travel agencies for business travel

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Imagine a world of travel management where tech and people work collectively. Where you can look, book and report, all in one platform. 

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Helping companies travel the globe simpler, faster, easier. 

Meet Melon.

A travel management platform that makes business travel a breeze.

Melon is everything you need to manage all the pieces of your business travel program, quickly, and easier than ever.

• Ultra-intuitive design
• 5-minute bookings
• On-point reporting for smarter decisions
• Access the best rates, no debates
• Live-chat with a travel consultant

Melon is the ultimate travel management solution that covers all your bases from booking, safety, reporting, policy, and expense.

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Our business? Getting you there.

More savings? Yes please.

Travel expertise? Anytime.

Latest tech? Always ahead.

The best fares and rates? Of course.

What our customers say about us, “corporate traveler provides a level of service that’s both thorough and anticipatory. we’re an incredibly fast-moving business and to have a partner as nimble as us managing our travel needs is invaluable.”, caroline roche, chief of staff @ bumble, “working with corporate traveler allows us to get key personnel there on time and most importantly, safely. it’s been seamless; they understand our business, conscious of costs and are an instrumental part of our operations.”, stephen cochrane @ rotech subsea ltd, “our booking fees have fallen and we’re now capturing more travel spend and have greater overall visibility, allowing us to really pinpoint where there are further savings to be made. ”, vicki mann, executive assistant @ new era.

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Business travel is an investment, and it should feel simple. Take your business travel to the next level with exceptional service every step of the way.

With a blend of knowledgeable travel experts and seamless digital experiences, we’ve got you covered from door to door. Every experience, every interaction, every trip should feel simple, worry-free, effortless.

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Industry expertise? We know the ins and outs.

We make knowing how your business travels our business. The result? A travel management solution that perfectly balances adaptability and reliability. Trust us to expertly guide your business travelers – while catering to your company’s unique needs. 

Whether it’s meetings, events, or industry- specific travel requirements (and all their quirks), consider it covered.

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Unlock exclusive negotiated rates to keep your costs down. With our vast global network, corporate travel deals are at your fingertips.

Looking for amazing value and choice for your next flight? Consider it done. How about rates at your preferred hotels? Of course! Our robust business travel management approach, fueled by powerhouse partnerships, means unrivaled value, sterling service, and a business travel experience that saves you time and money.

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Get more out of your travel budget and boost cost savings through our knowledgeable travel expertise.

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Our integrated booking, gives your travelers policy-compliant choices, all the while saving time and money.

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Corporate Travel Management, Business Travel Services & Solutions

Modern corporate travel management for the fast-changing travel landscape

Manage risk. Support traveler wellbeing. Plan for the future. How can Egencia™ help you modernize your corporate travel program?

The only proven global B2B travel tech platform

Egencia is always working to deliver travelers, travel managers, and travel arrangers unrivaled choice, value, and experience, with the powerful backing of Amex GBT.

We’re in a league of our own

Our platform can be optimized for all types of users, in companies big or small.

Tech is in our DNA   We originated in the labs of global tech giants and now we are a part of the most valuable B2B travel solution in the world.

AI-driven insights   Our AI delivers custom user experiences that add value to your company’s travel program.

Suite of APIs   Amex GBT Egencia’s open API platform gives you the ability to build robust integrations that help you automate, connect and simplify your travel and expense management.

Unbeatable travel content We lead the industry with over 290 global airlines and 650,000 lodging partners.

Industry-first NDC capabilities Amex GBT Egencia is the first to offer new distribution capabilities to our clients. 

Amex GBT Egencia Preferred Rates  We offer the best value for business travel with access to special discounted air fares.

The unique content from Amex GBT Egencia provides unrivaled choice and value for air, hotel, car and rail.

Our technology-driven customer service and commitment to excellence puts Amex GBT Egencia on another level.

Industry leader in service Our platform and services are consistently rated above 95% satisfaction by customers.

Best-in-class traveler support We provide services to over 2 million travelers in over 60 countries.

Globally proven Amex GBT Egencia proudly supports over 9,000 companies of all sizes around the world.

Constant innovation We consistently deliver enhancements and innovation across our online and offline services.

Smartest shopping experience Our technology provides the smartest, quickest shopping experience to give the best routes and rates based on user preferences.

Proven optimization Our AI and machine learning delivers the best experience and enhancements for savings, traveler wellbeing and sustainability.

We lead the industry in innovation, with data insights from 100s of millions of transactions every year.

The world's business travel platform

• Companies of all sizes in more than 60 countries trust Amex GBT Egencia to modernize their corporate travel programs
• We deliver simple, consumer-like business travel that users love and fast, knowledgeable support for unexpected moments
• With a globally consistent platform and skilled travel program management, rest assured your travel program is optimized to manage risk while maximizing ROI

Ready to update your travel program?

If now is the time to redesign your corporate travel program to manage risk, support traveler wellbeing and monitor your travel spend, this toolkit can help.

Amex GBT Egencia helps you stay connected

14 million business trips were made with Amex GBT Egencia last year. As your travel management company, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Managing travel risk

Travel risk management has never been more important. Find out how you can manage risk, deliver duty of care and make your business travelers feel secure.

