Taiwan-based experiences distributor KKday has secured $10.5
million in funding to expand its service that helps travelers find local tours
and activities around the world.
The funding round was led by Japanese travel operator H.I.S. with participation from existing investor Mindworks Ventures.
H.I.S. is a travel agency with 271 retail outlets in 156
cities and 70 countries around the world. The two companies plan to work together
to maximize what they can offer customers.
“H.I.S. is not just a financial investor, but is valued as a
strategic investor,” says KKday CEO Ming Chen.
“By utilizing H.I.S.’s global resources and integrating it
with KKday’s strong marketing and big data programs, we will be able to change
the in-destination travel operations model. KKday says it currently offers more than 10,000 experiences
in more than 500 cities in 80 countries.
The company says it will use the new funding to develop “its
operations across Asia… improve its position in China as well as expand into
the Asia travel segment of both U.S. and European travelers.” KKday also plans
to “enrich current product offerings, offer personalized itineraries, and
improve its end-to-end customer experience."
KKday says one thing that differentiates it from competitors
is its advanced supply chain management system, which makes it easy for tour
providers of any size to communicate directly with customers and manage orders
without needing to invest in their own technology.
KKday’s digital platform allows redemption via QR codes and
offers API integration for larger suppliers.
Tours & Activities Come of Age: Global Travel Activities Marketplace 2014-2020