Tourist ticket desk for attractions and tours
Run a small walk-in desk selling tickets for local attractions, tours and shows to visitors.
- C$5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small shop, kiosk or desk in a busy visitor area selling tickets and passes for attractions, boat and bus tours, shows and events on behalf of the operators. You also give recommendations and answer questions.
Your first three steps
- Scout visitor areas, hotels and downtown spots and compare rents with likely foot traffic
- Contact local attractions and tour operators to ask about agent or reseller commission terms
- Set up a point-of-sale system and a simple booking system, then test with a seasonal pilot
Who pays
Tourists and visitors buying at the desk, with the operators paying you a commission on what you sell.
How it makes money
A commission per ticket agreed with each attraction, tour company or venue. Some desks also add a small booking fee or sell bundled day packages.
Skills that help
- Friendly and good with visitors
- Negotiating commission deals
- Handling cash, cards and bookings accurately
Watch out for
- Check your municipality for a business licence, zoning and signage rules
- Commercial general liability insurance is worth checking, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire
- Tourism is seasonal in much of Canada, so plan for slow winter months
- Get commission terms in writing and check how and when operators pay you
- Check provincial rules on ticket resale and refund handling, and how GST/HST applies
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: tourist ticket desk for attractions and tours
Researched with live web search for Canada: 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 open a tourist ticket desk in Canada?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000 CAD, depending on your location, the size of the desk or kiosk, and how you fit it out. Your actual costs will vary with the premises you choose.
What should I check before opening a tourist ticket desk?
Check your municipality for a business licence, zoning and signage rules, and consider commercial general liability insurance. Get commission terms in writing, check how operators pay you, and check provincial rules on ticket resale, refunds and GST/HST.
How much can a tourist ticket desk earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $2,000 to $10,000 CAD, depending on location, season and the commission deals you agree. Tourism is seasonal in much of Canada, so plan for slower winter months.
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