being in the house, and they keep cats and dogs from having to be put into kennels.

This business is good for those who want to maintain people’s homes while they’re away. Ideally, house sitters should be animal lovers who know how to take care of a variety of different types of dogs and cats.

Learn how to start a house-sitting business .

23. KENNEL BUSINESS

Kennel Business image

Many dog owners, for a variety of reasons, don’t bring their dogs with them on trips. A kennel business gives dog owners a safe place to leave their dogs while they’re away. At a kennel, dogs have a safe place to rest, are fed and get exercise.

Anyone who loves dogs may be well-suited for owning a kennel business, as most of the work involves taking care of dogs. Owners often have to play with dogs, and they sometimes need to physically move stubborn pooches. Therefore, owners should be in decent physical condition.

Learn how to start a kennel business .

Marina Business image

Boat owners need a place to keep their boats, both during the boating season and the off-season. While some boats can be kept on a trailer and launched, other vessels cannot -- and even boaters who have trailerable vessels often don’t want to have to launch and take out their boat every time they go out on the water.

A marina business offers boaters a place to keep their boats, docking or mooring them in the water during the boating season, and storing them on land for the rest of the year.

Learn how to start a marina .

25. PARTY BUS BUSINESS

Party Bus Business image

One more of several popular travel business ideas is a party bus business. A party bus business will transport people for major events, so they don’t have to worry about the logistics of getting from place to place. While people on the bus are generally invited to consume alcohol (if they're of age), party buses don’t necessarily have to offer adult beverages as a part of their business model.

This business is excellent for someone who understands both the large and small aspects of major events. Clients want to be able to relax and feel as though they're taken care of, so they need someone who is confident in making decisions quickly and being able to think on the fly in the face of potential hiccups or even outright emergencies.

Learn how to start a party bus business .

26. PET-SITTING BUSINESS

Pet-Sitting Business image

Pet sitting businesses offer pet owners a variety of animal care services, including exercising their pets while they are at work. They also provide an affordable alternative to boarding pets at a kennel during vacations or business trips. Being able to remain in their own home environment can reduce separation anxiety for both pets and their owners.

This is a great business idea for animal lovers who enjoy walking and staying active. It’s ideal for people who prefer lower stress levels, since spending time with pets has been shown to reduce stress. Those who are compassionate and responsible, yet prefer to work alone and be their own bosses as well as make their own schedules thrive in this type of business.

Learn how to start a pet-sitting business .

27. SCOOTER RENTAL BUSINESS

Scooter Rental Business image

A scooter rental business offers customers a fun and affordable option for short-term transportation. For most, scooters can be rented with hourly, half-day, and whole day rates.

If you have experience in retail sales or product rentals, knowledge of small engines, a strong work ethic, and a business mind, a scooter rental business could be your ticket to financial independence. Especially if you have a background in scooters and motorcycles—either as a rider, enthusiast, or from working in a motorbike retail business—your expertise could set you apart from the competition.

Learn how to start a scooter rental business .

28. SCUBA DIVING BUSINESS

Scuba Diving Business image

Scuba diving affords an unparalleled experience with the underwater world. However, safe diving requires training, equipment, and often a guide. Scuba diving businesses provide divers with the training, equipment, and local knowledge they need to have a fun and safe time underwater.

While scuba diving businesses can generate sizable profits, most business owners don’t get into this type of work solely for the financial return on investment. Instead, they’re passionate scuba divers themselves and are drawn to the scuba lifestyle. They like the idea of making money doing a sport they love.

Learn how to start a scuba diving business .

29. SKI RESORT

Ski Resort image

Ski resorts are one of the main places people go for wintertime fun. Resorts offer skiing, snowboarding, equipment rentals and lessons. Many resorts also have concessions, a restaurant, a bar, and other amenities.

Someone with a diverse skillset and background in business may be well-suited for running a ski resort business. The multi-faceted nature of ski resorts requires knowledge of multiple aspects of running a business. For instance, running a ski resort business might include equipment maintenance, snowmaking decisions, concession management, and program creation.

Learn how to start a ski resort .

30. SKYDIVING BUSINESS

Skydiving Business image

Customers of skydiving businesses receive access to the complete experience, either in tandem with an experienced jumper or solo. The entertainment package includes the airplane ride, all equipment, landing site—also known as the dropzone or DZ—and the leadership/coaching of a jumpmaster. Other products or services might also be offered through the business, from parachute training before the jump to photography or video production of the jump.

Most people who would consider starting such a business are experienced jumpers, but that’s not mandatory. You should, at a minimum, feel comfortable convincing partners or investors and officials of the wisdom of your plans and your skydiving business’ value to the community.

Learn how to start a skydiving business .

31. SNORKELING BUSINESS

Snorkeling Business image

A snorkeling business will typically sell or rent out various safety gear and snorkeling equipment to water-lovers of all ages. These travel businesses can also offer tours to their customers in addition to or instead of a physical store location.

Owners should ideally have an inherent love of the water, so they can introduce their passion for exploration to new generations of snorkelers. They should also enjoy working with people who may not know very much about how to use the equipment.

Learn how to start a snorkeling business .

32. SOUVENIR SHOP

Souvenir Shop image

As the owner of a souvenir shop, you’ll stock your retail store, cart or kiosk with an inventory of interest to tourists. Your offerings will reflect the demographics and socioeconomic strata of the market. For instance, if you’re at a vacation destination that draws young families, you might stock novelty trinkets, toys, t-shirts, candy, and gum. However, if you’ll attract more sophisticated travelers, you might sell pricier jewelry with a local slant -- ie, designed with stones or gems found in the region.

You can succeed if you know your market. You must be able to match the inventory with the needs of vacationers and at an affordable price point.

Learn how to start a souvenir shop .

33. SUMMER CAMP

Summer Camp Business

Successful summer camp business owners respond to the needs of their customers and communities by developing curriculum and activities that focus on their specific interests, goals, and objectives. Traditional summer camps offer outdoor activities such as hiking, building campfires, and canoeing. Sleep-away camps offer food and lodging as well as trained supervision during physical and educational activities. Day camps do not include lodging and offer more specialized learning activities such as computer science, performing arts and music. Today, there are summer camp programs available for nearly every imaginable purpose, interest and need.

This business is a good choice for people who love teaching but prefer a beautiful natural setting to a formal classroom. High-energy individuals thrive on the combination of physical and mental activity this type of business provides. Creative people welcome the challenge of providing fun, interesting, and engaging songs, games, and educational activities for campers. Those who enjoy working with and enriching the lives of children and families experience a high level of job satisfaction within this industry.

Learn how to start a summer camp .

34. SURFING SCHOOL

Surfing School image

Running a surf school and teaching surfing classes is a lifestyle with a dedication to the ocean water. It has the requirement to live on the coast of a country. The best places in America are the west coast of California and the islands of Hawaii. You may also find some decent surfing in other parts of the world such as Australia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and even in exotic places like Fiji and the beach areas of Sanya, China. No matter where you decide is best, you need to love the ocean water, work in a nice surfing spot, and want to teach people how to surf.

Surfers are people who enjoy the surfing lifestyle. Every day is a day at the beach when the waves are good. Surfers who want to teach others are even more special because they need to have patience when being an instructor for first-time learners. The best surfers enjoy daily surfing and catching good waves for them is a spiritual experience.

Learn how to start a surfing school .

35. TOUR COMPANY

Tour Company image

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.

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.

Learn how to start a tour company .

Learn more about starting a business by visting the  U.S. Small Business Administration .

36. TRAVEL AGENCY

Travel Agency image

Most travel agencies earn revenue through commissions. Consumers often choose agencies because they help cut down on time needed to research various locations and book accommodations. A popular trend in the industry is online agencies, which operate mostly or exclusively online.

This business idea is perfect for individuals who are passionate about travel, love learning about and visiting new places, and are very detail-oriented. Travel agency owners have very flexible hours but usually only after they have an established book of clients.

Learn how to start a travel agency .

37. TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS

Travel Photography Business image

A travel photographer uses their camera to provide high-quality images to a variety of clients that may include websites, travel blogs, print magazines, television ads, and framed prints for sale. You will need to travel extensively to a variety of locations to deliver the landscapes, hotel rooms, and recreational shots that your clients are looking for. You'll work hard to develop a variety of clients who work with you to determine where your next shoot should be while your self-promotion and marketing will reach out to new clients.

A successful travel photographer will have extensive knowledge of how to use their camera to get the highest definition images containing dramatic landscapes. They will need to enjoy living on the road, hiking, and exploring distant locales to get the perfect shot. They should be sociable and able to toot their own horn in order to develop new clients and customers.

Learn how to start a travel photography business .

38. WALKING TOUR BUSINESS

Walking Tour Business image

Next on our list of travel business ideas is a walking tour business. Tourists are constantly in search of hidden gems and insider knowledge about their destination, which is what walking tour businesses provide. These travel businesses take tourists on guided explorations of an area, during which time tourists see both famous locations and lesser-known attractions while getting lots of local knowledge.

Most walking tours explore the area through a particular interest, and there are tours for all kinds of interests. For example, in New York City there are walking tour businesses that offer guided explorations of the city’s haunted locations, architecture and street art.

Learn how to start a walking tour business .

39. WATERPARK

Waterpark image

Amusement parks are a popular vacation destination for families all over the world. Few things are more exhilarating than experiencing the rides, laughing and screaming as you make your way to the bottom. Couple that with water, and you have a family-friendly adventure for individuals of all ages.

Entrepreneurs with previous small business ownership or management would be best suited for this business venture. Innovators who enjoy a fast-paced atmosphere and are dedicated to reinvesting a portion of their profits can turn a small waterpark into a million-dollar enterprise in a matter of years.

Learn how to start a waterpark .

40. WINE TOUR BUSINESS

Wine Tour Business image

Wine tours educate people about grapes, fermentation, and flavor profiles. From varietals to harvesting techniques to the best way to taste the wine, tours are meant to be as informative as they are fun. These tours can help people appreciate all that goes into a single sip, and promote local businesses by exposing their product to more people.

This travel business is good for someone who already has a healthy interest in how vineyards work, and who enjoys teaching people in an entertaining way. Ideally, it should be far less about enjoying a good bottle of wine, and far more about being a good (and organized) educator.

Learn how to start a wine tour business .

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Home Business Ideas

There are a variety of businesses you can run out of your home, and because of the minimal overhead expenses, most of them can be started fairly cheaply. In this article, we outline our top 40 home business ideas for the modern entrepreneur.

tourism based business ideas

Online Business Ideas

Whether you’re looking to build an online empire or earn a little money on the side, one of the best things about owning an online business is having the ability to work as much or as little as you want -- from whatever location you prefer.

tourism based business ideas

Low-Cost Business Ideas

In this article, we outline our top 40 business ideas with low startup costs to help you find a low-cost business idea that aligns with your interests and goals.

tourism based business ideas

Side-Hustle Business Ideas

If you’re looking to scratch the entrepreneurial itch without giving up your day job, you’re probably on the hunt for a side-hustle that aligns with your personal interests and your schedule. These 40 side-hustles satisfy a range of interests and can easily turn into full-time careers.

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Small Business Trends

15 innovative travel business ideas for aspiring entrepreneurs.

travel business ideas

As the world finally opens up for business, the beleaguered travel industry is getting its groove back. Not surprisingly, this is attracting a number of small business owners to explore travel business ideas.

What Are Travel Businesses?

Travel businesses primarily revolve around providing diverse services that facilitate and enhance the experience of traveling.

These services can range from arranging lodging accommodations, vehicle rentals for transportation, curated excursions, and immersive activities that allow travelers to deeply engage with the local culture.

While the travel sector primarily focuses on the logistics of transportation and lodging, it deeply intertwines with the broader tourism industry.

Together, they aim to create memorable experiences for tourists, catering to their varied preferences and ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.

READ MORE: Build A Travel Business You Can Sell With These 5 Tips

travel business ideas

Be sure to check out Income Hub’s article, “7 Travel Business Ideas Trending With Low Startup Costs,” after you’re done reading:

The Travel and Hospitality Industry

The unanticipated global pandemic wreaked havoc on the travel and tourism sector. Consequently, and for a prolonged two-year period, businesses worldwide faced unprecedented challenges as international and domestic movements came to an almost complete standstill.

However, there’s renewed optimism that this is the year the industry will make a triumphant comeback. The continued prevalence of flexible working arrangements has given birth to a new category of travelers – those combining work with leisure.

Responding to this change, the travel industry is innovating to integrate work-friendly environments, such as co-working spaces within hotels or resorts.

Furthermore, a significant shift towards sustainable travel is becoming increasingly evident. Today’s travelers are not just satisfied with basic eco-friendly initiatives. They are actively seeking out holistic, sustainable travel experiences.

This encompasses everything from choosing accommodations that practice waste reduction, opting for transportation methods with a smaller carbon footprint, to prioritizing dining options that serve vegan dishes and use locally-sourced ingredients.

travel business ideas

Why You Should Consider Starting Your Own Business In Travel

travel business ideas - woman using her laptop to work in the travel industry in her home office

From a commercial standpoint, this is perhaps the best time to start your own business in travel.

Let’s take a look at the factors that make this a lucrative business opportunity.

  • Potential to earn more: As traveling regains popularity, there are abundant opportunities to increase your income.
  • Choose your domain: Another great thing about starting a travel-related business is you have plenty of options to explore. For example, you may choose to specialize in a domain such as travel photography or travel consulting based on your interest.
  • Do without an office: Thanks to digitalization, a number of small travel businesses have gone completely online. This saves these online business owners both time and money.
  • Partner with other service providers: As a business owner in this sector, you don’t have to venture out alone. You can easily tie up with other service providers and offer a better deal to your customers.
  • Low startup cost: Many small businesses prefer the travel industry because of the low startup cost. Depending on the scale you have in mind, you can keep your business profitable.

READ MORE: Small Business Ideas for Beginners

Our Methodology to Choose the Best Travel Business Ideas

When exploring travel business ideas, it’s crucial to choose concepts that are not only viable in the current travel market but also resonate with the entrepreneur’s interests and capabilities. Here’s the methodology we used to evaluate potential travel business opportunities:

Market Demand and Travel Trends (Rating: 9/10)

Assessing the current and emerging trends in the travel industry was our starting point. We focused on business ideas that cater to popular travel trends, such as eco-tourism, adventure travel, or luxury experiences.

Niche Market Opportunities (Rating: 8/10)

We looked for niches within the travel sector that offer unique opportunities. This includes specialized tour services, niche accommodation options, or catering to specific traveler demographics.

Low Initial Investment and Overhead (Rating: 7/10)

Considering the startup costs and ongoing operational expenses was crucial. We prioritized travel business ideas that require minimal initial investment and have manageable overhead costs.

Flexibility and Lifestyle Fit (Rating: 8/10)

The travel industry often allows for flexibility in terms of operation. We selected ideas that can adapt to the entrepreneur’s lifestyle, whether they seek full-time engagement or part-time involvement.

Profitability and Revenue Streams (Rating: 8/10)

Evaluating the potential for profit and diverse revenue streams was key. We looked for travel business ideas with a clear path to profitability, including opportunities for ancillary services and upselling.

Scalability and Expansion Potential (Rating: 7/10)

The potential for scaling and expanding the business was another important factor. We considered travel business ideas that can grow over time, either through geographical expansion, franchising, or diversifying services.

Personal Passion and Expertise (Rating: 8/10)

Finally, aligning the business with personal interests and expertise in travel is vital. We focused on ideas that match the entrepreneur’s passion for travel, enhancing their dedication and satisfaction.

By applying these criteria, we aimed to identify travel business ideas that not only promise profitability and market relevance but also align with the entrepreneur’s passion for travel and lifestyle preferences.

Popular Travel Business Ideas

Today, the travel business goes beyond setting up an agency. Thanks to customers who continue to look for better options, there are a number of profitable travel business ideas. Let’s explore some of these in detail.

1. Tour Guide Business

travel business ideas - tour guide showing customers the sights

This is the ideal business idea if you don’t have the capital to invest in your business – at least not in the initial phase. To succeed, you should have knowledge about the location where you operate. You should also be based in a place that draws enough travelers.

2. Bed and Breakfast Business

If you want to turn your home into a business location, a bed and breakfast is the right option for you. To make it popular with many travelers, you need to offer a truly great experience. This includes having a real passion for hosting different people and making them feel comfortable during their stay.

3. Car Rental Business

Many travelers rely on cars to move around when they travel. For this reason, a car rental is the most obvious choice for many of these travelers. If you have experience with automobiles and their maintenance, this business can work for you.

4. Scooter Rental Business

Many leisure travelers prefer using scooters, especially when the weather is great outdoors. To be able to start this business, you should have at least 3-4 scooters. You should also have in-depth knowledge about scooters.

travel business idea scooter rental

5. Travel Photography Business

If solopreneurship is your calling, starting a travel photography company is one of the obvious choices. As a travel photographer, you have the flexibility and freedom to travel, take pictures and make money. Moreover, if you’re truly talented, you can make a lot of money through the various stock photography websites.

6. Translation services

Another popular option for those who want to run their business independently is translation services. And this skill will come in handy when you are contending with customers coming from the outside. As such, your ability to converse fluently in more than one language is especially useful when you are in a busy town that sees a lot of travelers.

7. Medical Tourism

In recent years, medical tourism has become widely popular in various parts of the world. In addition to the modern medical sciences, many people are interested in holistic, traditional treatment options. It goes without saying you need to have the right credentials to be able to start this lucrative business.

8. Adventure Trips

Adventure tourism is a niche within the travel industry. Extremely popular with young people, it is a great service-based business. Generally, you will have to gain experience and credentials to start this type of business.

9. Event Planning

travel business ideas - event planning

Another business model that pays pretty well is corporate event planning. As an event planner, you will be responsible for designing unique corporate events. Be that as it may, this is not a one-person business. You will need a personal assistant and some extra manpower to succeed.

10. Travel Blogging

Making money through their travel blog is a full-time job for a number of travelers. Therefore, if you have the passion to write and document your adventures, you can turn yourself into a social media influencer. Of course, competition on social media platforms is quite fierce, but with good content, you can easily stand out.

travel business idea

More Great Ideas for Traveling Businesses

With several options to choose from, zeroing in on the best travel business idea may seem challenging. The trick is to focus on where your passion truly lies. Let’s explore some more ideas for your business.

11. Coffee Shop

Travelers all over the world need coffee to keep themselves energized. A coffee shop, therefore, is a great idea to attract a client base. Your choice of location will matter greatly when you set up your shop.

12. Glamping Business

travel business ideas - lit up glamping tents at campsite

Glamping brings glamor to the fun outdoor activity of camping. The idea is to create a sophisticated ambiance for campers. Of course, you need a great location and the right services in place to succeed with this.

13. Kayak Tours

Many adventurous travelers enjoy kayaking. But since bringing a kayak is often not an option for them, they have to rely on local businesses. Fortunately, this is where you can make a difference and make money through adventure sports.

14. Water Taxi Service

travel business ideas - water taxi

Depending on the location, you can offer water taxi services to your customers. This business requires you to make a small capital investment.

15. Travel Agency

Setting up an agency is a great idea if you have the adequate knowledge and manpower to cater to your customer demands. Meanwhile, if you lack the manpower, you can work as an independent operator or partner with a major travel company.

