Business plan for a tourism enterprise. Travel agency business plan

According to statistics, about a thousand new travel agencies are opened in Russia every year, but no more than a year "live" no more than 30%. This indicates the lack of clear planning and study of the specifics of the market at the beginning of the start of the business.

A well-written business plan will allow you to analyze the market, the competitive environment, determine the strengths and weaknesses of the project and outline strategic plan company development. Therefore, the stage of implementing any idea must necessarily be preceded by the stage of writing a business plan.

Where to start?

Many entrepreneurs who decide to open own business, make the same error. They begin to implement a business idea without prior planning. As a result, after a month or two of vigorous activity, they are faced with unforeseen risks and situations that could have been avoided with a plan.

The business plan is the key to the successful implementation of the project and takes into account all the weaknesses and possible risks.

This document will then become a step-by-step guide that will allow you to achieve the goal without deviating from the main idea. The business plan reflects all aspects of the activity and helps to plan the sequence of actions necessary for the successful implementation of the company's goals.

Its structure consists of the following sections:

1. Summary − This section describes the relevance of the idea.
2. General provisions - the section contains general information about the company, its founders.
3. Market analysis shows the market capacity, the number of competitors, their strengths etc.
4. Product description - the section demonstrates the services that will be implemented within the framework of the project.
5. An organizational plan is a clear guide to action that shows the direction of activities step by step (registration of a business, purchase of equipment, search for personnel, etc.)
6. The marketing and strategic plan is step by step guide to promote services that will help attract customers.
7. The production plan includes a detailed list of issues related to the purchase of equipment, raw materials, etc.
8. The financial plan reflects the necessary expenses, projected profit, profitability and payback forecast.

The importance of planning in the tourism business

Do not think that writing a business plan is a waste of time.

This document helps:

• analyze the competitive environment;
• find the target audience;
• calculate the payback period of the business;
• write the required amount of raw materials and equipment to implement the idea;
• see the strengths and weaknesses of the project.

Another very important point These are investments and own capital investments. It is not always possible to launch a project only on your own and you have to financial assistance contact investors, the bank, etc.

In this case, without a detailed business plan, cost estimates are indispensable.

No investor will consider your proposal if you do not clearly describe the essence of the project, its purpose and profit forecast, payback period and profitability.

In such a situation, two documents can be drawn up: for external and internal use.

And if you write the external plan exclusively for investors and banks, then the internal document is compiled for personal use.

What will be the difference between these two documents? The external plan is drawn up primarily for investors and its purpose is to demonstrate the strengths of the project. Of course, there is no need to distort the data much. Do not forget that the document will be read by literate people who understand finance.

But at the same time, it is important to reflect the business idea in its best form. Information should demonstrate the strengths of the project, indicate its quick payback with minimal investment.

It’s better to start developing a document right away from a plan for internal use, so that in the process of creating it, consider the business, taking into account its weaknesses, analysis competitive market, identification of risks.

It is possible that most of the information will not end up in a document intended for external use. But for you it will be the basis for proper organization business process.

At the beginning of the plan, describe general provisions companies:

• name of the organizational and legal form (IP, OJSC, partnership and others);
• management system, management structure, interconnection of departments;
• founders, their description and data;
• management team;
• interaction with staff;
• company location.

Relevance of the business idea

Tourism is one of the most saturated competitive industries. Therefore, holding positions in the market will not be easy. At the same time, with proper planning, a clear understanding of the development strategy, you can achieve good results and reach a good profit.

The tourism business is so intensely competitive for several reasons:

• small initial investment;
• high demand for services;
• high income;
• short payback period of investments.

As mentioned above, the biggest disadvantage of this business is intense competition. But, having developed the main competitive advantages, you can take a strong position in this market.

The main competitive advantages that you should pay attention to in this business are the price, advertising and positioning, the range of services and reputation.

Tourism business can be implemented in several directions:

• international tourism;
• travel within the country;
• tourist trips;
• organization of excursions.

Additionally, to expand the service and attract new customers, you can offer customers related services:

• tourist services in the office and by phone;
• personal guide;
• transfer organization;
• hotel, cultural and entertainment, sports and recreation;
• excursions;
• translator, etc.

Business plan: step by step instructions

Business registration

In order to start a travel service business, you will need:

• application for state registration of the enterprise;
• company charter (2 copies);
• pay the state registration fee.

By registering a business, you yourself determine the form of ownership. It could be Individual entrepreneur or LLC.

OKVED codes are as follows:

• 1 Organization of complex tourist services.
• 2 Provision of excursion tickets, provision of accommodation, provision of vehicles.
• 3 Provision of tourism information services.
• 4 Provision of tourist excursion services.

Be sure to read the rules for the provision of tourist services. To do this, study the Federal Law "On the Fundamentals of Tourism in the Russian Federation", where all legal aspects conducting this business.

The good news is that no special permission or license is required. These legal aspects were abolished in 2007.

Also at this stage, there is a choice of the tour operator with which you are going to cooperate and the insurance company. Take the last question especially seriously, since all further activities will be directly related to insured events.

Room search

For a travel agency, an office is a calling card. It is impossible to sell a ticket to an exotic country in a fashionable hotel, receiving clients in an uncomfortable office with poor repairs.

The best option would be to choose an office in the city center. Also consider the number of storeys of the office. You should not rent a room on the upper floors, visitors simply may not reach you.

Also pay attention to a beautiful and bright sign, which should attract attention. It can be duplicated by several billboards indicating the location of the office. Especially on this moment it is worth paying attention to those businessmen who rent premises in areas with a high concentration of competitors.

Renting in the city center with a separate exit on the ground floor, of course, will require high costs, but all this will pay off quickly enough if you develop it correctly marketing plan company development.

Therefore, consider renting an office as an investment in a business and consider the following parameters when searching:

• repairs must be fresh and of high quality;
• work space for 2 managers at least 30 square meters;
• convenient parking for customers;
• transport accessibility.

Be sure to check your internet connection before signing a long-term contract.

Keep in mind that Internet connection is your key factor in your work, so it is desirable that the office has the ability to connect to several providers.