• A comprehensive and quickly adaptable business travel policy is crucial. Use this free guide to help you create a travel policy that adapts to your needs.
• Make traveler wellbeing a priority. Inform, alert and assist them in real-time via the mobile app and online booking tool
• Reduce risk by improving travel policy compliance

Putting traveler wellbeing first

You want employees to feel fully supported from the time they book until they return home. Amex GBT Egencia travel experts are ready to assist.

• Learn how you can enhance your duty of care policies for travelers
• Travel booking is only one part of the equation. Traveler safety is the other. Use this pre-travel safety checklist as a guide
• Learn how Amex GBT Egencia simplifies hotel bookings for travelers .
• Put your travelers in the driver’s seat and take advantage of our fleet of 5 million car rental options worldwide

Savings and ROI

Even as the travel industry changes, businesses still need to make strategic decisions based on cost and ROI. Amex GBT Egencia can help you boost your bottom line.

• Gain insights, identify savings and optimize travel spend in real-time with Amex GBT Egencia Analytics Studio
• Find out how Umpqua Bank maximized their business travel ROI with Amex GBT Egencia
• Amex GBT Egencia travel services can help simplify expense management . Easily track travel expenses that reflect spending with personal or corporate credit cards
• 19 ways our travel management solutions can help you save time and money

Amex GBT Egencia empowers over 2 million business travelers to get the most out of their business travel. Shouldn’t you be one of them?

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Amex GBT Egencia partners with Festive Road to offer a permissible travel framework to evaluate an organization’s overall readiness to travel based on corporate, individual and government regulations.

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Business Travel Guide

How to choose the best travel agencies for a small business.

Selecting the right travel agency for a small business cannot be overstated. Small businesses often have unique travel needs, and finding an agency that can cater to those specific requirements is crucial. When it comes to choosing the best travel agency for a small business, it’s essential to consider factors such as the range of services offered, customer service and support, as well as the value for money provided.

Evaluating these aspects of corporate travel management for small business owners to make informed decisions and ensure that they select an agency that aligns with their specific travel needs and budget. With numerous options available, finding the ideal travel agency for a small business requires careful consideration and thorough research.

What is a Business Travel Agency?

A  business travel agency  is a specialized service provider that caters to the unique travel needs of companies and organizations. These agencies focus on managing corporate travel arrangements, ensuring smooth and efficient travel experiences for employees who travel for business purposes.

Business travel agencies offer comprehensive travel management services tailored to the specific requirements of corporate clients. They handle various aspects of travel planning, booking, and support.

Choosing the Right Travel Agency for Your Small Business

Here are some tips to help you choose the best travel agency for your small business:

1. Look for experience and expertise

When choosing a travel agency for your small business, it’s important to look for one with experience and expertise in corporate travel.

A good travel agency should have a team of experienced travel agents who are knowledgeable about the travel industry and can provide valuable advice and recommendations.

2. Consider the agency’s size and resources

The size and resources of a travel agency can also be important factors to consider. Larger travel agencies may have more resources and negotiating power, while smaller agencies may offer more personalised service.

It’s important to choose an agency that has the resources and capabilities to meet your specific travel needs.

3. Check for technology and tools

No one can deny the fact that technology and tools can make a big difference in managing business travel.

A travel agency should have a user-friendly online booking system, mobile app, expense management, employee tracking, and other tools to help you manage your travel more efficiently.

4. Look for cost savings opportunities

One of the main benefits of using a travel agency is the potential for cost savings. Look for an agency that has a proven track record of negotiating the best rates for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.

Some agencies may also offer discounts or incentives for frequent travellers.

5. Check for customer support

Finally, it’s important to choose a travel agency that offers excellent customer support. Look for an agency that provides 24/7 support.

Also, the corporate travel agency should have a dedicated team of travel agents who can assist you with any issues or questions that may arise during your travels.

Services Offered by The Best Travel Agencies

Travel agencies offer a range of services to meet the needs of small businesses. Some of the services offered by the top travel agencies include corporate travel management, tailored travel packages, and support and assistance.

Corporate Travel Management

Corporate travel management is a service offered by travel agencies to help businesses manage their travel expenses. The travel agency works with the company to create a travel policy that meets the needs of the business while keeping costs under control. Some of top 10 corporate management companies now offer all-in-one travel services from booking travel, and accommodation, tracking expenses, and providing reports on travel expenses.

Tailored Travel Packages

Travel agencies such as Clooper can create tailored travel packages that meet the needs of small businesses. These packages can include flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related services. The packages can be customized to meet the needs of the business, whether it is a small business with just a few employees or a larger business with multiple locations.

Support and Assistance

Travel agencies provide support and assistance to small businesses throughout the travel process. This can include assistance with booking travel, providing information on travel destinations, and offering support in case of travel disruptions. The agency can also provide support for visa applications and other travel-related paperwork.

Overall, the best travel agency for small businesses will offer a range of services that meet the needs of the business while keeping costs under control. By working with a travel agency, small businesses can save time and money on their travel expenses and focus on growing their business.

