Advertising or Travel Agent?

[GOSW]

* i have also put this in Marketing, but on hines sight, it maybe better here*

Its funny, well i think so, i phoned CA for some advice and was then moved on to phone X then Y then Z, to a very simple question really, still it seems to be an area in which i cant get a straight answer. Maybe someone here will know.

I find myself wanting to embark on an idea (i know its been done before) which i had 2yrs ago. I want to advertise holiday cottages, B&B's etc for locals, using many methods of marketing and advertising.

I was advised by a friend that this "may be" encroaching on "Travel Agent" territory which of course would need a licence, but like when i was working as an estate agent im not "reselling" and i would not be handling paperwork.

All i simply want to do is Advertise (something i have always loved and been involved with)

I have to say alarm bells rang when my friend said the word Travel Agent, and i really want to stir clear from that.

So a little advice is you can please, am i correct in thinking its just marketing and advertising, and only using a website for availability and reservation, but handling NO money! or is this touching the Travel Agency side?

If this is in the wrong place, im very sorry... just feeling my feet on here at the mo

Thanks in advance
H

 

[ethical PR]

I don't know who CA are but, if you want to set up a business promoting holiday rentals and B and B, this is not something that requires either an ABTA or ATOL licence (these relate to holiday packages including flights and flight only holidays).

Travel agents don't need a licence either, not quite sure why you or your friend think that this should be the case.

 

[GOSW]

Hi, thanks for the reply, CA (Citizen Advice sorry) they didnt seem to understand the question and seemed to think i needed legal advice... which couldnt be answered.

But thank you very much, i have been finding it hard to search on the web, as soon as you write travel agent/ agency thats all you get, no info, just a travel agent

Thanks agina

 

[StevensOnln1]

Citizens Advice aren't geared up to help businesses so it's generally a waste of time asking them for advice on setting up a business. If you're under 30 you could try The Princes Trust for help and advice.

 

[GOSW]

Thank StevenOnln1,

Im 30 this year! but i ended up being put through to business link and they said they cant give advice... i cant believe it really, i was sent to 4 different advice centres, ALL unable to answer a simple question.

Although i could try there, but as 'ethical PR' says, if a travel agent doesnt need a licence an im not going to be selling or handling money, then i guess i dont have to worry.

I still believe i will need an insurance though, just incase someone blames my site for wrong description, even if the client (owner of the B&B etc) wrote the description.

Will do some more digging
cheers

 

[ethical PR]

Whether a travel agent needs a licence or not is irrelevant - you're not trying to start one. You said you want to set up a holiday lettings & B+ B website.

 

[GOSW]

Yes thats true, if anything its marketing and advertising. Which i think is the sector i would be in when doing my accounts?

 

[Faevilangel]

I don't think it's a TA either as a traditional TA will be supplying services e.g. hotel, flights etc where as you're just giving owners of services somewhere to advertise.

I don't think a TA needs to have a license but they will be members of a group such as ABTA which will protect their customers money if something went wrong.

 

[WFChris]

I still believe i will need an insurance though, just incase someone blames my site for wrong description, even if the client (owner of the B&B etc) wrote the description.

I would strongly recommend you have Professional Indemnity Insurance with a Cyber Liability extension to protect your business.

 

[GOSW]

Thanks WFChris,

I didnt know about Cyber Liability, tbh, i thought it would just be a business insurance, but i shall look into that now.

Thanks x

 

[joinuniverse]

You definitely don't need a license to promote B&B, cottages, or whatever travel service you want. You can even offer rentals on those accommodation facilities via affiliate programs, and "handle money" 100% legitimate. On top of that, you can sell advertising on your site if you have decent rankings/traffic. Guess who will be your advertisers... Travel Agents or OTA indeed .

So don't drown in a glass of water, just do it!