Who is a Travel Agent?
As the name suggests a travel agent refers to any individual member of an organization or an individual member associated with an organization that serves the following functions:–
1. Booking of travelling tickets viz. flight tickets, train tickets and so on.
2. Accommodation facilities
3. Packages constituting customized tours and travels
4. Other activities related to the domain of tourism
Travel Agent License in India
A travel agent license in India constitutes a legal authorization from government authorities that allows an individual or an organization to operate as a travel agent.
The legislative intent of this license is to ensure that the travel agents are following the industry standards and stay compliant with the rules and regulations set by the governmental agencies. This compliance ensures that both the interests of the consumer and agent are not affected by illicit and unsolicited practices.
How can you get the Government's Acknowledgement?
The government’s acknowledgement in this scenario implies that for interested applicants to be recognized as legitimate travel agents they have to get approval from the Additional Director–General (Ministry of Tourism). This approval is valid for five years.
To get this approval, the interested party is required to submit an inspection and preliminary report reviewed by the TAAI team and the regional director of tourism.
After the review by the TAAI team and the regional director, the travel trade decision also reviews the reports.
Time required for this process – Approximately 60 days
GST Registration for the Travel Business
GST registration is compulsory for travel agents. GST registration ensures compliance with the tax regulations of the country.
For agents engaged in providing air travel services, they are required to pay GST on their services.
This registration can be done online with the help of an experienced professional.
How to get a Travel Agent License?
To become a licensed travel agent in India, you are firstly required to fulfil the below-mentioned obligations and after that, you can proceed forward with the filing of the application:–
• Register your Business
• Obtain GST registration for the said business
• Trademark Registration
• Employee verification. At least, one staff member is required to possess a travel agent diploma which can be obtained from both the government and private institutions.
• PAN Card no
• Service Tax Number
• In case of tie-ups with airline carriers, registration number and date
• Online Application duly filled with two attested photographs
• 5000 as a security fee and 10000 as a security deposit
• Letter of Approval from Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India
• Status of applicant’s business – Sole Proprietor, Partnership or Company
• Printout of latest Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss A/c.
• Banker’s Certificate.
• Copy of ITR filings of subsequent year.
• Names of Directors/Partners.
• Audited records of partners and directors by Chartered Accountants
• Character certificate of Sole proprietor (in case of proprietorship firm), all partners (in case of partnership firm), Managing Director (Chief Executive) (in case of a Company) from the district Police Authorities.
• In case of non - availability of character/antecedent certificate, an acknowledged copy by the Police Authority justifying the grant of the certificate can be attached to the Application.
• Proof of promotional/marketing activities undertaken, if applicable.
• The proof of office of the Tour Operator/Travel Agent etc. It is a mandatory requirement that either the Head office or independent office except the branch office should be situated in Delhi.
• One photo of the exterior of the office.
• Three photos of the interior of the office.
• The photos should be postcard-sized.
How to get a Travel Agent Certification?
A travel agent certification serves as proof that the applicant has acquired the necessary skills to operate as a travel agent.
An applicant has to complete a course and pass an exam to acquire this certification. These programs train applicants to become certified travel agents and to work with travel agencies and tour operators.
This course can be done by both the government and private institutions.
Conclusion
The tourism industry is one of the most booming sectors in India. A travel agent license acts as a foundation stone for business houses intending to venture into the field of tourism and travel.
This certification allows business houses and individuals to act as travel agents and to tap into this opportunity.
If you want to tap into this business opportunity or intend to work as an individual travel agent, then all you need is to get connected with the eStartIndia team and we will help you in filing and obtaining this license.
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