Purchase of equipment

In order to open a travel agency, it will be enough for you to purchase:

• furniture (2 tables, 2 armchairs, sofa for visitors, wardrobe);
• phone fax;
• modem;
• MFP (multifunction device printer + copier);
• laptops (2-3 pieces);
• water cooler, kettle, dishes.

Optionally, you can complement the interior with an aquarium, a plasma TV, a coffee table.

Recruitment

As in any business sector, the key success factor is the high professionalism of the staff. In this type of business, it is necessary to give preference to sociable, positive and competent specialists.

With the right business organization and well-chosen staff, you will quickly reach a good profitability.

Market analysis

The tourism business is one of the fastest growing segments today. This is due to the growth of the solvency of the population and the stabilization of the economic situation in the market.

This indicates the attractiveness of the business idea and the huge competition that exists in the market today. According to Business Stat, about 90% of all travel services provided by Russian agencies are to assist tourists who go on holiday abroad.

Therefore, the greatest competition is observed in this segment of the market. According to the infographic provided by Federal Service state statistics, the volume of the tourist market in Russia annually increases by 100 billion rubles.

This is due to an increase in the solvency of the population and the attractiveness of this market segment for investors. At the same time, the market is not limited to the offer of ticketing or transportation services. For investors, this market is attractive for the possibility of providing related services: hotel construction, tour development, transfers, etc.

One of the main services that travel agencies offer today is to ensure the sale of tours and air travel for passengers. About 25% of all services are related to the search and booking of hotels, hostels, etc. AT recent times online hotel booking service is gaining momentum. Such booking systems help to significantly save time and contribute to the rapid promotion of services, increasing profitability.

At minimal cost, the entrepreneur makes a good profit on the sale of tours.

The main competitors in this segment are large tour operators, which are represented both by individual companies in some regions and have a wider geography of coverage.

It will be useless to compete with them for those who first enter the market. The reputation, image and huge money invested by such operators in advertising their services will not allow them to take a place next to them in the market.

The best option for start-up entrepreneurs in this area would be to establish partnerships and cooperation.

Today, many large operators offer franchises that allow you to launch an active business with minimal investment.

This type of business activity has both strengths and weaknesses. The positive aspects include the absence of the need to promote the company. In addition, entering a market saturated with such services, it is difficult to attract the attention of a potential buyer without significant investment in advertising.

By purchasing a franchise of a well-known company, you use its name and reputation from the very first days. The client is much more willing to travel with a well-known travel agency than to buy a ticket in a firm that opened just yesterday.

However, there are a number of disadvantages of starting a franchise business. Among them, one can note the strict control by key company, the inability to independently promote the company and expand the range of services.

Assessing the pros and cons of this type of office work, keep in mind that acquiring a franchise will come out cheaper than the cost of advertising services.

Also, some companies offer assistance to small travel companies in organizing activities for a certain percentage. This will allow you to immediately actively engage in entrepreneurial activity, save money on advertising and save you from many financial risks.

Having studied the competitive environment and market saturation, it is necessary to determine the target audience of this business.

Considering that mainly young and active people use tourism services, we will narrow down the main target audience to the age of 20-50 years. These are people who have an average income and above.

Video. Franchise travel agency or not?

Determine the seasonality of the target audience:

• April-May - middle managers and employees,
• July-August - mostly families rest,
• September - vacationers without children and young people,
• November-December - a wealthy stratum of the population.

In connection with political events that occurred in 2014 and economic sanctions, more and more Russian citizens prefer rest in the country to foreign resorts. Therefore, when building a business, you can focus on focusing on domestic resorts.

SWOTanalysis

When analyzing risks, opportunities and finding ways to promote a business, it is very important to perform a SWOT analysis that allows you to evaluate favorable and unfavorable factors.

• changing the economy in the country;
• the difficulty of accurately predicting the development of the tourism sector;
• difficulty in working with partners;
• malfunctions in the work of tour operators;
• wars, natural disasters;
• staff incompetence;
• seasonality;
• inflation;
• increased competition and oversaturation of the segment;
• ruble devaluation.

Capabilities:

• tourism business development;
• opening of new tourist routes and destinations;
• growth in consumer demand.

Weak sides:

• high competition;
• lack of a permanent client base;
• lack of work experience;
• the need for partnerships.

Strengths:

• high demand;
• a wide range of services;
• the possibility of providing additional services;
• quality service;
• high professionalism of employees.

Marketing plan

1. Definition of pricing policy

Of course, as with any other business, price is a key factor. But in the tourism industry, it plays a special role, due to the huge competition.

In addition, do not forget about the seasonality of the business, therefore, after analyzing the market and the offers of competitors, find the optimal balance between profit and loss point.

Do not make the mistakes of many novice businessmen and do not dump prices. This will only affect your low profitability and the deterioration of the quality of services over time, since you will not be able to maintain a staff of professionals and pay for advertising.

1. Service Promotion Search

If you do not purchase a franchise, but open an agency from scratch, you will definitely need to create a website where clients can leave requests for tours.

In addition, the promotion of services should be carried out in the following areas:

• social networks;
• distribution of leaflets in places of mass traffic of people (metro, shops, cafes);
• newspaper advertising;
• radio advertising;
• billboards.

Relying on the effect of "word of mouth" in the first year of operation is not particularly worth it. The tourism business is such an area that it will take you at least 2-3 years to build a base of regular customers.

Financial plan

To the main expenses in opening travel company can be attributed:

• rent of office space;
• purchase of furniture and equipment;
• Payment of utility services;
• staff salaries;
• buying a franchise (if you chose this option of opening a company).

In addition, it is necessary to divide the costs into initial and monthly. The initial cost determines the payback period. Monthly expenses allow you to calculate the profitability of the project.

The amount of expenses for opening a travel agency largely depends on the form of doing business and on the region of location.

For Moscow necessary minimum starting capital is about 800 thousand rubles.

For regions, this amount can be reduced to 500 thousand rubles.

Below we will give an example of the expenses and income of a travel agency that opens in a small city of 300,000 people.

Costs required to open an agency:

• registration and execution of permits - 30 thousand rubles;
• purchase of furniture - 80 thousand rubles;
• renovation of the premises - 200 thousand rubles
• purchase of equipment (3 laptops, copier, printer, telephones) - 200 thousand rubles;
• development of the concept and corporate identity, production of armored products - 20 thousand rubles;
• launch of advertising - 30 thousand rubles.

