Viatu AG, a Switzerland-based startup has recently raised a pre-seed round, resulting in a six-figure investment for the launch of its new travel platform in Namibia.
The platform allows users to design and book sustainable trips to wild destinations. It combines cutting-edge technology and travel expertise to define a new era of travel with an emphasis on being smarter, wilder, and greener.
Despite travel and tourism is one of the hardest-hit sectors during the global Coronavirus pandemic, Viatu AG sees the current situation as an opportunity to hit the reset button on over-tourism.
“In a post-COVID world, reinventing travel really is the only option!” Alfredo Seidemann, Founder and CEO explained.
Based on principles of regenerative travel, Viatu AG envisions a new way for tourism to provide a lasting positive impact for local environments and people.
The innovation offers its users efficient and free carbon offsetting, on-spot booking, and transparent operations without reliance on agents.
Accommodation and transportation are scrutinized for their environmental credentials.
Alfredo added, “Travel is not just an item you place on a shelf and sell-off. It’s personal and it’s powerful and I think we don’t realize that enough.
The wildlife and adventure market is a $200 billion industry waiting to be disrupted!”.
The Viatu AG team consists of former executives in travel, ex-Googlers, and Booking.com engineers well equipped to take on the challenge, having previously worked together at a tech-enabled travel operator.
Funds raised will go towards building a functional and reliable MVP. This will include basic services offered to our travelers: various expert tailored trips, the ability to customize in line with their preferences and instant booking.
This will provide user feedback to enhance service features.
“I’m very excited about where we are. Seeing so many people support our mission is such an incredible feat, it’s also incredible to know that others believe in the positive power of travel. We’re grateful to our investors and ready to get out there and change the way we travel”.
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