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• Careers Guide

How To Become A Travel Agent In Australia: A Complete Guide

  By OzStudies Editorial Team

Last Updated: 24 Mar 23

Are you interested in travel and tourism and have strong communication and people skills? If yes, a career as a Travel Agent could be perfect for you.

Travel Agents book trips, flights, and accommodations and make arrangements for clients that suit their budget and taste. They help clients explore new and exciting places and offer advice on sightseeing opportunities.

You don't need formal education and training to work as a Travel Agent. Although having an entry-level VET qualification or a university degree in travel, tourism, or a similar field will help develop knowledge and skills to improve your entry into this profession.

Read this blog to learn how to turn your passion for travel and tourism into a rewarding career. Find out about job skills, courses, daily duties, average salary, career advancement, prospects of a Travel Agent, and how you can become one without experience.

1. What Is A Travel Agent?

A travel agent in Australia has substantial knowledge of logistics and global travel. 

They use it to help holidaymakers, and business people make travel arrangements, including purchasing tour tickets,  renting cars , booking  accommodations , preparing documentation, and budgeting. 

Travel agents can offer general advice or specialise in a specific type of travel. These include cruises or theme-based tours (spiritual, entertainment, educational, corporate, and romantic tours), etc.

2. Travel Agent Duties

The most common duties of a travel agent are as follows:

Understand the customer needs, preferences, and book flights, accommodation, tours, and other travel add-ons at the best prices.

Plans business and leisure trips

Provide advice to travellers helping them make the best use of their time away from home

Inform customers on currency, insurance options, use of traveller's cheques and credit cards, vaccination information, and health risks for the destination country

Coordinate activities and organise services such as drivers, translators, and guides on arrival

Respond to incoming customers' requests and research customised trips that may include multiple transportation modes, destinations, and sightseeing plans.

Suggest tours, travel routes, accommodations, and tourist attractions to customers helping them plan their travel

Provide historical facts and information on local and national places of interest

Book domestic and international flights, hotels, and cruises for customers

Prepare customer travel documents and service agreements for group travel.

Manage the booking process, which includes deposits and final payments

Advertise tour packages and specials from travel partners such as resorts, cruise lines, and speciality travel groups

Notify customers about their travel dates, medical and visa requirements, and baggage limits

Provide counselling and assistance for customer's requests, and check documents for accuracy

Discuss the availability of tour and transport, cost, and procedure to deal with lost/ stolen documents

Help in travel clearances

3. Travel Agent Skills

If you have the following qualities, then you are perfect for a travel agent role:

A passion for travelling 

Like helping customers secure the best travel deals

Good communication skills

Strong negotiation and research skills

Good time management and organisational skills

Able to work with multiple itineraries and customers at once

Strong basic computer skills

Friendly and pleasant personality 

Flexible 

Able to provide a range of concierge services

Attention to detail

Patience with customer questions and modifying their travel plans

Working knowledge in using online booking systems

General travel knowledge

Pragmatic thinking

Aptitude for customer service

4. Travel Agent Qualifications

No formal qualification is needed to work as a travel agent in Australia. However, completing nationally accredited travel agent courses helps you take a great career path.

Complete the equivalent of Australian  Year 10 education

Consider completing travel agent courses in Australia, like  Certificate III  in Travel. The course familiarises you with vital administrative duties and skills. These include customer service, personnel management, business, and finances to boost your chances of landing a travel agent job.

Alternatively, complete a travel course at a Diploma-level, Bachelor or Master's degree level that includes a business management component.

• Gain accreditation with the  AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme

Those interested in working as independent agents need insurance.

5. Steps To Become A Travel Agent In Australia

Here are the steps to pursue a career as a travel agent in Australia. 

Step 1: Complete A Relevant VET Course 

Completing an  education in travel  will boost your chances of job success in this exciting and fast-paced industry. Aspiring travel agents should complete a Certificate III in Travel through TAFE or other recognised training schools.

It is an entry-level travel course combining travel consultant training with job skills, which include sales, business administration, and customer service.

The travel agent course at  TAFE  equips you with the knowledge and skills to work in varied settings such as tourism attractions, visitor information centres,  tour operations , cultural and heritage sites, and small businesses.