Total 560 thousand rubles.

Monthly expenses:

• rent of premises (up to 30 square meters) - 30 thousand rubles;
• communication services, Internet - 5 thousand rubles;
• promotional activities - 10 thousand rubles;
• unforeseen expenses - 2 thousand rubles;
• taxes - 5 thousand rubles;
• salary to employees - 80 thousand rubles.

Total: 132 thousand rubles.

Income

In the first 6 months of work, you should not expect a large flow of clients. As a rule, business load is 30-50% in the first six months.

Based on this, we calculate that 30 vouchers worth 3 million rubles are sold monthly during the first half of the year.

Travel agency commission is 7-10%

1 voucher for two (average value of 65,000 USD) generates an income of 8,000 rubles.

3 million * 7% = 210 thousand rubles

210 thousand * 6 months = 1.26 million rubles

In total, the payback of this business is 5-6 months.

In order to reach the break-even point, it is necessary to sell 15 tours per month

Conclusion

As you can see, despite the high competition, the tourism business remains a profitable and attractive business area.

Despite the high saturation of the market and the huge number of external and internal risks, with proper business planning, you can achieve high profits.

Video. How to start a travel company

A sample business plan describes the creation of a travel agency that sells the products of various tour operators to a variety of destinations.

The concept of the business plan of the travel agency assumes that the agency will work in the following areas:

• provision of intermediary services within the country and abroad;
• organization of services for foreign tourists in the Russian Federation;
• sale to CIS citizens of trips abroad by third-party travel agencies;
• organization and provision of services of guides-interpreters, provision of meeting-seeing off, excursion services;
• making hotel and transport reservations on a contractual basis;
• registration of visas and passports;
• retail trade in related tourist goods;

There are two types of travel companies in the market - tour operators and travel agents. The first ones create a tourist product: they buy air tickets, hotel rooms, organize a transfer from the airport to the hotel, offer excursions, etc. Travel agents do none of this - they sell the services of several tour operators, being an intermediary. A kind of travel store.

On the current page you will find and be able to download a ready-made example for free. travel agency business plan. Specifically, travel agencies in a small district center. The business plan gives an approximate calculation of the profitability from the sale of vouchers in the most popular tourist destinations. The abundance of local competitors is also indicated. Unfortunately, the federal players of the tourist market are not taken into account, although it is not difficult for potential buyers of vouchers to go to the regional center or the capital. But since there is a drawback, it is all the more interesting for detailing and customizing this travel agency business plan for your conditions and needs.

Fortunately, our fellow citizens have long become active tourists, and there are plenty of foreigners in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kyiv in the summer. And although the economic crises that periodically occur in our countries in certain periods have a negative impact on the dynamics of the tourism business, the income of the industry as a whole is growing. Even if he goes abroad in some year less people, then domestic tourism will grow strongly in the same year. That is why the travel agency presented in the business plan intends to develop all areas of tourism.

Opening a travel agency is, of course, troublesome. Due to the mass of unscrupulous representatives of the tourism business, our state has introduced a number of increased requirements for travel companies (we recommend reading the laws on this topic). For ordinary consumers, this is a boon, but for decent firms, an extra headache. Here, “citramon” from the headache created by the state recreated should also be prescribed in travel agency business plan.

The tourism sector, despite the fact that it has been experiencing certain difficulties for several years, remains quite profitable. Any person who does not have large savings can engage in the tourism business. In addition, such entrepreneurial activity brings a lot positive emotions, because there is an opportunity to help people in organizing recreation. However, there are still some nuances that should be taken into account in order not to lose the funds invested in this business. We will tell you about all the intricacies of how to open a travel agency from scratch, so that you do everything right.

Features of the tourism business

Before you open a travel agency, you need to understand what a travel agency is, what is the essence of its activities. First of all, it is necessary to learn the meaning of some concepts.

A travel company is an institution that acts as an intermediary between a travel operator and a person who wishes to go on a trip. It can fulfill obligations:

• Tour operator - a company that must develop and advertise through the media various tours that are in the greatest demand among the population;
• A travel agent is a company that implements tourist tours: makes transfers, sells tickets, takes care of the accommodation of customers and organizes excursions for them.

You also need to know before you open a travel agency in Russia what will be the responsibility of your company. As a rule, a travel agency provides the following services:

Issue visas to clients in accordance with the requirements of the tour operator with which the contract is concluded. If something is done wrong, the travel agency should be held responsible for it.

Issue to customers a full package of documents necessary for the trip:

• Tickets (air and railway);
• Medical insurance;
• Accommodation voucher;
• A memo about the state to which the tourist is sent;
• Book all services requested by the client;
• Timely pay for the work of the tour operator.

Advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages of the tourism business include:

1. It is developing rapidly, which means that you will be able to provide people with services not only in Russia, but also abroad, which will also bring you big profits;
2. You will have a large choice of travel operator, in addition, you will be able to conclude cooperation agreements with more than one operator, with several at once - this is the first thing you need to open a travel company;
3. The flow of those wishing to go on a trip is constantly growing, and it does not end all year round;
4. Paperwork is simple, done quickly and fairly cheaply.

Now consider a few negative points that you should be aware of before you open a travel company:

1. Quite a high level of competition - a lot of aspiring entrepreneurs are thinking about how to open a travel agency from scratch, because they understand the profitability of this business;
2. If you do not pay due attention to the advertising campaign to promote your travel agency, then you can completely lose customers and be left without orders (in this case, the risk of losing your investment increases);
3. AT warm time year, the demand for tourist trips is much higher than in the cold season, but this is a moot point, because there are winter resorts where people are happy to go on New Year and Christmas holidays.

Activity registration

If you want to open a travel agency, you need to carefully read the State Law “On Tourism”, which describes all the requirements for how to open a travel agency from scratch without work experience. We will list you in detail what you need to open a travel agency:

A travel agency can be registered as legal enterprise LLC or as a private FLP institution.

To register a new institution in the public register, one resident is enough, who can sell tours domestically and abroad.

