How To Start A Travel Agency Business In The Philippines

Steps On How To Set Up A Travel Agency In The Philippines

Step 1. The Travel Agency Business Plan

Because your business plan is the draft for your travel agency business, you could consider including the following information:
Executive Summary: This briefly introduces the business and summarizes your plan. For instance, you could decide whether to have a travel franchise in the Philippines or your own travel agency. Its also wise to include a description of the business, the target market, financial estimates, and the solutions to possible difficulties in setting up a travel agency in the Philippines.

For those who have significant capital, you could apply for accreditation from the International Air Transport Association as this will prove valuable in brand trust.

*The International Air Transport Association manages airlines, passenger agents, and cargo agents internationally. Therefore, getting accredited would allow travel agency owners to sell domestic and international plane tickets acting as agents for airline companies. The business would also be allowed to re-book, re-issue, or re-validate issued tickets and endorse them to other airlines if needed.

On the other hand, those who do not have accreditation, do not have the authorization to release tickets. Therefore, either they purchase from an accredited agent or the airline.

Step 2. The Travel Agency Permits And Licenses
When setting up a travel agency business in the Philippines, you will need to register at the Department of Trade and Industry. This is also required if you plan to start your travel agency business in the Philippines alone or at home. For a corporation or partnership travel agency, the business would also need to be registered at the Security and Exchange Commission.

step 3. The Office Location And Space
Owners need to consider many factors when looking for an ideal location. The most important could be the accessibility to the intended market. Second, the location should be convenient for them. Lastly, the business owner needs to make sure that the space is affordable.
Although office space can be expensive, starting a travel agency in the Philippines does not need a large office space as long as the staff could effectively attend to the clients.
A space of 10 to 15 sq meters could be enough for a home-based travel agency. If you are considering a commercial space with high foot traffic, a space of 60 to 200 sq meters could be enough to entertain walk-in clients.

step 4. The Equipment
One of the essential steps on setting up a travel agency in the Philippines is choosing the equipment. These could include computers with good specs, printers, landline phones, mobile phones for office-use, a photocopying machine, CCTV cameras, and a vault.
Sofas and tables to accommodate walk-in clients, desks, chairs, cabinets, and tables are some of the office interior essentials.

step 5. The Travel Agency Staff
When you start building a travel agency in the Philippines, one of the most critical areas is hiring the right people and having the right team. If your budget is low, Fear not! This is because some travel agency tasks can be computer-generated, saving you time and money.

As the business flourishes, having at least two staff members in the office to attend to more customers would be ideal. Aside from catering to walk-in clients, you could offer a more variety of your services.

step 6. Travel Destinations, Packages, And Promos
Depending on your target market, you could decide on what destinations are popular or profitable. You could target families with children, young adults, senior citizens, backpackers with different tastes, interests, lifestyles, or business and corporate travelers.
Since destinations are different, the travel agency needs to have data collection of hotels, air flight schedules, a list of tourist spots and beaches, and insurance, among many others. You could anticipate what information your clients would need.

Finally, step 7. Marketing For Your Travel Agency In The Philippines
Just like other industries, there are many ways to market a travel agency business. If you were able to build a travel agency in the Philippines with great branding, you could reap a lot of benefits.
To do this, you could give attention to your business’ brand name. Then, you may promote by putting up signs outside your office, malls, and other public places. You could also take part in travel events and expos or sponsor a booth. Aside from being able to promote, you could meet people from the same industry, such as vendors and potential partners.

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