Certificate III In Tourism - TAFE NSW

Certificate III In Tourism - TAFE SA

Certificate III In Tourism - TAFE WA

Certificate III In Tourism - TAFE QLD

Certificate III in Tourism - Holmesglen University

Step 2: Pursue Additional Study in Travel and Tourism

After completing the Certificate III course, you can choose to continue your education or  secure a job  in the dynamic world of tourism.

Certificate IV in Travel and Tourism Learning at TAFE or other training schools provides knowledge expansion and better career opportunities.

Other courses for additional study include:

Diploma in Travel and Tourism Management- TAFE QLD

Bachelor of Tourism- Western Sydney University

Bachelor of Tourism Management – Torrens University

Bachelor of Business (Tourism and Hospitality Management) – Edith Cowan University

As these courses focus on  business management  in the travel industry, they will help you prepare for a management role or  starting your travel agency .

Before studying the above degree courses, you must complete your  Senior Secondary Certificate of Education . 

Step 3: Gain Travel Experience

A good travel experience is necessary as it helps travel agents offer personalised travel advice to their customers. Travel agencies know this and generally prefer applicants with some travel experience.

Some travel agencies provide discounted holidays to travel agents to enhance their travel knowledge.

Step 4: Gain Industry Recognition

Consider Registering with the  Australian Federation of Travel Agents  (AFTA). It will make it easier to find employment and excel in your career.

Step 5: Apply For Travel Agent Jobs

After you complete your studies, you can  begin applying for jobs  as a Travel Agent in established travel agencies. They provide on-the-job training on their booking system and procedures.

6. Where Do Travel Agents Work?

Travel agents generally work indoors in an office, meeting customers and discussing their requirements. These are located on busy main streets or inside shopping centres.

There are also travel companies that do not have offices and operate only through websites and phone hotlines. Travel Agents working for such companies often attend phone calls, messages, and emails either in call centres or at home.

7. The Most Common Jobs That Involve Travel Agents

With a travel education and some tourism experience, you can take up any of the following travel jobs:

Travel Consultant

Travel Agent

Travel Agency Manager

Visitor Center Consultant 

Inbound Tour Co-Ordinator 

Tourism Customer Service Consultant 

Retail Travel Advisor/Consultant 

Tourism Wholesale Or Supplier Booking Agent 

Customer Service Agent 

Reservations Sales Agent

8. Travel Agent's Work Conditions

An office-based travel agent usually works regular business hours from 9 am to 5 pm, 40 hours a week from Monday to Saturday. 

A few travel agencies require their agents to work evenings and weekends to serve their customers better.

Part-time and casual working options are also available for those who prefer more flexible or fewer hours.

In large travel companies, travel agents must attend seminars, product launches, and team-building events every two to three weeks after business hours. 

This way, they gain insightful information and develop relationships with their colleagues that could help their career progression.

9. Travel Agent Specialization

Travel agents provide general travel services but may consider specialisation in a specific travel area. These areas can be corporate travel/ cruise travel to offer expert advice to travellers. 

It can boost your chances of securing work with companies operating in these areas.

Here are a few factors based on which Travel Agents may consider specialisation:

The type of travel (business or leisure)

By destination (Europe, Africa, or Asia) 

By types of travel products, such as cruise, rail, and air

Available roles of Specialisations include Domestic Travel Consultant, Business Travel Consultant, Airline Passenger Officer, and International Travel Consultant.

10. Career Path For Travel Agents In Australia

Most travel agents begin their careers for an established travel agency - a branch of a large travel chain or independent travel agency.

After gaining experience, you might advance to senior roles such as a supervisor or  branch manager  in your travel agency.

Alternatively, there are opportunities to enjoy more independence,  establish your travel agency , or work as a freelance travel agent for a host agency.

11. Job Prospects Of Travel Agents In Australia

Travelling has been a prime aspect of Australian culture. In today's busy life, only some have the time to research and find great prices for flights and accommodation and book reservations. 

Many rely on professionals with good local area knowledge to help them plan their travel. Thus, there will always be a demand for the services they offer. 

