Southeast Asia DMC and Ground Handler for Tour Operators: What We Do and Where

DMC Connect is a Southeast Asia DMC: a B2B destination management company, ground handler and inbound tour operator that runs the on-the-ground side of travel for tour operators, travel agents and corporate buyers. We do not sell to travellers directly. From our head office in Bangkok, with registered entities in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia and more than 15 years of regional experience, we operate in eight countries and answer every request with a tailored proposal within 24 hours.

DMC, ground handler, receptive agency: one role

Buyers in different markets use different words for the same partner: a DMC, a ground handler, a ground operator, an incoming or receptive agency, an inbound tour operator. Whatever the term, the job is the same: we contract the hotels, transport, guides and experiences in the destination, and we run the programme on the day. Our guide What is a DMC? explains the difference between these roles in more detail.

Countries we cover

• Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Krabi. See also our Thailand DMC page.
• Vietnam: Hanoi, Sapa, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An.
• Indonesia: Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Gili Islands, Komodo. See Bali & Indonesia DMC.
• Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Langkawi, Penang, Perak. See Malaysia DMC.
• Singapore: Singapore City, Marina Bay, Sentosa.
• Laos: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Pakse. See Laos DMC.
• Cambodia: Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Battambang, Koh Rong, Kampot. See Cambodia DMC.
• China: Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Guilin, Hong Kong.

Services

Four service lines cover most of what a tour operator needs on the ground:

• Tailor-made travel: custom itineraries built by our operations team with our itinerary specialists, briefed on your clients and your brand.
• Group-series travel: series programmes with product enhancements, exclusive rates, on-the-ground feedback and guide training. Read how we run group series.
• Educational travel: themed school tours, experiential and service learning, with rigorous health and safety audits. Read our educational travel guide.
• MICE: meetings, incentives, conventions, exhibitions and trade missions. Read our incentive travel guide.

Multi-country routes are planned as one programme; see Indochina multi-country programmes.

Who we work with

We work exclusively with the travel trade: tour operators, travel agents, MICE agencies and corporate buyers. Much of our current focus is Europe, with dedicated pages for the European market, the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Spain.

Proof points you can check

• Licences: Tourism Authority of Thailand TAT 14/04338, ATTA member 5259, Singapore travel agent licence TA03536, and a registered Malaysian entity (DMC CONNECT TRAVEL & TOURS SDN. BHD.).
• Experience: more than 15 years of destination management in the region, with regional office locations across five countries.
• Trade presence: we meet partners at trade events such as ITB Asia, NATAS Holidays and FITUR in Madrid.
• Response time: every request receives a tailored proposal within 24 hours, with net-based pricing.

To compare us with other operators on criteria you can verify, see Top DMCs in Southeast Asia and our checklist on how to choose a DMC.

Frequently asked questions

What does a Southeast Asia DMC do?

A Southeast Asia DMC contracts and runs the ground services of a trip in the destination, such as hotels, transfers, guides, experiences and events, on behalf of the tour operator or agent who sells it.

Do you sell to travellers?

No. DMC Connect is B2B only. Travellers book through their tour operator or travel agent.

Can one DMC handle several Southeast Asian countries in one trip?

Yes. We operate in eight countries and plan multi-country trips as a single programme with one proposal.

How do I get a quote?

Send your dates, group size and destinations through our proposal form. A specialist contacts you within 24 hours.

Request a proposal

Tell us what your clients need in Southeast Asia, and we will send a tailored proposal within 24 hours. Request a proposal or contact us.