Discovery Map Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Discovery Map: Bringing Local Flavor to Travel Experiences Since 1977

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.

Training

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Pre-Opening Assistance: General assistance and planning help for pre-opening promotions are provided, subject to a 30-day advance notice from the franchisee.
4. Refresher and Retraining Programs: Discovery Map may require franchisees to attend periodic retraining or refresher courses to maintain system standards.
5. 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.
6. Annual System Presentation: Franchisees are required to attend the annual state-of-the-system presentation if it is offered electronically.
7. Optional Advanced Training: Optional programs, workshops, and seminars may be offered at $500 per person, per day, with all related travel and accommodation costs covered by the franchisee.
8. Training for Successors: In the event of the franchisee’s death or disability, successors have 90 days to complete training to continue the franchise.

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.