Aspiring travel agents with the necessary skills and the drive to succeed have a promising employment market and excellent job prospects in the coming years.

Working Arrangements

Around 73% of employed Travel Agents work full-time for an average of 43 hours per week. (All jobs average: 44 hours per week).

Major Industries

Administrative And Support Services: 87.0%

Transport, Postal, And Warehousing: 6.4%

Accommodation And Food Services: 1.3%

Financial And Insurance Services: 0.7%

Other Industries: 3.8%

Employment Across Australia

New South Wales: 33.6%

Victoria: 24.5%

Queensland: 22.2%

South Australia: 6.6%

Western Australia: 9.3%

Tasmania: 1.8%

Northern Territory: 0.6%

Australian Capital Territory: 1.4%

Regions With The Largest Share of Travel Agents

Melbourne - Inner

Melbourne - Inner South

Sydney – Hornsby, Inner South West and North Sydney

Worker's Age and Gender Profile

The average age of Travel Agents is 36 years (between 25 and 34 years). (All jobs average: 40 years)

Females constitute 80% of the entire workforce. (All jobs average: 48%)

12. How Much Does It Cost To Become A Travel Agent?

People who want to know how to become a travel agent online are often concerned with the cost of the online travel agent course in Australia.

Online Courses Australia is a recognised training institute that runs the "Become a Travel Agent Certificate 48 Study Hours" course.

13. How To Become A Travel Agent Without Experience?

The "Become a Travel Agent Certificate 48 Study Hours" course is a job-ready certification program. It comprises theoretical and practical learning to prepare you for a Travel Agent role.

What You Will Learn:

An overview of the tourism industry

Prepare quotes and reserve products and services

Good customer service

Process travel-related documentation

Use fare, reservation, and ticketing software for different transportation modes 

Do you wonder how to become a travel agent from home? This course is for busy people who can not attend in-person training and want a flexible schedule to gain industry knowledge and unlock better opportunities. 

Career Pathways:

Tour Package salesperson

Destination Specialist

Tourism Manager

Service personnel

Small Business Owner  (tours, accommodation, transport)

Tour Bus Driver

Hotel Manager

Outdoor Education Officer

Safari Guide

14. How To Start A Travel Agency In Australia?

Many travel agents at later stages of their careers consider starting a business within the Travel and Tourism Industry as:

Tour Operator

Online operator

Retail Travel Agent

If you are one of them, here we have outlined the things you need to consider to have a great start:

Step 1: Have An Elaborate Business Plan

A  business plan  is essential before  starting a business  as it gives direction and prepares you for unexpected conditions in the future.

An ideal business plan contains the following:

Describe a feasible concept

Define the market that your company will target

Showcase a competitive edge

Summarise the company control and product/service management

Outline staff's experience and skills 

State a business' capital requirements for the initial 12 months of operation

Mention achievable and realistic objectives to get started

Specify operational and financial forecasts for at least 12 months

Step 2: Complete Qualifications In Travel

You can run a travel business without knowing the ins and outs of the travel industry. Gaining a formal training qualification is the best way to advance your career.

AFTA recommends completing a Certificate III in Travel to develop foundation skills and continuing with a Certificate IV in Travel and Tourism to gain advanced knowledge and better career opportunities.

Step 3: Become ATAS Accredited

The AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme is an industry accreditation scheme that establishes the quality standard for the travel industry. Becoming ATAS accredited shows clients your credibility and dedication to your new travel business.

To become ATAS accredited, you must have at least 50% of your business staff in a travel sales position. They also need to have a Certificate III in Travel or equivalent or at least two years of experience in a travel selling position.

In addition to it, you also need to submit a copy of your business plan and estimated operational budget for the first 12 months of operation.

Step 4: Business Insurance Protection

Having  Public Liability  and  Professional Indemnity  insurance safeguards you and your business if such a need arises. It is considered the best practice that every prospective business owner should follow. 

ATAS mandates it to have both Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public Liability to run a travel business in Australia.

15. How Much Do Travel Agents Earn In Australia?

Besides being a diverse and enjoyable profession, you receive a financial reward for helping people make their dream holiday. Travel agents also earn commissions for booking tour arrangements.