You will have to obtain a written commitment from any banking institution that will guarantee to pay for the services of a travel operator if this cannot be done by a travel agency (without this guarantee, no operator will agree to cooperate with the agency). However, the bank will issue an appropriate guarantee only if the founder of the travel company provides a package of documents, which will include:

• Certificate of state registration;
• Charter;
• Current account information;
• Copies of contracts confirming the lease of the premises where the company is located (if the premises are personally owned by the owner, then you need to provide a document confirming ownership);
• The passport;
• A copy of the TIN of the head;
• Certificate of registration with the tax service.

It is necessary to develop special client agreements that you will conclude with clients who will order tours from you. Everything should be written in these contracts: the date of payment, the date of issue of the tourist voucher.

It will also be necessary to develop rules for tourists: who will meet them in the country where they go, accompany them, conduct excursions. It is advisable to include these rules in the client agreement so that the tourist signs the document after reading them.

It is also recommended to conclude an agreement with an insurance company, however, this is an optional moment. If you want your clients to be insured, then it is better for them to provide a medical policy and other types of insurance for property (for example, for a car).

Recommends to conclude a sub-agency agreement with any airline through which you will buy tickets for your customers. This is very beneficial, because in such cases, airlines offer many lucrative bonuses.

Draw up a rough business plan on how to open a travel agency in order to know what expenses await you, how to act so that they are reimbursed faster and begin to turn into consistently high incomes.

Site Selection Criteria

If you do not have your own premises, then the main thing you need to open a travel agency is to find appropriate place to rent it. We've put together a few location options that you can consider before starting a travel agency in 2018:

You can open a travel company in the central area of ​​the city. It is desirable that:

• The room was at least 20 m² in area;
• It should be located on the first floor of any apartment building, but still it is better to choose office buildings;
• A bright sign with advertising should be hung on the premises so that people passing by can see what services you provide (the fact that your travel agency is located in the city center will make them confident in your prestige and high level client service).

You can open a travel agency in the business center building. What you need to open a travel agency in such an institution:

1. The premises should have a fresh modern renovation so that the agency looks presentable and solid;
2. You will be able to serve not only tourists who will come to you from other parts of the city, but also employees of a huge business center;
3. However, you will not be able to advertise in such territory;
4. There is a pass system at the checkpoint in any business center, which will repel customers.

You can choose the premises for the company in mall. We will give you some basic recommendations in such an institution:

• Choose a boutique where there are always a lot of people (for this, it is better to consider departments that sell clothes, shoes or electronic equipment);
• You need to be prepared for the fact that in such an institution you have to pay high price for rent.

You can open a travel agency in a residential area of ​​your city:

• There is always a large crowd of people who can become potential clients of your agency;
• You don't have to pay a lot for rent;
• There won't be much competition in such an area.

Room and interior equipment

There is another very important point that you need to know before you open a travel company from scratch - it must be designed in a modern, fashionable style. You must understand that if you have an old room at your disposal, then repair is what you should definitely start opening your travel agency with. All costs for this must be provided for by you and included in the business plan.

The premises of your company should always be clean and comfortable. This is necessary so that your customers, when they come to the office, can completely relax and unwind in it. This is especially true when there is a queue of people. You need to lay out different magazines, catalogs, coffee makers on the tables. Also hang interesting things on the walls that will inspire your customers to go on a trip.

To open a travel agency from scratch without work experience, you need to purchase furniture and necessary equipment. Optional to choose expensive models, fit and economical option, as long as it all looks decent and beautiful. You will need:

• Computers with printers and necessary software;
• Office tables, chairs;
• Soft sofas;
• Armchairs and coffee tables;
• Air conditioner;
• Coffee makers with appropriate utensils;
• Phones;
• WiFi.

Financial investments

Of course, if you decide to go into the tourism business, you need to know exactly how much it costs to open a travel agency from scratch. We will immediately note what to do big investments won't have to. Your main expenses will be:

• When renting a room;
• For the purchase of equipment and furniture;
• With an advertising campaign;
• To pay the fee if you decide to open a franchise travel agency.

It is important to consider that the answer to the question of how much it costs to open a travel agency depends to a greater extent on which city you live in. After all, if you live in a metropolis, then the rent for the premises will be higher than in the provinces. You only have to spend about 30-60 thousand rubles a month on rent.

In order to put the chosen room in order (it must meet certain standards), buy the necessary furniture, appliances and arrange everything Required documents, you will need to have at your disposal approximately 200,000 rubles.

To promote your travel agency, you will need at least 100,000 rubles. However, we note that this amount is relative, it depends more on the channel that will carry out the advertising campaign.

Also, when discussing the question of how much it costs to open a travel agency, you need to know that you will still have to pay wages to your employees. As a rule, it should be 15 thousand rubles stably and another 20% of the monthly profit of the travel agency.

Also keep in mind that the next 6 months after you open an agency, it will not bring you any profit. Therefore, you need to have some financial resources through which you can build a business.

Approximate profit

Living in an economic crisis, you will probably have a question whether it is profitable to open a travel agency, whether others will use your services. Definitely will be, because, as a rule, people who could afford to travel before will be able to do it now. Therefore, do not hesitate to open a travel agency in 2018 if you have the desire to work in this interesting field and the necessary amount of savings.

If you learn how to sell more than 500 tours a year, then your travel agency will make a profit of 50-100 thousand rubles a month. This is enough to establish itself as a popular segment of the tourism business. The more tours you sell, the more you can earn. If such layouts suit you, then do not hesitate for a long time whether it is worth opening a travel agency, and immediately get down to business.

Travel agency as a business model

Business payback periods

The second most important question of those who decided to open a travel agency in 2018 from scratch is how long it will pay off. Here you need to be aware that this moment largely depends on how you start. If you create a large turnover of the tour from the first days, then in the first year of work you will earn 600-800 thousand rubles, which means that you will return the invested personal funds.

However, experienced entrepreneurs who have been spinning in this area for a long time claim that the payback period for a travel company is 2 years, at least. But we do not advise you to be equal to someone else's achievements. If you have seriously approached the question of how to open a travel agency from scratch in Russia, then you will find a way to quickly unwind in order to return your investment and start making a profit.

