From seat sales to tour packages, the Philippines is ramping up its efforts to set up the travel and tourism industry for a resurgence. In 2022, visitor arrivals in the Philippines reached the 2-million mark, accounting for ₱100 billion in estimated visitor receipts. The industry’s expected annual growth rate is at 5.49%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$5.5 billion by 2028.
With these figures, it’s easy to see why there’s a renewed interest in exploring the diverse beauty of the archipelago and why many find the industry an alluring place to start a venture. Franchising offers an enticing entry point for capitalizing on the expanding tourism market in the Philippines.
So, before inquiring for a business loan in the Philippines to start your travel agency franchise, here’s a guide to get valuable insights and practical tips to help you begin this exciting entrepreneurial journey.
Requirements and Costs of Getting a Travel and Tour Agency Franchise
Before you set off on this business venture, map out the requirements and costs involved. Let’s explore the process of acquiring a travel and tour franchise in the Philippines, covering types, requirements, initial investment, and ongoing expenses.
Different Types of Travel and Tour Agencies in the Philippines
- Retail travel agencies assist with creating itineraries, finding deals, arranging transportation and accommodation, handling refunds and cancellations, and managing insurance and travel documents.
- Online travel agencies (OTA) connect buyers with travel products like airfare, lodging, car rentals, and holiday packages with a focus on personalized customer experiences.
- Wholesale travel agencies buy everything in bulk from airlines, hotels, and transportation companies and then sell them to retail travel agencies.
After figuring out the type of franchise you want to set up, you need to provide requirements to get started. Take note that these are for new franchises only.
Starting a travel agency franchise in the Philippines involves expenses depending on factors in your business plan, like location, business size, office setup, staffing, and marketing efforts. Initial costs usually fall between ₱500,000 to ₱1,000,000 or more. Remember to budget for things like licenses, permits, office space, tech needs, and staff training to make this ballpark figure more accurate.
Best Practices for Running a Successful Travel and Tour Agency Franchise in the Philippines
Though lucrative, the industry can be a tough one to navigate. Here are some of the best practices you can do for your growing travel venture.
General tips
Choose a strategic location
You want to be noticed by your audience. Opt for a spot with high visibility and accessibility, ideally near terminals and malls.
Offer competitive prices and packages
You can stand out amidst the competition by providing value-driven pricing and appealing packages tailored to your customer’s preferences.
Provide excellent customer service
Ensure excellent customer service and keep your clients coming back by training your staff to deliver knowledgeable, courteous, and responsive services that build loyalty and enhance your reputation.
Maintain a good reputation
To get to the top, you need to uphold high standards of integrity and service quality. Address customer feedback and concerns to cultivate and maintain a positive reputation in the industry.
For Attracting and Retaining Customers
Create a website and social media presence
With a captivating website and engaging social media presence, you can effectively showcase your services and connect with potential customers through compelling content and meaningful interactions.
Build a loyal customer base
Your customers are the lifeblood of your franchise. Prioritize customized experiences, attentive service, and ongoing communication for strong customer relationships, loyalty, and repeat business.
Ask for referrals and testimonials
Word-of-mouth recommendations and testimonials from satisfied customers are invaluable assets for your franchise, amplifying your reach and helping build your credibility to attract more prospects. After all, nothing’s more convincing than a happy customer and five stars.
Join travel fairs and expos
Travel fairs and expos showcase your business and tangibly engage with potential customers. Eye-catching displays, exclusive deals, and interactive activities create a lasting impression on attendees and provide quality leads.
For Managing and Growing the Business
Hire and train qualified staff
Being the face of your franchise, your staff should deliver exceptional customer experiences. Invest in hiring qualified individuals who are knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and customer-oriented.
To supplement their efforts, provide comprehensive training so they can assist customers, handle inquiries, and represent your brand effectively and professionally.
Keep track of finances and inventory
Implement robust accounting systems and inventory tracking software to monitor cash flow, as well as other business growth strategies. Regularly reconcile accounts, track sales performance, and evaluate financial data to pinpoint areas for improvement and optimize profitability.
Comply with laws and regulations
Operating a travel and tour agency franchise entails adherence to various laws and legislations governing the industry. Not only do these keep you in business—preventing financial challenges like fines—but they also boost client trust.
Seek new opportunities and partnerships
Continuously explore new opportunities and partnerships to expand your franchise’s reach and offerings. Apart from identifying trends within the travel industry, you can benefit from forging strategic partnerships with airlines, hotels, tourism boards, and other industry stakeholders to enhance your product offerings.
For Overcoming Challenges and Risks
Cope with seasonality
Travel and tour agency franchises experience fluctuations in demand due to seasonal variations in travel preferences. Consider offering specialized packages and promotions tailored to different seasons and target markets.
For example, a hot spring package during the cold rainy season or water rafting for the hot summer seasons. You can also try being creative by promoting off-peak destinations or seasonal activities to attract customers year-round.
Deal with competition
Competition in the sector can also be a source of inspiration for your innovation and improvement. Differentiate your franchise by emphasizing unique selling points, such as personalized service, exclusive partnerships, or niche offerings, and make sure to stay one step ahead.
Handle complaints and disputes
Adopt a proactive approach to addressing customer complaints by training your staff to pay close attention to what customers have to say, empathize with their concerns, and offer timely resolutions.
Adapt to shifting customer preferences and market trends
The travel industry is constantly evolving. Stay agile and responsive by monitoring customer behavior, preferences, and feedback regularly. The ones who listen rise to the top because they know what their customers want and need.
Chart Your Course to Travel and Tourism Success
Although establishing a travel and tour agency franchise in the Philippines is a considerable investment, it’s clear that this industry holds significant promise for ambitious entrepreneurs. Franchising provides access to well-established brand equity with ongoing support structures. However, success in this sector demands adaptability, innovation, and a keen grasp of market dynamics.
At Zenith Capital, we’re dedicated to bolstering your entrepreneurial aspirations with tailored small business loans and other financial solutions. Our range of funding options can cater to your unique needs, whether you’re launching a new franchise or expanding existing operations.
With our expertise and resources, we’re ready to provide the financial backing you require. Take the next step toward making your entrepreneurial dreams come true, and contact us today. Apply now!
Rizza Templonuevo is not just an accomplished finance professional and business leader, but also a loving wife and a dedicated mother of two. With a passion for helping businesses grow and thrive, she brings her extensive knowledge and expertise as Vice President of Zenith Capital Credit Group Corporation to help countless SMEs and corporations across the Philippines access the financing they need to succeed.
When she’s not busy with work, Rizza enjoys immersing herself in the worlds of fashion and social events, as well as traveling to new and exciting places.
