If you love travel, are interested in people and enjoy helping customers plan their holidays, this is an ideal business for you.

In recent years the travel industry has become increasingly competitive. While more people are flying, airfares are becoming more competitive and agents are offering discounts to gain an increasing market share. On top of this people are making more and more reservations through the Internet or by directly contacting the airlines.

Despite this there is plenty of opportunity for a good operator to develop a thriving travel agency. While the general public might take advantage of e-tickets and the Internet for their simple flight reservations, they seek out travel agents to help them make their holiday bookings. When making these special arrangements they like to have that personal contact with someone with a wide range of specialised knowledge.

Travel agents, consequently, book almost all overseas trips from Australia and make a large proportion of all domestic travel arrangements .

When starting your business you will need to pay careful attention to the levels of commission you receive, the discounts you offer as well as the price you put on your services. It is essential to receive proper remuneration for your service to make sure your business is successful.

Our guide explains how to put a price on your time, how much you should charge for your service and how to make sure you are charging the right amount to cover your operating costs as well as generate a profit.

All this and much more is outlined in this guide. It investigates market potential, what to consider when choosing business premises and location, what equipment you will need, what to consider when it comes to costs and stock, how to effectively operate your business and the tax and legal issues you should be aware of.

Remember, not only is starting a business a major life-changing decision, it is also a major financial investment. As a result, you will need to make sure you are fully aware of the commitment you are about to make and what is involved.

This guide will help you to arm yourself with the appropriate information to help you become a successful travel agent. Information that is accurate, up-to-date and applicable to your individual circumstances.