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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Executive Summary 31.1 Objectives 4
1.2 Mission 4
1.3 Keys to Success 4
2.0 Company Summary 52.1 Company Ownership 5
2.2 Start-up Summary 5
2.3 Company Locations and Facilities 82.4 Company Values 8
3.0 Products 93.1 Product Description 9
3.2 Competitive Comparison 9
3.3 Future Prospects 9
3.4 Fulfillment 9
4.0 SWOT Analysis 104.1 Strengths 10
4.2 Weaknesses 10
4.3 Opportunities 10
4.4 Threats 11
5.0 Market Analysis Summary 125.1 Market Segmentation 13
5.2 Target Market Segment Strategy 13
5.2.1 Market Needs 13
5.2.2 Market Trends 14
5.2.3 Market Growth 14
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6.0 Strategy and Implementation Summary 156.1 Value Proposition 15
6.2 Competitive Edge 166.3 Marketing Strategy 16
6.3.1 Product Marketing 16
6.3.2 Price Strategy 16
6.3.3 Promotion Strategy 17
6.3.4 Distribution channel 196.4 Sales Strategy 20 6.4.1 Sales Forecast 206.5 Corporate Social Responsibility 21
7.0 Human Resources Summary 227.1 Management Team 22
7.2 Personnel Plan 22
7.3 Training 23
7.4 Feedback and Control 24
8.0 Financial Plan 258.1 Important Assumptions 25
8.2 Break-even Analysis 26
8.3 Key Financial Indicators 27
8.4 Expense Forecast 27
8.5 Projected Profit and Loss 288.6 Projected Cash Flow 29
8.7 Projected Balance sheet 32
8.8 Business Ratios 33
9.0 Controls 369.1 Contingency Planning 36
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1. Executive summary
Travel Solution will be a company that will provide the most suitably designed as well
as the customized travel packages to its customers. Today's extremely stressful work
environment dictates that individuals requires some joyful holiday, this presents an
opportunity that we may exploit, and provide them stress-free joyful refreshing holidays with
cost competitive and customized packages according to their needs.
This project plan is developed to get the required finance for the project. There
financing will be required to purchase busses, cars, the working capital and to cover the
expenses for operation for first year. The finance available today with the company is about
Rs. XXXXXX
Travel Solutions will be incorporated as LLC. This will shield the owner Mr. Amit M.
Rampure and it will find investors for additional financing to make the company stable. The
investors are treated as shareholders.
The financing ,in additional to the capital contributed from the owner, shareholders
and bank will allow the Travel Solutions to successfully start and maintain the operations
through one year. A unique, upscale innovative idea of the travel packages will help Travel
Solutions to become successful in first year of its operations. Company will market its
products through aggressive marketing, innovative concepts, participating in trade shows,
newspaper ads etc. Successful operation in year one will provide Travel solutions a base for
its market to move forward with high growth rate.
1.1 Objective
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Travel Solution’s objectives for the first three years of operation include:
The creation of a unique, upscale, innovative and customized tour Packages
that will differentiate from other companies
The formation of a company’s image that will bring people with diverse
interests and backgrounds together in a common forum.
To serve its customers with best possible quality and provide them more
things in price on one.
1.2 Mission
We want to serve our customers with best possible service and provide them the kind
of comfort they want. We would also want to customize our tours as per our customers need
without reducing joy or quality of tour. People of all ages and backgrounds will come to enjoy
the unique, upscale, joyful, and refreshing environment that Travel Solutions provides.
1.3 Keys to Success
Serving with best possible quality.
Customized and attentive approach to its individual customers
Making tour packages more interesting with innovative ideas.
Make Tour packages more attractive as well as cost effective.
The establishment of Travel Solutions as hub for socialization and
entertainment.
Marketing of products with new ideas.
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2. Company Summary
Travel solutions will be a company which will organize tours to different parts of country. The
company will start its operations from Pune and provide service to customers targeting
Maharashtra area as the first destination. It will subsequently launce its service to other parts
of country. It will focus initially on providing and satisfying two kinds of tours:
Yatra: Different religious places
Heritage sites: This will undertakes site tours like Ajanta-Ellora, Forts etc.
As it grows it will take on people and expand into related markets. It will also look for
additional leverage by establishing relationships and representations with appropriate
strategic allies.
2.1 Company Ownership
The company named ‘Travel Solutions’ will be registered under companies act with
legal formalities. Its fiscal year is the calendar year. The company will realize the potential
market and opportunity for growth from given implementation of the appropriate strategies,
aided by the necessary finances from next year.
2.2 Start-up Summary
Total start-up capital and expenses (including legal costs, logo design, stationery and
related expenses) came to approximately Rs. XXXXXXX. Start-up assets required and
utilized included Travel Office, Travel Busses (and/or Busses, cars on rent), Staff, office
furniture, personal computers and other office equipment. This figure comes to Rs XXXXXX.
Start up expenses
Sr. No. Description Amount reqd.