At the end of this article on how to open a travel agency, we want to give you some useful tips on how to quickly promote your business and get a consistently high income from it:

• If you wondered how to open a travel agency at home, then for promotion you only need to have an official website at your disposal, through which you will carry out all the work. Opening a travel agency from scratch at home is much easier and more economical. At least you can save the extra 200,000 rubles. It is better to invest some of this money in creating a unique site. Consult with experts on how to open a travel agency at home so that your activities are official and in demand;

Decided to start your own business, but do not know how to open a travel agency (company)? Then the information below is just for you. Here you can download a ready-made example of a business plan for a travel agency (company), find out where

If you can't compete with the big players, then you just need to work hard to make sure your services are worth the money you ask. It must be remembered that the important services are those that significantly distinguish you from everyone else. This is the most master key to success.

Business plan - ready-made example

Before you open any travel agency, you need to know that tourism is a fairly competitive industry. That is why at the very beginning you doom yourself to a difficult and painstaking work. All this must be foreseen in advance.

You should always be prepared for the fact that it will be necessary to conduct tedious negotiations with people for days and try to indulge all their whims. If you are not sure that you can handle it, then it is better to think again whether it is worth opening such a business.

In such a business, you need the ability to find a personal approach to everyone, to interest the client so that he purchases a tour from you and returns to you more than once. Here it is important not to sell vouchers, to sell your consultations. The most important thing in this business is the ability to mobilize yourself and get used to the situation as quickly as possible.

Where to begin?

The possibility of opening a travel agency at home is not ruled out. The most important thing is the presence of a phone and a computer. However, if you want the business to not only survive, but also bring in a good income in the future, then you need to think more broadly.

Look through those areas that are not yet covered by the tourism business and try to start your business there. You can also try to provide services that do not require an office.

How much does it cost to open a travel agency?

Before you open your travel agency, you need to allocate the budget.

• Office. In order to save a little on this, you can rent an office in an area where it is cheaper. But you should definitely take into account its transport accessibility for future customers.
• Staff. However, this can be a disadvantage when hiring staff for a job. You need to try to find such people who have at least some experience in this area and thereby avoid the learning process.
• Advertising. Before opening an agency, think about how to make sure that the maximum number of people know about you as quickly as possible. Advertising in newspapers is not very cheap and effective, radio and television is also not an option, since the return on them is very short-lived. The most effective way of advertising in tourism is the promotion of the company's website, which must be approached with all responsibility. In addition, it is not enough just to successfully promote the monetary pages of the site, you must also very effectively place information about your services on them. Since website promotion takes a lot of time, initial stage it is recommended to use contextual advertising, the return on which you will feel in the very near future.

Opening process

Steps to implement the plan:

1. Plan development. It is necessary to develop a realistic and most effective plan. Remember that you will need to compete with all available agencies that have been on the market for more than one year. If you have no experience at all, then you can work a little in tourism to get comfortable. Then you will have at least the slightest idea about tourism and how it can be made successful.
2. Niche Definition. Focus on those distinguishing features that only you have. It is best to do the work that will be most interesting to you and where you will be most competent. If you like to organize tours to Europe, for example, and you have experience, then it is best for you to deal with this direction.
3. Create connections. You need to convey to the maximum number of people that you are a good and reliable travel agency that has experience in carrying out such activities. Based on your knowledge, you can significantly save not only your time, but also the time of customers.

Profit

In this case, your fame and popularity is very important. Since the profit of the company is nothing more than the commission received by the company for the sale of the tour operator's voucher. Naturally, tour operators are unlikely to provide a good commission to an unknown company.

The minimum commission starts from 8%. For well-known operators, it reaches 18%. This is another important point, since the difference between your commission and the commission of other travel companies operating for more than one year will, unfortunately, not be in your favor. Think about it.

How to open a franchise

If you want to open a travel agency and not go bankrupt in the first year, then a franchise is a great option. You will be provided with a ready-made brand, business model, and much more. You will have to pay for this, but the fee is not too high.

What is needed for this? Contact any travel company that is engaged in franchising and you will be provided with all the conditions for cooperation with them.

If you are still a beginner, then a franchise will be the best option for you.

Popular destinations

• clients who have a rest in another place, and your travel company fully organizes the delivery, collection of documents and negotiates with the host;
• also accept travelers from other cities and countries. According to this scheme, the business of such countries as Egypt, Turkey and others works.

As for the first direction, it is fashionable to divide business into 2 directions: travel operators and agencies. Travel agencies carry out the sale of ready-made tours, and tour operators are directly involved in the organization and formation of tours.

How to become a travel agent

Suppose you decide to sell tours of several or one tour operator. You do not bear significant risks. However, there is a marketing problem. In addition, you need to decide on the direction of activity.

When you find the answers to all questions, then think about how you will attract tourists.

How to become a tour operator

In this case, you need a fairly serious initial investment. In most cases, tour operators are formed from successful travel agencies.

Opening without starting capital

This is quite possible, but do not forget that you will have to give up all the benefits that are associated with high costs. As long as you have a few clients, you can work on your own, and only then you have to take care of hired staff.

How to start a corporate client company

This is usually separate niche tourism business. New companies are constantly appearing that have not yet established relationships with agencies. In this case, you have many advantages to lure them to you. You can also be an independent travel agent who works from home. If you want, you can earn good money.

Your responsibilities

You must remember about the existing obligations and responsibility for their failure. In addition to all the features available, firms can also provide services such as:

• search for "hot tours";
• organization of high-quality delivery of tourists to the airport;
• assistance in obtaining various foreign passports and visas;
• fulfillment of special requirements of managers and more.

Your potential clients

You must remember that almost any travel agency is your future potential client. Most likely, among your clients will be:

• too small companies to maintain their staff;
• departments dealing with the organization of tours in larger companies;
• athletes and musicians;
• senior executives who travel quite often. After all, they need the person who will deal only with their plans.

In any case, the decision to open a travel company or agency must be approached comprehensively and be sure to weigh all the nuances in advance.

useful links

http://forum.turizm.ru/common/forum34/ - Forum for travel industry professionals

Travel agency: how to write a business plan

How to write a competent business plan for opening a travel agency?