READ MORE: How to Start a Travel Agency

travel business ideas

Comparison of Popular Travel Business Ideas

To better assist aspiring entrepreneurs in selecting a suitable travel business venture, we’ve compiled a table that compares various business ideas based on their startup capital requirement and potential profitability:

Technological Adaptations in the Travel Business Landscape

As the travel industry continues to evolve, it is undeniable that technology-driven innovations are at the forefront of this transformation. From the emergence of smart hotels and immersive AR/VR experiences to the convenience of contactless solutions and the precision of AI-powered personalization, travelers are witnessing a revolution that promises a more seamless and efficient journey.

Here’s a closer look at some of these cutting-edge advancements :

  • Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality Tours: While VR provides an immersive experience where users feel like they are in a different location, AR enhances real-world views by overlaying them with digital elements, such as historical information or interactive exhibits. Both these tools allow potential travelers to explore and interact with a location or accommodation before making a booking, offering an enriched pre-travel experience.
  • Contactless Technology : Given the hygiene concerns post-pandemic, the adoption of contactless payments, check-ins, and digital room keys has increased, ensuring safety and convenience for travelers.
  • AI-Powered Personalization : To enhance customer experience, businesses are increasingly leveraging Artificial Intelligence. AI tools analyze past travel behaviors to recommend tailor-made travel packages, ensuring a more personalized journey for each traveler.
  • Environmental Monitoring Tools : With the rising emphasis on sustainable travel, some innovative platforms now offer real-time data on the environmental impact of travel choices. This can cover carbon footprints, energy consumption, and waste production, allowing travelers to make more informed, eco-friendly decisions.
  • Mental Well-being Focus : Recognizing the pandemic’s toll on mental health, travel packages often include mindfulness and wellness components. Retreats, yoga sessions, and mental well-being workshops are becoming popular inclusions in travel itineraries.
  • Smart Hotels: The concept of “Smart Hotels” encompasses automated room settings, robot-assisted services, integrated mobile apps, energy efficiency systems, and personalized guest experiences, revolutionizing the stay experience for travelers.

travel business ideas

How Do You Start Your Own Travel Business?

Launching a travel business begins with a concrete vision and a meticulously detailed business plan. It’s pivotal to understand that while some niches in the travel segment might be lucrative, they may also demand a considerable initial financial outlay.

Thus, potential entrepreneurs should thoroughly evaluate their financial standing and possibly gravitate towards business models that are more budget-friendly, especially if initial capital is a concern.

Beyond finances, it’s crucial to introspect and understand the intrinsic motivations pushing one towards this industry.

Is it a passion for travel, an interest in other cultures, or the thrill of entrepreneurship? Recognizing this driving force can guide the business’s direction and ethos.

Image: Envato Elements

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Start » business ideas, 10 travel and hospitality business ideas.

As travelers contemplate comfortable new ways to satisfy their wanderlust, opportunity awaits for entrepreneurs who offer safe, fun and authentic experiences and services.

 A group of seven friends sit on an orange picnic blanket outside, with a scenic valley in the background and trees strung with lights overhead. In front of the group are glasses of wine, a couple of lanterns, a charcuterie board, and mason jars filled with a golden beverage. Each member of the group holds up a lit sparkler.

With barriers easing, both literally and figuratively, many travelers are in the planning stages of long-awaited reunions, getaways and adventures. For some pleasure-seekers, their post-pandemic plans look very different than they did before. Travel is an industry that has been significantly reshaped , with experiences and expectations now looking vastly different.

With comfort and confidence levels rising anew, all signs point to opportunity for those looking to start a small, travel-related business and parlay their savvy of the tourism scene with a side of next-level hospitality. The sky’s the limit, and these 10 ideas are great starting points for entrepreneurs of various interests and levels of expertise.

Bed-and-breakfast owner

In the current climate, many travelers are road-tripping it to smaller, more quaint destinations, seeking accommodations with a certain charm, character and personal approach to hospitality...and safety. The $3.4 billion bed-and-breakfast industry checks all the boxes and presents a great opportunity for those looking for a way into the tourism landscape without leaving home. Once you’ve established that you are someone who loves hosting and spending time with others, you will need a residence with enough space to create private accommodations for guests, ideally each with their own bathrooms. The more rooms you have to offer, the greater the income potential. B&B ownership also means a significant upfront investment , from securing permits to building out guest rooms, buying furnishings and essentials and accounting for kitchen upgrades and food needs. Sustainability, farm-to-table or plant-based menus and local cooking classes are some of the ways some bed-and-breakfast hosts are creating a point of difference in their market.

Glamping host

Perhaps you don’t have the indoor square footage and blueprints to create bed-and-breakfast accommodations, but you do possess the gift of great hospitality, live in a desirable destination and have an enviable backyard or are near a special natural setting. You could have the makings of a glamping business. Glamping is elevated camping, with upgraded accommodations, from luxurious tents to more unique structures , and an emphasis on comfort and amenities like access to bathrooms, fire pits, cookware to facilitate meal prep...and maybe even an outdoor pizza oven. Glamping is a form of travel gaining in appeal among couples, groups of friends and families, with market forecasts expecting that it will reach $1.88 billion in revenue this year. Before you jump in, make sure to secure all necessary permits for your location. Once you’re ready for visitors, post swoon-worthy photos on social media and all the details on booking sites like Airbnb , Glamping Hub , Cool Camping and Hip Camp .

Private tour guide

If you live in or near a sought-after town or city and love to share everything there is to know (including its best-kept secrets) with others, offering up your knowledge and passion as a private tour guide could be rewarding and profitable. You can essentially set your own schedule, create an experience that is unlike any other in your area and customize tours based on traveler preferences and interests. Building relationships with cool local businesses can be a great way to give tourists an insider’s perspective and support the community. Get your feet wet with the built-in audience and fulfillment support of platforms like ToursByLocals , which connects travelers with private local guides for a percentage of each booking. Build your business by posting tour details on local Facebook groups as well as groups targeted to visitors to your area.

Travel blogger

Travel bloggers have become a trusted source for inspiration, advice and recommendations for those dreaming about or planning trips. These bloggers document their research and experiences, often in great detail, through captivating writing and images that command the attention of travelers—and the advertisers and content providers who want to reach them. Having a niche (like sustainable travel, solo travel or last-minute getaways), a unique voice and great insider tips on local hot spots or ways to save time and money are key. Building a profitable business out of your passion means a lot of relationship building and marketing to integrate affiliate links , content sponsorships and advertising, plus becoming part of the select few that are offered paid travel to write about a locale or hotel. You can also generate income by charging a fee for travel photographers to curate your site with their images, crediting them and linking back to their online galleries. As a starting point, it’s a good idea to spend time on the leading travel blogs to gain insight and best practices.

A background in tourism or hospitality can be a plus, as is niche expertise in a particular city or region.

Tourism and hospitality translator

If you’re fluent in multiple languages, able to not only speak, but write, with creativity, proficiency and ease, there are tour operators, hotels, restaurants and many other travel-related businesses that may be in need of your skills. From websites to brochures to menus, inclusivity is key to welcoming travelers who want to understand the food, art, attractions and culture of their chosen destination without language being a major barrier. As a translator, you can help businesses of all sizes create dynamic digital and traditional communications that assist their foreign customers and create lasting, positive experiences. You can also offer in-person services as a translator for hotel guests in need of an interpreter for tours, business meetings or social engagements.

Photographer

Photographers in the travel space are skilled at capturing the best or most interesting attributes of a destination, its people and its culture. Photography is an exciting profession for those who have mastered the makings of a great shot from angles to lighting and have the equipment, flexibility and adventurous spirit to deliver wonder and a sense of the world through images. Travel photography is not limited to one style or category. It is a field with many different specialties . The key is aligning your passion and talent with opportunities in the marketplace, such as photography for marketing materials, web content or selling your images as prints. An attention-worthy digital portfolio , a social media presence and positive reviews are all key drivers of photography business success.

Local cooking classes

Love to cook and get rave reviews for your culinary skills? Know some recipes that capture the flavors of your hometown, city or region? Why not consider hosting cooking classes marketed to travelers and visitors looking for something special and authentic to do during their adventure? Culinary tourism is on the rise as more and more people crave travel that exposes them to exciting food and drink experiences. An off-the-beaten-track invitation to participate in preparing local flavors in the comfort of a home kitchen is a very intimate, special and unique opportunity. Offer a menu of local favorites while sharing stories and anecdotes that captivate. Make sure to know and fulfill any licensing requirements that exist in your town.

Vehicle rental

The current automotive shortage has trickled down to rental cars, with lack of availability amid increased demand driving up prices considerably. With no sign of the shortage abating, those with a spare set of wheels can be of great value to out-of-town travelers in need of a way to get around. You can establish your own rental business, adding the vehicles of nearby friends and neighbors to your fleet, but you’ll want to first test-drive the idea through one of the popular peer-to-peer platforms already up and running, like Turo and Getaround . These apps have the ability to pre-screen applicants to weed out those with a record of past major accidents or frequent violations and also protect car owners with a $1 million insurance policy—all important elements to consider and have in place.

Souvenir shop

Travelers rarely return home without bearing gifts for others and something for themselves to remember their travels. In fact, the souvenir and novelty market is expected to grow by nearly $12 billion between 2021 and 2025. Sadly, the reality is that touristy gift shops are a dime a dozen, turning out factory-made T-shirts and trinkets and lacking the authenticity that many travelers seek. If you live in an area rich in history and culture and have experience in sales, explore the possibility of opening up a gift shop featuring and supporting local artisans. Sourcing items can be a challenge; however, Etsy is a great platform for identifying creators who live in your area and may have crafts and wares with a wow factor. Local restaurants with their own lines of bottled or packaged foods are another good area to explore.

Travel concierge service

If you are well-traveled, highly resourceful, well-connected and hyper-focused on life’s little details, you can put your knowledge and skills to good use as a personal or corporate travel concierge. A travel concierge attends to every aspect of their clients’ travels, from arranging transportation and dining reservations to accessing premium event tickets and booking tours, attractions and unique experiences. A background in tourism or hospitality can be a plus, as is niche expertise in a particular city or region. For instance, establishing yourself as an expert in all things Paris or focusing on tours for wine enthusiasts can help make you more marketable and focus your marketing efforts accordingly. The key to success is to make travel smooth, safe, memorable and authentic for your clients and elicit positive reviews through word-of-mouth and on well-trafficked travel sites and social media groups.

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35+ creative travels and tour ideas for your tourism business

35+ tours and travels business ideas

By Kevin Tjoe — 7 Feb 2022

business ideas   customer experience   marketing

Updated August 2023 – Are you weary of the monotonous 9 to 5 routine or feeling confined to your desk on a glorious day? Whether you’re aiming to break free from the grind or seeking to elevate your tourism business to new heights, the realm of possibilities awaits. Within the vast expanse of the tourism industry lies the canvas for an incredible business venture. It’s not just about forging a lucrative business, but about channeling your passion into a travel-related venture that resonates with your know-how and aspirations.

Amidst this landscape of opportunities, the spark of a great business idea can set the stage for crafting a truly profitable business. If you’re prepared to infuse your love for experiences with strategic thinking, get ready to unveil over 35 exciting tours and travel business ideas in our latest compilation. Your journey toward a rewarding and unforgettable business experience begins here.

Getting into the tour operator industry

tourism based business ideas

The tourism industry is such a rewarding one to work in. As a tour or activity operator, you can spend your days with great people, share your special part of the world and even raise awareness of important cultural or environmental values.

Of course, even if you don’t directly run tours and activities there are many different ways to build an amazing career in tourism. You could run a travel-related business. For example, if you’re a travel photographer, you could run your own travel photography business. Some other type of business ideas are souvenir shops, hiking gear rentals, running a travel blog or becoming a travel blogger, or even providing catering for tour and activity operators.

Staying open-minded will help you find your ideal niche in the industry and help you achieve your goal of becoming an entrepreneur within the tourism space!

5 tourism business ideas to get started with

When you offer travel tours, you’re offering an enjoyable journey of some kindled by an experienced guide. Some of the hottest tours and travels business ideas right now include:

  • Walking tours and bike tours
  • Snorkeling tours
  • Tours that take into account growing wine and food tourism trends , such as Hideaway Private Tours , Black Swan Tours , Darwin Gourmet Tours , and Mullarkey Tours
  • Ghost or haunted location tours
  • Scenic guided tours, such as Italy Pass Tours , Wineglass Bay Discovery Tours, Meteora Thrones , and Bruny Island Safari

There may also be a gap in your local area for a niche tour guide business. For example: if your hometown was the birthplace of a famous musician or even a centuries-old famous cuisine, there could be a perfect opportunity to tap into that interest!

Keep in mind there are two big growth areas to consider when it comes to offering tours for the modern traveler:

  • Sustainable and ecotourism, because guests increasingly want to minimize their environmental impact when traveling. Find out more about proactive steps that sustainable tour operators can take here
  • Culturally and socially responsible tours , where guests look for a genuine experience connecting with local people and practices

2. Activities

Tourism activities can encompass a vast array of options from the relaxing to the extreme! These could involve physical activities, connection with natural environments, or even incorporate virtual reality. Unique experiences such as hot air balloon rides are also an option for relaxing activities that involve a thrilling side to them. You could also consider more recent technology that people might be itching to try out, such as jet boarding , flyboarding,  and indoor skydiving . There may also be an opportunity to offer intentionally tech-free experiences – such as a retreat with no mobile reception where people can unwind!

Here are some other popular tourist activity ideas:

  • Escape room experiences 
  • Glowing art rooms or VR rooms
  • Themed corporate retreats  or glamping
  • Modern summer camps or school camps
  • Survival or bushcraft trips
  • Fitness or wellbeing retreats

There are two big notable areas to consider for tour operator activities. Think about:

  • Activities that are family and group friendly , which are becoming popular within the travel industry as social restrictions ease.
  • Accessibility . Tourism business owners should be actively looking for ways to support equal access so everyone can enjoy their activities – as best as possible for the activity in question.

3. Attractions

As a travel software provider , we can say with certainty that experiential travel is huge right now. Considering that experiential tourist attractions have both local and long-distance appeal for travelers, they offer an impressive amount of opportunities for growing tourism businesses. These can range from heritage attractions and natural formations to cutting-edge art exhibitions.

tourism business ideas

Here are more relevant ideas for building an attraction that guests will be keen to visit:

  • Amusement parks 
  • Niche museums and art galleries
  • Festivals with amazing settings
  • Garden and maze experiences
  • Instagram-worthy photo rooms and experiences , such as Selfie Factory or Happy Place
  • Magic shows,  such as Gentleman Magician
  • Farms, petting zoos , and horse riding such as Sun Valley Mares and Swan Valley Wagon Tours

Nostalgia and retro appeal are also big right now in attractions, with everything from arcade games to Australia’s ‘ big things’ providing popular. Travelers are increasingly looking to explore the road less traveled and find novel experiences. So – even if you’re in a small regional area you could get in on the action by embracing the bizarre, weird, and wonderful!

4. Shuttles

As interstate and international travel resumes, there will be demand for airport transfers, shuttles , and unique transport options to and from accommodation. You might tap into the wedding transportation market, or offer fun journeys for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties. Consider how you’ll separate your shuttle service from the rest with either a unique form of transport, added options like food and drink, or a distinctive driver who adds to the experience. You might consider offering:

  • An airport shuttle business
  • Traveler shuttles to accommodate tour and travel bookings
  • A party bus or ferry
  • Specialist pet or luggage delivery
  • Unique transport such as tuk-tuks, school buses, or a custom limo 
  • Premium shuttle services .

It’s also worth considering the notable events in your area and how people might want to travel to these. Guests may get excited about a festival bus that transports them from the city to the festival site complete with karaoke, as just one example!

5. Charters & equipment hire

Travelers love charter services because they can have a luxurious or far-flung experience without having to buy all the equipment or vehicles themselves! There are numerous forms of rental businesses you could run such as self-driven charters, car rentals, or equipment hire. You could even go a step further by providing an experienced skipper or pilot as part of the product package. Ideas for modern charter businesses include:

  • Party yachts for relaxed island days
  • Fishing charters 
  • Houseboat charters
  • Private river cruise charters
  • Hovercraft charters
  • Kayak,  rafting, small boat hire , or paddle board
  • Helicopter or small plane charters

tours and travel business ideas

For tour guides looking at how to run a charter boat business , it’s a great idea to promote the destination as well as the charter experience itself as the two go hand in hand.

A great charter experience is almost always about the escape from the everyday. It’s something guests are willing to splurge on, so be sure to consider ways you can elevate the experience. You can achieve this by offering optional extras and added services. If you are wondering how to sell tour packages with your charter service, extra bonuses like drink options, catering, entertainment, and DJs can help to boost your revenue.

6. Luxury vacation operators & Travel agency business

Guests love Luxury Vacations because they are money-rich but time-poor. They want to draw on the experience and expertise of their trusted travel agent or operator to discover the finest travel arrangements, boutique properties & off-the-beaten-track destinations. However, they may not have the time to research the thousands of options available to them. And because they may well only visit these destinations only once in their life and want to be sure they get the greatest possible experience. They’ll want the security of knowing they will be well looked after whilst visiting far-off countries with different languages and customs with which they are not familiar.

A great example of one such Luxury Vacation Operator is  The Luxury Peru Travel Company . Their services provide guests with a chance to discover one of the Seven Wonders of the World – Machu Picchu – in absolute luxury.

Building your tours and travels business ideas in the tour operator industry

If you have a brilliant business idea in mind, then you may be raring to put the wheels in motion. There will be a few things to think about as you build out your business idea, such as finding the best name for your business , developing your business plan , and deciding how you’ll take bookings securely online with real-time availability. One big advantage in the tourism industry is also the ability to partner with resellers , distributors, and other tourism and travel businesses to grow your bookings faster.

Rezdy supports you with both online bookings and a distribution platform  developed specifically for the experiences industry. We’re also here to support you as you start your business – simply register for your free 21-day trial or book a demo with the Rezdy team to see how we can help your business.

You can also explore our Resources section to find industry-specific guides across business operations, marketing, and more, with a range of free ebooks available to help you save time and increase your bookings. If you enjoyed this article – 35+ tours and travels business ideas – then make sure to follow the Rezdy blog . There are a lot of marketing tools and tour operator tips designed with businesses like yours in mind.

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Innovation Snapshot

Top 7 Travel and Tourism Innovations From 2020

Travel has been limited this year, but the creative travel innovations continue. check out our top seven from 2020..

For much of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forbade us from visiting other households, let alone travelling to a different location or holidaying abroad. This had a devastating effect on the travel and tourism industry, with its global revenue dropping by a massive 42.1 per cent from 2019.

The impact of this has been manifold, touching communities who rely on tourism for survival, as well as multiple travel companies who have had to shut down. However, the upside of this has been the positive environment impact of travellers and tourists staying put.

Here, we have collected seven of our most creative travel and tourism innovations of the past year. Some seek to help those communities who rely on tourism by providing virtual experiences; some aim to make travelling in the future COVID-proof; and some hope to maintain the positive environmental impact of this year, by helping travel to become more sustainable.

tourism based business ideas

1. A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE FAROE ISLANDS WITH REMOTE-CONTROLLED GUIDES

Going a bit stir crazy from the lockdown? Missing your travel fix? The Faroe Islands, a Denmark territory, have come up with a way to allow people around the world to go on a self-guided tour of the archipelago. Camera-wearing locals respond to sight-seeing commands from people at home, allowing virtual tourists to control their own route.