Evaluating Customer Service and Support

When choosing a travel agency for a small business, evaluating the customer service and support provided is crucial. Here are two key factors to consider:

Personalised Customer Care

A travel agency that provides personalised customer care can help make the travel experience smoother and more enjoyable for small businesses.

This includes assigning a dedicated travel agent to the business, who can provide tailored travel solutions and handle any issues that may arise during the trip.

Personalised customer care also means that the travel agent takes the time to understand the business’s unique travel needs and preferences, and provides recommendations accordingly.

24/7 Support Availability

Another important factor to consider is the availability of 24/7 support. This means that the travel agency has a team of experts available around the clock to handle any emergencies or issues that may arise during the trip.

This can include rebooking flights, finding alternative accommodation, or providing travel advice and assistance. Having 24/7 support can give small businesses peace of mind, knowing that they have someone to turn to in case of any unexpected situations.

When evaluating customer service and support, it’s important to look for a travel agency that has a proven track record of providing high-quality service.

Reading reviews and testimonials from other small businesses can help gauge the agency’s level of customer service and support.

Best Travel Agencies for Small Businesses

Clooper is a platform that offers sustainable and tech-driven corporate accommodation and travel expense management solutions. The platform’s intuitive interface simplifies the reimbursement process and real-time employee tracking, enhancing employee and finance team experiences.

Furthermore, Clooper ensures a seamless booking experience for accommodations, offering a vast array of options tailored to the unique preferences and needs of business travellers.

In addition to its travel services, Clooper is committed to positively impacting the environment and society.

With every booking made on the platform, Clooper contributes to planting a tree and providing a meal to someone in need. This sustainability ethos adds a unique and socially responsible dimension to corporate travel.

Clooper’s key features include a seamless accommodation booking experience, comprehensive expense management tools, and exclusive offers such as complimentary airport lounge access and meal vouchers. The platform also provides personalized service by handling flight bookings manually upon client request.

Rating: Clooper has a Trustpilot rating of 4.4/5 based on 15 reviews .

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2. TravelBank

TravelBank is a frontrunner in the corporate travel management arena, renowned for its user-friendly interface and innovative expense management tools that ensure a seamless travel experience. The platform’s emphasis on budget-friendly travel solutions, coupled with advanced analytics, empowers businesses to optimize their travel expenditure while enhancing overall productivity.

some key features include an all-in-one business travel and expenses platform, a curated flight booking platform for employees to book flights at special corporate rates and an expense management system that allows employees to track and input expenses. In contrast, management can review and approve expense reports. Employers can offer 24-hour reimbursements through TravelBank, and the platform can sync data through integrations with general ledgers such as Quickbooks, NetSuite, Bill.com, and Xero.

Rating : TravelBank has a G2 rating of 4.4/5 based on 329 reviews .

3. AMEX GBT

American Express Global Business Travel (AMEX GBT) is a global giant in the corporate travel landscape, with extensive industry experience and worldwide presence, making it a go-to choice for multinational corporations. AMEX GBT excels in offering end-to-end travel solutions, from booking to expense management, all while prioritizing traveller safety and satisfaction.

Some of the key features of AMEX GBT include:

• Re-shop tools : Monitor rate drops and easily rebook tickets to save money.
• Recent events updates : Stay up-to-date about recent events to inform your travel decision-making.
• Reporting tool : Access to total refund amounts and any unused tickets available are visible in the easy-to-use reporting tool.
• Direct communication : Provides you with direct communication during disruptions.

Rating : AMEX GBT has a G2 rating of 4.1/5 based on 8 reviews

4. WeTravel

WeTravel is a platform that supports travel businesses by digitizing and streamlining operations. Through its intuitive platform, WeTravel helps businesses increase sales conversion and revenue, trim administration time, and automate processes. The platform’s capabilities continue after setting up the trip page to market your tours and handling traveller administration. It hosts a network of payment solutions to enable control of how travellers pay for their trips, with instalment and mobile-friendly payment options, and a range of payment options to instantly transfer payments to global suppliers, handle and control employee and internal payments, all executed with the absolute security of bank-grade encryption and trusted financial partners.

Some of the key benefits of using WeTravel include:

• Lower processing fees : Save money on card processing fees by offering online e-check payments, in addition to the most competitive wire transfer rates on the market.
• Best-in-class security : Our bank-grade SSL encryption, rigorous verification for payment processing, and trusted financial partners (Visa, Stripe, AFEX) assure that your funds are secure.
• Instant and free Supplier Transfers : The WeTravel card and instant, worldwide Supplier Transfers feature allow you to pay your supplier(s) instantly – and without a fee.

Rating : 4.8/5 reviews on Getapp.

5. B2B Travel Agency

B2B Travel is a leading online travel consolidator for OTAs, retail agencies and tour operators. They specialize in hotel bookings and apartments, perfect for companies who already have transportation options—such as flights, trains and car rentals—covered.

Some of the core strengths of B2B Travel Agency include:

• Extensive selection : Over 120,000 hotels and apartments worldwide so you can offer an extensive selection to your clients.
• Last-minute availability : Makes accommodating clients—or changing travel plans—easier.
• Intuitive booking platform : Designed by travel agents makes your day-to-day easier and more efficient.
• Real availability and instant booking confirmations : Keep your clients covered on the go.

