In India, one of the most important sectors is travel and tourism. The burgeoning middle class has increased demand for travel and tourist products, making the travel industry one of India's fastest-growing sectors. For many entrepreneurs, becoming a travel agency is a great alternative, and having IATA registration can help increase revenue.

The following registrations are required to start a travel agency business:

    1 GST registration

    2 Business Registration, which may be of the following types.

    • Private limited company; or

    • A limited liability partnership; or

    • A one-person company

Registration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is not required to work as a travel agency. Having an IATA registration, on the other hand, can demonstrate to potential clients and vendors that the company is a legitimate travel agency, resulting in increased revenue and credibility.

The IATA accreditation streamlines the business interaction between travel agents and airlines. More than 60,000 IATA travel agents sell $220 billion in plane tickets on behalf of 250 IATA airline members all around the world. The following are some of the advantages of IATA membership:

    • With a single Sales Agency Agreement that enables the selling of international and/or domestic tickets, you can have access to IATA airline members.

    • The IATA Billing and Settlement Plan is now online, providing a consumer interface for billing and payments between brokers, airlines, and transport companies.

    • The "IATA Numeric Code" provides a unique identifier for the global travel business.

    • The "IATA Accredited Agent" badge is displayed on-premises and on the website, offering visibility and credibility.

    • Agents are eligible for the IATA/IATAN ID Card, which grants them access to over 1000 suppliers' exclusive offers.

    • Standardized protocols to ensure that the airlines are treated fairly.

The following four factors are assessed when applying to become an IATA Accredited Agent:

    • Agent staff credentials and financial history

    • Location identification and accessibility

    • Procedures and security

In the IATA certification procedure, the applicant's financial record and financial standing play a significant role. The following are the financial criteria for IATA registration application financial evaluation in India (all financial information utilized in the financial criteria will be collected from the Agent's Audited Accounts):

    • Positive Net Equity is required.

    • Net equity must be larger than 0.5 when compared to long-term debt and other long-term liabilities.

    • Except in unusual situations, EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization, and Extraordinary Items) must be positive.

    • EBITDA must surpass interest payable by a factor of at least two, preferably three.

    • Total liabilities must never be more than total assets.

Furthermore, for the first two years as an Agent, all Agents must furnish financial security. Any Financial Security required to be provided to IATA must be received by IATA and confirmed to IATA by written confirmation received directly from the third party supporting the Financial Security that the Financial Security was issued and is valid before an Agent can be accredited or continue to be accredited. To be accredited, all travel agents must furnish Financial Security in the amount of USD 50,000.

The 'Travel Agent Handbook,' which is available, is a good place to start for any aspiring IATA member. After completing all of the local criteria outlined in that book, the agent should choose the country of application and submit it according to the instructions outlined in that company's Application Guide. The accreditation fee, as previously indicated, varies by area. IATA will contact applicants in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa for payment once their application has been accepted. The IATA's pledge of allegiance to the aviation sector is taken at face value.

    1 What is the benefit of having an IATA certificate?

IATA certification classes have a number of advantages.

The course on tourism and travel provides knowledge and in-depth subject knowledge as well. This qualification will broaden one's professional horizons in a variety of fields, including cruise lines, airlines, ticketing travel agencies, car rentals, tour operators, and hotels, among others.

    2 What is the purpose of having an IATA number?

Because most airline bookings are made through the IATA web, it is regarded one of the most essential resources for a travel agent. To book through IATA, the travel agent must first register as an IATA travel agent with the organization. Non-IATA/independent travel agents are all travel agents who do so.

    3 Is the IATA certification still valid?

IATA certificates* have been issued as electronic Secure Digital Award (SDA) certificates since February 1, 2021. This is protected by blockchain technology, which ensures the validity of your certificate for the rest of your life.

    4 What is the procedure for obtaining an IATA number?

View the IATA check-a-code Web page online. Fill in the unique verification or personnel registration number for the agent. The verification number should be ten digits long, whereas the employee number should be six digits long.

    5 What is the cost of becoming an IATA cargo agent?

Become an IATA Cargo Agent and gain industry recognition, as well as access to the IATA member airlines' distribution network. You can join the Cargo Account Settlement Systems (CASS) for free as an IATA agent.