How to create a travel agency in Spain

Have you ever thought about opening your own travel agency? If tourism is your passion and you are considering a new professional challenge, perhaps this idea has already crossed your mind. In Spain, from a business point of view, it wouldn't be a crazy idea, since tourism is one of the country's main industries. In 2019, it accounted for 12.4% of GDP, and in 2022 it is expected to recover between 80% and 92% of the tourism GDP that existed before the pandemic. In addition, Spain is the second country in the world that receives the most tourists each year, only behind France.

The demand for tourist services is growing every year, so we encourage you to give shape to your dream of opening your own agency. Keep reading so you don't miss out on some very useful tips.

‍Who are you going to address? One of the first questions you should ask yourself is what type of agency you want to establish, since there are many categories: it can be dedicated to the vacation product, to serving other companies specializing in MICE, to adventure or sports travel... Finding your customer niche will help you define both the type of product you want to market and your marketing strategy.

‍Business categories of travel agencies. When you study the opening project of your travel agency, you will have to decide what business model you want to develop, being able to fall into one of these three categories:

‍- Wholesalers: wholesale agencies are those that design, prepare and organize all kinds of services and tourist packages for offer to retail agencies, and cannot offer their services directly to the user or consumer.

‍- Retailers: these agencies are the ones that market the products of wholesalers, selling directly to the consumer, or they sell all kinds of services directly to the user, not being able to offer their products to other agencies.

‍- Wholesalers and retailers: these types of agencies can combine both activities.

‍Obtaining the title-license. To carry out their activities, travel agencies need to obtain a prior license, which they must apply for in their autonomous community, since competencies in the field of promotion and management of tourism are transferred. Go to the General Directorate of Tourism in your community where they will inform you of the necessary requirements.

To request it, both individuals registered in the self-employed regime and companies must provide, among others, the following documents:

- One insurance policy that covers civil liability for the operation of the business, indirect or subsidiary civil liability and liability for daily property damage. The policy for each block must cover a minimum amount of 150,253€.

- Reliable copy of contracts duly completed in the name of the company or sufficient titles to prove the availability of the premises or offices in the name of the natural or legal person applying for the title-license.

- Document certifying the creation of the bond, of a mandatory nature, whose purpose is to respond to the obligations deriving from the provision of their services to consumers. This bond will cover the following amounts depending on the category of the agency:

- Wholesalers: 120,202.42€
- Retailers: 60,110.21€
- Wholesalers-retailers: 180,303.63€

-Documentation issued by the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office to prove that you have applied for the agency's business name.

-Economic Activities Tax.

‍Main documents you will need to start your agency's activity. Once you have completed all the legal procedures and your travel agency starts operating, you will need certain documents to close your first contracts with clients. If you have questions about what format you can use, we're happy to help. Leave us your email and we'll send you directly the main legal text templates that will help you start selling your trips.

‍Do you know the best software for travel agencies? As in any sector, travel agencies also have a wide range of technological applications focused on improving and simplifying both their internal work and the service offered to the client. If you are looking at what software could fit your project, we recommend that you take a look at the one we have developed at MOGU, since you will be able to impress your clients at the same time that your team performs its functions in an orderly manner. We will be happy to offer you a demo whenever you want. It will not leave you indifferent!

We wish you the best of luck in this new business adventure full of enthusiasm!