Expanding
into international markets presents massive opportunities but can prove to be a
challenging journey for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Asia
Pacific, especially in the travel industry. While the potential for growth is
there, cross-border payments can present significant obstacles – high fees,
delays and regulatory complexities.
For
Albressa Travel, a Philippines-based travel agency, these challenges became an
opportunity for innovation, working in strategic partnership with Payoneer.
Founded
in 2017, Albressa Travel connects global travelers with the Philippines’
vibrant culture and natural beauty while helping Filipino adventurers explore
destinations worldwide. With a strong focus on digital transformation, the
agency has embraced cutting-edge technology to expand its footprint and meet
growing international demand.
Central
to its success is its partnership with Payoneer, which works with SMBs in the
travel industry to effectively manage payments when expanding overseas.
Rising
trends in international travel for 2025
Several
key trends are shaping the travel industry in the Philippines and beyond.
Sustainability
continues to be a priority, with travelers seeking eco-friendly experiences and
businesses striving to reduce their carbon footprint.
Multigenerational
travel is gaining popularity, with families exploring destinations that cater
to a wide range of ages and interests.
And
"workcation" travel, where professionals combine remote work with
leisure, is on the rise, fueled by the increasing adoption of flexible work
arrangements.
These
trends present significant opportunities for travel companies to innovate and
differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Navigating
cross-border challenges
For
SMBs in the travel industry expanding into global markets comes with a unique
set of obstacles:
- High
costs and fees: Cross-border transactions often involve steep foreign
exchange (FX) costs and hidden fees, cutting into profit margins.
- Payment
delays: Sending and receiving international payments can take several
days, disrupting cash flow and impacting day-to-day operations.
- Regulatory
complexity: APAC businesses must navigate diverse and ever-changing
regulatory frameworks that vary by country, making compliance a constant
challenge.
- Secure
payments: Cybersecurity risks loom large as digital transformation
accelerates, creating a need for robust systems to ensure safe transactions.
These
challenges can hinder the ability of businesses in the travel sector to scale
internationally.
Finding
the right payment solution provider
Payoneer’s
platform has been instrumental in Albressa Travel’s ability to expand its
global presence. The platform supports payments in over 190 countries and 70
currencies. Features like multi-currency accounts, competitive exchange rates
and local receiving accounts in major currencies streamline operations,
enabling SMBs to focus on growth.
For
Albressa Travel, this partnership has eliminated the complexities of managing
international payments.
“Payoneer’s
seamless technology allows us to handle cross-border transactions with ease,”
said Aleth Agulto, CEO of Albressa Travel. “Their platform has been a
game-changer, ensuring our financial operations run smoothly and allowing us to
serve our clients better.”
Payoneer
also offers solutions that align closely with the needs of growing businesses
in APAC:
- Leveraging
payments to accelerate growth: Faster, more efficient payment systems help
businesses improve cash flow and reinvest in expansion.
- Seizing
global growth opportunities: With simplified payment processes, SMBs can
focus on identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in new markets.
- Overcoming
challenges: Payoneer’s expertise and tools help businesses navigate the
most daunting cross-border challenges, from regulatory compliance to secure
payment processing.
By
providing innovative and cost-effective payment solutions, Payoneer empowers
travel businesses to turn obstacles into opportunities.
Expanding
international reach
Albressa
Travel’s journey exemplifies how digital tools and strategic partnerships can
drive growth. By integrating Payoneer’s payment solutions, the agency has
strengthened its ability to manage transactions with clients across the globe,
solidifying its position as a leader in Philippine tourism. The partnership has
allowed Albressa Travel to focus on its core mission: delivering unforgettable
travel experiences.
“Payoneer’s
mission is to help companies across APAC to expand their cross-border business
by eliminating payment obstacles and enable growth in overseas markets,” said Nagesh
Devata, senior vice president APAC at Payoneer. “We provide businesses with
the tools to manage payments efficiently, seize growth opportunities in new
markets and focus on delivering exceptional services to their customers.”
Albressa’s
embrace of digital transformation has also positioned it to capitalize on
emerging trends in international travel. Sustainability, multigenerational
travel, and workcations are shaping the industry in 2025, creating
opportunities for agencies to innovate and adapt. Albressa Travel is actively
leveraging these trends to cater to the evolving preferences of modern
travelers.
“With
the growth of Philippine tourism, we’ve solidified our international presence,”
Agulto said. “Technology has enabled us to bring more Filipinos, balikbayans
and travelers from all over the world to discover the Philippines.”
Partnering
with Payoneer for cross-border success
For
APAC-based businesses looking to expand globally, Albressa Travel’s partnership
with Payoneer offers valuable lessons. By addressing cross-border payment challenges
head-on, the agency has turned potential roadblocks into accelerators of
success.
Supporting
SMBs like Albressa Travel is part of Payoneer’s broader mission to empower
businesses in APAC and beyond. Payoneer is dedicated to helping businesses
navigate the complexities of cross-border payments so they can seize
opportunities, expand into new markets and thrive in the global economy.
Albressa
Travel’s story is one of innovation, resilience and collaboration. Through its
partnership with Payoneer, the agency has navigated the challenges of
cross-border payments and positioned itself for growth in the international
travel industry in 2025 and beyond.