Virtual visitors control their tour guide using a free app and have two minutes of control over the guide, who also provides a commentary. After their two minutes are up it is someone else’s turn, although virtual tourists can rejoin the queue for another two minutes any number of times. The tours are available for an hour twice each day, at 2 pm and 5 pm (BST). Guides may be in kayaks, on horseback or hiking around the mountain villages.

The remote North Atlantic islands depend heavily on tourism to augment traditional trades such as fishing and sheep-herding, and this year the Faroe Islands had planned to ramp up tourism with two new 200-room hotels in the capital, Tórshavn. Although the coronavirus pandemic has ended that ambition for this year, the Faroese hope the virtual tourism app will encourage people to come to visit in the future.

Read more about the virtual tour.

tourism based business ideas

2. HOTEL BOOKING PLATFORM OFFSETS 100 PER CENT OF CARBON EMISSIONS FROM HOTEL STAYS

The Denmark-based, hotel booking platform Goodwings offers subscription-based access to more than one million hotels worldwide at wholesale rates. However, Goodwings is more than the average booking site; the company is a B Corp–certified member aiming to turn the hotel industry into a catalyst for sustainable change. With Goodwings, all hotel stays are 100 per cent carbon compensated, supporting people and the planet for free.

Its business model is built on partnerships, with a global network of 100 nonprofit partners in over 40 countries acting as their ambassadors and marketing channels. The money saved on advertising then gets redirected towards projects and people who are actively working towards the SDGs.

Lara Mulady, Head of Communications at Goodwings, told Springwise that “We wanted to take the focus away from radical innovations and instead look at how we could change existing services to make it easier for people to have an impact every day”. 

Read more about Goodwings.

tourism based business ideas

3. HOTEL INTRODUCES CONTACTLESS STAYS VIA FREE APP

As part of the company’s coronavirus-related adaptations of services, guests can now enjoy contactless stays at all citizenM Hotel worldwide locations. Free to download, the citizenM app allows visitors to choose a comfortable level of social interaction. All locations within the business’ portfolio are now cashless, and guests use the app to select a room before arrival.

Check-in and check out is completed in-app, and all entertainment and ambient systems in the rooms are controlled via the guest’s smartphone. Additional safety measures installed within the hotels include hourly cleaning of high traffic areas including elevators and the removal of carpets in all guest rooms. Room cleaning service is now opt-in, so visitors can avoid having anyone enter their room during their stay. The app also provides a walking distance search filter and local discounts that highlight nearby attractions.

Read more about the citizenM app.

tourism based business ideas

4. ENERGY-POSITIVE HOTEL TO BE BUILT IN NORWAY

The new hotel, “Svart”, (named after the Svartisen glacier) will be the first hotel to be built after the energy positive “Powerhouse” standard in a Northern climate, producing more energy than it uses. Moreover, it will have a demand for energy that is 85 per cent lower than a typical modern hotel. 

Designed by the leading Norwegian sustainable design studio Snøhetta, Svart will be built at the foot of the Svartisen glacier in the unspoiled municipality of Meløy in northern Norway. The hotel was commissioned by Arctic Adventures of Norway, a company operating in the eco-sustainable and naturalistic tourism sector, and plans to be completed by 2023. 

The hotel will stand on a stilt construction built with weather-resistant wooden poles that extend several metres below the surface of the fjord. Thanks to its many large windows, the circular-shaped hotel will offer panoramic views of the fjord, providing direct contact with nature. The ring-like shape is inspired by the local architecture of the “fiskehjell” (a wooden structure used to dry fish) and the “rorbue” (a traditional type of seasonal house used by fishermen). 

Read more bout the Svart hotel.

tourism based business ideas

5. ‘ORIGAMI’ AEROPLANE SEAT DESIGN COULD HELP MAKE FLYING SAFE FROM COVID-19

French cabin equipment supplier Safran Aerosystems has partnered with British seating designer Universal Movement to create an “Origami” seat that makes partitions around economy-class seats.

The design – which is officially called Interspace Comfort System – features two wings within the seat-back that can be unfolded to offer lateral support and prevent movement, leaving the middle seat of three vacant and creating a privacy barrier between seats.

The concave padded shells, which are the same height as the seat, can be installed on 90 per cent of economy seats, says Safran. Safran Seats executive vice-president strategy and innovation Quentin Munier said he hopes to have the product on the market in the next few months, and the premium-economy concept later in the year. 

Read more about the Interspace Comfort System.

tourism based business ideas

6. AN APP FOR MAKING SUSTAINABLE CHOICES WHEN TRAVELLING

It can be difficult to maintain a focus on sustainability when travelling, especially in an unfamiliar place. The French startup Tookki has a solution – a free mobile app that allows users to find environmentally-friendly restaurants, hotels, transport and more.

Tookki vets establishments and activities for their commitment to sustainability before listing them on its site. In addition, users can share places and experiences on the platform by acting as “ambassadors”. Once suggestions are validated by Tookki, the ambassador earns points, which unlocks discounts and other perks in Tookki partner brands’ e-shops.

The Tookki app allows users to search the nearby area for sustainable establishments and includes a map. Details such as opening times and phone numbers are also included. In addition to the app, Tookki also offers ‘green’ experiences, such as zero waste workshops and 100 per cent organic meals. These are intended for companies to use for away days and perks.

Read more about Tookki.

tourism based business ideas

7. NURSING HOME PATIENTS USE VR TO ‘TRAVEL’ AND BOLSTER SPIRITS

Kenta Toshima, a researcher at the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology Inami-Hiyama Laboratory, has developed VR technology that allows elderly and nursing home patients to travel to places in the world they once visited or wish to see.

The experiment started when, working in a nursing home, Toshima was inspired to take panoramic images and videos with the 360-degree camera, which could be viewed through a VR headset by the care home resident. This idea grew in popularity.  

The aim,  according to Toshima , is to help and inspire elderly patients who are prevented from travelling due to physical or mental impairments, or who wish to reminisce on past experiences from the safety of their care home.

“The VR experience makes them feel like they are out of the nursing home and can help ease their anxiety and loneliness,”  he said in a conversation with Insta360.com,  whose camera he used to shoot the panoramas. The process of creating the shots also involved Toshima adding narration and names, to put the viewer at their ease.

Read more about the VR experience.

Written By: Holly Hamilton

20th November 2020

tourism based business ideas

Tourism Tattler

Beginners Guide to Starting a Tourism Business

Photo of Tourism Tattler

Your Beginners Guide to Starting a Tourism Business

Writing for WikiHow, Claire Fess provides eight steps on how to start a tourism business .

Table of Contents

Definition: Tourists are people who travel outside of their home-base environments in order to spend time visiting a different environment in either a business or leisure capacity. Both vacationers and those on business trips are considered tourists, and they may be touring either domestically (within their home country) or internationally. A tourism business is any business that centers on catering to tourists’ needs.

Beginners Guide to Starting a Tourism Business

Step 1: Decide on which sector of tourism you would like to focus.

You have several options to choose from when it comes to establishing a business in tourism :

  • Transportation service. This sector involves transporting tourists to, from and around the tourist destination.
  • Travel agencies. Travel agencies are the 1-stop-shop for everything involved with visiting a place, including transportation, accommodations and attractions.
  • Tour Operator. A tour operator typically combines tour and travel components to create a holiday. They prepare an itinerary.
  • Destination Management Company . A DMC possesses extensive local knowledge, expertise and resources, specialising in the design and implementation of events, activities, tours, transportation and program logistics.
  • Accommodation. These include hotels, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, hostels, rental houses, lodges and any other place tourists may stay while travelling.
  • Guided tours and tourist guide. A guided tour service or professional tourist guide is a tourism business that specializes in providing informative and entertaining tours through an area’s local attractions.
  • Hospitality. A hospitality business pertains to any food or beverage establishment that tourists may frequent.

Step 2: Take your geographical location into account.

Your local tourist attractions are good indicators of what would and would not make a successful tourism business venture. For example, if your area is secluded from the populace and dense with wineries, then guided winery tours, local bed and breakfasts, and airport transportation services are all viable business options.

Step 3: Size up the competition.

Thoroughly research the tourism businesses in your area before you decide which business in tourism is right for you. You will want to choose a tourism sector that is not overly congested, and one that you can contribute something unique to.

Step 4: Write a business plan.

Your business plan is the blueprint for your tourism business, and should include the following sections:

  • Executive summary. Describe your business’s purpose, name, location, personnel needs, tourism business management staff, market sector, competition, marketing plan and financial projections.
  • Tourism business summary. This should detail how the business’s ownership will be distributed and the start up requirements (funding, assets and location).
  • Products and/or services. You need to outline the products and/or services your business will be providing for tourists.
  • Analysis of the market. Provide information about your target market and your competition. Tourism business strategy. Describe how you plan on running your business, marketing your business and pricing your product or service.
  • Financial summary. State your projections for your business’s expenses and income.

Step 5: Procure the necessary funds.

Present your business plan to potential lenders and/or business partners in order to obtain the start up and operating capital you will need to run your business in tourism.

Step 6: Select a business location.

If you plan to operate a walk-in travel agency or an accommodation establishment, there are 3-things to consider. They are location, location, and location!

Step 7: Obtain all applicable business licenses.

Get the necessary business licensing through your local government’s business regulatory agency.

Step 8: Market your tourism business :

  • Use social networking sites . Set up accounts/pages on free social networking sites such as Linked In .
  • Create a website for your tourism business. Be sure to hire a specialist for search engine optimization (SEO) in order to maximize your site’s online presence. List your business on all applicable online directories and review websites.
  • Advertise in print mediums. Take out ad space in newspapers, magazines and trade/lifestyle publications.

Source: www.wikihow.com/Develop-a-Tourism-Business

Read more on this topic:

  • 10 Steps To Starting Your Own Tourist Transport Business
  • How To Streamline Your Tour Operator Business
  • 10 Tips on Selecting Tour Operator Software
  • 10 Tips on Tour Quoting
  • How to Keep Tour Itineraries Current
  • So you want to be a tour operator?
  • The Role of Tour Operators in Safari Bookings
  • 13 Tips to surviving as a Small Tourism Business
  • Effective Sales Secrets For Small Businesses

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25 Most Profitable Travel Business Ideas in 2022

  • Post author By
  • Post date July 13, 2022

Does the Hodophile within you want to make money while traveling? Then here are 25 travel business ideas to get you started

For some, travel is the end-all. Exploring new roads, visiting offbeat locations, trying new recipes – travel, sooner or later, becomes part of the soul. If you like traversing through new paths, however crooked they may be, you may want to start another journey. That one which makes travel a more integrated part of your life. With some of the most profitable travel business ideas listed below, you will be spoilt for choice! 

Starting a good travel business is never easy. It requires excitement, passion, strong will, and reliability. When you’re in it for the long haul, you want your customers or your audience to trust you and your services. It’s about creating an experience that resonates with people travelling from both close and far. And it’s also about having fun doing the thing you love!

So, if you’re unsure of where to begin or the amount of capital to invest – fear not! In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at two different types of travel and tourism-related business structures: Offline and Online. Within each, you will be able to find up to 25 travel business ideas that might make you want to go down this path. Keep an open mind, you never know when an opportunity might strike. 

Offline Travel Business Ideas

If you’re a traveller who believes in putting down roots, you should look out for offline travel business options. This way, you’ll be able to create the same travel experiences you’ve had the world over, but in a place that you call home. Here are a few ideas to think about: 

Share Some Culinary Tales

Do you like to cook? If you can whip up any recipe and marvel your guests, there’s no better option than entering the travel business with food in hand. These days culinary tourism is on the rise. People travel to expose themselves to the local culture – they want to sample flavours authentic to the region. If you have a space where you can host a few people and teach them to prepare local dishes, this is a travel business idea for you! 

tourism based business ideas

Several online companies like Booking.com, Viator, and Airbnb let people list experiences that they can offer. If you’re dwelling on entering the travel and tourism business, you may want to consider this option. As long as you’re hosting from home, the business remains low investment. All you need is time and a few secret ingredients. 

Open a Bike or Car Rental Service

A bike or car rental service is a simple, yet profitable travel business idea . If you have a spare motorbike or car, you can think about opening a rental service. Travellers often look for private transport that they can rent for a few hours or days. If you get your neighbours, friends, or relatives on board, you can even establish a full-fledged business. 

tourism based business ideas

However, before you get started, you should do some market research. Look for offline and online places where you can list your vehicle for rent. You may also want to screen people to avoid violations and get a good insurance policy. 

Rent Out a Canoe or Kayak

If you live by the water, you can start a kayak and canoe rental space. Many travellers like getting into the water and kayaking is a great way to do just that! Opening a rental space for these items will bring you in contact with people who like to indulge in these sports by themselves – all they need is a rental shop. On the other hand, with a shop like this that requires a good investment, renting canoes to tour groups will fetch you a nice profit. 

tourism based business ideas

Rent Out Your House

If you’re looking for a low investment, low involvement travel business idea , you can think about renting out your house. Travellers often look for unique places to stay when they’re travelling. So if you have a house with a soul and you want to share it with other like-minded people, renting out is a good way to go. 

tourism based business ideas

Airbnb business lets travellers book places that give a home-like appeal. You can list your property on their website and set your price. If you have a spare room in a tourist location, you can rent it out as well. Going away to travel for a month, rent out your entire home and make money for your next vacation. 

Open a Coffee House

Starting a business in the travel and tourism business can be a bit tricky. However, if you have the investment and the will to run a cafe, you should open one! Travellers often look for offbeat places to have a bite and unwind. Offering free WiFi with delicious coffee can take you a long way! 

tourism based business ideas

Do keep in mind that this is a travel business idea that will require some heavy investment – you will have to rent or buy a place in a location that draws tourists. You will also have to spend money on interiors and setting up a food counter. Once that’s done, you’ll have a travel space to meet other travellers, indulge in long conversations and call the hangout your own. 

Invest in a Campground

tourism based business ideas

Have you spent a few (or more) nights looking out at the stars, just outside your camp? Imagine selling the experience to travellers and indulging yourself too! If you’re a fan of the outdoors, starting a campground business should be a no-brainer. All you need is a good camping location and the money and willingness to convert it into a good shelter by providing basic electricity, plumbing, food, and other supplies. 

Start a Budget-Friendly Homestay

tourism based business ideas

Embrace Ecotourism

Ecotourism, sustainable travel, green tourism and mindful exploration are just a few terms you may have heard until now. However, this is a travel business idea that is waiting to explode. Travellers are now more conscious about the environment than ever. They wish to explore the area in a low-impact way and learn more about the wildlife and local culture. 

tourism based business ideas

If you wish to make a positive change in the travel and tourism industry, one way to do it is to make ecotourism a reality. Generally, when you start such a business, your aim should be to provide travellers with the means to explore in a low-impact way. You should also provide them with the tools needed to help bring about a positive change. A walk with tree planting experience, nature cleaning drives, and teaching sustainable crafts are a few experiences you can offer as part of ecotourism. 

Establish a Beach Hotel

Have the money, the means, and the location – start a beach hotel business! It’s considered one of the most popular and profitable travel business ideas and rightly so! Resorts on the beach are some of the most fun places to call home, even if for a few days. Travellers are often willing to shell out extra money for the experience alone. 

tourism based business ideas

However, before you think about starting a beach hotel, you should take into account the capital that you intend to invest. Generally, resorts offer rooms, conference halls, restaurants, and additional services like concierge, room service, laundry, etc. While it’s a cash-heavy investment, the long-term return is quite lucrative. 

Open Up a Boutique Hotel

tourism based business ideas

If you don’t live by the beach but want to offer a similar experience to travellers, opening up a boutique hotel is the way to go. They’re often small in size but offer various unique experiences. You can provide a luxurious room with additional indulgences like yoga, spa, cooking classes, nature walks, or more. You can even get creative and open up a small space for a niche travel audience. 

Become a Translator

tourism based business ideas

Start a Travel Agency

tourism based business ideas

Opening up a home-based travel agency is difficult, but not impossible. Many franchises help people start up their travel agencies . In case you want to go that route, you will be able to invest in a well-known brand and get a chance to help travellers plan their holidays and vacations around the world. In case you wish to go your way, you will have to learn more about starting your travel agency and all the nuances that come with it. 

Online Travel Business Ideas

While most offline travel business ideas require some thought and investment, starting an online business is simpler. If you wish to enter the travel and tourism industry without the risk of heavy investments and administrative workload, you can check out the following options. They’re easy to execute, a lot less expensive, and give you more freedom to travel. 

Create a Hotel Booking Site

tourism based business ideas

When you decide to enter the travel business, there are several options. Creating a hotel booking site lets you get into the space with minimal investment. Many companies provide services to set up an online hotel booking platform. The only catch is that you will have to do a lot of industry research and understand terms like hotel acquisition and channel management, but all in all, it’s a great idea to explore more. 

Take Travellers on a Pilgrimage

tourism based business ideas

Pilgrimage travel is a niche that often goes unnoticed. However, if you’re interested in starting a travel business, this could be a profitable opportunity. Catering to a niche audience, this option allows you to create group and private tours to different spiritual locations. It also lets you help other travellers experience local culture like never before.  

Offer Ayurvedic Indulgence

tourism based business ideas

Similar to pilgrimage travel, Ayurveda tourism is quite popular. In fact, travellers from around the world look for a way to learn more about Vedic literature and Ayurveda. Before you get started, you should know that you will be catering to an audience looking for a holistic experience. Therefore, you require a space where therapy is possible. You will also have to learn more about the medicinal value of herbs and oils and get a licence. 

Start an Adventure Travel Company

tourism based business ideas

If you’re an adventure enthusiast, it’s time to share the love! One of the best travel business ideas for 2022 is to start an adventure sports company. It’s a type of niche that caters to youngsters looking to explore the depths of nature like never before. Since this is a huge industry, you can simply find an adventure sport that you love and monetize it. You can sell tours on websites like Viator and Tripadvisor or set up a shop offline. 

Take People on Hikes

tourism based business ideas

While this is an option that also falls under the adventure sports category, it’s often on the low-impact scale. If you like going on nature walks and exploring the region on your own, you can think about taking others along. Going on hikes requires almost zero investment – all you need to do is market yourself well on online websites or local hotels and you’ll be able to connect with travellers waiting to go on offbeat hikes. 

Become a Travel Event Planner

tourism based business ideas

Event planners have a fun job! They plan professional events, meetings, and conferences. Doing this means booking everything – from location to accommodation to catering. If you have the skills needed to network, you can travel around the world as a travel event planner. 

Get a Tour Guide Licence

tourism based business ideas

Love to travel, explore, talk, and dine? Then this option is made for you! A tour guide has the chance to meet people from all over the world every single day. Tours, however, are available easily and in abundance. The way to stand out is to offer something that sets you apart from the competition. While this is an age-old travel business idea , it can be profitable if you’re creative. Know a hangout spot? Start an offbeat tour. Like indulging in local treats? Organise a food-lovers tour. 

Start Giving Bicycle Tours 

tourism based business ideas

In case you prefer riding a bicycle much more than walking around, giving out bike tours is the way to go. Bicycle tours are quite popular as they allow you to cover more distance while allowing you to explore in a small group. If you have some capital, you can invest it in buying cycles and then market yourself online. 

Launch a Travel Magazine

tourism based business ideas

Starting a travel magazine is a very complicated business. However, it offers prestige and a long-term return on investment. To get started, you will need to plan through and through, create a niche, understand the demand and supply chain and ready your investment. Once that’s done, it’s about finding the right stories, experiences, writers, and editors to create a travel magazine that offers information that you wish to provide to travellers around the globe. 

