For entrepreneurs with a heart for adventure, the travel and lodging industry is well-worth exploring. As travel restrictions lift, more and more people are searching for ways to satisfy their wanderlust. While it’s very true that the industry has been significantly reshaped by the pandemic, America’s comfort and confidence levels are on the rise, and small, boutique getaways are more attractive now than ever before. To help you imagine ways you can break into this exciting industry, read on for four unique travel startup ideas.
For entrepreneurs with a heart for adventure, the travel and lodging industry is well-worth exploring. As travel restrictions lift, more and more people are searching for ways to satisfy their wanderlust. While it’s very true that the industry has been significantly reshaped by the pandemic, America’s comfort and confidence levels are on the rise, and small, boutique getaways are more attractive now than ever before. To help you imagine ways you can break into this exciting industry, read on for four unique travel startup ideas.
Remember, if any of these opportunities capture your interest, keep these options at your fingertips and dive deeper into the industry with our free Small Business Startup app—available for both Apple and Android.
If you are an aspiring innkeeper, the bed and breakfast industry is here to welcome you with some promising statistics! According to the Professional Association of Innkeepers International, the bed and breakfast industry has an estimated worth of $3.4 billion. Following COVID-19 travel restrictions, small bed and breakfast hotels have become increasingly popular due to their size. With smaller crowds, many travelers feel safer in a boutique atmosphere. Additionally, these quaint destinations offer personality and charm that a big-box hotel simply can’t match.
To make the most of this business venture, it helps to differentiate yourself as much as possible from name-brand hotels. You can do so by featuring special amenities that are centered around the travel experience in your own city or town. For example, if you live in an area that is famous for biscuits and gravy, then make it a staple on your breakfast menu! Additional sources of revenue may include opening your dining room to nearby locals for dinner, hosting cooking classes, or renting out space for private parties and events.
When measured by revenue, the “tour operators” industry in the United States reached a market size of $8 billion! If you live in a sought-after destination and have a love for history and storytelling, this may be the perfect opportunity for you. The charm of a boutique tour business is the same type of charm that travelers seek in a bed and breakfast hotel: Authenticity is your greatest money maker.
In addition to having charm and getting a few laughs, obviously, you’ll need a deep knowledge of everything there is to know about your location—from restaurants to beaches, parks, and everything in between.
The key to success in this industry is distinguishing yourself from the competition with a niche experience. Instead of a bus, you may consider something more adventurous like a kayaking or boating tour. Or, if your location is known for its food, you may decide to partner with local restaurants to create a food tour through the city!
Unless vacationers are staying in a very walkable destination, out-of-town travelers often need a way to get around. By the end of 2022, revenue in the car rentals segment is projected to reach $81.32 billion. Additionally, by 2026, the number of users in this segment is expected to amount to 602.2 million. On average, profit margins in the car rental segment are about 6% for most businesses. However, if you can operate your business more closely to how Uber works, your profits could very well be higher—this includes finding the right location and negotiating well with fleet insurance companies and credit card companies.
In 2022, when measured by revenue, the market size of the gift shops and card stores industry reached $22.0 billion. To make the most of this business opportunity, you must stock your retail store with offerings that match the needs of vacationers at an affordable price point. For example, a gift shop in a beach destination for young families might offer children’s swimwear, beach toys, and maybe even a cold snack—like Slushies! Remember, the key is providing retail items that reflect the demographic and socioeconomic strata of travelers in your area.
We hope this guide inspires you with ideas on how to break into the travel and lodging industry! Launching your own business is an exciting opportunity, and we know you’re probably eager to get started. But remember, take your time to explore all your options. Yes, you always have the “opportunity” to start a small business, but sometimes, it makes more sense to invest in an opportunity that already exists and doesn’t require you to do all the heavy lifting alone. These are called “Franchise Opportunities.”
To learn more, explore a few franchise opportunities in the travel and lodging industry, below! Remember to download the free Small Business Startup app to keep all these opportunities at your fingertips—available for both Apple and Android.
Crave is searching for franchise partners in the U.S. At Crave we offer BBQ, Hot Dogs, Self Pour Beer, Ax Throwing and so much More We are one of the fastest growing Hot Dog franchises, winner of best southern BBQ and expanding rapidly. If you want to own your own business and be your own boss, look no further
Lawn Pride is a rapidly growing lawn care franchise, but you don't have to get your hands dirty to be an owner. Operating within a growing and recession-resilient industry that provides in-demand services, franchise owners enjoy an executive ownership model with recurring revenue streams, personalized corporate support, protected territories, and an easy-to-follow system. Inquire to learn more about Lawn Pride and your path toward a flexible and fulfilling lifestyle
Ready to join the future of online shopping? Our E-Commerce Future Partner Program is your ticket in Experience hands-off Amazon stores that effortlessly generate passive returns every month, taking advantage of Amazons 1.5 trillion dollar marketplace. Not only does Amazon handle logistics like packaging, payment processing, shipping and customer service but you can also stock major brand names that are already highly sought after on the platform. Learn more
Apricot Lane Boutique is the 1 womens fashion franchise. We train our franchisees to be THE fashion destination in their local market, bringing in new styles earlier and more often than any competitor, all at reasonable prices, and ultimately win extremely loyal fans. Find out more by requesting information today
Concrete Technology is part of the multi-billion dollar industry of concrete restoration and beautification. We are dedicated to training you for your success. Learn more about the costs, benefits, and available locations today
Today's busy lifestyles demand the services PostalAnnex+ offers. Capitalize on this demand and open your own business After retiring from the printing business PostalAnnex+ founder Jack Lentz began working out of his home as a business consultant. He soon realized the need for mailing faxing copying shipping and other services to belong under one roof. As a result he created the first PostalAnnex+ store business franchise located next door to a post office in the University City neighborhood of San Diego CA. Our franchises serve a growing customer base of small and home-based businesses that lacks the resources our stores offer. Today's hectic lifestyle requires a one-stop service center for businesses that don't have an administrative assistant to take care of those daily errands. Saving our consumers time is what keeps them coming back. By being a local neighborhood business
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