Harvest: Youth earning from honeymoons

These days, the lines that draw the divide between women and men’s needs seem to have been tremendously blurred as many things continue to change. Traditionally, women had been known for their keen interest in honeymooning. However, Simon Peter and Andrew Ojara are two young entrepreneurs who think differently in this regard because of their engagement in a business that brings them closer to the truth. The two have embarked on a foray into the honeymoon territory with a view of carving out not only a niche but also a viable business venture that would bring in good income – Sky Tour and Travel.

As they narrate their story, I listen in awe trying to understand how they concluded that they could earn some income off organising people’s honeymoons. “At first, we started out as a tour company handling travel. As we looked for clients, we realised we were not getting as much attention as we thought. So we grounded the tour business as we rethought through the entire enterprise,” explains Simon Peter, 28, who has a 50 per cent share of the business. “So now whether you are planning the ultimate relaxation getaway or an action packed wildlife adventure, your honeymoon is one of the most special holidays you will ever take. We are on hand to help you plan the precise details of your romantic journey,” he adds. The two co-own Sky Tour and Travel, which they established in 2013 with only Shs9m. It was Ojara, the 27-year old graduate of Industrial Psychology from Makerere University, who came up with the idea.

“At that time, it hit me that we were looking at a huge scope with the tours travel and to make matters worse, it was a field already dominated by other players that were very much stronger,” he says.

“I felt we needed a niche – and after careful research and contemplation, we realised it would have to be wedding management. There we were attending to clients no one was looking at,” he says. Simon Peter, who studied at South China University, notes that it is an issue that they did not take lightly, relating “It would take a particular kind of person to have the confidence to risk venturing into unchartered territory”.

“We were not sure how the business would turn out,” he says

However, not deterred by the uncertainties, Simon Peter says they took the idea on “making honeymoon packaging our flagship business toward the end of 2014”. “Our offer combines our strengths of strategy, seamless execution, timely delivery and customised service at competitive rates,” he adds.

“Despite the adjustments, our focus remains on providing a personal service to travelling parties. We give our customers personalised care and attention.”

However, they also do air ticketing with all airlines as well as logistical services specialising in provision of third party transportation management solutions to shippers that want to achieve greater efficiencies within their dockets.

Currently, the two say they make about Shs5m every month but growth prospects look promising. Honeymooning has a huge market potential and prospects continue to show good growth in the years to come,” according to Simon Peter.

How the honeymooning business works

For honeymoon packaging, Simon Peter (pictured) explains they source most of their clients from different areas including churches, referrals and also on a-know-who basis. He says once the client agrees to their terms, they give them an opportunity of telling them how they could want to spend their honeymoon. Once that is done they then provide advice on what offers are available based on the clients’ budget. “If the client is comfortable with the location and price then we start putting together logistical requirements, which entails organising transport and accommodation. However, all these come in a package that also has meals and all the extras like game park tours for those visiting game parks.”

Challenges

Currently, Ojara says the weak shilling is affecting their business; “The problem is that almost all our transactions are in dollars so this discourages clients from using our services,” he says.

“For instance, let us say a weekend getaway to Queen Elizabeth National Park is at $500. It has now risen to something like $600 because if we charge the same we would be making losses. So, it is a tough economic environment we live in today.” Nevertheless Ojara says at Sky Tour and Travel, they remain committed and draw lots of pleasure from providing couples with the cheapest rates possible but with a class of great service. “We have families ourselves, but we understand that family time is important and we not only want you to cherish this time but also experience some fascinating with new places and go on amazing adventures together, taking home with you special memories to treasure forever.”