Travel Agency Expansion Heats Up in the Face of Staffing Challenges

After a couple of years of record sales, it's little wonder that many travel agencies are looking to expand. The major roadblock is finding experienced travel advisors to carry their growth plans forward. For some agencies, the quickest answer is acquiring other agencies where there are already seasoned staff on board. The fact that more travel agency owners are reaching retirement age and formulating succession plans is creating acquisition opportunities. Buyers need to know, however, that merging agency cultures is no easy task. Other agencies are expanding by strengthening the host side of their business, taking steps to attract more independent travel advisors, including those new to the industry. Some are opening new regional offices designed to foster better outreach to independents, especially those who are home-based. No matter which path agencies take for expansion, they all attest to the robust environme