As a business owner, running a travel agency does not require one to have a formal education. One has to understand the advantages, disadvantages, and the skills that you need to start a travel agency in Las Vegas.

Advantages

• Freedom and flexibility
• FAM or familiarization trips and discounts
• Minimized overhead costs and tax benefits
• Make money through commissions
• You don’t a formal education to be a travel agent

Disadvantages

• You are responsible for everything
• Seasonal pressure
• Economic declines and other uncontrollable factors

The Skills You Need

• Active listening skills
• Organizational skills
• Time management
• Administrative and technical skills
• Sales and marketing skills

Obtain licenses

Operating a travel agency requires licenses or certifications. This is to show that your business is legitimate and authorized to operate as a travel agent by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) and the Travel Institute. The following are the required licenses issued by the aforementioned Associations:

• Travel and Tourism Professional
• Certified Travel Associate
  

Join organizations or groups

In addition, joining professional organizations for travel agencies/agents will add to your credibility and increase your travel agency’s exposure. Other known organizations are:

• American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)
• National Association of Commissioned Travel Agents (NACTA)
  

Click on the link to find related information from the Business Licensing Division in the City of Las Vegas

• People travel for different reasons, creating different client types based on demographics that opens equal growth opportunities and risks for your business.
• Catering to all kinds of needs is a common mistake that newly established agencies do as it places you in a position to compete against established agencies.
• Exploring the market and conducting extensive research will greatly help in finding your niche and design individual, family, and group vacation packages.
• You may also think about business-related travel arrangements for employees and individuals.

All types of businesses require technical and administrative tasks. The following are some of the important and non-negotiable tasks that have to be done to start a travel agency in Las Vegas:

• Thinking of a good name for the business
• Write a Business Plan
• Choose a business structure
• Choose a location
• Process registration to legally operate
• Secure Financing for Your Business
• Open a Bank Account for your Business
• Hire Employees
• Run business operations

Advertising options

An integral part of achieving success to generate profits requires a good sales and marketing strategy by doing the following:

• Create a website
• Register your travel Agency on Google
• Maximize the use of Social Media
• Traditional Marketing
• Paid Advertising

Where to advertise

Should you consider the last option, it would be good to advertise your travel agency via BBB Vegas and become a member or opt for 360° Advertising.