The Travel Business Broker Blog

I hope you all are well. In case you missed it we are sharing with you an article entitled “A Bridge Over Troubled Waters” from the June 29^th edition of Travel Weekly written by an agency owner Charlie Funk, out of Nashville, Tennessee.

Our firm is helping many wise owners of travel agencies all across the country by structuring acquisitions This Relieves the seller of ownership responsibility and frees them to continue in the business while eliminating the stresses of ownership. Right now it is clear that certain suppliers wish to reduce the number of agencies they do business with. Back in the early 90’s, independent office supply companies and pharmacies virtually vanished in a very short time. The owners who sold to competitors early in these two consolidations did very well. Travel agency owners who sell now verses slowly fading away will be happy they shifted the burden of ownership while still being able to do what they love.

ITA has sold 520 travel businesses since our inception in 1991 and not once have we heard from our seller that they regretted their decision to sell. The opposite is true as too many times we hear, “I would of; I should of; I could have sold when I had that offer a few years ago.” The presidents of American and Delta airlines have both publicly stated that they will in the future charge agencies for the right to distribute their product. Cruise lines, hotels and car rental agencies will be considering the same scheme if the airlines can get away with applying more costs to agencies. Unfortunately, our industry of retail travel is set up that certain suppliers are your toughest competitors. Now would be a good time for lots of agency owners to be in serious negotiations about selling in the near term as we watch margin erosion continue.

Time is of the essence, as we are facing an uphill battle that is getting tougher daily. The current economic conditions are forcing agency owners to make critical decisions in the near term. The reality is that many agency owners should be exploring selling their business sooner verses later. My firm is here to help you, your clients and your agents by finding the right, solid match for your agency. We have hundreds of reference letters available for your review. We are also proud members of ASTA and NTA. We look forward to helping you any way necessary.

Please contact us soon!

Bob Sweeney

President ITA