Running a travel agency sounds like a glamourous business when you hear about the hotel visits, restaurant evaluations and resort stays. Unfortunately the reality for most travel agents is long hours, weekend work and difficult clients. In addition, you have to contend with the global financial crisis, plane strikes and a fluctuating dollar together with compliance issues associated with your trust account.
Being a retailer with virtually no stock makes it challenging not to mention software like Galileo, Sabre or Amadeus. Your clients expect you to know everything about transportation, accommodation, car rentals, tours and tourist attractions. On top of that you also need to deal with usual small business compliance issues associated with GST, BAS, PAYG and superannuation.
Here at Certum we understand the travel agency business. In fact David has have mentored many travel agents through the various stages of their business life cycle, from start up right through to sale. The team offer you experience and an intimate understanding of your industry.
THINKING OF STARTING A TRAVEL AGENCY?
Travel agents are one of our specialist client groups and having mentored hundreds of business owners through the start-up phase of their business we have built a reputation as business start-up specialists.
If you are looking to start a business as a travel agent or buy into an existing business, there are numerous issues to consider. You need to establish your business structure, complete tax and GST registrations, consider insurances, select an accounting software program and possibly explore your finance options. It can be a maze of issues but as accountants and business advisors we can assist you in all of these areas plus provide advice on the preparation of a business plan, marketing plan and a cash flow budget. If you are contemplating employing staff we can also assist you with human resource matters including payroll, WorkCover and superannuation guarantee obligations.
We offer you experience, technical tax knowledge, and most importantly, an intimate understanding of the travel industry.