September 3, 2007
Starting a travel business
I thought this article was interesting because really, what could be better than traveling for a living. Sure you might have to manage your business while you travel but still...
This article is about a business person who noticed the luxury travel niche was underserved in Scotland. She filled the niche with luxury yachts and business is good. Plus I guess she gets to enjoy luxury yachts more often than the rest of us.
Has anyone here ever seen an empty travel niche and thought of opening a business?
Posted by James Trotta at September 3, 2007 9:42 AM | TrackBack
With the internet, is it really worth getting into this business for yourself ? It is so easy doing it yourself, without having to pay somebody the fees . Other than having somebody to complain to when things go wrong, what are the advantages ? I am sure there will always be a need for some Travel Agents . It just seems they are a dying breed .
I have personally only used an agent once . There were no problems whatsoever . I would like to hear some pros & cons from some current or from some past agent's experiences . That could be a better indicator of whether this still would be a good occupation to get into or not .
Posted by: C. Marz at September 3, 2007 10:41 AM
I didn't mean opening up a travel agency necessarily. Like the woman in the article started a yacht cruise business. Not too long ago I blogged about some tour comapnies in England that were doing well because they found unique niches...
Posted by: James Trotta at September 3, 2007 12:04 PMI did this a few years ago. I have a passion for Bavaria and was going to Oktoberfest every year. One time I was sitting at the table and said to my wife, we should try bringing a group along with us, and a business idea was born! It's been great for Oktoberfest - it's a complicated system to maneuver in order to get tickets and I have good contacts for this. It's also an easy "key word" search for people to find us - we filled 90 seats this year in about 4 months! Expanding it and adding other trips is tough - we wanted to do a summer tour, but it was difficult because there isn't that one key word and/or event to build around. Still, I think niche travel has a good future with the internet. If you are an expert in a given area, people will want to travel with you in smaller group - just give them something that the big bus tours can't do! Just don't underestimate the marketing expense/hassle - that's the most difficult aspect.
Posted by: Scott Stephens at September 3, 2007 12:22 PMThe Rich & Famous would more likely go to risky places if they had a body guard. The time is ripe for a Protection Escort Service.
For example: to visit Tijuana, the escort would drive you in a bullet, bomb proof SUV. The right Mexican officials would be prepaid to avoid harrassement. Others would be subject to the physical punishment of the escort(s). Going to a seedy bar would be safe because the escort would eliminate threats. Purchashes from street vendors would be safe ... or else!
Posted by: Ray Anderson at September 3, 2007 1:20 PMAs a luxury travel agent, I can tell you my clients prefer one call and as little of their own precious time in doing all the work. They can rest assured I will find the best way to fly them there, the best way to handle all their travel needs in-country, just the right hotel for them, and set up a day-to-day itinerary which includes the best restaurants, sites and shows. And all the ins and outs and insider tips they need to ensure the best trip they can enjoy. SERVICE isn't something you can shop for on the internet, and those who know that will ALWAYS use a knowledgeable and well-connected travel agent.