How to Become a Leisure Travel Organizer
Leisure travel organizers take care of all the details so individuals can enjoy a relaxing vacation. Starting a business as a leisure travel organizer requires an ability to negotiate on your client's behalf, attention to detail and outstanding communication skills. A leisure travel organizer should have a passion for travel and a knack for staying on top of travel trends and vacation hot spots. A leisure travel organizer should be able to listen to his client's vacation wishes and put together a vacation package that fits the client's needs and budget.
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Instructions
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Research the travel industry. Discover what you can charge clients for your leisure travel services. Learn more about the services provided by competing travel agents, travel planning services and other leisure travel organizers. Decide if you will specialize in travel to one specific region, or in one specific leisure travel niche such as adventure travel.
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Invest in education. Individuals just starting out in the travel industry should consider becoming a Certified Travel Agent (CTA) or Certified Travel Counselor (CTC). Individuals who have experience in the travel industry should stay up to date with travel trends, Internet tools and resources. Travel schools and resources are available on the American Society of Travel Agents website.
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Secure any business licenses and register the business as required by your local government. Consider registering the leisure travel organizer business with the Better Business Bureau to provide customers with greater confidence when working with you.
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Consult with a lawyer and accountant to discuss legal and financial issues involved with running a leisure travel organizer business.
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Decide if you will run your leisure travel business out of your home or an office. An office should be conveniently located in a commerical area that allows potential customers easy access to your services.
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Establish clear fees and policies for booking travel. Be sure to share this information with clients before booking trips for them. Decide if you will offer clients travel insurance, in addition to your travel organization services.
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Promote your leisure travel organizer business by advertising in the local phone book and the travel section of your local paper. Build a Web presence by creating a website promoting your leisure travel services and special trips. Use press releases to promote vacation destinations and special packages offered by your business.
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