Supporting You Through Our Startup Process

Discover the dedicated training & support you’ll get through the process of building and launching your retail travel agency

So you’ve completed your due diligence and have decided that a travel agency franchise with Expedia CruiseShipCenters is the perfect fit for you. What happens next?

In our organization, we take a great deal of pride in the startup and onboarding support that we provide our new franchise owners to make sure we set you up for success. Our team of Franchising Managers and Program Specialists are here to help you launch your business with a strong start in every aspect – from finding your perfect location and store build-out, through to recruiting and training your dreamteam of Vacation Consultants.

With over 255 Expedia CruiseShipCenters open and 25 new Centers opened in 2017, we recognize the importance of having a strong team to help with the startup, on-boarding and launch of each location. That’s why we have dedicated teams at our Corporate Support office who are committed to providing all of the help you need to feel confident in each step of launching your new business.

Watch our Startup and Onboarding support video to meet a few members of the team that will guide you through the path to opening your Expedia CruiseShipCenters location.

Let’s explore in more detail the startup and onboarding support we provide to set our franchise owners on the path to success.

Phase 1: Startup Support

You’ll begin the first step of the startup process immediately following the signing of your Franchise Agreement. Your Franchise Development Manager will introduce you to the Startup and Onboarding team by conference call, kicking off your search for your perfect location. The Startup team will be your go-to resource to get your space ready for customers from location search and selection to the design and build out of your franchise. With the assistance of a third party real estate company, the Startup team will work with you to find the perfect location that ticks all of the boxes for great accessibility for customers and staff, strong visibility in your community, and a large enough space to accommodate a hub of activity. During this step, you’ll also receive guidance though the application process for the necessary licensing needed to operate a travel business in your community.

This process can be the longest component of your setup but the goal is to have your doors open within nine months of signing your franchise agreement. Remember, we’re in this together and our team will be there to help guide and support you every step of the way.

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Phase 2: Onboarding Support

The second step of launching your new travel franchise is onboarding and recruitment. This encompasses everything to do with recruiting and training your dream team of Vacation Consultants, to managing operations and growing your business. An important step in your training will be learning the how to sell travel as a Vacation Consultant so that you can successfully train and support your future team. During your onboarding, you’ll also attend our week-long intensive franchisee training program called Cruise Management Academy at our corporate headquarters where you’ll learn Expedia CruiseShipCenters’ tools, systems and support that will help you manage your team while you grow your business. By the time you open your doors, the goal is to have at least 15 Vacation Consultants trained and ready to sell travel to your community.

The culmination of your efforts will be opening your doors for business and planning your Grand Opening event! From that point onward you’ll receive ongoing support from your Franchise Performance Coach and team at the Corporate Support office as you run the day to day operations of your travel business. Our goal is to set you up for success and provide ongoing coaching and support as you build and grow your Expedia CruiseShipCenters franchise.

At Expedia CruiseShipCenters, we are committed to helping our franchise owners become exceptional leaders who can build a strong team and become the go-to cruise experts in their local community. Setting our franchise owners up for success is our purpose and we’re committed to helping you achieve your business and lifestyle goals.

Learn More

Are you ready to begin the Expedia franchise discovery process? To continue exploring the Expedia CruiseShipCenters franchise opportunity, complete the form below and receive our franchise information brochure. You can also learn more by reading the essentials about our franchise opportunity here.