From the ancient Inca ruins in Peru to the majestic Great Wall of China to the magical Venice Beach in California, there are so many incredible tourist attractions across the globe.
Tourism is an incredibly diverse industry, covering everything from adventure travel to beachfront resorts to wildlife safaris. No matter which one you go for, you’ll need a solid understanding of the industry to really benefit from it.
If you’re interested in starting a tourism business that will not only help you earn extra income but also make the world a better place—these are some of the best tourism businesses you can start right now.
- Adventure tour company: This type of business offers guided outdoor adventure activities, such as rock climbing, rafting, or hiking, to tourists. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include choosing a specific type of adventure activity to focus on, selecting a suitable location, ensuring the safety of participants, and building relationships with local vendors and service providers.
- Cultural tour operator: This type of business offers tours and activities that showcase the culture and history of a particular region or country. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include developing a deep understanding of the local culture and history, finding knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, and building relationships with local museums, cultural centers, and other attractions.
- Food and wine tours: This type of business offers tours that focus on the culinary offerings of a particular region or country. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include choosing a specific type of cuisine or beverage to focus on, finding knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, and building relationships with local restaurants, wineries, and other food and beverage providers.
- Luxury travel services: This type of business offers high-end travel experiences, such as luxury hotel accommodations, fine dining, and exclusive activities, to well-heeled tourists. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include offering unique and exclusive travel experiences, ensuring the highest levels of customer service, and building relationships with top-tier hotels, restaurants, and other service providers.
- Eco-tourism business: This type of business offers tours and activities that focus on environmental conservation and sustainability. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include choosing a specific type of eco-tourism experience to focus on, ensuring the sustainability of all operations, and building relationships with local conservation organizations and eco-friendly service providers.
- Beach resort: This type of business offers accommodation, food and beverage, and recreational activities at a beachfront location. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include choosing a suitable location, offering a range of accommodation options, ensuring the safety of guests, and building relationships with local vendors and service providers.
- Bed and breakfast: This type of business offers accommodation and breakfast in a home-like setting. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include choosing a suitable location, offering a range of room options, ensuring the comfort and privacy of guests, and building relationships with local vendors and service providers.
Innovative tourism ideas
- Vacation rental management company: This type of business manages the rental of vacation homes or apartments on behalf of property owners. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include building a diverse portfolio of rental properties, ensuring the comfort and safety of guests, and building relationships with local vendors and service providers.
- Tourist transportation services: This type of business provides transportation for tourists, such as airport shuttles or scenic railway tours. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include choosing a specific type of transportation to focus on, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers, and building relationships with local transportation providers.
- Sightseeing tours: This type of business offers guided tours of local attractions, such as landmarks, museums, or natural wonders. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include choosing a specific type of tour to focus on, finding knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, and building relationships with local attractions and service providers.
- Adventure sports tour operator: This type of business offers guided outdoor adventure sports activities, such as surfing, kiteboarding, or snowboarding, to tourists. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include choosing a specific type of adventure sport to focus on, selecting a suitable location, ensuring the safety of participants, and building relationships with local vendors and service providers.
- Tourist information center: This type of business provides information and assistance to tourists, including information about local attractions, accommodation options, and transportation. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include building a comprehensive knowledge of the local area, developing relationships with local service providers, and offering a range of information and assistance services to tourists.
- Travel agency: This type of business helps travelers plan and book their trips, including flights, accommodation, and activities. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include building relationships with airlines, hotels, and other travel industry partners, offering a range of travel options to customers, and staying up to date on the latest industry trends and developments.
- Event and conference planning services: This type of business helps organizations plan and execute events and conferences, including booking venues, coordinating logistics, and managing registration and ticketing. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include building relationships with event venues and vendors, developing a deep understanding of the needs and preferences of different types of clients, and staying up to date on the latest industry trends and best practices.
- Vacation package provider: This type of business offers pre-planned vacation packages that include flights, accommodation, and activities. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include building relationships with airlines, hotels, and other travel industry partners, offering a range of package options to customers, and staying up to date on the latest industry trends and developments.
- Museum or attraction ticket sales: This type of business sells tickets to local museums or attractions, such as theme parks or cultural centers. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include building relationships with local museums and attractions, developing a deep understanding of the offerings of each venue, and offering convenient and user-friendly ticketing options to customers.