Before deciding to open a travel agency, an entrepreneur needs to be aware of a fairly high level of competition in this industry, requiring unceasing and painstaking work from owners.

The main difficulties lie in the conduct of tedious negotiations with people and in diligent indulgence of their every whim. If you already have doubts that patience is enough, then you should not even start.

Market and competitor analysis

Currently, the tourism market is experiencing rapid growth. Moreover, despite this, the amount of income increases annually, which confirms the fact that the services offered are becoming better.

The main part of the services (almost 90%) is assistance to tourists who want to spend their holidays abroad, which indicates a large number of competitors who are ready to offer this particular service.

The Federal State Statistics Service has published information that the tourism market is increasing by about 100 billion rubles annually.

What is the reason for this growth rate? First, the solvency of the population has grown significantly. Secondly, the infrastructure of the tourism business is constantly developing. In addition, the area is very attractive for investors.

Recently it has become very popular new service– online booking through special websites and so-called booking systems. This significantly saves time for both the client and the tour operator, and automation has a positive effect on profitability and profitability. Result: at minimal cost, the entrepreneur receives a decent income.

You can download a sample travel agency business plan here for free.

Large tour operators (main competitors) are known not only in a particular city, but also in the country as a whole.

It is almost impossible to fight them, so the only right solution is fruitful cooperation.

AT modern world It is not uncommon for a well-known travel agency to help a small entity in this area, naturally, not on a gratuitous basis. In return, they expect to return a certain percentage of the profits.

Format Options

You can open a travel agency at home, the main thing is to have a phone and a computer. However, if you plan to receive a good income, then you need a broader thinking. To begin with, you can try to find an area not covered by the tourist business and open a business there.

This activity involves the implementation of the following areas:

• full organization of delivery, collection of documents and negotiations with the host;
• reception of travelers who came from another country (city).

In addition, an entrepreneur can become a tour operator or organize an agency. The latter sells ready-made tours, and the operator himself forms and organizes them.

Those who want to start a business and protect themselves from the risk of bankruptcy should pay attention to the franchise. After signing the contract, a businessman becomes a full user of a ready-made brand, a well-developed business model and many other benefits. For a beginner, a franchise is the best option.

You can also open a travel company that will organize the rest of only corporate clients.

Production plan

The main point of this section is the selection of a suitable area for a travel agency, which is desirable to be located on a busy and crowded street.

Next important step– execution of a bright, but at the same time with the observance of strict corporate symbols of the repair, which inspires confidence in customers.

The optimal location of the office is a business center, a shopping mall or any other facility near which there is a transport interchange or a large number of of people.

Equally important is the availability of a parking area and security system. If we talk about the number of storeys, then it is better to opt for room located on the 1st floor and equipped with a separate entrance.

Detailed information on how to start such an activity is presented in the following video:

Financial plan

An analysis of the financial prospects of a project is not in vain the most important section of any business plan, because without a preliminary calculation of the amount of investments and the payback period, you cannot start a business.

Opening costs are:

• Capital:
  • conducting repair work and decoration of the premises - 150,000 rubles;
  • purchase of furniture - 50,000 rubles;
  • purchase necessary equipment- 60,000 rubles;
  • connection to the Internet and telephone - 18,000 rubles;
  • starting marketing campaign - 50,000 rubles;
  • coverage of unforeseen expenses - 2,000 rubles.
• Regular:
  • rent - 50,000 rubles;
  • payment of utility bills, Internet, telephone - 10,000 rubles;
  • salary - 120,000 rubles;
  • tax payments - 15,000 rubles;
  • conducting advertising campaigns- 25,000 rubles;
  • consumables - 10,000 rubles.

total: approx. 330 thousand rubles as capital investments and 230 thousand rubles. regular expenses.

Travel agency business planning involves the use of foreign currencies (for example, dollars) when calculating income and expenditure.

So, at the current rate, a person planning to go abroad should count on about 800-900 dollars. The normal number of clients for a functioning travel agency is 250 people.

Business payback period is usually does not exceed 1 year.

organizational plan

Both individual entrepreneurs and LLCs are suitable for registering a travel company. Among the OKVED codes, you can also choose several options:

• complex tourist services;
• excursion tickets, accommodation, provision of a vehicle;
• tourist information services;
• tourist excursion services.

In 2007 there was abolition of compulsory licensing which greatly simplifies the start of this type of activity.

The next step is opening a checking account.

The Federal Law states that a travel agency can use only one of two STS formats: “Income” 6% or “Income minus expenses” 15% (the rate depends on the region).

In addition, you need to carefully study the rules and procedures for the provision of tourist services. special attention deserves the choice of a tour operator.

On the official website of the Federal Agency for Tourism, you can find the latest regulations, rules and requirements, including those for a travel agency.

Of great importance right choice reliable insurance company.

Launch Schedule

Opening a travel agency involves the consistent implementation of the following steps:

Marketing plan

For the tourism business, the price is not decisive. Much more means the level of quality of the hotel and the organization of the trip as a whole. For this business seasonality is inherent, so a flexible pricing policy must be built. In addition, you need to periodically please customers with various promotions, discounts and the sale of last-minute tours.

Work on modern market is simply impossible without advertising, which not only increases the level of recognition, but also significantly increases the potential income.

• Advertising in printed edition, for example, in a weekly newspaper reaching a large number of readers.
• Radio advertising. Of course, it is better to choose a local radio station. The slogan must be memorable, catchy and catchy, so that the name and contact details of the travel agency remain in the listener's memory.
• Flyers are the most universal view advertising. You can distribute them in the city center or near the office.
• Own website and groups in social networks. A modern person often does not want to go to the office, especially for those issues that can be resolved via the Internet.

Risk Analysis

The main internal risks that arise in the path of each entrepreneur who has opened a travel agency include:

• seasonality- the most unfavorable factor, since even an experienced businessman is not always able to assess the scale possible consequences. This can lead to large losses, so it is better to think about mitigation options in advance, for example, the maximum expansion of the range of countries, discounts, special offers, etc.
• Incompetent staff who does not have the skills to sell a particular tourist product. Statistics show that the client's intention to buy a ticket depends half on the work of the manager. A professional travel agent is distinguished by politeness, sociability, in-depth knowledge of the product being sold, and calmness. The risk can be reduced by hiring suitable personnel who will continue to improve their skills on a regular basis.
• Unprofitable Specialization. Before making a decision to open, you need to make a detailed analysis of the activities of competitors. If the niche is already full, then you should think about choosing another specialization.

