Travel agents are responsible for helping travelers select and organize a trip according to a specific budget. They can be found in both brick-and-mortar establishments and online. The travel agency industry's global revenue was estimated at over *** billion U.S. dollars as of March 2025. As of that month, roughly ******* businesses operated in this market, with employment reaching approximately ***** million.

As of May 2024, there were ****** adults employed as travel agents in the United States. This represented an increase over the previous year's figure of ******.

Employment statistics on the Travel Agencies industry in the US

The Online Travel Agency Market report segments the industry into Service Type (Transportation, Vacation Packages, Accommodation), Device Platform (Mobile, Desktop), Payment Modes (UPI, E-Wallet, Debit / Credit Card, Others (Vouchers, Discount Codes)), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, Middle East). Get five years of historical data alongside five-year market forecasts.

A 2024 survey in the United States found that, across all ages, the highest share of respondents were not interested in consulting a travel agent when planning a vacation, 45 to 64 years olds were particularly firm on this point with ** percent saying so. In contrast, only ***** percent of adults aged 45 to 64 reported using a travel agent for their vacation planning in the past year.

Graph and download economic data for Employed full time: Wage and salary workers: Travel agents occupations: 16 years and over (LEU0254497900A) from 2000 to 2024 about agents, travel, occupation, full-time, salaries, workers, 16 years +, wages, employment, and USA.

Over the past five years, travel agencies have faced numerous challenges and undergone significant transformations. Although international travel by US residents rebounded strongly in 2022, persistent inflationary pressures have moderated revenue growth. In 2025, the industry is expected to experience slower demand from both domestic and foreign tourists due to trade uncertainty. Overall, due to a low pandemic base year, revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.3% to $46.4 billion over the five years to 2025, including a projected 4.2% growth in 2025 alone. Profitability has remained a critical challenge, with competitive online travel platforms like Expedia and Priceline transforming the landscape. The rise of mobile technology has enabled consumers to independently research and book cost-effective travel options, posing a challenge to traditional brick-and-mortar agencies. In response, many agencies have shifted focus to cater to high-income, time-constrained customers desiring personalized services. Smaller agencies have seized this customization demand, while larger platforms have engaged in acquisitions to expand market share and diversify service offerings. Despite these strategies, maintaining profitability has proven difficult in an industry shaped by evolving technology and consumer preferences. In 2025, profit is expected to reach an estimated 10.2% of revenue. Looking ahead to the next five years up to 2030, customization is poised to remain a crucial differentiator. As disposable incomes rise, travel bookings are expected to increase, with consumers gravitating towards higher-margin, personalized services. Nonetheless, the pervasive influence of social media grants travelers greater access to destination insights, potentially reducing their dependency on travel agents. Peer-to-peer rental services are anticipated to flourish by providing affordable alternatives, while online booking platforms will likely retain their dominance due to their convenience. Further, a series of international sports events during the outlook period will spur demand for travel agencies, supporting revenue growth. Consequently, industry revenue is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 1.3%, reaching $49.5 billion over the five years to 2030, indicating a steady, albeit modest, expansion in a swiftly evolving market landscape.

Comprehensive dataset containing 33,651 verified Travel agency businesses in United States with complete contact information, ratings, reviews, and location data.

In 2023, the number of businesses in the travel agency services industry worldwide increased sharply over the previous year, recovering from the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Overall, this industry recorded approximately ******* companies in 2023. This figure was expected to reach an estimated ******* in 2024.

Russia Number of Travel Agencies: Tour Agents data was reported at 11,134.000 Unit in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 9,300.000 Unit for 2016. Russia Number of Travel Agencies: Tour Agents data is updated yearly, averaging 7,364.000 Unit from Dec 2004 (Median) to 2017, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11,134.000 Unit in 2017 and a record low of 2,558.000 Unit in 2004. Russia Number of Travel Agencies: Tour Agents data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Tourism Sector – Table RU.QD008: Travel Agencies Statistics.

Number of Businesses statistics on the Travel Agencies industry in the UK

Number of Businesses statistics on the Global Travel Agency Services industry in Global

Russia Number of Travel Agencies: Tour Operators data was reported at 723.000 Unit in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 549.000 Unit for 2016. Russia Number of Travel Agencies: Tour Operators data is updated yearly, averaging 814.500 Unit from Dec 2004 (Median) to 2017, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1,193.000 Unit in 2010 and a record low of 349.000 Unit in 2015. Russia Number of Travel Agencies: Tour Operators data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Tourism Sector – Table RU.QD008: Travel Agencies Statistics.

