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Company Expansion in South America

In:

Submitted By pchalmer
Words 2402
Pages 10
TO: Travel Express Management Team
FROM: Andrea Victoria
DATE: November, 5, 2014
SUBJECT: Company Expansion

TRAVEL EXPRESS EXPANDS IN SOUTH AMERICA

Travel Express has reached a growing point this year that was not expected after our county faced such economic difficulties these past few years. Travel Express was established in 2004 in Palm Beach, Florida, offering costumers cheap airfare tickets, along with, hotel, car rental, and discounts on tourist attractions. Now with twenty-four seven telephone assistant to our customers, they can book their vacation at any time. We have been named one of the most competitive price companies within the travel agencies. After seeing our companies wrong, we believe that we are prepared to expand into South America this upcoming year. With that being said and much research, our company can only expand into one country. Travel Express has consider expanding into Colombia and Panama. We believe that these two countries have a lot to offer our clients, and also countries where not that many traveling agencies have expanded. The three major factors that we researched in order to come with this conclusion are their economy and government, climate and seasons, tourism.

BENEFITS AND RISKS OF EXPANSION IN COLOMBIA OR PANAMA

Economy and Government

Colombia’s Economy and Government
Colombia is currently a democratic country, with a central government and separate powers. Just like in the United States, Colombia has Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary branches (“About Colombia,” 2014). Their current currency is Colombian’s pesos; one American dollar equals a bit over two Colombian pesos. With the Colombia peso being so weak compare to the American dollar; tourist are able to get more for their money. For example, they can vacation longer in Colombia, visit more tourist areas, buy higher quality food such as restaurants, and stay in nicer hotels. This can in the long run lead to repeat visit to Colombia.

Colombia currently has the third largest GPD in South America, with a free market economy. Colombia by so has a 3.7% of inflation rate, making it one of the lowest in South America; compare to Venezuela its neighbor country holding an inflation rate of 25.8%. In South America, Colombia has one of the fastest growing economies: “Colombia’s economy has been growing steadily and faster than the Latin American average, and the nation is quickly becoming one of the world’s leading emerging economies” (“About Colombia,” 2014). In addition, Colombia is friendly towards foreign investments: “According to the World Bank’s Doing Business Report, Colombia is the third most “Business Friendly” country in Latin America and the top reformer in the region” (“About Colombia,” 2014).

The following chart shows Colombia’s GDP growth compared to the rest of the world:

About Colombia. (2014). Embassy of Colombia, Washington D.C. Retrieved from: http://www.colombiaemb.org/overview The following chart compares Colombia’s annual inflation rate to the remaining countries in South America:

About Colombia. (2014). Embassy of Colombia, Washington D.C. Retrieved from: http://www.colombiaemb.org/overview Even though Colombia has been classified as a dangerous country due to its guerrilla and drug cartel involvement, in the last past years it has taken big steps in transforming and restoring its safety regulation not only to visitors but to its citizens as well. “The introduction of the democratic security and defense policy by former president Alvaro Uribe Velez has proven invaluable in the renewed growth of Colombia’s tourism sector. In fact, international tourism arrivals have grown at an average annual rate of about 10% since 2002” (“Emerging Tourism,” 2012). It still has a long way to go, but most tourist areas are kept safe for visitors. This may seem as a disadvantage to our company because safety is a major factor to travelers.

Panama’s Economy and Government
Panama has a constitutional democracy, with a “civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court of Justice” (“Panama: The World,” 2014). Panamas currency is mainly US Dollar as well as Panamanian Balboa, with a GDP of $40.62 billion in 2013; ranking in thirteen in its region (South America, Central America and the Caribbean). Panama has a low unemployment rate of 4.5 %; its labor force mainly consist of services (64.4%), industry (18.6%) and agriculture (17%) (“Panama: The World,” 2014). In addition, Panama is undergoing transformation to improve their economy: “Economic growth will be bolstered by the Panama Canal expansion project that began in 2007” and is estimated to be completed by 2015; a long with new developed metro system in Panama City (“Panama: Forbes,” 2014).

Just like any third world country Panama faces some great disadvantages: First, Panama depends greatly on the demand for export to the U.S., if the demand lowers it can lead to a “smaller flow of capital into Panamanian banks could have huge implications for the nation’s economy and government spending.” Even though Panama has made great efforts to improve their transportation system, they still face with a big issue of airport system. By Panama only having one airport it reduces the amount flights that can enter into Panama; therefore, putting a limit on the amount of flights available. This could lead to a disadvantage to our company if our clients want to travel during high season (“An Inside look at Panamas Economy,” 2014).

