Franchising details
Explorer Travel exists to facilitate franchisees as they start up online travel businesses from their own homes. Explorer Travel's franchisees earn commission on their sales of holidays, and can either choose to offer a wide range of holiday options or to specialise in certain regions or themed holidays. Franchisees are free to be creative in the way they want to approach their business and marketing, but can also access a lot of support from Explorer Travel's expert support services.
Apart from the initial franchising fees, the start-up costs of working with Explorer Travel are relatively low. All that is required is a computer, a broadband connection, and a telephone connection. Though franchisees may find it convenient to have a printer and keep paper records, this is not actually necessary.
Franchise costs and details
Training and support
Franchisees can buy into the franchise at one of two different levels, depending on the amount of capital they have to invest.
Travel Advisors pay a £5,995 franchise fee and £99 monthly management fee. This management fee covers ABTA registration and membership, personal indemnity insurance, website creation and hosting, website maintenance, administrative and marketing support, and other services. In return, Travel Advisors gain a 50% commission on all their sales. Travel advisors also get a personal website, 5 days of induction training, a training place, discount travel club, and access to over 450 suppliers.
Travel Gurus pay a higher franchise fee of £11,995 and £130 monthly management fee but benefit from a 70% commission on their sales. Travel Gurus have all the training and support afforded to Travel Advisors, as well as overseas educational trips, optional specialist websites, networking group access, business mentoring, and other perks.
The standard franchising agreement with Explorer Travel is for 5 years, but this agreement can be altered to suit the individual franchisee's needs. It is also possible to upgrade from Travel Advisor to Travel Guru at any time by paying the difference in the franchising fee.
