Titan Business Spotlight: Your Passport To Two Travel Agencies Managed By An Enderun Alumna
Travelling had been a major part of human history, dating back to when wealthy Greeks and Romans would use travel for the purpose of leisure to reach their homes and villas in cities such as Baiae and Pompeii during the summertime. However, nowadays, not only is travelling done for leisure but it is also done for discovery and exploration, work-related activities, communication, and as a means to reduce stress. Currently, the tourism industry is one of the biggest industries in the world, having 9.25 Trillion US dollars in total contribution to the world economy prior to the pandemic in 2019. Travelling has certainly evolved throughout the years, just like with any industry, to complement our unpredictable and ever-changing world.
According to several sources, such as a research paper from Uttarakhand Open University in India and travelweekly.com, Cox & Kings, established in 1758, was the very first travel company in modern history. It wasn’t until 1841 when a man named Thomas Cook expanded on this idea with the introduction of excursions, travel packages, and international tours, pioneering the idea of a prospective travel agency. This innovation has earned him the title of the ‘Father of travel agency business’. Two such travel agencies are Travel Unlimited 128, Inc. and Kris10 Travel, Inc. made notable because they are managed by Enderun alumna, Kristen Medina, who took International hospitality management as her course back in 2014.
Travel Unlimited Inc. was established by Kristen’s parents back in 2012. Wanting to emulate her parents’ success, Kristen built Kris10 Travel Inc. seven years later. Both of Kristen’s Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited travel agencies offer amazing deals from domestic and international flights to accommodation, transport, and organized tours of the dreamiest destinations. Their services are not limited to these but they also offer visa assistance and travel insurances, which cater to the convenience and comfort of their customers. With that being said, they offer arranged itineraries that are encapsulated in their travel packages all at an affordable price. These packages are available both internationally, in countries such as Jordan, Morocco, Dubai, and Domestically, in places such as Palawan, Siargao, and even Bohol.
Other than providing swift and personalized services, Kristen’s travel agencies have a wide range of connections and have partnered with the best in both tourism and technology to provide the assistance that their customers deserve.
With the introduction of coronavirus, the tourism industry has been badly affected. In 2020, there had been a loss of 1.1 Trillion in international tourism receipts (although numbers could be higher), with most of these losses budded mostly from travel restrictions. Businesses that are connected to tourism or travelling, in general, had to go through gruelling challenges to keep their businesses afloat. Some travel agencies weren’t so lucky as they had to close down. While this was a significant blow to Kristen, it did not deter her; rather, it strengthened her resolve to keep her up and running.
Rather than sticking to the status quo, Kristen had to adapt. Complying with the numerous restrictions, she now works with various tourism institutes around the world to ensure the health and safety of her clients, whilst maintaining an amazing travel experience. According to Kristen, it wasn’t easy in the beginning but it was necessary for the safety of her customers. Kristen always updates her clients via the business’s social media pages with the latest news and changes brought by the pandemic, valuing a personal connection with her clients. This is to keep them excited and informed about the current situation around the globe.
The tourism industry will be one of those industries that will always continue to grow and improve due to the constant demand for leisure, exploration, and discovery. In the future, there will be an undoubted growth in how travel will become more convenient and improve in terms of experiences. Travel agencies such as Travel Unlimited 128, Inc. and Kris10 Travel Inc. will stay a staple to provide services to the masses, but this will depend on how they will react or adapt to the changes in the future.
To follow Kristen Medina’s travel agencies, you can check out and follow their Facebook pages: Travel Unlimited 128, Inc. and Kris10 Travel Inc.
