#187
At a Glance
Products & Services: Travel agency
Number of Locations: 390
Total Investment: $2.85K - 12.82K
Founded: 1888
Began Franchising: 1984
Private Owned
About Travel Leaders
In 1872, Georges Nagelmackers began his company, Wagons-Lits, to install sleeping compartments in European trains. A few years later, he created the Orient Express. In 1888, Ward G. Foster founded Ask Mr. Foster, a travel agency based in St. Augustine, Florida.Each company expanded-Wagonlit throughout Europe and Africa, Ask Mr. Foster across the United States and Europe. Carlson Companies Inc. purchased Ask Mr. Foster in 1979; the company changed its name to Carlson Travel Network in 1990. Carlson Travel Network and Wagonlit Travel merged in 1997, forming Carlson Wagonlit Travel. The new company serves travelers in more than 140 countries.
Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2011 | 365 | 0 | 0 | 25 |
| 2010 | 362 | 0 | 0 | 29 |
| 2009 | 407 | 0 | 0 | 26 |
| 2008 | 497 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $2,845 - $12,815
Franchise Fee: $1,500
Ongoing Royalty Fee: $450-950/mo.
Term of Franchise Agreement: 5 years, renewable
Franchise Fee: $1,500
Ongoing Royalty Fee: $450-950/mo.
Term of Franchise Agreement: 5 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $750,000 - $1,000,000
Liquid Cash Available: $500,000
Operations
27% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 10. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators).How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 3 days. At franchisee's location: Varies. Workshops, 1-2 days each; online training
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Field operations/evaluations,
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,
Franchise Ranking History
Low-Cost: #64 (2011),