1 Legal 10,000
2 Stationery etc. 5,000
3 Brochures 0
4Insurance
0
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5Rent
0
6Research and Development
0
7Expensed Equipment
5,000
Total Start-up Expenses20,000
Start-up Assets
Sr. No. Description Amount reqd.
1 Cash Required 10,000,00
2Start-up Inventory
10000
3Other Current Assets
0
4Long-term Assets
0
5Total Assets
10,10,000
Sr. No. Description Amount reqd.
Start-up Funding
1Start-up Expenses to Fund
20,000
2Start-up Assets to Fund
10,10,000
Total Funding Required10,30,000
Sr. No. Description Amount reqd.
Liabilities
1Current Borrowing
2Long-term Liabilities
0
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3Accounts Payable (Outstanding Bills)
0
4Other Current Liabilities (interest-free)
0
Total Liabilities
Sr. No. Description Amount reqd.
Assets
1Non-cash Assets from Start-up
0
2Cash Requirements from Start-up
20000
3Additional Cash Raised
0
4Cash Balance on Starting Date
0
5Total Assets
20000
Sr. No. Description Amount reqd.
Capital
1Planned Investment
2Investor 1
3Investor 2
4Investor 3
5Investor 4
6Additional Investment Requirement
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Total Planned Investment
Sr. No. Description Amount
Loss at Start-up (Start-up Expenses)
Total Capital
Total Capital and Liabilities
Total Funding
Start-up
Click to Enlarge
2.3 Company Locations and Facilities
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At present the company plans to set up its office at Pune with intentions of
establishing additional centers in other parts of Maharashtra, largely depending on the
dictates of the market. Our current facilities provide offices, Bus, office equipment and so on.
2.4 Company Values
Travel Solutions is committed towards an open governance system whereby its
activities are managed and undertaken ethically, transparently, and in the interests of all
concerned stakeholders.
This shall be undertaken through implementation of the following company values:
We intend to conduct our business ethically and transparently, respecting all
applicable laws.
We intend to be a responsible corporate citizen fulfilling our obligations as an integral
member of society. Hence our business decisions shall give appropriate weight and
consideration to social and environmental impacts.
We intend to provide products of uncompromising quality to meet the needs of our
customers.
We intend to seek mutually beneficial and enduring relationships in all the
commitments that we make, ensuring that they are straightforward and honest.
Hence our communication shall be open and accurate, internally and externally.
We intend to optimize the creation of wealth to provide fair reward and recognition for
the contributions of our stakeholders.
Ultimately we intend to uphold all the above company values, promoting our
employees and respective third parties engaged by us to do likewise.
Through promotion and implementation of the above stated company values we believe
that we will be able to attain our corporate and stakeholders' goals and objectives for the
benefit of all concerned, in particular the communities in which we will operate.
3.0 Products
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Travel Solutions will provide all kind of travel and tour services to its customers.
Some of the Tours designed by the company are AshtaVinayak yatra, Shakti, Sai, Ajanta etc.
Please see the concerned leaflets for details.
We also provide customers the customized travel solutions depending on their
suggestions and requirements.
3.1 Product Description
Travel solutions will provide the transportation through its busses. According to its
tour packages it will provide the facilities to customers. It may vary from customer to customer
and packages.
3.2 Competitive Comparison
Identifying competition in terms of companies that fill the same needs that we do, our
competitors are few in our main tour business, though dominant in the market. Hence there
will be a need to strongly differentiate ourselves from these other businesses. However on a
broader scale our competition comes in several forms.
3.3 Future Prospects
Travel solutions trough its best service and aggressive marketing will try to capture
the market. We will treat our customers as their friends will best possible and cost effective
packages. We will grow other parts of Maharashtra and subsequently in other parts of
country. We will try to develop a model for tourism so that we can attract the schools clubs
and other socio-groups etc.
3.4 Fulfillment
1. The key fulfillment and delivery will be provided by the principals and values of the
business. The real core value will be the provision of a quality based service. Hence
we intend to ensure that tours we provide to customers of high quality and service.
2. We will try to build our travel image by mouth to mouth publicity, advertising, and
taking part in social functions.
4.0 SWOT Analysis
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We are in a highly lucrative market in a rapidly growing economy. We foresee our strengths as
the ability to respond quickly to what the market dictates and to provide quality service in a growing
market. In addition, through aggressive marketing and quality management we intend to become a well-
respected and known entity in our respective industry. Our key personnel have a wide and thorough
knowledge of the local market and expertise, which will go towards penetrating the market. However we
acknowledge our weakness of a small-sized company without a lot of experience, and the threat of new
competition taking aim at our niche. Below are the summarized strengths, weaknesses, opportunities
and threats.
4.1 Strengths
Strategic market segmentation and implementation strategies.
Diversified market segments: ensuring the lack of dependency on one particular
market.
Combination of skills in directorship. The directors intend to jointly develop business
strategy and long-term plans, having wide experience in product and business know-
how.
