With India’s travel industry projected to reach ₹15 lakh crore by 2028 and 85% of travelers using agents for complex trips, a travel planning and booking business offers tremendous potential. This home-based business can be started with minimal investment and scaled as your client base grows.
Why Start a Travel Agency Business?
- Booming market – India’s travel sector growing at 13% annually
- Low startup costs – Can begin with ₹20,000-50,000
- High commissions – Earn 10-25% on bookings
- Flexible work – Operate from home with just laptop/phone
- Recurring clients – Happy travelers return for future trips
Business Models to Consider
- Home-based travel agent (Basic model)
- Niche specialist (Honeymoons, pilgrimages, adventure)
- Corporate travel manager (For local businesses)
- Tour operator (Design custom packages)
- Online travel consultant (Virtual services nationwide)
Basic Requirements (Initial Investment ₹25,000-75,000)
- IATA certification (₹15,000-30,000)
- Professional website (₹5,000-15,000)
- CRM software (₹1,000-3,000/month)
- Marketing budget (₹5,000-10,000)
- Office essentials (Laptop, printer, phone)
How to Start?
1. Get Certified & Registered
- Complete IATA certification (foundation course)
- Register as sole proprietor (or small business)
- Get GST registration (required for commissions)
- Partner with reputed tour operators
2. Pricing & Commission Structure
- Flight bookings: ₹300-1,000 service fee + 2-5% commission
- Hotel bookings: 10-25% commission
- Package tours: 15-30% commission
- Planning fee: ₹2,000-5,000 for complex itineraries
- Corporate contracts: Monthly retainers ₹10,000+
3. Marketing Your Services
- Create Instagram/FB showcasing deals and testimonials
- Network with wedding planners for honeymoon clients
- Offer “Trip Planning Parties” in residential societies
- List on JustDial, Sulekha, local business directories
- Collaborate with influencers for travel giveaways
Specialized Services to Offer
- Visa assistance services
- Destination wedding planning
- Student travel packages
- Senior citizen special tours
- Last-minute deal alerts
Earning Potential
- Beginner level: ₹30,000-60,000/month (10-15 bookings)
- Established agent: ₹1,00,000-2,50,000/month
- Premium niche focus: ₹5,00,000+ during peak seasons
Essential Tips for Success
- Specialize in 2-3 destinations initially
- Build personal relationships with hotel managers
- Always provide detailed itineraries
- Offer 24/7 support during client trips
- Stay updated on travel restrictions/visa rules
Digital Advantage: 73% Indian travelers research online but prefer agents for booking. Combine social media presence with personalized service.
Final Thought: Despite online booking platforms, travelers increasingly value human expertise for complex trips. By offering personalized planning with local insights, your small business can compete with giants. Start part-time, build your client base, and soon you could be turning wanderlust into your livelihood!
Ready to begin? Start by getting certified and creating your first sample itineraries for local destinations. Your first client could be planning their dream vacation right now!