Eco tourism business ideas
- Guided hiking or backpacking trips: This type of business offers guided hikes or backpacking trips through natural areas, such as national parks or wilderness areas. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include choosing a suitable location, ensuring the safety and comfort of participants, and building relationships with local vendors and service providers.
- Wildlife watching tours: This type of business offers guided tours to observe and learn about local wildlife, such as birds, whales, or dolphins. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include choosing a suitable location, ensuring the safety and comfort of participants, and building relationships with local vendors and service providers.
- Cultural exchange program: This type of business arranges cultural exchange experiences for tourists, such as homestays with local families or language immersion programs. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include developing a deep understanding of the local culture, ensuring the safety and comfort of participants, and building relationships with local host families and service providers.
- Timeshare property management: This type of business manages timeshare properties on behalf of owners, including booking and coordinating rentals, handling maintenance and repairs, and handling financial transactions. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include building a diverse portfolio of timeshare properties, ensuring the comfort and safety of guests, and staying up to date on the latest industry trends and best practices.
- Tourist gift shop or souvenir store: This type of business sells souvenirs and other items related to the local area to tourists. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include choosing a suitable location, sourcing unique and attractive products, and developing a deep understanding of the preferences and needs of tourists.
- Travel insurance services: This type of business sells travel insurance policies to protect travelers from unexpected expenses or events, such as trip cancellations or medical emergencies. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include offering a range of policy options, staying up to date on industry regulations and best practices, and developing a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of travelers.
- Vacation home cleaning and maintenance services: This type of business provides cleaning and maintenance services for vacation homes, such as ensuring the cleanliness and upkeep of properties between rentals. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include building relationships with vacation home owners, developing a deep understanding of the needs and preferences of different types of properties, and offering reliable and high-quality service.
- Tourist photography services: This type of business offers professional photography services to tourists, such as portrait sessions or event coverage. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include building a portfolio of work, developing a deep understanding of the needs and preferences of tourists, and staying up to date on the latest industry trends and best practices.
- Mobile tourist app development: This type of business develops mobile apps that provide information and assistance to tourists, such as maps, event listings, and recommendations for local attractions. Some potential considerations for this type of business might include developing a deep understanding of the needs and preferences of tourists, staying up to date on the latest industry trends and best practices, and building relationships with local service providers.
Frequently Asked Tourism Business Idea Questions
- What are some tourism business ideas? Some tourism business ideas include starting a travel agency, tour company, vacation rental business, or adventure sports business. Other options might include creating a food or wine tour, offering cultural or historical tours, or developing a travel-related app or website.
- How can I start a tourism business with little money? There are several ways to start a tourism business with little money. One option is to offer services as a freelance travel planner or tour guide, rather than investing in a physical storefront or office space. Another option is to start small and gradually expand your business as you build a customer base and generate revenue.
- What are some ways to market a tourism business? To market a tourism business, you can create a website and social media presence to showcase your products and services. You can also consider partnering with local hotels or attractions to offer package deals, and advertise in relevant publications or online platforms to reach potential customers. Networking with industry professionals and participating in trade shows can also be effective ways to market your business.
- How do I price my tourism services? When pricing your tourism services, consider the cost of your time and materials, as well as the value you are providing to your customers. Research the market rates for similar services in your industry and consider your experience and expertise when setting your prices. It’s also important to be transparent with your clients about your pricing and any additional fees that may apply.
- What should I consider when starting a tourism business? When starting a tourism business, there are several factors to consider, such as your target market, business structure, and financing needs. You’ll also need to develop a business plan, create a budget, and establish systems for managing your finances and operations. It’s also important to consider any legal requirements, such as obtaining licenses or permits, and to protect your intellectual property if applicable.
Final Thoughts
Travel has been a part of people’s lives for thousands of years. While there are some exceptions, most humans have always wanted to travel. We’re attracted to new places, we’re inspired by new cultures, and we’re fascinated by new things.
And while we’ve gotten more connected, our lives have become busier. The only time we’re able to escape is when we take a vacation.
It can be difficult to figure out how to start a business around tourism. However, if you’re dedicated and creative, you might find a niche that works for you.