Establishment and maintenance of strong capital base.
An aggressive and focused marketing campaign with clear goals and strategies.
4.2 Weaknesses
Lack of a reputation in comparison to our competitors.
The introduction of new organizational practices and personnel who have not
previously worked together presents a challenge to the company.
A limited financial base compared to the major players in the industry.
Lack of clear-cut channels of distribution.
Establishment on the Internet will produce technological challenges.
4.3 Opportunities
Specific niche: we will design special and customized packages for our customers.
The new generation of individuals and families has a far greater appreciation of
attractive packaging (image conscious).
Internet marketing and sales--though still in its infancy.
4.4 Threats
The present growth in the market may result in market saturation, through competition.
This competition could emerge from a variety of given sources including:
1. Established mass-market companies.
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2. New marketing strategies and tactics by established products and companies.
3. Existing competition.
4. Other start-up companies generated by healthy economic growth nationwide.
5.0 Market Analysis Summary
The number of outbound travellers from India grew by 15% to 6.2 million in 2005. This
was almost twice the number of arrivals witnessed by the country. A booming economy, with
GDP growth of more than 7%, rising disposable incomes, higher aspirations, cheaper air
travel to countries such as Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore and better products from the
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industry enticed Indian travellers. This has prompted a number of global tour operators to
enter the Indian tourism market either directly or through strategic alliances.
The travel industry is facing an increasingly competitive marketplace – travel
professionals want to adopt new results-driven strategic marketing approaches to meet their
unique challenges. Improving the efficiency and results of direct marketing programs,
reducing marketing costs, and building more strategic promotional and sales relationships are
all key initiatives for success. With Claritas' segmentation solutions, you'll discover how to
effectively identify and target your most profitable customers and prospects.
Critical issues in the travel industry include:
impact of downturn in travel
acquisition of customers
maximizing customer value
Multi-channel marketing
customer retention
Claritas' customer segmentation systems are an important element of any marketing
program for the travel industry. Gain a better understanding of your existing customer base
and learn how to more expertly target new customers. Analyze the composition and behavior
of your segments to uncover a wealth of information to help guide all aspects of your
marketing campaign.
Focus your efforts on reaching your most profitable segments – target direct mail and
optimize advertising and promotional activities. By linking travel behaviors with consumer
media preferences for newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and the Internet, you can
penetrate the relevant media channels to reach your most likely consumers.
We appreciate that entering such a market is not a bed of roses, particularly as it is
monopolistic. Hence we intend to implement an aggressive marketing strategy, well supported by the
other business functions. The above prognosis influenced our decision to enter the brewing industry.
5.1 Market Segmentation
Travel Solutions will be focusing on the corporate and working class who appreciate
good quality travel service. The working class will range from the miners who constitute a
large portion of the market, to administrative personnel appreciative of good quality service.
The corporate or managerial segment will constitute those managers who though aware of
their image and reputation, want to put aside their ties and jackets after hours and/or on
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weekends to ride on adventures and enjoys life. Our most important group of potential
customers is those in the rural areas who often converge after hours to socialize and update
one another on local news. These are potential customers who want to have an enjoyable
time and also some religious tour at reasonable price.
We also intend to appeal to the foreign tourists who would be looking at experiencing
a great time.
5.2 Target Market Segment Strategy
Our marketing strategy will be based mainly on making the right kind of customized
product available to the right target customer. We will ensure that our products prices take
into consideration peoples budgets and that these people appreciate the product and know
that it exists, including where to find it. The marketing will convey the sense of quality in every
picture, every promotion, and every publication. There is already a sense of segment strategy
in the way we define our target market. We are choosing to compete in areas that lend
themselves to local competition, service and channel areas that match our strengths, and
avoid our weaknesses.
5.2.1 Market Needs
The major customers require a service which will be cost effective and also
enjoyable. The customer wants the more things in the price on one. They want to add their
knowledge, have a picnic, and meet the god (religious place) in one package.
We will provide them all what they want. We will give them a good attention right from
choosing a package to the end of tour. We will provide the all necessary information to them.
We will also arrange some packages gifts for them
5.2.2 Market Trends
Our target markets are increasingly growing towards recognizing the difference
between poor quality tours and those of high quality. This development is an important trend
for us as it represents our target market. We now are having an increasing number of people
who appreciate the traditional tours whilst living in the urban areas. With this in mind we
intend to ensure that our packages are respectable and attractive.
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Today's extremely stressful work environment dictates that individuals requires some joyful
holiday, this presents an opportunity that we may exploit, marketing the health aspect of our tours.
5.2.3 Market Growth
Import statistics provide a reliable guide as to the size of the tourism industry.
India’s travel and tourism market was valued at US$42 billion in 2005, and is growing
rapidly. India emerged as the fifth most preferred destination by the world’s Travellers in a
survey conducted across 134 countries. India also figures in the Annual Readers’ Travel
Awards 2005, which were announced by the prestigious magazine Conde Nast Travellers UK
in its September 2005 edition. A 5,000 year history, culture, religion and alternative medicine
fascinate both budget and luxury travelers alike.