Their salary depends on experience level, qualifications, work location, and employer. According to PayScale, the average travel agent salary in Australia is AU$45,274 per year or equivalent to AU$24.45 per hour.

Estimated Annual Salary based on Experience

Entry-level Travel Agents (<1-year experience): AU$38,536 

Early Career Travel Agents (1-4 years of experience): AU$44,369 

Mid-career Travel Agents (5-9 years of experience): AU$44,663 

Experienced Travel Agents (10-19 years of experience): AU$49,735 

Estimated Annual Salary based on Work Location

Following are the high-paying cities for Travel Agents in Australia:

Sydney: $56,108 

Melbourne: $55,659 

Brisbane: $54,558 

Sydney Central Business District: $53,657 

Adelaide: $53,629

Perth: $53,561

Gold Coast: $52,203

Canberra: $43,343

16. Conclusion

Being a Travel Agent is an opportunity to help travellers discover the world around them and make the most of their holidays. 

If travelling is your life's desire, then travel courses are the best way to accomplish your career aspirations.

Useful Links to Explore:

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia
• What to Study in Australia?

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• Knowledge base

Overview: Opening a Travel Agency in Australia in 2024-25

Dreaming of turning your passion for travel into a thriving business venture? Setting up a travel agency in Australia could be your ticket to a rewarding career in the travel industry. From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef, Australia attracts millions of tourists annually, making it an ideal market for a travel agency.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the steps involved, the potential profitability, licensing requirements, and key factors to consider when establishing a travel agency in Australia .

Opening a Travel Agency in Australia

The steps for opening a travel agency in Australi are as follows:

1. Conduct Market Research

Do extensive  market research  before you begin packing for this entrepreneurial adventure. Determine who your target market is, evaluate your competition, and be aware of the particular travel needs of both Australians and foreign tourists. Your business plan will be built on this knowledge.

2. Create a Business Plan

Your successful  business plan   is your route map. Specify your offerings, intended audience, advertising approach, and projected financials. Describe how your travel agency will be unique in the competitive industry, whether it be by providing specialized services, first-rate customer support, or cutting-edge technology.

3. Choose a Business Structure

Choosing the appropriate business structure is essential in light of tax and regulatory implications. A sole proprietor, partnership, company, or trust are among the options. You may contact our business experts at OnDemand International to assist you in determining the most suitable structure for your travel agency.

4. Register Your Business

Register your business name with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and  obtain an Australian Business Number  (ABN). This step is essential for legal compliance and ensures that your business is recognized by government authorities.

5. Obtain Necessary Licenses

To operate a travel agency in Australia, you’ll need to comply with licensing requirements. The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) is a key industry association that provides information on licensing and accreditation. Ensure that your agency meets the necessary criteria and adheres to industry standards.

License Requirements to Open a Travel Agency in Australia

To open a travel agency in Australia, you must comply with various licensing and regulatory requirements:

• Travel Agent License: In many Australian jurisdictions, it is mandatory for travel agents to possess a license. Verify your state’s unique criteria.
• Australian Business Number (ABN): Register for an ABN, which is essential for tax purposes.
• Accreditation: Consider getting accredited by the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) for credibility.
• Insurance: To safeguard your company, get the appropriate insurance, such as public liability and professional indemnity.

Factors Regarding Starting a Travel Agency in Australia

1. target audience and niche.

Determine who your target market is and think about specializing in your travel firm. Whether it’s eco-friendly travel, luxury travel, or adventure travel, targeting a particular market niche can help your agency stand out.

2. Technology Integration

Utilize technology in your company’s operations to improve client satisfaction and expedite procedures. In the modern digital world, having a mobile-responsive website, an easy-to-use booking system, and online payment alternatives are imperative.

3. Marketing and Promotion

Develop a robust marketing strategy to promote your travel agency. Utilize social media, content marketing, and partnerships to increase brand awareness. Leverage the power of storytelling to connect with your audience and showcase the unique experiences your agency offers.

4. Regulatory Compliance

Stay informed about changes in travel regulations, licensing requirements, and industry standards. Compliance with these regulations is critical for the reputation and success of your travel agency.

