As we all know, migrating from one place to another has been something that has been in existence since time immemorial.
In the olden days, traveling was carried out by foot, donkeys, camel, or ships. The modern era has brought about traveling in aeroplanes which have birthed diverse arrays of businesses that are rendered in the air transport services.
The travel agency is a lucrative and money-making business service that entails a travel agent making arrangements for travel tickets (air, rail, road, and sea) helping or guiding to secure travel documents. (passports, visas, and other documents required to travel); accommodation, entertainment, and other travel-related services from those who specialize in these services.
Travel agents as well could help secure travel insurance, and foreign currency for travelers as they have first-hand knowledge of providers of these essential services for would-be travelers.
In operating a business like this, a travel agency or agent provides diverse travel packages which include selling and arranging transportation, accommodations, tours, and trips for travelers.
This is an avenue for making income from these services as patrons who had an idea of where they want to go, but have no idea of the documents and information on how to go about collating all necessary information sought the agency/agent services at a cost.
In a chat with the CEO, Bumorji Global Services, Mr. Subomi Fowokan affirms that, travel agency is a passion and a calling that once an interested person takes up the travel interest of their clients and gather the vital information and documents to fulfill the requirement of their travel destination with Visa granted to the clients, there comes a fulfillment of a job well done by the travel agent.
He said, it is a guaranteed venture that income will be made but everything takes its course because working as a travel agent is not a bed of roses. Brand integrity over time will fetch the business money but in starting this business, it is important to note that challenges abound in the travel industry. Once it is navigated, he said, there exist tonnes of millions that can be made as income from travel agency businesses.
He advised that, offering personalised travel packages that cater to the specific needs and preferences of clients would be one of the ways to break even as the service will be charged at a premium rate.
This line of business specialises in a particular type of travel such as adventure travel, luxury travel, educational, Business conference, or seminar travel packages which helps to distinguish and carve a niche for the brand. This also will be a premium service that will come at a specific rate which helps the financial stance of the travel agency.
Partnerships with major players in the transportation business will boost the brand image and build a strong network of travel industry partners. Offering exclusive discount packages and high commissions is a way of generating more finance and business.
Hence, the key to success in the travel agency business is to offer personalised services that cater to the specific needs of customers while providing excellent customer service and building an online presence with a well-designed website, active social media profiles, and online booking platforms that offer convenience and flexibility to your customers. This will add more value to the package and generate additional income as travel insurance, visa assistance, and transportation will add more value to the package and generate additional revenue.
The use of Search Engine Optimization and affiliate marketing and advertising to monetize the travel agency’s website, he said, would make more income by partnering with travel-related companies to advertise their products and services.
Lastly, the utmost priority at all times, he stressed, should be customer satisfaction as this will make them return for the agency’s travel packages.