The Department of Tourism’s resolve in promoting Indian tourism has strengthened as it
recognizes it’s potential. Tourism in India is the third largest foreign exchange earner,
accounting for 2.5% of GDP. It also makes a direct contribution to economy with significant
linkages with agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts and construction. The outlay on tourism
development rose to Rs7, 860 million in 2005/2006, from Rs3, 500 million in 2003/2004, and
continued to focus on the “Atithi Devo Bhavan” campaign, targeted at the inbound foreign
tourists in the country. Translated literally this means “Guest is God”.
With 390 million Indians on the move in 2005, it is little wonder that it is domestic
Travellers that sustain the travel and tourism business. Domestic business travel and visiting
family/friends, as well as pilgrimages, contributed to the 13% growth in number of trips within
the country that year.
6. Strategy and Implementation Summary
Our marketing strategy emphasizes focus. This will be the key. We are a relatively new
company and hence must focus on certain kinds of customized service with certain kinds of
consumers. Initially Travel solutions will focus on the local market in Pune. Hence the form of
growth that shall be initially pursued will be that of organic growth mainly due to limited
resources and the need to instill confidence in our company and packages. The target
customers will include key decision-makers in the different organizations who often order or
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recommend on behalf of the whole organization, the aim being to obtain an initial order and
fully satisfy the customer from then on.
We are currently building image and awareness through consistency and
distinctiveness in our package provision.
We intend to focus on delivering quality products that in turn produce good referrals,
which can then generate revenue. We intend to always have a relatively heavy
personal selling component to our marketing strategy as previously discussed. Hence
we intend to always be active in personal relationships with clients and strategic allies
keeping abreast of their needs and wants.
We are focusing advertising on several key media.
We intend to achieve growth by creating a more enthusiastic customer culture than that of our
competitors. All criteria from price competitiveness to staff attitudes are to be initially measured six-
monthly, and then on a more regular basis as time goes on. The results will go down to depot level and
be compared with the overall target. This form of consistent measurement of strategic goals will ensure
that the organization remains focused on its goals and objectives, making any necessary adjustments
where need be.
6.1 Value Proposition
Our value proposition is offering our customers refreshness and enjoyment at reasonable
prices ensuring peace of both body and mind. Hence we intend to:
1. Market the benefit, not the product.
2. Ensure customer satisfaction.
3. Develop long relationships.
4. Market the company.
This value proposition shall be communicated through advertisements, personal selling, sales
literature and catalogues, and referrals that emphasize how the company is able to provide refreshment,
enjoyment and fulfillment to the customers.
6.2 Competitive Edge
Our competitive edge will be our dominance of access to previously remote areas, customer
orientation and traditional Yatra tours through customized service.
Though we shall be serving different market segments we intend to focus on each and every customer
as single entity and serve them best as possible.
6.3 Marketing Strategy
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One core element of our marketing strategy will be that of differentiation from our competitors.
In terms of promotion, we intend to sell our company as a differentiated strategic ally, not just our
products. In price, we intend to offer extremely reasonable prices in comparison to the competition and
we need to be able to sustain that. Market penetration through lower prices shall be undertaken where
need be, while premium pricing will be the case of the upper-end of the market.
6.3.1 Product Marketing
Our product marketing will emphasize the benefits of our products, including
refreshment and enjoyment of top-quality service. We intend to sell the opportunity to enjoy
oneself amongst friends, family and/or colleagues. This will come out in our advertising,
delivery and collateral such as sales literature and business cards. Our product marketing's
most important challenge will be the problem of being accepted and appreciated on the
market as a provider of quality products. Hence we intend to not only meet customers'
expectations but to exceed them.
We intend to focus on the individual or group who want to enjoy themselves through
their requirements of tours. However, not wanting to limit our horizons in the initial period, we
intend to be continually looking out for opportunities that we may exploit. In all cases we
intend to provide a thorough understanding and appreciation of the products to the customer
and the benefits of them.
6.3.2 Pricing Strategy
Initially our prices will not be under our control but dictated by the market conditions
prevailing at the particular time. This is particularly so in the case of products which are also
produced by our competitors, as they are often representing a scale for consumers. However
we realize that we must charge appropriately for the quality and work we shall be providing, in
addition to the distribution of the products. Hence we intend the price will accommodate the
mark ups prevailing in the industry, as well as our own costs. To be competitive in the market
we intend to offer discounts to customers making bulk orders, which are in competition with
the industry. This will also assist in the establishment of customer loyalty. Hence our prices
shall be as follows: (discussion removed for confidentiality).
We intend our income structure to match our cost structure, so as to ensure that the salaries
we pay to assure good workmanship is balanced by the price we charge. We will make sure that we
charge for the product, workmanship and delivery with our aim being to achieve a gross profit margin of
at least 30% in our initial years of operation. All in all we intend our prices to be extremely competitive
on the market.
