DFA allows travel agencies to resume passport processing


by Jennifer A. Ng, BusinessMirror

Posted at 01/10/2013 9:33 AM | Updated as of 01/10/2013 9:33 AM
MANILA, Philippines - Travel agencies will continue processing passports after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) extended their accreditation until June 30 this year.
Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) President John Paul Cabalza said extension was granted after they appealed to the DFA.
“Initially, the DFA set December 31 last year as the last day we can provide passport-related services. However, it was extended up to June 30 as bonds of travel agencies cover up to that period,” said Cabalza in a statement.
“[PTAA] will be in constant talks with them to find a way of extending it further than June,” he added. Cabalza noted that small travel agencies may close shop if they will be disallowed to provide passport services.
“The business mix of our members has passport services contributing at the most 15 percent of their revenues. We are also providing them with continuous trainings and seminars for them to evolve their businesses with the changing business landscape,” he said.
“However, what we want is for our members and other legitimate travel agencies operating in the country to be allowed to continue providing services that would allow their clients to have hassle-free travels,” he said.
It is known in the travel and tourism industry that small-sized travel agencies count passport processing and ticketing as 90 percent of their businesses. PTAA said its members are already bracing themselves for the June 30 deadline.
“Over the last two years, our members have attended a record number of trainings and seminars. The PTAA has also introduced to them new technologies that could help upgrade their operations,” Cabalza said.

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