Travel is back and it’s more intense than ever. After years of being cooped up, people are now in full “revenge travel” mode, booking trips like there’s no tomorrow.
For travel agencies, this isn’t just a rebound—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to grow big, go global, and cash in on cross-border opportunities.
But with great demand comes great responsibility (and yes, a lot of logistical headaches). From managing international payments to reaching travelers worldwide, the right tools can make or break an agency’s success.
Here’s a list of smart moves that can help your travel agency thrive in this travel boom—and how Payoneer can make it all seamless.
#1 — Go Global with Hassle-Free Payments
When your customers are booking trips from different countries, dealing with multiple currencies can be a nightmare. Exchange rates, hidden fees, and delays can eat into your profits.
The Smart Move: Use a payment platform like Payoneer that supports over 70 currencies and allows for direct local transfers. No more waiting weeks for payments to clear.
Pro Tip: ALBRESSA Travel, a Philippine-based agency, uses Payoneer to manage payments from global clients. Thanks to its multi-currency support, they can handle payments in USD, EUR, JPY, and more—all with lower fees.
#2 — Build an Online Presence That Travels Far and Wide
Travelers today plan everything online—flights, hotels, and even local tours. If your travel agency isn’t visible online, you’re invisible to 90% of the market.
The Smart Move: Build a strong online presence with a user-friendly website and a presence on booking platforms. Offer simple payment options, so customers from anywhere in the world can book instantly.
Pro Tip: ALBRESSA Travel grew its business by focusing on an online-first approach. By being active on social platforms and booking sites, they gained visibility with travelers from Japan, the U.S., and Europe.
#3 — Embrace Digital Transformation (Or Risk Being Left Behind)
Digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the lifeline for modern travel agencies. From customer service chatbots to smooth payment gateways, tech is the key to thriving in a highly competitive market.
The Smart Move: Automate as much as you can—think payment processing, client onboarding, and booking confirmations. Use Payoneer to streamline payments so you can focus on growing your business instead of chasing payments.
Pro Tip: With Payoneer’s simple dashboard, agencies like ALBRESSA can see all incoming payments in one view. No more back-and-forth with multiple payment processors.
#4 — Cater to the ‘Balikbayan Boom’ and Overseas Travelers
The demand from overseas Filipinos, or “balikbayans,” is higher than ever. These travelers are coming home in droves, often with foreign partners, spouses, and friends in tow. If your agency isn’t tapping into this market, you’re missing out.
The Smart Move: Market directly to balikbayan travelers. Use Payoneer to make it easy for them to pay in their home currency, while you receive the payment in pesos. No messy exchange rates to calculate!
Pro Tip: Accept payments from abroad in USD, EUR, or GBP and have them automatically converted to PHP when they hit your Payoneer account. No more exchange rate shock.
#5 — Offer Personalization (Travelers Crave It!)
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all packages. Modern travelers want unique, personalized experiences—from glamping in the jungle to private sunset tours.
The Smart Move: Offer tailored packages that cater to individual preferences, but make sure your payment system can keep up with last-minute customizations. If a client adds a private tour at the last minute, make sure they can pay for it instantly via Payoneer.
Pro Tip: Payoneer’s quick payment processing allows you to receive payments for add-ons and upgrades in real time—no delays, no missed opportunities.
#6 — Cut Out Hidden Fees (No More Surprises!)
Handling payments across multiple currencies and platforms can lead to hidden fees and unexpected charges. Many payment gateways sneak in fees for currency conversion, wire transfers, and even inactivity.
The Smart Move: Opt for a transparent payment platform like Payoneer. Their transparent fee structure and competitive exchange rates keep your profit margins intact.
Pro Tip: ALBRESSA Travel avoids currency conversion fees by holding multiple foreign currencies in one Payoneer account. They only convert when it’s favorable for them.
#7 — Be Mobile-Ready for On-the-Go Bookings
Travelers plan trips on the fly—sometimes right at the airport. If your payment system isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re missing out on these impulse bookings.
The Smart Move: Make sure your website, booking platform, and payment system work smoothly on mobile devices. Payoneer’s mobile app lets you receive payments and track your earnings on the go.
Pro Tip: Having a mobile-friendly payment system like Payoneer allows travelers to pay directly from their phones, making it easy for them to book spontaneous tours, upgrades, and add-ons.
Ride the Wave of Revenge Travel
The “revenge travel” era is here, and it’s a wild ride. Travel agencies that stay nimble, embrace technology, and make cross-border payments simple will ride this wave to success. From accepting payments in multiple currencies to catering to the balikbayan boom, Payoneer is the ultimate sidekick for agencies that want to expand their global footprint.
If you’re ready to turn this travel surge into an opportunity, it’s time to make your move. Get started with Payoneer today.
Want to know more? Learn how Payoneer can streamline your payments at www.payoneer.com.