6.3.3 Promotion Strategy
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Our promotion strategy will be based primarily on informing potential customers of our
existence and making the right information available to our target customer. Since we shall be
targeting different segments, the promotional tools and messages may vary slightly to match
the intended market. However in all cases the marketing will convey the sense of quality,
refreshness and health in every picture, every promotion and every publication. Our
promotional activities shall be focused towards driving the organization's overall strategy
relentlessly, developing internal consistency and prepare it to confront any radical changes
that may arise. In such a market we cannot afford to appear in, or provide, second-rate
service that makes our products look less than they are. We intend to leverage our presence
using quality brochures and other sales literature, including promotional material such as
pens, complimentary slips and stickers. Due to the fact that our products are in the
introductory phase on the market, promotional expenses are high in order to generate
customer attention and knowledge of our products existence.
We intend to spread the word about our business through the following:
Advertising
We intend to undertake extensive advertising of our packages in addition to our brand
name--company name. This is so as to instill awareness and knowledge of our existence in
the market place, which hopefully shall convert into market share. Hence the need to ensure
that our packages are constantly available to our target market, and of consistent high quality.
Whilst we are committed to providing products of uncompromising quality to meet the needs
and expectations, the company believes its products should be advertised and promoted in
an honest and ethical manner that respects the values of our consumers' societies. A
constant look out will also be made of any special editions in the local newspapers, which
may provide an opportunity to advertise.
Events
These are increasingly becoming important as more firms establish in the country and
hence the need to be known. The organization aims to participate in trade shows. Not only
will these increase awareness of the products. The organization will be able to take
advantage of this in all its promotional campaigns, adding leverage to its reputation and
image. Undoubtedly this would add confidence and pride in our staff complement as their
hard work would be recognized often at the highest levels. Communicating such
achievements often gives customers a feeling that they can rely on the product, and this
builds strong customer loyalty
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Public Relations
Recognizing that we are relatively new on the market there will be a need to organize
an event, of grandeur nature, introducing ourselves onto the market. At this we intend to invite
potential customers, senior officials, including the Minister of Industry and Commerce, and
other stakeholders so as to penetrate the market. In collaboration with this we also intend to
place news stories and features in magazines and newspapers to keep stakeholders updated
on the latest developments and to increase awareness. This will assist in the recognition and
appreciation of our company in the surrounding community especially. Our efforts on
community service will show that the company has its community at heart, contributing
towards the establishment of a good and reputable image. Homes for the under privileged will
be also be built in the medium, to long term as we plough back into the society we operate in.
In addition we intend to pursue educational sponsorship for the less advantaged but
promising young individuals in the community. This will constitute some of our corporate
social responsibility details of which are provided in the respective section.
We also intend to experiment with a road show in the various often-neglected remote
areas giving out caps, bags, and other such prizes to individuals who answer questions
correctly. This will also enable our business name and products to be better known by the
respective communities. However we are extremely confident that these road shows if well
planned will be a success as they encourage community participation. Hopefully visitors will
leave impressed and confident in our products, adding to the possibility of positive referrals.
Personal publicity
This shall be undertaken in the form of sales calls whereby a sales person will go out
to potential customers and distributors informing them what products we are able to offer
them. In addition the sales person will listen to client's needs at close hand, so as to ensure
that the product is delivered timely and that it is the right product as demanded by the
surrounding community. Close analysis shall also be undertaken of the respective
communities. This will ensure that our products are customized as much as possible to the
surrounding community's needs and wants. In cases where there is the opportunity of
obtaining a large order it may be necessary for the top management to go out personally,
especially considering the fact that we are still a relatively new firm in the market.
Direct Marketing
This will be used, but only to a limited extent, in the form of telemarketing and
informing potential customers and obtaining referrals where possible. In the case of
telemarketing it will involve our targeting potential customers/distributors of our products and
informing them of our existence and the products we offer. We may then arrange for an
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appointment with the respective decision-maker/order-maker, with the intention being to lure
them into ordering one or more of our product lines.
Internet Marketing
The increasing growth of the Internet as an information source provides an
opportunity that we may exploit. This is particularly so in view of the increasing investment
and global trade amongst countries, as both large and small organizations look at obtaining
the best deal possible. More often than not these organizations will seek out potential clients
over the Internet due to the cost of transport and accommodation, apart from the obvious time
factor, which is increasingly becoming of importance in view of the dynamic environment.
However this will require adequate planning and research so as to establish a professionally
done website. This will mainly serve foreign customers and other stakeholders including
potential investors.
In all the above we intend to communicate our ability to provide good quality service that will
satisfy the customers needs. Hence our messages will influence the buying decision of prospective
customers by emphasizing our unique selling proposition, and persuade prospective buyers that we are
different from our competitors. All the above promotional tools shall be well integrated and utilized in
tandem so as to maximize their effect.
