So How Do You Start Your Travel Business?

There are plenty of ways to start a travel company. The question is whether you want to go the traditional way or do it the smart way (more on that later). First, let’s look at the traditional way of registering a travel company. The first thing you’d do is contact your CA and set up an appointment. Then he would ask you for a bunch of documents time and again to submit and then give you an approximate date of registering your company. Then the wait starts for you. In this process, two things do not go in your favour. That’s convenience and accountability.

Remember, we mentioned a smart way for travel company registration. There are plenty of startups out there including those that would be a one-stop shop solution for all your legal and financial needs to start your travel business in India.

There are companies like:

These companies ensure that you can start your travel company without running around to multiple places for documents. After all, you have a busy life and are on the go. Through these companies, you are saving time and money. And we all know time is money. So now that we’ve made a case for going online, here’s another important question:

That totally depends on how you want to start your travel company. A majority of travel entrepreneurs start solo, while others usually team up with family or friends to begin with. Very rarely people start with a full-fledged travel company. 

Does A Sole Proprietorship Make Sense For You?

Yes, it does. In fact, it is the easiest way to start your travel company. That’s because you’d be managing the whole show as the principal decision maker and owner of your travel company. The best part is that you could have a proprietorship company up and running in a fortnight. No wonder, it is the most popular way to start a business, particularly for new entrepreneurs and establishments.

Here are some of the pros of going solo or rather with Sole Proprietorships:

OK, Now That You Have Registered, What Next?

Yes, that’s a very valid question for starting a travel company in the new GST era. The Goods or Services Tax is applicable to you if you have an annual turnover of more than 20 lakhs. Since we are also talking about taking your business online, you will also require a GST number for selling travel services or products online. Again, it’s a hassle-free and paper-free process as the Government of India has made it easy to apply for GST. There is even a GST portal.

GST registration can be done via the GST portal. All you’ll need is:

1. PAN card, Photo and Aadhar Card of the proprietor
2. Address proof of business (Electricity bill/ rent agreement)
3. A copy of your bank statement, which clearly shows your bank account number and IFSC code

Normally, the GST number is received within 3-4 days of submitting the application.

While it is not mandatory to be approved by the Government of India to be a travel agent, it has its advantages. It means you are maintaining certain checklists and quality standards. Plus, you become a credible travel business or tour operator, which is important in the eyes of the international tourist. To become an approved travel agent or tour operator, you’ll need to apply to the Ministry of Tourism with certain information like capital invested, a certain number of staff employed, maintenance of minimum office space and other stipulations.

Are There Any Guidelines From The Government For Entrepreneurs Who’d Like To Register Their Travel Business?

Yes, the government has put together certain guidelines for inbound tour operators. You can view them here.

Is There Any Tour Operator Body In India That Is Helpful For A New Tour Operator Business?

Yes, there is. There is an Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India or ADTOI as it is called. While starting a tour operator business, it makes perfect sense to be a part of this organization. There is also the Indian Association of Tour Operators or IATO, which is also an apex body of inbound tour operators. Here are some of the advantages of becoming a member of IATO.  And you have ATOAI, that stands for Adventure Tours Operators Association Of India. If you cater to airline ticketing getting registered with IATA (International Air Transport Association) is a must.

We have shared a step-by-step process with specific guidelines to help you get your travel start-up the initial formalities and recognition to perform business. However, one thing is clear, for any travel business to even survive, they have to get online.

How Can We Say This?

Vacation Labs has helped more than 200 tour operators and travel companies go online from scratch. That too, in a short span of time. We are a testimony to their start-up experience and success. So, once you get your company registered, don’t look further. Contact us to get your travel website up and running in no time with powerful travel commerce capabilities. One thing is clear, for any travel business to even survive, they have to get online. Here are some of the fundamentals of setting up your tour operator business online. If you’d like to get started or want to know anything else, we are waiting.