Do you want to start a small business in the travel and tourism industry with a small capital investment? If yes, you are in the right place. Read this article to find the most profitable tourism and travel business ideas that can be initiated with limited money.
Hospitality and tourism are vast areas providing different types of services. It includes restaurants, food services, hotels, transportation, photography, business and leisure travel, holiday destinations and activities, camping, and the cruise industry.
The travel & tourism sector has developed into an industry with an annual economic impact of around 6.5 trillion U.S. dollars worldwide. The industry is growing and different types of tourism businesses are evolving. Hence at present investing in the hospitality and tourism industry is worth considering.
Best Travel Business Ideas
1. Travel Agency
Although online booking platforms have become popular, many tourists prefer to book tours from traditional travel agencies. Why? Travel agents beat those online platforms through personal service. From drafting itineraries to group bookings and special requests, travel agencies take the hassle out of travel from clients. If you are a beginner, focusing on a niche is advisable. It can be luxury travel, adventure tourism or corporate trips. The global online travel market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.58% from 2023 to 2028, making it a lucrative business option.
Learn More: How to Start a Travel Agency
2. Adventure Tourism
You could turn our love of the great outdoors into starting an adventure tourism start-up. Provide some thrilling adventures like hiking, diving or mountaineering especially for adrenaline junkies, so that they test their limits. Adventure tourism is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, especially in exotic and remote locations, where tourists search for adventurism that they can’t do frequently. The industry is growing at 20% annually.
3. Airport Shuttle Service
More people are flying and more airport shuttle services. Airport shuttles are a convenient and cost-effective way to get to your destination. Shuttle owners make money on per-trip fees and subscription services for frequent flyers. You can tie up with hotel resorts, tour operators and travel agencies to get clients. The global airport shuttle market is expected to grow big time in the coming years.
4. Airport Arcade Games
With more people flying, more people are spending extended hours in the airport. Airport arcade games are a growing business trend. Offering arcade games is a way for passengers to pass the time. This business can cater to kids, teenagers and adults. A well-curated selection of games can create a unique entertainment experience and get repeat customers and good reviews. The global arcade game industry was valued at over $1 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow.
5. Allergy Cards
Allergy cards are a must-have for travelers with dietary restrictions or allergies. These cards are printed in various languages and inform restaurant staff, hotel staff or medical professionals about the user’s allergies or dietary needs. With globalization and increased awareness of food allergies, there is a growing demand for allergy-friendly services and products. Allergy cards can ease the stress of traveling for people with food sensitivities. According to studies, 10% of adults and 8% of children suffer from food allergies globally, so this is a travel essential.
6. Boutique Hotel
A boutique hotel is more personalized and intimate than a big hotel chain. These hotels are small, with fewer rooms and often designed with unique aesthetics. that generally reflects the local culture or a specific theme. Boutique hotels cater to niche markets like luxury travelers, couples or business professionals looking for a unique experience. The profit margin in boutique hotels is much higher compared to traditional hotels.
7. Bed and Breakfast
A bed and breakfast (B&B) is a small and intimate lodging where the host provides accommodation and breakfast. These are popular with travelers looking for a more personalized experience than big hotels. If you have extra space in a touristy area, starting a B&B can be a profitable business with low overhead. In 2023, the B&B industry worldwide was valued at around $3.4 billion and is growing due to the demand for unique and authentic travel experiences.
8. Online Travel Marketplace
As per industry pundits, the global online travel market is projected to grow significantly particularly in niche segments. More and more consumers are increasingly preferring to book travel requirements online. To meet this demand, you can create an online platform that allows travelers to compare and book services such as tours, hotels, or activities. Beginners starting with a low budget should focus on a specific niche like adventure travel, eco-friendly stays, or family vacations. You make money from commission on bookings, and listing fees for vendors.
9. Travel Gear Rental Business
The travel gear rental market is growing. The growth is driven by adventure travelers and tourists. Many people prefer renting high-quality gear for specialized trips, making this a cost-effective solution for travelers. You can rent out travel gear such as backpacks, camping equipment, and photography gear. To start this business you must know travel gear, inventory management, and customer service. The revenue model is based on rental fees and package deals.
10. Canoe and Kayak Rentals
The demand for outdoor and adventure tourism is increasing. More and more people looking for eco-friendly and active travel experiences. Canoeing and kayaking offer a low-cost, high-enjoyment activity that appeals to a wide demographic, from families to adventure enthusiasts. A canoe and kayak business allows travelers to explore scenic waterways, offering rentals and guided tours on lakes, rivers, or coastal areas. Kayak owners make money from hourly or daily rental fees for canoes and kayaks, and also from guided tours, equipment sales (like life jackets and paddles), and seasonal packages.
11. Car Rental Business
The car rental business is a profitable venture in the present day, especially in tourist hotspots, airports, and major cities. Tourists often need flexible transportation facilities while traveling. If you have a car of your own or can lease cars, consider offering short-term car rentals to travelers. The global car rental market is expected to reach $144.2 billion by 2027.
