Tour Operator Business Plan Example
Tour Operator Business Plan Example
Tour Operator Business Plan Example
2023
Tour Operator
Business Plan
Explore, Experience, Wander
John Doe
10200 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA, 92683
(650) 359-3153
info@example.com
http://www.example.com
Information provided in this business plan is unique to this business and confidential;
therefore, anyone reading this plan agrees not to disclose any of the information in this
business plan without prior written permission of the company.
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 6
Market opportunity 7
Services Offered 7
Financial Highlights 8
Units Sold v/s Revenue 9
Company Overview 10
Ownership 11
Mission statement 12
Business history 12
Future goals 12
Market Analysis 13
Target Market 14
Competitive analysis 15
Intrepid Travel 15
G Adventures 16
REI Adventures 16
Market trends 16
Regulatory environment 17
Services 19
Custom Itinerary Planning 19
Guided Tours 20
Accommodation Booking 20
Additional Services 22
Pricing Strategy 24
Marketing strategies 25
Online 25
Offline 25
Sales strategies 26
Customer retention 27
Operations Plan 28
Operational Process 29
Management Team 31
Key managers 32
John Doe 32
Jane Doe 33
Alice Brown 33
Robert Brown 33
Organizational structure 33
Organization chart 34
Compensation plan 34
Advisors/Consultants 35
Michael Johnson 35
Dr Emma Smith 35
Balance sheet 42
Break-even Analysis 44
Financing needs 46
Appendix 48
Executive Summary
Market opportunity
Summarize your market research, including market size, growth potential, and marketing
trends. Highlight the opportunities in the market and how your business will fit in to fill the gap.
Services Offered
Highlight the tour operator services you offer your clients. The USPs and differentiators you
offer are always a plus.
Outline your sales and marketing strategies—what marketing platforms you use, how you plan
on acquiring customers, etc.
Financial Highlights
Briefly summarize your financial projections for the initial years of business operations. Include
any capital or investment requirements, associated startup costs, projected revenues, and
profit forecasts.
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15.00k
10.00k
5.00k
0
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
Summarize your executive summary section with a clear CTA, for example, inviting angel
investors to discuss the potential business investment.
Company Overview
Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:
Describe what kind of tour operator company you run and the name of it. You may specialize in
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one of the following tour operator businesses:
• Inbound operators
Start writing here..
• Outbound operators
• Domestic operators
Ownership
• Adventure tour operators
• Group tour operators
• Luxury tour operators
Help tip Tour Operator Business Plan
• Online travel agencies
List the names of your tour operator business’s founders or owners. Describe what shares they
Describe the legal
own and their structure offor
responsibilities your tour operator
efficiently company,
managing whether it is a sole proprietorship,
the business.
LLC, partnership, or others.
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Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.
Start writing here..
Summarize your business’ objective, core principles, and values in your mission statement. This
statement needs to be memorable, clear, and brief.
❜
Business history
If you’re an established tour operator service provider, briefly describe your business history, like
—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.
Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellentTo unlock help try Upmetrics!
work, describe them.
Future goals
It’s crucial to convey your aspirations and vision. Mention your short-term and long-term goals;
they can be specific targets for revenue, market share, or expanding your services.
Market Analysis
Finally, discuss the insights gained from your market research. Highlight the needs and
preferences of your potential clients, and explain how your products or services meet those
Target Market
specific demands.
This will set a strong foundation for the rest of your market analysis, demonstrating that you
Help tip Tour Operator
have a clear understanding
Business Plan
of your target audience and their needs.
Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what
types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target
market to your readers.
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For instance, leisure travelers, adventure enthusiasts, cultural explorers, or corporate clients
would
Start be here..
writing an ideal target audience for a commercial tour operator business.
Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much
broader market.
Available Market
Total global market for adventure
tourism.
150M
Served Market
Customers seeking adventure tours
worldwide.
50M
Target Market
Young adults interested in unique,
thrilling experiences
15M
Identify and analyze your direct and indirect competitors. Identify their strengths and
weaknesses, and describe what differentiates your tour operator services from them.
Competitive analysis
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is one of the leading adventure travel companies worldwide, offering a range of small
group tours that immerse travelers in local cultures and landscapes.
REI Adventures
REI Adventures, operated by the popular outdoor retailer REI, offers a selection of adventure tours that
leverage the company's extensive knowledge of outdoor gear and activities.