Comparing Pricing and Value for Money

When it comes to choosing the best travel agency for small businesses, comparing pricing and value for money is crucial. Each agency offers different pricing structures and services, so it’s important to assess the value they provide for the cost carefully.

One agency that stands out in terms of value for money for booking flights is FlightsPro . They offer full-service travel solutions tailored for small businesses, negotiating lower travel rates and providing time-saving services.

Small businesses can focus on their core operations while ensuring cost-effective travel arrangements.

However, Clooper stands out regarding tailored business travel accommodation, while also providing comprehensive travel management services for small businesses.

It’s essential for small businesses to carefully consider their specific travel needs and budget when comparing the pricing and value offered by different travel agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the leading corporate travel agencies suitable for small businesses?

Small businesses have unique travel needs, and partnering with a travel management company that understands those needs is critical. Some of the leading corporate travel agencies suitable for small businesses include Clooper, TravelPerk, and CTI Business Travel.

Which travel management companies in the UK offer the best services for small enterprises?

Several travel management companies in the UK offer top-notch services for small enterprises. These include Clooper, Reed & Mackay, and Gray Dawes Group. These companies have extensive experience in catering to small business travel needs.

How can a small business benefit from partnering with a top travel management company?

A top travel management company can help small businesses optimize their travel budget and provide valuable insights into travel trends and patterns.

What features should I look for in a business travel agent to support my small company?

When choosing a business travel agent to support a small company, it is essential to look for certain features. These include a dedicated account manager, access to negotiated rates and discounts, 24/7 support, flexible booking options, and expense management tools.

Key Takeaways

• Selecting the right travel agency is crucial for meeting the unique travel needs of small businesses.
• Factors such as services offered, customer support, and value for money should be carefully evaluated when choosing a travel agency.
• Thorough research and consideration are essential for small business owners to make informed decisions when selecting a travel agency.

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The evolving role of travel agencies in business travel

We will explore how travel agencies have adapted to the changing landscape of business travel, including technological advancements, the integration of digital platforms and more.

By Liudmila Buga

February 7, 2024

While just a few years ago travel agencies also focused on booking services, they now offer an all-round consulting service and use new technologies to put together safe, efficient and relevant travel offers for business travelers. In this post, we will look at travel agencies in a changing business travel landscape and how they have adapted to stay relevant in the digital age through personalized offers. 

What do travel agencies do?

Travel agencies act as private retailers that provide travel and tourism-related services on behalf of hotels, airlines and travel providers. The primary role of travel agencies is to act as intermediaries and sell travel products and services on behalf of suppliers.

Business travel agencies ensure that business travel is safe, efficient and cost-effective for a company. A business travel agency is an organization that must have appropriate accreditations authorizing its agents to sell and ticket domestic and international travel.

Evolution in the business travel world

After the Covid-19 pandemic, it took a little longer for business travel to resume. There were also many other factors, such as: the safety and willingness of business travelers to board a plane, customers’ interest in in-person meetings, the value of attending a conference and whether a virtual conference platform can replace the respective business trip.

As a result, business travelers currently have to expect much higher flight and room prices. And the following trends and developments can be observed in the industry:

The changing role of travel agencies

The travel industry is becoming increasingly digital: online booking sites and virtual tours are significantly changing the experience. While nothing can completely replace visiting a destination in person, new technology is making planning and executing trips easier in many ways.

Digital travel management platforms play an important role when booking business trips. Comparing thousands of flight, hotel and car rental options in one place makes travel planning much easier. There are also customized customer offerings to expand the experience for corporate customers. Contactless mobile check-ins and keyless room entry could soon become mainstream.

What is the traditional role of travel agencies in business travel?

15 years ago it was still quite common to book business trips through a personal travel agency. They acted exclusively as an intermediary partner for bookings. In this case, often business travelers might have used physical travel agencies to get advice and relied solely on the information provided by the travel agents as the use of the internet was not as frequent or they would have done all transactions over the phone. 

Changes in the industry

There have been some changes in the business travel industry in recent years. Due to the changing business travel landscape, travel agents have had to redefine their role to stay relevant. They are by no means just booking agencies, but have developed into comprehensive travel partners. Travel agencies now act as consultants, negotiators and planners and are usually available to customers with 24/7 customer service.

Impact of technology on travel agencies

The impact of technology on travel agencies is felt in a number of ways. Customer service is becoming increasingly focused and personalized. Technology provides the data agencies need to streamline operations, reduce costs and increase revenue.

Travel transformation is about moving faster and creating the flexibility to recognize and respond to customer needs better than ever before. It’s about making customers happier and ensuring that sales increase and companies become profitable.

Although too many companies in the industry still struggle with outdated organizational structures and the old way of thinking and doing things, it is time to change and modernize and the introduction of a travel management platform provides the right foundation to meet the new demands to do justice.

How travel agencies manage business trips today

Business travel agencies are increasingly using digital and more technological options to make bookings for their customers. This is all about all-in-one solutions and personalized experiences.

