hcuk94

Hi all,

Appreciate this is a very select userbase even on FT, but wondered if I could get some advice from anyone who has experience in Travel Agency businesses.

I am looking at starting a travel agency (not looking for advice on whether I should or shouldn't as this is a venture by the company I work for, not me personally).

I specifically have an IT background, so looking for advice there but also with the general commercial side of the business.
e.g.

• What's the best route to market? Would you suggest starting from scratch or using a TA alliance such as Advantage or Uniglobe?
• IT wise, what systems would you recommend? Specifically GDS- Sabre, Amadeus or Galileo?
• Any other tips/recommendations you can give?

Any advice you can give would be very much appreciated. I have limited experience in this field. I expect we would start with hotels and then look to do air at a slightly later stage, as I know how complex it can be. I am UK based so any specific UK advice is also much appreciated.

Cheers.

udontknowme

Your business plan doesn't address your questions, so you come here to ask your soon-to-be competition for theirs and their trade secrets. Good luck with that.

Kagehitokiri

hmm? many travel agents on FT do 'luxury' hotels/packages/cruises.

kristinperry66

If you are goimg to start the travel agency, first you need to make your website and make it live with the help of web hosting provider.

RedwoodA320

As a word of caution, it's a very saturated industry in which its rapidly becoming harder to become established. I wanted to do something similar a few years back but stopped.

hcuk94

Thanks all, appreciate the help. Will be an interesting ride either way I think!