Travel Curious rebrands ahead of funding round

Worldwide: Technology-led tours and activities provider Travel Curious has unveiled an updated brand identity along with a newly-appointed chairperson of its board of directors in preparation for a Series A financing round.

The new Travel Curious brand logo includes a stylised ‘C’ map pin and the tagline #HereToExplore.

Mario Bodini, former JacTravel CEO, has also been named as the chairperson of Travel Curious’ board of directors. His appointment comes as the company plans to raise between $5-$7 million in Series A financing, with the aim to scale operations worldwide.

Travel Curious has already created over 600 tours in more than 70 cities globally. It initially launched as a self-funded business in 2018 and has since undertaken three rounds of investment, securing US$1.6 million from independent investors.

Partnerships with travel brands including TUI Musement, Marriott Hotels, Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Small Leading Hotels of the World. 

Bodini said: “We’ve seen growth and investment in the tours and activities sector for a couple of years now, but predominantly in marketplaces. Travel Curious is a great challenger company reinvigorating the private tours market to create, operate and distribute quality immersive experiences on a free sale basis. It really expands the offer for traditional travel agents, travel suppliers and hospitality partners looking to provide complete travel experiences while benefiting from additional revenue. The fact that Travel Curious’ owns all of their own tours really appealed to me and I’m delighted to be working with such a strong and dynamic team.”

Co-founder and CEO of Travel Curious, Amir Azulay, added: “It’s an honour to have Mario chairing our board, his long and illustrious career in travel, particularly his exceptional leadership at JacTravel, speaks for itself. His experience, commercial acumen and industry connections at the very highest levels will enable Travel Curious to move forward with focus and precision at this very important stage as we prepare to grow and scale the company.

“We have huge plans for Travel Curious to become the world’s leading tours and activities service provider to traditional travel and hospitality companies,” continued Azulay. “We have a deep passion for immersive, cultural travel experiences, offering something authentic yet instantly bookable. Our proprietary booking and distribution technology together with our highly experienced network of guides and exceptional partners, allow us to offer their customers a new style of travelling with our private tours and the way we sell them. Investors are not only buying into a growing global brand, but one which is ethical and sustainable.”

Travel Curious has announced it is in the process of certifying as a B-corp company, aiming to measure its carbon footprint as well as that of each individual tour or activity. There is also strong emphasis on selecting local guides and partners that align with the company’s social mission to have a positive impact on the communities visited.

During the first lockdown, the business diversified into virtual tours.