Rise of online booking platforms like GetGoing

The global market for online travel booking platforms is currently booming and is expected to grow significantly over the next 10 years.

Now more than ever, travel tech is an essential part of business travel. Whether it’s your favorite flight app, an app that helps you beat jet lag , a flight app , or a travel management platform like GetGoing that you can access even while you’re traveling, travel technology is a must; it’s without a doubt one of the most important companions on a business trip.

Focus on personalized travel experiences

Personalization makes the booking process easier for your travelers. You probably want choices, but without being overwhelmed by them. Personalization ensures balance. Bookers are given many choices, but can narrow down their options based on company-specific information, personal preferences and colleague data.

A personalized travel management platform can also integrate travel policies into travel recommendations and flag hotels that fall outside the travel policy. In this way, the platform helps your travelers avoid bookings that do not comply with a company’s travel policies.

Leveraging technology for effortless travel management

The use of modern technologies makes the booking process for business trips much easier. A handy tech travel planning platform like GetGoing will help you simplify the process. After you create an account, you can book all travel options such as trains, rental cars, flights and hotels in one place.

As an admin, you can set price caps and rate rules so you can ensure your employees’ travel arrangements stay within budget. You can also automate your company’s travel policies to ensure everything goes according to plan and you’re on top of everything.

In addition to GetGoing, you can also use helpful technical apps such as Google Maps, ride-hailing services such as Uber or Free Now, a currency converter and a translator app for your business trips. While these apps aren’t designed specifically for business travel, they do help business travelers stay on top of their journey.

The future of travel agencies in business travel

More and more business travelers want personalized service and convenient technology. There is a big opportunity here to give travel agents and small travel businesses more affordable inventory, websites, digital payments and other tools that can be afforded by a travel management platform like GetGoing.

Top travel startups to change the way you manage travel

Trends in the travel industry.

A trend that was already observed before the pandemic is solo travel. More and more entrepreneurs are traveling alone. The “experience economy” is huge in the travel industry. In the coming years, fewer and fewer people will probably be satisfied with everyday leisure activities on their business trips. As with almost all businesses, technology offers seemingly endless possibilities in the business travel industry.

Strategies for being on top of business travel

In order to stay up to date as a travel agency for business trips, it is advisable to keep an eye on industry reports and study results. Attend travel industry conferences and events to gain insights. Network and learn from your colleagues. Use online resources and forums for real-time updates. Also work with innovative partners to implement new practices.

How travel agencies continue to develop

As travel agencies move away from traditional booking services toward all-in-one travel management offerings, the focus is increasingly on personal, value-driven travel experiences. This is where strategic partnerships in the industry are important.

Travel agencies have evolved from booking agents to customer advisors who provide comprehensive and thoughtful recommendations. With the introduction of fees and online access to information via the Internet, the travel agency industry has increasingly had to take on an advisory role when dealing with customers.

Final thoughts about the role of travel agencies in business travel

As you can see, business travel agencies have managed to adapt to the changing business travel landscape and stay relevant. By focusing booking services on personalized experiences and advice and embracing new technology, travel agencies have been able to establish themselves as informed advisors in the new digital world.

Online tools can help your company provide only the best service to your customers and welcome new technologies like AI and digital business travel management platforms like GetGoing with open arms.

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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 March 13, 2024

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 .

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

• 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

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?

• 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?

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.

You could specialize in family vacations, corporate retreats, or honeymoons. The potential niche options in the travel industry are nearly endless.

What? Determine your products or services

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

Step 3: Brainstorm a Travel Agency Name

Your business name is your business identity, so choose one that encapsulates your objectives, services, and mission in just a few words. You probably want a name that’s short and easy to remember, since much of your business, and your initial business in particular, will come from word-of-mouth referrals.

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”
• Avoid location-based names that might hinder future expansion
• Use online tools like the Step by Step business name generator . Just type in a few keywords and hit “generate” and you’ll have dozens of suggestions at your fingertips.

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. 

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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

Every business needs a plan. This will function as a guidebook to take your startup through the launch process and maintain focus on your key goals. A business plan also enables potential partners and investors to better understand your company and its vision:

• 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:

• 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.

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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.

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:

• 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

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 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.

Effective marketing strategies for a travel agency include building a strong online presence, targeted advertising, content marketing, collaborations and partnerships, and leveraging customer referrals and reviews.

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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American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) is a leading B2B travel platform, providing software and services to manage travel, expenses, and meetings & events for companies of all sizes.

Business and Corporate Travel

The right solution is as distinct as your business. Explore Amex GBT's suite of solutions to see which can best help cover your needs. From simple to tailored to high-touch care - whichever way you go, they'll be behind you, helping to make every trip count.

Meetings & Events  

Amex GBT Meetings & Events provides unforgettable experiences created with our comprehensive management and suite of services for a single event or your entire meetings portfolio.

Amex GBT Neo1 (Neo1 TM )  

Neo1 is a single spend management platform enabling you to issue American Express virtual Cards to employees using your American Express ® Business or Corporate Card to help your business purchase, expense, and report on employee spending. 1 Enrollment required. Fees may apply.