6.3.4 Distribution channel
We believe that through our obsession for improvement, and commitment to a leadership
position in our respective markets, we can overcome the traditionally binding constraints of
resource base, firm size and narrow conceptualization of our business domain. This shall be
undertaken through coordination and logical integration of our distribution operations. We aim
to reduce cycle time for key processes, eliminate rework and waste, and optimize our human
resources utilization.
6.4 Sales Strategy
We intend to focus on improving our implementation, by working on key objectives and better
coordination of marketing efforts. For the short term at least, the selling process will depend on personal
selling and advertising to lure and inform potential clients about the products we offer and the benefits of
consuming our products. Our marketing does not intend to affect the perception of need as much as
knowledge and awareness of the product categories.
6.4.1 Sales Forecast
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The sales forecast monthly summary is included below. The annual sales projections
are included later in the plan. It should be noted that as we become established and known
on the market we project sales to increase at a faster rate than the initial year.
Sales Monthly
Click to Enlarge
Sales Forecast
Year 2007 2008 2009
Sales
Yatra
others
Customer customized
Total Sales
6.5 Corporate Social Responsibility
Travel Solutions intends to be involved in a wide range of social responsibility
engagement programs to invest back into the community in which we operate. Through our
social responsibility program we can assist in improving people’s lives. If we contribute to
development in a sustainable way, we need to support projects that communities bring to us,
rather than strictly creating our own solutions for our communities. This is because if we
impose our solution and drive a project it is an artificial response, and the risk is that the
project will then always 'belong' to us. Whenever the project comes up against a new
challenge, we will be expected to fix it, and will be forced to stay in a situation where we have
to look after the same few projects forever. Rather we intend to fund several projects that
belong to, and will be driven by, the community and become sustainable. However, before we
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commit ourselves to projects we intend to ensure that skills will be transferred, communities
are involved and the projects will be able to become self-sustaining. We know that we cannot
address all the development needs of our society. Where we can, we assist and sometimes
may form partnerships so as to increase capacity.
7.0 Human Resources Summary
Travel Solutions shall evaluate the jobs it provides, paying competitive remuneration
packages against market benchmarks to employees for their agreed and set out tasks.
Consonant with its efforts to create added value by employees, Travel Solutions seeks to
negotiate the provision of incentive pay delivery mechanisms against achievement of agreed
targets relating to accomplishment in the areas of productivity enhancement, savings and
other specific successes, that is, the implementation of an effective performance
management system.
Hence our human resources strategy will revolve around:
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Communicating openly and transparently; addressing strong and trusted:
o Internal communication.
o External communication.
o Stakeholder inclusivity.
Responding and promoting human rights issues, such as equity in the workplace and
in community relations.
Adoption of a good remuneration policy aimed at developing our people through
employee benefits, training and group initiatives.
Maintaining preventative health and safety structures for employees and support for
surrounding communities.
7.1 Management Team
The management team, mainly comprising of the shareholders, has wide expertise
and broad knowledge of the products and markets, which if well planned for, will enable the
business to realize its goals and objectives. Daily management will consist of Mr. Amit M.
rampure and Mr. Vijay M. Rampure in the role of technical and operations, and in dealing
with government, corporate bodies, and public relations.
Management style will reflect the participation of the shareholders. The company intends to
respect its community and treat all employees well. We will develop and nurture the company as
community. We do not intend to be overly hierarchical. Management's ongoing initiatives to drive sales,
market share and productivity will provide additional impetus.
7.2 Personnel Plan
We intend to compensate our personnel well, to retain their invaluable expertise and
to ensure job satisfaction and enrichment through delegation of authority. Our compensation
will include health care, generous profit sharing, plus a minimum of three weeks vacation. As
an equal opportunity employer, we respect the diversity and human rights of our people, and
strive to achieve optimal productivity, while realizing the full potential of each employee.
Awards will be given out to outstanding individuals, groups and plants for hard work and
production so as to instill a sense of fun into the work and promote the maintenance of high
standards. Travel Solutions recognizes that our employees contribute fundamentally to the
company's long-term prosperity. We intend to enhance our capacity to attract and retain
people of quality, through benefits such as housing and family education grants.
Employee health shall be of extreme importance. This is because the health of
our people is an integral element of employee well-being at work and at home.
Compliance with relevant legislation is a minimum target in our organization. We
also intend to minimize if not totally eliminate the number of isolated incidents of
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intimidation in the workplace, so as to ensure that production and distribution are not
materially affected and sound relationships are maintained between employee and
employer and between employees as a whole.
