[Exclusive Interview] This Travel Tech Startup Is Empowering 25 Lakh Travellers To Connect, Network & Travel Together

Recently, we interacted with Mr. Saurav Chakraborty, Founder and CEO, Travel Buddy – Influencer Led Social Community and D2C Marketplace offering Unique Local Experiences that can be booked directly from the platform.

Here are the interview highlights:

1. Can you tell us about your experience in the travel industry and what interests you about founding Travel Buddy’s mission to connect travellers with locals?

I have been in the Travel Industry for over 15 + years. Starting out by managing OTA’s like MMT, Akbar Travels, Cox and Kings etc. in my early agency days to heading the Digital marketing at Cleartrip(India and MENA) to building the Travel Business Portfolio at META (Handling upwards of 200 Mn USD of Ad Revenue during my tenure)

2. Travel Buddy aims to bridge the gap between travellers and locals. How do you believe technology and social platforms can enhance this connection, and what role can Travel Buddy play in achieving this goal?

Technology and social platforms are game-changers when it comes to connecting travellers with locals. Travel Buddy has a unique opportunity to use technology to provide travellers with real, authentic insights from locals. Imagine getting personalized travel recommendations based on your preferences, location, and even your past travel behavior. That’s the power of advanced algorithms. Social platforms also make it easy to find and connect with like-minded travellers, and Travel Buddy is working at the forefront of this, helping travellers create lasting memories.

3. One of Travel Buddy’s key initiatives is uniting like-minded explorers. How do you envision promoting meaningful interactions and group formations among users with similar travel interests?

Making sure travellers with similar interests can connect and form meaningful groups is crucial. Imagine you’re passionate about hiking and want to find others who share that interest. Travel Buddy can create forums or chat groups where you can connect with fellow hikers. They can also organize events or workshops, both online and in person, where you can meet up with like-minded explorers. Plus, Travel Buddy encourages users to create their own travel groups, making it easy for people to find others who want to explore the same way they do.

4. Travel Buddy has a D2C marketplace for travel service providers. What strategies would you employ to attract and support travel entrepreneurs on this platform?

At Travel Buddy, Experiential Travel Providers can Create their Profiles, Post their Travel Journeys, and list their Travel Experiences for direct bookings. Why? So that they can get access to the 2.5 Million Travelers community via our Demand – Supply matching algorithm

We provide Social Profile Creation For Travel Providers > Travel Provider Listing > Booking Platform Provided By Travel Buddy > Timely Payments To Partner

Social Travel Commerce Solution is ready – brought to you via Travel Buddy

5. Travel Buddy’s applications use advanced algorithms to curate tailored travel suggestions. Can you provide an example of how data-driven recommendations can enhance a user’s travel experience?

Data-driven recommendations can totally transform your travel experience. Imagine you’re a fan of adventure travel, and Travel Buddy knows that. It can suggest destinations and activities tailored just for you, based on your past trips and behavior. This saves you time and introduces you to places you might not have discovered on your own. It’s like having a personal travel advisor in your pocket, making every trip unique and memorable.

6. Travel Buddy has a Local Influencer Initiative. What do you think makes a good local influencer, and how can they contribute to Travel Buddy’s community of travellers?

What makes a great local influencer is someone who knows their city or state inside out and loves sharing that knowledge with travellers. They should be approachable, passionate, and able to engage with the Travel Buddy community. Think of them as your go-to source for insider tips and hidden gems in their area. They can really enhance the Travel Buddy community by sharing their local expertise and creating content that inspires others to explore.

7. What advantages do you see for local influencers who participate in Travel Buddy’s program, both in terms of personal growth and contributions to the platform’s user community?

Local influencers in Travel Buddy’s program can benefit in several ways. First, they get recognition as the local expert, which boosts their visibility and influence. Then, there are exciting rewards like Travel Buddy merchandise, Amazon vouchers, and even sponsored expeditions. They can also earn by organizing meetups and offering unique local experiences. Plus, they get to connect with a passionate community of travellers and enhance their personal brand. It’s a win-win!

8. As a Local Influencer, what responsibilities do you believe are most crucial in fostering a vibrant and engaged community of travellers in your city/state?

As a Local Influencer, the most crucial responsibilities include organizing gatherings or meetups regularly, engaging actively with app users, promoting the Ambassador/Local Influencer program, showcasing the appeal of their city/state on the Travel Buddy App, and fostering interaction within the Travel Buddy community. It’s all about creating a welcoming and engaging environment for travellers in their area.

9. Travel Buddy encourages local influencers to organize gatherings. Can you share ideas on how you would plan and promote a successful meetup or event for fellow travellers in your area?

Planning successful meetups for fellow travellers can be a lot of fun. Local influencers can start by finding interesting local attractions or unique experiences. Then, they can create event listings on the Travel Buddy platform, complete with all the details. Promoting these events on social media and within the Travel Buddy app itself can generate interest. During the meetup, they can share their local knowledge and encourage everyone to connect and share their experiences. It’s all about creating memorable moments for travellers.

10. Travel Buddy emphasizes expertise in areas like social travel apps and hyperlocal services. How would you leverage your knowledge and experience in these areas to enhance Travel Buddy’s platform and user experience?

My background is of Travel and Social. This gives me a unique dual relevance of Founder – Market Fit and Domain – Market Fit