1 Card enrollment required for eligible American Express Business and Corporate Cards. Separate enrollment with each of Neo1 and American Express is required to utilize combined product offering. There is no fee to generate American Express virtual Cards. Other fees on the Neo1 platform may apply. For you to make a Card payment through the service, the supplier must be an American Express accepting merchant. Please contact your Neo1 representative or email  [email protected]  to learn more.

GBT Travel Services UK Limited (GBT UK) and its authorized sublicensees (including Ovation Travel Group and Egencia) use certain trademarks and service marks of American Express Company or its subsidiaries (American Express) in the “American Express Global Business Travel” and “American Express GBT Meetings & Events” brands and in connection with its business for permitted uses only under a limited license from American Express (Licensed Marks). The Licensed Marks are trademarks or service marks of, and the property of, American Express. GBT UK is a subsidiary of Global Business Travel Group, Inc. (NYSE: GBTG). American Express holds a minority interest in GBTG, which operates as a separate company from American Express.

Business Travel

Vacation travel.

We address the needs of business travelers with an emphasis on quality and value, while providing maximum savings. From the moment of booking to the time a traveler returns, we will deliver the highest level of service and the greatest value.

• Travel Management

Travel Leaders' Travel Management team implements flexible client service configurations to meet the unique needs of your business. Whether it's online booking tools for multi-faceted transactions, integrating travel itineraries with electronic calendars, or assistance from experienced business travel counselors, your Travel Leaders team is there to handle every aspect of your corporate travel needs.

• Meetings & Events

Travel Leaders' offers a complete selection of services for: sales meetings, conferences, seminars, new product releases, customer events, training programs, executive/board meetings, tradeshows and conventions. Meetings require balance; working with our Meeting & Events Team allows you time to focus on the content of your meeting while we focus on the details surrounding it. We have strong relationships in place with major air, hotel and car rental companies worldwide. We can recommend the ones that fit your specific needs the most, even if it means pursuing new relationships, we can and will.

• Incentive Travel

Incentives are an integral part of your company's growth strategy. Incentives can drive immediate sales, direct the sales force to specific products and services, and encourage your distributors and/or dealers to stock your products. What creates more energy for an incentive program than the reward of travel? Travel awards can encompass a variety of destinations such as trips to Europe, Hawaii, a Caribbean Cruise, an All-Inclusive Resort or a Golf Getaway.

• Hotels & Reservations

Our Global Alliance Hotel Program is one of the most comprehensive in the industry offering affordable rates and value-added amenities sure to reduce T&E cost. Our award-winning program features over 14,000 properties, each recognized for providing the highest level of service, comfort, and convenience while located in the most frequented business districts worldwide.

We utilize the most powerful travel database in the world. This system includes schedules and availability for literally hundreds of airline carriers, all maintained in a comprehensive, up-to-date and unbiased database. We have access and schedules to more than 400 airlines worldwide. The pricing package loaded in this system is vast and dynamic, giving our agents complete access to logic pricing, local currencies and mileage displays that can be used to secure the best available fares each and every time.

Our travel experts have the ability to put you into rental cars around the globe quickly and efficiently. We can easily compare real-time rates and availability fast and easy. We can even shop for car rental locations by varying criteria. And our system's industry-leading Total Pricing technology enables us to offer you an almost all-inclusive approximate total price for the entire length of the car rental.

Other Business Travel Services

We can offer a variety of other travel related services that will enhance our ability to serve our corporate clients. These include Management Reporting, Travel Policy Compliance, Global communications, Travel Profiles and After-Hour Emergency Services.

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• Weddings & Honeymoons
• Family Vacations
• Group Travel

Business Travel    |    Vacation Travel    |    Cruises    |    About Us    |    Contact Us

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Moscow tours, business travel to moscow, tour guide service, interpreting service

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Moscow tours, business travel to Moscow, tour guide service, interpreting service

We are here to navigate you through Moscow and beyond. We specialize in private and customer-tailored tours for individuals and groups.

Tour options include:

• Moscow tours in 1 day/2days/3days (Red Square tour, Kremlin tour, metro tour, panoramic city tour, etc);
• Moscow panoramic city tour / night Moscow by legendary retro cars ;
• Layover tours in Moscow;
• Moscow cultural heritage tours, Moscow themed tours;
• Russian home hosted visits (visit to the Russian dacha);
• Russian culinary classes;
• Moscow-St.Peterburg tour package. Two Russian capitals in one week;
• Moscow-St.Petersburg educational tours for students and children;
• Russian towns of the Golden Ring (Sergiev Posad, Suzdal, Vladimir); Trips out of Moscow
• Shore excursions (Moscow/St.Petersburg)
• Russian honeymoon tours, photo walks in Moscow;
• Moscow tours for children
• Christmas time in Moscow;
• AK-47 shooting tour, tank T-34 ride, segway tour, fishing in Moscow region.
• Group Tours ( offers for travel agencies)

We are officially endorsed by Moscow Government to guide in most iconic tourist attractions of Russia’s capital such as Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, museums of the Moscow Kremlin, the Tretyakov Art Gallery, etc.

We love our city and are ready to share with you our in-depth knowledge of Moscow, this old but very dynamic and amazing city. We will be glad to provide context and fun in equal measure opening up your eyes to Russian history, culture and art.

