Tie-up with multiple tourism service providers for more discounts on tourism elements.A lot of your work is going to be done with the help of other people. Contacts in airlines, for visa formalities, and for discounted rates in hotels and car hire businesses  are very important. Start building these as soon as possible. These tie-ups will help you offer multiple discounts, which in turn will help you provide better rates. Always file everyone’s contact information. In case your usual agent for visas is sick or on a long leave, you can immediately get in touch with someone else.

Knowledge of tourism destinations

Knowledge is power in the tourism industry, you need to be well versed with travel destinations and attractions so that you know what your clients expect to experience. This can be done through conducting a reconnaissance to the attractions before you take your clients. Familiarization tours to the attractions help you know the distance to major towns,travel costs,length of travel hence better trip planning for the clients.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) Certification

If selling air tickets is one of the services you seek to provide through your travel agency, then you need to pursue an IATA diploma. this is important because it will offer you credibility when dealing with travel partners and  suppliers in the industry such as airlines. Being a member of tourism associations such as Kenya Association of Travel Agencies inspires confidence and integrity in your travel agency business.

After putting all those factors into consideration, then come up with a business plan which include the name ,the objectives,the marketing strategies,financial projections and many other things.

Requirements for starting and registering a travel agency in Kenya

The licencing committee of the Tourism Regulatory Authority will require the following when you are trying to register a new travel agency in Kenya

• Certificate of registration or certification of incorporation of the travel agency company in to a business.
• Copy of the lease agreement of the business premises where your physical office will be located
• The Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association of the business entity you want to venture in
• Professional certificates of the owner that is IATA certificate, curriculum vitae,degree or diploma certificate
• Copy of KRA certificate,NHIF,National identification card and any relevant document.

If you want to grow fast in tour operation business, you need to specialize in both market segments that is; Inbound foreign market, foreign tourists arriving in Kenya for holidays and business purposes and Outbound domestic market, locals travelling oversees for business,leisure,school exchange, honeymoon and so on.

Target marketing is also paramount to success since you market your products to the desired clientele. Invest more on marketing and advertising so as to establish a customer base.

Provide your products in reasonable prices so as to attract more customers,try as much as possible to offer low prices but exquisite travel experience to your customers to establish customer loyalty.

Have faith and determination for business success, you will reap the profits soonest.

Do you have any views on the requirements of starting a travel agency in Kenya? let me know in the comment section below.