Personnel Plan
Year 2007 2008 2009
President and CEO
Operations Manager
Marketing Manager
Office manager
Account officer
Driver-1
Driver-2
Total People
Total Payroll
7.3 Training
In-house training shall be continuous with regular external training being undertaken
particularly following any new developments in the market. This is so as to ensure that we are
continuously able to anticipate our markets needs--a proactive approach, which is so
essential if we are to gain and maintain a competitive advantage. Internal training will not only
include product and technical aspects, but also expand to give much greater knowledge of
customers, market trends, products, new technology aids, and time management amongst
other such variables. We intend to conduct health education sessions for groups and
individuals on health risks in the workplace, balanced with lifestyle education and employee
assistance programs that incorporate rehabilitation and counseling in a range of illnesses and
social or personal problems. This is of particular importance in view of the AIDS epidemic that
has grappled the country and continent as a whole to unparalleled levels.
We acknowledge the fact that successful recruiting, motivation and discipline
procedures are keys to the growth of the organization. Hence we intend to promote
and maintain good labor relations, strong morale and high quality work per employee.
7.4 Feedback and Control
1. We intend to use employee satisfaction surveys to shape the business, making sure
that the employee understands the goals of the firm, is customer focused, proud of
their work and work as a team. This will encourage employees to become
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entrepreneurial and customer responsible, in addition to unifying staff in customer
focus and values.
2. Important notices and developments will be continuously communicated to employers
so as to keep them abreast of developments and promoting a sense of belonging and
oneness in the organization.
3. We will encourage our employees to put forward any suggestions they might have
regarding the improvement of any of the company's functions--an open door
philosophy. Such a culture will enhance innovativeness and creativity in turn leading
to job satisfaction and enrichment.
8.0 Financial Plan
We want to finance growth mainly through cash flow and equity. We recognize that
this means we will have to grow more slowly than we might like.
The most important factor in our case is collection days, particularly with the bulk
order customers. We can't push our customers hard on collection days, because they are
extremely sensitive and will normally judge us on our terms. Hence they tend to have a
certain degree of financial authority. Therefore we need to develop a permanent system of
receivables financing systems, using a well-coordinated accounting department. In turn we
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intend to ensure that our investors are compatible with our growth plan, management style
and vision.
Compatibility in this regard means:
Fundamental respect for giving our customers value, and for maintaining a healthy
and congenial workplace.
Respect for realistic forecasts, and conservative cash flow and financial
management.
Cash flow as first priority, growth second, profits third.
Willingness to follow the company and contribute valuable input to strategy and implementation
decisions.
8.1 Important Assumptions
The financial plan depends on important assumptions, most of which are shown in the
following table as annual assumptions. The monthly assumptions are included in the
appendix. From the beginning, we recognize that collection days are critical, but not a factor
we can influence easily. Interest rates, tax rates, and personnel burden are based on
conservative assumptions.
Some of the more important underlying assumptions are:
We assume a strong economy, without major recession.
We assume, of course, that there are no unforeseen changes in economic policy to
make our products immediately obsolete.
General Assumptions
Year 2007 2008 2009
Plan Month 1 2 3
Current Interest Rate
Long-term Interest
Rate
Tax Rate
Other 0 0 0
8.2 Break-even Analysis
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Our break-even analysis will be based on running costs that is costs we shall incur in
keeping the business running, including salaries and wages, rent, water and electricity,
insurance amongst others. Hence many fixed costs shall be included in these costs. We will
thus aim to ensure that our sales levels are running comfortably above break-even.
The following chart and table summarize our break-even analysis. With fixed costs of
approximately XXXXX per month at the outset (a bare minimum), we need to bill
approximately XXXXX to cover our costs. We don't really expect to reach break-even until
several months into the business operation.
Break-even Analysis
Click to Enlarge
Break-even Analysis
Monthly Revenue Break-even
Assumptions:
Average Percent Variable Cost
Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost
8.3 Key Financial Indicators
The following benchmark chart indicates our key financial indicators for the first three
years. We foresee major growth in sales and operating expenses, and a bump in our
collection days as we spread the business during expansion.
Collection days are very important. We do not want to let our average collection days
get above 30 under any circumstances. This could cause a serious problem with cash flow,
because our working capital situation is chronically tight. However, we recognize that we
cannot control this factor easily, because of the relationship with our clients.
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Benchmarks
Click to Enlarge
8.4 Expense Forecast
Initial marketing expenses are relatively high as we seek to become known on the
market. This will be brought about by the development of sales literature, advertising
expenses, and function expenses (including lunches and dinners with interested
stakeholders). As our market share increases and capital is generated, further marketing
programs and the expansion of those in existence at the time will be undertaken, to ensure
market development. Once these programs will start generating revenue for the business,
which we shall in turn reinvest.
8.5 Projected Profit and Loss
Our projected profit and loss is shown on the following table, with sales increasing from more than
XXXXXX the first year to more than XXXXXX the second, and approximately XXXXXX in the third year.
Profits are calculated to be around XXXXX before tax the first year during the start-up phase of this
business. This will be representative of a net profit margin of approximately XX%, which though may not
seem that impressive is relatively good for a start-up firm in our line of business. As with the break-even,
we are projecting very conservatively regarding cost of sales and gross margin. Our cost of sales should
be much lower and gross margin higher, than in this projection.
