The tourism industry in the United States is a massive and influential force in the country’s economy. It employs millions of people and generates billions of dollars annually. The tourism industry has many facets, including amusement parks, beach resorts, and historical landmarks.
One of the most critical aspects of the tourism industry is its ability to create jobs and boost the economy. Despite the pandemic, there are about five million employees in the tourism industry. The industry contributed about 2% to GDP in 2019 but dropped to 1% when the pandemic hit. Now, it’s one of the fast recovering industries in the country.
If you plan to start a tourism agency, you’ll need to know a couple of things. Here are the essentials.
Choose Your Location Well
Tourist agencies rely a lot on foot traffic. So you’re more likely to get customers if you’re in a highly trafficked area. But that doesn’t mean you should overlook other factors, such as the cost of rent and the availability of parking.
You’ll also need to think about your target market. For example, if you’re catering to international tourists, you’ll want to be located near airports or major transportation hubs. If you’re targeting domestic tourists, you can be located almost anywhere.
However, you can never go wrong with choosing the most visited places in the country. Here are some of them:
New York
New York used to get 66 million visitors annually before the pandemic hit, but now, it still gets over 20 million visitors. The state claims that it will fully recover by 2025 and become one of the prime tourist destinations in the world.
Florida
Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and it’s not hard to see why. The state has everything, from world-famous theme parks to beautiful beaches. It also doesn’t hurt that the state is located in a warm climate, making it a perfect getaway for people who live in cold places.
California
California is another top tourist destination in the country. The state offers a lot, including stunning natural scenery, exciting theme parks, and world-famous landmarks.
Choose Your Niche
The tourism industry is huge, so you’ll need to choose a niche to succeed. There are many different niches you can choose from, such as luxury travel, adventure travel, or eco-tourism
You can also choose to specialize in a specific type of tourist, such as families, seniors, or business travelers.
Once you’ve chosen your niche, you’ll need to ensure that your entire business is geared towards it. Everything should reflect your chosen niche, from your marketing to your customer service.
Offer Vehicle Rental Services
Some tourists would like it if they could rent a car or other vehicle to get around. This is especially true for international tourists unfamiliar with the public transportation system.
If you plan to offer vehicle rental services, you’ll need to ensure that you have a good selection of vehicles. Here are some of the best options.
RVs
RVs are an excellent option for families or groups of friends who want to travel together. They’re also a good option for people who want to camp or live in their vehicle while on vacation. A good combination with an RV is a robust toy hauler. These haulers give families extra space to store their camping gear or sports equipment. It’s great if you’re specializing in camping spots in the country.
SUVs
SUVs are a good option for tourists who want a vehicle that can handle off-road conditions. They’re also a good choice for larger groups since they can seat up to eight people. Some popular SUVs include the Ford Explorer, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the Chevrolet Tahoe.
Sedans
Sedans are the most popular type of vehicle rental. They’re perfect for city driving and getting around crowded tourist areas. They’re also great for couples or solo travelers. Some of the best sedans for rental purposes include the Toyota Camry, the Honda Civic, and the Hyundai Elantra.
Think about Your Marketing Strategy
Your marketing strategy is one of the most important aspects of your business. It will determine how you reach potential customers and what kind of image you project to the world.
You can use many different marketing channels, such as online advertising, print advertising, and public relations. First, you’ll need to decide which channels are best for you and your budget.
You should also create a strong branding strategy. This will ensure that your business is recognizable and memorable to potential customers.
Some Final Thoughts
Starting a tourism business can be a great way to make money and help people travel the world. However, it’s important to remember that the competition is fierce. By following the tips in this article, you can give your business the best chance of success and become an industry leader.