Travel Leaders Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Travel Leaders is a leading travel agency franchise that provides a full spectrum of services for leisure travelers as well as corporate clients. Its roots go back to 1888, when Ask Mr. Foster—the first travel agency chain in North America—was founded in St. Augustine, Florida.
Through decades of growth, mergers, and acquisitions, the business eventually evolved into the Travel Leaders brand, which officially took shape in 2008. The company’s headquarters are located at 3033 Campus Drive, Suite W320, in Plymouth, Minnesota.
The franchise model was introduced in 1984, giving entrepreneurs the chance to join an established name in the travel industry. Today, Travel Leaders franchisees sell a broad range of travel products and services, including cruises, tours, and customized travel packages for individuals, groups, and business travelers.
What makes Travel Leaders unique is its focus on personalized service delivered by local agents. By emphasizing a high-touch approach and community connection, the brand differentiates itself from larger competitors and ensures clients receive travel experiences tailored to their needs.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Travel Leaders franchise? It costs on average between $2,000 – $18,000 to start a Travel Leaders franchised facility.
This includes expenses such as office setup, furnishings, technology systems, and initial working capital. The total investment can vary based on factors like the size of the agency, its location, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or purchase office space.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial License Fee | $0 to $2,500 per full-service location |
| Business Supplies | $200 to $2,000 |
| Exterior Sign Purchase and Installation | $200 to $6,000 |
| ARC name change | $100 per ARC number |
| Insurance | $1,000 to $2,100 |
| Travel & living expenses to attend training/meetings | $400 to $700 |
| Voice Mail | $0 to $190 |
| Internet and E-Mail Access | $0 to $2,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $0.00 |
| ClientBase CRM | $50 to $1,000 annually |
| ASTA Membership | $320 to $1,320 |
| TOTAL | $2,270 to $17,910 for first/main office |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Travel Leaders locations are there?
As of the latest available data, Travel Leaders (under Internova Travel Group) operates 190 company-owned and affiliated locations across U.S., Canada, the UK, and more.
What is the total investment required to open a Travel Leaders franchise?
The total investment required to open a Travel Leaders franchise ranges from $2,000 to $18,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Travel Leaders franchise?
Franchisees with Travel Leaders are required to pay a royalty fee that can be as high as $1,000 per month. In addition, there is a marketing and advertising fee, often referred to as an ad royalty, which ranges from $109 to $274 per month.
What are the financial requirements to become a Travel Leaders franchisee?
To qualify as a Travel Leaders franchisee, you need to have a minimum liquid capital of around $500,000 and a total net worth of approximately $750,000.
Who owns Travel Leaders?
The Travel Leaders franchise is owned by Internova Travel Group, one of the largest travel services companies in the world.
Disclaimer
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