Tours and attractions ticket desk

Run a small walk-in desk or kiosk selling tour, show and attraction tickets for commission in a busy visitor area.

Staff member selling tickets at a counter in a busy venue box office.
Startup cost$5k to $25k
Monthly revenue$2k to $10k
Time needed30+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • $5k-25k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

2,872 US businesses with employees in this field, +3.5% in a year

NAICS 561599 “All other travel arrangement and reservation services”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

A small storefront, kiosk or hotel-lobby desk where visitors buy tickets for local tours, shows, attractions and day trips. You also take bookings by phone and online.

Your first three steps

  1. Contact local tour operators and attractions to ask about reseller or agent programs and their commission rates
  2. Scout locations near hotels, downtown or visitor areas and compare rent, foot traffic and kiosk or cart options
  3. Set up an LLC, get an EIN, open a business bank account and a card payment system
Who pays

Tourists and visitors pay for the tickets. Tour operators, attractions and venues pay your commission once a sale is made.

How it makes money

A commission on each ticket sold, set in agreements with each operator, sometimes with added booking fees or bundled packages.

Skills that help
  • Friendly selling and customer service
  • Knowing your local area well
  • Handling payments and bookkeeping
  • Negotiating with operators
Watch out for
  • Check city or county business license and zoning rules for your location or kiosk
  • Check your state's sales tax registration and any rules on selling tickets or tours
  • Get general liability insurance, and ask operators whether you need to be named on their policies
  • Seasonal demand and weather can swing income, so plan cash for slow months
  • Read commission and refund terms carefully, and know who handles customer complaints

🔒 Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a tours and attractions ticket desk?

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your location, whether you use a storefront, kiosk or hotel-lobby desk, and your insurance and licensing needs. Plan extra cash for slow months.

How much can a ticket desk earn?

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your location, the commission terms you agree with operators and the season. Seasonal demand and weather can swing income, so plan for slow months.

What licenses or rules apply to a ticket desk?

Check city or county business license and zoning rules for your location or kiosk, and your state's sales tax registration and any rules on selling tickets or tours. Get general liability insurance and ask operators whether you need to be named on their policies.

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Photo: u_1nl4askhcx on Pixabay

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