Top travel agency franchise for veterans has given away 66 free home-based travel businesses since 2012
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- One of the leading travel agency franchises for veterans, Dream Vacations, recently awarded two military veterans with free travel franchises as part of its 14th annual award-winning business plan contest "Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General." Currently more than 30 percent of franchise owners within Dream Vacations are military veterans and in the past decade, the travel agency franchise has awarded 66 free franchises valued at more than $800,000 to deserving military veterans. For the first time, this year's recipients also won a complimentary Carnival cruise that includes an ocean view stateroom for two on sailings up to eight days, as part of their grand prize package.
"Our veterans bring a lot of passion, enthusiasm, and determination to everything they do, and that energy shines through when they become small business owners," said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations. "Since launching the contest, Operation Vetrepreneur has provided us with the opportunity to show our gratitude to veterans and open a door to a new career path filled with community, support, and limitless potential. I can't wait to see what this year's winners accomplish with their businesses."
The Dream Vacations franchise contest was open to former members of any of the six branches of the U.S. military (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Space Force and Coast Guard) who are retired, off active duty and/or honorably discharged prior to the contest start date and are residents of the U.S. Candidates participated in a rigorous three-part application process which included creating a business plan, video essay and phone interviews. More than 5,000 people have applied for franchise ownership through Operation Vetrepreneur since 2012.
This year's winners are U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Johnny Zeng, Huntersville, N.C., and U.S. Navy Veteran Katie Cox of League City, Texas.
"We're excited to serve others and broaden perspectives by opening the world through travel while bringing clarity and confidence to every itinerary. Our goal is to help travelers navigate a DIY world overflowing with options, secure meaningful perks, and advocate when plans change so every trip is seamless, cost-effective, and turns imagination into reality," said Johnny and Jessica Zeng. "Entrepreneurship also gives our family the flexibility we want with two kids and the chance to build something together that brings joy to others."
All military veterans who purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency business receive a 30 percent discount off the initial franchisee fee. Veterans also receive an enlistment package valued at more than $5,000, which includes waived administrative fees valued at $1,350. In addition to having access to the Command Center, an internal portal with veteran-specific training and veteran-themed marketing assets, all veterans and Gold Star families receive a waived training fee for a business partner and the ability to hire active-duty military spouses and veterans as associates at a discount. Additional veteran incentives include the ability to move residences and stay in business, travel discounts for military customers and access to veteran networking groups.
As the only travel franchise to receive a 5 STAR ranking from VetFran, Dream Vacations proudly supports military veterans and is consistently recognized by leading industry publications as a veteran-friendly franchise. It has been ranked the #1 franchise for veterans in the travel agency category by Entrepreneur magazine the last 9 years. Other recent number one rankings include Military Times and Forbes. Additional recognitions include inclusion on G.I. Jobs annual "Hot Franchises for Veterans," US Veterans magazine's "Top Veteran-Friendly Companies", USA Today's "50 Top Franchises for Military Veterans" and recognition by MSC Cruises in its Seaside Salute Award. The Operation Vetrepreneur program won gold from the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards and the IFA Franchising Gives Back Awards.
Dream Vacations is committed to being "Rich in Diversity" and empowers all owners, franchisees and employees to reach their highest potential by leveraging their broad range of talent, experiences, personalities, viewpoints and ideas to generate business growth.
Military veterans and community heroes who are passionate about travel with an entrepreneurial spirit who would like to be part of a travel agency network that cares more about its agents, travelers and military veterans, should visit http://www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com or call 888-249-8235 to learn about franchising with Dream Vacations.
Photo Cutline: (From Left to Right) Natalie Loza, Vice President of Sales for Dream Vacations; Jessica Zeng, Dream Vacations Franchise Owner, Huntersville, N.C., U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Johnny Zeng, Huntersville, N.C.; Sheila LeBlanc, Regional Vice President of Eastern Region and Caribbean for Carnival Cruise Line; Drew Daly, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Dream Vacations.
About Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations is a home-based travel agency franchise that gives its advisors everything they need to plan smooth and memorable vacations for their clients—all while delivering great value. As part of World Travel Holdings and a proud member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations has earned top honors, including franchise partner of the year from major cruise lines. The franchise is also nationally recognized for its strong commitment to supporting military veterans. For more details, visit http://www.DreamVacationsFranchise.com. You can also connect with Dream Vacations on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Media Contact
Michael Cadigan, Dream Vacations, 18779587447, [email protected], https://www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com/
SOURCE Dream Vacations
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