Become a Travel Influencer

tourism based business ideas

Although this is easier said than done, it’s still one of the most profitable travel business ideas out there. To get started on this journey, you will need to work hard on creating online content that entices users. If you choose ‘travel’ as your niche, you will be able to post pictures of your explorations. As your followers increase, you will be able to connect with hotel chains and restaurants to create sponsored posts for them. Doing this will give you a chance to travel and make money , all in one go!

Try Photography

tourism based business ideas

Photographers who can capture the essence of a destination, often make a lot of money! Not only this, photography is an exciting experience that can take you places and make you meet people from all professions. However, to get started, you need the skills to capture the best shots. You should also know how to enter the marketplace and learn more about combining travelling with photography. 

Write as a Travel Blogger

If you know how to play with words and are good with words, becoming a travel blogger will be just right up your alley. A travel blog provides other travellers with information about different cities, guides, and recommendations. It can be tough and time-consuming. 

tourism based business ideas

However, once your blog takes off, you will be able to connect with companies looking to get reviewed! You’ll be able to travel far and wide and get a chance to pen down authentic experiences. A bonus is that a travel blogger can work from anywhere! 

Try Vlogging Instead

tourism based business ideas

If writing is not your cup of tea, try vlogging instead. As a popular travel business idea , vlogging allows you to record your experience as only you can! Websites like YouTube and Instagram offer users a simple space to broadcast videos. All you have to do is create quality content, edit videos to perfection, and share it with the world. The more audience you amass, the better your chances of making it big!

Now that you know more about the 25 most profitable travel business ideas , it’s time to start hustling! Do you want to explore an option that is a low investment or one that offers high ROI in a matter of years? It’s all about where you are and where you want to go! Regardless of the route you take, you may want to get started with a travel website and see the response you get. Pathfndr offers an AI-optimised platform that caters to different travel businesses. Care to have a look ?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How to start a travel business?

Starting a travel business requires some capital, permits, and licences. Most of the time, it depends on the type of business you wish to operate. In case you opt for an online business, you will be able to start without any initial investment. 

  • What is the best business for tourism?

Some of the best travel business ideas include car/bike rental, house rental, holiday photography, cooking classes, and more. 

  • How do I get paid to travel?

Travel influencers often get paid to travel. If you wish to enter the space, you will need to create a strong online presence with thousands of followers. You will also have to connect with hotels and restaurants to get sponsorships.

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Top 8 Online Business Opportunities in the Travel and Tourism Industry

Top 8 Online Business Opportunities in the Travel and Tourism Industry

Last Updated: 13th Nov, 2021

The travel industry has grown exponentially over the past few years. One of the many factors responsible for the growth within this industry is the increase in the purchasing power of consumers. Advancements in technology have proven to be the most important factor that has improved the experience a traveler seeks.

According to Statista, the global economic contribution of the travel industry reached 4.6 trillion USD in 2020. Amid the easing pandemic restrictions and increasing business opportunities in the tourism industry, these numbers are expected to increase even further. To excel in the travel industry, it is important for entrepreneurs to identify the right business model and the ideal travel & activity booking software to successfully launch an online travel marketplace.

In this blog post, we will present the top 8 Travel & Tourism Business ideas for entrepreneurs who want to be a part of the travel industry. Without further ado, let’s jump right in.

Table of Contents

  • Online Hotel, Flight and Rental Car Booking Marketplace
  • Run Vacation Rental Booking Marketplace
  • Launch Online Travel Discussion Platform
  • Online Travel Adventures Booking Site
  • Online Bike Rental Marketplace
  • Start a Snorkeling and Diving Equipment Rental/Booking Business
  • Skiing Activity Booking/Rental Business
  • Start a Boat Rental Marketplace

1. Online Hotel, Flight and Rental Car Booking Marketplace

With digitalization taking the center stage, people prefer to Google and search for places they plan to visit. Before traveling, transportation and accommodation are two important elements to consider during the research phase. To help you understand the working of a hotel/flight booking website, look at the following process diagram.

working of a hotel/flight booking website

The model of this business is based on the concept of the marketplace. The hotel lists itself on the booking website. When a customer books a room from the marketplace website, the hotel is notified about the booking and the travel website owner or manager deducts an amount as commission. Booking.com is a prime example of such a marketplace.

Current Status of Hotel, Flight, and Car Rental Marketplace

The online travel market has a huge scope for eCommerce marketplaces that offer hotel, flight, and rental car booking functionality. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the annual growth rate for the online travel industry is projected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2022, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% since 2016. The instrumental resurgence of the travel industry is a result of travel giants and startups offering value/convenience to their customers.

For instance, travel industry behemoth Amadeus has partnered with Hopper, an emerging travel app, to introduce an instant rebooking feature (in case of any cancellation) to its marketplace. Similarly, Expedia Group is merging loyalty programs across its travel brands (Orbitz, hotels.com, Expedia, and more) to expand member benefits.

Business Opportunities in Hotel, Flight, and Car Rental Marketplace

It is an effective business model that requires business owners to understand their niche target audience and generate relevant leads. When choosing this business model, consider all the pros and cons while planning the marketing strategy.

If you wish to launch a travel booking website, try to conduct in-depth competitor research to know what your competition provides. Ideally, you should document your requirements based on the functionalities you require. Finally, make sure you understand what the future holds for the travel industry after which you compare and hire a website development partner to create the website as per your requirements. You can also choose an online travel activity booking software that delivers ready-made tour & travel marketplace. This will save you hundreds of thousands of development hours.

2. Run Vacation Rental Booking Marketplace

Booking hotels and cabs cost more money as compared to renting a place. It all started back in 1996 when a couple in Colorado was looking for a way to rent their ski condo and created a website for the same.

In rental booking, property owners list their apartments/condos/flats for rent. Travelers can search for rental places in their desired areas and choose the one that best suits them in terms of size, cost, location, etc. Renting property is advantageous for people traveling with families for a longer duration. To understand the business model better, refer to the diagram below:

Run Vacation Rental Booking Marketplace

Current Status of Vacation Rental Booking Marketplace

2021 saw an uptick in family travelers on Airbnb and Expedia’s Vrbo. According to a new study by The Points Guy, these travelers are seeking a vacation rental space to enjoy and explore during extended weekends while continuing to work remotely during weekdays. As the travel industry rebounds from the COVID-19 crisis, Airbnb – the industry giant – recently announced the launch of 100+ new innovative upgrades such as flexible dates selection (rather than fixed dates) for vacation rentals, expansion of support agents to almost double, use of smart text selection to simplify listings for hosts, and much more. 

Moreover, Airbnb released a 2021 report on Travel & Living with insights across the industry. It includes key findings such as – 200 million flexible date searches since January 2021, overall bookings in 94,000 cities in 12 months (ending on April 30, 2021), and an increase in longer stays vacations (28 days and more) from 14% in 2019 to 24% in Q1 2020. These stats reveal the explosive demand for vacation rentals and also how the pandemic has fundamentally changed travel.

From emerging marketplaces such as Evolve to industry giants such as Airbnb and Vrbo, several key players are playing an important role to consolidate a buoyant accommodation industry.

Business Opportunities in Vacation Rental Booking Marketplace

For any new business, a good marketing strategy is needed. As the rental vacation industry has presently shown growth post the crisis, it will attract a good number of hosts and renters. Therefore, to start your vacation rental marketplace, you need to be specific and different in your service provision with good SEO services, promotional services, branding, photography, and videography to spread awareness.

3. Launch Online Travel Discussion Platform

This platform makes it easy for travelers to decide whether they should undertake the trip or not and if yes, what is the best option while traveling. These platforms provide advisory to help people know the best places to travel and notify nearby tourist places of the destination through user-generated content (UGC). Check the graphic below to get a clearer idea of the business model.

Launch Online Travel Discussion Platform

These platforms provide you with detailed information about the places that you must visit in a set time of the year. The websites help you compare fares offered by various hotels and you can opt for the services you want to avail.

Current Status of Online Travel Discussion Platform

One of the most renowned companies in the online travel discussion platform is Tripadvisor. Initially, a marketplace that suggests the best places to visit with details of hotels and activities in the desired place, Tripadvisor later added the trip bookings feature emerging as a one-stop solution for travelers to plan, book, and take a trip. Still, the spirit of this firm is to meet the customer’s expectations by providing guidance (thanks to over 934 million reviews) from those that have been there before.

Initially a subsidiary of Expedia Group, Tripadvisor later became an individual firm due to the corporate spin-off. Starting with an initial capital investment of $4 million USD, the company today enjoys a net worth of nearly $5 billion USD – termed as a classic consumer success story in an Harvard Business Review article. TripAdvisor has shown tremendous growth and gained a reputation because it reduces the work for marketers.

trip-advisor

But despite being a popular medium, it often faces backlash due to fake reviews on its website. For instance, recently the Tripadvisor team suspended reviews of the 3-star victorian hotel “The Grand Hotel Scarborough” following an influx of review submissions from people who are not staying at the hotel.

Business Opportunities in the Online Travel Discussion Platform

Some rival businesses tend to bring the other one down and it is easier for a site like Tripadvisor to be a target. To build a successful marketplace like Tripadvisor, you need to ensure the marketplace stays authentic with minimal/zero false entries on your website. Hence, while creating such a marketplace, one should be fully prepared for the upcoming challenges. Here are some of the points that need to be taken care of.

Fraud Reviews

Review fraud is a well-known issue that these platforms face. Buying and selling reviews have become a common practice for listing owners these days. Fraud reviews affect the brand image as the audience loses trust in the marketplace resulting in reduced overall website traffic. To minimize such fraud instances, a dedicated team should be available to monitor the platform activities at all times.

Marketplace Security

Starting a marketplace such as Tripadvisor means providing travel bookings that include online payments once the traveler books and shares details on the website. Here, any kind of security breach would result in data or even payment theft, bringing your business down. Hence, to prevent security concerns, website development should be done in such a way that it gives priority to the safety of the customer and their data.

Personalization

Personalization provides a better experience and makes it more appealing to travelers. Changing to a customer-centric strategy leads to a considerable rise in website traffic as well as leads.

Competition

When you have knowledge about your competition you get to plan things beforehand. Developing a strategy for the market is the only way you can deal with the competition.

Travel Season

Season and time of the year are the most important things which have to be taken into account while traveling. People prefer to travel during the months of April-October, Christmas, and New year. For this reason, you should be ready for the highs and lows during vacations. A good marketing approach would be to attract people in the off-season through various discounts.

Maximize your Business Opportunities with a Reliable Marketing Approach

4. online travel adventures booking marketplace.

Traveling was never meant to be restricted to just sightseeing, trying different cuisines, and discovering museums. Often, many travelers wanted to undertake new adventures and focus on experiencing a city/country. This demand created an opportunity for business owners to invest in an adventure gear rental marketplace – a profitable business idea. While the essence of travel continued to evolve with the years gone by, the industry came to a premature halt during the pandemic. Now, amid the easing travel restrictions and the increasing interest of people in seeking adventures, adventure booking websites are gradually returning to normalization. People are looking for different destinations that offer unique adventures that they can undertake. For instance, places like Australia and New Zealand offer skydiving, cliff jumping, bungee jumping adventures whereas Turkey offers the subtle hot air balloon adventure, Costa Rica offers water rafting and the list is never-ending. 

GetYourGuide, Viator, and Adrenaline Hunter are some of the popular adventure booking marketplaces online. Adventure booking websites have become immensely popular over the years and below is a graphical representation of its business model:

Online Travel Adventures Booking Marketplace

Current Status of Travel Adventures Booking Marketplace

The travel adventure industry is showing great signs of progress as customers seek variety and adventures post-pandemic as per the Forrester report. The adventure tourism market valued at $112 billion in 2020 is projected to reach an astonishing $1.1 trillion evaluation by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 20.1%, according to Allied Market Research.

Several tour operators utilized the time-off last year to devise creative Travel & Tourism Business ideas and be ready for the post-pandemic boom. For instance, Insight Vacations – a website offering premium tour guides, partnered with Anneka Manning – an Australian author and founder of cooking school Bake Club, to start a food-themed tour of Tasmania in October 2021. Similarly, a US tour operator smarTours collaborated with CVS – a US healthcare company to encourage vaccinations with a OneStepCloser sweepstakes.

Business Opportunities in Travel Adventures Booking Marketplace

The adventure travel trends build a positive outlook of the industry, creating an opening for travel adventure business to outshine in the coming years. The travel activity portal should be social media-friendly as people undertaking adventure activities share their experiences on social media leading to word of mouth marketing.

According to Stratos Jets statistics, around 70% of customers research for travel using their smartphones and it is estimated that around 700 million people will be making their travel bookings online by 2023. This makes mobile-friendly marketplaces and smartphone apps an integral part of travel business growth. Entrepreneurs in this business or planning to open a travel activity marketplace should make their websites robust and mobile-friendly.

You can hire a team of web designers and developers to build the website or can use an already existing system like FunAway – a turnkey online travel activity booking software that enables the host to connect with travelers and assist them. It provides features like calendar management, easy booking, social media signup, and more.

5. Online Bike Rental Marketplace

Sharing economy businesses have prospered over the years, especially after the emergence of Airbnb. The Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Bike rental marketplace is one such collaborative business idea where trusted bike owners connect with users looking to rent or borrow a bike. Renting a bike is extremely popular especially in cities where people commute daily amid traffic congestion. The business model of the bike rental marketplace works as such:

Bike-Rental Business Model

A bike rental website provides a platform for bike owners to make money by renting their equipment to potential rentees at a reasonable price. Also, the website admin earns via commission on bookings, premium listing fees, on-page advertisements, and other revenue channels on the marketplace. Spinlister is a prime example of such a marketplace.

Current Status of Bike Rental Marketplace

Amid the pandemic, cycling has emerged as a safer, healthier alternative to commuters. According to a report by The NPD Group , in April 2020, adult leisure bikes saw a significant jump of 121% in sales reflecting the growing consumer demand. The trend continues as the global bike-sharing service market size is estimated to reach from $3.3 billion in 2020 to $13.7 billion in 2026, as per Statista survey.

Business Opportunities in Bike Rental Marketplace

Urban policy and planning Journal – Cities, recently published a new paper citing the environmental benefits of bike-sharing services. The study says that bike-share travelers saved around 500 tons of emissions during the 2014-2017 period in NYC. As people become increasingly aware of the environment, the bike-sharing and rental industry is bound to prosper even further.

6. Start a Snorkeling and Diving Equipment Rental/Booking Business

Snorkeling is a popular underwater recreational activity where divers swim on the water’s surface facedown to relish the marine environment. Snorkelers require these equipment to breathe underwater. There are many diving lessons to learn about snorkeling equipment and swimming methods. It requires three pieces of equipment:

  • A curved plastic tube called a snorkel , used for breathing underwater
  • Mask to protect nose/face from water
  • And Diving fins to swim

Diving equipment such as these is either sold or given on rent by the sellers in a snorkeling/diving equipment marketplace. Aqua-Lung, Cressi Sub, and Seavenger are among the industry leaders in the global snorkeling equipment market.

Current Status of Snorkeling Equipment Rental Business

With a contribution of around $11 billion in the US alone, the recreational scuba diving and snorkeling equipment market is poised for incremental growth, according to a report by the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA). Also, Statista recently published a survey report that highlights that in the year 2017 US had approximately 8.38 million participants in Snorkeling activity. These numbers have grown substantially and will continue to increase even further as the travel industry rebounds.

Snorkeling Equipment Rental Business

Business Opportunities in Snorkeling Equipment Rental Business

The popularity of recreational activities such as snorkeling has dramatically increased highlighting the need for a reliable snorkeling equipment marketplace. While there are a few leading manufacturers/suppliers of such diving equipment in the industry, online marketplaces are few and far between. Hence, it is an excellent opportunity for a business owner or an entrepreneur to invest in a snorkeling equipment marketplace (for rental or sale) by choosing the right travel & activity booking software.

7. Skiing Activity Booking/Rental Business

Skiing is another popular recreational activity as well as a competitive sport that attracts a lot of attention/tourists thanks to the Olympics. While people often viewed this as an extreme sport, new and promising marketplaces such as Liftopia (skiing and mountain activity marketplace) are changing this case by making Skiing more affordable and accessible to the average consumer. 

The skiing activity booking marketplace connects users (skiers and snowboarding enthusiasts) to ski resorts around the world. Also, there are skiing equipment rental marketplaces where individual sellers offer skiing gear on rent or sale to the users. In both these instances, the marketplace admin earns a commission fee on every transaction.

Skiing-Snowboarding-Gear-Rental

Current Status of Skiing Activity Rental Business

According to a recent Statista survey, there were around 9.2 million skiers and snowboarders in the US in 2018. This number has grown substantially over the years. Moreover, the market for ski gear and equipment has also increased. The global ski gear and equipment market is forecasted to reach $1.74 billion USD by 2028, as per another Statista report.

Business Opportunities in Skiing Activity Rental Business

While the Ski season is almost here, it will be the industry’s third operating season since the pandemic began. From mountain resorts to ski equipment providers, everyone is planning for the season. Despite the crisis, the Skiing industry is showing great signs of progress as users show a keen interest in such recreational activities around the world. This is why skiing activity booking and the rental marketplace is a popular business idea worth investing in.

Start an Activity Booking Marketplace with FunAway

8. start an online boat rental marketplace.

Boat rental is a thriving industry that saw a significant uptick in bookings last year even as the pandemic affected the tourism industry. Boats emerged as a safe, reliable means to travel and enjoy while safeguarding occupants from crowded areas. From everyday sailor boats to luxury yachts, boat rental continued to remain a highly profitable business with instrumental growth. There are 3 prominent activities driving the demand for boat rental business namely – cruising, watersports (such as jet ski racing and powerboat racing), and fishing. 

Amid the surge in tourism and an increasing public interest in recreational activities, the boat rental market is expected to grow at a 4.71% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) reaching an estimated $25.8 billion by 2028.

Current Status of Boat Rental Marketplace

Boatsetter – one of the leading P2P boat rental marketplace delivered 15,000+ trips for over 60,000 customers in 2020. Similarly, GetMyBoat – another giant in the boat rental marketplace, achieved a 700% year-over-year (YoY) growth rate in 2021 recording an annual run rate (ARR) of over $158 million, as per the latest press release . 

According to Bryan Petro, CEO of GetMyBoat, the boat rental industry experienced a 3900% increase in demand during the pandemic last year with an influx of first-time renters. This is despite tapping the full potential as there are travel limitations and lockdowns in many parts of the world.

 Business Opportunities in Boat Rental Marketplace

The P2P boat rental business is a booming market that continues to see growth as promising new players such as Popey.co enter the market. It is a highly profitable business and is expected to see a surge in various regions of the world once travel limitations and restrictions ease. Moreover, the marketplace owner has a variety of revenue channels at its disposal such as rental commission, service fees, subscription plans, PPC campaigns, affiliate marketing, and more. Starting a P2P boat rental business is a good idea with great investment returns.

While the COVID-19 crisis ravaged the travel industry last year, it is showing signs of recovery as travel restrictions are removed. People are looking to travel more, seeking change and adventure. This has attracted hosts and startups alike to start an online travel business. But, before starting a travel marketplace, it is advised to devise a reliable business strategy, select an ideal tour & activity booking software, and identify the unique offerings that will provide your marketplace business with an edge over the competitors.

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Author: Sahil Verma

With a master’s degree in computer science, Sahil Verma shares his deep understanding of technologies through words. He is a passionate writer who loves to explore the IT sector and trends that define the industry dynamics. Apart from writing, he is an avid cricket and tennis fan idolizing Virat Kohli and Novak Djokovic.