Is Setting Up a Travel Agency in Australia Profitable?

Before diving into how to  set up a travel agency in Australia , it’s crucial to address profitability. Australia has a thriving travel sector, with both domestic and foreign tourism making major economic contributions. Finding your specialty, comprehending your target market, and providing outstanding service are the keys to profitability. Establishing a profitable travel business in Australia is possible with the right preparation and execution.

Establishing a travel agency in Australia is an exciting business opportunity that fits well with the thriving travel sector of the country. The procedure has a large potential for profit even though it involves meticulous planning, adherence to licensing regulations, and a dedication to client satisfaction. Travel enthusiasts can make their passion into a successful business by researching the industry, writing a strong business plan, and utilizing new technology.

Consult with OnDemand International for more information.

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Travel agents

Information for travel agents.

You no longer need a licence to be a travel agent; however, you must continue to comply with other laws, such as the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

For help understanding the key provisions of the ACL, visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's free online education program .

The Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) has developed a voluntary accreditation scheme (ATAS). To find out about travel agent accreditation, education and training, including becoming an ATAS-accredited agent, visit the AFTA website .

Where to next:

• Learn your business rights and responsibilities under the Australian Consumer Law
• Learn about penalties for breaching the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012
• Download the travel industry guide to the Australian Consumer Law (Word, 159KB)

You can operate in your personal name as a sole trader or you can form a company and operate in a company name. The risk you take in operating in your personal name is that if anything goes wrong on the tour you are personally liable.

That is why most people set up a company and put the risk of anything going wrong on the tour in the company. Companies cost money to set up and cost money to run but on balance it’s money well spent because tours are full of legal risks.

And there are Australian Business registration requirements such as obtaining an Australian Business Number (an ABN) and a possible GST registration. Before you register, you need to choose a business entity such as a sole trader, a company or a company/trust. Then register a business name to trade under, and register it as your domain name.

#2 Licences

Do you need a licence?

Licensing for travel agents and tour operators was abolished in Australia on 30 June 2014.

The purpose of the licensing scheme was to operate a Travel Compensation Fund to compensate the public if their travel agent or tour operator misappropriated their travel payments or became bankrupt. Now, travellers need to rely upon their travel insurance to protect against defaults and bankruptcy of travel agents, tour operators and suppliers.

That means no Australian licence is required for Travel Agents to book travel or tours for Australians travelling overseas. Of course, IATA accreditation is needed for booking airfares. No Australian licence is required for Outbound Tour Operators to arrange tours for Australians travelling overseas.

Inbound Tour Operators require licences to conduct some activities in Australia.

There are Tour Operators Licences for tour operators in Victoria, South Australia and Queensland where the tour operator desires to conduct an organised tour or recreational activity for profit on public land (national parks, nature reserves, marine areas). The 'activity' can be bush-walking, trail bike touring, horse riding, canoeing, rock climbing, river rafting and abseiling.

In Tasmania, it is called a Commercial Visitors Service Activity Licence. In Western Australia there is a Fishing Tour Operator's Licence.

In NSW, there is no Tour Operators Licence - but a permit is still required to use public land for a tour for profit.

It is usually a licence requirement to be a member of a trade association. Trade Association membership confers ATAS accreditation.

It is also usually a licence requirement to hold Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance of at least $10 million. 

• Business insurance (Professional Indemnity Insurance) which a business takes out against claims by travellers for breach of the duty of care, including public liability cover for injury and death. The coverage for most business insurance is quite limited, but then the premiums are not high. If you are serious, take out business insurance.   
• Travel insurance which travellers take out. It is essential that everybody you take on the tour must have comprehensive travel insurance which applies to the country or region the tour takes place. This means coverage for cancellations, delays, loss or damage to baggage or personal possessions and unlimited medical, hospital and repatriation expenses. The medical and hospital insurance is the most important because the bill could be very high: if you are in hospital for 7 days in Hawaii, the bill could be $80,000. Travel insurance will cover the tour operator against claims by the traveller for loss and damage to baggage, injuries and so forth, provided the tour operator is not at fault. Be careful of the common travel insurance policy exclusions for activities such as cycling, riding motor bikes over 125cc, skiing, under the influence of alcohol, etc. And don’t travel to places where the Australian Government warns “Reconsider your need to travel” or “do not travel” because that is another travel insurance exclusion.

