Explorer Travel franchise

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.

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.

 Explorer Travel believes in passionate people. They are looking for franchisees who are passionate about travel. They recognise that talent comes from lots of different places, and will train their Explorers regardless of their professional background and experience. Explorer Travel is also happy to partner with franchisees who are looking for flexible work life. Current franchisees have been bankers, air stewardesses, and stay-at-home mums.

This franchise is ideal for those with passion and drive, for those who love travel, and also for those who may have fewer years of professional experience. It is also suitable for those who find a traditional 9-5 job unsuitable, such as those with small children at home.

Explorer Travel opened their doors in 2005 as the very first UK based travel franchise, and have grown over the past years to support more than 300 successful online travel agency websites. Many of the franchisees who started out with Explorer Travel in 2005 are still working with them; a testament to the sustainability of their franchise model.