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16 adventurous travel business ideas (2024), march 11, 2024.

Adventurous travel business ideas perfect for globetrotters

The travel industry is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years, reaching over $1.6 trillion by 2028 . As more people prioritize experiences over material possessions this presents a major opportunity if you have been thinking about starting a travel business. Whether you want to start a boutique travel agency focusing on specific clientele or launch an adventurous excursion company, possibilities in the travel sector are endless.

If you still cannot figure out where to start, we got you covered with some of the most inspirational and profitable travel business ideas among globetrotters.

Best 16 travel business ideas

Here are some creative and profitable travel business ideas that you can start right away:

Local experience tours

Local experience tours offer immersive local experiences to tourists and travelers. This can be a good business idea because it allows visitors to deeply engage with local cultures, foods, activities, and people. Rather than just sightseeing, guests get to participate in unique adventures and make meaningful connections. For example, they may learn traditional cooking techniques from local chefs or join neighborhood walking tours led by long-time residents. This helps travelers create memories that a standard bus tour cannot provide. Meanwhile, it funnels tourist dollars into local communities and connects residents with appreciative guests.

How much you can make: $50,000-$150,000 annually How much does it cost to start: $5,000-$10,000 How long does it take to build: 3-6 months

Eco-friendly travel planning

Eco-friendly travel planning specializes in planning vacations focused on sustainability. This business would consult with travelers to suggest eco-friendly transportation, lodging, tours, and activities at each destination. Promoting green travel helps the environment by reducing carbon emissions. It also allows tourists to reduce their environmental impact through mindful choices. As more people seek eco-trips, a travel agency well-versed in this niche can match values-driven clients to the right locations and vendors. The differentiator is expertise in vetting and curating the most planet-friendly getaways.

How much you can make: $50,000-$100,000 annually How much does it cost to start: $2,000-$5,000 How long does it take to build: 2-4 months

Digital nomad services

It is a business that provides services to digital nomads. The business would help digital nomads be productive and enjoy their nomadic lifestyle. It could offer services like a membership program to access vetted wifi hotspots, discounts at co-working spaces, a network of trusted housesitters and property rentals, social meetups and events, job boards, and more. The goal would be to simplify logistics and create a community for remote workers on the go.

How much you can make: $40,000-$80,000 annually How much does it cost to start: $1,000-$3,000 How long does it take to build: 1-3 months

Travel blogging and vlogging

Travel blogging and vlogging refer to creating a blog and video blog to document travels. It involves creating written and visual content based on experiences visiting new destinations and sharing reviews about things like hotels, restaurants, attractions, and tours. There is a large audience of people who enjoy following along on others’ trips for inspiration on where to go as well as trustworthy recommendations. The blog and social media posts have the potential to generate clicks and shares as readers find the first-hand information helpful. All the content created while traveling opens up diverse moneymaking avenues. For instance, ads and affiliate marketing related to hospitality and tourism with commissions on reservations made.

How much you can make: $30,000-$100,000 How much does it cost to start: $1,000-$5,000 How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Local guide services

By providing local knowledge, insider tips, and unique perspectives, a local guide service can help travelers discover hidden gems, understand the culture and history of a place, and create unforgettable memories. Moreover, this business model has low startup costs and can be easily scaled based on demand. It also supports the local economy by promoting small businesses and cultural attractions. With the rise of online platforms and social media, it has become easier than ever to market and book local guide services, making it a viable business opportunity for entrepreneurs passionate about their communities and eager to share their expertise with others.

How much you can make: $30,000-$60,000 How much does it cost to start: 1,000-$3,000 How long does it take to build: 2-4 months

Vacation rental management

It is a business that helps homeowners rent out their vacation properties. Owners hire this service to advertise listings, screen guests, manage bookings and payments, coordinate check-ins/outs, handle maintenance issues, and overall take care of all aspects of making the property available as a successful rental. The service benefits owners by maximizing occupancy and rental rates and it also benefits guests by providing professional management and good experiences. Overall it connects homeowners and travelers in a mutually beneficial way through convenient, managed vacation rentals.

How much you can make: $50,000-$150,000 How much does it cost to start: $10,000-$20,000 How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Custom travel accessories

Custom travel accessories allow customers to personalize and customize their travel accessories. This business would offer products like luggage tags, passport holders, travel pillows, blankets, and more that could all be customized with the customer’s name, initials, favorite colors, and patterns. Customers appreciate custom accessories that feel made just for them. The business would cater to this demand by providing quality customizable products and a seamless online ordering experience. This allows customers to get the travel gear delivered right to their door.

How much you can make: $30,000-$100,000 How much does it cost to start: $5,000-$10,000 How long does it take to build: 3-6 months

Budget-friendly travel

Budget-friendly travel would help budget travelers by curating affordable travel packages, hotels, activities, and transportation options. For example, packages could bundle reduced-rate rooms with discounted local attractions, meals, and airport transfers to provide an entire trip for a reasonable price. Customers would simply choose their destination and desired budget, and receive an all-inclusive, cheap but high-quality travel experience. By hunting for travel deals, pre-arranging discounted group rates, and negotiating prices for budget bundles, the business does the hard work for the customer.

How much you can make: $40,000-$80,000 How much does it cost to start: $2,000-$5,000 How long does it take to build: 3-6 months

Luxury cruises and upscale all-inclusive

Luxury cruises and upscale all-inclusive is a worthwhile business idea to consider because many high-income people desire lavish getaways with top-tier amenities and easy convenience. The business would arrange deluxe experiences including six-star cruises with private balconies, butler service, and gourmet dining or five-star beach resorts offering elite spas, golf, and personalized adventure excursions. It solves the hassle of intricate travel planning for demanding luxury guests. By leveraging partnerships and global connections, the business can facilitate access to hard-to-book suites, dream locales, and elite recreations for well-to-do travelers seeking the ultimate, no-compromises holidays tailored specifically to their desires.

How much you can make: $100,000-$250,000 How much does it cost to start: $50,000-$100,000 How long does it take to build: 12-18 months

Glamping offers the experience of camping outdoors combined with more comfortable, outfitted tents, beds, furniture, bathrooms, and other amenities more commonly found in hotels. This can appeal to those who enjoy nature and the outdoors but don’t necessarily want to rough it in a traditional tent fully. There is demand for off-the-grid vacations and glamping caters well to this market. The start-up costs may be higher than traditional campgrounds to furnish the upscale tents and build suitable restrooms/showers. However, the nightly rates charged to guests offset this over time. It allows for seasonal hospitality without large permanent real estate. The modular and transportable nature also provides flexibility if relocating the glamping resort is necessary.

How much you can make: $50,000-$150,000 How much does it cost to start: $20,000-$50,000 How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Go solo or go social

Go solo or go social provides a platform for people to access services, either individually or in a social setting. The premise is that some services are best-enjoyed solo while others are more fun with company. For example, a massage may be preferred alone while going to a dance class could be more enjoyable with friends. The business would allow users to search for and book various services, selecting if they want to partake solo or if they want to facilitate a group social experience around the service. This can help service providers reach more customers, especially younger demographics interested in social experiences. It also caters to solo customers unable or unwilling to coordinate groups. Allowing both individual and shared services widens the target market.

How much you can make: $30,000-$60,000 How much does it cost to start: $2,000-$5,000 How long does it take to build: 2-4 months

Crypto trips

Crypto Trips accepts payment in cryptocurrencies and rewards customers with crypto tokens or NFTs. This allows crypto enthusiasts to spend their assets on memorable life experiences while earning exclusive rewards. It makes cryptocurrency more usable in daily life. The agency would partner with hospitality vendors to build travel packages that crypto holders could purchase with their preferred coin. Along with the trips, customers would gain access to unique digital collectibles from that destination. As cryptocurrencies gain mainstream traction, a crypto-based travel agency creates a practical use case while catering to a tech-savvy audience.

How much you can make: $50,000-$100,000 annually How much does it cost to start: $5,000-$10,000 How long does it take to build: 3-6 months

Sleep tourism

Sleep tourism is an idea where people travel specifically to get high-quality sleep. It would involve setting up accommodations designed specifically for optimal sleep health. This could be attractive for those who struggle with poor sleep at home due to noise, light, uncomfortable beds, etc. Quality sleep is increasingly seen as vital for physical and mental health, yet many do not prioritize it. This business would cater to that need, becoming a sleep-focused travel destination. Visitors could enjoy comfortable beds and bedrooms, carefully regulated temperatures and lighting suited for sleep, soundproofing, and possibly amenities like soothing music or scents. The sleep tourism business would be founded on the understanding that quality sleep underpins health, performance, and well-being. Providing an environment optimized solely for excellent slumber, it allows travelers to experience the proven benefits of great sleep.

How much you can make: $50,000-$100,000 How much does it cost to start: $10,000-$20,000 How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Adventure travel guide service

Adventure travel guide service connects adventure travelers with experienced, local guides at their destination. Many people want more immersive, off-the-beaten-path experiences when they travel. However, finding trustworthy, knowledgeable guides can be challenging, especially in developing countries. This service would vet potential guides, connect them with clients based on adventure activity interests and trip details, and take a percentage from the guide fees. It would make adventure travel easier to plan and provide income to local guides.

How much you can make: $40,000-$80,000 How much does it cost to start: $5,000-$10,000 How long does it take to build: 3-6 months

Corporate travel management

Corporate travel management specializes in booking and managing business travel for companies. Many large companies spend a significant amount on employee travel but find coordinating all the flights, hotels, transportation, and other details very time-consuming which makes it a profitable business idea. A corporate travel management company simplifies the process by customizing travel booking platforms, negotiating discounts with travel vendors, providing a dedicated account manager, organizing group travel, and streamlining expense reporting.

How much you can make: $75,000-$150,000 annually How much does it cost to start: $10,000-$20,000 How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Destination wedding planner

A destination wedding planner business helps engaged couples plan and execute their dream wedding in a romantic, exotic destination away from home. A destination wedding planner also often costs less than a traditional domestic wedding. A planner could provide end-to-end planning services to make travel arrangements, book venues, and vendors, manage legal paperwork, suggest ideas to personalize details and coordinate the event. They simplify the process for the couple while also getting a commission from referring vendors.

How much you can make: $50,000-$100,000 annually How much does it cost to start: $5,000-$10,000 How long does it take to build: 6-12 months

Success in this vibrant industry demands blending creativity, adaptability, and comprehending your audience. Yes, we know that the road ahead may be paved with challenges, but the rewards of building a successful travel business are well worth the trek. From the personal fulfillment of turning your passion into a profession to the financial freedom of a flourishing enterprise, the potential payoffs are immense.

More must-read stories from Enterprise League:

  • Creative and profitable 3D printing business ideas .
  • Some of the worst business ideas you should steer clear from.
  • Profitable and funny business idea that you can start today.
  • Healthcare business ideas with growth potential.
  • Box truck business ideas with profit potential.

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tourism based business ideas

Make In Business

30 Profitable Business Opportunities in Tourism Industry

tourism based business ideas

As technology continues to progress, travel is becoming more and more accessible to people from all over the world. The tourism industry has expanded, allowing individuals to capitalize on resources available creating streams of revenue where there were once none before. Here are ten profitable business opportunities in the tourism industry.

When it comes to the tourism industry, it is always a hotel or bed and breakfast idea , or it could be a cab service. Come on, the tourism industry hosts massive opportunities to earn revenue and establish your presence in the business world. So, why stick to the stereotypical business opportunities and not explore some of the unique ones? 

If you live in a tourism-inclined industry, you can observe tons of opportunities in your area. However, there is tough competition. For example, if you plan to start a motel., you can find at least hundreds of them in your town. Yes, that could be a total turn-off to your mind, and you need to brainstorm some more out-of-the-box ones. Hence, we have browsed, sorted, and presented a few of the innovative and profitable business ideas in the tourism industry. Let us go through them.

With the rise of free market hospitality services like AirBnB, the demand for non-traditional lodging has created a streamlined method for landowners to generate additional streams of revenue

For most travelers, having a secure place to sleep is the top and utmost priority when arriving in a new or foreign location. Sometimes a hotel room just won’t due; especially in regards to traveling with families or large parties. Landowners thus have the unique opportunity to offer up short-term leasing on homes, condos, apartments, even tree houses! Property rental can create a reliable stream of income, especially if you live in a city that sees a lot of tourism or have a unique property type to offer to the general public.

2. Ride-sharing

Companies like Uber and Lyft function as an excellent alternative to traditional shuttle and taxi systems. Even further, they offer up the opportunity for individuals to make money at their own pace.

When touring a new or unfamiliar region, being able to get around swiftly and comfortably is essential. The rise of ride-sharing benefits not only the general public but also individuals looking to earn additional income. Even further, because ride-sharing is such an interpersonal experience, you can use your knowledge and understanding of your environment to function as a buffer or tour guide, creating an additional stream of income!

3. Guided Tours

Who better to help someone get acquainted with and explore and new town or region then someone who has lived there for a substantial amount of time.

Even further, creating a business around the idea of guided tours takes very little capital to do. Those willing to start small can create a website and blog around a central theme like food or art and offer a guided tour around their city visiting central locations based on their chosen niche.

4. Open For Business

As travel becomes more accessible, the demand for local business has grown exponentially. This has opened the window wide for potential bar gurus, restaurateurs and business owners.

The time has never been better to open a bar, nightclub, restaurant or specialty doughnut shop. The different mixing pot of travelers has created opportunities for individuals from all walks of life with a plethora of different ideas to cash in on the ever-expanding market. Even further, the current push to integrate locality by larger brands and organizations has given an edge to local businesses as foreign and domestic consumers alike seek a more authentic experience in all forms of entertainment, service, and hospitality.

5. Luggage Delivery Service

Waiting around for luggage or even worse, forgetting a bag is every traveler’s worst nightmare. Luggage delivery services seek to make such problems a thing of the past.

Creating a luggage delivery service can be an inexpensive way to break into the tourism industry and offers several entry points. If you don’t have the capital or investors to start a full-fledged service, you can get in on the ground floor by launching a personal luggage delivery/recovery service. Managing a luggage delivery service usually entails picking up luggage at baggage claim and delivering it to the client, saving them the time and hassle of having to wait around for it or even worse, having to return for a bag the airport delayed.

6. Smile For The Camera

Social media continues to evolve making it easier for content creators to connect with their target audience. In the case of tourism, this creates a lucrative avenue for income.

The tourism industry is expansive and covers both sides of the spectrum — tourist visiting new areas and locals. Tourism’s duality creates multiple avenues to approach content creation. For instance, if you enjoy traveling, you could produce content centered around your travels. On the other side of the equation, locals can use their familiarity with the regions local hot spots as a means to attract tourist to the area and the content creator themselves.

7. Eco and Urban Tourism

Guided tours through both lush nature preserve and urban developments have become more and more popular creating another accessible form of income for those looking to making a profit in the tourism industry.

Those looking to profitable business opportunities in the tourism industry can add Eco and urban tourism to this list. This form of travel requires a reasonably low amount of capital to start. Even further, those with a penchant for photography can create an additional stream of income by generating content during tour outings.

8. Souvenir Shop

The rise of eCommerce has allowed the essence of brick and mortar specialty stores to thrive online.

Those looking to make a profit from home can set an online hub where they resell local specialty items allowing consumers to gain access to things that were once inaccessible. Even further, the diversity of the market (different regions) provides for a range of potential business owners to thrive.

9. Lost In Translation

Linguist looking to thrive in the tourism industry can leverage their abilities for consistent income in a variety of ways.

There are many opportunities available to those looking to profit in the tourism industry including translation work. A linguist can either place their services on the open market and work as private translators for tourist visiting foreign nations or seek employment with businesses trying to interface with international markets.

We have listed a couple of prominent companies in the language and translation industry for your reference. They have been providing invaluable information and innovative services in the global translation market, as follows:

  • Tomedes – Since 2007, they have been the leading translation company with a 98% customer satisfaction rate, promoting innovation through merging advanced technology with human expertise. They also regularly publish new articles on the latest trends and developments in the language industry on their translator’s hub.
  • Wordbank – They provide translation, localization, and marketing services to businesses worldwide. Their blog offers recent insights into the global marketing industry.
  • Wolfestone – They’re a UK-based agency that provides translation and language services. Like the other language service providers mentioned, they post blogs on the different trends and latest technologies in the market.
  • Future Group – Founded in 1994, their company has been offering content localization services for several years. Their blog consists of way localization can be used to improve user experience and customer interaction.

10. Event Organizer

Throwing welcoming parties, private events and mixers geared towards integrating locals with travelers can prove both beneficial socially and financially.

Social media has evolved to allow connections across the globe. It is this very network that a potential entrepreneur can create groups, forums, and content geared to connecting travelers with locals and the promotion of events geared towards familiarizing tourist with the area they’ve traveled too.

11. Start a Travel Booking App

Yes, you don’t need intensive capital to start a hotel or a resort in your town. If you are passionate about digital technology and love to create apps, you can invest your knowledge and some money in creating a travel booking app. It needs to be highly interactive, no doubts. You will need tremendous knowledge of coding, app design and development, and software to create an app. Yes, you might feel that you are going nowhere at some times, but if you set a vision, you can certainly do it. 

You might think that travel booking apps are an oversaturated market. But each country has hidden gems: excellent hotels and tourist destinations that many foreign travel booking apps miss. We have listed examples of local travel booking apps that you can examine and take note of when planning the development of your own app:

  • Deutsche Bahn (DB Navigator)  
  • Assistant SCNF

12. Start an Airbnb

Yes, this sounds like a typical tourism business, but we have Airbnb, and not the standard hotels found every corner. Airbnbs sound modern, are chic and reasonable and provide a different perspective of the city. If you love hosting and prefer to add a personal touch to your business, you should not start a hotel but invest in an Airbnb. 

This business will require a nice place where you can have rooms to stay. Add some pleasant activities for the guests and be the wonderful host you are as always. 

13. Become a Travel Blogger or Vlogger

Whenever you want to visit a place, what do you do? Yes, you might check the plane tickets or the route to reach that place. But in this digital age, you watch travel videos of those places. If you wish to become a travel blogger or vlogger, give your idea a good chance. You can do it, provided you have the enthusiasm and dedication to establish your digital presence and travel the whole world. 

You will need some good-quality equipment (the more hi-tech, the better-quality videos you can create). If you want to be a blogger, you will simply need the passion to write your travel stories and some technical knowledge to run your blog. 

14. Start a Customized Food Service

If you don’t have the capital to start a restaurant or a food truck, you can start a meal delivery service for the tourists coming to your city. For instance, some Airbnbs and homestays do not provide meals. You can tie up with such facilities and provide customized meals to them. If you have a specialization in culinary skills and your food menu is famous throughout the city, you can easily spread your business. 

However, you need to prepare meals as per client preferences. For instance, if they want gluten-free food or vegan food options, you can do it the way they want. The more variety and taste you can add to the meals, the more leads you can seek. 

15. Start an Eco-Friendly Homestay

If you have space in your hometown and want to start a sustainable business that saves planet earth and not just focuses on revenue generation, this business opportunity is for you. You can start a full-fledged homestay that has eco-friendly principles in place. You will need less capital, and if you promote it right, you can attract a lot of environment-conscious customers to your homestay. Since eco-tourism and a green lifestyle are becoming trends these days (and is also the need of the hour), you can focus your business venture on a noble initiative. 