You must have a valid Australia passport when you’re travelling overseas. When I say valid, I mean it must have at least 6 months validity from the due date of return to Australia. Check the currency of the passports of your tour group.

You must have a visa, which is the right to enter a specific country, to enter most countries around the world. Visa requirements vary.

There are some countries in Europe, such as Spain, Italy, France and Germany (the Schengen zone) where you do not need a visa to enter, provided you are travelling on an Australian passport and you stay for no longer than 90 days. So if your tour is a cycling tour in Spain or in Italy, the tour group just goes to the entry gate at the airport, presents their Australian passport, and are admitted for 90 days as a tourist.

There are countries such as the USA and Canada where you need to have a visa waiver (an ESTA or eTA) before you go. And yet other countries such as India and China, which require a formal visa to be issued by the embassy or consulate of that country before you go. The Australian Government website smartraveller.gov.au has a comprehensive guide to visa requirements.

If you don’t have a visa when you’re boarding a flight to a country which requires a visa, you will be denied boarding at the airport. You’ll lose your flight. Visas are not things that can be obtained in an hour or two: sometimes they take up to a week..

Consumers have many rights in Australia. You must not mislead consumers when you are giving your itinerary or when you are putting prices, photos and descriptions on your website. Inclusions and exclusions need to be accurately described. Because if your descriptions are not accurate, the consumer has the right to claim a refund and other compensation.

As Travel Lawyer, I will vet your website for Australian Consumer Law compliance. 

#1 Get your product quality right for your clients #2 Hire a good lawyer for your ground operator and booking contracts #3 Take care with supplier contracts #4 Insurance – professional indemnity & travel insurance

What Are the Legal Considerations for Starting a Travel Agency?

By Priscilla Ng

Updated on July 19, 2019 Reading time: 5 minutes

This article meets our strict editorial principles. Our lawyers, experienced writers and legally trained editorial team put every effort into ensuring the information published on our website is accurate. We encourage you to seek independent legal advice. Learn more .

What Services Are You Providing?

When is payment required, what personal information are you collecting, who is responsible for ensuring that proper visas are obtained, will you provide any insurance, what is your cancellations policy, what are you not liable for, key takeaways.

Are you thinking of starting a travel agency? If so, there are several legal considerations to think about before opening your doors. Having your terms and conditions in place from the outset will ensure that you encounter no roadblocks as you grow your business. This article will outline some of the key issues to consider before opening a travel agency.

You need to consider which services you will provide and which services you will not.

For example, you might decide that your travel agency will only book flights and accommodation or, alternatively, that you will also offer a service to book tours, events and transfers .

Some travel agencies also offer their own tours. You will need to decide whether you will provide such services. You should think carefully about this decision, as you will face different legal obligations if you act as a tour guide service as well as a booking agent.

In order to manage your clients’ expectations and avoid any disputes, it is important that you are clear on which services you will be able to provide and which services you will not.

Your clients may wish to book their holidays months in advance. In this case, you will need to decide when payment is required. To ensure that you receive payment, you may wish to require that clients make the full payment upfront. However, this may not be an attractive option for your customers. You will need to carefully balance security with your clients’ convenience. There are several ways to successfully achieve this balance.

For example, you might require that customers pay a 20% deposit upfront, with the balance being payable 30 or 60 days prior to departure. This ensures that you receive some payment upfront but gives clients sufficient time to pay off their bookings .

Under Australian law, you must tell your customers how you will collect, use, disclose and store their personal information. As a travel agent, you will undoubtedly be collecting personal information. For example, you may need to collect:

• passport information ;
• phone numbers ;
• signatures ; and
• bank account details .

Before you open your travel agency, it is important that you have a privacy policy in place setting out how personal information will be collected and stored securely.

