2019
20
$80,000
$35,000
$115,000
No
Tourbase is revolutionizing the travel industry by offering a fully automated, home-based franchise opportunity that connects travelers with curated local tours and activities. Unlike traditional travel agencies, Tourbase leverages cutting-edge technology to provide a seamless online booking experience, allowing franchisees to operate efficiently and profitably from anywhere with an internet connection. With a focus on authentic, locally sourced experiences, Tourbase has positioned itself as a trusted brand for travelers seeking unique adventures.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
Low Overhead Costs: Operate from home with minimal infrastructure requirements.
Semi-Passive Income: Manage your business with flexible hours, making it ideal for those seeking work-life balance.
Proven Business Model: Benefit from a franchise system that has demonstrated success in various markets.
Comprehensive Support: Receive extensive training and ongoing assistance to ensure your business thrives.
Scalable Opportunities: Expand your operations by partnering with local tour operators and diversifying your offerings.
Tourbase is a technology-driven travel franchise that connects travelers with curated local tours and activities. Its franchise model allows entrepreneurs to operate a flexible, home-based travel business while leveraging a proven platform.
Tourbase was founded in 2019 in Whitefish, Montana.
It began as a platform helping travelers book shore excursions and gradually evolved into a franchise model to expand globally, including into the Canadian market.
Travis Vaughan (CEO): Leads business development, strategy, and expansion.
Drew Fortner (CTO): Oversees technology, platform development, and automation tools for franchisees.
Tourbase is a privately owned company.
The company operates as a franchisor, offering entrepreneurs the chance to run their own travel business under the Tourbase brand.
Focused on technology-driven efficiency, Tourbase provides the tools and support needed to operate remotely.
Current franchise network is small but growing, with less than 20 units globally.
This includes a mix of corporate-owned and franchisee-owned locations.
Tourbase is actively expanding in Canada, seeking motivated entrepreneurs to join its network.
Tourbase operates in the Travel & Tourism industry, specifically in tours and activities, offering an online platform for seamless bookings.
The company differentiates itself through local expertise, curated experiences, and automated operations.
Since 2019, Tourbase has expanded from a niche shore excursion platform to a comprehensive travel franchise opportunity.
The company emphasizes local partnerships, flexible franchise operations, and scalability.
Canadian expansion is part of a broader strategy to grow its presence in North America and beyond.
Tech-Driven Platform: Automates many traditional travel agent tasks, reducing operational workload.
Flexible Business Model: Franchisees can manage bookings themselves or outsource tasks like advertising and customer service to the corporate team.
Supportive Franchise Network: Offers pre-launch, operational, marketing, and ongoing support to help entrepreneurs succeed.
Tourbase offers a comprehensive, structured support system designed to help franchisees succeed, whether they are experienced entrepreneurs or new to the travel industry. The support covers all stages of the business—from pre-launch to ongoing operations.
Before your franchise officially opens, Tourbase ensures you are fully prepared:
Business Setup Assistance: Guidance on registering your business, setting up your home office, and integrating the Tourbase system.
Technology Onboarding: Training on the proprietary online booking platform, tools for managing bookings, reporting, and communication with local tour operators.
Market Analysis & Strategy: Insights into local travel markets, competitor analysis, and guidance on target audience selection to maximize bookings.
Initial Marketing Support: Assistance with creating a launch marketing plan, including email campaigns, social media strategy, and paid advertising options.
Tourbase equips franchisees with practical skills for daily operations:
Platform Management: Step-by-step instructions for managing bookings, automating confirmations, handling customer inquiries, and generating reports.
Tour & Supplier Management: Guidance on vetting local tour operators, managing partnerships, and ensuring quality control.
Sales & Customer Service Training: Best practices for handling inquiries, upselling tours, and maintaining high customer satisfaction.
Marketing is a key component of success in travel franchising. Tourbase provides:
Digital Marketing Resources: Pre-made ad templates, social media content, email campaigns, and SEO tips to drive traffic to your website.
Local Marketing Guidance: How to attract local customers, collaborate with tourism boards, and create packages for travelers.
Branding Support: Ensuring consistent messaging and adherence to Tourbase’s professional brand standards.
Tourbase emphasizes ongoing education to keep franchisees competitive:
Webinars & Workshops: Regular sessions on industry trends, seasonal promotions, and advanced marketing techniques.
Resource Library: Access to a database of tutorials, guides, and marketing materials.
Updates & Best Practices: Continuous updates on new software features, operational enhancements, and travel industry insights.
Franchisees are never on their own after launch:
Dedicated Support Team: Franchisees have access to a corporate team for troubleshooting, technical assistance, and business advice.
Peer Network & Mentorship: Opportunities to connect with other Tourbase franchisees to share experiences, strategies, and growth tips.
Business Performance Assistance: Guidance on improving bookings, expanding offerings, and scaling the business efficiently.
For franchisees who want a semi-passive model:
Tourbase allows the option to outsource tasks like content creation, digital advertising, and customer service to the corporate team for a service fee, making it easier to manage while still generating revenue.
Tourbase seeks motivated, entrepreneurial individuals who are passionate about travel and eager to build a flexible, home-based business. The franchise model is designed to accommodate a variety of skill levels, from newcomers to experienced business owners. Below is a detailed profile of the type of franchisee best suited for this opportunity:
Self-Motivated: Tourbase franchisees need to take initiative in building their business, marketing their services, and managing bookings.
Goal-Oriented: A strong drive to grow revenue and expand offerings will help franchisees succeed.
Adaptable: Willingness to learn and adjust strategies based on market trends and customer feedback.
Preferred Experience: Background in sales, marketing, customer service, or tourism is beneficial but not mandatory.
Digital Literacy: Comfortable with online platforms, social media, and managing digital marketing campaigns.
Organizational Skills: Ability to handle multiple bookings, supplier coordination, and administrative tasks efficiently.
Travel Enthusiast: Genuine interest in the tourism industry and a desire to provide authentic, memorable experiences for travelers.
Customer-Focused: Strong communication skills and commitment to excellent service, ensuring repeat business and referrals.
Financial Readiness: Ability to invest between CAD 80,000 – 115,000, covering franchise fees, infrastructure, marketing, and working capital.
Long-Term Commitment: Prepared to invest time and resources to develop the business, aiming for sustainable growth and profitability.
Flexible Location: Can operate the business from home, with access to reliable internet and digital tools.
Local Market Insight: Knowledge of local tourism destinations, attractions, and customer preferences is advantageous.
Proactive & Resourceful: Takes initiative to solve problems and find growth opportunities.
Professional & Personable: Able to build strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and local tourism partners.
Resilient & Patient: Prepared to navigate the challenges of launching a new business while gradually building revenue.
Financial Component | Details (CAD) |
---|---|
Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
Total Investment Required | $80,000 – $115,000 |
Minimum Investment | $80,000 |
Infrastructure / Setup Cost | Minimal – Home-based office, computer, and internet |
Marketing Budget | Variable – Franchisees can invest in local and digital marketing campaigns |
Working Capital | Included in total investment estimate |
Royalty Fees | Approximately 20–30% commission per booking |
Expected ROI | Varies by market, typically achievable within 12–18 months |
Break-Even Time | Typically within the first year of operations |
Potential Revenue Streams | - Commissions from bookings - Partnerships with local tour operators - Expansion into new travel markets |
Optional Outsourced Services Fee | Fees apply if franchisee outsources advertising, content creation, or customer service to corporate team |