Written by Deepak Sah                                                                          August 18, 2021

Travel and tourism industry is one of the largest industries in India and a very significant employment generator. According to the UN’s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the travel and tourism industry provides 6-7 percent of the world’s total jobs directly and much more indirectly through the multiplier effect. Travel and tourism in India are ranked 12th among 184 countries in terms of GDP contribution and the tourism industry in India is set to grow at 7.8% per year during 2013-2023. The travel and tourism market in India estimated at USD117.7 billion in 2011 is estimated to boom to USD418.9 billion by the year 2022, and so there is plenty of opportunity for new entrepreneurs starting in the travel and tourism franchise as travel agents. 

Travel franchise business opportunities also include car rental services or online travel services and also travel agent franchises for sale.

Travel franchise in India is providing excellent opportunities for entrepreneurs who have a flair for this industry. The growing number of educated travellers, leisure tourists, corporates and several others demand better services in terms of how a travel franchise today operates. This is not just a traditional travel agent cutting out tickets but a fully trained travel consultant who will take care of all your requirements from hotel bookings to forex. There are many travel agencies for sale as entrepreneurs are seeking to join top travel brands instead of operating their individual agencies. They prefer to convert their existing agency into a reputed travel franchisee of a bigger brand.

Travel franchise can be segmented into :

• Car rental and cab services

• Online travel agency

• Travel agents

• Others

Best travel franchise opportunities in India 

Pathfinder : Pathfinder is an AI-powered Online Travel Agency and a software product by MeTripping. It is an AI-powered travel recommendation platform that helps to create the best trips and find the best flights and hotels easily. Pathfinder is available for everyone to book at B2B prices.  You just need to pay once, and your Payment Gateway will be integrated. Pathfinder has a TSI that helps customers understand the latest impact of Covid-19 on global destinations. It provides a range of choices on products and prices all under one platform. It also provides a satisfactory user experience along with a real return on investment. Pathfinder helps one to earn more and reduce costs. Pathfinder has an accomplished team from Harvard, IITs, Carnegie Mellon, USC, and more that have extensive experience in travel and non-travel software as well.

Investment : 1 lakh - 2 lakh

Outlets: 40-50 outlets

MakeMyTrip.com:  India’s leading online travel company was founded in the year 2000 by Deep Kalra. Created to empower the Indian traveller with instant booking and comprehensive choices, the company began its journey in the US-India travel market. It aimed to offer a range of best-value products and services along with cutting-edge technology and dedicated round-the-clock customer support. Steadily establishing itself across India and the world, MakeMyTrip simultaneously nurtured the growth of its offline businesses like its franchises and affiliates simultaneously, augmenting the brand’s already strong retail presence further.

Today, MakeMyTrip is much more than just a travel portal or a famous pioneering brand - it is a one-stop-travel shop that offers the broadest selection of travel products and services in India. MakeMyTrip is the undisputed online leader, with its share of the travel market extending to more than 50% of all online sales, a fact evinced by the trust placed in it by millions of happy customers.

Investment: 5 lakh - 10 lakh

Outlets : 80+ all across India

Flexi.Cab : Flexi.cab is in the vertical on transportation. It is basically an American company with an Indian subsidiary. In the past, their working model ranked among the top 5th startups in India. They are offering a unique service. They have completely different models in comparison to other players in this segment. Their model is driver-friendly. They are working for the driver's community which means drivers did not need to pay heavy commission to the company. They are a discovery app to book cabs and auto and are among the top startups of India recognized by Govt of India Startups India Prog. and only social commerce public transport startups. They are surviving competition because their financial model is universally accepted among the Associations and the only company equipoise with Govt in terms of support and security. They are currently offering a business association in the FOCO model too in which you can own territory at Bangalore sitting at any city in India.

Investment: 25 lakh ( Complete refundable after 3 years) 

Bestravels: It is a Car rental company that has been recognized as one of the most trustful and renowned car rental companies in Kolkata. The company offers various types of rental services like Pickup / Drop, Out-station, Local Rentals and many more. Its Customer Service Representatives are available 24×7 hours to assist the customers with their problems. Bestravels. is a specialist Kolkata airport car rental company and has been in this business for the last 6 years. Bestravels provides Cabs and cars to cater to every requirement that one may have. Bestravels also provides late night, early morning Airport Pick Up and Drop Service to Customers in Kolkata. All its vehicles have air conditioning and are well-maintained and driven by well-trained chauffeurs. It also offers cars for Out-station / Hourly car rental as well as 5 seater luxury car to 50 seater bus all services are provided by Bestravels. in. The company's rental policy appeals to the clients because it proves to be cost-effective. Bestravels. goes with simplicity & felicity and works with the mission of providing the best, safe & secure quality services.  

Investment: 30 lakh - 40 lakh 

Outlets : 10- 20 all across India

Travelkaart: It is one of the leading online travel agents in India with offices in almost all major cities including Hyderabad. With Travelkaart as their travel agent, holidaymakers in Hyderabad make the most of their vacation and return home with memories that they will cherish life-long. They offer various kinds of tour packages in and around the city. Some of the kinds are honeymoon package, family tour package, adventure package and many more. If interested and particular about your requirements and budget, we also offer customised packages as well. Travelkaart has the best travel packages for you, anytime and for every reason! TravelKaart affordably priced tours are offered in different varieties. From best holiday tour packages for women, seniors or singles to signature vacation packages and corporate tours, They cover all kinds of holidays.

Investment : 5 lakh - 10 lakh

Outlets: Less than 10

These are the travel franchise opportunities that are likely to get the limelight in 2021 and if you are planning to join hands with these franchise opportunities, you can visit franchiseBazar and one can also select other opportunities listed on the website and can select according to your investment plan and can get guidance from industry experts.