Total Travel Solution
About the Company
Total Travel Solution (TTS) is a travel agency based in Sri Lanka, founded by Nishan Rajakaruna on September 23, 2011. The company specializes in offering high-quality tour packages to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Over its operational years, TTS has established itself as one of the top travel agencies in Sri Lanka, particularly excelling in the Spanish market.
The agency's offerings include carefully curated travel experiences, leveraging local knowledge and partnerships to provide exceptional service. Rajakaruna's dedication to quality and his personal involvement in crafting these experiences have been key to TTS's success and reputation.
Idea Behind Company
The idea for Total Travel Solution emerged from Nishan Rajakaruna’s experience working at a tea-export company. While reading a company brochure that advertised “total tea solutions,” Rajakaruna was inspired to create a travel agency with a similar name, focusing on comprehensive travel solutions. This innovative approach led him to register TTS in 2011 and reach out to foreign travel agents.
The initial breakthrough came when a major Spanish travel agent agreed to partner with TTS. This partnership was pivotal, providing a steady stream of bookings and establishing TTS’s reputation in the international market. Rajakaruna's journey from a struggling engineer to a successful entrepreneur reflects his resilience and creative problem-solving.
Creating the Company
Rajakaruna’s path to establishing Total Travel Solution involved gaining practical experience in the travel industry. He began working at a small travel agency to learn the ropes of the business, including costings, bookings, and client management. His father’s extensive experience as a tour guide also contributed valuable insights.
The foundational knowledge and industry connections helped Rajakaruna design high-quality tour packages. He meticulously selected trusted guides and hotels, ensuring a stress-free operation. The iterative learning process and focus on reliable partnerships were crucial in refining TTS's offerings and building a trusted brand.
Launching the Business
The launch of Total Travel Solution was marked by minimal formal planning due to Rajakaruna’s lack of business management background. His initial steps included registering the company, opening a bank account, and creating a basic website. The critical move was reaching out to foreign travel agents, which eventually led to a successful partnership with a Spanish agency.
With limited startup capital, Rajakaruna bootstrapped the business, relying on personal savings to fund initial operations. His approach was to keep overheads low and focus on providing excellent service, which proved effective in weathering economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and local crises.
Earnings
Total Travel Solution currently generates around $300,000 annually, with revenue fluctuating based on market conditions and external factors. Despite recent downturns in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry due to political instability and the global pandemic, Rajakaruna’s prudent financial management has helped sustain the business.
The agency previously enjoyed significant revenue growth, particularly during a seven-year period where it thrived on a major partnership with a Spanish travel agent. The current focus is on leveraging past successes to recover and expand, with plans to enhance social media marketing and SEO efforts to attract new clients.