Russia Number of Travel Agencies data was reported at 13,580.000 Unit in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 12,395.000 Unit for 2016. Russia Number of Travel Agencies data is updated yearly, averaging 9,699.500 Unit from Dec 2004 (Median) to 2017, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 13,580.000 Unit in 2017 and a record low of 4,010.000 Unit in 2004. Russia Number of Travel Agencies data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal State Statistics Service. The data is categorized under Russia Premium Database’s Tourism Sector – Table RU.QD008: Travel Agencies Statistics.

China Travel Agency: Number of Enterprise data was reported at 39,580.000 Unit in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 32,603.000 Unit for 2022. China Travel Agency: Number of Enterprise data is updated yearly, averaging 20,399.000 Unit from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2023, with 29 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 40,682.000 Unit in 2020 and a record low of 3,826.000 Unit in 1995. China Travel Agency: Number of Enterprise data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Tourism Sector – Table CN.QAA: Tourism Industry Overview.

Online Travel Agent Market Outlook

The global online travel agent market size was valued at approximately $517 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach around $1,109 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% during the forecast period. The growth of this market is primarily driven by the increasing penetration of the internet and smartphones, which have simplified the process of booking travel services online and made it more accessible to a broader audience.

One of the primary growth factors for the online travel agent market is the evolving consumer behavior towards digital platforms for travel bookings. With the proliferation of internet connectivity and the widespread use of smartphones, consumers are increasingly looking for convenient, quick, and cost-effective ways to plan their travels. This shift is further augmented by the availability of a wide range of travel-related information and services on online platforms, which offer personalized travel experiences through advanced algorithms and data analytics.

Another significant growth driver is the rising trend of solo and adventure travel, especially among millennials and Generation Z. These demographics heavily rely on online travel agents for their travel planning needs due to the convenience and customization options offered. Additionally, the increasing number of travel bloggers and social media influencers who share their travel experiences online has spurred a cultural shift towards exploring new destinations, thereby boosting the demand for online travel booking services.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online travel bookings. The pandemic has led to a surge in digital transformation across various sectors, including travel and tourism. With lockdowns and travel restrictions in place, traditional brick-and-mortar travel agencies faced significant challenges. Consequently, consumers turned to online travel agents for flexible booking options, real-time updates on travel restrictions, and virtual tours, which not only helped them plan their travels but also stay informed and safe.

In the realm of online travel, Travel Technologies play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry. These technologies encompass a wide array of innovations, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and virtual reality, all of which are transforming how travel services are delivered and consumed. For instance, AI and machine learning algorithms are enhancing personalization by analyzing user data to offer tailored travel recommendations, while blockchain technology is improving transaction security and transparency. Virtual reality, on the other hand, is revolutionizing the way travelers experience destinations before they even set foot in them, offering virtual tours and immersive experiences. As these technologies continue to evolve, they promise to make travel more efficient, secure, and enjoyable, ultimately driving the growth of the online travel agent market.

Regionally, North America holds a substantial share of the online travel agent market, driven by high internet penetration, a tech-savvy population, and a strong tourism infrastructure. Europe follows closely, with its rich cultural heritage and the increasing preference for online travel planning among its residents. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, attributed to the rising disposable incomes, increasing internet penetration, and the growing middle-class population that is eager to travel.

Service Type Analysis

Service types in the online travel agent market include vacation packages, transportation booking, accommodation booking, and others. Each of these segments plays a crucial role in the overall market dynamics. Vacation packages combine multiple travel services such as flights, accommodations, and sometimes even activities, into a single offering. Consumers prefer vacation packages for their convenience and cost-effectiveness, as they often come with discounts and special deals. The increasing demand for comprehensive travel experiences and the ability to customize vacation packages to cater to individual preferences are significant factors driving the growth of this segment.

Transportation booking is another vital service type within the online travel agent market. This segment encompasses the booking of flights, trains, rental c

Comprehensive dataset containing 18,154 verified Travel agency businesses in Turkey with complete contact information, ratings, reviews, and location data.

India Travel Agents: Total data was reported at 175.000 Unit in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 172.000 Unit for 2016. India Travel Agents: Total data is updated yearly, averaging 314.000 Unit from Dec 2008 (Median) to 2017, with 10 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 467.000 Unit in 2010 and a record low of 107.000 Unit in 2013. India Travel Agents: Total data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Tourism. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Tourism Sector – Table IN.QE005: Travel Agents.

Comprehensive dataset containing 52,213 verified Travel agency businesses in China with complete contact information, ratings, reviews, and location data.

This table contains 15 series, with data for years 1997 - 2012 (not all combinations necessarily have data for all years), and was last released on 2015-06-23. This table contains data described by the following dimensions (Not all combinations are available): Geography (1 items: Canada ...), North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) (3 items: Travel agencies; Other travel arrangement and reservation services; Tour operators ...), Summary statistics (5 items: Operating revenue; Operating expenses; Salaries; wages and benefits; Operating profit margin ...).