16. Become a Travel Planner

Yes, we have party planners and event organizers, and people also need travel planners. If you love to plan events and travel as well, you can grab golden opportunities in this business industry. You can help people plan their tours with loads of customization options. You can ask the clients about their travel requirements and budget and chalk out a tour plan accordingly. You will arrange for their stays, book tickets for them, and help them have a memorable journey. 

Yes, it needs a lot of promotion on digital channels, but if you help customers enjoy their tours, they will surely spread the word about the travel stories and your planning service as well. 

17. Start a Water Sport Business

This business is suitable for those staying at a beach town or riverside area. If you like adventure and want to start a relevant business in your area, this could be lucrative. Travelers love to participate in water sports, and no matter what the competition level in your place is, you will always have people flocking to your business. 

You can start a snorkelling business, speed boat rental business, or a jet charter business, depending upon the kind of water sports available. You need to focus on customer service and safety, and you will surely thrive. 

18. Start a Travel Show

This is another line of opportunity for those into travel and digital technology. You can collaborate with a reputed channel or platform and start your own travel show. It will be much better if you already have a fan following. You can explore cities and hidden places in your country and around the world and present them to the people watching online. 

Yes, it requires severe dedication and interest, and if you are into it, it should become your full-time profession. People love to watch such shows, so try to make it more intriguing. 

19. Start a Nightclub

It is obvious that entertaining businesses have good potential at tourist attractions. And if it is a fancy, little nightclub, you can find plenty of people coming to your place. It doesn’t matter how many nightclubs your town or city hosts. If you have something special and consistent to offer, tourists will never miss out on visiting. 

You can tie with travel bloggers and vloggers and get active on social media to spread the word about your nightclub. It works, we promise!

20. Start Guided Tours

It could be a cycling tour, or a horseback tour, or an auto ride tour. These city and town tours need to be guided, and the travellers should seek their dose of information. They subscribe to your tours because they want to know more about the city and have fun. If you provide them with the desired package of enjoyment and knowledge, they will love you. 

Guided tours have always been popular, but they need to be planned systematically. If you love to do it, you are good to go. You can conduct tours of the famous food joints in your area, museum, historical places, and other attractions. 

21. Start a Souvenir or Gift Shop

Whichever place you visit, you can find souvenir shops everywhere. However, you can add a twist to your little place. If you are a budding artist, you can create gift items and souvenirs with your creativity and sell them in your shops. In this way, you will have something unique and different to offer to travellers and not the usual typical stuff. 

Placement of your gift shop is important. It should be in a place that is easily accessible and noticeable for travellers. You can even place it near a popular hotel. 

22. Start a Rental Apartment Service

Hotels and lodging services are common, but have you heard of apartments for travellers? Even if travellers visit a place for a short time, some insist on extending their stay or prefer a more comfortable stay option. That’s why rented apartments are becoming popular. You can build condos and fully-furnished apartments and make them available. 

Ensure that you provide all the amenities and facilities to the travellers. Because these are the ones who do not think about cutting travel costs but are willing to pay more charges for a lavish stay. 

23. Start a Rental Car Service

Some travellers prefer guided tours and professional cab drivers. But some prefer to drive on their own and explore the places as much as they want. Hence, you can provide cars with or without drivers and let them enjoy their travel. 

Ensure that you have excellent car options and they are well-serviced on time. 

24. Start a Bakery

This business idea might sound food-related to you, but a bakery business always does well. Several travellers have a sweet tooth, or they celebrate birthdays and other special events at tourist places. Hence, they need a cake or baked items such as doughnuts, and finding a good bakery could be challenging. If you love baking and your sweets are loved by everyone, you can let the travellers enjoy the baked items. 

25. Start a Tourism Convenience Store

People might try to pack a lot, but they miss out on something. It could be mints or a pack of beers. You can start a convenience store and earn revenue as travellers will surely get something from you. Ensure that it is fully stocked and has all the travel essentials. 

If you can add backpacks, or gift items, or souvenirs to your place, you can do it. People love to shop when they travel, and they will never get bored out of it. 

26. Become an Interpreter

People proficient in foreign languages should never let their skills go to waste. Instead, they should start a translation and interpretation bureau. You can even enlist other interpreters in your business. You can connect with travellers visiting from foreign countries and help them explore the city without any language barriers. 

For instance, a traveller from Germany will face difficulties in Japan as he doesn’t know the language. You will come to the rescue! 

27. Start a Laundry Service

Travellers need to do their laundry, and all hotels and homestays do not have the said facilities. They will approach you for laundry services, and you can earn a stable income out of it. 

28. Start a Tourist Visa Information Business

Tourist visa regulations are complex but cannot be avoided by the travellers. They need to be updated about the rules all the time. Moreover, they can face any kind of trouble due to visa regulations, and they need immediate help. If you love resolving problems, you can start a tourist visa information business and become the torchbearer for travellers. Yes, it is critical and complex, but you can do it. 

29. Arrange Field Trips for the Education Industry

Students from colleges and schools need to go on different field trips, industrial visits, and others. So, if you can organize these field trips and help students and teachers coordinate, you will succeed in this business. You need to have an interest in the education industry, and if you are good at communicating with kids and teachers, you will love doing this business. 

Ensure that there are sufficient places in your city worth visiting by students and plan out the trips carefully. 

30. Start a Backpacker’s Hostel

Homestays and hotels are popular, but what about new solo travellers or those on a budget tour? For them, a backpackers’ hostel is an excellent option. Also, if you want to get out of the usual hotel business and your city does not have a hostel for budget travellers, you can be the pioneer in it. 

You will need ample space, a zeal to interact with travellers, and loads of creative ideas to entertain them. 

The above list can be endless, but we have tried to add the best 30 business ideas that are profitable indeed.

Profitable business opportunities can range from starting a retail store to offering professional services, franchising, web-based businesses, home-based businesses, and more.

To determine if a business opportunity is profitable, it’s important to analyze its revenue potential, overhead costs, and short-term and long-term goals.

Depending on the type of business you’re starting, there may be a variety of legal requirements including obtaining any necessary permits and licenses, registering the business name, and filing for a tax identification number.

Potential business opportunities can be found by researching current industry trends, evaluating customer needs and the competition, leveraging your personal and professional networks, attending industry events, and researching online resources.

Funding can be obtained through personal savings, angel investors, crowdfunding, as well as through Small Business Loans and other grants.

The amount of capital needed to start a business varies depending on the type of business and its size. Generally, the start-up costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several hundred thousand dollars.

Taxes such as federal income taxes, self-employment taxes, state and local taxes, payroll taxes, and sales tax may need to be taken into consideration when starting a business.

Yes, there are various resources available to small business owners. Resources such as SBDC (Small Business Development Center), SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), and the US Small Business Administration (SBA) can provide guidance and assistance.

There are a variety of tools that can help you manage your business, including accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) software, project management software, and more.

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10+ Best & Profitable Travel Business Ideas [2023]

Nick

By Nick Cotter Updated Feb 07, 2024

Image of travel business ideas

Our List of 10+ Best Travel Business Ideas:

Tour guide business, bed and breakfast, concierge service, airport transfer service, group and individual travel planning, travel photography business, cruise agency, adventure travel business, specialty travel agency, incentive travel business.

Imagine this: you're lounging on a sun-kissed beach, tropical drink in hand, all while your bank account keeps growing. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, welcome to the exciting world of travel business! As we look forward to 2023, the opportunities in this sector are not only abundant but also incredibly profitable.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur looking for your next venture, or a travel enthusiast who wants to turn passion into profit, you're in the right place. We've scoured the globe (virtually, of course!) and hand-picked 10+ of the best and most profitable travel business ideas that are set to take off in 2023.

Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and potentially, financial freedom. Remember, every great journey begins with a single step. So, buckle up and let's dive into the world of travel entrepreneurship!

A tour guide business is an ideal business opportunity for those who have a deep understanding of the local area and a passion for sharing this knowledge with others. Tour guides offer customised guided tours, often focusing on the attractions, culture, and history of a particular region. This type of business offers many advantages:

  • Ability to work flexible hours
  • Opportunity to explore your community
  • Opportunity to meet interesting people
  • A chance to make money from something you love doing
  • Opportunities to network with other businesses in the local community.

image of a Tour Guide Business

A bed and breakfast (or B&B) is a type of accommodation with a unique, local appeal. Guests stay in the host’s house, and are typically served breakfast in the morning. It is an ideal business idea for anyone looking to become an entrepreneur in the travel industry, as it provides an intimate service for guests looking for a more homey atmosphere than what a hotel might offer.

  • No large-scale service required
  • Can be run from home or rental property
  • Relatively low start-up costs
  • Beloved by travelers, who often come back year after year
  • Can create additional income by adding amenities such as local tours or services

image of ZenBusiness logo

Examples of successful businesses:

The travel business industry has many successful companies that provide services to customers both domestically and internationally. Some examples of successful companies in the travel business industry are listed below.

  • Marriott International
  • TripAdvisor

A Concierge service is a company that provides customers with personal assistance for their everyday needs. This could include errand-running, grocery shopping, pet-sitting, house cleaning, restaurant reservations and other day-to-day services. It is an ideal business idea as it has much potential for growth and can be tailored to the customer’s individual needs. Some advantages of a Concierge service include:

  • Reasonable cost: prices can be kept at a minimum by charging high-value customers more than the average customer.
  • Flexible hours: With a Concierge service, you will always have time to cater to your clients as you can choose which hours you work.
  • Wide range of services: The range of services you offer will depend on your area and the level of expertise needed by customers.
  • Add value to other businesses: You can add value to other businesses such as hotels, gyms and real estate agencies by providing them with an extra layer of customer service.

More resources:

An airport transfer service is a business providing transportation services to and from airports. It can be a popular and profitable venture for those looking to enter the market. Airport transfer services offer customers convenience, reliability, and safety when travelling to or from an airport. Some of the benefits of starting an airport transfer service include:

  • Flexibility - You can choose your own hours and pick up clients when it fits your schedule.
  • Income potential - Charging clients a fee for the use of the service can bring in profitable income.
  • No prior investments necessary - You don't need to own a car or have any equipment to start running an airport transfer service.
  • Opportunities for growth - With an increasing demand for this type of service, there can be potential for growth.

Group and individual travel planning is an excellent business idea to help people plan their trips. With the right resources and expertise, this could be a great investment of time and money. Some of the benefits of travel planning include:

  • Help save money and time when planning a trip
  • Understand complex logistics involved with transportation, accommodations, activities, etc.
  • Assistance in navigating cultural requirements for different destinations or types of trips
  • Provide guidance for special needs travelers or group travelers
  • A convenient way to plan an entire trip from start to finish

Related business ideas:

Travel photography is a business focused on capturing memories of people’s trips and vacations. It can involve taking photographs of landscapes, monuments, cityscapes and other places of interest. It can also involve taking photos of people during their travels, such as posing in front of famous sights or experiencing the local culture. There are many reasons why travel photography would make a good business idea:

  • It provides a unique service to travelers
  • It requires minimal overhead costs
  • It has the potential to earn significant income
  • It provides an interesting and exciting job
  • It provides flexible working hours

A cruise agency is a business that specializes in coordinating and booking cruises for customers. It can provide services such as helping customers select their desired itinerary, accommodation, and other amenities. Cruise agencies have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the growth of the cruise industry, making it a great business idea.

  • Advantage of Scale: Cruise agencies can purchase bulk quantities of cruise tickets at wholesale prices, which gives them access to discounts that individual customers cannot get.
  • Wide Customer Base: Cruise agencies can offer customized packages to a wide variety of customers, including families, individuals, and groups.
  • Investment Portfolio: By offering cruises from various cruise lines, cruise agencies can increase their earnings by diversifying their investment portfolio.
  • Expertise: Cruise agencies have access to experienced staff with in-depth knowledge of the cruise industry which allows them to provide customers with better service.

Adventure travel business involves providing travelers with exciting and unique experiences that are usually focused on exploration and discovery. Adventure trips can include activities such as trekking, mountaineering, safaris, white-water rafting, bird watching and other outdoor activities. Such businesses can make a good business idea, as they offer the opportunity to make money while helping people to experience adventure and explore nature.

  • Adventure travel businesses are a rapidly growing market due to increased interest in exploring different countries and cultures.
  • Adventure trips can be tailored to meet the interests of each traveler, so they can be very cost effective.
  • Adventure travel businesses have a wide range of potential customers including backpackers, families, and corporate groups.
  • The industry is constantly evolving with new technology and opportunities for travelers
  • The business model is highly scalable; companies can quickly ramp up operations to accommodate changing market demand.

A Specialty travel agency is a business that specializes in selling customized, niche travel experiences. These specialized trips can be tailored to a variety of interests and needs - from adventure-filled backpacking trips to luxury vacations. They offer an opportunity for travelers to experience the world in a more unique and individualized way.

  • Custom Travel Packages - A specialty travel agency can create unique and tailored packages for any traveler.
  • Expert Knowledge - Specialty travel agents know the ins and outs of their area of specialization. They can provide valuable insight into the nuances of each destination.
  • VIP Service - Specialty travel agencies often provide exclusive access and advantages not available to regular travelers.
  • Cost Savings - By booking through a specialty travel agency, travelers can save money due to the expertise and network of contacts the agency has established.

Incentive travel business is the practice of providing people with rewards for reaching set goals or for promoting certain products or services. Incentive travel packages can be tailored to an individual's needs and can include a range of rewards from free tickets to international trips. Incentive travel is a great business idea because:

  • It encourages loyalty and performance within companies
  • It increases engagement and productivity
  • It strengthens relationships between clients and partners
  • It provides unique opportunities to employees and customers alike
  • It can be customized to fit any budget

More helpful resources about LLCs:

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

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11 Business Ideas for Travel Lovers

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Table of Contents

Do you want to explore the world and be your own boss? Starting your own business doesn’t mean you have to stay in one place. Many businesses in the digital age don’t require a brick-and-mortar shop, and some businesses will even take you to your dream destinations.

Running a business isn’t for the faint of heart, however. If you’re determined to see the world while owning a business, check out these 11 business ideas for people who love to travel. 

Business ideas for travel lovers

1. traveling personal assistant.

graphic of a two people in an airport terminal

Some people, such as politicians and celebrities, require a personal assistant. Personal assistants usually travel with their employer whether they are going on tour, have speaking events or conduct business in other locations.

If organization, time management and problem-solving are your top skills, create your own agency. Personal assistants typically arrange travel and accommodations, manage schedules, run errands and coordinate with other staff members. 

2. Travel blogger

If you love writing and photography, a travel blog could be your ticket to several dream destinations. Bloggers often create helpful guides, explore new cities, take interesting photos, and provide recommendations and tips. Before you take the plunge, however, understand that blogging can be tough and time-consuming. It often takes a couple of years before you make money blogging, but when you do, you’re essentially getting paid to travel the world and write about it.

If writing isn’t your expertise and you’re better with a camera, try being a travel vlogger. With YouTube, vlogging is a lucrative business. Take your business on the road and create videos about traveling the world and visiting the best tourist spots.

3. Social media influencer

If you have a large online following, you can make a steady income through sponsored posts and pictures. Many brands use influencers to advertise their products and encourage followers to buy goods and services.

Some brands will even pay for social media influencers to attend their events or stay at their resorts in exchange for documenting their experience on their social media accounts.

4. Travel agency

graphic of a travel agent using a desktop computer

People want honest and helpful advice. Travel agents help people plan vacations and trips across the globe. They often have specialties for different countries or niches. If there is a country or city you love to visit, you can make recommendations to others who want to see more of the world.

You can start your own home-based travel agency through either a franchise or non-franchise agency depending on your budget and accreditation. You may need to look into obtaining a certification, and you may need to pay monthly fees if you partner with a host agency.

5. Photographer

Photography is a great skill to have if you want to travel. If you start a photography business, you could travel the world and capture its beauty with your camera. You could sell these photos to publications or as art. You could also become skilled at a specific type of photography, such as candid portraits, family photography or wedding photography. People need a skilled photographer at their destination wedding, and you could be just the person for the job.

6. Public speaker

Do you have expertise in your field and great communication skills? If so, you could become a public speaker. Speakers often travel across the country or even the world to spread their message and inspire millions. These individuals also have other streams of income, such as being a social media influencer, selling books or creating a blog about their expertise.

7. Traveling event planner

Event planners organize corporate and professional events and meetings. They typically arrange catering, location selection, travel accommodations and more. If you have networking, organizational and time-management skills, you could travel the world as an event planner. Event planning worldwide could open up even more travel opportunities and larger-scale events in the long term.

8. Translator

graphic of a person sitting at a desk using a laptop with conversation bubbles above them

If you’re fluent in multiple languages, creating a translation business could be a great way to see the world. Translators are needed in almost every industry. They assist international businesses, globe-trotting executives and high-profile individuals by translating documents, books, emails, conversations and more. If you’re not sure where to start, offer to translate menus for restaurants in your area or promotional materials for small businesses.

9. Wedding planner

The job of a wedding planner is to create a stress-free wedding day. Wedding planners must be the calm in the middle of the storm and have a unique ability to soothe nerves when everything doesn’t go as planned.

While a lot of wedding planners have expertise and a network in a specific town or location, many couples opt for a destination wedding. These weddings can typically be even more stressful, because you must figure out how to get guests from point A to point B. You also must make accommodations over the phone rather than in person. However, this is a great opportunity to travel to beautiful places across the globe.

10. Graphic designer

As our world becomes more digital, the demand for website developers and graphic designers is growing. With online tutorials and programs — including Photoshop, WordPress and Illustrator — it’s easier than ever to create your own graphic design business.

Market yourself as a freelance graphic designer, and assist others in creating their own branding, landing pages and promotions — a job you can do from any location. A knowledge of coding (HTML, PHP and CSS) further adds to your expertise so you can help companies develop business websites as well as design them.

11. House sitter

graphic of person playing with a dog

Many people feel better about leaving for vacation with someone staying at their house to take care of their home and pets. In exchange for your services as a house sitter (feeding and walking pets, gathering mail and tending to housework), some people may pay you to stay at their homes while they travel abroad or stay at one of their multiple homes. There are websites and services to get your name out there. You could also create your own house sitter agency, marketing yourself as trustworthy and reputable.

What to know before starting your business

There are some key tips you should know before attempting to start your own business. These are true for both travel-heavy businesses and those that would mostly keep you at home.

It takes more than just passion.

Although starting your own business allows you to do something you love, that’s only a small part of the endeavor. Running your own company involves a lot of responsibilities, many of which won’t be as enjoyable as creating your product or providing your service. However, by creating a business plan , interacting with customers and marketing your company, you’ll have a greater chance of success. 

Activity and growth aren’t the same. 

Just because your company is changing doesn’t necessarily mean you have a growing business . Hiring new employees, adding features to your products and expanding your physical space can help you grow. But unless these steps lead to a notable increase in income, you’ve expanded only your operations; in this situation, new strategies will be necessary for true growth. 

Your numbers are vital.

Data on how much your business is earning and spending are key to your success. Without working benchmarks for how well your business is performing, you might not know how to respond to potential problems until it’s too late. 

You need the right team. 

Unless you can run your business entirely by yourself, you’ll need a good team behind you. You shouldn’t pick just anyone to help you run your company; hiring the wrong employee can cost more money in the long run. Anyone you hire should have similar career goals to your own and dedicate their working hours to your success. 

Make time for fun.

You should always leave room for fun for both yourself and your employees. While getting a business off the ground does require a lot of dedication and effort, it shouldn’t take up your entire life. To perform their best work, most people need time to recharge, and they can’t do that while on the clock. Be mindful of a healthy work-life balance so you and your employees are ready for the next day.