External risks:

• The occurrence of problems in the work of the tour operator. You can reduce the risk by making responsible choices.
• War, natural disaster. Of course, this is unlikely, but recent events and unrest in the world make such a scenario very real. It is almost impossible to influence this risk, therefore the only right way out is insurance.

Running a tourism business is not easy, although it may seem so at first glance.

This is confirmed by statistics showing that many agencies that have failed in the tourism field are closed during the year.

Therefore, a preliminary study of existing risks and the conduct of a policy that prevents their occurrence is a very important point in this type of activity.

Source: http://ZnayDelo.ru/biznes/biznes-plan/turagentstva.html

Travel agency business plan

• How much money do you need to open a travel agency
• What equipment to choose for a travel agency
• Which OKVED to indicate when registering a business
• Step-by-step plan for opening a travel agency
• How much can you earn selling tours
• Production plan
• What taxation system to choose for a travel agency
• Tour sales technology
• Marketing and promotion
• financial calculation

Despite not the most favorable economic situation and problems with the leading tourist destinations (Turkey, Egypt), the tourism business is still developing. According to some reports, the annual growth of this segment is at least 15%, which is higher than the growth in average wages.

How much money do you need to open a travel agency

According to preliminary calculations business plan, you will need to invest at least 775,000 rubles to open a travel agency:

1. Registration of a company - 25,000 rubles.
2. Acquisition of office furniture and equipment - 200,000 rubles.
3. Creation and promotion of the site - 150,000 rubles.
4. Advertising budget - 150,000 rubles.
5. Other expenses - 100,000 rubles.
6. Reserve fund - 150,000 rubles.

What equipment to choose for a travel agency

First of all, it is modern computer equipment equipped with software and office equipment. Then, worthy equipment, design and comfortable furnishing of the office, meeting safety and reputation, the prestige of the company. Vehicles for meeting or delivering tourists from the airport are also useful.

Which OKVED to indicate when registering a business

You can use the following OKVED codes, both for registration and for further expanding the list of tours. services.

79.11 or 79.12 covers the business activities of travel agencies or tour operators, respectively. Then code 79.90, corresponds to other booking services and related work, which has subspecies:

• for the provision of tourist information services - 90.1 and excursion and tourist services - 2;
• travel agencies for the provision of excursion and tourist services - 90.21;
• independent guides and guides for the provision of excursion and tourist services - 90.22;
• for the provision of travel services associated with booking - 90.3;
• for booking tickets for cultural and entertainment events - 90.31;
• and other services related to the advance booking service - 90.32.

The classifier contains codes, the registration of a business for which will require licensing. Therefore, when registering a company, choosing the main code for tourism services, do not forget to clarify this according to the list of activities that are licensed.

Step-by-step plan for opening a travel agency

1. Marketing research of the market of tourist services of the city
2. Search suitable premises(office)
3. Registration legal entity(OOO)
4. Conclusion of agency agreements with tour operators
5. Office furnishing, purchase of furniture and equipment
6. Site creation
7. Hiring and training staff
8. Advertising, service promotion

How much can you earn selling tours

Our organization will be engaged in the selection and sale (resale) of tours from the country's leading tour operators. The main income of the travel agency will consist of commissions earned for the sale of tours.

According to the agency agreement, the tour operator will pay from 10 to 14% of the cost of the tour. The percentage depends on the volume of tourists sent during the season.

The more travel agency will send tourists - the higher the percentage of remuneration.

The main directions in which it is planned to sell tours:

• Europe (Germany, UK, France, Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, etc.)
• Dominican Republic
• Tunisia
• India
• Thailand
• Costa Rica
• China
• Russia (Sochi, Crimea, Anapa)

According to preliminary calculations, in the first month of work (May) about 30 tours will be sold (an average of 1 tour per day). At average price vouchers in 50 000 rubles. and 10% commission, the income from one sale will be 5,000 rubles, and the total revenue per month: 150,000 rubles.

With the growing popularity of the organization (regular customers), the monthly income in the first year of operation will grow by an average of 10%. With the increase in the number of sales, the percentage of commissions will also increase.

Thus, for the first year of work it is planned to gain about 3,500,000 rubles.

Download the business plan of the travel agency from our partners, with a guarantee of quality.

Production plan

The first thing to do is to find an office to house the organization. For the full functioning of the business is not required large areas. Therefore, preference will be given to premises ranging from 25 to 35 square meters. m. With A Ready Repair.

This area will be enough to accommodate three jobs. At this stage, the main costs will be associated with the purchase of office furniture (tables, chairs, soft sofa for clients), office equipment and consumables.

The rent for the premises will be about 25,000 rubles. per month.

What taxation system to choose for a travel agency

The status of a legal entity will look more preferable both when working with clients and when working with tour operators. Licenses and certificates for this activity are not required.

As a tax regime, the best option would be to switch to a special regime - USN (6% of revenue or 15% of profit).

Upon completion of the registration of the company, it will be necessary to conclude agreements with the country's leading tour operators: Coral Travel, Tez Tour, Sunmar, Pegas Touristik, NTK-Intourist and so on. After the conclusion of the agency agreement, access to the online tour booking system will be obtained and a bonus account will be opened.

Upon completion of the registration of the company and the arrangement of the premises, it will be necessary to form a team of the organization. The main staff of the travel agency - managers to work with clients.

Their duties include the selection of individual and collective tours, advising clients on tourism destinations, booking all types of travel services, working with tour operators.

At the start of the business, you will need to employ at least 3 managers with a 2/2 work schedule. The salary will consist of a salary of 15 thousand rubles. + percentage of sales.

Also, for the functioning of the travel agency, an incoming accountant and a cleaner (outsourcing) will be required. The duties of the director/manager will initially be assigned to the project initiator.

Tour sales technology

The technology includes the search and booking of tours, their registration and payment. The process of interaction with partners, document flow, delivery scheme and issuance of documents to customers should also be worked out.

