10+ Best & Profitable Travel Business Ideas [2023]

Are you ready to start your own travel business? Discover the best and most profitable travel business ideas for 2023, from tour guides to vacation rental companies. Ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and start your journey to success today!
Newfoundr

By Nick Cotter
Updated Feb 07, 2024

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Imagine this: you're lounging on a sun-kissed beach, tropical drink in hand, all while your bank account keeps growing. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, welcome to the exciting world of travel business! As we look forward to 2023, the opportunities in this sector are not only abundant but also incredibly profitable.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur looking for your next venture, or a travel enthusiast who wants to turn passion into profit, you're in the right place. We've scoured the globe (virtually, of course!) and hand-picked 10+ of the best and most profitable travel business ideas that are set to take off in 2023.

Get ready to embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and potentially, financial freedom. Remember, every great journey begins with a single step. So, buckle up and let's dive into the world of travel entrepreneurship!

Tour Guide Business

A tour guide business is an ideal business opportunity for those who have a deep understanding of the local area and a passion for sharing this knowledge with others. Tour guides offer customised guided tours, often focusing on the attractions, culture, and history of a particular region. This type of business offers many advantages:

  • Ability to work flexible hours
  • Opportunity to explore your community
  • Opportunity to meet interesting people
  • A chance to make money from something you love doing
  • Opportunities to network with other businesses in the local community.
image of a Tour Guide Business

Bed And Breakfast

A bed and breakfast (or B&B) is a type of accommodation with a unique, local appeal. Guests stay in the host’s house, and are typically served breakfast in the morning. It is an ideal business idea for anyone looking to become an entrepreneur in the travel industry, as it provides an intimate service for guests looking for a more homey atmosphere than what a hotel might offer.

  • No large-scale service required
  • Can be run from home or rental property
  • Relatively low start-up costs
  • Beloved by travelers, who often come back year after year
  • Can create additional income by adding amenities such as local tours or services
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Examples of successful businesses:

The travel business industry has many successful companies that provide services to customers both domestically and internationally. Some examples of successful companies in the travel business industry are listed below.

  • Uber
  • Airbnb
  • Expedia
  • Hilton
  • Marriott International
  • TripAdvisor

Concierge Service

A Concierge service is a company that provides customers with personal assistance for their everyday needs. This could include errand-running, grocery shopping, pet-sitting, house cleaning, restaurant reservations and other day-to-day services. It is an ideal business idea as it has much potential for growth and can be tailored to the customer’s individual needs. Some advantages of a Concierge service include:

  • Reasonable cost: prices can be kept at a minimum by charging high-value customers more than the average customer.
  • Flexible hours: With a Concierge service, you will always have time to cater to your clients as you can choose which hours you work.
  • Wide range of services: The range of services you offer will depend on your area and the level of expertise needed by customers.
  • Add value to other businesses: You can add value to other businesses such as hotels, gyms and real estate agencies by providing them with an extra layer of customer service.

Airport Transfer Service

An airport transfer service is a business providing transportation services to and from airports. It can be a popular and profitable venture for those looking to enter the market. Airport transfer services offer customers convenience, reliability, and safety when travelling to or from an airport. Some of the benefits of starting an airport transfer service include:

  • Flexibility - You can choose your own hours and pick up clients when it fits your schedule.
  • Income potential - Charging clients a fee for the use of the service can bring in profitable income.
  • No prior investments necessary - You don't need to own a car or have any equipment to start running an airport transfer service.
  • Opportunities for growth - With an increasing demand for this type of service, there can be potential for growth.

Group And Individual Travel Planning

Group and individual travel planning is an excellent business idea to help people plan their trips. With the right resources and expertise, this could be a great investment of time and money. Some of the benefits of travel planning include:

  • Help save money and time when planning a trip
  • Understand complex logistics involved with transportation, accommodations, activities, etc.
  • Assistance in navigating cultural requirements for different destinations or types of trips
  • Provide guidance for special needs travelers or group travelers
  • A convenient way to plan an entire trip from start to finish

Travel Photography Business

Travel photography is a business focused on capturing memories of people’s trips and vacations. It can involve taking photographs of landscapes, monuments, cityscapes and other places of interest. It can also involve taking photos of people during their travels, such as posing in front of famous sights or experiencing the local culture. There are many reasons why travel photography would make a good business idea:

  • It provides a unique service to travelers
  • It requires minimal overhead costs
  • It has the potential to earn significant income
  • It provides an interesting and exciting job
  • It provides flexible working hours

Cruise Agency

A cruise agency is a business that specializes in coordinating and booking cruises for customers. It can provide services such as helping customers select their desired itinerary, accommodation, and other amenities. Cruise agencies have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the growth of the cruise industry, making it a great business idea.

  • Advantage of Scale: Cruise agencies can purchase bulk quantities of cruise tickets at wholesale prices, which gives them access to discounts that individual customers cannot get.
  • Wide Customer Base: Cruise agencies can offer customized packages to a wide variety of customers, including families, individuals, and groups.
  • Investment Portfolio: By offering cruises from various cruise lines, cruise agencies can increase their earnings by diversifying their investment portfolio.
  • Expertise: Cruise agencies have access to experienced staff with in-depth knowledge of the cruise industry which allows them to provide customers with better service.

Adventure Travel Business

Adventure travel business involves providing travelers with exciting and unique experiences that are usually focused on exploration and discovery. Adventure trips can include activities such as trekking, mountaineering, safaris, white-water rafting, bird watching and other outdoor activities. Such businesses can make a good business idea, as they offer the opportunity to make money while helping people to experience adventure and explore nature.

  • Adventure travel businesses are a rapidly growing market due to increased interest in exploring different countries and cultures.
  • Adventure trips can be tailored to meet the interests of each traveler, so they can be very cost effective.
  • Adventure travel businesses have a wide range of potential customers including backpackers, families, and corporate groups.
  • The industry is constantly evolving with new technology and opportunities for travelers
  • The business model is highly scalable; companies can quickly ramp up operations to accommodate changing market demand.

Specialty Travel Agency

A Specialty travel agency is a business that specializes in selling customized, niche travel experiences. These specialized trips can be tailored to a variety of interests and needs - from adventure-filled backpacking trips to luxury vacations. They offer an opportunity for travelers to experience the world in a more unique and individualized way.

  • Custom Travel Packages - A specialty travel agency can create unique and tailored packages for any traveler.
  • Expert Knowledge - Specialty travel agents know the ins and outs of their area of specialization. They can provide valuable insight into the nuances of each destination.
  • VIP Service - Specialty travel agencies often provide exclusive access and advantages not available to regular travelers.
  • Cost Savings - By booking through a specialty travel agency, travelers can save money due to the expertise and network of contacts the agency has established.

Incentive Travel Business

Incentive travel business is the practice of providing people with rewards for reaching set goals or for promoting certain products or services. Incentive travel packages can be tailored to an individual's needs and can include a range of rewards from free tickets to international trips. Incentive travel is a great business idea because:

  • It encourages loyalty and performance within companies
  • It increases engagement and productivity
  • It strengthens relationships between clients and partners
  • It provides unique opportunities to employees and customers alike
  • It can be customized to fit any budget

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Founder and CEO

We're newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.