Your own business offers challenges and rewards

Whether you’re starting a business to travel or gain control over your future career, the process isn’t easy. There are plenty of obstacles that can pop up; getting a company off the ground is one of the toughest things you can do. But that makes pulling it off all the more rewarding, and the sooner you get started, the more quickly you can reap the benefits.

Isaiah Atkins and Max Freedman contributed to the writing and research in this article.

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Example of Tourism Business Ideas Do you love showing travellers the unique and interesting aspects of South Africa? Tourism could be the industry for you. Before you get started here are some lessons from current businesses you can incorporate into your start-up.

By Nicole Crampton Jul 24, 2019

You're reading Entrepreneur South Africa, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Since South Africa is known for its natural beauty, tourism will always hold numerous business opportunities, especially if you live in a popular tourist destination. Your business can offer everything from tours to accommodation and experiences.

Here are 10 examples of tourism businesses you can gain insights from before launching your own business:

1. Walking Tours

Do you love to explore your city on foot? Do you know all the hidden gems and interesting pieces of history? You could offer walking tours to tourists who want to genuinely experience this country.

Before you start mapping out your route, here is an example of this tourism business idea that can offer you insights into this industry:

Business Name: Walk & Talk Tours CC

Website: https://walktours.co.za/

Established Date: 1999

About the business:

Walk & Talk Tours CC aims to combine the pleasurable and therapeutic act of walking and talking. They want to introduce South Africa to not only tourists but also to South Africans, educating their clients about interesting areas of the country they wouldn't normally visit.

Innovative business offering

In addition to their walking tours, Walk & Talk Tours CC have a patented self-guiding system. This allows anyone to visit an area and gain information, tours, commentary, videos, pictures, apps and the history of the area.

2. Airbnb Rentals

Airbnb is a marketplace where you can rent out your spare room, or even your entire apartment or house. It caters to travellers looking for cheaper more interesting accommodation. Before you register your house on the platform, here is an example of an Airbnb host who you can learn from:

Business Name: Brigid Prinsloo

Website: https://www.airbnb.com/

Established Date: 2013

Brigid Prinsloo rented her spare room out on Airbnb. She started out with a very lean approach. At the end of that first month they had earned close to R10 000 renting the room out.

Related: 25 Of The Most Successful Business Ideas In South Africa

She purchased two more properties one with her fiancé and the other with her father and sister, which they also listed on Airbnb.

Innovative business offerin g

You'll need to create an experience for your guest. The better the experience the better the rating you'll get and the more customers you'll continue to attract.

3. Airbnb Experiences

Airbnb Experiences are unusual and engaging activities that you can offer through the Airbnb marketplace for travellers coming to your area. Experiences go above and beyond regular tours by immersing guests in a unique activity.

If you have something you can teach or guide visitors through, this could be the tourism business idea for you. Before you launch your start-up, here is an example of a tourist business you can learn from:

Business Name: Carving Cape's Single-track with a Pro

Website: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/123771

Paris Basson has over 25 years in the sports industry. He has raced all disciplines from Road, MTB, CX, Enduro and Triathlon's. He offers a once in a life time experience biking through the Table Mountain National Park, offering an adrenaline packed adventure and views of the Cape like no other.

Paris Basson has such an in-depth knowledge of the area and which routes suit the various experience levels of his clients that he can custom make a route to ensure every customer has the best experience.

4. Local Cuisine Cooking Class

Do you love to cook local food? Do you enjoy teaching others how to make interesting and unique meals? This could be the tourism business idea for you. Before you start cooking, here is an example of a tourism business you can gain insights from:

Business Name: Sazón Cooking School

Website: https://www.belmond.com/hotels/north-america/mexico/san-miguel-de-allende/belmond-casa-de-sierra-nevada/

Sazón Cooking School is hosted in a magnificent 18 th - century mansion. Here their guests can study the bold flavours and rich history of regional culinary Mexican favourites. They also offer to teach their guests techniques to creating these flavourful dishes.

In addition to the cooking class Sazón is based in a heritage hotel offering its clients accommodation in the Mexican heartlands. They also offer market tours and classes to help their customers navigate the colourful and vibrant San Miguel Market.

5. Souvenir Shop

Do you love making something uniquely South African or African? Then this could be the tourism business idea for you. Here is an example:

Related: 11 Uniquely South African Business Ideas

Souvenir shops offer visitors locally inspired gifts they can take home to remember their experience. You can open one to ensure visitors always remember their incredible stay in South Africa.

Business Name: A Place To Shop

Website: https://www.aplacetoshop.co.za/

A Place To Shop offers fun and quirky South African and African souvenirs for both locals and travellers. They offer international delivery for those looking to purchase something African from across the ocean.

Some of their products are available for resell, this would increase their profits and ensure their products reached a larger audience.

6. An Airbnb Management Company

For people who have started listing multiple rentals, managing them can be quite a task, which is where Airbnb Management Companies came from. These tourism businesses assist with the day-to-day renting out of spaces on Airbnb.

Before you start advertising your services, here is an example of a business you can learn a few tricks from:

Business Name: Superhost South Africa

Website: http://superhostsouthafrica.com/

Established Date: 2015

Superhost South Africa is a full-service Airbnb property manager, they deal with the daily logistics and are on call 24/7 in case of emergencies. They offer everything from setting up their clients initial Airbnb profile to cleaning once the guest has left.

In addition, Superhost South Africa also offers ongoing optimisation to continually improve their client's listings, its profile and the service they deliver.

7. Fashion Mini-bar

In hotels across the world you typically get mini-bars that offer alcohol, cool drinks and snacks. But you could also offer a Mini Fashion bar; which visitors can pay for when checking out.

Related: The Ultimate 101 List Of SA Business Ideas To Get You Started

This ensures that those on a busy trip can still get some shopping done even if they never leave their hotel room. Before you start phoning hotels, here is an example of this business you can gain some insights from:

Business Name: Pimkie

Website: https://www.pimkie.it/

French clothing brand, Pimkie created a boutique bar filled with clothes and accessories to assist travellers in finding new clothing items and accessories to wear, particularly if they've forgotten to pack something.

Travellers can rent or buy the pieces they need and simple pay for them on check out. Guests can even call the Fashion concierge to source an item in their size.

8. Translators

Do you speak multiple languages? Then this could be the tourism business idea for you. You can help foreign tourists navigate South Africa by translating for them. Before you launch your start-up, here is an example of a tourism business you can learn strategies from:

Business Name: Language Connect

Website: https://www.languageconnect.net/sectors/travel-tourism/

Language Connect helps their clients to communicate seamlessly with their foreign guests and ensures the personal touch by offering services in multiple languages.

In addition, they also offer to translate their client's website, promotional videos, email campaigns, telephone message systems, advertising, brochures, menus, stationery and amenities into numerous languages.

9. Cultural/Heritage Tours

Do you have a vast knowledge of the culture and heritage in your area? Could you lead a cultural/heritage tour group? Then this could be the tourism business idea for you.

Related: Your Free Business Idea Evaluation SWOT Analysis Template

Here is an example of a tourism business that you can learn from before you start your business:

Business Name: Kruger National Park

Website: http://www.krugerpark.co.za/Krugerpark_Travel_Guide-travel/cultural-heritage-sites.html

Established Date: 1926

Kruger National Park is home to numerous historical locations and prehistoric rock art giving it a rich cultural heritage. They offer cultural tours for guests wanting to see restored villages and learn about the inhabitants' way of life.

In addition, the Kruger National Park is South Africa's most exciting African safari destination. They have a variety of safari tour options and can take their guests on a journey of exploration to find Africa's Big Five .

10. "Takeaway' Hotel Rooms

If you are good at building and designing rooms, you can create mini hotel rooms using shipping containers and plant them where ever your guests want to stay. Before you start purchasing containers, here is a tourism business that you can gain insights from:

Business Name: Scandic To Go

Website: https://www.scandichotels.com/landing-pages/scandic-to-go

Established Date: 2014

The Scandic To Go rooms are 18 sqm and offer all the amenities of a traditional hotel room, except that it can be moved to any pre-selected destinations. This allows a unique and one-of-a-kind experience for their guests.

In addition to offering the Scandic To Go rooms, they are a high-quality hotel brand that operates predominately in the Scandinavian countries, but also in Germany.

Related: A Free Business Plan Example to Launch Your South African Business

Entrepreneur Staff

Sales Enablement - Content Developer

Nicole Crampton is an SEO specialist who contributes to Entrepreneur.com/za. She has studied a BA Journalism at Monash South Africa and has continued her studies with a Creative Writing degree from UNISA. Nicole has completed several courses in writing and online marketing, and continues to hone her skills and expertise in digital media, digital marketing and content creation.

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Travel Agency

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Travel Agency

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 December 13, 2021 Updated on May 14, 2024

How to Start a Travel Agency

Investment range

$2,150 - $10,600

Revenue potential

$78,000 - $300,000 p.a.

Time to build

0 – 3 months

Profit potential

$62,000 - $90,000 p.a.

Industry trend

Who doesn’t love to travel? But most of us do not love the endless research, planning, and booking required, which sometimes feels like it takes more time than the vacation itself. This is precisely why the $35 billion US travel agency industry has been booming of late, and why it offers a real opportunity for the travel-minded entrepreneur.

By starting your own online travel agency, you can shoulder travelers’ burden and ease their anxiety, allowing them to enjoy their holiday while you make a healthy profit. And thanks to the post-pandemic boost, now is a great time to get in on travel.

Of course, starting a travel agency will not be a vacation – it will take diligence, patience, and strong guidance. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place, as this step-by-step provides all the information you need to develop and launch your new travel agency and give you a head-start on your entrepreneurial journey.

Step by Step Business values real-life experience above all. Through our  Entrepreneur Spotlight Series , we interview business leaders from diverse industries, providing readers with firsthand insights.

Uncover the secrets to building a thriving travel agency with our interview with Casey Halloran of Costa Rican Vacations .

Aspiring travel entrepreneurs will find valuable insights in our interview with Augustin Ndikuriyo on building a thriving African wildlife tour 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.

Every business has its pros and cons, and a travel agency is no exception. You should weigh these carefully to decide if the business is right for you.

  • Flexibility – Work from anywhere, even while traveling!
  • Minimal Training – Get accredited for free online
  • Travel Discounts – Travel agents get top deals and reduced prices
  • Demanding Work – With clients around the world you’re on call 24/7
  • Fierce competition – Top sites like Expedia, travel networks, advisors, and more

Travel agency industry trends

The US travel agency industry expanded an impressive 75% in the decade leading up to 2020, which saw a massive pandemic-driven downturn. 

In 2021, many travel agents saw a surge in business as travelers unsure of all the constantly changing Covid-19 rules and restrictions turn to them for help, rather than booking their own trips. Global travel advisor InteleTravel experienced a 35% increase in business, not from the disaster year of 2020, but from 2019, which had set records.(( https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/14/travel/summer-vacation-travel-agents.html ))

Consumers are also turning more and more to online travel agencies, with a study by Expedia showing a 25% increase in the use of online agencies in 2020 alone. Brick-and-mortar agencies seem to be a dying breed, with British travel icon Thomas Cook closing in 2019.(( https://advertising.expedia.com ))

Industry size and growth

travel agency industry size and growth

  • Industry size and past growth – Market research firm IBISWorld values the industry at nearly $48 billion in 2022.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/travel-agencies-united-states/ ))  
  • Growth forecast – The industry is expected to grow further as the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a 5% annual growth through 2030 in the employment of travel agents.(( https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/travel-agents.htm )) 
  • Number of businesses – More than 73,000 travel agencies are operating in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/travel-agencies-united-states/ ))
  • Number of people employed – The industry employs more than 250,000 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/travel-agencies-united-states/ ))

Trends and challenges

travel agency industry Trends and Challenges

Trends in travel agency industry include:

  • Home-stay rentals like Airbnb(( https://stepbystepbusiness.com/business-ideas/start-an-airbnb-business/ )) outperformed hotels in 27 top markets during the pandemic
  • Book-now-pay-later options, such as those offered by Expedia and Booking.com, are gaining popularity
  • Travel agencies undergoing digital transformation in response to the growing demand for online services

Challenges in travel agency industry include:

  • Rising gas prices are impacting travel behavior
  • Compliance with global Covid-19 protocols
  • Keeping up with digital marketing opportunities

What kind of people work in a travel agency?

travel agency industry demographics

  • Gender – 76% of travel agency managers in the US are female, while 24% are male. (( https://www.zippia.com/travel-agency-manager-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics ))
  • Average level of education – 64% of travel agency managers hold a bachelor’s degree.(( https://www.zippia.com/travel-agency-manager-jobs/demographics/#degree-level-types ))
  • Average age – The average age of a travel agency manager is 51 years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/travel-agency-manager-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics ))

How much does it cost to start a travel agency?

The startup costs for a travel agency range from about $2,000 to $10,000, with an average of around $6,000. The high-end includes the rental of office space and a larger marketing budget, but you could easily run your online travel agency from home to cut costs.

How much can you earn from a travel agency?

travel agency business earnings forecast

The commission paid to a travel agency by travel vendors such as airlines and hotels is generally about 10%. Some travel agents also charge a nominal consultation fee for each booking, typically between $30 and $50. Those will be your two revenue streams.

The average cost of a one-week domestic vacation is $1,500 per person. The profit margin for a home-based travel agency is usually about 80%. With an office and staff, your margin will likely drop to about 30%.

In your first year or two, you could work from home and sell five two-person vacations each week. At a 10% commission, this would mean $78,000 in annual revenue. You’d have about $62,000 in profit, assuming an 80% margin.

As your brand gains recognition, sales could climb to 1,000 two-person vacations a year. At this stage, you would rent an office and hire staff, reducing your profit margin to 30%. With expected annual revenue of $300,000, you would make about $90,000.

What barriers to entry are there?

There are a few barriers to entry for a travel agency. Your biggest challenges will be:

  • Competition – Big and small online firms; self-booking travelers
  • Client Acquisition – Time and marketing will be required to build a reputation

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Step 2: hone your idea.

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

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

As a travel agency, you need to find a way to differentiate yourself from the competition. Research online travel agents and booking platforms to see their offerings and prices, while keeping an eye out for something that might be missing.

Perhaps you could specialize in travel to an under-appreciated region, such as Southeast Asia, and build a network of relevant contacts and vendors. Or you could focus on finding travelers the most incredible home-stay rentals at the best prices.

tourism based business ideas

You could specialize in family vacations, corporate retreats, or honeymoons. The potential niche options in the travel industry are nearly endless.

What? Determine your services and travel offerings

Travel can involve many facets, and you can handle some or all of them, in addition to flights, lodgings, and car rentals. These might include:

  • Booking tours and excursions
  • Dining recommendations/reservation
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa and emergency services

How much should you charge for travel agency services?

Travel vendors, such as hotels, airlines, and car rental firms, pay a commission to travel agents that’s generally about 10% of the booking. For instance, if you book a $1,200 flight on Turkish Airlines for your client, Turkish Airlines will give you, the travel agent, a $120 commission.

As a result, booking flights with a travel agent sometimes costs the traveler slightly more than booking directly with the airlines or through a travel site like Expedia or Orbitz. Thus, to attract customers and boost sales travel agents rely on discounted travel packages.

For instance, a return flight from Chicago to Cancun and a 6-day stay at a four-star all-inclusive resort, plus ground transport, might cost a traveler $1,000 or more to book directly. But travel agents get significant discounts from vendors because they place volume orders, so you’d be able to offer this trip as a $599 package deal.

Even after paying your commission, the traveler still saves a chunk of money by using your services, rather than booking themselves. And keep in mind, the discounts offered by vendors are likely to increase as you become a more established agent. You may be able to negotiate commissions from tour operators and excursion companies as well.

Once you know your costs, you can 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 will depend on the concept you’ve chosen for your agency. If you’ve decided to specialize in family vacations, you’ll be targeting parents. You might find them on sites like Facebook or LinkedIn, rather than Instagram or TikTok.

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 travel agency grows, you’ll likely need to hire workers and may need to rent out an office. You can find commercial space to rent in your area on Craigslist , Crexi , and Commercial Cafe .

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

travel agency business idea rating

Step 3: Brainstorm a Travel Agency 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
  • The name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
  • Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
  • Including keywords, such as “travel” or “bookings”, boosts SEO
  • Choose a name that allows for expansion: “Wanderlust Adventures” over “Beach Bum Vacations” or “Honeymoon Haven Agency”
  • 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 with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that set your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Travel Agency Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

what to include in a business plan

  • Executive Summary: Present an overview of your travel agency, highlighting its focus on providing personalized travel planning and booking services for various types of travelers.
  • Business Overview: Describe the services of your travel agency, including custom travel itinerary planning, booking accommodations, flights, and special experiences.
  • Product and Services: Detail the range of travel packages offered, such as luxury vacations, adventure tours, and corporate travel services.
  • Market Analysis: Assess the current travel market, identifying target customer segments like families, honeymooners, or business travelers.
  • Competitive Analysis: Compare your agency to others, focusing on your unique offerings like specialized destinations, personalized service, or exclusive deals.
  • Sales and Marketing: Outline your strategy for attracting clients, using methods like online marketing, partnerships with travel providers, or attending travel expos.
  • Management Team: Highlight the experience and expertise of your team in travel planning, customer service, and business management.
  • Operations Plan: Describe the process of service delivery, from client consultation to trip execution and post-travel follow-up.
  • Financial Plan: Provide an overview of financial aspects, including startup costs, pricing strategy, and anticipated income.
  • Appendix: Include supplementary documents such as travel industry certifications, partnership agreements, or detailed client testimonials to support your business plan.

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 travel agencies.

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 travel agency will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely.

Here are the main options:

types of business structures

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 needs 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

tourism based business ideas

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.

tourism based business ideas

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:

types of business funding

  • 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.
  • Venture capital : Offer potential investors an ownership stake in exchange for funds, keeping in mind that you would be sacrificing some control over your business.
  • 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 options, other than friends and family, for funding a travel agency. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.

Step 8: Apply for Travel Agency Licenses and Permits

Starting a travel agency 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 travel agency 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

types of 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 any 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 to manage bookings and scheduling, such as TravelPerk , TravelCEO , and TravelOperations .

  • 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.

Develop your 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 website should showcase your offerings, customer testimonials, and detailed information about destinations.

Your clients are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google.

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

  • Leverage Social Media : Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to share stunning travel imagery, customer stories, and travel tips. Engage with your audience through regular posts, stories, and responses to comments.
  • Content Marketing : Start a blog or a YouTube channel providing valuable content like travel guides, tips, destination reviews, and travel trends. This not only helps in SEO but also establishes you as an expert in the field.
  • Build Partnerships : Collaborate with local businesses in your chosen travel destinations, such as hotels, tour operators, and local attractions. This can lead to exclusive deals or packages that you can offer to your clients.
  • Email Marketing : Collect emails through your website and social media channels and send out regular newsletters with travel tips, special offers, and new package announcements.
  • Customer Reviews and Referrals : Encourage your clients to leave reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor or Google. Word-of-mouth referrals are powerful, so consider offering incentives for referrals.
  • Attend Travel Expos and Events : Participate in travel expos, seminars, and networking events to build contacts and stay updated on the latest industry trends.
  • Offer Personalized Services : Tailor your services to meet individual client needs. Personal touches can make a big difference in the travel industry.
  • Utilize Paid Advertising : Invest in targeted ads on social media and Google to reach potential clients. This can be particularly effective when you have special offers or new packages to promote.
  • Stay Informed and Flexible : The travel industry is dynamic, so it’s important to stay informed about global travel trends, destination updates, and customer preferences.
  • Sustainable and Responsible Travel : With growing awareness about environmental and cultural impacts, promoting sustainable and responsible travel practices can set your agency apart.

