Kumusta, ka-negosyo?
Marami sa atin ang nangangarap makapag-negosyo sa larangan ng turismo at paglalakbay.
Given the boom in local and international tourism, learning how to start a travel agency in the Philippines could be one of the smartest diskarte moves you'll make this year.
With plenty of tourists exploring from Batanes to Davao — and overseas getaways making a comeback — the travel industry is rapidly becoming an exciting business for Filipinos. And good news: this negosyo is not just for malaking kumpanya. You can start small, even as a home-based travel agent, and grow from there.
First-hand insight: One of our readers, Ana, started a home-based travel agency in Iloilo in 2022. “I began with just a laptop, basic ticketing access through a host agency, and Facebook promos. Within 6 months, I was handling tours to Boracay and Palawan!” she shared.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential steps to start a travel agency business in the Philippines — from legal requirements and accreditation to choosing your niche and launching your marketing strategy. Tara na’t magplano!
Editor's Note: This guide is updated as of Q1 2024. Please verify requirements with relevant agencies, as Filipino business regulations may change.
Why Start a Travel and Tours Business in the Philippines?
The tours business in the Philippines involves more than just selling vacation packages. You're offering unique travel experiences that not only cater to local and international markets, but also empower Filipinos to explore the beauty of our 7,000+ islands.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, inbound tourism expenditure reached PHP 27.63 billion in the first quarter of 2023—showing a strong recovery from the pandemic years.¹
Here are some reasons why many are choosing to start a travel and tour agency:
Essential Steps to Start a Travel Agency in the Philippines
1. Write a Business Plan
Every negosyo begins with a solid business plan. This is your roadmap — the part where you set your goals, budgeting, business model, and marketing efforts.
Your plan should outline:
Pro Tip: Create a travel experience that’s different. Offering niche travel packages (like spiritual retreats or gastronomic tours) gives you a competitive advantage.
2. Choose a Business Structure and Register Your Business
If you're still asking how to legally start a travel agency in the Philippines, here’s your answer.
You can register as a:
Don't forget these steps:
Come up with a business name and get your certificate of registration (from DTI or SEC depending on your structure). See DTI’s Business Name Registration guide here.
Register your business with your Local Government Units (LGUs) — this includes getting your barangay clearance and Mayor’s Permit.
Register with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to get your TIN and authority to print official receipts. Learn more via this BIR registration tutorial.
Ensure your business in the Philippines is legally compliant from the start. It’s a non-negotiable, lalo na if you want to provide credibility and develop a professional brand.
Note: Requirements may vary per jurisdiction. Always check with your local city hall/municipality.
3. Get Accreditation Where Needed
To build trust and partner with reputable suppliers (hotels, airline companies, transport providers), you need the proper accreditations.
Accreditations to consider:
A founder we interviewed in Cebu opted to operate under a host agency during her first year. “It helped me focus on customer service and packages, without the pressure of managing airline partnerships on my own,” she said.
4. Secure Travel Agency Tools and Office Setup
You don’t need a fancy office right away — many successful travel startups begin home-based. Pero kung may budget ka even for a small office space, it shows professionalism (lalo na when applying for accreditation).
Here’s what you’ll need:
Make sure your booking website is secure (HTTPS), user-friendly, and includes clear contact info. Transparency builds consumer trust.
5. Develop Travel Packages and Create Partnerships
Time to build those travel packages: a combination of hotel, airline, transport, and activity bookings that cater to your target market.
Tips para sulit:
A tour operator in La Union mentioned that bundling surf lessons with homestays and food vouchers resulted in a significant increase in bookings.
6. Launch Your Marketing Strategy
Want to set your travel agency apart? Invest time (not just cash) into your content and marketing strategy.
Start by:
Online Travel Business vs. Physical Agency
Still torn between renting a space or working from home?
Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature | Home-Based Travel Agent | Physical Office |
|---|---|---|
Cost | Low | Moderate to High |
Flexibility | High | Moderate |
Credibility | Medium (unless DTI/SEC registered) | High |
Operation Speed | Fast to Start | Slower due to set-up |
Customer Trust | Grows with branding | Strong from Day one |
Common Challenges Filipino Travel Agencies Face
No sugar-coating here. Starting a travel and tours business in the Philippine setup means dealing with:
Lesson learned: One entrepreneur we interviewed lost P30k due to a booking system error with an airline supplier. Since then, she has double-checked itineraries and uses CRM reminders.
But like we always say, kaya mo ‘yan. With proper planning and persistence, your agency business can thrive.
Final Thoughts: Launch a Successful Travel Business Now!
Congratulations! You just took your first step in understanding how to start a travel agency in the Philippines.
Whether you're planning to start a tour service in El Nido or cater to outbound travel to Japan and South Korea, there's space for you in the growing Philippine travel industry.
To recap, here’s the short checklist:
With the right investment in tools, marketing, training, and most importantly — customer trust — you can build a travel agency that stands out.
So, ready to start your travel agency?
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to follow Trailblazer for more startup guides, tips, and diskarte techniques tailored for Filipino entrepreneurs.
Share this article with a Ka-negosyo who’s passionate about the travel industry — baka ito na ‘yung negosyo na hinihintay nila.