Climate and Seasons

Colombia’s Climate and Seasons
Colombia provides us with warm and tropical climate on the coast and in the northern area. Nevertheless, some areas with high altitude, like Bogota the capital, are much cooler. In the northern areas such as Cartagena, San Andres, and Barranquilla its best time to travel are December to March or July to August. In March Colombia celebrates “Semana Santa” or Holly Week, on July 20 they celebrate their independence day, [and in December they celebrate Christmas and New Year’s]; they are known to have great parties and love to accommodate tourist and welcome them to their celebrations. (“Colombia Weather,” 2014). We can use Colombia’s weather to our advantage because the coastal areas are mostly warm all year around, and if our customers want to enjoy cooler weather than can travel to the nearest cities around the mountain regions. Panama’s Climate and Seasons
Panama has two seasons: dry season January to May and wet season May to January; which for them is summer and winter. During their wet season, they experience mostly rain showers that may last between one to two hours at most, and few to none natural disasters. They primarily have a tropical climate along the coast areas; and lower temperature in the mountain region; humidity remains the same. Most areas throughout Panama average around 6 hours of sunshine, which is great for tourists that come to spend most of their time by the beach. Tourism can best benefit of Panama’s weather from December to April, which can be a disadvantage since it a short period of time (“Climate in Panama,” 2014). Tourism

Colombia’s Tourism
When we first think about Colombia we think of a hot cup of coffee, and yes they are known to have some of the best coffee in the world; but what many of us are not aware of is the beautiful history, landscapes, beaches, and food this country has to offer. Colombia has a diversity of sightseeing locations that tourist as well as natives can enjoy.

Staring with their Caribbean coast; Cartagena is one of the most popular places to travel in Colombia. Cartagena known as the “old walled city” with an amazing Spanish colonial architecture and its cobblestone streets attracts many tourists; as well as, its native people. During the day tourist can enjoy Cartagena’s beautiful beaches, stop by gift shops, and ending with the sunset view from the famous “Puerta del Reloj”, which it’s the gate that marks the entrance to the historic center of the Old Town . While at night when the city comes to live, tourist can enjoy out door authentic Colombian dinners with candle lights and lanterns, horse carriages, and most important Latin music (Smith, 2014).

The following picture captures the night on a town in Cartagena:

The following picture is of one of the beautiful beaches in Cartagena, called “Playa Blanca” or “White Beach”:

Afar: The Experiential Travel Guide. (2014). Afar. Retrieved from: http://www.afar.com/places/playa-blanca-cartagena-2?context=geo&context_id=10492

The second most famous and city in Colombia is Medellin; it has been name of the most business friendly cities for industry and technological development (“Medellin: Travel,” 2014). As well as, said by travelers to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Medellin offer warm and cool spring weather all year round, with gorgeous views of mountains and colorful flowers. The first two weeks of every August, Medellin celebrates in biggest festival “La Feria De Las Flores”. Our tourist will be able to enjoy breath taking flower arrangements and decorations that they will not be able to see any other place.

The following pictures show the beautiful flowers that our customers will see in Medellin, Colombia:

Feria de las Flores de Medellín: Cuando la Ciudad se Inunda en Flores. (2014) Official Travel Guide. Retrived from: http://www.colombia.travel/es/turista-internacional/actividad/historia-y-tradicion/ferias-y-fiestas/agosto/feria-de-las-flores-de-medellin

The picture on the left shows the architectural structures that can be found in Medellin and on the right is one of the many statues that one can find though out Medellin made by the famous artist Fernando Botero Angulo.

Galeria de fotos Medellin. (2014) Guia de Viajes Oficial. Retrieved from: http://www.colombia.travel/es/turista-internacional/multimedia/galeria/medellin Cali the third most popular city in Colombia; best known for its live music, parties and salsa festivals. It is a most see place if a tourist wants to experience a good time. During the third week of December, Cali celebrates “La Feria De Cali”. These events consist of many free and paid concerts of different Latin artist, a horse ride event called “Cabalgata” and a bullfight event. Even though Cali is most known for its parties, it does have many other things to offer like its beautiful mountains, farms, outdoor restaurants, malls, and parks.

Panama’s Tourism

RECOMMENDATION

After a wide research on which South America country Travel Express should expand next, I decided that Colombia could best fit our company’s need for expanding into the South American region. While researching which country was best suitable I took in consideration three key factors: economy and government, climate and seasons, tourism.

Economy and Government
With Colombia having the third largest GPD in South America made it a target country to expand. Most importantly is the fact that with Colombian peso being so weak to the American dollar, our tourist will be able to travel more than in they traveled to Panama. Even though Panama is making changes to improve their economy, Colombia’s economy has been rapidly growing; it is more beneficial to take advantage of this growth before other traveling companies do.

Climate and Season
It is clear that Colombia provides variety of climates with little change throughout the year and in climate year round. When expanding, it is important to expand to a country that we can offer our service to all year around. Our clients can enjoy from tropical climate in the coastal areas, spring-like weather in the cities near the mountain areas, and cooler weather in mountain areas.

Tourism

Counter Argument: Why consider Colombia when it is still not a free gurrilla country?
Yes it is still not at a 100% danger free country, but in reality no country really is; nevertheless, in Latin America. Most of the big tourist areas are danger free, and each day Colombia is trying to improve its securities. As stated before there have been changes over time, starting with former President Alvaro Uribe Velez who introduced the democratic security and defense policy. Since then, the country has seen an abundant amount of growth in its tourism sector.

