Discovery Map offers colorful and detailed maps highlighting local attractions, businesses, and points of interest, providing tourists and travelers with valuable information for exploring destinations.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
119
+
3%
3%
Franchise fee
?
$25,000
Investment
?
$29,000 - $36,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$52,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
Upgrade
Discovery Map® offers travelers a creative and informative way to explore top destinations throughout North America and Puerto Rico. Established in 1977, this brand has spent nearly 50 years helping tourists discover the best places to dine, shop, stay, and play.
Based in Waitsfield, Vermont, the company specializes in producing artistically hand-drawn maps that are as beautiful as they are practical. These distinctive guides provide a charming yet useful overview of each featured location.
Franchising began in 1993, opening the door for local entrepreneurs to introduce these maps to their own communities. Every map is crafted by residents who know their area inside and out—ensuring authentic recommendations and hidden gems only a local could suggest.
What sets Discovery Map® apart is this grassroots, hyper-local approach. By tapping into the deep knowledge of its franchisees, the brand delivers genuinely curated travel guidance that stands out from mass-produced alternatives.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Discovery Map franchise is
$29,000 - $36,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$25,000
Map Coloring
$1,050 to $1,750
Travel and Living Expenses while Training
$500 to $1,500
Map Racks and related equipment
$1,500 to $3,250
Computer System
$500 to $1,200
Licenses/Deposits
$0 to $250
Supplies & Misc. Expense
$250 to $1,000
Insurance
$250 to $500
Additional Funds
$0 to $1,850
TOTAL
$29,050 to $36,300
Create a free account to access this table and more. For more information see our plans here.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$25,000
Map Coloring
$1,050 to $1,750
Travel and Living Expenses while Training
$500 to $1,500
Map Racks and related equipment
$1,500 to $3,250
Computer System
$500 to $1,200
Licenses/Deposits
$0 to $250
Supplies & Misc. Expense
$250 to $1,000
Insurance
$250 to $500
Additional Funds
$0 to $1,850
TOTAL
$29,050 to $36,300
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Discovery Map's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Discovery Map had 119 total units in 2025, of which 119 were franchised-owned and 0 company-owned.
Discovery Map International provides a comprehensive training program to its franchisees that includes both initial and ongoing education. Here are the types of training offered:
Initial Training Program: Franchisees and key management personnel must attend a training program that covers the Discovery Map System. This program is conducted at the headquarters in Waitsfield, Vermont, lasting up to four days. Training must be completed at least seven days before opening the business. While the training itself is free for up to two individuals, franchisees are responsible for travel and accommodation costs. Additional participants are charged $500 per person, per day.
Map Development Support: Up to five days of support are provided for developing a mock-up of the franchisee's map, along with the initial design of a 17” x 22” map.
Pre-Opening Assistance: General assistance and planning help for pre-opening promotions are provided, subject to a 30-day advance notice from the franchisee.
Refresher and Retraining Programs: Discovery Map may require franchisees to attend periodic retraining or refresher courses to maintain system standards.
Electronic Training Programs: Franchisees must complete a minimum of two hours of electronic training annually. These are provided at no cost, but attendance is mandatory.
Territory Protection
Discovery Map International grants franchisees an exclusive Area, typically covering at least 400 businesses. Within this Area, no other Discovery Map franchise will be licensed, offering protection from direct franchise competition.
However, this exclusivity depends on meeting sales and market goals. The franchisor may still sell products or services within the Area through other channels under different trademarks.
.png)
.png)
