West Virginia

The economy is likely to slip into recession in the next months, if it hasn’t done so already. The job market is quickly drying up and with all the mounting mortgage debt there seems to be no solution in sight. Luckily there is one industry that seems to be somewhat resilient in spite of the recent rise in overall unemployment and the looming crisis in the securities market. While not recession proof the travel industry has historically fared well despite dramatic economic slowdowns. In an interview with MSNBC, Gerald Cahill, Carnival Cruise Lines’ president and chief executive, pointed to the tough years of 1990 and 2001. “In spite of those years, cruise lines still grew”. What this means is huge business opportunities within the industry.

To be able to capitalize on the unique advantages of the business, it is important to understand some of the basic trends of the travel industry. One of the biggest drivers in the recent growths in the travel business is the Internet. Consumers are no longer bounded by the hassle and headache of dealing with traveling agencies and bookings over the phone. Traveling is much easier these days and can be done at the click of a button. In fact online travel sales is so popular and prevalent that it “is the single largest category of e-commerce accounting for about 43% of all online spending” (Dan Hess, May 6th 2005 CNNMoney). As a result, more and more Internet travel businesses are popping up all over the country. So how can you get a piece of the pie? For the everyday businessperson, the easiest way to build a travel business is to be a part of an existing travel company. This doesn’t necessarily mean working a boring 9 to 5 job on the backend of a Travelocity type company. There are many unique opportunities out there; you just have to be creative and open to new ideas. One exciting and up and coming company is World Ventures. They offer motivated businesspeople the opportunity to be e-commerce travel agents. World Ventures entrepreneurs work at home and travel for a living. What is unique about the program is the flexibility and ease in which new at home business owners can enter into the market. For more information go to: WorldVentures. In these economic downturns, financial freedom is of great concern. How will you continue to provide for your family? How will you pay the mortgage? So many financial burdens can stress you out. Relax, make a change and explore the travel industry as a next career option. Who knows, this time next year you may be vacationing in Fiji and getting paid for it!