The travel industry is going through a major shift, with changing consumer behaviours, rapid advances in technology, and a wave of mergers and acquisitions. For travel agency owners thinking about the future, now may be an ideal time to consider selling. This article looks at why the current market is favourable for selling your travel agency and outlines strategies to help you maximise its value.

The Current Landscape: A Booming Travel Market

Australia’s travel sector is thriving. In the year to June 2025, Australians took more than 11 million outbound trips — a 32% rise on the previous year. Destinations such as Indonesia, New Zealand, and Japan continue to lead, while emerging markets like Fiji and Vietnam are seeing impressive growth.

This boom in travel is matched by stronger consumer spending. Data shows 43% of Australian travellers plan to spend more on holidays in 2025 than they did in 2024, with higher budgets for flights, accommodation, and car hire.

Why the Market is Favourable for Selling

Several factors are creating the right conditions for selling a travel agency:

1. Rising Demand for Travel Services
   The growth in travel has led to greater demand for professional travel services, making established agencies more appealing to buyers keen to tap into this momentum.
   
   
   

2. Industry Consolidation
   The travel sector is experiencing significant consolidation, with larger companies acquiring smaller agencies to grow their market share and capabilities. For example, Direct Travel’s acquisition of ATPI in September 2025 created one of the world’s largest travel management firms — a clear sign of the growing merger trend.
   
   
   

3. Technological Advancements
   New technologies such as AI and automation are transforming the industry. Agencies that have embraced these tools are more attractive to buyers seeking scalable and efficient businesses.
   
   
   

4. Strong Post-Pandemic Recovery
   The industry’s rebound after the pandemic has been strong, with growing consumer confidence and spending. This recovery has boosted agency valuations, making them more valuable to potential buyers.
   
   
   

How to Maximise the Value of Your Travel Agency

If you’re planning to sell your agency, these steps can help you achieve the best return:

1. Streamline Operations
   Buyers are drawn to agencies with efficient, well-organised operations. Investing in a robust travel agency management system can help reduce overheads, simplify processes, and improve profitability.
   
   
   

2. Diversify Revenue Streams
   Agencies offering a mix of services — such as corporate travel, luxury leisure packages, and group bookings — tend to be more attractive to buyers. A diversified income base reduces risk and demonstrates adaptability across market segments.
   
   
   

3. Strengthen Your Online Presence
   A strong digital footprint is essential. Make sure your website is up to date, maintain active social media channels, and encourage positive online reviews. This helps attract customers and reassures potential buyers that the business is current and customer-focused.
   
   
   

4. Maintain Financial Transparency
   Clear, accurate financial records are critical. Buyers will closely review your financial position, so keeping transparent and up-to-date statements builds trust and helps smooth the sale process.
   
   
   

5. Develop a Succession Plan
   A well-prepared succession plan signals stability and foresight. This could include documented procedures, staff training programs and a roadmap for future growth.
   
   
   

The Role of Corporate and Luxury Leisure Travel Agencies in the Acquisition Market

Both corporate travel and luxury leisure travel agencies are drawing strong interest from buyers — each for distinct but equally compelling reasons.

Corporate travel agencies are valued for their predictable revenue streams, long-term contracts and trusted client relationships. As businesses continue to refine their travel policies and focus on cost-effective, high-quality travel management, these agencies remain a cornerstone of the acquisition market.

Luxury leisure travel agencies, on the other hand, appeal to buyers looking to capture the high-spending traveller segment. Demand for personalised, experience-driven holidays is surging, with travellers seeking bespoke itineraries, premium accommodations and exclusive access to destinations. Established leisure agencies with strong supplier relationships, loyal clientele, and deep destination expertise are especially attractive acquisition targets.

In short, whether your agency specialises in managing corporate accounts or curating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for discerning travellers, there’s strong buyer demand across both ends of the market.

Conclusion

The current market presents a strong opportunity for travel agency owners considering a sale. With rising demand, industry consolidation, advancing technology and a robust recovery, now is an excellent time to explore your options.

By streamlining operations, diversifying revenue, building a strong online presence, maintaining transparency and developing a clear succession plan, you can maximise your agency’s value and attract serious buyers — whether your focus is corporate travel, luxury leisure, or both.

If you’re thinking about selling your travel agency, it’s worth seeking professional advice and completing proper due diligence to ensure a smooth and rewarding transaction. With the right preparation, you can achieve a successful exit and position yourself for new opportunities in the evolving travel industry.

For more insights and guidance on selling your travel agency, visit Adamaz Travel.