MLHUILLIER Financial Services, Inc. (MFSI) now accepts payment for Air You Go Travels Philippines.
That after the two Cebuano-based companies inked a partnership Friday to facilitate a seamless and convenient payment option for customers who buy travel and accommodation packages for local and international destinations.
Air You Go Travels Philippines operations manager Rhamric Simpron said they decided to tap the services of MLhuillier to take advantage of the firm’s 1,910 branches spread all over the country.
He noted that growth in travels within the country and overseas has picked up and they needed a reliable financial service company to provide convenient and fast payment services to their customers when paying for booked packages.
Banks have limited operating hours, some closed during weekends. With the partnership customers have an alternative payment option with longer operating hours and branches almost everywhere, said Simpron.
A P20 service fee will be charged per P50,000 transaction at MLhuillier branches.
Air You Go Travels Philippines Co. is a travel and tours company that offers travel and accommodation packages for both local and international destinations.
It started out as an online travel agency, founded on Dec. 20, 2011 in Basak, Mandaue City by former call-center agents.
As the business grew, the team set up a physical office on Feb, 12, 2013 at Unit 8, Benley Bldg. J de Veyra St. North Reclamation Area, Cebu City. It currently has 29 contact center agents that take care of travel and accommodation bookings and a booking outlet in SM City Cebu Traveller’s Lounge. The firm receives over 2,000 inquiries everyday of which about 10 to 15 translate to actual bookings.
Air You Go’s saleable domestic packages are Boracay, Puerto Princesa and Cebu while their top international package is Hong Kong.
With the increased growth in travel and tourism, Simpron disclosed the company is opening an office in Manila this year and is planning to add at least 18 contact center agents to cater to the growing number of inquiries they get in a day.
MSFI president Michel Lhuillier sees the partnership as beneficial for both companies, especially that he is eyeing investments in tourism.
Lhuillier said he will be converting his 2,000 hectare properties in Sogod and Borbon into a resort. He is currently looking for potential business partners who will help him develop the project requiring an initial investment of P200 million.
At present, the business magnate is developing his 100 hectare property in Carmen into a safari, with completion slated in the next two years.
“I want Air You Go Travels to include my future tourism projects—the resort and safari —in their future packages,” he said.
Lhuillier also announced they are expanding the presence of MSFI in Mindanao this year.
“We will be closing 2015 with at least 2,050 branches nationwide,” he said.