Learn More: How to Start a Car Rental Business
12. Travel Concierge
A travel concierge helps travelers with personalized services, such as booking exclusive experiences, handling itinerary changes, or arranging special requests like restaurant reservations or private tours. Busy travelers, especially luxury tourists, seek out concierge services for convenience. Offering a high level of personalized service can make this a lucrative niche business.
13. Travel Subscription Box
Subscription boxes are a popular trend, and a travel-themed box allows people to experience new cultures without leaving home. Curate and deliver boxes filled with travel-related items such as snacks, souvenirs, and local crafts from different countries or regions each month. You must have product curation skills to succeed in this business., sourcing, logistics. The revenue model is based on monthly subscription fees and product sales.
14. Ecotourism
Ecotourism is traveling and visiting new unexplored places that protect the environment and also look after the welfare of the local people residing in that area. This type of tourism is a natural choice for nature lovers who want to preserve destinations. The ecotourism industry makes up 6% of the GDP all over the world and is expected to reach $333.8 billion by 2027.
Learn More: How to Start a Profitable Ecotourism Business
15. Glamping
Glamping combines the adventure of camping with the comfort of luxury accommodations. This is perfect for travelers who want nature without sacrificing comfort. As more people look for unique, experiential travel, glamping has emerged as a highly profitable travel business niche. The global glamping market is expected to grow by 10% annually through 2030. You can make money on per-night stays or package deals.
16. Houseboat Rental
More and more people are looking for unique accommodations, and houseboats provide a different experience compared to traditional hotels. You can rent out houseboats to tourists for short vacations or weekend getaways. This business is ideal for areas with large water bodies. You can earn money on per-night rentals and package deals. The market demand for houseboat rentals has been rising in popularity, especially in regions with scenic water routes.
Read: Best Hunting Business Ideas
17. Medical Tourism
Healthcare costs are on the rise in developed countries. It has made medical tourism an attractive option for patients seeking affordable care abroad. As a medical tourism company, your job will be to arrange travel, accommodation, and medical appointments. You will make money by charging service fees to patients and through partnerships with hospitals. The global medical tourism market is expected to reach $207.9 billion by 2027.
Learn More: How to Start a Medical Tourism Business
18. Destination Weddings
Destination weddings are more popular than ever, as couples look for unique venues like beaches, mountains, or historical sites to tie the knot. If you enjoy event planning, offering full-service packages—from venue coordination to travel arrangements—can make destination weddings a profitable business. By taking the stress out of planning a wedding in a far-off location, you help couples focus on what matters most: celebrating their big day.
19. Culinary Tours
A recent trend in travel is a travelers growing desire to discover destinations through its cuisine. The best way to do this is on a culinary tour. These might include food and drink tours, cooking or baking classes, farm to table experiences. It is an appealing form of travel to both locals and international tourists who wish to have a taste of real food which makes it a good niche for food enthusiasts looking to take their culture’s flavor.
20. Vacation Property Rental Agency
If you are living in a high-traffic tourist area or popular holiday destination you can consider starting a vacation property rental service business. Your job will be to manage vacation rentals for property owners and connect them with travelers. Vacation rentals are a growing segment of the hospitality industry as more and more tourists are seeking home-like accommodation facilities. The vacation rental market is expected to continue growing, driven by platforms like Airbnb. The global vacation rental market, including Airbnb, is expected to grow to $113.9 billion by 2027.
21. Off-Road Tours
Off-road tours are very popular among young and adventure-loving people. Organizing the off-road tour is a very profitable business. These types of tours involve taking tourists on adventurous rides through rugged terrains like mountains, deserts, or forests using specialized vehicles. Generally, off-road tours are offered in half-day or all-day packages to clients.
22. Travel Photography
Travel photography involves capturing stunning images of landscapes, culture, wildlife, and more from around the world. This business idea is perfect for creative individuals with a passion for both travel and photography. With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, the demand for high-quality travel images has skyrocketed. Travelers and tourism companies are always looking for striking photos to use in marketing materials, making this a lucrative field for skilled photographers.
Learn More: How to Start a Photography Business
23. Ticketing and Reservation Service
This business focuses on helping travelers book tickets for flights, buses, trains, or events, and make reservations for hotels, restaurants, and tours. As travel becomes more complex, many travelers prefer using ticketing and reservation services to simplify their itineraries. It’s a service that requires low upfront investment but has the potential for high returns. As a ticketing agent, you will earn a commission on each booking or reservation.
24. Tour Guide
A tour guide business involves offering personalized tours to travelers, and sharing knowledge about local history, culture, and hidden gems. Many tourists prefer guided tours to make the most out of their trips, and with personalized experiences becoming a trend, tour guides are in high demand. You must have in-depth knowledge of the destination and its history along with good communication and storytelling abilities to be successful in this business.
Learn More: How to Start Tour Guide Business
25. Translation
A translation business is a great option for those fluent in multiple languages. As a translator, you help travelers by translating documents, travel guides, and websites, or even serving as a real-time translator during trips. In an increasingly globalized world, travelers from different countries constantly need language assistance. This business has high demand, particularly for corporate travel, international conferences, and medical tourism. Also, tour operators and travel agencies also rely on translation for their global customers.