We know how to make the most of your time while you are here and will be delighted to turn your stay in Moscow into a life experience.

Why book with us?

• We love what we do.
• We highly value responsibility and individual approach.
• Our friendly booking service will help plan your itinerary according to your wishes. We are very flexible and design the tours individually for every customer.
• We are officially recognized by Moscow Government.
• Our training, qualifications, experience and personality will ensure that your visit to Moscow is a great success.

We take part in BBC series of documentaries "World's Busiest Cities"(Moscow)

Buy Tickets to the Bolshoi Theatre

Other special offers...

Interpreting and assistance at exhibitions and conferences, our garage ( vehicles+drivers), where to stay in moscow, what and where to eat in moscow, visa support, learning and discovery, our partners (trips to st.petersburg).

Copyright 2015 - Moscow Navigator

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The 10 best online travel agencies in 2024

The top 10 online travel agencies.

• Booking.com
• Lastminute.com

Best online travel agencies for business travel

1. travelperk.

Main offerings and features:

• Industry-leading travel inventory
• Flexible booking with FlexiPerk
• Safety alerts with TravelCare
• Integrated travel policy & approval flows
• Centralized invoicing
• Easy & real-time expense reports
• Carbon offsetting with GreenPerk
• 24/7 fast customer support in target 15s
• VAT reclaim
• Integration with 3rd party tools , such as expense management or HR software like Expensify and BambooHR

Save time and money on your business travel with TravelPerk

2. sap concur.

• Works with some of the biggest brands
• Easy tracking and reporting of expenses for expense reports
• Many connected apps, such as Uber and Airbnb for cars and hotels
• One solution for a variety of business travel spending

Click below to compare both platforms’ features and benefits

• Ample integrations
• Award-winning mobile app
• Employee-centric travel management

Click below for a more detailed comparison between both platforms:

Best online travel agencies for leisure travel, 1. booking.com.

• Intuitive booking tool and website
• Flight + Hotel booking for easily planning trips with no cross-referencing travel websites
• Simple car rental options and taxi hire
• Available in over 40 different languages and offers over half a million properties across 207 countries
• You can book experiences in your destination city to entertain you on your travels
• Genius rewards program

• Simple interface and booking tool
• Deals when making more than one booking
• 38 different languages and offers a 24-hour, multilingual customer support service
• Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking
• Millions of reviews to help make your decision

3. Lastminute.com

• Filter hotels according to budgets, star ratings, guest ratings, board types, and more
• ATOL protection on flight + hotel bundles
• Flash sales for last-minute deals
• Payment plans to spread out the cost of travel
• Extra entertainment booking for your trips, like theatrical productions and day trips
• Gift cards for gifting travel

• Expedia rewards for hotels, cars, and more
• Experienced support
• Compare cruise lines
• Big savings when booking flights, hotels, and car
• Operates in nearly 70 countries and in over 35 different languages
• Luxury travel options

• Book hotels, flights, cars, and bundles
• 24/7 support
• Lower prices on the app
• Great last-minute deals for spontaneous travel

6. Bookmundi

Best online travel agencies for flights

1. skyscanner.

• Super flexible booking filters
• Cheaper flights and hotels than other OTAs
• Price alerts for travel routes of interest
• Easy-to-use booking tool and UI
• Hundreds of location and currency options
• One-way, return, and multi-city travel options

2. Kiwi.com

• Simple flight booking tool
• Partnerships with Booking.com and Rentalcars.com
• Discover deals anywhere with the option to open up your search
• Easy-to-use app

How do online travel agencies work?

What are the advantages of booking through an online travel agency.

• Access to comparison tools
• Peer reviews to help you with your decisions
• Flexible cancellation policies
• All your travel in one place
• Local flights and deals

Rewards programs

Comparison tools, peer reviews, flexible cancellation.

Flexiperk: Cancel anytime, anywhere. Get a minimum of 80% of your money back.

One account for all of your travel needs, a local approach to global travel, wrapping up.

Make business travel simpler. Forever.

• See our platform in action . Trusted by thousands of companies worldwide, TravelPerk makes business travel simpler to manage with more flexibility, full control of spending with easy reporting, and options to offset your carbon footprint.
• Find hundreds of resources on all things business travel, from tips on traveling more sustainably, to advice on setting up a business travel policy, and managing your expenses. Our latest e-books and blog posts have you covered.
• Never miss another update. Stay in touch with us on social for the latest product releases, upcoming events, and articles fresh off the press.

Speak to a travel expert

Want to explore by yourself?

8 best business travel management companies in Singapore

10 best business travel management companies in Australia

​​The 8 best travel & expense management software platforms in 2024

• Business Travel Management
• Offset Carbon Footprint
• Flexible travel
• Travelperk Sustainability Policy
• Corporate Travel Resources
• Corporate Travel Glossary
• For Travel Managers
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• User Reviews
• Integrations
• Privacy Center
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Tips For Independent Travel Agents On Tax Filing

T here are several tax filing considerations that you as an independent travel agency need to keep in mind. You are considered self-employed, which means you must handle your own taxes, which is one of the most crucial things to keep in mind since, in contrast to conventional workers, you are.

