Why do so many people start new travel agencies instead of joining existing ones?

By Moumita Chakraborty, Founder & CEO – Destinatia Tours & Travels

Every day, dozens of new travel agencies are born. Yet, very few people choose to partner with existing travel brands or take up a franchise. As someone who has walked this path and observed the industry up close, I often ask—why reinvent the wheel when so many agencies already exist?

Here’s my honest, experience-backed take on why many prefer to start from scratch instead of joining hands with what already exists:

---

1. The Desire for Personal Identity and Ownership

The travel industry is deeply personal. When someone starts an agency, it’s not just a business—it’s a dream, a name, a statement of identity.

Most people want:

• Their own brand name.
• Their version of customer experience.
• Complete creative control.

Even if they lack systems, they crave the feeling of building something truly theirs.

“I want my name to be known, not hidden behind another brand” — this silent sentiment drives many first-time founders.

---

2. Fear of High Franchise Costs and Revenue Sharing

Let’s be real—most franchise models in the travel space ask for:

• An upfront joining fee.
• Monthly/annual royalties.
• Fixed commission cuts.

This often scares off new entrepreneurs who are still figuring things out.

They ask:

• “Why should I share my hard-earned bookings?”
• “Is the franchise worth the cost?”

Without clearly visible ROI, even good franchise offers are dismissed.

---

3. The Illusion That Travel Business is Easy to Start

From the outside, travel looks simple:

• Create a page.
• Get some vendor contacts.
• Start selling.

But the reality?

• Refunds, cancellations, seasonal dips, supplier frauds, licensing issues—it’s a maze.

Still, the illusion of low entry barrier makes people jump in independently without realizing how complex it gets behind the scenes.

“Instagram made me think I could do it all on my own. I wish I knew better.” – is something I hear often from struggling new agents.

---

4. Lack of Awareness About Franchise Opportunities

This one’s underrated.

Many talented people have no clue that:

• Reputed, ethical travel franchises exist.
• They can grow faster with expert support.
• They don’t have to go solo.

There’s a huge information gap. Many see franchising as something meant only for giant brands, not approachable models built for mid-size entrepreneurs.

We don’t just need better franchises—we need better visibility of the right ones.

---

5. Ego, Mistrust, and Fear of Being Controlled

Let’s talk human psychology.

Some don’t want to:

• Report to anyone.
• Follow SOPs.
• Be bound by another brand’s expectations.

And many fear:

• “What if they misuse my money?”
• “Will I lose control over my business?”
• “What if they don’t help after I join?”

So, they go solo—not because it’s better, but because it feels safer to be on their own.

---

6. DIY Tools Make Solo Travel Agencies Look Achievable

In today’s world:

• You can build a website in 10 minutes.
• Use Instagram for free leads.
• Access hotel APIs and travel tech tools easily.

This gives the illusion that anyone can build a travel agency. And to be fair, *you can start one. But *can you sustain, scale, and serve at a professional level? That’s where most burn out.

Starting is easy. Surviving in the industry? That’s the real test.

---

7. No Standardized, Scalable Franchise Model in the Mid-Tier Segment

We have the giants—Thomas Cook, MakeMyTrip, etc. And we have the local agents.

But where’s the trusted middle ground?

• A franchise that supports but doesn’t dominate.
• A brand that provides systems, yet allows personal freedom.
• A model that is affordable, empowering, and ethical.

That gap is massive. And this is where real innovation is needed—where founders like us can step in and bridge the divide.

---

🔑 Final Thought from Me

As the founder of Destinatia Tours & Travels, I believe in collaboration, community, and creating better ecosystems—not just individual empires.

What if we could build a franchise-alternative that offers:

• Freedom with support,
• Brand individuality with systemised operations,
• And respect without revenue exploitation?

That’s not just business. That’s a revolution in travel entrepreneurship. And I’m here for it.

I have been thinking about it for quite a while now:

And I’ve observed that a detailed analysis of each reason would be more helpful. So I started a 7-Day Series to describe each Reason with a detailed overview starting from July 27, 2025 where each day I share just honest insights from my lived experience as a founder, for those who are walking this path or about to begin.

Thank you for reading so patiently.

Stay tuned for more insights!