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Pro Forma Profit and Loss
2007 2008 2009
Sales
Direct Costs
Other
------------ ------------ ------------
Cost of packages Sold
Gross Margin
Gross Margin %
Expenses
Payroll
Sales and Marketing
and Other Expenses
Depreciation
Leased Equipment
Utilities
Insurance
Rent
Payroll Taxes
Other
------------ ------------ ------------
Total Operating
Expenses
Profit Before Interest
and Taxes
EBITDA
Interest Expense
Taxes Incurred
Net Profit
Net Profit/Sales
8.6 Projected Cash Flow
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Cash flow projections are critical to our success. Detailed monthly numbers are included in
the appendix. However it should be noted that they do not take into account the required
capital injection.
Cash
Click to Enlarge
Pro Forma Cash Flow
2007 2008 2009
Cash Received
Cash from Operations
Cash Sales
Cash from
Receivables
Subtotal Cash from
Operations
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Additional Cash
Received
Sales Tax, VAT,
HST/GST Received
New Current
Borrowing
New Other Liabilities
(interest-free)
New Long-term
Liabilities
Sales of Other Current
Assets
Sales of Long-term
Assets
New Investment
Received
Subtotal Cash
Received
Expenditures
Expenditures from
Operations
Cash Spending
Bill Payments
Subtotal Spent on
Operations
Additional Cash Spent
Sales Tax, VAT,
HST/GST Paid Out
Principal Repayment
of Current Borrowing
Other Liabilities
Principal Repayment
Long-term Liabilities
Principal Repayment
Purchase Other
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Current Assets
Purchase Long-term
Assets
Dividends
Subtotal Cash Spent
Net Cash Flow
Cash Balance
8.7 Projected Balance Sheet
The balance sheet shows healthy growth of net worth, and strong financial position. The three-
year estimates are included in the appendix.
Pro Forma Balance Sheet
2007 2008 2009
Assets
Current Assets
Cash
Accounts Receivable
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Inventory
Other Current Assets
Total Current Assets
Long-term Assets
Long-term Assets
Accumulated
Depreciation
Total Long-term
Assets
Total Assets
Liabilities and Capital
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable
Current Borrowing
Other Current
Liabilities
Subtotal Current
Liabilities
Long-term Liabilities
Total Liabilities
Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings
Earnings
Total Capital
Total Liabilities and
Capital
Net Worth
8.8 Business Ratios
The table below shows our business ratios.
Ratio Analysis
2007 2008 2009 Industry Profile
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Sales Growth 0.00% 10.00% 12.00% 4.60%
Percent of Total
Assets
Accounts
Receivable
Inventory
Other Current
Assets
Total Current
Assets
Long-term Assets
Total Assets
Current Liabilities
Long-term
Liabilities
Total Liabilities
Net Worth
Percent of Sales
Sales 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Gross Margin
Selling, General
& Administrative
Expenses
Advertising
Expenses
Profit Before
Interest and
Taxes
Main Ratios
Current
Quick
Total Debt to
Total Assets
Pre-tax Return on
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Net Worth
Pre-tax Return on
Assets
Additional Ratios
Net Profit Margin
Return on Equity
Activity Ratios
Accounts
Receivable
Turnover
Collection Days
Inventory
Turnover
Accounts Payable
Turnover
Payment Days
Total Asset
Turnover
Debt Ratios
Debt to Net Worth
Current Liab. to
Liab.
Liquidity Ratios
Net Working
Capital
Interest Coverage
Additional Ratios
Assets to Sales
Current
Debt/Total Assets
Acid Test
Sales/Net Worth
Dividend Payout
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9.0 Controls
The local tourism market has been growing steadily over the last few years due to increases
in people's disposable income and opening of the economy. With this in mind we intend our
marketing programs to expand accordingly. The introduction of quality catalogues and sales
literature will enable travel Solutions to market to potential customers. We project sales to
increase accordingly, though slightly slower as we establish a reputation for ourselves. With
time, a presence on the Internet and participation in regional trade shows will be key
milestones to expanding sales and marketing potentials through the utilization of new
channels and identification of potential customers.
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Throughout the year we intend to undertake regular evaluations of our marketing programs so
as to ensure that we are in-line with our intended objectives.
In summary we intend to undertake the following:
1. Tracking and follow-up: We intend to have the discipline, as an organization, to track
results of the business plan and make sure that we implement.
2. Market segment focus: We intend to have the discipline to maintain the market
segment focus.
3. Saying no: Though difficult initially, we intend to be able to say no to special deals that take us
away from the target focus and are unprofitable.
9.2 Contingency Planning
1. We intend to watch our results very carefully. We may need to re-design our certain
packages if we cannot get the margin up becomes difficult to obtain. We might be
able to avoid the straight competition with the major companies by focusing more on
the previously mentioned products.
2. Another possibility is the introduction of a new company(s) in our niche. Hence the
need to undertake aggressive marketing and networking.
3. We need for commitment in our work and striving of total quality in our organization.
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