Learn More: How to Start a Translation Agency Business
26. Travel Blog
Starting a travel blog allows you to share your travel experiences, tips, and recommendations with a global audience. Travel blogging has become a popular career path for travelers who want to turn their passion into a profitable business. With the rise of content consumption, many travelers seek firsthand information from experienced travelers before booking trips.A successful travel blog can generate income through advertising, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content.
Learn More: How to Start a Blog & Make Money
27. YouTube Travel Channel
You can create video content documenting your travels and share it on platforms like YouTube. The popularity of video content continues to grow, making vlogging a great way to monetize travel experiences. You need to have skills in videography, video editing, and social media marketing to make the channel successful. Travel videos on YouTube generate millions of views annually.
28. Travel App Development
If you know about app development, think of creating a travel app that solves common problems travelers face. It can be itinerary planning, language translation, or finding local experiences. Travelers are increasingly relying on apps for various aspects of their trips. The earning model is based on app purchases, in-app advertising, and subscription services. The travel app market is expected to grow as smartphone sales and mobile travel bookings increase.
29. Social Media Influencer
A social media influencer business involves promoting travel destinations, products, or services through platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok. Influencers create engaging content, sharing their travel experiences, recommendations, and reviews. A lot of travel companies are looking for social media influencers to promote their tour programs and products. If you have a good subscriber base on any social media platform, consider a career as a social media influencer. The global influencer marketing industry is expected to reach $25 billion by 2024.
30. Travel Insurance Broker
After the pandemic, more people are looking to safeguard their trips against unexpected circumstances through insurance coverage. As a travel insurance broker, your job will be to help clients secure travel insurance for medical emergencies, lost luggage, and trip cancellations. To be successful in this business, you must have Insurance knowledge, customer service, and good negotiation skills. You can make unlimited income from the commission from insurance policies.
31. Pet-Friendly Travel Planner
The pet travel market is expanding as more people are showing interest in traveling with their furry companions. So, the market demand for pet-friendly travel services is growing. If you have pet care knowledge, offer services to travelers who want to bring their pets on vacation. This could include arranging pet-friendly accommodations, activities, and transportation. You can make good money by charging service fees and commissions from pet-friendly hotels and activities.
In conclusion, choosing the right travel business largely will depend on the demand of the local people. We hope this list of selected popular travel business ideas will help you choose the best one.
Key Trends in the Tour and Travel Industry
- Eco-Friendly Travel: More and more people now choose eco-friendly traveling trips. They look for green hotels, eco-tours, and ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Adventure and Experience-Based Travel: Nowadays, travelers want more than just sightseeing. They are looking for experiences like hiking, food tours, or cultural events.
- Health and Wellness Travel: Wellness trips are growing fast. So, travelers seek yoga retreats, spa resorts, and wellness programs.
- Personalized Travel with Tech: New technology helps create custom travel plans. Most Apps and websites are now offering personalized suggestions based on the traveler’s preferences.
- Work and Travel Mix: Remote work lets more people travel while working. Places that offer good internet and comfortable stays are attracting these digital nomads.
FAQs
What are the best travel business ideas for beginners?
For beginners, low-investment and easily manageable ideas are ideal. Some examples include:
- Travel blogging
- Travel photography
- Airbnb or vacation rental management
- Tour guiding
- Ticketing and reservation services
- Travel concierge services
These ideas require minimal startup costs, can be run from home, and do not need extensive experience in the travel industry.
What is the most profitable travel business at present?
Some of the most profitable travel businesses in 2024 include:
- Luxury travel planning
- Medical tourism
- Adventure tourism
- Boutique hotels and glamping
- Ecotourism
These niches are growing due to higher demand for personalized, experiential, and sustainable travel experiences.
How much does it cost to start a travel business?
The startup costs depend on the type of travel business. For example:
- Travel blog: $200–$1,000 (for website, hosting, and tools)
- Airbnb or vacation rental: $10,000–$50,000 (depending on property location and renovation needs)
- Boutique hotels: $100,000 or more (high capital investment)
- Tour guiding or concierge services: $500–$5,000 (for marketing, equipment, and licenses)
Each business varies in complexity and resource requirements.
How can I stand out in the travel business industry?
To stand out in a competitive travel market, focus on:
- Targeting a niche (adventure, luxury, wellness, or ecotourism).
- Offering personalized, unique experiences.
- Building a strong online presence through social media, SEO, and digital marketing.
- Leveraging customer reviews and referrals to build credibility.
Is travel photography a good business idea?
Yes, travel photography can be a highly profitable business, especially if you can build a strong portfolio and social media presence. Revenue can be generated through selling prints, licensing images, partnering with travel brands, and offering photography workshops.
What trends are shaping the travel industry for the future?
Key travel industry trends include:
- Sustainable and eco-friendly travel (e.g., ecotourism)
- Wellness tourism (yoga retreats, Ayurveda tourism)
- Experience-based travel (adventure and cultural tours)
- AI-driven personalization for travel planning
Can I start a travel business with no experience?
Yes, many travel businesses can be started without prior industry experience. Travel blogs, Airbnb management, social media influencing, and tour guiding are examples where passion for travel, creativity, and learning on the go are more critical than extensive experience.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.