Depending on the passport holder and the destination, some of your clients will need to obtain visas. As a travel agent, it is generally not your responsibility to ensure that your clients have the necessary visas. If it is the customer’s responsibility to obtain their own visas, you should include a disclaimer in your terms and conditions that clearly states that you will not be responsible for any refused entry into a country.

You should think about whether you will offer insurance to your clients. If not, you may wish to require your customers to obtain personal and medical travel insurance from elsewhere. If you require your customers to take out insurance, you should also require them to provide you with a copy.

If your clients book their holidays months in advance, there is a high probability that clients will occasionally wish to cancel or change their booking closer to the date. You should think about how you can draft your cancellations policy in a way that will allow you to minimise your losses and still keep your clients happy.

You must make clear what you will not be liable for. If something goes wrong on a trip, or if a hotel gets a booking wrong, your customers may come back seeking damages or compensation from you. It is extremely important that you are clear on what you will not be liable for. Your disclaimers and limitations of liability should be set out in your terms and conditions.

Setting up a travel agency has many legal implications. It is recommended that you consult with an experienced small business solicitor  to ensure that you understand your obligations and the risks involves in starting a travel agency.

Starting a new business gives rise to many important legal considerations. If you want to start a travel agency, you should make sure that you have thought about these issues before you open for business. This can help to avoid disputes with clients about payment, services or cancellations. If you need help setting up your travel agency, contact LegalVision’s business lawyers on 1300 544 755 or fill out the form on this page.

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Licences, permits and legislation for tourism businesses

Tourism licences and permits.

The permits and licences you need to run a tourism business in Queensland will depend on the services you offer (e.g. transport, accommodation, meals) and whereabouts you offer them (e.g. Great Barrier Reef or K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)).

There are local, state and Australian government laws that apply to trade and business activities and you should be aware of the requirements that apply to your business.

The Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) is an excellent resource to help you find government licences, permits, approvals, registrations, codes of practice, standards and guidelines.

Tour operators

You may need to register as an inbound tour operator in Queensland if you sell leisure, group or corporate travel packages to overseas companies (including on-sellers such as wholesalers or travel agents). Check your eligibility criteria.

Providing short-term rental accommodation

To offer rental accommodation to customers you may need permission from your local council .

Providing meals

To offer meals, even a barbecue lunch, as part of your business, you may need a Food Business Licence from your local council . Learn more about food and beverage industry regulations and compliance .

Providing transport

To transport your customers by water, sea or road, you may need 1 or more of the following permits:

Serving alcohol

To supply alcohol to your customers, you may need a:

• Liquor Licence (Commercial other)
• Commercial Special Facility Licence – needed for any premises or facilities where you provide liquor to the public.

Liquor licence exemptions

Tour operators, limousine, bed-and-breakfast accommodation and host farm accommodation providers are exempt from needing a liquor licence , providing they supply no more than 2 standard drinks per person per day.

Filming and photography

If you are a commercial filmmaker or photographer wanting to operate in a national park, conservation park, recreation area or state forest , you must apply for a Commercial Activity Permit (CAP) if the activity involves 11 or more people and is with or without prescribed structures.

Fishing and fossicking tours

To do activities, such as fishing and fossicking, as part of your tour business, you may need 1 or all of the following:

• Charter Fishing Licence – this licence is needed for commercial fishing charters with at least 1 boat of any size in offshore waters. The boat must be in water at least 2m deep, and not in a waterway or on a foreshore.
• Fossicking Licence (Commercial tour operator) – this licence is needed to fossick for gemstones, ornamental stones, mineral specimens and alluvial gold for recreational and tourist purposes. In most cases, you will also need the landowner's permission.
• Fossicking Camping Permit (Commercial tour operator) – this permit is for commercial tour operators who bring groups to certain designated fossicking areas where camping is regulated.
• Fossicking for gold – you may need an Environmentally Relevant Activity Licence (part of the development permit) from your local council to fossick for gold or other metals.

