Top Travel Franchises Under 50 Units

According to the U.S. Travel Association, domestic and international inbound travelers in the U.S. spent over $1 billion in 2017. Additionally, the report noted the travel industry supported 15.6 million American jobs last year, and that overall, one out of every nine jobs depends on travel and tourism.

Traveling can even have an effect on non-travelers. Households would pay $1,300 more in taxes without the tax revenue generated by the travel and tourism industries, according to the report’s estimates.

Bottom line: One traveler can mean big business for a lot of people.

Here are six emerging travel franchises that have less than 50 units.

Book by Owner

Unit count: 27

Investment range: $42,250 - $72,500

This resort property management company provides professional property management and guest services for a fixed monthly fee. Book by Owner coordinates guest services so homeowners do not need to. The company provides homeowner clients with housekeeping and laundry services, among other amenities. They also offer 24/7 guest services and owner support. As soon as the homeowner’s vacation property is booked, Book by Owner takes over and works with the guests. Ideal franchise candidates live within 20 miles of their territory and have a passion for travel, recreation and real estate. They must be well-organized and have a strong customer service mindset.

Prestige Tour and Travel

Unit count: 8

Investment range: Minimum of $5,000

This Africa-focused travel agency was created in 1991 with the aim of encouraging travelers to visit Ghana, and it has expanded to help travelers make it to countries all over Africa and Europe. Prestige Tour and Travel offers special rates to several African countries, including Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria and Senegal. The company is headquartered in New York City and has offices throughout the U.S. and one in Ghana. Franchisees can enjoy a low down payment along with other benefits, including 80 hours of training and help with advertising in the beginning. The company prides itself on providing excellent, hassle-free customer service.

Affordable Suites of America

Unit count: 20

Investment range: $2,872,000 - $3,545,000

Affordable Suites of America provides extended-stay options that are mainly designed for business travelers, transferred professionals and temporary employees. The hotel chain’s suites are designed to be a more apartment-style dwelling and are fully furnished with kitchens and living areas. Current Affordable Suites properties are located in Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, and the chain has available markets for franchising in the southeastern United States. The brand touts its services as convenient, hassle-free, clean and safe and secure. Guests can also enjoy weekly housekeeping and use the guest laundry. Each individual property has its own website describing amenities, providing guest reviews and offering guides to local attractions.

GrandStay Hospitality

Unit count: 33

Investment range: $306,400 - $8,790,200

GrandStay Hospitality is a hotel chain located throughout the Midwest and the northwestern United States. It offers three main types of properties - the GrandStay Residential Suites Hotel, the GrandStay Hotel and Suites and the GrandStay Hotel and Conference. Each hotel sub-brand comes with its own set of amenities and all hotels can accommodate small and large groups. Meeting room amenities include audiovisual services, free parking and catering services. The brand won a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2016 and 2017. GrandStay offers both franchise conversion and new-build options, and franchisees can enjoy a strong partnership and an upper midscale market, among other benefits.

Key West Inns, Hotels and Resorts

Unit count: 22

Investment range: $3,103,060 - $19,671,150  

This brand offers three types of properties: inns, hotels and resorts. A Key West Inn has an average of 50 to 100 rooms and does not have an onsite restaurant or bar. A Key West Hotel offers full services and provides amenities such as lounges, meeting rooms and more, while a Key West Resort offers additional amenities such as pools and health clubs. The Key West Inns, Hotels and Resorts chain franchises through Cobblestone Hotels, which offers both hotel conversion and new builds. Cobblestone Hotels acquired the brand in August 2018. Franchisees will receive extensive training, and the brand provides marketing support, quality assurance and more.

Million Air

Unit count: 27

Investment range: N/A

Privately-held aviation company Million Air operates fixed-base operators and provides charter and maintenance services. The company was founded in 1984 by the Mary Kay Cosmetics family. The idea was to create an “aviation oasis” at airports. Company values include creating an extraordinary customer experience and a passion for aviation. The brand prides itself on providing superior customer service and offering internal growth and name recognition. Franchisee training includes customer service training and air safety-related training. The brand also offers a variety of management programs, including the Million Air Franchise Development Program, which provides pre-franchise development consultation for potential franchisees and what the brand likes to call “Greenfield to Grand Opening” support.