Marketing and promotion

Even if the travel agency is at the client's side, it is often easier for him to go to the site and book the tour he likes through a bank card.

Therefore, the creation of a website for a travel agency is a must. What sections should be on the site in the first place:

• Selection of tours by parameters (destination of rest, date of arrival, number of nights, etc.)
• Last minute tours (offer for holidays with discounts)
• School tours (organization of excursion tours for school and age groups)
• Business tours (organization of tours for collective rest)
• Online booking of tours

It can take from 50 to 100 thousand rubles to create a functional site. You can advertise an online resource through contextual advertising (Yandex Direct and Google Adsense).

In addition to online promotion, it is worth including in the business plan and methods of promotion through offline advertising:

• Placement of a bright sign over the entrance to the office of the travel agency;
• Advertising on billboards (outdoor advertising)
• Placing information in specialized magazines
• Advertising on radio, television and local newspapers.

Advertising on television is very expensive, but it brings a tangible effect, because it allows you to create the impression that the travel agency is reliable and you can entrust your vacation to it.
Ultimately, at least 30,000 rubles can be spent on advertising and promotion of the organization. per month.

financial calculation

Fixed monthly expenses of the organization:

• Room rental - 25,000 rubles.
• Staff salary - 75,000 rubles.
• Insurance deductions - 22,500 rubles.
• Advertising - 30 000 rubles.
• Payment for outsourcing services (accounting and cleaning) - 15,000 rubles.
• Office expenses (water, stationery, paper, etc.) - 6,000 rubles.
• Other expenses - 15,000 rubles.

Total - 188 500 rubles. (in the first months, the travel agency will actually work in the red). Annual expenses, thus, will amount to at least 2,262,000 rubles.

Structure of fixed costs:

Calculation of profit before tax per year:
Revenue - Cost ( fixed costs): 3,500,000 - 2,262,000 = 1,238,000 rubles.

Calculation net profit after taxes (STS, 15% of profit): 1,238,000 * 0.15 = 185,700 rubles. (tax)

1,238,000 - 185,700 = 1,052,300 rubles (net profit)

Source: http://abcbiznes.ru/sample-business-plans/644-biznes-plan-turfirmy.html

Travel Agency Business Plan: Example and Recommendations

If you decide to open a travel agency from scratch, then first of all you need to plan everything well and write a business plan.

How to start drawing up a business plan for a travel agency in order to avoid mistakes, calculate the necessary financial investments and develop a work strategy?

First: it is necessary to determine for whom and for what purpose a business plan is being drawn up - for obtaining a loan, for an outside investor, for the project initiator, for yourself? Second: for what period: for six months, a year, three years? Third: calculate the amount of investment: for a month, six months, a year ...

Business plans are different and differ in form, content, structure and volume. Below is a diagram that reflects the main parameters and cost items that can be used when drawing up a business plan for a travel company (agency).

Travel agency concept

• Type of activity: travel agent, tour operator, mixed activity.
• Additional services: sale of air and railway tickets, transfer services, ordering limousines, issuing visas, insurance, preparing documents for issuing passports, services of an individual guide, accompanying person, translation services, sale of guidebooks, sale of gift certificates, rental of tourist equipment, rental cars.
• Priority tourist destinations: by type of tourist destination, by cost of tours, by country, by type of tourism.

organizational plan

• Travel agency office location: center, outskirts, distance from the metro.
• Office status: rent, own premises.
• Office type: showcase office on the first line, in the business center, in the administrative office building, in a shopping center, on the first floor of a residential building.
• Office size: two workplaces, three to five workplaces.
• Office furniture (cost calculation): desks with reception areas, chairs for employees, chairs for visitors, bedside tables with keys, catalog rack, wardrobe, hangers, hanger-stand, board for information and special offers, sofa for visitors, coffee table, safe, blinds, mirror, dishes (for employees, for receiving visitors), photo frames and permits, plants.
• Office equipment (cost calculation): computers, telephones, fax, printers (minimum 2), scanner, copier, TV, SV- and VUO-player for showing films about countries and resorts, air conditioning, water cooler, first aid kit, clock, stationery, wall map of the world or globe.
• Office design project: space zoning, room design according to the concept of a travel company.

Competitive environment

• Competitors in selected travel destinations.
• Competitors within a radius: building, district, city.
• Primary competitive qualities of the future travel agency.

Production plan

• Staff: staffing, formation policy wages, training.
• Tours sales technology: search and booking of tours, scheme of interaction with partners.
• The range of travel agency services: by season, by destination, by country, by price.

Marketing and advertising plan

• Pricing policy of the travel agency.
• The name of the travel agency, advertising history of creation (legend).
• Features of the sold tours.
• Corporate identity development:
• Website creation.
• Setting up a sales office.
• Outdoor advertising.
• Printing products (description, circulation, contractor, production time, cost).
• Advertising plan.
• Structure and rules of maintaining the client base.

Legal aspects of opening a travel company

• Legal form of a legal entity.
• Taxation system.
• Required permits depending on the type of tourism activity.
• Purchase and clearance cash register equipment(if necessary).
• Doing accounting(independently, with the involvement of an accountant, consulting company).
• Legal support of activities.

Financial plan

• Sources of funds.
• Amount and duration of investment.
• Plan of initial expenses.
• fixed cost plan.
• income plan.
• Payback plan.

It is possible to shorten a business plan without sacrificing the overall picture of building a business, but the more detailed it is, the easier it will be to achieve the goals. It's amazing how the perception of necessary actions after you write your own business plan.

It can be both new ideas, non-standard methods of work, and a complete revision of the future business.

Travel agency business plan example

One-time expenses:

Monthly expenses:

The expected (desired) amount of income per month is 400,000 rubles.

Since it is impossible to plan in advance which tour packages will be sold, it is best to draw up a table in which you indicate how many tours you need to sell for each country in order to reach the planned income level. So you can find out how many tour packages you need to sell on average. To do this, you need to summarize the vouchers in all directions and divide by the number of countries.

This table shows that on average it is necessary to sell 100 tour packages, which is about 4 tours per day average cost 40 000 rub. to generate income of 400,000 rubles. per month.