In order to maximize their tax savings and file their taxes, independent contractors like travel agents may run into problems. When selling hotel reservations, vacation packages, and other travel-related goods, many travel agents operate on a project-basis and make money. Because of the possibility of seasonal employment, revenue fluctuations may sometimes occur. The 1099 tax rate and form (and/or a  w2 template  if you find yourself working as an employee with any business), quarterly tax calculator, and self-employment tax calculator are thus essential tools that may assist you in making wise tax choices.

For independent travel agencies paying taxes, consider these suggestions:

1. Learn the tax regulations

In order to file taxes as an independent travel agency, you must first get familiar with the tax regulations that relate to your industry. Read the IRS publication on small enterprises and self-employed persons to learn how to record your income, deductions, and credits.

For independent travel brokers, it’s important to remember the following tax regulations:

-Unless you request an extension, you must submit your yearly tax return by April 15th and pay any taxes that are required.

– You are required to record all revenue you get from your travel agency, including 1099-style payments.

– Self-employment taxes, also known as Social Security and Medicare taxes, are due by self-employed people and now represent 15.3% of their net income. These taxes cover both the employer and employee components of Social Security and Medicare.

2. Recurring business costs should be monitored

Being a self-employed travel agent has several advantages, including the ability to deduct numerous company expenditures from taxable income, which may reduce your tax burden. You may write off certain costs, such as:

– Costs associated with running an office, such as rent, utilities, and supplies.

– Costs associated with traveling, such as lodging and rental vehicles.

– Marketing expenditures, including web hosting and advertising.

– The cost of your phone, camera, and computer equipment.

Maintaining precise records of all your company expenditures is crucial to ensure you don’t overlook any deductible costs. This is especially important because these agencies are exempt from some taxes, and you can  learn more about the tour operators margin scheme  if you live in Britain, for example. You may maintain a record of your expenditures in a spreadsheet or notepad, or you can use accounting software to manage your costs automatically.

3. Calculate the tax rate on your 1099 form

You get 1099 forms from your customers when you work as a self-employed travel agent, which implies that taxes are not deducted from your salary. Taxes on your income must be paid by you instead. Using a 1099 tax rate calculator is a fantastic idea to make sure you are allocating the right amount of money for taxes.

Based on your income and deductible costs, the calculator will help you establish your tax obligation. In order to assist you avoid underpayment penalties, it will also figure out the projected tax owed for each quarter.

4. Calculate the self-employment taxes

The self-employment taxes, which include Social Security and Medicare taxes, must be paid by self-employed people, as was previously noted. Use a self-employment tax calculator to get a rough idea of your taxes for being self-employed.

With the help of the tool, you can determine how much money you’ll need to put aside for self-employment taxes and an estimate of your tax liabilities depending on your net income. Remember that the self-employment tax rate is presently 15.3%, which includes 12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare.

5. Maintain your tax payments on time each quarter

Quarterly anticipated tax payments are necessary if you anticipate owing more than $1,000 in taxes for the whole year. Penalties and interest fees may be assessed if these payments are not made.

Using a quarterly tax calculator to calculate your estimated tax bill for each quarter is crucial to ensuring that you pay your taxes on time and avoiding underpayment penalties. When the time comes to submit your taxes, this will help you prevent any surprises.

For independent travel brokers, handling taxes may be a huge hassle. But you can reduce the stress and increase your tax savings by being informed with tax laws, keeping track of your company spending, utilizing a 1099 tax rate calculator, calculating self-employment taxes, finding tax deductions and staying on top of quarterly tax payments. You can make sure you are remaining in compliance and choosing wisely when it comes to taxes for your travel company by heeding the advice in this guide.

The post Tips For Independent Travel Agents On Tax Filing appeared first on Mom and More .

Classic Travel ‘No.1 Travel Agent’ at Emirates Awards Night

Classic Travel, a leading IATA-accredited travel agent based in Sri Lanka and a member of the renowned Expolanka Group of Companies, has been awarded the Gold Award as the No.1 Travel Agent by Emirates.

The coveted award was presented at the Emirates Awards Night, held at the Shangri-La Hotel, in recognition of Classic Travel’s exceptional support and dedication to Emirates Airlines throughout the year 2023.

Emirates Airlines, known for its commitment to excellence and unparalleled service, honoured Classic Travel as the most preferred travel partner during a gala event that celebrated the contributions of travel agencies to Emirates’ success. This accolade reaffirms Classic Travel’s position as a trusted and reliable travel partner, offering high-quality services that exceed customer expectations.

General Manager of Classic Travel, Sabry Bahaudeen said, “This recognition reinforces our commitment to excellence. We are deeply thankful to all our clients and partners who have been integral to our journey, enabling us to achieve this milestone.”

A travel solutions provider for over 25 years, Classic Travel is an IATA accredited travel agent based in Sri Lanka. It is the only travel agent in Sri Lanka to be open 24 hours, 365 days of the year for any customer queries relating to flight information, purchasing of air tickets, booking of hotels or to discuss any future holiday travel itineraries.

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