Market trends
Analyze emerging trends in the industry, such as technology disruptions, changes in customer
behavior or preferences, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.
List regulations and licensing requirements that may affect your tour operator company, such
as business registration & licensing, transportation regulation, consumer protection laws,
employment laws, consumer protection laws, etc.
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Conclude the introduction by signposting readers to the deeper exploration of your offerings in
the following sections. This approach ensures that readers understand the context,
Help tip
significance, and scope of what your business brings to the table.
Mention the tour operator services your business will offer. This list may include services like,
• Itinerary planning
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• Accommodation booking
• Guided tours
Services
• Activities & excursions
• Travel documentation & visa assistance
Custom Itinerary Planning
• Travel Insurance
Price: Starting at [$200] per itinerary
• Destination management services
We offer personalized itinerary planning services to
create a tailored travel experience that meets our client's
preferences and interests.
Specifications
Inclusive of destination research, accommodation
suggestions, activity recommendations, and
transportation options.
Our guided tours are led by knowledgeable local guides
who provide valuable insights into the culture and history
of each destination.
Specifications
Group sizes are limited to 15 people, and tours typically
last 2-3 hours.
Accommodation Booking
Price: Varies by location and accommodation type,
starting at [$100] per night
Specifications
Accommodations are vetted for quality, safety, and
comfort.
Our selection of activities and excursions are carefully
curated to enhance the adventure experience, ranging
from cultural immersions to adrenaline-pumping
adventures.
Specifications
Activities are tailored to the client's interests and
physical abilities.
We provide comprehensive assistance with travel
documentation and visa applications to ensure a smooth
travel process.
Specifications
Includes form filling, document collection, and
application submission.
Travel Insurance
Price: Varies by coverage level, starting at [$50] per trip
Our travel insurance options provide peace of mind
during the journey, covering unforeseen events such as
trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost
luggage.
Specifications
Multiple coverage levels are available to suit the client's
needs and budget.
services required
Specifications
Services are tailored to the client's preferences, with a
focus on quality and convenience.
Additional Services
Mention if your tour operator company offers any additional services. You may include services
like visa assistance, travel insurance, local transportation, etc.
Here are some key points to include in your marketing To unlock help try Upmetrics!
plan:
Unique Selling
Additionally, Proposition
mention (USP)or approaches you will employ, whether traditional
the specific techniques
or modern, to establish your brand as the preferred choice for your target audience. This
introduction provides a clear overview and prepares readers for the detailed strategies that
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follow. Tour Operator Business Plan
Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and
the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.
Pricing Strategy
Describe your pricing strategy—how you plan to price your services and stay competitive in the
local market. You can mention any discounts you plan on offering to attract new customers.
Discuss your marketing strategies to market your services. You may include some of these
marketing strategies in your business plan—social media marketing, Google ads, email
marketing, content marketing, and print marketing.
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Marketing strategies
Online
Offline
Print Marketing
Distributing brochures and flyers in strategic locations, such as hotels, travel agencies,
and tourist information centers.
Outline the strategies you’ll implement to maximize your sales. Your sales strategies may
include direct sales calls, partnering with other businesses, offering referral programs, etc.
Sales strategies
Referral Programs
Describe your customer retention strategies and how you plan to execute them. For instance,
introducing loyalty programs, discounts & offers, personalized service, etc.
Customer retention
Personalized Service
Operations Plan
Make it clear that operational excellence is crucial for fulfilling your commitments to customers
and
Start ensuring
writing optimal outcomes.
here..
Then, briefly outline what readers can expect in this chapter, mentioning key areas you'll cover
such as staffing, operational processes, and facilities.
Staffing & Training
This introduction sets the stage by highlighting the significance of operational planning and
piques the reader's interest in the detailed insights to come.
Help tip Tour Operator Business Plan
Mention your business’s staffing requirements, including the number of employees or other
staff needed. Include their qualifications, the training required, and the duties they will perform.
Operational Process
Outline the processes and procedures you will use to run your tour operator business. Your
operational processes may include tour planning & development, marketing & sales, reservation
& booking management, operations & logistics, etc.
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Include the list of equipment and software required for tour operators, such as computers &
laptops, printers & scanners, communication devices, safety equipment, booking & reservation
system, tour management software, etc.
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Management Team
Conclude by emphasizing the team's experience and how it positions your program as a leader
in your industry.
Key managers
This introduction will set the stage for readers to understand the significance and capabilities
of your management team, creating a positive impression as they delve into the details of each
Help tip and
team member's role
Tour Operator Business Plan
contributions in the subsequent sections.