Focus on USPs

unique selling proposition

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that set 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 travel agency 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 travel agency could be:

  • Travel to Asia’s best secret destinations
  • The best local insights and insider adventures
  • Vacations for the whole family, from grandma to the baby!

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 travel agency, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in travel agencies 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 travel. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

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 travel agency would include:

  • Travel Agents – sales and bookings
  • General Manager – scheduling, accounting, staff management
  • Marketing Lead – SEO strategies, social media, other marketing

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 Travel Agency – Start Making Money!

Owning a travel agency means sharing the joy of travel for a living. What could be more fun? It’s also a huge, high-growth industry that you could tap into and grow a profitable business. Startup costs are low, and all you need is a simple accreditation — there’s no real training required. You just need a good concept for your agency and a great marketing plan. Having a strong online presence in this digital age is also an absolute must.

You’ve started off on the right foot by reading this guide, and now you’re ready to begin your trip to entrepreneurial success!

  • Travel Agency Business FAQs

If you run your online travel agency from home, you could have profit margins of up to 80%. Costs to run your travel agency are very low, and you’re paid around a 10% commission on everything that you book. As a home-based, one-person show, you could make $60,000 per year to start, and much more once you’re established.

Consumers are turning to online travel agencies more and more, which you could easily run from home. If your business grows fast and you need to add staff, you may want to have an office.

Some consumers prefer the personal service of a smaller online agency that can offer more local, personal insights about travel destinations. The key is to differentiate yourself in some way. You could specialize in certain locations, a specific type of lodgings, such as cabins, or in a type of vacation such as corporate retreats.

Travel agencies engage in activities such as providing travel advice, booking travel arrangements, managing logistics, and offering specialized services tailored to clients’ needs.

Running a travel agency can have challenges due to intense competition, evolving industry dynamics, regulatory considerations, seasonal fluctuations, and the need for customer satisfaction and crisis management. 

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  • Decide if the Business Is Right for You
  • Hone Your Idea
  • Brainstorm a Travel Agency Name
  • Create a Travel Agency Business Plan
  • Register Your Business
  • Register for Taxes
  • Fund your Business
  • Apply for Travel Agency Licenses and Permits
  • Open a Business Bank Account
  • Get Business Insurance
  • Prepare to Launch
  • Build Your Team
  • Run a Travel Agency - Start Making Money!

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21 Tourism and Travel Business Ideas

21 Tourism and Travel Business Ideas

Carolyn Young

Published on July 21, 2022

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Did You Make Your Connecting Flight? You May Have A.I. to Thank.

Airlines are using artificial intelligence to save fuel, keep customers informed and hold connecting flights for delayed passengers. Here’s what to expect.

A map of the contiguous United States marked with airline routes between hubs like Miami, Boston, New York and Los Angeles, with red, orange, green, blue, red and purple areas that look like storm systems on a radar map. A hand is holding up a cellphone that shows the seating chart of a plane. A message on the screen reads, “JFK-LAX: Holding for Delayed Passengers. On-Time Arrival Projected” and “Gate 10, Seat 5A.”

By Julie Weed

Last month in Chicago, a United Airlines flight to London was ready to depart, but it was still waiting for 13 passengers connecting from Costa Rica. The airline projected they’d miss the flight by seven minutes. Under normal circumstances, they’d all be scrambling to rebook.

But thanks to a new artificial-intelligence-powered tool called ConnectionSaver, the jet was able to wait for them — their checked bags, too — and still arrive in London on time. The system also sent text messages to the late-arriving passengers and the people on the waiting jet to explain what was happening.

A.I. still might not be able to find space for your carry-on, but it could help put an end to the 40-gate dash — sprinting to catch your connecting flight before the door slams shut — as well as other common travel headaches.

It’s not just United. Alaska Airlines , American Airlines and others have been working to develop new A.I. capabilities that could make flying easier for passengers. The carriers are also using the technology to reduce costs and streamline operations, including saving fuel, said Helane Becker, an airline industry analyst for the investment bank TD Cowen . Although many of the airlines are developing their programs independently, a successful innovation by any carrier could possibly become an industry standard.

A.I. is poised to change almost every aspect of the customer flying experience, from baggage tracking to personalized in-flight entertainment, said Jitender Mohan, who works with travel and hospitality clients at the technology consulting company WNS .

Saving fuel and frustration

A.I. has been helping Alaska Airlines dispatchers plan more efficient routes since 2021. “It’s like Google maps, but in the air,” explained Vikram Baskaran, vice president for information technology services at the carrier.

Two hours before a flight, the system reviews weather conditions, any airspace that will be closed, and all commercial and private flight plans registered with the Federal Aviation Administration, to suggest the most efficient route. The A.I. takes in “an amount of information no human brain could process,” said Pasha Saleh, the corporate development director and a pilot for Alaska.

In 2023, about 25 percent of Alaska flights used this system to shave a few minutes off flight times. Those efficiencies added up to about 41,000 minutes of flying time and half a million gallons of fuel saved, Mr. Baskaran said.

On the ground, American Airlines and others are working on an A.I.-powered system American calls Smart Gating — sending arriving aircraft to the nearest available gate with the shortest taxiing time, and if the scheduled arrival gate is in use, quickly determining the best alternate gate. All this could mean fewer frustrating minutes spent waiting on the tarmac.

American introduced Smart Gating at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in 2021 and now employs it at six airports, including Chicago O’Hare and Miami International. The airline estimates it saves 17 hours a day in taxi time and 1.4 million gallons of jet fuel a year.

Mr. Mohan said that using A.I. as a virtual parking attendant could save up to 20 percent of taxiing time, with the highest benefits seen at the largest airports.

Faster and better customer service

Rapidly evolving generative A.I. — think ChatGPT — is helping airlines communicate with passengers better. At United, a companywide challenge last year yielded a plan to make texts sent to fliers more specific about what’s causing delays. Passengers can get frustrated when flights are delayed with no explanation, said Jason Birnbaum, United’s chief information officer.

But tracking the details required, composing an appropriate message and sending it to the right people for 5,000 flights a day would be too much for the staff to handle, Mr. Birnbaum said. Generative A.I. can process all that data and create messages tailored to conditions. For example, passengers booked on a January United flight from San Francisco to Tucson received this text message, along with a new departure time and an apology: “Your inbound aircraft is arriving late due to airport runway construction in San Francisco that limited the number of arrivals and departures for all airlines earlier.”

Having a more detailed explanation can calm travelers’ nerves. Jamie Larounis, a travel industry analyst who flies about 150,000 miles a year, recalled receiving text messages last summer explaining that a storm and a related crew-scheduling problem had delayed his flight from Chicago. “Getting a specific reason for the delay made me feel like the airline had things under control,” he said.

Generative A.I. is also good at summarizing text, making it a powerful tool for wading through emails. Last year, Alaska was among the carriers that began using A.I. to handle customer messages more efficiently. The airline’s system “reads” each email and summarizes the issues raised.

“We used to read first in first out, handling the requests as they came in,” said Mr. Baskaran, but now the system helps prioritize emails. For example, an urgent request involving an upcoming flight may take precedence over a complaint about a past one.

The system also helps a human agent decide how to respond, such as offering the customer a voucher, and it may draft an initial written response. “The person makes the decision, but it’s streamlined,” Mr. Baskaran said.

For all the benefits A.I. promises to airlines and passengers, the technology still has some shortcomings. For one, it doesn’t always deliver accurate information. In 2022, an Air Canada chatbot incorrectly promised a traveler that if he booked a full-fare flight to a relative’s funeral, he could receive a bereavement fare after the fact. When he filed a small-claims case, Air Canada tried to argue that the bot was its own separate entity, “responsible for its own actions,” but a tribunal found Air Canada responsible and ordered it to pay about $800 in damages and fees.

Still, as A.I. develops and airlines race to find more uses for it, passengers could see even more benefits. “As a customer and a business person, this is one of the biggest technology disruptions in the last five to eight years,” Mr. Mohan said.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article, in a quotation from Vikram Baskaran, vice president for information technology services at Alaska Airlines, misstated the number of gallons of fuel an artificial-intelligence-powered planning system saved the airline in 2023. It was half a million, not half a billion.

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Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

tourism based business ideas

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Garden tours, plants sales and more ways to spend time among flowers

Visit Maine's botanical gardens or get a sneak peek of what your neighbors are growing in their back yards.

tourism based business ideas

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One of the loveliest ways to ease yourself fully out of the post-winter blahs and into springtime is to quit being a wallflower and instead surround yourself with living, blooming plants.

From botanical gardens to plant sales and garden tours, it’s time to make like the Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz” and while away the hours, conferring with flowers.

tourism based business ideas

The waterfall at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Photo by Tory Paxson, Courtesy of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

TOTALLY BOTANICAL

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is open for the season, daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Maine Days are May 31 to June 2, when anyone with a Maine driver’s license or state ID gets in for free. Ditto for dads/father figures on Father’s Day (June 16). Advance registration is required. With more than 300 acres of gardens and natural spaces, including a waterfall, there will be plenty to see, smell and bask in the scenery.

Here are more things to do in Boothbay

tourism based business ideas

A tour group walks on the boardwalk at Viles Arboretum in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Viles Arboretum is a botanical garden in Augusta with 6 miles of trails and more than 20 botanical collections. It’s open daily from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. There are 224 acres with all sorts of flora and fauna to discover. Leashed dogs are welcome, and the visitor center is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

Viles Arboretum offers medicinal plant walks, and although the May 18 session is full, you can still register for the June 15 and Sept. 14 events, lead by herbalist, homeopath and flower essence practitioner Debra Bluth. Tickets are $25. Advertisement

The Mount Desert Land & Garden Preserve has four areas to explore on its property in Northeast Harbor: the Asticou Azelea Garden (dawn to dusk daily), the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden (noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday from July 9 to Sept. 8, reservations required), Thuya Garden (dawn to dusk daily, June 15 to Oct. 14) and Little Long Pond Natural Lands (hiking trails and carriage roads open dawn to dusk daily). On June 26, at the Wildflowers of Little Long Pond event, participants can wander around the garden’s fields and forest, spotting wildflowers along the way while practicing how to identify them.

tourism based business ideas

Joyce Saltman, right, and Beth Anisbeck embrace a tree for 60 seconds during a tree hugging event sponsored by Portland Parks and Recreation, at Deering Oaks Park last year. Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer

TOURS AND MORE

2nd Annual Tree Hugging 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Deering Oaks Park, Portland. portlandmaine.gov The tree hugging is a family-friendly community gathering to celebrate Portland’s many trees. Park ranger Liz Collado will lead a sensory awakening and forest bathing session. Along with tree hugging, there will be a storytime, and you can touch a forestry truck and meet naturalist Noah Querido and Portland city arborist Mark Reiland. Just down the road, you’ll find Fessenden Park, on the corner of Brighton and Deering Avenues. The tulips have arrived, and it’s worth a visit to see them.

McLaughlin Garden Lilac Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 24. McLaughlin Garden and Homestead, 97 Main St., South Paris, $5. mclaughlingardens.org You’ll find more than 125 varieties of lilacs at the McLaughlin Garden Lilac Festival. Explore on your own or take a guided tour led by a horticulturist. There will also be family-friendly activities, and you can shop for native and unusual plants.

4th annual Woodfords Community Garden Tour 1-4 p.m. June 8. Woodfords Corner Community in Back Cove, Deering Highlands, Oakdale and Deering Center, $20 suggested donation. woodfordscorner.org Presented by Friends of Woodfords Corner, this self-guided tour features at least 10 gardens. As you make your way down the list, you’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised by all of the hidden havens bursting with flowers, plants and impressive yardscaping elements.

Peony Society of Maine 23rd annual Garden Tour 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 8 and 15. Both tours start at 1348 Ohio St., Bangor, $5 donation. peonysocietyofmaine.net You’ll visit multiple gardens in Bangor, Winterport, Ripley and St. Albans, and your senses will be filled with countless peonies. A peony plant will be raffled off at the end of each tour. Advertisement

Hidden Gardens of Historic Bath 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 22. Sagadahoc Preservation Inc., 880 Washington St., Bath, $40. sagadahocpreservation.org The Hidden Gardens of Historic Bath house and garden tour features several homes in North Bath. Every stop on the tour will be a treat for your senses and may motivate you to make some of your own magic when you get back home.

Garden Conservancy Open Garden Days 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 29. Beckett Castle Rose Garden, Singles Road, Cape Elizabeth, $10. gardenconservancy.org You’ll see plenty of roses as well as ocean views at Beckett Castle, which sits right on the water, with views of five lighthouses. The castle was built in 1871, and its rose garden features more than 70 varieties of heirloom roses. A 50-foot stone tower doubles as the rose arbor entrance to the castle.

PICK A PLANT SALE

Tate House Museum’s Annual Plant and Herb Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 18. Tate House Museum, 1267 Westbrook St., Portland, 207-774-6177.  tatehouse.org The wide selection includes perennials divided from the museum’s 18th century reproduction garden. Visitors can also make their own “seed bombs” and get a sneak peak at a new installation by artist Ashley Page from 10 a.m. to noon.

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland Spring Plant S ale 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. May 18, Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, 217 Landing Road, Westbrook, 207-854-9771.  arlgp.org   Perennials, house plants and more will be on sale, and plants that don’t have specific pricing are “name your own fee.” Anyone interested in donating plants or pots to the sale should send a message to [email protected] .

Taking Root Plant Sale 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 1, Tom Settlemire Community Garden, Maurice Drive, Brunswick, 207-729-7694.  btlt.org This annual sale is organized by the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust. Proceeds benefit the Common Good Garden, which provides food and gardening education for the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program. Master gardeners will be on hand to help shoppers choose their best options.

Scarborough Land Trust Native Plant Sale and Spring Festival 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 1, Broadturn Farm, 388 Broadturn Road, Scarborough, 207-289-1199.  scarboroughlandtrust.org Visitors will find native plants, food vendors, local artisans, guided nature walks and activities for kids. To preorder plants, visit the Scarborough Land Trust website.

Maine Audubon Society Native Plants Sale and Festival 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 8, Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, 207-781-2330.  maineaudubon.org More than 75 species of native wildflowers, shrubs and tree seedlings will be available, along with workshops, info tables and experts.

Staff writer Megan Gray contributed to this report.

Related Headlines

Headed to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens? Here’s what else to check out in Boothbay

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    How to take advantage of innovative tourism business ideas. In an ever-evolving landscape of travel and tourism, the trends for 2024 reflect a desire for authenticity, sustainability, and immersive experiences. ... Rob Mathison is a Vancouver-based freelance writer focusing on tech, travel, digital marketing, and education. He is a co-author of ...

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    Read how to start a boat rental business. 16. Bike Rental. As travel regains steam and more workers return to the office, demand for bike rental for last-mile connections is sure to increase. If you're thinking of starting your own business, a bike-share outfit or bike rental shop could be a great option.

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    9. Private Aviation Services. For affluent travelers, offer private aviation services, such as charter flights, helicopter tours, or private jet rentals, providing a luxurious and convenient way to travel. 10. Campervan Rentals. Capitalize on the growing trend of road trips and van life by offering campervan rentals.

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    Coffee Shop. As a place where travelers can stop and relax in a friendly and fun environment, a coffee shop helps the travel business's overall success and sustainability of the travel business. 48. Event Planning. Another business model, corporate event planning plays a pretty good role in the travel business.

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    The right business idea in travel and tourism has the power to not just navigate the currents of an ever-changing industry but also to steer these currents in new, uncharted directions. 1. Acquiring A Hotel. Introducing Grandeur Hotels, a startup hotel business located in the bustling city of New York, New York.

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    Our List of 10+ Best Tourism Business Ideas: Tour Guide Service. Destination Management Company. Sightseeing And Charter Bus Tour Business. Travel Agency. Hotel/resort/lodging Business. Bed And Breakfast. Online Travel Booking Website. Travel App.

  7. 11 travel business ideas to get you started

    Starting a business in the travel industry can be a lucrative opportunity where you'll provide travel services to individuals and groups looking to get away, celebrate a milestone or travel for work. As people increasingly prioritize experiences over material goods, demand is consistently on the rise for travel-related services. The consistent demand makes a travel business an appealing ...

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    Help tourists pick up a skill that they won't learn anywhere else, like how to make an authentic cup of Turkish coffee or bake a truly Parisian croissant. 9. House or pet sitting. Sometimes a ...

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    Best Travel and Hospitality Business Ideas for 2020. 1. AIRBNB BUSINESS. An Airbnb business supplies guests with a place to stay within a person's home. Many travelers are looking for lodging which is a little more personal and unique. Airbnb rentals offer a home feel, versus that of a hotel or motel.

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    This business requires you to make a small capital investment. 15. Travel Agency. Setting up an agency is a great idea if you have the adequate knowledge and manpower to cater to your customer demands. Meanwhile, if you lack the manpower, you can work as an independent operator or partner with a major travel company.

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    CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here. Brought to you by. Simplify your startup's finances with Mercury. Navigating the complex finances of a growing startup can be daunting.

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    5 tourism business ideas to get started with. 1. Tours. When you offer travel tours, you're offering an enjoyable journey of some kindled by an experienced guide. Some of the hottest tours and travels business ideas right now include: Walking tours and bike tours. Snorkeling tours.

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    The ring-like shape is inspired by the local architecture of the "fiskehjell" (a wooden structure used to dry fish) and the "rorbue" (a traditional type of seasonal house used by fishermen). Read more bout the Svart hotel. 5. 'ORIGAMI' AEROPLANE SEAT DESIGN COULD HELP MAKE FLYING SAFE FROM COVID-19.

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    Step 2: Take your geographical location into account. Step 3: Size up the competition. Step 4: Write a business plan. Step 5: Procure the necessary funds. Step 6: Select a business location. Step 7: Obtain all applicable business licenses. Step 8: Market your tourism business: Read more on this topic: Definition: Tourists are people who travel ...

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    One of the best travel business ideas for 2022 is to start an adventure sports company. It's a type of niche that caters to youngsters looking to explore the depths of nature like never before. Since this is a huge industry, you can simply find an adventure sport that you love and monetize it.

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    5. Online Bike Rental Marketplace. Sharing economy businesses have prospered over the years, especially after the emergence of Airbnb. The Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Bike rental marketplace is one such collaborative business idea where trusted bike owners connect with users looking to rent or borrow a bike.

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    The sleep tourism business would be founded on the understanding that quality sleep underpins health, performance, and well-being. Providing an environment optimized solely for excellent slumber, it allows travelers to experience the proven benefits of great sleep. How much you can make: $50,000-$100,000.

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    6. Smile For The Camera. Social media continues to evolve making it easier for content creators to connect with their target audience. In the case of tourism, this creates a lucrative avenue for income. The tourism industry is expansive and covers both sides of the spectrum — tourist visiting new areas and locals.

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  26. Garden tours, plants sales and more ways to spend time among flowers

    Maine Audubon Society Native Plants Sale and Festival. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 8, Gilsland Farm Audubon Center, 20 Gilsland Farm Road, Falmouth, 207-781-2330. maineaudubon.org. More than 75 species ...