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First: session messages vs approved templates

WhatsApp has two kinds of business messages, and the rule is simple:

• Inside 24 hours of the customer’s last message, you can reply with any text. These are session messages, and quick replies are perfect here.
• After 24 hours, or when you message someone first, you must use a template approved by Meta, sent through the WhatsApp Business API.

1. First reply to a new enquiry

#1 Instant greeting (Session)

Hi {{name}}! 👋 Thanks for contacting {{agency}}.
Are you looking for a ready package or a custom trip?
Reply 1 for Packages, 2 for Custom trip, 3 to talk to our team.

#2 After-hours reply (Session)

Hi {{name}}, thanks for your message! Our team is back at 9 AM, but you don't have to wait.
Tell us your travel dates, number of people and the places you'd like to visit, and we'll have options ready for you first thing.

#3 Reply to an Instagram or Facebook ad (Session)

Hi {{name}}! You asked about our {{package}} offer 🌴
It's {{nights}} nights, starting at ₹{{price}} per person.
Shall I check availability for your dates?

2. Understanding what they want

#4 Collect trip details (Session)

Great! To send you the best options, please share:
1. Travel dates
2. Number of adults and children (with ages)
3. Places you want to visit
4. Budget per person (approx.)
5. Hotel type: budget, premium or resort

#5 Honeymoon enquiry (Session)

Congratulations to you both! 💐
Our honeymoon packages include a private houseboat night, candle-light dinner and room decoration.
When is the wedding, and how many nights are you planning?

3. Sending the quote

#6 Package quote (Session)

Here's your plan, {{name}}:
📍 {{itinerary}}
🏨 {{hotels}}
🚗 Private cab with driver
💰 ₹{{price}} per person (total ₹{{total}})
Includes: {{inclusions}}
Shall I block the rooms for {{dates}}?

#7 Two options to choose from (Session)

I've made two options for you:
Option A, Comfort: ₹{{price_a}} per person
Option B, Premium with resort stay: ₹{{price_b}} per person
Which one feels right? I can adjust either.

#8 Houseboat availability (Session)

Good news: we have a {{type}} houseboat free on {{date}} ✅
Houseboats fill fast in season. Shall I hold it for you for 24 hours?

4. Follow-ups that don’t feel pushy

#9 Day-after follow-up (Template, marketing)

Hi {{1}}, did you get a chance to look at the {{2}} plan we sent? Happy to change hotels or dates. Reply YES and we'll hold your dates.

#10 Price-sensitive follow-up (Template, marketing)

Hi {{1}}, if the budget feels high, we can shorten the trip or switch to great-value stays and still cover {{2}}. Want a revised quote?

#11 Last check-in (Template, marketing)

Hi {{1}}, just checking one last time: are you still planning your {{2}} trip? If your plans have changed, no problem. We're here whenever you're ready. 🙂

5. Booking, payment and confirmation

#12 Advance payment request (Session)

Wonderful, let's confirm! 🎉
To block your rooms, please pay the advance of ₹{{amount}} here: {{payment_link}}
The balance is due {{days}} days before travel.

#13 Booking confirmed (Template, utility)

Hi {{1}}, your booking {{2}} is confirmed ✅
Travel dates: {{3}}
We'll share hotel vouchers and driver details before your trip. Save this number for any help.

#14 Balance reminder (Template, utility)

Hi {{1}}, a reminder that the balance of ₹{{2}} for booking {{3}} is due on {{4}}. Pay here: {{5}}

6. Before and during the trip

#15 Day-before details (Template, utility)

Hi {{1}}, all set for tomorrow! 🚗
Driver: {{2}}, {{3}}
Pickup: {{4}} at {{5}}
Weather tip: {{6}}
Have a wonderful trip!

#16 Day-one check-in (Session or Template)

Hi {{name}}, hope you've checked in comfortably! Is everything fine with the room and the cab? Message us anytime. We're one tap away.

7. After the trip

#17 Google review request (Template, utility or marketing)

Welcome back, {{1}}! We hope {{2}} was everything you wanted. Would you take 30 seconds to share your experience? It really helps a small business like ours: {{3}}

#18 Referral ask (Template, marketing)

Hi {{1}}, thank you for travelling with us! Know someone planning a Kerala trip? Share our number. They get ₹{{2}} off and so do you on your next trip.

8. Bringing travellers back

#19 Season offer to past customers (Template, marketing)

Hi {{1}}! ❄️ Winter in {{2}} is beautiful. Past guests get early-bird prices from ₹{{3}} per person until {{4}}. Want to see the itinerary?

#20 Anniversary or birthday offer (Template, marketing)

Happy anniversary, {{1}}! 💑 Celebrate with a getaway: {{2}} nights in {{3}} with a special dinner, at a returning-guest price. Reply YES for details.

How to use these templates without typing them every time

1. Save the session messages as quick replies, so your team sends them in one tap.
2. Submit the template messages to Meta for approval. Approval often takes minutes, sometimes a few hours.
3. Automate the flow: send #1 instantly, #9 if there’s no reply after a day, #15 the day before travel and #17 after the return date.

WaBot does all three: a template library with AI rewriting, auto-replies with buttons, and workflows that send the right message at the right time. Read the full playbook: WhatsApp for travel agencies.

Frequently asked questions

What is a WhatsApp message template?

A message format pre-approved by Meta. Businesses using the WhatsApp Business API must use an approved template to message a customer first, or more than 24 hours after the customer’s last message.

How long does WhatsApp template approval take?

Often just a few minutes, and sometimes up to a day. Clear, specific templates that are not misleading get approved fastest.

Can I send these from the WhatsApp Business app?

Yes, as quick replies inside a chat. Approved templates, automation and campaigns to large lists need the WhatsApp Business API through a platform like WaBot.

Can I write templates in Malayalam or Hindi?

Yes. WhatsApp templates support Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil and many other languages.