DMC FAQ for travel agents: how working with Explera works.
The questions travel agents and tour operators ask most, answered — from what a DMC does and how net rates work to quotations, payment and on-the-ground delivery. Still need something? Email b2b@expleradmc.com or reach the trade desk on WhatsApp.
The basics
What is Explera DMC?
Explera is a multi-destination B2B destination management group for Thailand, Japan, Korea, the Maldives and New Zealand, giving travel agents one contracting relationship for net rates and ground operations across every destination.
What does a DMC do?
A destination management company is the in-country operator that turns a travel agent’s brief into a delivered trip — contracting hotels, running transfers, assigning licensed guides and operating excursions at confidential net rates.
Does Explera sell directly to travellers?
No. Explera is a B2B operator — we sell exclusively to travel agents and tour operators. Your agency keeps the client relationship and the margin; we run hotels, transfers, guides and excursions on the ground. (Consumers can book activities via discover.expleradmc.com.)
Which destinations does Explera cover?
Thailand, Japan, Korea, the Maldives and New Zealand, all reachable from one group account. Thailand, Japan and Korea each have their own Explera DMC website; the Maldives and New Zealand are our newest destinations.
Why use one DMC group for many destinations?
One contract with Explera replaces separate suppliers per country: the same net-rate logic, billing format and 24/7 accountability across every destination, so agents reconcile less and book more.
What credentials and registrations does Explera hold?
Explera holds IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA membership 900408341 and TAFI membership, and operates through registered entities in Hong Kong, India and Thailand (DBD 0115553008378). Explera Thailand holds TAT Tourism Business Licence No. 14/05119; licences and trade memberships in Japan and Korea are in application — every credential, granted or pending, is listed with its current status on our accreditations page.
Becoming a trade partner
How do I become an Explera trade partner?
Register once through the agent portal. After a one-business-day verification, your account manager opens net-rate access across every destination in the network.
Who can buy from Explera?
Only travel agents and tour operators. Explera is strictly B2B and never markets to the agent’s end client.
Is there a fee to register as an agent?
No. Opening a trade account is free — there is no signup or subscription fee. You get net-rate access after a one-business-day verification.
Do you work with agents in my country?
Yes. Explera works with travel agents and tour operators worldwide from its trade desks in Asia. See the source-markets section for market-specific notes on how each country books.
Rates, quotations & payment
Do you send rate sheets or sample packages?
No. Explera does not share rate sheets, general promotions or sample packages. Every proposal is costed by hand against the requirements you send, or you can check real-time availability on the B2B platform.
Is there a fee for quotations?
Tailor-made quotations and itineraries for Japan, Korea and New Zealand carry a fee of USD 100. Quotations for Thailand are free of charge. Registration on the B2B platform is free.
How should I send a new enquiry?
Email the destination desk with your detailed requirements in a fresh email with a clear subject line, for example “Japan Group — 15 Pax — Oct 2026”. Please do not reply on an old thread; each file is tracked separately.
How fast are Explera quotations?
Most FIT and group RFQs return within 24 hours in your working currency; complex MICE programs are scoped within 2–3 business days.
Are your rates net or commissionable?
Net. You add your own mark-up and set your client price; rates stay confidential to the trade.
In which currencies can agents settle?
Agents settle in their working currency via dedicated receiving accounts in HKD, USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, ILS, INR, SGD, MXN and VND, plus secure card payment.
How do agents pay Explera?
Into dedicated receiving accounts in your working currency, or by secure card. Payment details are issued with each confirmation; payment queries go to accounts@explera.co.th.
Will my agency’s branding be protected?
Always. Vouchers and travel documents are white-labelled to your brand, and we never contact your client directly.
Operations & delivery
Does Explera use its own fleet and guides?
Yes — our own insured, GPS-tracked fleet and licensed guides in every destination, coordinated by a 24/7 duty desk. We do not rely on brokered vehicles.
What group sizes can Explera handle?
From individual FIT bookings to series groups and MICE programs of 500+ delegates, in any destination.
What support is available while my clients are travelling?
A 24/7 duty desk in every destination monitors movements and handles changes in real time, so issues are fixed on the ground — not left to the agent.
Can one itinerary combine multiple destinations?
Yes. Combine e.g. Thailand and Japan, or Japan and Korea, on a single consolidated file and one invoice.
Does Explera offer responsible-tourism options?
Yes — ethical wildlife policies (sanctuary-only), licensed local guides, and community-based tourism options across the network.