The tourist business, including in Ukraine, is considered to be an area in which one can start an activity with relatively small funds. The task is also facilitated by the fact that, according to the current Ukrainian laws, it is not necessary to obtain a license for this type of activity. And although the competition in this area is high, there are chances for success with a reasonable approach.
It is necessary
- - office space (can be rented);
- - certificate of state registration of a company or a business entity - an individual (Ukrainian analogue of an individual entrepreneur);
- - contracts with tour operators;
- - Web site;
- - at least 2-3 telephone lines.
Instructions
Step 1
Pick up a room for a future travel agency. Although a fair share of tours are purchased without a visit to a travel agency - via the Internet or by phone - you should not discount those who wish to visit your office. For the needs of a small agency, one room is enough for two to four workplaces. What matters is the presentable appearance and convenience of the location. The client should be comfortable getting to you both by public transport and by car. The issue of parking is also important. All other things being equal (and prices for tours are about the same), the tourist will choose the company whose office it is more convenient for him to get to.
Step 2
Pay special attention to the installation of telephones in your office. The number of telephone lines should be equal to the number of employees in the office. The ability to keep phone numbers for the company in case of relocation is also of great importance. The ideal option is landline numbers, mobile ones cause less confidence in the client. So, direct landline mobile phone numbers should be used only as a last resort: they are easy to recognize by a set of numbers.
Step 3
Proceed to register a company after resolving the issue with the office. With the option of a business entity - an individual - it is easier, since he is registered at the registration address, while the company needs a legal address. The procedure for state registration of a company or an entrepreneur is quite extensive and deserves a separate consideration. The main thing - be sure to indicate the travel agent in the number of codes of economic activity.
Step 4
Recruit staff. Even if you have a family business in which family members are directly involved, at least one assistant will not be superfluous, especially with experience in tourism. Due to the specifics of the business, sociability and resistance to stress are of particular importance: among clients there are often capricious, fastidious, and sometimes frankly inadequate people.
Step 5
Select the tour operators whose tours you will sell. To do this, study the reviews of tourists from them, and, if possible, travel agencies. Since you are going to sell someone else's product, the quality of which you cannot influence, the reliability of its supplier becomes paramount. After all, you will find yourself in front of an unhappy tourist, and regular customers should become the basis of your income over time. At first, do not count on large commissions of the tour operator - on average, this is 8-10% of the tour cost. But with good sales, its size can be significantly increased.
Step 6
Create a website for a travel agency, preferably with the help of professionals. It should be comfortable and have an attractive design. The system of online ordering of tours will not be superfluous, but if it is available, your managers should promptly respond to each order. When creating and promoting a website, it is best to seek help from professionals who will ensure the smooth operation of this powerful sales tool. Update the information on the site promptly as needed. Having outdated information will hurt your image. If possible, entrust this work to a separate person. It is possible that a freelancer, but responsible and reliable.
Step 7
Consider an advertising strategy. Advertising should accompany your activity from the very beginning. Post it regularly in popular media outlets, on visited forums, make the most of signs, stands with information about tours, etc. When placing an office in a residential area (the bet on walking distance to a potential client's house can pay off with an appropriate work schedule), leaflets distributed in nearby crowded places and distributed through mailboxes can be effective. In the first days after the opening, various promotions can be useful to attract the client. For example, a substantial discount on visa assistance. Promptly inform your potential client about discounts and promotions announced by tour operators.
