Local attractions and tours ticket desk
Run a small shopfront or kiosk selling tickets for local tours, attractions and shows, earning commission from operators.
- A$15k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small booking office in a tourist area or town centre that sells tickets for local tours, attractions, cruises and events on behalf of the operators. You also help visitors choose and book.
Your first three steps
- Visit local operators and attractions to ask about agent commission rates and booking arrangements
- Scout affordable premises or a kiosk spot near where visitors walk, and check the lease terms
- Choose a booking system that tracks sales and commission by operator, and set up your ABN and business accounts
Who pays
Visitors and locals buy the tickets. The operators pay you commission on each booking.
How it makes money
Commission on each ticket sold, agreed with each operator. Some desks also add a small booking fee or sell packages of several activities.
Skills that help
- Friendly, confident with customers
- Sales and local knowledge
- Handling payments and bookkeeping
Watch out for
- Council approval for the premises and any signage. Check with your local council
- Public liability insurance, plus workers compensation insurance if you hire staff (state schemes)
- Seasonal trade. Plan your cash flow for quiet months
- Commission terms and when operators pay you. Get them in writing
- Refunds and cancellations from weather or operator changes. Check Australian Consumer Law obligations
- GST registration once you reach the turnover threshold
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: local attractions and tours ticket desk
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a tour ticket desk in Australia?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $50,000, depending on the premises, fit-out, signage and booking system you choose. Treat this as a guide only and get quotes for your own location before committing.
How much can a tourist ticket desk earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your location, the season and the commission terms you agree with operators. Trade can be seasonal, so plan your cash flow for quieter months.
What rules should I check before opening a ticket desk?
Check with your local council about approval for the premises and signage. Also look into public liability insurance, workers compensation if you hire staff, GST registration at the turnover threshold, and your Australian Consumer Law refund obligations.
Other ways to run this business
Similar events ideas
Pop-up paintball for parties and events
Tow a trailer of gear and inflatable bunkers to a private property or hired venue and run paintball days for groups.
- A$15k-45k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Exhibition stand design and build workshop
Design and build custom stands for exhibitors at trade shows from a small rented workshop.
- A$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Multi-day Christmas market series
Run a bigger festive market across several weekends or sites, with food, music and dozens of stallholders.
- A$15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Garden or farm wedding and party venue
Hire out your own garden, shed or rural property for weddings and functions on selected weekends.
- A$15k-60k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Pop-up seasonal beer hall
Run a temporary beer hall in a hired space for a season or event, without a long lease.
- A$15k-60k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Corporate conference and events planning studio
Run a small team that plans conferences, launches and corporate events end to end for larger clients.
- A$10k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Photo: u_1nl4askhcx on Pixabay