Introduce your management and key members of your team, and explain their roles and
responsibilities.
JOHN DOE
CEO - john.doe@example.com
John Doe holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and has over 15
years of experience in the tourism industry.
His passion for travel and in-depth knowledge of market trends have been
instrumental in shaping the vision of Sunny Adventures Tours.
As the CEO, John oversees the strategic direction and overall operations of the
company.
Jane Doe, with her MBA in Operations Management, brings over 10 years of
experience in tour operations.
ALICE BROWN
Tour Operations Manager - alice.brown@example.com
Her creativity and attention to detail ensure that each tour offers a unique and
memorable experience to our clients.
ROBERT BROWN
Customer Service Manager - robert.brown@example.com
His people skills and commitment to excellence have played a pivotal role in
building a strong customer base for Sunny Adventures Tours.
Organizational structure
Describe the organizational structure of the management team, including reporting lines and
how decisions will be made.
John Doe
CEO
Alice Brown
Tour Operations Jane Doe
Manager Operations
Manager
Compensation plan
Describe your compensation plan for the management and staff. Include their salaries,
incentives, and other benefits.
Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business
idea.
MICHAEL JOHNSON
Legal Advisor - michael.johnson@example.com
His expertise in legal matters has been instrumental in ensuring that Sunny
Adventures Tours complies with all industry regulations and legal requirements.
DR EMMA SMITH
Industry Consultant - emma.smith@example.com
Dr. Emma Smith has a Ph.D. in Hospitality and Tourism and 20 years of
experience as a consultant in the tourism industry.
Her insights have been invaluable in helping Sunny Adventures Tours navigate
the market dynamics and stay ahead of the competition.
Financial Plan
This introduction will help your readers understand the significance of the financial plan and its alignment with your mission and goals, setting
theHelp tip
stage Tour
for a deeper Operator Business Plan
exploration of your financial strategy.
Describe details such as projected revenue, operational costs, and service costs in your projected profit and loss statement. Make sure to include
your business’s expected net profit or loss.
Revenue $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Cost Of Sales $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
General Costs $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Gross Margin $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Operating Expense $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Payroll Expense
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0
(Indirect Labor)
General Expense $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Bad Debt $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Amortization of Current
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Assets
EBITDA $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Additional Expense $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Long Term
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Depreciation
EBIT $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Interest Expenses $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
EBT $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total Expense $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Net Income $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Retained Earning
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Opening
Owner's Distribution $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Retained Earning
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Closing
The cash flow for the first few years of your operation should be estimated and described in this section.
This may include billing invoices, payment receipts, loan payments, and any other cash flow statements.
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Cash Received $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Cash Paid $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Interest $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Sales Tax $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Income Tax $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Assets Sell $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Assets Purchase $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Amount Received $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Loan Received $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Common Stock
Preferred Stock $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Owner's Contribution $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Amount Paid $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Loan Capital $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Summary
Starting Cash $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Cash In $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Cash Out $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Change in Cash $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Ending Cash $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Create a projected balance sheet documenting your tour operator business’s assets, liabilities, and equity.
Balance sheet
Assets $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Current Assets $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Cash $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Accounts Receivable $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Inventory $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Accumulated Depreciation $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Liabilities $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Current Liabilities $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Accounts Payable $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Equity $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Paid-in Capital $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Common Stock $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Preferred Stock $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Owner's Contribution $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Retained Earnings $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Check $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.
This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.
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Break-even Analysis
Starting Revenue $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Net Revenue $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Closing Revenue $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Starting Expense $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Net Expense $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Closing Expense $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Is Break Even? 0 0 0 0 0
Days Required 0 0 0 0 0
Calculate costs associated with starting a tour operator business, and estimate your financing needs and how much capital you need to raise to
operate your business.
Appendix
• Include a table of contents for the appendix section to make it easy for
readers to find specific information.
• Include financial statements such as income statements, balance
sheets, and cash flow statements. These should be up-to-date and
show your financial projections for at least the first three years of your
business.
• Provide market research data, such as statistics on the size of the
printing industry, consumer demographics, and trends in the industry.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Provide any additional documentation related to your business plans,
such as marketing materials, product brochures, and operational
procedures.
• Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that
readers can easily find the information they need.
Remember, the appendix section of your business plan should only include
relevant and important information that supports the main content of your
plan.
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