SUMMARY
Travel Express plan to expand into South America has been for me one of the tough and time consuming research by far this year. Three key factors have play in considering Panama or Colombia as our first country to expand our company services too. The three key factors are: economy and government, climate and seasons, tourism. After much research and review of each country’s pros and cons, I feel that Colombia will the best decision for expansion for Travel Express.

Afar: The Experiential Travel Guide. (2014). Afar. Retrieved from: http://www.afar.com/places/playa-blanca-cartagena-2?context=geo&context_id=10492

About Colombia. (2014). Embassy of Colombia, Washington D.C. Retrieved from: http://www.colombiaemb.org/overview An Inside look at Panamas Economy. (2014) Viva Tropical. Retrieved from: http://vivatropical.com/panama/panama-economy/

Climate in Panama. (2014). International Living. Retrieved from: http://internationalliving.com/countries/panama/climate-in-panama/

Colombia Weather, Climate, and geography. (2014). World Travel Guide. Retrieved from: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/colombia/weather-climate-geography

Emerging Tourism in Colombia and the Business Opportunities That Follow: EFAM (Nov 2012) Escarped from America.com. Retrieved from: http://www.escapefromamerica.com/2012/11/emerging-tourism-in-colombia- and-the-business-opportunities-that-follow/

Feria de las Flores de Medellín: Cuando la Ciudad se Inunda en Flores. (2014) Official Travel Guide. Retrived from: http://www.colombia.travel/es/turista-internacional/actividad/historia-y-tradicion/ferias-y-fiestas/agosto/feria-de-las-flores-de-medellin

Galeria de fotos Medellin (2014) Guia de Viajes Oficial. Retrieved from: http://www.colombia.travel/es/turista-internacional/multimedia/galeria/medellin

Galeria de fotos Cartagena. (2014). Guia de Viajes Oficial. Retrieved from: http://www.colombia.travel/es/turista-internacional/multimedia/galeria/cartagena

Panama: 2014 Index of Economic Freedom. (2014). The Heritage Foundation. Retrieved from: http://www.heritage.org/index/country/panama

Panama: Forbes. (2014). Forbes.com. Retrieved from: http://www.forbes.com/places/panama/ Panama: The World Fact Book (2014) Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/pm.html

Smith, E. (2014). Places to Visit in Colombia, South America. USA Today. Retrieved from: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/places-visit-colombia-south-america-60996.html

Medellin: Travel. Vacation in a great Carpet of Flowers. (2014). Official Travel Guide. Retrieved from: http://www.colombia.travel/en/international-tourist/vacations-holidays-where-to-go/travel-guide-medellin

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...International Expansion Report Tesla Motors, Inc. November 21, 2011 Rio Consulting Group Michael Dawes James Hadel Daniel Ma Simon Qin International Expansion Report | Tesla Motors, Incorporated | Rio Consulting Group Executive Summary Founded in 2003, Tesla strives to design, develop, manufacture and sell high-performance fully electric vehicles and advanced electric vehicle powertrain components. Currently, Tesla’s presence internationally is limited to dealerships in Europe and a minor production plant in Britain. In order to be best positioned moving forward, we recommend expanding into Latin America and Asia Pacific to better fulfill CEO Elon Musk’s primary goal to commercialize electric vehicles all the way to mass market. As we predict slow growth for the standard auto industry, we believe the electric vehicle industry is extremely attractive for several reasons, including high oil prices, less greenhouse gas emissions and government incentives. Our best estimates suggest the electric vehicle industry will have average growth rates of 35 – 40% over the next 10 years. International expansion, if done correctly, can help improve upon Tesla’s current strategic position in order to become the global leader in electric vehicles. We have determined that the optimal points of entry for the market are in Brazil and Singapore. In addition to gained access to the two fastest growing regions in the segment, the two locations are attractive for many political, economic,...

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...Bolivian government’s changes to Petrobras’s gas exploration and development contracts with that country. Another group advocated that, as a public company, Petrobras should act accordingly and seek compensation through international arbitration, perhaps at the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”). (See Exhibit 2 for ICSID’s member States.) Petrobras When founded in 1953, Petrobras, Brazil's state-controlled oil company, was a vital symbol of national pride. "The oil is ours" was an oft-repeated slogan. The company was incorporated as a mixed-capital company1 with a government-granted monopoly for all crude oil and gas production, refining and distribution in Brazil. In 1997, Brazil enacted the so-called “Petroleum Law” to end the oil monopoly and open the oil and gas markets in Brazil to foreign investment. Restrictions on ownership by non-governmental entities of shares in Petrobras were lifted and foreign ownership of shares was permitted. In response to these changes, in August 2000, Petrobras was partially privatized through a listing of its shares (ADRs*) on the NYSE. As part of the company’s new strategy, it also sought additional opportunities to expand abroad. Petrobras’ International Expansion Petrobras’ goals of diversification and international expansion were shared by many companies in the oil industry, but Petrobras’ need to diversify and expand was particularly acute because 95% of its upstream revenues** were exposed to the risks...

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