Providing tours in protected natural areas (e.g. whale watching and scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef or K'gari (formerly Fraser Island))

To operate commercial activities in or from Queensland, you may need 1 or more of the permits listed in the table below:

Snorkelling and Diving Code of Practice

To offer activities such as snorkelling and diving as part of your tourism business, you will need to comply with the diving and snorkelling code of practice . The Code includes a number of safety measures for operators, including:

• ensuring automatic external defibrillators are available on reef tourist vessels
• ensuring systems are in place to identify at risk snorkellers prior to them entering the water
• having flotation devices available and are used by at risk snorkellers
• ensuring at risk snorkellers swim in a buddy pair.

Operating radio transmitter equipment

To operate radio transmitter equipment as part of your tourism business, you may need a Radiocommunications Apparatus Licence – Transmit .

Keeping animals other than dogs or cats

To keep animals other than dogs or cats as part of your tour operating business, you may need a Keeping of animals other than dogs or cats permit from your local council .

Tourism legislation

Queensland's tourism industry is governed by a number of laws governing transport, accommodation, business and activities in environmentally protected areas, such as:

Tour operators and guides

In terms of protecting tourists in their dealings with inbound tour operators and tour guides, tourism in Queensland is regulated by the Tourism Services Act 2003 .

Standard business legislation

As a tourism business you will be required to comply with standard business legislation, such as the Fair Trading Act 1989 and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 .

Environmental legislation

Depending on where you operate your business, you may also be required to comply with environmental legislation, such as the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and the Marine Parks Act 2004 .

Other state and federal laws

Various other state and federal laws apply to trade and business activity and you should be aware of the requirements that apply to your individual business. The Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS) is a useful starting point.

Also consider...

• Learn about accreditation for the tourism industry.
• Read about your workplace health and safety obligations .
• Last reviewed: 5 Jan 2021
• Last updated: 13 Feb 2024

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Starting A Travel Business

If you are contemplating starting a business within the Travel & Tourism Industry as a Retail Travel Agent, Tour Operator, online operator or other provider of tourism products, there are a number of considerations that ATIA recommend you research to provide your business with the best head-start.

Specifically, we have outlined the things you should consider when developing your business plan. This is only to be used as a general guide and will vary depending on the nature of your business.

By bus [ edit ]

The central bus station of Perm is on Shosse Kosmonavtov opposite the central market. There are daily buses to/from Ekaterinburg , Kazan , Izhevsk , Chelyabinsk , and many cities in Perm Krai .

By car [ edit ]

Although Perm lies on the "Siberian Trakt", the main motorway from Moscow to Siberia, the local roads are of poor quality, similar to most of Russia.

By boat [ edit ]

Perm is accessible through its Kama river port. Passenger transportation is limited to recreational cruises to Chaikovsky, Kazan , Moscow , St. Petersburg and Volgograd . Cruise companies tend to sell return tickets only.

Buy [ edit ]

With the city quickly developing, new shopping malls appear everywhere. Definitely worth seeing is the always crowded Central Bazaar, with uncountable kiosks and market stands, as well as huge market halls. The bazaar is located opposite the central bus station, at the very beginning of Kosmonavtov avenue. Perm also has a Chinese market, with mostly clothing being sold.

• Semya (Family) Shopping Mall , Revolution street, 13 . 10:00-midnight . Includes a cinema and plenty of entertainment for children.  
• Iceberg , Popova street, 16 . 10:00-21:00 . 60 stores with clothing, electronics and a beauty salon.  
• Tczemlyanika (Wild Strawberry) , Parkovy avenue, 17 . 10:00-21:00 . A large discount centre.  

Eat [ edit ]

There is plenty of Russian, Georgian, Azeri, and Uzbek food in Perm.

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Grill-Tavern Montenegro , Maksima Gorkogo, 28 . Excellent meat restaurant - cooked in a variety of methods.  

Splurge [ edit ]

• Karin Restaurant @ Hilton Garden Inn , 45 B Mira Street . High-end fusion cuisine.  

Connect [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ].

Reckless drivers are probably the biggest safety threat. Pickpocketing is common in the crowded public transport and in the Central and Chinese Bazars. Occasional drunkards may be somewhat annoying but rarely pose any menace. It is wise to stay out of city parks, Balatovo Park, during the night.

Cope [ edit ]

Be prepared for cold weather from November to March. Despite cold temperatures outside, nearly all indoor spaces and public transportation are well heated.

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