Holiday Factory, a renowned tour operator from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), officially expanded its operations to the Philippines, marking its first hub in Southeast Asia. Known for offering comprehensive and affordable travel packages, the company aims to reshape the travel landscape in the Philippines, just as it did in the UAE.
Holiday Factory provides all-inclusive packages that cover hotel stays, flights, transfers, tour guides, and insurance for both domestic and international destinations. By offering packages at prices reportedly 50% lower than market rates, the company sets itself apart from other tour operators. These travel packages can be easily booked online, eliminating the need to coordinate with multiple service providers.
“Our German background stands for quality, ensuring that you get more for less money. Just as we transformed the travel industry in the UAE ten years ago, we aim to change travel habits in the Philippines,” said Sandra Daemmrich, General Manager of Holiday Factory, at the launch event.
Expanding Beyond the UAE and Georgia
Previously, Holiday Factory’s operations were limited to the UAE and Georgia, but the company has been serving the Philippine market indirectly for several years. The tour operator first established a customer care center in Cebu in 2018, primarily catering to its UAE-based clientele. However, its plan to launch full-scale operations in the Philippines was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the formal launch, the company aims to tap into the Philippines' rapidly growing middle-income segment, which is increasingly seeking affordable travel options. “We noticed that more than a third of the Philippine mid-income market is looking for budget-friendly holiday packages,” said Hakan Bagar, Holiday Factory’s Business Development Director for international markets.
A Direct Package Tour Operator
Unlike travel agencies that resell existing packages, Holiday Factory operates as a direct package tour provider. The company designs its own travel packages by working closely with airlines, hotels, and local transportation providers to negotiate lower prices. This streamlined process allows Holiday Factory to offer significantly reduced rates compared to its competitors.
“We personally visit destinations, handpick hotels, airlines, and transportation partners, and negotiate prices for large groups. This allows us to secure lower rates for our customers,” Bagar explained.
Destinations and Packages
The company’s Philippine offerings include popular local destinations such as Boracay, Siargao, and Puerto Princesa, alongside international spots like Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dubai, and the Maldives.
For example, their Boracay package starts at just ₱3,999 for an overnight stay, which includes flights, accommodations, transfers, insurance, and tour guides. Other packages include Puerto Princesa from ₱4,499, and Siargao from ₱5,999. International packages include Bangkok at ₱12,999 for two-star accommodations, Hong Kong at ₱16,999, and Dubai at ₱30,999.
Travelers in the Philippines can now access these affordable options and book directly through the company's local website, holidayfactory.ph. With its Southeast Asian hub in the Philippines, Holiday Factory is poised to change how Filipinos travel, offering more affordable and convenient travel experiences both locally and abroad.