Travel Leaders Network Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$2,270 - $17,910
Total US Locations
190
Business Summary
Travel Leaders Network offers franchises that allow existing travel agencies to convert to the Travel Leaders system. Franchisees use Travel Leaders' trademarks, business system, and preferred vendors to operate their travel agency. Travel Leaders agencies primarily serve business and vacation travelers by providing travel recommendations and reservations for airfare, cruises, hotels, cars, and tour packages.
Corporate History
Travel Leaders Network began its corporate journey in 1984 as Ask Mr. Foster Associates, Inc., which also marked the start of its franchising efforts. The company underwent several name changes over the years, becoming Carlson Travel Network Associates, Inc. in 1990, The Travel Franchise Group, Inc. in 2008, and Travel Leaders Franchise Group, LLC in 2009. In 2017, it merged with Vacation.com, LLC and rebranded as Travel Leaders Network, LLC. Throughout its history, Travel Leaders Network has offered various brands and memberships, including "Results Travel" from 2000 to 2016 and "emPower Travel" from 2003 to 2005. It also acquired assets from ByeByeNow.com in 2001 and offered "Cruise Holidays" franchises from 2001 until 2014. The company has a long history in the travel industry, adapting its offerings and structure over time.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$2,270 - $17,910
Franchise Fee (High)
$2,500
Equipment Costs (Low)
$200
Equipment Costs (High)
$6,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The consolidated financial statements for Travel Leaders Network show a negative member's equity of $12,467,000 as of December 31, 2024. This follows significant distributions to its parent company of $65,000,000 in 2024 and $80,000,000 in 2023, which reduced its equity from $50,379,000 at the end of 2022. While the company recorded net income of $43,048,000 in 2024, the distributions resulted in this negative equity position.
Financing Details
Travel Leaders Network does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. Travel Leaders Network also does not guarantee any franchisee's financing, leases, or other obligations.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
190
Franchised Units
188
Corporate Units
2
Franchising Since
1984
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Travel Leaders Network has no litigation to report, indicating a clean legal record for the franchise.
Bankruptcy History
Travel Leaders Network has no bankruptcy history to disclose for itself or its key personnel.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
3 years
Renewal Term
3 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their Travel Leaders Network franchise agreement, franchisees must be current on all fees, acquire exterior signage if applicable, and participate in any new mandatory programs. Travel Leaders Network may also require franchisees to sign the then-current version of the License Agreement, which could have significantly different terms. Franchisees will be notified of this requirement at least 60 days before the current term expires, and failure to return the signed new agreement could lead to non-renewal.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Travel Leaders Network provides franchisees with access to its AgentUniverse intranet, which includes the Operations Manual and program information. Franchisees can participate in leisure and commercial travel services programs and sales and promotional materials, though some may incur fees. Travel Leaders Network also helps franchisees by offering programs to purchase goods and services from suppliers at discounts and provides routine advice through its service desk. The franchisor also conducts marketing campaigns and develops new products and services for its franchisees. Additionally, Travel Leaders Network offers initial orientation and training, as well as ongoing seminars and programs on various aspects of travel agency operations.
Initial Training Hours
16.5
Training Location
Minneapolis, MN
Ongoing Support
Travel Leaders Network offers ongoing support through routine advice and consultation from its service desk. It conducts various marketing campaigns and continuously develops additional products and services for its franchisees. Travel Leaders Network also provides ongoing training programs and seminars covering selling techniques, available products, preferred suppliers, management skills, customer service, and other operational aspects. Franchisees are also encouraged to attend an annual franchise convention.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Travel Leaders Network is primarily looking for individuals who already own and operate a travel agency business. The ideal franchisee is expected to dedicate their best efforts and full-time attention to managing their Travel Leaders agency. Franchisees must also personally guarantee the License Agreement. While an owner can designate a manager, they must ensure the agency is actively managed.
Industry Experience Required
Yes
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
The Travel Leaders franchise does not provide an exclusive area or territory to its franchisees. Travel Leaders and its affiliates retain the right to establish or acquire company-owned or franchised agencies anywhere, under the Travel Leaders mark or other marks, and can distribute travel-related products and services through alternative channels, including the internet, without obligation to the franchisee. While the franchisor may impose restrictions on franchisees regarding the solicitation of certain classes of customers or specific customers within a designated geographic area, and an agency may not market to non-customers outside their immediate market area, there are no specified territory size requirements that define a protected or exclusive area for the franchisee.
Staffing Notes
Travel Leaders Network requires that the franchisee's travel agency be managed either by the owner directly or by a designated manager. The franchisor does not require the designated manager to have equity in the franchise. The designated manager, along with other employees, may be required to sign a confidentiality agreement and attend necessary training programs at the franchisee's expense.